Looking for the best fashion photographers in India? We have updated the list of some of the leading names in the industry. Get a closer look at how to choose the right one for your project.
21st century India has seen a major rise in fashion photography. Before, it was just a lucrative career option. Today, India not only understands style, aesthetics, and fashion, but also lives and breathes them.
Over the years, we have been on a journey to create a visual language that the world acknowledges.
You are here to find out who the best fashion photographer in India is. There can be multiple reasons why you are searching for this list. You might want to hire someone for your brand’s photoshoot, you can be an influencer, a fashion model, or maybe you are someone who wants to get on that list.
Whatever your reason for reading this article, we have curated this list keeping all things in mind. This one comprises legends, the new generation, and also those who are leading in their own unique style.
What is Indian Fashion Photography?
Before we begin with who is the best one out there, it’s important to get the basics right first.
A fashion photographer is someone who specialises in showcasing clothing, accessories, and style in a visually impactful way. A photographer plays an important role in the industry by capturing magnificent visuals that tell stories. Their work gets published in editorials, commercials, and high fashion magazines. A fashion photographer can bring garments to life through their lens.
When someone is looking for a professional fashion photographer, they want them to act as a bridge between the fashion designers, models, and the brand. A fashion photographer plays a unique role in building brand identity and delivering the right message to consumers. Their sole duty is to capture everything a brand wants to communicate. Keeping all this in mind, a photographer has to be present at all times to direct the story, the model, and the garments.
Do you know who a fashion photographer’s best friend is?
Everything above can only be possible if you click the right shots at the right time. The right moment. So, to be the best fashion photographer in India, you need to befriend time.
10 Best Fashion Photographers in India
This list is a creation of photographers based on their portfolios, unique styles, and the legacy they are leaving behind. These photographers are the ones who make this profession something that young eyes admire and aspire to.
Some names you must have heard, while some of them could be new to you. But let us assure you of one thing: all the artists on this list are among the best-known fashion photographers in India.
1. Dabboo Ratnani
Do You Know Him? Of Course, You Do.
Who doesn’t know Dabboo Ratnani? His name is almost synonymous with Indian fashion photography. You may know him from his famous annual calendar, the one that features Bollywood celebrities. Started in 1999, the calendar continues to run with its latest edition.
He is a fashion photographer whose photographs have appeared on the covers of leading magazines like Elle, Verve, Filmfare, and Cosmopolitan. His work is a great example of how one can blend celebrity culture, fashion, and visual storytelling.
Dabboo sir is what we call an OG. He is loved by the industry.
2. Vikram Bawa
You are behind if you don’t know him. Vikram Bawa is one of the finest names in Indian fashion photography. Each of his shots tells a long story through his critical thinking. In fact, he was one of the first photographers in India to promote 3D photography. Each frame he captures carries a deep sense of creativity. He has won multiple awards from the Masters Cup, Prix de la Photographie Paris, The International Color Awards, The Spider Awards, Asian Photography Most Influential Photographer Award, and the PIEA Award.
3. Rohan Shrestha
A name that can be found among the most influential people in the photography industry.
Originally from Nepal, this Indian-born photographer is one of the pioneers of fashion photography. He is the son of the great photographer of our generation, Rakesh Shrestha. Rakesh Shrestha is quite a prominent name in the industry and is known for his work on the covers of several popular magazines.
Rohan is known as one of the youngest talents in the industry. At a very young age, Rohan gained a distinct advantage by shooting several celebrities. His lens has already captured global icons like Lionel Messi and Neymar. The fear of staying in the same industry and being tagged as a “nepo kid” made him change his lens. He leaned more towards fashion instead of film.
4. Suresh Natarajan
A well-known name in the fashion industry, Natarajan has made significant contributions to Indian fashion photography for over two decades. Known for a photoshoot with United States President Donald Trump, his portfolio is quite extensive.
He graduated from Ryerson University in Toronto. Born in Kerala, India, he immigrated to Canada back in 1985. He is known for staying calm and composed under difficult conditions. His portfolio is filled with shoots that showcase his versatility and expertise as a living legend.
Natarajan’s magic has followers not only in fashion editorials but also among big corporate names. Extending his expertise into the world of cinema, he worked as an assistant director on two major Indian feature films.
His work mesmerises you at first glance. Check his portfolio and you will understand what we are talking about.
5. Pranoy Sarkar
Next in line is Pranoy Sarkar. Taking a more artistic approach, he has worked closely with designers like Rajesh Pratap Singh and Sanjay Garg. He completed his graduation from the National Institute of Fashion Technology, New Delhi.
His interests lean more towards non-commercial campaigns. He says that he is more drawn to surrealist photography. His portfolio doesn’t extend only to industry stars but also opens up to the creative direction of brands like Tarun Tahiliani, Torani, and Raw Mango.
Pranoy focuses on the depth of Indian fashion. He finds joy in looking at these shoots from a different creative angle, introducing a bit of surrealism through his portraits. His approach gives every Indian fashion photoshoot a more artistic and surreal character. His recent work can be seen on the cover of Vogue India magazine.
It’s a joy to see him making his way into art projects rooted in India’s landscapes and craft traditions.
6. Subi Samuel
We can’t talk about the best fashion photographers in India without talking about Subi Samuel. A veteran commercial and fashion photographer, he has helped define magazine aesthetics for decades. He is considered an important face in India’s leading fashion photography scene.
His photography speaks to many reputable brands and leading magazines. He is also known for bringing concept photography into India.
His work can be stacked on the top shelf of Indian glamour photography. He is a name that makes its presence felt across film publicity, commercials, and publishing.
If you don’t know this, Samuel was the one who led the publicity for Aishwarya Rai in Devdas. From Amitabh Bachchan to Yuvraj Singh, his portfolio summarises his unique style, imagination, and mark of perfection.
7. R. Burman
You can know him as the priest who wed art with fashion. Graduated from the Brooks Institute of Photography in California. He started clicking his initial shots in the USA and spent five years there. His name is tied to renowned names like Steven Klein and Mark Seliger.
His homecoming initiated state-of-the-art model photoshoot in India for Vogue. His work still remains a testament to major global editorials. He remains on the speed dial of India’s top magazine editors and creative directors.
His return to the Indian industry made everyone look at how he mixed Eastern inspiration with Western techniques. If you open his portfolio, you will get tired of counting the brands he has worked with. He is not only prized as a fashion photographer but also has a fair share of work in industries like beauty, technology, lifestyle, and automotive.
Knowledge increases as you start sharing. As a member of “The Artist Project,” he plays a key role in mentoring new talent, becoming a building block in the creative ecosystem in India. His lens captures everything that comes from Mumbai to New York.
8. Natalia Verma
A talent that the common crowd may not have heard of, but a substantial name in the world of Indian fashion photoshoot. She started as a freelance photographer in Delhi, where her lens captured whatever awed her eyes on the streets of her city.
In her journey to become the greatest, she developed an interest in portraits, fine art, and fashion photography.
Right now, Verma is involved in a series of minimalist emotional portraits. This project takes inspiration from ballet and focuses on human emotions and dance movements. While her personal project gets her the shots she is searching for, she also has her eyes on preparing for the second annual “Just People” exhibition.
9. Jatin Kampani
A young prodigy of the industry. At a very young age, Jatin made his place among some of the finest fashion photographers in India.
His portfolio includes brands like Sony, L’Oréal, and Citizen. The global advertising community has also recognised his work by placing him among the “200 Best Ad Photographers Worldwide”.
Whether it is getting featured in top photography journals and fashion magazines, he has bagged way too many awards along the way.
On the other hand, his work has been chosen for the cover of Lürzer’s Archive. He was the first Indian to achieve this position. Talking about international recognition, he individually hosted a solo exhibition at the Foto Art Festival in Poland.
His legacy still hangs on the wall of Asian Photography’s Best Photographer of the Year.
10. Tarun Khiwal
One of the finest photographers in Indian glamour photography, Tarun holds the title of “Kingfisher Fashion Photographer of the Year”. His finesse and experiments have played a deeper role in the transformation of fashion photography in India.
Formal education produces the greatest artists. That is just a myth when we talk about him. His Indian roots can be seen in his underlying style. He is one of the few artists who doesn’t follow the herd. His memories and experiences are still alive in his work.
His name is also registered as the first Indian to win the Hasselblad Masters Award. He is also a known name among international magazines like Time, Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, Elle, and L’Officiel.
His name stands among the biggest photography names in the world and, to this day, inspires the new generation of photographers.
Why Is It Important to Get a Model Photoshoot in India for Your Brand?
Your brand needs to be seen in the highest quality possible. Choosing a specialised fashion photographer is important because the shoot you are planning is inherently visual. Powerful imagery will define how consumers perceive your brand identity, quality, and style. It will become your first impression. And you know what they say about first impressions.
Differentiate Your Brand
Your brand’s personality will help you with this task. Among the many fashion photographers in India, a professional photographer can show your brand the light and help it reach the end of the cave. Hiring the right professional helps your brand speak loud and clear.
Let Them Tell Your Story
There is always a story. Your brand becomes less relevant if its story does not resonate well with your audience. Guess who is going to help you with this?
When a professional photographer brings creativity into the frame and sets the mood of the shot, your brand will stand tall and talk about its story. Understand it this way. Suppose your new collection is about the royalty and majestic charm of Indian culture. You can’t go with a shoot on a white cyclorama. Your concept needs to show the story you were thinking about while weaving the fabric of your new collection. A professional photographer might suggest going to Udaipur for an Indian fashion photoshoot with a proper royal theme that speaks to the viewer. Every object has its own journey. That journey needs to be shown, not told.
Understanding Indoor vs. Outdoor Wedding Photography can also help you understand how location, lighting, and surroundings can change the mood of your visuals.
Time Is Money
Guesswork is not typically great for your launch. It’s not just about clicking shots. A shoot day is more than hectic. It will suck out all the energy you have.
Endless retakes, placement of lights, capturing the right angle, and getting the right shot at the right time. Do you think you have enough time to pull all of this off alone? When you hire one of the experienced fashion photographers in India, you also get an experienced and professional team. This way, you get high quality visuals without the hassle.
Only the Finest Tools Can Carve Precious Gems
Let’s suppose someone in your family has just explored a new photography hobby. Does this sound familiar?
Getting the right shot is way more than pressing a button. Indian glamour photography requires the right tools to capture beauty. A lot of lighting work goes into a shot before you even click it. Without the correct lighting, your garments will lose their clarity and depth. Beyond the shoot, the real work begins in post production, where you correct colour accuracy, balance tones, and make the shot flawless with professional retouching.
That’s how you get a visually stunning, brand ready image that defines your quality standard.
Does Your Brand Look Credible?
Believe us or not, a professional photoshoot is one of the most reliable ways to gain credibility. And in the field you are in, your first impression is what defines your brand.
Sophisticated visuals can help your customers gain confidence when choosing your brand. Our eyes are trained to find something trustworthy when we see something polished.
An aesthetic campaign for your brand is not a one time thing. Once your brand gains credibility, it helps foster long term customer retention. It goes like this: professionalism gives birth to precision, and detailed, precise work gains trust. And that’s how your brand gains loyalty.
How to Choose the Best Fashion Photographers in India
Now, don’t get overwhelmed by all this. Choosing a professional fashion photographer is not as difficult as you think. You don’t have to be too technical. Just consider these points when you seek one.
Let Their Work Speak Louder Than Their Words
Every photographer has their own style and sense when they sit behind the lens. You need to look into their work and recognise the guardian of your brand. Reviewing a portfolio is a great head start. Look deep into their style, versatility, and adaptability for different projects.
It’s important to know if the photographer aligns with your taste and vision. The portfolio will decide whether you have found the best fashion photographer in India for your particular project.
Hear What Others Have to Say
One should not ignore what their previous clients say about the artist. It’s better to go through a list of their previous clients, the work they have delivered, and the professional relationships they have maintained. Testimonials and reviews are the best way to find this out. Look out for similar kinds of work that you have in mind. If you are looking for a photographer in a particular city, you can also explore photographers in Kolkata and compare the work of professionals based on your requirements.
Don’t Break the Bank
Even if you have a good budget for your shoot, don’t get hooked on the first call. The shoot you are dreaming of not only requires the best fashion photographer in India, but also the right quality of equipment for the shoot.
The quote given by their team should justify the value they are putting in. Also, don’t restrict yourself too much. If you can hire the best team, DOP, and equipment at a slightly higher budget, go for it.
How to Collaborate with Fashion Photographers in India
Anxious about your first meeting with the photographer? Don’t worry, there is nothing to worry about. A good professional will make you comfortable. Just be sure to look up some terms before you book your meeting. For starters, learn about Candid vs. Cinematic. This will help you articulate your thoughts when you discuss your idea.
Here are a few pointers to keep in mind:
Clear Communication
Just be explicit about your idea. No idea is great unless it’s executed properly. Be clear about the mood you want to convey. Talk about all the elements that you want to showcase in your shoot.
Always remember, you know more about the brand than anyone else. Be open about the real story behind the brand. How did you start it? How much do you love your brand? These things make an artist’s mind catch up with the flow of creativity. Only after a proper brief can the stage be set for a successful Indian fashion photoshoot.
Art Direction
You are not going to get judged for having an open conversation with the photographer. There is something called “direction”. When you meet the professional, your first meeting and conversation can create countless visuals in the artist’s mind.
Believe us, a good chunk of the direction for the shoot is going to be done during this time. It’s better that the artist listens to how you see this project. Both of you need to move in the same direction. The best way to achieve this is by collaborating on ideas. Right now, you won’t understand this, but collaboration on concepts and ideas can bring something so mesmerising that it will surpass all the initial expectations.
Conclusion
Did you find what you were here for? The list of best fashion photographers in India might change as a new wave of fashion photographers enters the playground. But it is always better to recognise those who are in their prime.
In case you were here to find a fashion photographer for a model shoot, then you know how to approach them now. But finding one can be difficult. Someone dedicated to this genre of photography should be considered. Not every photographer turns their lens towards this form of photography.
Some are drawn to street photography, some to portraits, while others find capturing people’s weddings fascinating.
Sometimes, they may have to jump boats. A fashion photographer might get a campaign whose theme is Indian wedding fashion. You need a professional and experienced artist to bring the idea in your mind to life.
Research is indeed needed. But there are sites like EVENTSMONIAL that connect you with professional photographers from the industry. It’s worth a look if you are searching for a wedding photographer, a fashion photographer, or someone for a small event.