How did your journey in street and travel photography begin?
My journey into street and travel photography began during an industrial visit in 2012 while I was in college. That was the first time I saw a DSLR camera up close. At the time, I owned a Sony point-and-shoot camera, and the photographs I captured often received appreciation from my friends and family. Their encouragement motivated me to explore photography more seriously.
In 2013, I bought my first DSLR, a Canon 600D, which marked the beginning of my learning journey. A year later, in 2014, I attended the Pushkar Camel Fair Photography Tour conducted by my mentor, Mr. Jassi Oberoi. That experience played a significant role in shaping my perspective as a photographer. I learned a great deal from him and from the entire tour, and one of the images I captured there remains very close to my heart even today.
Although I did not pursue street and travel photography as a full-time profession, my passion for it has only grown stronger over the years. I now shoot with a Sony A7 III, and despite my regular office routine, I make it a point to pick up my camera whenever time permits and head out for photo walks and shoots. Traveling and photography go hand in hand for me, and wherever I go, my camera always accompanies me—ready to capture stories, people, and moments that might otherwise pass unnoticed.
What was the first moment that made you fall in love with photography?
The first thing that made me fall in love with photography was realizing that it allows you to see the world differently. It teaches you to notice the small details, fleeting moments, and emotions that often go unnoticed in our daily lives. The idea that a single photograph can preserve a memory and tell a story fascinated me.
What truly drew me towards photography was the emotion involved in capturing those visuals exactly as they unfold in front of your eyes. Photographs have the power to take you back in time, allowing you to revisit cherished moments, relive experiences, and reconnect with the feelings attached to them. Knowing that an image can bring happiness, nostalgia, and meaning even years later is what made me fall in love with photography.
How has your photography style evolved over the years?
My photography style has evolved through constant exploration and learning. Over the years, I have been inspired by the work of fellow photographers and industry professionals. I enjoy observing their perspectives and techniques, understanding what makes their images impactful, and then incorporating those learnings while adding my own creative touch.
I continuously experiment with new editing techniques, explore the latest camera functions, and challenge myself to see familiar scenes in different ways. With every shoot and every journey, my approach to photography becomes more refined. While my style has changed over time, my core intention remains the same—to capture authentic moments, emotions, and stories in a way that resonates with people and preserves memories for years to come.
What do you consider your biggest strength as a photographer?
Photography has taught me one of my greatest strengths—patience. Whether it's waiting for the perfect light, anticipating the right expression, or spending hours in one location for a single frame, I have learned that some of the best photographs cannot be rushed. Patience allows me to be present, trust the process, and capture moments in their most authentic form.
Tell us about a candid everyday moment you found beautiful and the story behind it.
This image was captured during the Pushkar Camel Fair, and it remains one of the photographs closest to my heart. I vividly remember that on the second day of the fair, while we were waiting for the camel herds to pass by, there was a small van that had gotten stuck in the sand. The owner had abandoned it there, leaving it exactly as it was.
The next morning, as everyone gathered again in anticipation of the herds passing through the same route, I noticed an opportunity. I quickly climbed onto the stranded van to gain a higher vantage point. From there, I was able to capture this photograph—a powerful front-facing view of the camel herd walking alongside their herders.
What makes this image special to me is not just the composition, but the thought and timing behind it. The elevated position allowed me to frame the scene perfectly without obstructing the camels' path or putting myself in danger. It was a reminder that photography is often about patience, observation, and making the most of unexpected opportunities. Even today, this image takes me back to that moment at Pushkar and reminds me of the excitement and joy of creating something meaningful through photography.
Share a travel photo that shows a unique cultural experience and what makes it special.
What makes this cultural moment special to me is the authenticity it represents. This photograph was captured on the ghats of Varanasi, a city that beautifully reflects India's spirituality, traditions, and timeless way of life. Seeing these four sadhus seated together, each with their own expressions, attire, and stories, felt like witnessing a living portrait of our rich cultural heritage.
As a street and travel photographer, I am drawn to moments that happen naturally without any staging or intervention. In this frame, it was the simplicity of the scene that caught my attention—the vibrant saffron and orange robes contrasting against the red and white steps, the calmness in their presence, and the sense of belonging they shared in that space. It was a reminder that culture is not only found in grand festivals and monuments but also in everyday moments and the people who keep traditions alive.
For me, this image goes beyond documentation; it is about preserving an emotion and a way of life. It reflects the essence of Varanasi—a city where spirituality, humanity, and tradition coexist effortlessly. Every time I revisit this photograph, it reminds me why I love travel and street photography: it allows me to connect with people, appreciate diverse cultures, and freeze moments that tell meaningful stories long after they have passed.
Walk us through a behind-the-scenes moment from a recent shoot and what it reveals about your process.
This behind-the-scenes moment was captured during one of my photography walks in Varanasi. The ghats are always full of life—people offering prayers, locals going about their daily routines, and travelers like me trying to absorb and document the essence of the city. I was exploring the area with my camera, constantly observing the surroundings and looking for moments that reflected the spirit of the place.
What I love about this photograph is that it captures me in my natural element—completely immersed in the process of creating. While most people only see the final images, this BTS frame tells the story behind them: the early mornings, the endless walking, the curiosity to explore, and the excitement of discovering a new perspective. It reflects the patience and dedication that photography has taught me over the years.
For me, travel photography is not just about reaching a destination; it's about experiencing the place with all my senses and preserving those experiences through my lens. This image is a reminder that some of my happiest moments are the ones spent with a camera in hand, wandering through unfamiliar streets and finding beauty in everyday life.
Show us an edited version of a photo alongside its original and describe your editing choices.
For the Norway landscape photograph: While editing this image, I wanted to preserve the natural beauty of the scene while enhancing the feeling I experienced when I was there. I slightly increased the vibrance and contrast to bring out the beautiful autumn colours of the trees and make the red and yellow houses stand out against the landscape. I also adjusted the highlights and shadows to retain details in the snow-covered mountains and the foreground, ensuring the image remained balanced and true to the location. The overall aim was to create a warm yet realistic representation of the serene Norwegian countryside.
For the Varanasi photograph: For this image, I chose a more creative editing approach using selective colour. I converted most of the frame to black and white while preserving the vibrant orange marigold flowers. This editing choice was intentional, as the flowers symbolize devotion, spirituality, and the essence of the rituals associated with Varanasi. By removing other colours, I wanted to draw the viewer's attention directly to the offering and highlight its significance amidst the textures and details surrounding it. The edit helps create a stronger visual impact while emphasizing the cultural and emotional story behind the photograph.
What's your favorite location or city to photograph and why?
Svalbard is one of those places that leaves a lasting impression on you. What I love most about photographing this location is its raw, untouched beauty and the sense of isolation it offers. The dramatic landscapes, vast open waters, snow-covered mountains, and ever-changing Arctic light create scenes that feel almost surreal.
This particular image resonates with me because of the contrast it presents—a solitary red ship moving through the calm Arctic waters, surrounded by the quiet grandeur of nature. The ship adds a human element to an otherwise wild and remote environment, reminding us how small we are in comparison to the world around us. The muted tones of the sky and mountains, combined with the striking red of the vessel, create a sense of both adventure and tranquillity.
As a travel photographer, I am drawn to destinations that evoke emotion and tell a story, and Svalbard does exactly that. Photographing here taught me to slow down, embrace the unpredictability of nature, and appreciate the beauty found in stillness. Every frame captured in Svalbard feels less like a photograph and more like a memory of standing at the edge of the world, witnessing a landscape that few people get to experience firsthand.
Share a short video clip of a street scene you found intriguing and what caught your attention.
What caught my attention while filming the streets of Matharpacady Village in Mumbai was the unique blend of history, architecture, and everyday life that exists within its narrow lanes. Despite being located in the heart of a bustling city like Mumbai, the village has managed to preserve its old-world charm through its beautifully coloured East Indian homes, intricate wooden details, and quiet streets that seem frozen in time.
As someone passionate about street and travel photography, I am always drawn to places that tell stories through their people and surroundings. While filming, it wasn't just the architecture that fascinated me, but also the little moments unfolding naturally around me—residents chatting outside their homes, children playing in the lanes, and the slower pace of life that contrasted so strongly with the city's fast-moving rhythm.
What made this experience special was the realization that hidden gems like Matharpacady exist within cities we think we already know. Through my lens, I wanted to document not just the visual beauty of the village but also its character, heritage, and the sense of community that gives the place its soul. It reminded me that some of the most compelling stories are often found in the streets closest to home.
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Email: vani.shah21@gmail.com
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