Authentic Portrait Photography and Mentorship in Mumbai
I don't shoot mannequins, I shoot hoomans. My photography is about finding the story, skipping the plastic-skin filters, and capturing real emotions, whether on the streets of Mumbai or in a studio.
This is where many photographers freeze. I'll teach you how to direct models with simple, clear instructions that create natural, emotional portraits instead of stiff, awkward poses. We focus on storytelling through movement and expression.
See the full process, from a simple rooftop setup to the final cinematic shot. This is what I mean by learning through action. I'll show you how I use natural light and guide the model to capture that perfect "in-between" moment full of emotion.
Night photography doesn't have to be intimidating. This is a behind the scenes look at how I use a single off-camera flash to create dramatic, well-lit portraits against a city skyline, even in complete darkness. I'll walk you through my exact camera settings and lighting setup.
Are your edits looking plastic? I'll show you my realistic photo editing workflow in Photoshop, focusing on natural color grading and exposure adjustments. My goal is to enhance the photo, not create a fake, over-edited version of your subject.
A simple understanding of color theory can transform your portraits. For this outdoor saree shoot, I placed the model against a green door to complement the red in her outfit, making the colors stand out naturally. We shot this with a wide aperture of f/2.8 to soften the background.
Capturing the energy of a live concert or DJ set requires specific skills. I'll teach you how to manage low light, high ISOs, and fast-moving subjects to get dynamic shots. Here, I used a shutter speed of 1/200 to freeze the DJ's motion.
You can create beautiful, dreamy portraits with simple in-camera tricks. For this shot, I held a flower close to my Tamron lens to create a natural, soft blur in the foreground, drawing all the focus to the model's expression.
This classic black and white portrait was created with a simple one-light setup. By placing the light directly in front of the model, I created a dramatic, high-contrast look perfect for a powerful headshot or model portfolio.
About Featured
Most photographers rely on heavy retouching to 'fix' skin, but that is exactly what kills the emotion of a portrait. I teach how to work with natural light and simple, single-source flash setups to capture texture and depth, ensuring your subject looks like a real person, not a plastic cutout. The magic happens in how you direct the model before you even open Photoshop.
Photography is not just about the click; it is about the mood and the 'photos lene ki sensation' (thrill of the shot). I build my work around the story, not just a pose.
My Technical Approach
When I am out on the streets of Mumbai or shooting a cinematic portrait, I prioritize natural light and minimal, effective gear. I primarily shoot with a Sony A73 and a Tamron 28-75mm, using simple in-camera hacks—like using flowers or glass to create depth—instead of relying on expensive, complex setups. Whether we are dealing with harsh mid-day sun or dark, moody night interiors, I look for ways to make the scene feel authentic.
Why I Avoid Plastic-Skin Edits
I see too many portfolios ruined by over-editing. My Photoshop workflow is strictly about enhancing the vibe, color grading, and exposure. We keep the texture and the reality. I don't believe in transforming humans into plastic; I believe in making them look like the best, most interesting version of themselves.
Mentorship & Education
I don't just teach theory. If you join me for a session, we focus on action. We will cover:
- Directing models to avoid stiff, awkward posing.
- Mastering the one-light setup for dramatic, cinematic results.
- Essential camera settings for night portraits and concerts.
- A realistic, non-destructive editing workflow.
Photography is 'ishq hai' (pure passion). If you want to learn to shoot with intention or need a photographer who cares about the vibe more than the settings, let’s get to work.
Looking for a specific photography style?
Use the search bar below to find specific portrait or editing services.
More from Photography Mentoring & Education by Aakash