Pretty much like a frog from a pond experiencing the big ocean for the first time, Madurai-born Karthik Srinivasan landed in Chennai in the mid-90s. The celebrated fashion photographer began as an assistant cameraman, modelled for a while, and now owns a production company called Dream Cast. A chance meeting with Micheal Kenna, renowned landscape photographer, turned the tide around for Srinivasan. “In 2003-04, Kenna required some assistance for a photo shoot and he was one of the earliest to spot the photographer in me. Instead of mulling over lost chances in Chennai, I packed my bags for Bangkok and started working as a fashion photographer. Around this time, I also started operating in Bangalore,” he goes down memory lane. Standing tall at 6ft3” and sporting with a dusky complexion, Srinivasan wasn’t a catch for the model industry alone. Today, he is the trusted lens partner for many tinsel town divas and stars.
A typical work day for Srinivasan would start at 7 am and extend till 6pm or even longer. “Recently, I did a shoot for a popular shirt brand. We worked with four models from Mumbai. We get the lay out from the agency and give it to an art director, who works in advance. Once the look is finalised, we take care of the clothes, accessories, make-up, hair styling, etc, in accordance with the background planned. When working with film stars, you tend to keep the shoots shorter. I work with five full-time assistants. In any shoot, there are about 30-40 people working on various departments,” explains Srinivasan, who graduated in BSc computer science from SN College, Madurai, in 1994.
Though Srinivasan doesn’t believe that degrees can make or break your career, he has tied up with Hindustan University, Chennai, to offer PG diploma and certificate courses in photography from September. Despite working with glamorous models in exotic locales, and taking home envious pay packages, it’s not hunky-dory for photographers, warns Srinivasan. “With digital innovations, anyone’s picture looks good these days. It’s more than that. Aesthetics separate a great photographer from a good photographer,” he says.
— shilpa.vasudevan@newindianexpress.com