Behind the Lens: How I Create My Work
People often ask me how I get that signature look—the moody, cinematic finish. It is not just the camera; it is the light, the editing, and a few tricks I have picked up along the way. Here is a look at what happens before the final click.
I get a lot of questions about my process, so I put together this infographic with some tips for aspiring photographers. It covers everything from gear and editing software to the importance of getting paid for your work. I hope it helps!
A before-and-after of a street photo from Hong Kong. You can see how I use Lightroom to enhance the mood, bring out details from the shadows, and guide the viewer's eye to the story of the elderly couple.
This split view shows the transformation of a chaotic Chandni Chowk scene. My 'Amber' preset adds warmth and a cinematic feel, turning a simple snapshot into a moody, atmospheric image.
A before-and-after of a portrait taken in Janpath. My editing process involves balancing the light, enhancing the colors, and using Photoshop to remove distractions, ensuring the focus remains entirely on the subject.
Here's a look at how I transformed a simple night shot of a corner store. By adjusting the colors and light in Lightroom, I was able to create a much more dramatic and moody scene that tells a story.
This is how I see the world. On the left is the ordinary scene I saw, and on the right is the final photograph I created by focusing on the light filtering through the leaves. It's all about finding the beauty in the details.
Another "what I see vs. what I take" example. I saw a cat resting on a wall and chose to get close, focusing on its expressive face and the beautiful green background to create an intimate portrait.
About this collection
Editing is where the story actually comes together. I do not use generic filters; I develop my own 'Amber' presets to bring out textures and warmth in every frame. If you are looking at a raw street photo, you are seeing the chaos of the moment, but the final edit is where I guide your eye to the emotion—whether it is the play of light on an elderly couple in Kowloon or the vibrant colors of a busy Delhi market.
More Than Just a Camera
My photography journey began when I turned down a corporate job after my B.Tech, and I have never looked back. I believe that a great image isn't just about expensive gear; it is about finding the story in the light, the rain, and the quiet corners of a city.
The Creative Process
- Natural Light & Setup: Whether I am shooting a portrait in a living room or a street scene in Janpath, I lean heavily on natural light. My self-portrait series, where I used things like gift wrapping paper and broken trophy crystals, taught me that you can create magic with what you have around you.
- Editing Philosophy: I shoot in RAW, which gives me all the detail and drama to work with in post-production. My editing style is cinematic—often leaning into teal and orange tones or warm, moody palettes. I use Lightroom to enhance the mood, recover details from shadows, and ensure the final image feels as soulful as the moment it was taken.
- Learning & Sharing: I get many questions about my process, gear (like my Nikon Z8), and editing software. I love sharing this knowledge because I believe in empowering other creators. Whether it is a quick tip on using a prime lens for better bokeh or how I stabilized my videos, I am always happy to pull back the curtain.
Why I Shoot the Way I Do
I look for authentic emotions, not stiff poses. My goal is to capture you as you are. If you want memories of a place or a person, I am all in. Let’s connect and see what stories we can find together.
Garima Bhaskar
I’m Garima. I left a corporate career to chase good light, and I’ve been documenting moments ever since. I am not here for stiff poses; I am here to find the soul in the scene, whether it is a quiet portrait or a chaotic street.
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