Kingfisher Calender 2021

Atul Kasbekar, one of the most famous photographers of India, is known for his top-notch fashion photography. He is best known for his association with Kingfisher Calendar over the years. Kasbekar commenced his professional career in 1991, in his studio named Negative Space. He has worked with many skilled photographers like Jay Silverman, Dennis Gray, Jay P Morgan, and many others.

- Atul Kasbekar

Q. Share your pre-shoot preparations for the Kingfisher Calendar 2021 photoshoot?

A. Pre-shoot preparation over the years is rather standardized now. We have prep conversations primarily with the stylist - Alia Al Rufai, who pieces together a bunch of looks that is extensive enough to cover whatever locales we would come across.There is an elaborate recce done where we year mark locations we like and the time of day that we will shoot there. The basis that, the swimwear, hair, and makeup looks are dictated. I have always been a proponent of less being more and much prefer a certain easy elegance and timelessness to my imagery.

Q. Tell us about the Gear List (Camera, Lens, Lights, etc.) used in this Calendar photoshoot.

A. In terms of gear what we have done for many years is to use fill-flash for the outdoors. It has helped us by giving a unique look and feel to the calendar. We use battery operated Profoto flashes extensively, almost in every image. Sometimes they are used as a primary light source especially when the sun acts as a backlight, because I don’t like the inconsistency of fill cards I often use the flash as a fill. This year we used the Sony Alpha camera system to shoot and I was extremely happy with the results. The range of lens used was from 20 mm upwards to about 85mm.

Q. Which particular shot from the calendar photoshoot 2021 is your ideal pick?