Through my lens: Anai Bharucha on capturing emotions, purpose, and personality

One can seldom comprehend the power of visual storytelling. The ability to capture heartfelt moments and meaningful connections is a powerful gift and these next-gen photographers are making it happen. The 30-year-old, Mumbai-based photographer, Anai Bharucha combines her understanding of fashion and photography, with the knowledge of cultures to capture emotion, purpose, and personality.

Photography helps capture subtle nuances...

It gives me the unique opportunity to perceive the world through a deeper lens, intricate details, and profound depths that might evade others’ notice.

The essence of a great photograph lies in the mastery of light and its manipulation...

To convey a desired message, coupled with the ability to establish a comfortable rapport with the subject and infuse my state of mind into the frame. Amid the burgeoning community of photographers in India, I aim to carve out my niche by staying true to my style and ethos, focusing on creating evocative images rather than merely capturing moments.

Freedom signifies a state of inner tranquillity and self-assurance...

In my pursuit of visual storytelling, I strive to encapsulate this essence through my images. One such instance is when I photographed model Nin Kala, immersed in a vast expanse of water. It was part of a study on queer style and masculinities in Indian fashion by designer Marius Janusauskas. This image, open to interpretation, encapsulates a moment of serene liberation for Nin, where they exude complete control and comfort in their skin.

To be a visual storyteller in today’s digital era saturated with imagery and content holds both excitement and apprehension...

With the power wielded by those with many followers, there’s immense potential to convey impactful messages through visuals. However, the sheer volume of content also poses a challenge, making it crucial to cut through the noise and create narratives that resonate deeply with audiences, fostering meaningful connections and sparking thought-provoking conversations.

Image credits: Anai Bharucha 

This article originally appeared in Cosmopolitan India, May-June 2024 print issue.

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