Behind the lens: A Spotlight in Three Female Photographers
Three South Asian female photographers are bringing their unique lens on the world to their images. Anai Bharucha, Keerthana Kunnath, and Naveli Choyal are part of Le Mill’s spotlight on photographers reshaping the cultural narrative through the images they curate.
From capturing the beauty of India, to evoking an emotional connection between viewer and subject, these image-makers have a thoughtful approach to photography that speaks a modern-day language. Take for instance, Kunnath, whose hometown of Kerala sparked her early fascination with queerness, identity, and self-expression, while Choyal's childhood in the culturally rich town of Ajmer, Rajasthan, nurtured her deep connection to her roots and a love for the region's crafts, food, textiles, and landscapes. For Bharucha, who finds inspiration in the study of human behaviour, spaces, culture, emotions, and the body, her works have been internationally acclaimed in publications like Paper Mag and Elle Middle-East.
Le Mill speaks to these visual artists about their creative paths and how they express diversity through their work.
Keerthana Kunnath
Photography, for Keerthana Kunnath, became a powerful tool for healing, self-exploration, and connecting with others. Her visual narratives, often inspired by traditional Kerala art forms, give voice to those sidelined, allowing her to reclaim stories from the margins. With a focus on empowering women and challenging traditional beauty standards, her work offers a fresh perspective on the human experience. In her series “Not What You Saw”, she follows female bodybuilders in India who are challenging stereotypes of western beauty standards and idealised female bodies. From intimate portraits to thought-provoking social commentary, Kunnath invites her viewers to see the world with a new-formed perspective.
Not what you saw
Your most memorable campaign?
One of my most memorable campaigns was my first international campaign, which happened to be for Nike. I had the opportunity to photograph Ireti, a young Black woman and the founder of Africa's largest streetwear convention—a true powerhouse. I absolutely love the chance to photograph strong, powerful women. Other than that, most of my personal work is really close to my heart.
How do you convey your unique perspective through your photographs?
I try to indulge myself in long term projects which align with my values as an artist. Often these themes are universal, but when it is combined with the personal experiences, I believe it can have its own perspective.
Aval
Photographers or artists who have significantly impacted your work?
Diane Arbus, Amrita Sher Gill, Dayanita Singh to name a few. There are so many aspects which are common amongst these artists. From bringing a sense of comfort and intimacy to portraying women through a female gaze to challenging the conventional notions of beauty and normativity or even representing people as they are.
What is your biggest challenge as a photographer?
To have a balance with my photography and personal life. I haven’t been able to draw boundaries within these two. It’s a strength as well as a challenge.
Naveli Choyal
Growing up in Ajmer, Rajasthan, Naveli Choyal was rooted in the rich traditions, crafts, and rituals of her hometown. It wasn't until she left that she fully realised the depth of her connection to her roots. Her work celebrates the stories found in Rajasthan's food, craft, textiles, and landscapes, earning her multiple spreads in publications like British Vogue, Cosmopolitan, Elle, and The Guardian. Having explored campaigns with Abacaxi, Anaak, Lekha, and more, Choyal aims to conjure up emotions in viewers by exploring themes of community, memory, and loss.
Your most memorable campaign?
My first project always holds a special memory for me - the confusion, excitement, happiness, confidence, curiosity.
How do you convey your unique perspective through your photographs?
Photography is the only medium I can use to convey what I feel as an artist - I can't paint or write but what I can see, think, imagine or appreciate, photographing that perspective gives me the ability to communicate my point of view.
Women in fashion
What is your biggest challenge as a photographer?
I think for me the biggest challenge as a photographer or rather as an artist is to constantly question my work and evolve in the journey.
Photographers or artists who have significantly impacted your work?
I always admired Amrita Shergill’s work and her approach towards the art she created. Reading and observing her work gave me a lens to admire India and its value from a different perspective.
Anai Bharucha
Anai Bharucha strives to spark curiosity in viewers through her unique perspective. Drawing inspiration from human behaviour, spaces, cultures, emotions, and the body, she aims to create evocative images that transcend the ordinary. Her work has been celebrated by publications like Harper's Bazaar, Elle Middle East, and Grazia, and she has collaborated with brands like Kshitij Jalori, Bodice, and Raw Mango, among many others. While Bharucha has enjoyed working on high-profile campaigns, she ultimately focusses on telling stories and creating impactful images, regardless of the subject.
Queer Studies and Masculinities in Indian Fashion for Maris Janusauskas
Your most memorable campaign?
I believe my work is constantly changing/evolving and I don’t think I hold onto any one project for too long. I did really enjoy working with The Silk Road on the recent India Launch campaign. We were given total freedom as a team.
What is your biggest challenge as a photographer?
Trying to balance creative influences within commercial projects, the post work on some big jobs and all the back and forth that comes with it. Our work is rarely over at the call of wrap. And sometimes just functioning in the 11th hour of shoot.
Photographers or artists who have significantly impacted your work?
I try not to look at too many other fashion photographers’ works. I also try to stay away from Pinterest completely. It’s nicer when your sources of inspiration are the mundane things around you. Having said that, some photographers I truly respect are Dudi Hasson, Betina Du Toit, Cass Bird, Edgar Berg and Alec Soth. In India I love what Bhumika Sharma is doing. And I will probably stumble across someone new next week.
