Sarang Gupta
Sarang Gupta’s photography transcends fashion, capturing authentic moments and raw emotions with cinematic depth, refined through his signature focus on minimalism and masterful use of light, creating compositions that resonate with storytelling intensity.
The works of fashion and editorial photographer Sarang Gupta go beyond simple images; they’re visual compositions that showcase how attention to detail and skilled use of light can shape and enhance each frame. His photographs places strong focus on his subjects—a signature style Sarang honed over the gradual course of his career. An alumnus of the Sri Aurobindo Centre for Arts & Communication, Sarang has navigated diverse genres, building a portfolio that includes Architectural Digest, Hindustan Times, Grazia, Times of India, FTHSI, Fuuucking Young, and a spotlight on Dazed’s list of 100 creatives around the globe. What makes Sarang’s photography so striking is his distinct approach to his subjects: he captures them with a quiet sense of detachment, almost as though he is a mere observer, witnessing them in their natural state. Beyond the emotions conveyed—especially the strong undertones of melancholy—Sarang’s work is often free from props and embellishments. His subjects are left in solitary focus, stripped of distractions, which adds a raw vulnerability to his compositions, revealing them in an unguarded, authentic light. This understated intensity likely stems from Sarang’s primary inspiration—cinema—and is evident in the storytelling, visual rhythm, and emotional depth that add nuanced layers to his work. Amongst other inspirations that shape Sarang’s works include visual arts, architecture, music, nature and poetry. The sum of all these qualities in Sarang’s imagery has attracted collaborations with prominent homegrown labels such as Huemn, Til, Ekaya Banaras, The Jodi Life and Raw Mango solidifying his place as a rising talent in fashion photography. Yet, he resists being boxed into a single genre. his images do more than display clothing—they capture moments, personalities, and narratives, refining how fashion photography is perceived and experienced.
Sarang speaks to Blur The Border :
Blur : Your works focus primarily on human subjects, what draws you towards this style of photography?
Sarang : Well, I think when you’re in close proximity to a human subject, what you get to photograph is a reflection of the effect of your presence around them and what you choose to do with that is your craft.
Blur : How has your photography style evolved over the years?
Sarang : I am not sure if my style has evolved but I have become more frugal with my choice of subject. I feel now very few things compel me to engage with them as a photographer and when you eradicate a lot you’re left with things that make absolute sense, at least to yourself. Makes your life easier, keeps the process more lucid.
Blur : You mentioned ‘having survived after years of not being able to differentiate between personal, editorial, and commercial work even though many have advised not to mix art and commerce.’ What factors influenced your decision to embrace both in your works and how has this shaped your artistic identity?
Sarang : It was the only way I knew I guess. I tried taking the advised route, failed and then decided to keep it simple for both myself and for people who are trying to hire me and Que Sera, Sera.
Blur : Do you have a definitive process while creating? Are there any habits or rituals that help you get into a creative mindset?
Sarang : I don’t think I have one. It’s not that you pick up the camera and suddenly transform into an artistic being functioning on a different creative plane or you have devised a ritual for yourself to get there. I think it boils down to what interests you visually in life and what is your idea of a great image.
Blur : How do you find the balance between spontaneity and control in your photographs? OR Do you lean more toward capturing candid moments or creating carefully constructed images?
Sarang : It’s always a mix of both. You do your prep work, show up on the set, execute what you had planned and still keep some room for some happy accidents to happen— and pay attention to them when they do.
Blur : Are there particular themes or ideas that you consistently explore through your personal works/images?
Sarang : I have a wayward mind, different things interest me on different days. It’s hard for a person like me to marry a theme and consciously make photographs within those peripheries. One day a model twisting her feet while adjusting the sari on the set is interesting and another day it’s a bird on the wire.
Blur : What role does the environment play in your work or fuel your creativity?
Sarang : A big one. Chaotic, crowded sets, hamper my work. Too many people calling the shots, and a false sense of urgency are common recipes for a disaster or a creative block. Quiet, slow and delicate environment really allows for magic to happen.
Blur : If you were to collaborate with another artist, within or outside of your discipline, what is one collaboration you would love to do?
Sarang : A day of making prints with Jack Davison.
Know more about Sarang:
Instagram: @saranggupta