--- title: "Experimental & Avant-Garde Fashion Photography Mumbai | Malavika" description: "Looking for avant-garde fashion photography in Mumbai? I specialize in conceptual shoots, surreal styling, and distortion techniques for artistic editorials." canonical: https://mytribe.in/malavikajayaram_/fashion-editorial-photography/experimental-avant-garde last_updated: 2025-09-26 --- # Experimental & Avant-Garde Photography Tribe Verified · Experimental fashion projects across Mumbai and Kochi. By [Malavika Jayaram](https://mytribe.in/malavikajayaram_) · Available for shoots across Mumbai and Kochi · ₹18K per session (3 hours) (estimate) Part of [Fashion & Editorial Photography](https://mytribe.in/malavikajayaram_/fashion-editorial-photography). [View full gallery](https://mytribe.in/malavikajayaram_/fashion-editorial-photography/gallery) Conceptual fashion photography for brands and magazines. I focus on surreal perspectives, dramatic lighting, and storytelling through distortion to create visuals that defy conventions. ## Photos and videos - ![A distorted fisheye portrait from the 'Peek-a-boo' series. The model, wearing embellished gloves and a head covering, frames her face in a playful yet unsettling pose, creating a surreal, peephole effect.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/46bdf686-b7db-4a68-aa0e-e182352f773a) - ![A moody, cinematic shot from the 'Peek-a-boo' series, taken in a dark location with car headlights creating motion trails. The model leans against a tiled wall, holding a camera, suggesting a narrative of surveillance or voyeurism.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/e2b64931-39ea-4e57-b06c-e7fa20b701f7) - ![An inverted photograph of a model in a dramatic, textured blue dress. This simple act of flipping the image creates a surreal, gravity-defying effect that is both disorienting and visually captivating.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/5649901f-1883-4f01-9d5e-6d453cf273a3) - ![A full-length ethereal portrait from the 'Whispering Veil' series, using green light and motion blur. The model appears as a ghostly figure in a flowing white garment, creating a sense of otherworldly beauty.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/bd67e9d7-6b41-40cd-8829-3fb338b2dc3b) - ![Another fisheye portrait from the 'Peek-a-boo' series, where the model holds a textured black bag. The distorted perspective and direct gaze create an intimate and slightly unnerving connection with the viewer.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/ba216ce0-f8bf-47c1-bc5b-e4931840dcc5) - ![A close-up detail shot from the 'Peek-a-boo' series, focusing on the model holding a vintage camera. The image plays with the idea of the photographer becoming the subject, wrapped in a moody, noir aesthetic.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/3f8d5343-fe55-437b-8a0e-a17f9ffc92dd) - ![A full-body shot in a dark, industrial-looking setting, with the model holding a camera. The use of shadow and the gritty environment contribute to the cinematic, mysterious narrative of the series.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/b57949f1-179f-4da8-bc8d-0093c96520f2) - ![A close-up portrait with dramatic, dark makeup against a blue tiled wall. The wet-look hair and intense gaze add to the raw, edgy feel of this experimental shoot.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/da3aa578-2a0d-4370-878a-eda083eaa1d6) - ![A fisheye portrait of a model styled in a green suit and glasses, holding a book. The distorted, high-angle perspective creates a quirky, intellectual character within a surreal visual world.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/dec089e2-1a9e-4240-823e-8aec337c237b) - ![A variation of the fisheye portrait, with the model now wearing headphones. This small change in propping adds another layer to the character, suggesting a world of internal focus and sound.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/1508434c-f830-4f78-9896-c39e7771c67f) - ![A fisheye portrait featuring a unique braided blue tie. The wide-angle lens emphasizes the styling details and the model's direct, confident expression.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/6f8c3120-93e0-451b-8fc9-67b5893cfbfb) - ![A high-angle fisheye shot looking down at the model. This perspective creates a sense of vulnerability and curiosity, drawing the viewer into her world.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/a8e96fc7-0804-46f6-b7b2-e91a0f2173e7) - ![A high-contrast, moody shot with the model in orange-tinted sunglasses. The harsh lighting and shadows create a gritty, edgy vibe that is both fashionable and cinematic.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/b86f8f19-68f1-4a59-9556-7b747570c1de) - ![A portrait using harsh shadows and a cool, blue-green light. The model is partially obscured by darkness, creating a sense of mystery and intrigue.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/3c4309f7-96ff-484b-9b98-914847abb158) - ![A wide shot with a strong teal color grade, showing the model in a dark, industrial setting. The dramatic lighting and pose create a powerful, futuristic silhouette.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/e4eaa192-619b-4289-b623-a59b0ed295fb) - ![A fisheye portrait with the model in orange sunglasses, framed by a blue corrugated tube. The composition is playful and futuristic, using bold colors and shapes to create a memorable image.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/09f88b02-c79c-452e-b78a-64167c8b2a21) - ![Another take from the fisheye series with the blue tube, this time with the model in a dynamic, leaning pose. The image feels energetic and experimental.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/ce9a91dd-1f6f-407a-a5ce-2bba6b48dc3e) - ![A fisheye portrait where the model looks away, creating a more candid, thoughtful moment within the surreal setup. The composition remains balanced and visually engaging.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/22896a80-ccdc-4015-b943-850722af47c5) - ![A full-length studio portrait featuring a model in a highly textured, dark blue gown. The dramatic pose and avant-garde styling showcase a high-fashion, conceptual aesthetic.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/44fc1558-86ed-44dd-bb4f-cdd66963d130) - ![A quieter, more introspective portrait of the model in the textured blue gown. The soft lighting and downward gaze create a sense of melancholy and grace.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/47be8d1b-9043-41ec-9d73-9cfeff2c9769) - ![A close-up shot focusing on the intricate, deconstructed denim texture of the gown. This image highlights the craftsmanship of the garment while maintaining a moody, artistic feel.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/70af5e0f-4c0d-4a9c-9d10-e0bfe15f5145) - ![A low-angle shot of a model on an escalator, bathed in an iridescent blue light. The futuristic styling and unusual setting create a cinematic, sci-fi narrative for 'Decay of Aristocracy'.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/b456aaa0-e961-489a-bf4d-55c50615b24a) - ![A shot through the glass of an escalator, creating reflections and distortions. This experimental composition adds to the futuristic and slightly disorienting feel of the series.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/ba1ccc5f-12ef-4e67-a58d-ae1775afe8bb) - ![A powerful low-angle shot looking up at the model on an escalator against a stark sky. The composition is monumental, turning a mundane setting into a stage for a high-fashion story.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/709e39fc-06cf-4ef2-8d0a-0446152e10d2) - ![A close-up portrait from the 'Whispering Veil' series, with the model's face partially covered by a delicate, pearl-adorned veil. The green lighting creates a mysterious, underwater feel.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/eefabded-fa65-4bc6-95a6-c9c6280777d0) - ![A soft, intimate portrait where the model clutches her shoulders, her face obscured by the pearl veil. The image is both vulnerable and enigmatic.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/acb53344-7989-4503-a867-99277f79c301) - ![An experimental portrait using motion blur and yellow and green light filters. The model's face is a mysterious blur behind the illuminated veil, creating a ghostly and abstract image.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/abdc3185-6594-4e72-b90f-9cafa0528719) - ![A painterly portrait with soft motion blur, capturing the model in a flowing white garment. The greenish light and soft focus give the image a dreamlike, ethereal quality.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/8dd6d441-582c-4417-baf0-8746c9a8979c) - ![A quiet, sunlit portrait from an experimental series. The model sits peacefully in a dress fashioned from two shirts, showcasing creative, spontaneous styling.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/6c99b02c-1c1e-4904-bf4a-d615aa587e9e) - ![A portrait from the same series, with the model looking directly at the camera. The natural light and simple setting create an intimate and authentic feel.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/44ed3ddf-2087-4b33-8183-e507d5e7780f) - ![An abstract, experimental portrait using a prism or lens filter to create a fractured, colorful blur. This image transforms a simple setup into a vibrant, energetic piece of art.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/a3a99570-c4be-4ae6-9b0b-8c4c6588220d) - ![A full-body shot showcasing the improvised dress made from two shirts. The model's dynamic pose highlights the drapery and flow of the unconventional garment.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/1a81d59e-60d9-479e-afd5-861a56c672e4) - ![An intimate close-up portrait, with the model partially hidden by a curtain. The soft, natural light and gentle expression create a warm and inviting mood.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/7bbc2e81-7854-4e55-bb09-c035b096497d) ## About Experimental & Avant-Garde When I approach an experimental shoot, I am not just capturing a subject, I am constructing a mood. Whether we use fisheye lenses to distort reality or deliberate motion blur to evoke unease, every technical choice serves a narrative purpose. It is a process that requires total trust between the model, the stylist, and myself. If you are looking for standard, safe imagery, this is not the right fit. But if you want to push boundaries and build a world that feels slightly surreal and entirely your own, we should talk. ### Pushing the Boundaries of Fashion Imagery Photography is my medium for dissecting reality. In my avant-garde work, I abandon the expectation of 'pretty' in favor of 'impactful.' This cluster represents my collaboration with creative minds, often working with students and designers at FAD International to experiment with visual tropes. ### The Techniques Behind the Surreal * **Fisheye Distortion:** I use wide-angle perspectives to create a sense of voyeurism and intimacy, making the viewer feel like they are peeking into a private, sometimes unsettling world. * **Intentional Motion Blur:** By introducing movement, I strip away the static nature of standard fashion shoots, giving the images a painterly, transient quality that mirrors human emotion. * **Chiaroscuro & Shadow:** I prefer working with deep, harsh shadows. Light is a sculptor, and I use it to emphasize silhouettes and texture rather than just illuminating the garment. ### A Collaborative Narrative Every project here relies on a squad. A successful experimental shoot is never a solo act. It is about how the makeup artist’s bold color palette reacts to the set design, or how the stylist’s choice of textures interacts with my lighting setup. When I work on editorials or brand campaigns, I view the subject—the model—as the soul of the narrative. We are not just showcasing clothing; we are commenting on the intersection of media, identity, and human feeling. If you have a concept that feels too bold or 'too much' for standard catalogs, that is exactly where my work begins. I am interested in narratives that challenge the viewer. ## About Malavika Jayaram I am Malavika, a photographer splitting my time between Mumbai and Kochi. I look at fashion as art, focusing on conceptual narratives rather than standard poses. I thrive on collaborating with creative teams to bring surreal ideas to life, whether through dramatic lighting, 35mm film, or fisheye distortion. [See all of Malavika Jayaram's services](https://mytribe.in/malavikajayaram_) ## More from Fashion & Editorial Photography by Malavika Jayaram - [Featured](https://mytribe.in/malavikajayaram_/fashion-editorial-photography/featured) - [Published Work: ELLE Beauty](https://mytribe.in/malavikajayaram_/fashion-editorial-photography/published-work-elle-beauty) - [Conceptual Series: Chemical Reaction](https://mytribe.in/malavikajayaram_/fashion-editorial-photography/conceptual-series-chemical-reaction) - [Conceptual Series: From The Pages](https://mytribe.in/malavikajayaram_/fashion-editorial-photography/conceptual-series-from-the-pages) - [Conceptual Series: Ophelia Reimagined](https://mytribe.in/malavikajayaram_/fashion-editorial-photography/conceptual-series-ophelia-reimagined) - [Brand Campaigns & Lookbooks](https://mytribe.in/malavikajayaram_/fashion-editorial-photography/brand-campaigns-lookbooks) - [Studies in Light & Shadow](https://mytribe.in/malavikajayaram_/fashion-editorial-photography/studies-in-light-shadow) - [Analog Forms: 35mm Film](https://mytribe.in/malavikajayaram_/fashion-editorial-photography/analog-forms-35mm-film) - [Studio Portraits & Styling](https://mytribe.in/malavikajayaram_/fashion-editorial-photography/studio-portraits-styling) ## More services by Malavika Jayaram - [Creative & Art Direction](https://mytribe.in/malavikajayaram_/creative-art-direction) ## Similar work from other experts - [Conceptual and Avant-Garde Photography](https://mytribe.in/librastudio__/fashion-editorial-photography/conceptual-avant-garde) by Libra · Fashion & Editorial Photography · Shoots across Mumbai, Delhi NCR, and Ahmedabad - [Conceptual & Avant-Garde Fashion Styling](https://mytribe.in/varuneshpal/editorial-fashion-styling/conceptual-avant-garde) by Varunesh Pal · Editorial Fashion Styling · Based in Mumbai; travels across India for shoots and projects - [Editorial & Creative Fashion Photography](https://mytribe.in/twofacesmedia/video-production-social-media-content/creative-editorial-photography) by Two Faces Media · Video Production & Social Media Content · Studio in Goregaon West, Mumbai; Travels across India for shoots - [Avant-Garde & Street Editorial Photography in Mumbai](https://mytribe.in/shikharphotographer/fashion-editorial-photography/avant-garde-street-editorial) by Shikhar Shukla · Fashion & Editorial Photography · Shoots across Mumbai; travels pan-India for projects - [Editorial and Creative Photography Concepts](https://mytribe.in/itspkphotography.in/commercial-advertising-photography/editorial-creative-concepts) by PK Photography · Commercial & Advertising Photography · Shoots at Andheri West studio or on-location across Mumbai - [Conceptual & Editorial Fashion Photography in Mumbai](https://mytribe.in/ruhaankhanportraits/fashion-editorial-photography/conceptual-editorial-stories) by Ruhaan Khan · Fashion & Editorial Photography · Shoots across Mumbai Metropolitan Area; Studio 1965 at Goregaon ## Book To book Malavika Jayaram, message mytribe on WhatsApp: [Chat on WhatsApp](https://wa.me/916360004054?text=Hi%20Malavika%2C%20I'm%20interested%20in%20your%20experimental%20photography%20style%20and%20would%20like%20to%20discuss%20a%20potential%20concept%20for%20a%20shoot.)