"From Mobile Photography to Celebrity Shoots: Anurag Gajanan Vyawahare's Journey Through the Lens"

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 Anurag Gajanan Vyawahare from pune

Can you tell us a bit about your background and how you got started in photography?

I was first introduced to mobile photography during my college years while pursuing a Bachelor's in Engineering. It wasn't until I was in my MBA program that I experienced DSLR photography, and that’s when my true passion for photography began. After completing my studies, I got a job in Srinagar, Kashmir. The stunning beauty of the Kashmir Valley inspired me to delve into landscape and wildlife photography. I spent a year there, using my free time to explore and improve my photography skills.

During this time, a friend asked me to shoot their post-wedding photos. Pre-wedding and post-wedding shoots were just gaining popularity in the market, so I researched the concept and did my first post-wedding shoot, which went viral in my hometown. This success motivated me, and while still working, I landed 3-4 wedding photography projects.

After working for 1 year and 16 days, I resigned from my job and returned to Pune to pursue photography full-time. For the past nine years, I’ve been working as a wedding and portrait photographer. This journey from doing free shoots to photographing celebrities has been incredibly special to me.

 

 

 

What inspires your photography, and how do you choose your subjects or themes?

Everyone finds their own source of inspiration, whether it's nature, animals, or abstract concepts. For me, my photography is inspired by people, culture, emotions, and the stories they tell. I love to travel, and so far, I've explored over 14 countries. I also attend various Indian festivals to document them through my lens. Alongside wedding and portrait photography, I dedicate my free time to travel and street photography.

When working with clients, I carefully choose themes that align with their interests, artistic goals, and personal stories.

 

 

 

What has been your most memorable photography project or shoot, or any inspiring story around it, and why?

I shot my first paid wedding six months after quitting my job. By then, my bank accounts were nearly drained, and while my parents were initially hesitant, they eventually supported me. During that time, I was doing free shoots to build my portfolio. Then, out of the blue, a friend approached me to shoot his sister's wedding in Jammu. This opportunity felt nostalgic because of my connection with Jammu & Kashmir. I handled the entire wedding by myself, capturing both the photos and cinematic video. It was a great experience, but it made me realize that this isn't a one-person job. After that, I started building my own team and taking on projects independently.

 

 

 

 What is your photography kit ? or we would say, what is in your camera bag?

Here’s what I carry in my photography kit

Cameras:

Nikon Z6ii with 24mm f/1.4, 50mm f/1.8, and 85mm f/1.8 lenses
Sony a7IV with 35mm f/1.4 and 85mm f/1.4 lenses

Accessories:

Cleaning kit
Extra batteries and fast memory cards
Various cables, card readers, and an SSD for backups
Camera cover roll for shooting in the rain
Variable filters (NISI)
Wired and wireless microphones

 

 

 

 

What advice would you give to photographers who are just starting out and looking to make a name for themselves?

One key piece of advice for every beginner is to take things slow. Start by working under an experienced photographer and watch behind-the-scenes processes. Photography involves much more than just clicking and delivering photos; you need to learn client management, business management, data management, and more. If you want to make a name for yourself, it’s crucial to go through the process and avoid taking on projects without the necessary experience, as this can cast doubt on your work.

Don’t get discouraged by short-term challenges—have patience. The process can be tough, but once you gain confidence, there’s no looking back. Lastly, build a strong and trustworthy team. A solid team will not only help you grow but will also be essential to the success of your business.

 

 

 

 

You can find Anurag Gajanan Vyawahare on :

Instagram : a9ragphotography