Behind the Scenes: The Art of Creating Portraits
Ever wonder how I turn a standard session into a work of art? This is a peek into my process, from setting up scenes and styling clients to the detailed digital editing that makes every photo feel like a story.
A quick look at a full maternity session, from setting up the backdrop to styling both an Indian wear look and a boho gown look.
Watch how I transform a studio portrait into a Raja Ravi Varma inspired masterpiece using digital editing techniques to create a painterly background and atmosphere.
A glimpse into my Bohemian Boudoir maternity sessions, showing how I work with clients to create comfortable, intimate, and artistic portraits.
This video shows the gentle care and patience required for newborn photography, as I safely position a sleeping baby for the perfect "bum-up" pose.
From a studio setup to a final, regal portrait. This video shows the transformation of our 18th-century inspired maternity shoot.
A look through my camera's viewfinder during a traditional maternity shoot, showing the raw image before the final artistic edits are applied.
This video shows my digital artistry, blending a studio portrait with elements from a classic Raja Ravi Varma painting to create a seamless, composite artwork.
A look at the process of creating a glamorous maternity portrait, from posing the couple in the studio to the final, polished image.
About Behind the Scenes: The Art of Creation
Many clients ask if I use filters for that painterly Raja Ravi Varma look. The truth is, that is the result of hours of meticulous digital painting and compositing I do after our shoot. When you book a session with me, you are not just getting a photographer, but an artist who sits down to carefully craft your images into something that looks like it belongs on a canvas.
My process is rooted in storytelling, not just capturing frames. Whether we are in my Mulund West studio or out in nature, every session begins with a conversation about what you want to remember.
The Creative Process
1. Planning and Styling: Before the camera comes out, we plan everything. If you are opting for a Raja Ravi Varma inspired shoot, we talk about the vintage props, the sarees, and the specific mood. If it is an outdoor session, we hunt for the perfect golden hour light. There is no guesswork involved.
2. During the Session: My goal is to make you comfortable enough to stop posing and start just being. I don't use heavy artificial studio lights that leave you feeling stiff. Instead, I use natural light and soft modifiers to keep the vibe relaxed and authentic. I often joke that my best direction is simply saying, 'Thoda bahar jaana' (move a little outside), to get that perfect, candid moment.
3. The Digital Magic: This is where the 'art' happens. For my fine art and fairytale portraits, I go beyond basic color correction. I use digital compositing to add elements like butterflies, fireflies, or textured backdrops that turn a simple shot into a dreamy scene. This editing process takes time, which is why I limit the number of images I finish—I want every single one to be a piece of art you are proud to hang on your wall.
Why I Work This Way
I prefer messy, muddy shoes and unplanned laughs over perfectly posed, sterile photos. My photography is about emotion, heritage, and the real connection between family members. If you are looking for someone to guide you through a creative process rather than just hand you a camera, we are going to get along perfectly.
Payal Gudhaka
Hi, I am Payal. I do not chase studio lights; I chase sunlight and stories. I believe the best portraits happen when you stop posing and just be yourself, whether that means we are playing in the forest or recreating vintage Indian art in my Mulund studio.
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