Behind the Lens with Pragalbh & Laika

Every lighting setup and photography technique you see here has been 'lab-tested' by Laika, my muse and chief treat inspector for the last 13 years. My process is built entirely on the patience—and occasional chaos—that comes from working with a real animal, not just a subject. I don't force poses because, like any of us, a pet's true personality only comes out when they are comfortable.

I was never supposed to be a photographer. My plan was to play guitar in rock bands, but life had other ideas. While photography started as a creative outlet, I found my purpose after fostering a black indie puppy. I was warned that 'black, indie, and female' were difficult traits for adoption, but I realized that a good photo could change a life. Seeing how a simple, honest image could get a dog adopted changed everything for me.

Today, I work with everyone from corporate brands to rescue centers like CARE (Charlie's Animal Rescue Centre). Whether I am in a home studio in Bangalore or trekking through the mountains of Uttarakhand to photograph working Gaddi dogs, my goal remains the same: to tell a story. I do not care for stiff, unnatural poses. I want to capture the goofy, the regal, and the shy sides of your companions. My work is not just about making a pet look pretty; it is about showing off the quirks and moods that make them unique individuals. If you want photos that feel real and capture your pet's actual vibe, we will get along just fine.