The Creative Process: Photography Beyond the Click
Photography isn't just about the final image. It's about the sketching, lighting, and teamwork that goes into every frame. Welcome to my creative laboratory in Delhi NCR.
A little studio magic. This reel shows how I use fish wire for a floating effect, a boom stand as a rotator, and then edit it all out in post-production.
From a laser cutter to the final setup. This is a look at the pre-production process of building a custom set for a unique photoshoot.
The late-night hustle. A glimpse into my editing process, working on the small details in Photoshop that no one might notice, but make all the difference.
A little creative experiment. A self-portrait session with a vintage Canon FTb camera on fire. Please don't try this at home!
A typical behind the scenes day, collaborating with the team and reviewing shots on camera to get the perfect result.
A funny take on the misconception that photography is just pressing a button. This shows the thought and effort that goes into every shot.
On some shoots, I'm a one-man army. I handle the lighting, the camera, the assisting, and the editing. Whatever it takes to get the job done.
About this collection
People often think a great shot just happens, but my process usually starts hours before the camera even comes out. Whether I'm using fish wire to suspend product props or building custom, laser-cut backgrounds, every shoot involves a specific setup phase that you don't see in the final portfolio. If you are planning a brand launch or a unique shoot, let's talk about the logistics before we even hit the shutter.
Behind the Lens: My Process
My work is not about just clicking a button. It is about the grind—the late-night editing sessions, the precise placement of lights, and the constant teamwork at Artbax Studio. When I take on a project, I view it as a production.
- Pre-production & Setup: Before any event or commercial shoot, I plan the composition. This might mean sketching out the shot, sourcing unique props, or spending time configuring the gear to match the venue's specific lighting constraints.
- Technical Execution: Whether I am using a full-frame body with fast f/2.8 zoom lenses for a corporate gig or setting up strobe lighting for a product launch, technical precision is non-negotiable. I use techniques like fish wire suspension for floating product shots and bounce flash setups to ensure clean, high-contrast images.
- Collaboration: I rarely work in a vacuum. Most of my projects involve a team of assistants, makeup artists, and art directors. This collaboration ensures that we cover not just the main event, but also the crucial behind-the-scenes narrative that brands love to share on social media.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you handle the creative direction for the shoot? Yes. I prefer to be involved from the ideation stage. If you have a concept, I can help you build the set and plan the logistics to achieve it.
How do you handle low-light event photography? I use gear that is optimized for low light, such as fast lenses and full-frame sensors, to keep images grain-free. This ensures you get high-quality shots even in the darkest venues across Delhi NCR.
Manav Chugh
I am Manav, a photographer based in Delhi NCR who believes the best photos happen after hours of setup. I love the chaos of a shoot, the technical problem solving, and the thrill of getting a shot that looks like magic because of the effort behind it.
Looking for a different kind of photography service?
You can search for specific events, studio needs, or commercial photography styles here.
More from Event & Behind-the-Scenes Photography by Manav Chugh