WallMag: How would you define your photography style?
Vibrant, Larger than life, True Moments
WallMag: Exactly what it is you want to say with your photographs, and how do you actually get your photographs to do that?
I always want to tell a story. I want to show how beautiful people are, with their quirks & craziness, compassion & warmth. And what better way to document their lives - than when they are the happiest & at the top of their game - on their Wedding Day!I keep looking out for those moments, and I capture & weave a story that I see unfolding in front of me, by paying close attention to detail, to their communication with people around them, the choices of destination, artwork, styling etc. It all comes together when you are trying to understand someone’s personality - and in turn it becomes a personalised documentation for the brides & grooms and their big day.
WallMag: Why did you decide that wedding photography was the best form of expression for you?
Before exploring wedding photography, I dabbled into Fashion, Architecture, Fine-art, Street & even to a certain level - Wildlife Photography. I felt that I was really good at looking at people’s personalities & creating a narrative that would be true to them. This also gave me an opportunity to meet, travel & explore a lot more. It put me into a direct close-contact with my clients - Brides & Grooms, which was out of my comfort zone to start with. But the same discomfort also pulled me towards it and gave me immense satisfaction, in creating art for someone’s most memorable moments. It helped me be on my toes and to try to create something new everytime. I think after the first few weddings - I knew that this was my calling.
WallMag: Where do you find ideas for your photography work?
Everywhere. Good Movies, Old Sculptures & Artworks. The Internet - Instagram/Pinterest. Even Conversations.
WallMag: What makes the good picture stand out from the average?
A good picture invokes emotion.It always has some peculiar connect to the brain as well as the heart.It just immediately captures one’s attention subconsciously.And at that moment - one knows that what was a good composition/exposure/technique was actually much more than just the math of capturing light, but the science of creating art.
WallMag: Can you share your most challenging shots and details about them?
Champagne Pop - Extremely risky for the equipment, plus difficult to get the light & focus right. In this picture - if you look closely - I got the Groom perfectly in focus!
NYC Bride - The bride looking out of the window - capturing her expression as well as the beautiful skyline was a very technical & tricky shot, with a very small margin for error.
Capturing the fireworks, without disturbing the couple, while trying to get the frame right, and also including other things that were happening - a multilayered photograph with a mix of technique and timing.
WallMag: Could you tell us a bit about the gear you use and the camera/lenses you couldn't live without, as well as the gear you usually bring on photo-shoots?
I try to keep my kit light, as being a destination photographer, I travel to my shoot locations, which is mostly by air, and there are huge cabin baggage restrictions.What I am currently using & will not go without :Nikon Z6 & Z7Nikkor Z Lenses : 14-30 F4, 35 F1.8, 50 F1.8, 85 F1.8, 24-70 F2.8 & FX Lens with FTX adapter - 70-200 F2.8Godox V1 & AD200Pro Flash with a Magmod Kit & XPro Triggers & A Sekonic Lightmeter L308XAn Apple MacBook Pro, a tripod & a couple of stands
WallMag: What is your greatest strength? How does it help you as a Wedding Photographer?
I think the 500+ weddings that I have documented and the 12+ years of experience in the wedding photography industry is possibly my greatest strength as a wedding photographer.My strong technical background and the ease with which I am able to grasp the technicalities of new equipment comes in handy - but knowing what are the challenges one can face during a photoshoot and staying prepared for the same - business wise & craft wise only comes with experience.
WallMag: What would you say is usually the most common weakness for a photographer who is just starting out in the business?
The biggest issue with photographers starting out is the lust for money and not skill/art. Rather than waiting to gain experience by shooting weddings as an assistant/intern with experienced photographers - newcomers start marketing themselves as professional wedding photographers. The problem arises when they are faced with a situation that they cannot handle - and in turn cannot deliver quality images or cannot handle the client requirements. This is what I have seen happen to a lot of photographers starting out. I think newcomers should focus on gaining experience & having a strong skillset before they dive-in as independent wedding photographers.
WallMag: What do you think is the future of photography? With the rise of camera phones, mirror- less cameras and other new technologies, where do you think all of this is heading? Will DSLR still have a place in 5 or 10 years?
Just like the film camera - the DSLR might also have its place 5 or 10 years from now.But with advances in technology, 3D/VR & 360 cameras, live streaming & Instant prints, videos & posts will take over the good ol photography & films and the wait for edited photos & dramatic films.The future of Photography will be - Instant.
Follow Ramit Batra on Instagram to stay updated with his work.
You can also visit his Website .
