Veteran celebrity photographer Jayesh Vartak, who has worked with an impressive set of celebrities such as Pankaj Tripathi, Sharman Joshi, Rohit Shetty, Johnny Lever, Sargun Mehta, Ravi Dubey, Kanchi Singh, says his journey with the camera still feels fresh. He adds that he is in love with the medium, and his job. “I started photography at 16… 34 years later, I’m still clicking. Either I’m really in love with photography; or photography is really in love with me,” he says.
From the evolution of gear to the rise of social media and artificial intelligence, Jayesh has witnessed so much during this career. “Photography has changed a lot in the past few years, especially because of social media. Earlier, photos stayed in albums at home, now they can reach the whole world in seconds. It’s not just about taking a perfect picture anymore; it’s about telling a story and showing emotions. Photography today is quicker, more creative, and more connected than ever,” he says.
He’s quick to dismiss the fear that AI might threaten the profession. “AI is not a threat to photographers, in fact, it’s a powerful tool. It’s helping photographers reach new levels of creativity and making workflows more efficient. But no matter how advanced AI becomes, it can never replace the human touch, emotion, and artistic vision that a photographer brings to the craft,” he says.
Commenting on current trends, he adds with a smile, “These days, people want photos that feel real, candid, natural, and unfiltered. The overly posed ‘say cheese’ shots are taking a back seat. Minimal editing is in, natural tones are trending, and cinematic colors are stealing the show. AI is helping us edit faster, though it still can’t tell a good joke. And of course, vertical photos are ruling… because if it doesn’t fit on Instagram, did it even happen?”
Looking back at how far photography has come, he says, “Back in the last millennium, photography was a luxury, you clicked a photo only after your basic needs were met… you know, food, shelter, and maybe a decent haircut. Owning a camera at home was rare. Today, it’s the opposite, thanks to smartphones, everyone’s a photographer. Now we don’t just capture birthdays or weddings; we click our lunch, our pets, even our coffee foam. Photography has gone from a rare treat to an everyday necessity, and honestly, that’s a pretty amazing change.” Known for building strong rapport with the people he works with, says with a smile, “Kanchi has done three shoots with us in the past three months… either she really loves our work, or she just enjoys putting up with us. Either way, we’ll take it as a compliment!”
