Shantanu & Nikhil
Tarun Khiwal is among India's leading fashion photographers today. He is a true maverick. His experimental style and finesse transformed fashion photography in India and gave it a global edge, while also ushering in a new era of exploration. So, when he recently became the face of Fujifilm in India, we were curious to know more about his observations on photography in India and photography at large in this digital era. We got in touch to talk about the new collaboration and more. Excerpts below:
To begin with, could you tell us what led you towards photography?
I used to be an introvert when I was younger and one fine day my father bought me my very first camera. I was in tenth grade. The camera soon became my means of expression and discovering the world in a whole new way. I slowly started to open up, eventually became comfortable with people from varied age groups and one thing led to another. I recognised that my medium of expression is visual and this led me to many opportunities to meet new people and experiences. My life has been quite rich ever since, rich with experiences.
What is your relationship with photography and the photographic image?
As photographers, it is very important to know one’s sensibility or language. Knowing the craft or technicalities is one thing, but if the photographer realizes and understands their sensibility and holds strong to it, their work will eventually resonate with who they are as a person. They will then create an identity for themselves in their respective genre.
Can you tell us a little about your collaboration with Fujifilm and how it came about?
I have been in touch with Fuji for a very long time now and they had been very kind by offering their equipment for testing. I was very keen to get a camera which feels like 35mm, but at the same time delivers the quality of a medium format. When the GFX series was introduced, I was very impressed with the technology, as it has a large sensor but also a body like a 35mm camera which gave me a lot of freedom and agility to shoot.
What is the one thing you would like today’s aspiring photographers to take away from your experience?
To find your language is crucial for any artist, otherwise one can end up leaning towards references, which have already been created by someone with a different experience that is not their own. To have your own experiences you will have to be deeply connected to life and your own life experiences will carve out a sensibility true to your being. Irrespective of the genre of specialization in photography, every photographer needs to see and experience how life pulsates in the universe before they start making images. Just surrender yourself to life to get connected and it will take you on a journey that will eventually help you to make good career out of it.
What are your observations on photography in India and photography at large in this new digital era?
Digital and social media platforms have taken centerstage in many people’s lives. The pandemic has made it more complicated, as everyone is caught up with social media life. Your digital media platform can sell just by looking cool and with all the effects. Selling is the best part that social media platforms have offered artists and creators. But is your content worth people’s time?
When was the last time you saw a work that passed through your being rather than just pass down the mobile screen while scrolling?
Majority of us have lost perception regarding how to see and create work that inspires. Digital junk is true, and I would say take a break from social media rather than being bombarded by information and getting mentally fatigued. We are humans with emotions, not a computer that processes information regardless of what it is meant to be. As an artist, stay true to your sensibility rather than getting lost in the multitude of social media pressures and gratifications. There is no destination for anyone, the journey by itself is what one needs to focus on and experience thoroughly.
Text Hansika Lohani Mehtani
Date 13-08-2021
