“For me, the camera is a sketch book, an instrument of intuition and spontaneity.”
― Henri Cartier-Bresson
Hello, I’m Vivek. A lawyer by profession, a visual artist by passion. Painting in school took me to a whole new journey of photography later in my law school. I have been taking up professional assignments since 2015. I love travelling and creating artwork that starts conversations.
My Journey (2009-2023)
I met photography on the way to my second year of law school in 2009, when I started toying with point-and-shoot cameras borrowed from friends, doing mostly nature and event photography. I finally moved to DSLR in 2015. This year marked the dawn of my photography career which I had never imagined before, followed by back-to-back wedding photography assignments and excellent reviews pouring in from my clients. By the end of 2017, I was one of the highest rated wedding photographers in Bangalore with publications in Vistara Airlines’ flight magazine and Deccan Chronicle.
I always feel, there is so much in photography that one cannot learn and master, in one lifetime. Therefore, when I moved from Bangalore to Mumbai in 2017, I shifted my focus on using studio lights and high-end retouching, to the best of my advantage. I have not looked back since then, and still learning everyday to become a true visual artist. Today, I find myself in that rare category of photographers, who is a lawyer at the same time. Being a corporate lawyer gives me a distinct competitive edge over other photographers who may not have freedom to experiment more and take up non-commercial, but interesting projects.
I see this as blessing in disguise. Following your passion, despite having a full time profession, definitely requires more than just will power and motivational speech. Thankfully, I have been able to continue my growth as a photographer and lawyer every day, without fail. It’s the love for creating something beautiful that keeps me going and does not let me sleep at night sometimes.
Achievements
Awards
- 1st Prize, ‘Vintage Wheels‘ Still Image Contest by Vibgyor, Jan 2023
- 1st Prize, ‘BlooM‘, Nature Photography Contest by Vibgyor, Feb 2023
Exhibitions
- 2023, CEIF – Consumer Electronic Imaging Fair at Jio World Convention Centre, Mumbai
- 2024, Bombay Art Society, Mumbai
Certifications
- Integrated photography course from Michigan State University (online)
- Seeing Through Photograph by Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), New York (online)
- Fashion photography and editing course by BHAOF, Mumbai
Select Clients/Brands
- Delta Faucet, a US-based manufacturer of bathroom and kitchen fittings
- Bblunt Salons
- Vintage and Classic Car Club of India (VCCCI)
Jury
Bar & Bench Photography Competition for Lawyers, May 2015
Brand Partnerships
- Panasonic Lumix India
Celebrities
Chef Harpal Singh Sokhi
Helly Shah | Sneha Namanandi
Adhuna Bhabani Akhtar | Shreya Sharma
Mehttab Siddiqui | Debopriya C. Ranadive
Workshops Conducted
- Landscape Photography Master Class for Lumix Mumbai, March 2023
- Photography Website Designing
P U B L I S H E D / F E A T U R E D
PRESENT CAMERA: Lumix S1 & iPhone 15 Pro
LENSES & TRIPOD: Lumix S 24-105mm F4.0; Lumix S 50mm F1.8, Leofoto LS-324C+LH-40
FILTERS: Tiffen 77mm ND 0.9; Kenko 77mm Circular Polarizing, H&Y Revoring 67-82mm Swift Magnetic Variable Adapter, H&Y ND & CPL HD MRC 95mm Drop-in Filter (ND64)
LIGHTS: Godox AD200Pro; Godox S-Type Speedlite Bracket; Godox SB-UBW 120cm Grid Umbrella; Godox 80cm Octa Softbox; Rogue 3-in-1 Flash Grid; Light Stand; Boosty E27 Light Socket; Harison Quadlux Mark II Single Kit
BAGS & CASES: Sony Camera Backpack; Tizum Organiser; Lens Protective Pouches; Light Stand Carry Bag
“Vivek has an eye for detail and is a perfectionist to the core. There were so many amazing shots that he took, however he was not satisfied with that and kept taking more shots until he got that perfect shot. He never tires during a shoot and keeps at it till he is completely satisfied. He made a lot of otherwise dreary and dull shots come alive through his photography. He also spends a lot of time post the shoot to select the good photographs and edit them to give it that finishing edge.” ― Priyadarshini Shetty
“We loved the candid photographs Vivek took at our wedding. From the Mehendi to the Bidaai, he covered everything, including the make-up and wardrobe shots. The pictures he has captured of our family and friends will be treasured for a lifetime. He was polite, patient, accommodating and got along so well with us that it felt like he was a part of our extended family. As a bride, I felt very comfortable having him around, he worked around our constraints and took photos that authentically captured the moments. Choosing him as the photographer for our destination wedding in Goa was our best decision.” ― Archana Sinha
“The talent is there. Of this there is no doubt; glance through his photos and the skill becomes supremely evident. What the pictures may not tell you about this man though, is his patience, his unending patience. And his desire to push, to do that little bit extra that distinguishes a good photo from an excellent one. The other impressive bit about Vivek is, I think, the fact that he is own harshest critic. Highly recommended, and a thorough professional.” ― Anuj Garg
Creative Genes 