Ashish Chawla - Go Slow, Work on Your Personal Work and Portfolio, Collaborate with Contemporary Stylists and Makeup Artists (Photographer From India)

Go slow, work on your personal work and portfolio, collaborate with contemporary stylists and makeup artists. Have a long term vision for your career and come up with a certain unique story-based series of images. Feel the images more than just shooting them. Don’t let technique or equipment stop you from creating, use your technical limitations and turn them into your strength.

1. Tell us about your background and journey.

Being a part of the photography industry for over 20 years, I have witnessed the transition from film to the digital era. My admiration and dedication for visual art began at a very early age as I used to paint like a child. I loved this two-dimensional art form more than dancing, singing, theatre, etc. 

My first interaction with this two-dimensional art form was when I painted my first canvas in class 2. After school, I went on to study science and commerce and during this time I practised my passion for music. While I did that for some time, I realized it wasn’t something I would like to continue to do for a living. 

I finally managed to get through the College of Art and graduate with a 1^st division in B.F.A. ( Applied Art. It wasn’t until I met Pradeep Das Gupta that I had plans of taking this profession seriously. To me, he is definitely one of the best photographers around. Until then I had never thought of making it a career option. 

When I got associated with him, he asked me to shoot 50 rolls to prove my calibre before he took me under his supervision in 1998. To cut costs on this exercise, I figured a way out which even involved converting my bathroom into a darkroom. I really learnt the techniques and practicality of photography on this assignment”.

2. How and when did you realize your passion for photography?

Photography came naturally to me as it was the easiest form of visual expression while doing my B.F.A. in Applied art at the college of art Delhi. I had read about many creative directors choosing photography at the prime of their advertising careers, I just learnt from their late decision and took it early. It’s the only way I have made a living in life.

Paintings, Cinema, Comics, Music have always inspired me, good photography has been an inspiration too. Among the painters Dali, Picasso, Egon Schiele, 

Rembrandt and Vermeer have shaped up my vision since my early college days.

3. What are some tips you would like to share with amateur photographers?

Keep taking pictures and experience life, do a lot of street work on a 50mm ( On a full-frame camera ) it will help you learn composition, lighting, communication skills. 

Go slow, work on your personal work and portfolio, collaborate with contemporary stylists and makeup artists. Have a long term vision for your career and come up with a certain unique story-based series of images. Feel the images more than just shooting them. Don’t let technique or equipment stop you from creating, use your technical limitations and turn them into your strength.

4. What are the important skills one should have to be a successful photographer?

Being a successful photographer requires one to be good technically ( Lighting/ Camera etc. ) and have a fair sense of style towards what you are trying to create. Besides, those good communication skills are essential to be able to express oneself with the client, crew and associates. 



5. What are various opportunities available for aspiring photographers?

Advertising, Editorial, Events, Vlogging, Self Publishing, Exhibitions, E-Commerce, Interiors, Food there are plenty of genres one can choose from and specialise in a few to have a sustainable career. 



6. Which is your favourite book and why?

 

"Zarathustra, the laughing prophet" as it's been one book that has been with me for over 25 years and I rediscover new aspects of life every time I revisit it. 

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Interviewed by: Payal Chopra