Interview with Photographer Atul Pratap Chauhan

Lifestyle - Interview

by Melisa Kaya

Atul Pratap Chauhan's passion for architecture and his experiences in the hotel industry was influential at the beginning of his career and in the selection of projects he preferred to work. His career began by photographing the interior and exterior of the hotels. And now he is working with hotels, architects, and advertising agencies in many different projects. I asked Atul Pratap Chauhan about his career and the importance of photography in architecture and hotel industry.

Atul, how did you discover the photography passion that takes you to the darkroom? Who or what encouraged you?

Its all happen in 2007 when I was working in a restaurant and I met a photographer who came from Conde Nast Traveller to shoot our restaurant. That beautiful big box camera really changed my life. Line and Life encouraged me to become a photographer.

Photo by Atul Pratap Chauhan

How did you decide to pursue a career in photography? Could you tell us about yourself?

I think its happened by chance and some love for art. I was born and brought up in hills and forest and the lines of trees and heights of hills really help me to create an art. My early career started in the hotel industry and learned some basic from Bangalore photographers.

What kind of projects do you prefer to work on?

I mainly work for hotels and architects. I really love shooting interiors, food and architecture images. I am working on my long-term project - Chandigarh by Le Corbusier it’s a dream project for me...

Photo by Atul Pratap Chauhan

What was the first commercial project that you photographed? What has changed in the photography world since that day?

Yes, I remember shooting for an Airline in India and I shot there lounge interiors and food. Yes things definitely changed, a lot of new and moderns techniques came into my life, esthetic and idea of photography totally changed over the years and I am an everyday learner and I never stop learning.

Photo by Atul Pratap Chauhan

What are the key points that you pay attention to most before accepting a new project?

My criteria of taking any project comes from the client brief and I really need to know I will enjoy this shoot or not. Sometimes I need to educate my client to make them understand how I can change the whole beauty of the project. I love discussion in detail for each and every project.

What do you think about the effect of a good photograph in the buyer's decision?

A single good image can change the brand image, I simply believe in great quality images not high no. of shots during the shoot. I shoot just five to seven images in a day and I try to give my 100% in every project.

Photo by Atul Pratap Chauhan

What type of services do you offer to your clients?

I offer Interiors, Architecture, and food photography for hotels, architects and advertising agencies.

Photo by Atul Pratap Chauhan

It is possible to work with abroad clients on a regular product photo without any travel. How is this situation in hotel photography? Do you like traveling?

Yes, I done a few works for international clients and architects without any travel and mainly shot in India. Hotel photography is a most critical form of photography, hotel clients are very particular about image quality and we need to be very specific for their standard. Choosing the rights lens and the right quality of light is very important for each hotel clients. I really love travelling. I am an urban tourist and I love cities.

Photo by Atul Pratap Chauhan

Business owners want to solve their problems with the lowest possible costs. Despite this, why should they work with a professional photographer?

Ah, the simple reason they need high-quality images to sell their products or even buildings. Lowest budget really can't help them to make a perfect image for their brands. We are still short of good hotel and real estate photographers.

Photo by Atul Pratap Chauhan

How long does it take to complete an average hotel project's full photo work?

I shot hotels for 7 days to 11 days for Indian and international brands. I can just take five to six images in a day, creating a large space lighting can take a long time.

What are your expectations from your clients for a successful collaboration?

From our first client meeting me and my team makes sure what exactly they want from us. We discuss each and every aspect of hotels or real estate shoots with clients. We always want from our clients to give us freedom when we work and will create a magic for them.

Photo by Atul Pratap Chauhan

Could your clients use the photographs in any publication, catalog, website, ad or other platforms in the future?

Yes definitely.

What advice would you give to photographers who want to pursue a career in photography?

Just try to learn every day and from everyone. Believe in quality and spend a great time with your family. If you do great work, clients will definitely find you.

What is your favorite photograph that you have ever taken?

Photo by Atul Pratap Chauhan

What do you think about social media? How can our readers follow you?

I think social media is the future of media. People can follow me off on Instagram, Facebook, and my website.

Thank you Atul for this enjoyable interview.

For more information, please visit website of Atul Pratap Chauhan

This interview was conducted in a Question-and-Answer format. The answers were checked for grammar and punctuation and published without any additional editing. Wednesday, September 12, 2018. All photos are the property of their respective owners.