Making your own theory

Sensual, attractive, and enticing Pranoy Sarkar’s photographs provide a captivating insight into the glitzy world of Fashion Photography’. Pranoy has effectively established his own imprint in the market after many years of experience working with notable persons and stunning projects. We chatted with him about his journey into the fashion sector and his method of making stunning photos in order to bring the best and unique of art to the world’s attention. Excerpts:

- Pranoy Sarkar

When did you realise you wanted to be a photographer? What specifically drew you to fashion?

I was studying fashion communications from NIFT Delhi, and photography was a part of our curriculum. It is the first time then I used a professional camera, and really got drawn into the art of image making. Initially, travelled to remote places and started documenting people and culture. At the same time, I started exploring old photographic processes, learning and experimenting by myself in my college dark room. a couple of years, I wanted to create an image from scratch, build an idea first, draw it on paper first and then make it bit by bit.

As I was a fashion student, it was a natural evolution for me to explore fashion photography, and I found the scope I was looking for.

When comparing where you are now to where you started, what might you have done differently to get to where you are faster?

Nothing really, I feel what takes long to build also sustains longer. When I started shooting, social media really didn't exist much. Although the gratification of an image or reach was far lesser or slower than today, but a good photograph stayed with people for life, unlike today when we are fatigued with a burst of imagery on digital platforms. I feel fortunate to have started at a time which was slower, and which gave me multiple opportunities to redo images till I get it right, which is rarely possible today.

I don't think I would have done anything differently, I feel my life is made up of many happy accidents and that is how I landed up doing what I do!

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?