‘Art is mostly about observation.
Be curious about the world around you'
Rishi Raj
Rishi, a Bangalore based photographer, describes his journey of becoming a professional photographer as vibrant and unexpected as the frames he captures.
A curious creative spirit from an early age, his path to photography didn’t follow the typical route.
TELL US ABOUT
YOUR JOURNEY
'Growing up beside the tranquil Ganga River, my fascination with the world around me was palpable. I used to take spontaneous walks along the riverbank, where I used to capture fleeting moments with my phone camera. Those early days of casual photography, using a basic camera and internet articles, sowed the seeds for what became a lifelong passion.
Art has always been my home!
His first
big leap?
'A camera.
I asked my parents to get me one before my first year of college, so I could practice and perfect my skills'
​
And with that, Rishi began his transformation from an aspiring photographer to a true professional!
It’s not just the skills behind the lens that set Rishi apart—His lifestyle and personality are just as integral to his success. Having lived in both Delhi and Bombay, he found that neither city resonated with him.
For Rishi, “Bangalore offers me the perfect balance— it is a city with a laid-back vibe, pleasant weather, and a lifestyle that fits my temperament. The people are nicer, the pace is slower. It just suits me."
"Your career is important,
but it’s not more important than your personal peace of mind"
We know you enjoy Calligraphy,
and old cassettes.
Do theses play a role in your professional life?
'Learning classical art forms has taught me patience. Repeating the same process hundreds, even thousands of times to perfect it instills a calmness that reflects in my professional demeanour. When I’m in the midst of a shoot, and everything is chaotic, I find peace. I’m calm because I know how things will unfold.
These practices are deeply personal—they’re not about productivity or work; they’re about connecting with something tangible and meaningful.
Calligraphy, in particular, has
profoundly affected his professional life. It has taught him to slow down, breathe, and embrace the process!​
It’s something I do just for myself'
Do you face any challenges
as a freelancer?
On days when you're feeling overwhelmed, how do you deal with them?
“If I had a project that I couldn’t execute well,
it would spiral,” Over time, Rishi’s confidence grew—not through luck, but through relentless practice and
learning to acknowledge limits.
​
“I now know what I can and cannot do. If something isn’t my strength, I don’t take it on. For example, high-end product shoots or architectural photography don’t spark my interest or align with my expertise. I stay in my lane and focus on what excites me—primarily fashion and photojournalism.”
Budget constraints and competing with lower quotations from other photographers are part of the game.
“But if a project excites me and fits with my vision, I’ll still take it on,” he says, underscoring his belief that passion often outweighs financial considerations. And despite the logistical challenges of living in Bangalore, far from some of the country’s busiest creative hubs, Rishi thrives on the peace and simplicity the city offers, enabling him to focus fully on his work.
Tell us about the shoot you
did for Vogue.
'Ah, it was around three years ago.
There was a weekend shoot planned in Bangalore, and we had put together a small team.
We were developing the concept, sorting out the budget, and finalising the logistics.
Vogue provided the theme and brief,
and we took it from there.
Now Vogue wants to see and approve everything; makeup, clothing, models, and even the smallest details. For instance, we showed them 5–10 models before they approved one. They also provide a letter of authorization to reach out to brands, which is great because brands are usually more accommodating when they know it's for Vogue. During that time, there was a weekend curfew which added a layer of complexity. On Friday night, at around 3–4 AM, we set out to finalise locations for the shoot.
It was challenging but exciting—a bit like a puzzle where you figure things out as you go'
How did Vogue approach you for this shoot?
Did things change for you professionally after this Vogue shoot?
'They reached out through a curator who handles such assignments. Once the project was confirmed, I suggested Abhishek as the stylist because I’ve worked with him before and trust his vision. They reviewed his portfolio and approved him.
Before the shoot, it was harder to get responses, whether it was reaching out to brands or models for test shoots. After the Vogue feature, the responses improved significantly. People started reaching out to me instead, and brands were much more willing to collaborate. It’s nice when your work gets noticed.
But to be honest, I don’t care much about where someone’s work has been published. If I like their work, I’m happy to collaborate.
“Comfort zones are meant to be challenged”
Rishi loves capturing the minimal frames. They help him capture the deeper yet direct aesthetics. He believes that "Stepping outside of our comfort zone is how we grow as artists.” He pointed out that we all go through phases, learning in our comfort zones and growing out of our comfort zones! This mindset fuels his continuous creative evolution—pushing him to explore new concepts, techniques, and ideas with every shoot.
What advice would you give to aspiring photographers?
How do you stay true to your vision amidst the constantly shifting trends on social media?
“Take as many photos as possible.
Every click teaches you something!
Experimentation is key to discovering your style. Figure out what works for you and what doesn’t. Learn the technicalities, but also seek feedback from people whose work you admire.
Above all, believe in the power of observation.
Art is mostly just observation.
Be curious about the world around you.”
“I don’t care much about what’s trending online. Missing out on social media opportunities is fine if it means safeguarding my mental peace.
Rather than endlessly scrolling, I prefer diving deep into other art forms. I study painters, musicians, or even wood sculptors. Exploring these enriches my vision and ensures it isn’t diluted by fleeting trends.
My vision is a compilation of my life experiences.”
WHAT'S YOUR IDEA OF SUCCESS?
'My idea of success is quite simple: it’s about being able to do the things I truly want to do. Of course, financial success is an essential part of life—it goes without saying—but for me, success extends beyond that. It’s about being able to shoot the projects I’m passionate about, practice the hobbies I love, and most importantly, maintain mental peace without being overly stressed.
​
Success also means embracing continuous learning.
Whether it’s through my work or personal interests, I never want to stop growing'
Instagram - Rishi Raj