Top 10 Famous Photographers in India You Should Know
Photography is more than just capturing moments—it is about expressing stories, shaping perspectives, and preserving history. India has been home to some of the world’s most influential Photographers who have transformed the way we see art, culture, fashion, and social issues through their lenses.
Whether you are an aspiring Photographer searching for Photography Courses Near Me or simply an admirer of visual storytelling, these visionaries have left an undeniable mark on the Photography world.
In this blog, we will explore the works of 10 remarkable Indian Photographers, spanning different Photography Genres—from Fine Art and Fashion to Documentary and Wedding Photography. If you have ever considered honing your skills, looking into Photography Courses Near Me could be the first step toward refining your craft.
1) Raghu Rai
Raghu Rai is a renowned Indian Photographer known for capturing significant political and social events through his lens.
| DOB | 1942 |
| Hometown | Jhang, British India (now Pakistan) |
| Photography Genre | Documentary, photojournalism |
| Notable Achievement | Padma Shri award, Magnum Photos member |
| Their Idol | Henri Cartier-Bresson |
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- 30+ Years in Education
- 250+ Faculties
- 30K+ Alumni Network
- 10th in World Ranking
- 1000+ Celebrity
- 120+ Countries Students Enrolled
His impactful work includes the Bhopal Gas Tragedy documentation published in 1984 for Greenpeace, bringing global attention to the disaster. His photographic dedication and its role in social awareness earned him the prestigious Padma Shri award in 1972.
2) Dayanita Singh
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Dayanita Singh is a famous Indian Photographer known worldwide. Instead of single photos, she creates photo books and unique objects that tell stories.
| DOB | 1961 |
| Hometown | New Delhi, India |
| Photography Genre | Fine art, portrait, documentary |
| Notable Achievement | First Indian solo exhibition at Tate Modern |
| Their Idol | Unknown (influenced by multiple artists) |
One of her famous works, Museum Bhavan, allows people to rearrange and interact with her photos. She has worked with a German publisher to create many photo books featuring important figures like Musician Zakir Hussain and Mona Ahmed, a member of the third-gender community who became her close friend.
3) Abhimanyu Sharma
Abhimanyu is a highly respected wedding Photographer in India and internationally. He has won over 100 awards, has been nominated seven times for Wedding Photographer of the Year, and is a Canon ambassador, juror, and educator.
| DOB | Not publicly available |
| Hometown | India |
| Photography Genre | Wedding and portrait Photography |
| Notable Achievement | Over 100 awards, Canon ambassador |
| Their Idol | Unknown |
People see him as a friend to the groom and like a brother to the bride. He is so passionate about capturing the perfect shot that he climbs trees, lies on the floor, or even risks falling off buildings! His team at Going Bananas is just as dedicated and detail-oriented.
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Pushpamala N. is a unique and creative Indian artist known for her performative Photography. She started as a sculptor but later used photos and videos to tell stories, often playing different roles inspired by classic female characters in films.
| DOB | 1956 |
| Hometown | Bangalore, India |
| Photography Genre | Conceptual, Feminist, Performative Photography |
| Notable Achievement | Native Women of South India project |
| Their Idol | Frida Kahlo (inspiration for her self-portrait style) |
Her work is funny and ironic and challenges cultural stereotypes from a feminist perspective. Some of her well-known projects include Native Women of South India, which satirizes colonial Photography, and the Mother India Project, where she portrays figures like Goddess Kali and Mother India to question cultural norms.
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5) Ram Rahman
Ram Rahman is a well-known Indian Photographer, curator, Designer, as well as Activist. He is famous for his photos of Indian cities, especially New Delhi, and for capturing artists and intellectuals. His Photography is both playful and serious, focusing on his subject’s spirit rather than traditional composition.
| DOB | 1955 |
| Hometown | New Delhi, India |
| Photography Genre | Documentary, Urban, Political Photography |
| Notable Achievement | Co-founder of SAHMAT, social activist |
| Their Idol | Unknown |
Besides Photography, he promotes art and culture and co-founded SAHMAT, an organization that supports freedom of creative expression in India. He has also written important books on Photography, including one about Sunil Janah, a pioneering Indian Photojournalist. Many Photographers, including Rahman, have inspired young artists who later pursued Photography Courses to enhance their skills and technical expertise.
6) Dabboo Ratnani
Dabboo Ratnani is a prominent Indian fashion Photographer best known for his calendar shoots for the Kingfisher brand.
| DOB | 1971 |
| Hometown | Mumbai, India |
| Photography Genre | Fashion and Celebrity Photography |
| Notable Achievement | Creator of the Bollywood celebrity calendar |
| Their Idol | Unknown |
Based in Mumbai, he has also worked in the ‘Heroine’ Bollywood film and has notable collaborations with many famous Indian celebrities, including Kiara Advani, Akshay Kumar, and Hrithik Roshan. His Photography is widely recognized in the fashion and entertainment industry.
7) Atul Kasbekar
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Atul Kasbekar is a leading Indian Fashion Photographer and Film Producer. He rose to fame through his iconic Kingfisher Calendar photo shoots like Daboo Ratnani—establishing himself as one of the most sought-after Indian celebrity Photographers.
| DOB | 22 April 1965 |
| Hometown | Mumbai, India |
| Photography Genre | Fashion and Advertising Photography |
| Notable Achievement | Kingfisher Calendar Photographer |
| Their Idol | Richard Avedon |
His reputation in the fashion and entertainment industry also earned him the role of brand ambassador for Carl F. Bucherer watches—reflecting his influence beyond Photography.
8) Rajkumar Jeevaraj
Rajkumar, another renowned Photographer and the founder of Clickbugs Photography started as a Software Engineer but followed his passion for Photography (reminds of a legendary movie!). He is a fun-loving Photographer who uses his humor and social skills to capture the best couples’ emotions and create timeless and meaningful images.
| DOB | Not publicly available |
| Hometown | India |
| Photography Genre | Candid and Wedding Photography |
| Notable Achievement | Founder of Clickbugs Photography |
| Their Idol | Unknown |
His photos are known for being dramatic and storytelling, and he is always experimenting with lighting to create something unique. Many professional wedding Photographers like Rajkumar started their careers by taking Photography Courses to develop their artistic approach and master advanced techniques.
9) Prabuddha Dasgupta
Prabuddha Dasgupta was a renowned Fine-art Photographer known for his distinctive Fashion and Fine Art Photography approach, which was often considered controversial.
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| DOB | 21 September 1956 |
| Death | 12 August 2012 |
| Death Reason | Heart Attack |
| Hometown | Kolkata, India |
| Photography Genre | Fashion and Fine Art Photography |
| Notable Achievement | Women, Ladakh, Edge of Faith photobooks |
| Their Idol | Irving Penn |
However, his dedication and passion established him as one of the most celebrated Photographers. He published several notable photobooks, including Women, Ladakh, and Edge of Faith, showcasing his unique artistic vision. His work continues to be recognized and admired globally.
10) Sooni Taraporevala
Sooni Taraporevala is a distinguished Photographer, Screenwriter, and Film Producer with a hometown in Mumbai. She is best known for her work on the ‘Mississippi Masala’ film.
| DOB | 1957 |
| Hometown | Mumbai, India |
| Photography Genre | Documentary and street photography |
| Notable Achievement | Parsis: The Zoroastrians of India photobook |
| Their Idol | Unknown |
Her Photography focuses on documenting the everyday lives of common people in Mumbai, showcasing their culture, emotions, and surroundings with authenticity and depth.
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Final Thoughts
India’s Photography landscape is rich with talent, creativity, and storytelling. From capturing history and social issues to redefining fashion and fine-art Photography, these Photographers have made a lasting impact. Their work continues to inspire aspiring Photographers, pushing the boundaries of artistic expression.
If you are passionate about Photography, let their journeys motivate you—because every great Photographer starts with a single frame and an endless vision. Perhaps your journey begins today by searching for Photography Courses Near Me and taking that first step toward mastering the art.
Take your passion further with a Photography Course in Delhi at AAFT (Asian Academy of Film and Television). With expert training and hands-on experience, AAFT helps you transform your Photography dreams into reality!
AAFT has been providing the world with limitless creativity and expression since 1993! Through a dynamic and industry-driven curriculum, AAFT provides engaging and captivating articles to persuasive blogs and empowers its readers to explore diverse avenues of creative media education-related content.
