Kunal Malhotra - One Thing That We All Ignore as a Beginner Photographer Is the Importance of Lighting in Photography (Photographer)

Website - www.kunalmalhotra.in

Instagram - the.photography.blogger

1. Tell us about your background and journey.

My name is Kunal Malhotra and I am proud to share that today I click photos and run a YouTube channel to inspire more than 800,000 fellow photographers across the country.

I was just like any other kid who passed out of 12th standard and had no clues about the next step. But I was clear in my head that I would not go for any B-school, and that is how I ended up opting for mass communication course.

After passing out of the college in 2013, I started working in a digital marketing agency as a social media strategist. But photography is something that kept me busy during my weekends. It started with photography walks, and over the years I started taking paid assignments. Finally in October 2017 I decided to quit my job and pursue photography and content creation as a profession.


2. How and when did you realize your passion for photography?

My passion for photography started back in 2011 while I was pursuing Bachelor of Journalism and Mass Communication (BJMC) in New Delhi. It all started with getting my hands on the DSLR camera we used to get for like 15 minutes during our photography class. Soon I realized that finally I have found my passion, but never thought this would become my full-time profession one day.

Soon after I passed out of my college, to my luck, I found my mentor Mr. SPS Kalra under whom I learnt fashion and product photography for almost 2 years.

It took me almost four years to gain sufficient technical and practical knowledge before I could take commercial assignments, which I believes was because of the limited resources available at that time. 

I believe that photography is an art of capturing moments as we see, and it should not be restricted to professionals or wealthy people only. And this is one of the major reasons why I started sharing my experiences and knowledge with fellow photography enthusiasts via my YouTube channel.

I share videos in Hindi language as I believes that any creative person from any corner of the country should have the right to learn photography, be it using a DSLR/mirrorless camera or a smartphone.


3. What are some tips you would like to share with amateur photographers?

My message to all the passionate photographers out there is “Never wait for the perfect camera to be in your hand, click with whatever camera or smartphone you have with you. Remember, if you have it in you nothing can stop you from creating amazing images even with a basic gear. Go out and start clicking NOW.”

One thing that we all ignore as a beginner photographer is the importance of lighting in photography. Trust me, if you start observing how the direction, quality and amount of light affects your photos, your growth as a photographer can expedite.

I would also urge people to start observing the photographs created by master photographers in the past, simply Google their names. This will help you sharpen your observation skills and act as a source to draw inspiration to create better images in future.


4. What are the important skills one should have to be a successful photographer?

Observation, perspective, lighting and technical knowledge can make you a great photographer. And most important, keep working towards polishing your skills and knowledge as photography is an endless pursuit.

First learn how to control your camera as per your requirements by getting hold of all the settings and features. Then go and click photos of everything and anything that your like, do not restrict yourself to a specific genre during your initial days.

This process will improve your observational skills and perspective, but remember the more your shoot the faster you grow.


5. What are various opportunities available for aspiring photographers?

I highly recommend photographers to publish their work on platforms such as Instagram, as it multiplies your chances of getting connected with like minded people. You can also get commercials assignments on the basis of your work, and nowadays many bands are eager to associate with photographers creating unique and inspiring content.

I would also suggest aspiring photographers to start creating video content alongside, be it on Instagram or YouTube. This amplifies your work and boosts your chances of reaching out to newer audience, ultimately giving visibility to your content.

Otherwise, there are traditional methods as well such as paid assignments, commercials shoots and wedding/event assignments for regular revenue stream. Ultimately you need a good portfolio before you pitch for paid assignments to your clients, so start working towards that and include your best work.


6. Which is your favourite book and why?

If there is one book that every aspiring photographer must read, that is ‘Light Science & Magic: An Introduction to Photographic Lighting’ by Fil Hunter. This book covers everything for the basics to advanced techniques of lighting in photography. 

I strongly believe that lighting is something that will never get outdated in photography, even if our cameras and lenses evolve over the decades.

- Interviewed by - Aditi Vakani