"Capturing the Essence of Design: Prasanth Mohan’s Architectural Photography"
Showcase is an effort by 58Miles to bring beautiful journeys of some of the amazing photographers of India & aboard . You will read about their journey , techniques , style and can see the outcome of their art in stunning frames. We asked them some questions to deep dive in to space and here we are....
Introducing 58Miles showcase photographer Prasanth Mohan from Kerala
Can you tell us a bit about your background and how you got started in photography?
My passion for photography began during my architecture studies at TKM College of Engineering in Kollam. Those five years not only shaped my architectural eye but also ignited a passion for storytelling through visuals. Small film projects were my first experiments with the camera, and my final year research on ‘Photography in Architectural Documentation’ deepened my understanding of the technical and theoretical aspects of this art form.
Post-graduation, my heart was set on a career in photography. But how to break into the industry? Assisting the renowned cinematographer Santhosh Thundiyil provided the perfect launchpad, giving me confidence and exposure to the world of cinematography.
While my architectural background was a strong foundation, I felt a particular draw towards architectural photography. Back then, it was a relatively niche field in Kerala, offering exciting opportunities.
So, I started my journey by capturing the projects of my seniors. Gradually, this led to the birth of my own photography studio, ‘Running Studios’ and a fulfilling career.
Today, our team is highly sought after, with a prestigious clientele and 700-plus projects spanning across India and the Middle East.
Currently, along with Architectural Photography, we are practising Photogrammetry too. To date, we have completed over 30 projects in the field of Heritage Documentation for a diverse range of clients, including government entities and agencies. Notable clients include UNESCO, Madhya Pradesh Tourism, PAMA, and more. 
What inspires your photography, and how do you choose your subjects or themes?
As I said earlier, my architectural background has served as the foundation for my photographic journey, but my interests have grown over time. The magic of cinema, the camaraderie of skilled technicians, and the rapid advancements in technology have all driven my love for photography. From the early days of Analogue Photography to the cutting-edge world of Virtual Reality, experimenting with new tools has also been fascinating.
Travel has had a significant impact too. I believe that immersing oneself in a new environment is critical to capturing its essence. Instead of taking photos right away, I prefer to soak up the atmosphere by observing colours, textures, light, and people's interactions. This approach has led to some truly unexpected moments, where I've been fortunate enough to be present at the perfect time to capture the perfect shot.
When it comes to architectural photography, buildings are my canvas. I love experimenting with light and shadow to create unique compositions. Beyond humans, I've even had the pleasure of working with cats, goats, and other animals as models. They add a touch of whimsy and personality to my shoots.
What has been your most memorable photography project or shoot, or any inspiring story around it, and why?
The most honouring project of my career was documenting the legendary Laurie Baker's architectural work for the Laurie Baker Centre (LBC) and COSTFORD. In 2016, I was asked to capture Baker's innovative approach to architecture. Unlike most projects, where the architect tells the story, I needed to look into Baker's life and work to truly understand his philosophy and vision.
The LBC was extremely supportive, allowing me to tailor my approach to this unique project. This experience was truly unforgettable, as I had the opportunity to photograph some of Baker's most iconic buildings in Kerala, including those from the late 1970s and 1980s, as well as his first residence in Vagamon, Kerala. 
What is your photography kit? or we would say, what is in your camera bag?
- Canon EOS R5
- Canon 5D Mark III
- Canon 16-35mm
- Canon 17-40mm
- Canon 70-200mm
- Canon 50mm
- DJI Mavic 3 Classic
- DJI Mavic 2 Pro
- Yashica FX3
- Fujifilm Instax mini90
- Zoom H1N and lot more...
What advice would you give to photographers who are just starting out and looking to make a name for themselves?
After fifteen years in architectural photography, I've learned that expertise is a sum of experience and challenges one confronts. While I can't offer definitive advice, I encourage budding photographers to be adaptable and avoid pigeonholing themselves into a single style or approach. Remember, architectural photography should primarily reflect the architect's or designer's vision, not the photographer's technical prowess.
I'm sure that the future of photography is full of exciting possibilities. So, to thrive, one shouldn't be too dependent on technology or too aloof from technology and its changes. Stay curious, keep learning, and embrace new technologies! 
Content writer : Aswathi P Babu
Content writer : Aswathi P BabuYou can find Prasanth Mohan on :
Instagram : prasanth.mohans
Website : www.runningstudios.in
