Abhishek Lal, Fashion Photographer| TMM Exclusive
With time we all understand and discover inner calling and that is exactly what happened to fashion photographer Abhishek Lal, who is at present a famous face in the world of fashion and editorial photography. For Abhishek, it’s his eyes for detailing that draws the attention of viewers and he considers it his key to success blended with fortune. In conversation with TMM, the new-age photographer shares a slice of his success and his take on the dynamic world of photography.
Who is Abhishek Lal as a person behind the camera? How did photography happen to you?
I will say I am a humble, optimistic, and easy to get along the person, who is available for his friends and loved ones anytime. I also run my own account by the name “Abhishek Lal Photography” on social media channels which say a lot about me and my work. I was born in Patna, Bihar, did my schooling from St Karen’s High School, Patna, Bihar. Since childhood, I was passionate about drawing & painting. I remember I used to draw all the time back after coming from school. Then I studied Fashion Communication from National Institute of Fashion Technology, New Delhi. In this entire journey, my mother & sisters had been my strength, as my dad was a bit apprehensive at first but now he is supportive too (winks). During college, one of my seniors helped me to approach photography as a career. After that, I never looked back. I used to take college photography assignments, do part-time shoots for hotels, part-time projects, and test shoots. I experimented with almost every genre of photography before I discovered fashion photography.
As a photographer, how do you make sure that the person you want to shoot looks the way you want it?
It is crucial to have a common goal when you do a shoot for any client. I’m very meticulous with the planning of any project. I start with understanding what the client wants, what they wish to portray, and how can I make it come to real life. After knowing the client likes and dislikes, I plan a mood board for them. For a fashion photographer, his team involves a stylist, hair, and makeup artist. I also discuss the shoot with them in order to learn from each other’s creativity. It helps to bring out the best.
From your point of view, what makes a good picture?
Everybody has a different perspective of viewing a photograph. For me, I think each frame, every object in the picture, colors & composition should tell a story as a whole. I want to narrate everything from my work. There should be a level of the grey zone and eye movement when you see any particular image. For example, when you see a window display of a shop, you get attracted to the display; you go inside the shop to buy clothes just because you like their display. I think it is very important to hold the viewers’ attention in the first 3 seconds. The more people invest their time on your photo the more engaging your photo will be.
Since photography techniques and equipment change frequently, it is important to stay up-to-date. What do you do to always keep up with the times?
I keep reading photography blogs, watch documentaries, and behind the scene videos. I do primary research on new equipment as and when they are launched. Studying different photographers helps a lot. All this together helps me to understand new upcoming techniques and trends in the market. Apart from this, I am always experimenting with lights, trying to refine my techniques and find new ways of creativity. I always leave space to grow and improve.
Nowadays, almost everyone has access to devices with a good camera and editing features.
What do you think is the difference between a professional photographer and any other hobby photographer?
I am a person who loves perfection and I always try to make my shoots better every time.
Photography is not just about clicking pictures, it an art where you paint with lights. You have to be an artist first to become a professional photographer. An amateur photographer takes photos that reflect his own sense of thought but they forget the real purpose of the photos. People usually think that expensive, sophisticated cameras make excellent photographers – the truth is that you can only judge the photographer from the quality of his photos.
The professional photographers are known for their great technical skills that help them bring excellent photography values. Their photos have a sense of design, they understand color theory, source of lighting, angles, and most important the commercial aspects.
Which one is your favourite lens and why do you prefer it?
I shoot with a Canon 5d Mark IV and my go-to-lens is 24-105 mm. I shoot with both natural and studio lighting, so my equipment varies, but I often shoot with a zoom lens as it gives me the freedom of movement, distortion, and cropping and playing with composition and depth.
Who has influenced you the most in your career? Is there any other photographer that you consider as your idol?
The person who inspired me was my mentor Vickram Singh Bawa (celebrity fashion photographer). He has been very supportive and most down to earth person to work with. I also admire Tarun Khiwal, Frank Louis and Mario Testino for their incredible work.
Tell us about your biggest achievement till date and your dream project.
My biggest achievement till date is doing a Noise magazine cover shoot with Bollywood singer Jubin Nautiyal. Also, I was a judge for Inter-School Photography Competition at Blue Bells Model School, Delhi alongside Deepak Vohra, Former Ambassador and Special Advisor to the Prime Minister of India. If I have to mention one dream, it has to be cover shoot for Vogue magazine.
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