Behind the Scenes: How I Direct and Light My Shoots

When I am on set, nothing is left to chance. I keep a 'pitara'—my personal collection of lighting modifiers like Fresnel sheets and custom gobos—to sculpt the exact shadows and mood we need for each frame. Every piece of equipment, from the Profoto strobe to the specific light-shaping tool, is chosen to build the story, not just to illuminate the subject.

I do not just show up and snap photos. A campaign shoot is a living, breathing project. Whether we are in a Mumbai studio or on location, the process starts long before the shutter clicks. We begin with mood boards and technical breakdowns, deciding exactly how we will use light to tell the story.

My lighting workflow is obsessive. I use optical snoots for sharp, punchy highlights on jewellery and Fresnel sheets when I need that cinematic, theatrical quality. If a scene feels flat, we do not just add more lights. We look at the quality of the light. We adjust the angle, swap the modifier, and make sure the shadow fall-off is doing the heavy lifting.

Collaboration is non-negotiable. I rely on my team—stylists, MUAs, and assistants—to execute at a high level. On set, I am constantly directing. It is always, 'Chin down, look at me, give me attitude.' I want the model to feel the emotion of the piece. When you hire me, you are not just getting a photographer; you are getting a creative director who manages the set, the light, and the narrative.

I also believe in radical transparency. I share these behind-the-scenes glimpses because you deserve to know that the team behind your images is meticulous, technical, and driven by a vision. This is how we make your jewellery or brand the hero of the movie.