From fields to studios

Venu Rasuri got the knack of listening to his surroundings and observing things in its purest form through his father's regular travels to the rice fields. This foundation piqued his interest and led him towards a creative path. After graduating in Fine Arts - Photography from Hyderabad, he continued to improve his photography abilities with his first studio while finishing his schooling. Then he moved to Mumbai, the city of dreams, to pursue his ambition of being a photographer and to work with some of the industry's greatest photographers. He enjoys experimenting with various styles and approaches in order to depict sentiments and situations that are more than meets the eye. Every photograph must tell a distinct story/emotion, and this is what motivates him to get the desired outcome. Editorials in Elements Magazine (New York) and HUF Magazine (Europe) were a stepping stone for him in the fashion field of photography. He has experience in all aspects of visual communication, including editorials, campaigns, ads, in-store communication, and fine arts for portfolios and experimental photography. He looks forward to the difficulties offered to him every day in order to create and capture photos that are both refreshing and inspirational. So in this interview we spoke to Venu about his work, style and his process behind all the stunning images. Excerpts:

- SANCHIT MISHRA

When did you know you wanted to be a professional photographer? What drew you to fashion in particular?

When I was in my 11th Grade I have decided I want to be a photographer, and I pursued B.F.A (Bachelor of Fine Arts) in Photography, From S.V.C.F.A in Hyderabad. And why fashion? Well, during my graduation, I started shooting portraits and then eventually started to shooting for some designer friends, but I feel I am more a portrait photographer I just add bit of fashion on them.

What distinguishes fashion photography from other types of photography?

With fashion photography you sell the lifestyle more than the product, very interesting fact is you will have so much room to experiment in fashion photography.

When did you recognise you'd made it, and what has been your most important aim throughout your career? Is there anything in your profession that you are really proud of? If so, what exactly was it?

I don't want to think myself that I made it, because only thing which makes me to wake up every day is, there is still long way to go and I have to make many more incredible portraits and fashion images. I feel proud when models or clients come back to be and when they say this one image of me/my collection which you crafted gave me so much business or complements, that's the proud moment for me and I have many and many more to come.

How collaborative are you with your shoots? For example, you won't have much creative flexibility with a fashion catalogue shot. Do you have the ability to design your own concepts, or do you need the client's approval?