Harnesh Joshi, a Mumbai based fashion and advertising photographer, had a rollercoaster ride from pilot training to graphic design, from being a illustrator to a photographer. He always tires to push himself out of the comfort zone to create something new with creative & innovative ideas. As they say it there is no alternative to hard-work.
Harnesh’s contrasting and conceptual pictures can be found amongst the emerging and creative designers featured in leading fashion magazines & various national and international exhibitions. He can seen in the global directory of photographers Production Paradise. He has won awards & honorable mentions such as Photographer The Year by One Eyeland, Fashion photographer Of The Year by Monochrome Awards for his fine art and fashion photographs.
Why are you a photographer?
“I would rather have a camera than a notepad & pencil”
Documenting since childhood, over the years I realized that accidentally I documented priceless moments & the places we travelled. Photography is an exciting medium for me where it lets me peek into a person’s viewpoint for a moment, lets me self explore, beautiful language without words & capability to freeze a moment.
Do you remember any decisive moment when you felt ‘I want to be a photographer’?
During my career in graphic design, I started working for established photographers. I was fascinated by the art of photography which led me step by step in to commercial photography. It was an unknown transition from a hobbyist to a professional.
Were there any particular role models for you when you grew up?
Parents, Batman, ACDC & Michael Jackson
Who was the most influential personality on your career in photography?
Annie Leibovitz. Also lot of other masters of photography.
How has photography changed over the course of the last couple of decades? Is execution/art direction more important than it used to be?
I call it going from the Darkroom to Lightroom in last couple decades. Everything is faster & more accessible. I feel advanced technology has brought out an artist in everybody. Execution is always an interesting and a important step.
What do you think of the current state of Print Advertising photography in India? Is it at par with the work done worldwide?
Indian artist’s have a lot of potential in terms of creating original art. There are some very interesting artist’s to know and to learn from but on from the larger picture I feel quantity disrupts the quality of work.
In the western world a photographer is still an artist but in India they are mere service providers. This restricts their potential for new creativity. Print Advertising in India has undobtedly outgrown itself, from the transition in 1900’s where it used to be for journalism only to where we are today, however we are far behind from the global standards.
Where do you get your inspiration?
I think it is more in the moment and what goes within you then in something else.
Was there any time when you wanted to quit photography?
I feel I didn’t choose photography. Photography choose me.
Any current work in Indian Advertising that you find exciting? Especially Print?
Coke worldwide campaign of Open Happiness & Love Signe Vilstrups work for vogue
Whats your dream project?
I dream often. But i would really love to use more real people and their stories in my fashion work.
Who would you want to spend a dinner with?
Peaceful dinner with my mother.
Whats on your iPod?
Bahramji – Dreamcatcher.
Indian Fusion to Indie to Minimal. Always open to new music.
Mac or PC?
Mac lover
Whats your Twitter Handle?
@harneshjoshi
