Mumbai, a vibrant metropolis, is not just India’s financial powerhouse but also its undisputed fashion capital. The city pulsates with creativity, attracting aspiring talents and seasoned professionals alike, especially in the realm of fashion photography. While many wield a camera, true artistry lies in the ability to translate vision into compelling imagery. Becoming a successful fashion photographer in Mumbai demands a blend of innate talent, unwavering passion, and a keen understanding of the dynamic fashion landscape. Formal certifications are secondary to the strength of one’s portfolio; a captivating photograph speaks volumes, regardless of credentials.
This curated list highlights some of the top Fashion Photographers In Mumbai, individuals who possess the exceptional skill to transform ordinary portraits into captivating works of art.
1. A.Rrajani Photography
A.Rrajani stands as a prominent figure among fashion photographers in Mumbai, boasting over two decades of experience in the industry. His journey commenced at the young age of 16 in 2000, and since then, he has established himself as a sought-after professional specializing in fashion, portfolio, celebrity, and advertising photography across India. His impressive portfolio includes collaborations with prestigious fashion events like Gladrags, Indian Princess, and Next Door Diva, alongside work for renowned designers such as Tarun Tahiliani, Peacock Bride, and Rohit Bal. His lens has captured the creations of a vast array of fashion houses, from Globus and Kimaya to international brands like Van Heusen and Gant, showcasing his versatility across diverse styles.
Beyond designer collaborations, A.Rrajani’s clientele extends to major corporate entities and media houses. He contributed to Anupam Kher’s Picture Case Book for Mid-day for four years and has worked with brands like Skechers, Panasonic, Amway Attitude, and Honda, demonstrating his adaptability to various commercial photography needs. His portfolio further includes capturing moments for luxury resorts and airlines, highlighting his ability to deliver high-quality imagery across different sectors.
A.Rrajani’s expertise also encompasses celebrity portraits, having photographed a galaxy of Bollywood stars. His impressive list includes Salman Khan, Kareena Kapoor Khan, Sonu Sood, and Shabana Azmi, among many others, showcasing his comfort and skill in working with high-profile personalities. His ability to capture the essence of his subjects, whether in fashion shoots, celebrity portraits, or commercial campaigns, solidifies his position as a leading fashion photographer in Mumbai. For those seeking a seasoned professional to create a high-impact fashion portfolio or capture glamorous imagery, A.Rrajani is undoubtedly a top choice.
2. Suresh Natarajan
Suresh Natarajan is a highly respected name amongst famous fashion photographers, recognized for his significant contributions to the fashion industry over the past two decades. His body of work serves as a source of inspiration for emerging photographers. Born in Kerala and later moving to Canada in 1985, Suresh’s passion for visual storytelling led him to graduate from Ryerson University in Toronto and further pursue a diploma in TV production. This diverse background informs his approach to photography, marked by versatility and the ability to excel even in challenging shooting environments.
Suresh Natarajan’s portfolio spans a wide spectrum, from collaborating with major corporate brands to creating striking fashion editorials. His two decades of experience have allowed him to refine his craft, consistently producing captivating and impactful images. His experience extends beyond still photography, as he has also worked as an Assistant Director on two significant Indian feature film projects, demonstrating his multifaceted talent and deep understanding of visual media.
3. Prabuddha Dasgupta
Prabuddha Dasgupta (1956-2012) was an influential figure in Indian fashion and fine-art photography. Throughout his three-decade career, he became renowned for his distinctive black and white photography, capturing the raw beauty and essence of his subjects. His notable work, “Women” (1996), a compelling series of portraits of urban Indian women, remains a significant contribution to Indian photography, reflecting his unique perspective and artistic vision.
4. Atul Kasbekar
Atul Kasbekar is a celebrated fashion photographer and a successful Bollywood film producer, making him a multifaceted personality in the Indian entertainment industry. He is perhaps best known for his iconic Kingfisher Calendar shoots, which have become synonymous with glamour and high-fashion photography in India. Adding to his industry standing, Atul Kasbekar has also served as the honorary chairman of the Photographer’s Guild of India, demonstrating his leadership and influence within the photography community. Beyond photography, his foray into Bollywood film production further showcases his entrepreneurial spirit and creative range.
5. Jagdish Mali
Jagdish Mali was a respected Indian fashion and film photographer who followed his passion from a young age. Despite a lack of interest in formal schooling, his childhood dream of becoming a professional photographer materialized into a successful career. Over his career, Jagdish Mali captured portraits of numerous prominent celebrities, including Rekha, Anupam Kher, Irrfan Khan, and Shabana Azmi, leaving behind a legacy of memorable images of Indian film icons.
6. Gautam Rajadhyaksha
Gautam Rajadhyaksha, based in Mumbai, was a preeminent fashion photographer in India and a leading celebrity portrait photographer. He held the distinction of photographing almost every major icon in the Indian film industry, making him a chronicler of Bollywood’s golden era and beyond. His work reached international audiences, with publications in San Francisco, Dubai, London, and across India, solidifying his global recognition.
7. Raghu Rai
Raghu Rai, born Raghunath Rai Chowdhry in 1942, is considered one of the top photographers in India and a highly respected photojournalist. His career took a significant turn when he became a protégé of the legendary Henri Cartier-Bresson, who invited him to join Magnum Photos in 1977. Prior to this, Raghu Rai worked as a photojournalist for a newspaper until 1976, before transitioning to a freelance career. His association with Magnum Photos and his dedication to photojournalism have established him as a major figure in Indian photography.
8. Raghubir Singh
Raghubir Singh was an influential Indian photographer celebrated for his landscape and documentary-style photographs capturing the essence of Indian life and its people. A self-taught photographer, he divided his time between India, Paris, London, and New York, bringing a global perspective to his work. He collaborated with prestigious publications like National Geographic Magazine, The New York Times, and Time, showcasing his talent to a wide audience. Notably, in the early 1970s, Raghubir Singh was a pioneer in embracing color photography at a time when it was still considered unconventional in fine art, revolutionizing the aesthetic landscape of the medium.
9. Sudhir Shivaram
Sudhir Shivaram is a highly admired and beloved photographer in India, particularly in the field of wildlife photography. He serves as an inspiration for many individuals aspiring to pursue their passions. While an engineer by profession, his true calling lies in photography and teaching. Sudhir Shivaram has earned widespread recognition and appreciation as a leading wildlife photographer, capturing the beauty of nature through his lens.
10. Rathika Ramasamy
Rathika Ramasamy is a distinguished wildlife photographer based in Chennai, working as a freelance professional. Her photography has garnered numerous awards, and she has been recognized as “the first Indian woman to establish an international reputation as a wildlife photographer,” breaking barriers in a traditionally male-dominated field. Her commitment to environmental causes is evident in her involvement with the Clean Ganga Campaign in 2005.
11. Arjun Mark
Arjun Mark has received significant recognition for his exceptional photography, earning two nominations in the prestigious Communication Arts Photography competition. He was honored with the “Award of Excellence” at the Communication Arts Best in Photography competition in both March 2010 and March 2011, highlighting his consistent excellence and artistic merit in the field.
12. Dayanita Singh
Dayanita Singh is an acclaimed Indian photographer known for her unique approach to book photography. With fourteen books to her name, she explores the relationship between people and visual photographs through her art. Dayanita Singh’s most recognized works are her portraits of India’s metropolitan elite and middle class, offering insightful glimpses into contemporary Indian society.
13. Sooni Taraporevala
Sooni Taraporevala is a versatile Indian artist, recognized as a screenwriter, filmmaker, and photographer. She has penned screenplays for Mira Nair’s acclaimed films such as Mississippi Masala, The Namesake, and the Oscar-nominated Salaam Bombay. Additionally, she adapted Rohinton Mistry’s novel “Such A Long Journey” for the screen, showcasing her literary and cinematic talents. Her photographic work often reflects the vibrant and diverse lives of Mumbai residents, providing intimate glimpses into the city’s social fabric.
14. Jatin Kampani
Jatin Kampani is a leading fashion photographer who achieved prominence early in his career, known for his extensive knowledge and mastery of high-quality photography. He has been consistently ranked among the top 200 Best Ad Photographers Worldwide, with his photographs featured in prestigious photography journals and fashion magazines globally. His client roster includes high-profile brands such as Loreal, Sony, and Citizen, underscoring his industry recognition and commercial success.
15. Tarun Khiwal
Tarun Khiwal is a prominent figure amongst the top fashion photographers in the Indian fashion industry, recognized with the prestigious Hasselblad Masters Award by the Hasselblad Foundation. Based in Delhi, his creative and innovative shoots are frequently featured in leading magazine spreads. Tarun Khiwal serves as a role model for aspiring photographers, and his studio has become a valuable learning ground for individuals from various nationalities seeking internships and mentorship in fashion photography.
16. Rohan Shrestha
Rohan Shrestha, of Nepalese origin but born in India, is a celebrated photographer based in both Mumbai and New York. Coming from a lineage of photography as the son of Rakesh Shrestha, a pioneer in Indian photography, Rohan has carved his own niche in the industry. His photographs have graced the covers of numerous prominent magazines, demonstrating his impact and reach. He has collaborated with a wide array of A-list celebrities, including Kareena Kapoor, Varun Dhawan, and Deepika Padukone, showcasing his skill in capturing star power and fashion elegance.
17. R Burman
R Burman is a highly respected fashion photographer in India who cultivated a passion for photography from childhood. He pursued formal education at the Brooks Institute of Photography in California, USA, and gained valuable professional experience working alongside renowned photographers Steven Klein and Mark Seliger in New York and Los Angeles for five years. Upon returning to India, he began his career as a fashion photographer with Vogue magazine and has since collaborated with numerous esteemed fashion magazines in the country, establishing himself as a prominent name in the industry.
18. Subi Samuel
Subi Samuel is a leading commercial fashion photographer in the Indian fashion industry. He is known for his glamorous and visually striking covers for numerous popular fashion magazines. Subi Samuel has worked with a wide range of popular brands and has consistently delivered captivating imagery for magazine covers. His talent has been recognized through numerous awards, and he has collaborated with many well-known celebrities, solidifying his position as a top commercial fashion photographer.
19. Avinash Gowariker
Avinash Gowariker is a well-established fashion photographer who chose photography as his career path early on. His work has garnered support from influential figures such as Ashutosh Gowariker, Aamir Khan, and Salman Khan, highlighting his industry connections and talent. Avinash Gowariker’s portfolio includes collaborations with diverse organizations and publications such as PETA, Filmfare, and D’Decor, showcasing his versatility across different photographic genres.
20. Dabboo Ratnani
Dabboo Ratnani is a name virtually synonymous with fashion photography in India. He is best known for his highly anticipated annual calendar featuring Bollywood celebrities, a tradition he initiated in 1999 and which has become a cultural phenomenon. Beyond photography, Dabboo Ratnani has also served as a judge on television shows like India’s Next Top Model and as a jury member for the Miss India contest, demonstrating his multifaceted engagement with the fashion and entertainment industries. His long-standing career and consistent presence have cemented his status as a leading celebrity fashion photographer in Mumbai.
