Vishal started out to become an engineer but destiny had another career option in the offing. Astrange love for the visual art introduced him to the cameraand a ray of light appeared in an otherwise dark room. Ridden by this passion, he decided to save his dad some money and a lot of embarrassment by dropping out of college to chase his dream of becoming a photographer. His formal journey began with astopover at a Canadian graphic design college.He cut his teeth with reputed design houses and not-so-reputed ad agencies. Soon he shifted his focus back tothe viewfinder. He started off by assisting a top-notch photographer in India for over 2 years. Soon after, he caught a flight to Paris and then Hamburg for a honeymoon with his first love. Photography, that is, just in case some other thoughts are flirting your mind.

Vishal returned to India and went solo with his very own fashion and advertising studio. With a unique eye that smoothly blends the occident with the orient, he quickly shot to fame and carved a niche in the photography industry. Equally at ease in fashion, advertising and editorial work, Vishal describes his work as a result of wanderlust and evolution.These characteristics of the constantly changing fashion world reflect on his photographs as well.

Anardent aficionado of Richard Avedon – the genius top celebrity photographer- Vishal respects (not worships, mind you) his mentor by preferring to eschew the ‘pretty’ and bring out the stark underlying ‘reality’ of the subject.

Considered provocative yet soulful, his client and publication credits currently includes a rich repertoire of international& Indian magazines such as ELLE, GQ, Cosmopolitan, Grazia, Chew&Swank Glossy, to name a few. He has also collaborated with leading ad agencies such as Ogilvy, Leo Burnett, BMB Madisson, BBH, Percept H and many more. Current international work includes – Poland’s Next Top Model, Lux, Formula 1 Team Force One India, etc.

An alchemist behind the lens, offering his most comprehensive art featuring top models, designers, advertising campaigns, fashion editorials, catalogs, etc. Also familiar with the commercial work that includes the Team ForceIndia project in his credit. He has exhibited his work in the prestigious D & AD awards (London), The World Press Photo, the Dubai Media City (IBDA), Lalit Kala Academy etc. Ventured out on his own seven years ago in the ever-demanding modern fashion world, Vishals passion for visual beauty and perfection continues to impress many today.

Why are you a photographer?
I always had a strong affinity to the visual medium since my childhood be it moving pictures or still.It became stronger post my Design School and more so when I started working or doing my short stints with an ad agency and a design firm. This heightened my visual sensibility.
Do you remember any decisive moment when you felt ‘I want to be a photographer’?
In my design school, I got my hands on books of International Photographers such as Helmut Newton, Herb Ritts and Richard Avedon. The work they did and the style they adopted made me more curious and I wanted to pursue it.

Were there any particular role models for you when you grew up?
This is silly though but I was a kid then! So,when I was in school and till Engineering College the only direction I was looking at was to be a Pilot. I had seen Top Gun when I was in school, and Tom Cruise’s role as “Maverick” was always on my mind and I was wanted to be the one sporting Aviators, having a crew cut and flying a fighter jet. However, my role model was never Tom Cruise but his character “Maverick”. Now at the back of mind, I would love to do this once!

Who was the most influential personality on your career in photography?
There are many photographers in the past who have made a mark but Henri-Carteir Bresson, Helmut Newton and Richard Avedon are the ones who have influenced me a lot. These three have given a different perspective of photography – The Shots, The Thought and the Moment. Each of them has their own unique style. Seeing their work motivates me and inspires me to do work or take a path less travelled.

How has photography changed over the course of the last couple of decades? Is execution/ Art Direction more important than it used to be?
It’s drastically changed over the last 10 years. With the entry of Digital Photography, things have become very “convenient” for anyone to wake to be a photographer. With Cameras becoming more user-friendly, it’s an ever growing industry. There was a time when the number of photographers in our country was in two figures. But today, I feel the number of photographers would go up to 5 figures. The ‘convenience’ factor is playing a major role. The business module also has changed and with the digital age and the “instant result” has made it a quick buck industry.
Initially, we had Masters or Light Craftsmen doing the job but today it’s just craftsmen. I guess this will answer the need for Art Direction. Today, a job can be executed from a starter photographer with minimal experience and get the rest can be executed in Post Production. Bottom line – Save the moolah!

Given a choice, no other constraints, Film or Digital?
My coming into the industry was the time when film was moving out and Digital was coming in. So luckily I got the best of worlds when I was assisting. Right from 35mm, 120mm, 4X5 to Hi-End digital Backs. Unfortunately, the new generation won’t get a hands-on experience on Film. Both have their pros and cons when it comes to practical usage.

What do you think of the current state of Print Advertising Photography in India? Is it at par with the work done worldwide?
Considering our country, we have a lot of limitations in terms of execution, finance, etc. Hence there is suppression for ideas considering the market and target audience. We have enough talent to match up to the International Advertising Scenario but the client doesn’t want to take the steps nor spend the money.
At par? No not yet.

Where do you get your inspiration?
I cannot say it comes from one source. Everything that I see or feel is inspiration for me. Nature, Movies, Books, People, etc they all add some value to the work I do.

Was there any time when you wanted to quit photography?
Its very ironic, that there were times when things were not working in my favour and it was an extremely difficult period for me. Those were the times when I aggressively pushed myself to work in a different way instead of pulling myself back.

Whats your dream project?
I won’t say “a Project’ but here are a few I would like to bag them some day or soon. Shooting the Airbus / Boeing Calendar across Continents, AdCampaign for Lavazza Coffee and the Cover for Italian or French Vogue.

Who would you want to spend a dinner with?
My muse!

What’s on your iPod?
Piracy! A massive music collection.

Mac or PC?
Mac! Simple, Efficient and works like a charm!