Behind the Scenes: Creative Production & Styling
People love the final image, but the chaos before it is my favorite part. Here is an unfiltered look at how we turn messy ideas into visual stories.
Talking about the creative direction for a collection that was showcased at London Fashion Week. My process is always about keeping it clean and contemporary with an Indian touch.
A glimpse of my team building a whole garden from scratch inside the studio. Set design is a massive part of bringing a campaign vision to life.
The post-production process. Reviewing selects and edits on my tablet to make sure the final images are perfect.
The not-so-glamorous side of a shoot. Red heels and a box of tissues on a dusty surface, a real moment between takes.
A beautiful behind-the-scenes moment from a shoot. Sometimes the most stunning shots are the ones taken when nobody thinks the camera is rolling.
A candid moment from the Ofrida Tribe shoot. It's not just about the final shot, but also the fun we have creating it.
About The Process: Behind The Scenes
Ever wonder what happens before the final image hits the grid? It is rarely just 'point and shoot.' Whether we are building a garden from scratch inside my Lado Sarai studio or navigating the unpredictability of an outdoor location, the real magic is in the hours of prep you never see. I don’t believe in hiding the struggle because that grit, the late-night edits, and the on-set adjustments are exactly what make a campaign feel human and honest.
I have learned that the best campaigns are not created in a sterile boardroom. They happen in the messy, high-energy, and collaborative moments on set. My process starts with a gut feeling, followed by a lot of mood-boarding and technical planning.
When I work with brands like Zeti or Folksong Stories, it is not just about the product. It is about the narrative. If we are in the studio, we are transforming the space, moving furniture, and playing with light until the texture feels right. If we are on location in a place like Jaipur or Goa, I am scouting, managing the logistics, and making sure the crew is in sync.
I am deeply honest about my workflow. We will have moments where things do not go according to plan, like sudden rain, lighting shifts, or just a vibe that isn't landing. That is okay. My job as a creative director is to pivot, problem-solve, and keep the energy high. I prefer to show the tissues on the table, the tea breaks, and the candid moments between takes because that is the reality of production. You are hiring someone to handle that unpredictability so you do not have to stress about it. Let’s talk about your vision and see if my brand of chaos aligns with what you need.
Aanchal Rai
I am Aanchal. I do not just direct campaigns; I obsess over the textures, the light, and the honest human moments that make them stick. If you are looking for a partner who treats your brand like their own and does not mind getting their hands dirty to get the shot, we will get along.
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