Behind the Lens: How We Craft Your Images
Great photos don't happen by accident. Here is a look at what goes into every shot at my Pune studio, from complex lighting setups to the final click.
A shoot is more than just the final image; it's a marathon of creativity, teamwork, and adrenaline. This is a quick look behind the scenes of our 8-day shoot for Oaksmith. You can see the lighting setups, the styling, and the collaborative energy that goes into creating that one perfect shot.
Here's a quick look at how we created the iconic, minimalist shot for Johnnie Walker. You can see me setting up the edge lighting and shooting tethered to the laptop to check the highlights in real-time. It shows that the simplest images often require the most precise setups.
A look back at a month of travel and work. This reel shows the variety of what we do, from on-location shoots in the mountains to busy studio days and collaborative client meetings. It's a glimpse into the life behind the lens.
This is the setup for the "liquid gold" Johnnie Walker shot. You can see the large softbox creating the clean white background and the precise placement of the bottles. My laptop shows the tethered image, which is crucial for getting the composition just right.
A moody, black-and-white glimpse of a product shoot in progress for The Dalmore. This shows the quiet focus in the studio as we build the lighting scene piece by piece, using reflectors and flags to shape the light perfectly.
A look through the lens of my Hasselblad X2D during a fragrance shoot. You can see my assistant carefully placing the bottles within the set. This is how we build our compositions, one small adjustment at a time.
A behind-the-scenes peek at a cosmetics shoot for Charlotte Tilbury. This short clip shows the initial product setup on a reflective surface and the lighting equipment we use to create that signature high-end glow.
About Behind the Lens: The Process
Most people think the real magic happens in Photoshop, but I do everything in-camera. When you step into my studio, we shoot tethered to a live monitor. You will see exactly how we are shaping the light and adjusting the composition in real-time, so there is no guessing what the final shot will look like before we even finish the session.
Precision Over Post-Production
I treat every product as a character in a story. Whether it is a bottle of whiskey or a diamond ring, my goal is to capture the image perfectly at the moment of the click. My studio in Pune is equipped with the Hasselblad X2D 100MP system, which gives me incredible latitude to manage detail and texture, but that is only half the battle.
The Workflow
- Concept First: Before we touch a light, we define the mood. I spend time understanding your brand so that the lighting setup matches your intent, whether it is moody and dark or crisp and bright.
- Lighting & Styling: This is where the time goes. I adjust gradients and edge lighting to handle reflections on glass and metal. We use custom props and liquid styling to bring the product to life.
- Tethered Capture: This is a non-negotiable part of my process. Shooting tethered allows you to see the image on a large screen immediately. You get to be part of the decision-making process, ensuring we nail the shot on the first take.
Why This Matters
By focusing on high-end, in-camera techniques, we reduce the need for heavy digital manipulation. This keeps your images looking authentic, sharp, and high-resolution. It is not just about taking a picture; it is about creating a billboard-quality asset that tells your brand story effectively. My team and I are obsessed with these details, and that is exactly how we deliver work that stands out.
Ashish Gurbani
I don’t just take photos; I build worlds inside my Pune studio. Whether it’s getting the perfect splash on a whiskey bottle or finding the right glow for a cosmetic product, I obsess over every detail so you don’t have to.
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