India's Top 7 fashion photographers

In the India of the 20th century- there was hardly any money or glitter in photography and therefore being a photographer did not make up for a lucrative career option. But the 21st century saw the rise of a new India. An India where living life on the edge and in style became an important part of our identity. And today, we live in a time where fashionable and trendy lifestyles are in the rage.

In the middle of all this is the multi-billion dollar fashion industry that has given rise to some really successful fashion photographers.

The world is the canvas, the photographer ‘the painter’ and the camera is his paintbrush. And When these three are well put together, a visual story is born!

Photographers freeze amazing moments and convert almost anything and anyone to sheer beauty.

So, here is a list of top 7 amazing fashion photographers in India to be inspired by:

7. Vikram Bawa

The first on our list is Vikram Bawa. Vikram turned pro much later in his life than most photographers. On a journey filled with many opportunities, trials, and tribulations, Vikram was the first to have promoted 3D photography in India.

Vikram is a critical thinker & one can easily identify a sense of creativity in all his pictures. He has won multiple awards from Masters Cup, Prix de la Photographie Paris, The International Color Awards, The Spider Awards, Asian Photography Most Influential Photographer Award, PIEA Award and many more.

Vikram also possesses a strong business acumen. In 2010 he was included in the Most Influential People in the photography industry due to his strong business practices. Follow his account on Instagram & Facebook.

6. Rid Burman

Rid Burman is a photographer who makes art wed fashion. He graduated from Brooks Institute of Photography in California, USA and worked in NY and LA for five years- working with globally renowned names like Steven Klein and Mark Seliger.

Post that, he returned to India and started working as a fashion photographer with Vogue magazine. Ever since, he has worked with many renounced fashion magazines in India. Today, the biggest of the brands are willing to exploit his photography skills. So much so that you’ll find him on the speed dial of India’s top magazine editors and creative directors. His Instagram account!

5. Jatin Kampani

Jatin Kampani, one of the leading Indian fashion photographers who gained popularity at a pretty young age. Jatin has covered almost all famous magazines with his pictures and worked with big celebrities in the film industry. He has also worked for some of the most successful brands like Loreal, Sony, Citizen, etc.

He has been listed among ‘200 Best Ad Photographers Worldwide’ and has been featured in top photography journals and fashion magazines around the world. He has bagged many awards for his notable work in photography.

Check out his Instagram.

4. Tarun Khiwal

Tarun Khiwal is, without doubt one of the best fashion photographers in the Indian fashion history. The Delhi-based photographer’s creative shoots can be found in several magazine spreads. Tarun is the first and only Indian to win the Hasselblad Masters Award, and whose work was featured in the prestigious Broncolor’s Annual Calendar in 2012. He has also been the “Kingfisher Fashion Photographer of the Year”.

His work has also been featured in a New York photography exhibition ‘The Reflected Eye’ alongside some of the biggest photography names in the world. He is a role model for many new photographers. Follow him on Facebook and Instagram.

3. Rohan Shrestha

Rohan Shrestha is a Nepalese origin, Indian born photographer who lives and works in Mumbai and New York. Being the Son of one of India’s pioneer photographers Rakesh Shrestha, his photographs have made the cover of several prominent magazines.

One of the younger photographers in the industry today, his sense of creativity and his style of shooting with a difference is what makes him popular. With barely 4 years since going solo, Rohan has the distinct advantage of shooting a large number of celebrities.

He is also rumoured to be in a relationship with the actress Shraddha Kapoor.

Follow him on Instagram.

2. Suresh Natarajan

Suresh Natarajan is a well known Indian fashion photographer who has made significant contribution to the fashion industry in the past 2 decades. His work is a true inspiration for upcoming photographers. Suresh was born in Kerala and later immigrated to Canada in 1985. He graduated from the Ryerson University in Toronto.

Suresh is known for his versatility and his expertise in working even under difficult conditions.

From big corporate names to fashion editorials, he’s been creating magic with images for over twenty years. He worked as an Assistant Director in two major Indian feature film projects as well.

Suresh is not on Instagram but some of his work can be found with This hashtag.

See more work by Suresh Natarajan on photogrist.com

1. Dabboo Ratnani

Who does not know about the ace photographer Daboo Ratnani?

Daboo Ratnani- is a name synonymous to fashion photography. He is known for his annual calendar which stars Bollywood celebrities that he started in the year 1999.

Dabboo has also judged shows like India’s Next Top Model, Miss India contest.

He is the cover photographer for all leading magazines like Cosmopolitan, Filmfare, Hi Blitz, Ok India, Elle (India), Verve, Femina, The Man, and Better Homes and Gardens.

Conclusion

Fashion photography can transport the viewer into a surreal world where camels pose with models, the hot desert landscape transforms into a fascinating backdrop, and the models look glamorous in their outlandish and stylized makeup and clothes. And yet, somehow it all makes sense at that instant.

The fashion industry is growing and the need for artists will never die. You too can look at fashion photography as a career and take inspiration from these highly successful professional faces.

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Edited by Anubhav Gaur

Founder, Skyshot Media

Instagram: iamanubhavgaur

Twitter: iamanubhavgaur