One step closer

Vansh, being a keen observer of life, attempted a variety of methods to help him discharge his thoughts. He recalls taking notes in school and clipping photos from newspapers to build collages, until one day he got his hands on his sister’s camera. And when he assisted her with several projects, he realised the comfort it provided him. It was unintentional, yet it felt like coming home. Though he first began honing his abilities with experiments, it wasn’t long before he was enrolling in photography classes to better understand the science behind the medium. Leaving behind the usual job paths that his friends took, discovering his adventure in photography provided hima sense of achievement on its own. So in this interview we had a talk with Vansh Virmani about his photography journey and his work flow. Excerpts:

- Vansh Virmani

Most photographers have a lightbulb moment when they realise this is what they should be doing. When was that for you, and why did you select fashion photography as a genre?

 As a keen observer of life, I tried many mediums which could help me release my thoughts. I remember writing notes and cutting images from newspapers to make collages when I was in school, until one day I laid hands upon my sister's camera which she had gotten for her college work. And while I helped her with some projects, I realised the solace it gave me. It was accidental, but instantly comforting, like finding home.

Though at first, I began polishing my skills with experiments, it wasn't too long before I was taking photography courses to understand the science behind the medium.

Back in 2018, I was working in Hindustan Times as a photojournalist. It gave me a lot of joy that I could tell stories through images. With photojournalism, I could only capture a moment as it was. However, with fashion photography and art direction, I could almost paint a photograph where I could direct and conceptualise a shoot.

Working with brands like Torani helped me open my horizons and it was certainly a lightbulb moment for me where I felt like I was being true to my art.

Who are some of your favourite fashion photographers? Why?

Richard Avedon. Hands down. He's my favourite out of all. I've truly been fascinated by the power of his photography to suggest personality. His images register poses, hairstyles, and clothing as vital elements of an image by bending the rules of photographic composition, both in the street and in the studio, to a particular stylistic and narrative purpose. He was famous for his minimalistic work, his portraits were often well lit and in front of clean backdrops - emphasising only on the subject he is photographing.