“My tryst with photography was an accident, rather than a conscious choice.” reveals Delhi based professional photographer, Atul Pratap Chauhan.
He adds, “Having being born in a small town where a photographer’s job meant clicking passport and postcard sized photographs and covering local weddings where you ask all the relatives of the bride and groom to huddle up in a group and say ‘cheese’! Actually, I started my career in the hotel industry and it was only when a famous photographer was called in to do a photo-shoot in one of the restaurants, I realized that a photographer is actually an artist who can weave magic with his lens and beyond. However, destiny has its own ways of leading you to your destination. During this photo-shoot, the photographer, (who is now a close friend) took a test shot of me and trust me, that shot is what turned my whole life around. That image was etched in my memory and the desire to do something creative started taking shape.”
The fortitude required to make a choice was great, but Atul strived endlessly. “I embarked on the real journey only when I was transferred to Olive Beach, Bangalore, wherein I met another famous photographer, who was generous to allow a novice like me, riding only on passion and desire, to be his assistant. My first professional camera, cost me a fortune (almost the entire savings of six months and a few small loans from friends) and I started taking up small projects in and around Bangalore. After a while, I quit my job and jumped into the bandwagon of full time professionals, without thinking about the future. Now at this stage, I feel extremely happy about the choices I have made”, says the talented pro of his voyage.
Over the last one year, Atul has carved a niche for himself as an independent and successful professional. His areas of expertise are Food, Architectural photography and Wedding Photojournalism. Out of these, he avers that it is wedding photojournalism which is very close to his heart. The drama, emotions, commotion and colors associated with Indian weddings draws him to it. Nonetheless, he only covers five to six weddings in a year, and aims at making the experience memorable for the people who commission him. When not doing weddings, he concentrates on the other genres of interest, such as food and interiors.
Atul’s honest endeavor during every photo shoot is not just to capture the image, but to get to the soul of it.
Mathew Thottungal
Promises, Pearls and Petals |
 Away From the Madding Crowd |
 Embossed Into Focus |
 Circles of Clarity |
 Colors of Palate |
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