Four photographers on why a good photograph is more than just a good camera

In a world where “I have a digicam” can frequently translate to “I’m a photographer,” it helps to remember that photography is an art form, one that requires years to perfect. In her book On Photography (1977), American writer Susan Sontag says, “The painter constructs, the photographer discloses.”

To keep us all humble (yes, you too with the latest iPhone), we talk to four photographers who disclose it the best.

Seeing the world through rose-tinted lenses

Sasha Jairam, a fashion and advertising photographer, is known for bold colours and a point of view that’s anything but invisible. “I’m not a ghost artist hiding behind the camera—my presence, intuition, and creative voice shape every image I make,” she tells us.

For the 29-year-old, a great photograph is less about technical perfection and more about emotional resonance. Jairam goes with her intuition. “I’m always looking for an image that feels alive to me rather than staged,” she says. Her work is driven by a desire to reveal inner worlds—the quiet truths beneath people’s surfaces, including her own.

Jairam believes social media helps photographers build community, find collaborators, and witness how their work lives in the world. She thinks the future of photography will be a blend of technology and soul, more accessible tools, yes, but also a deeper craving for authenticity. “As artificial intelligence and digital manipulation grow, the value of true human perspective will only increase. People will always crave for images that feel personal, imperfect, and emotionally grounded,” she says.

Jairam’s advice for new photographers:

“Follow what moves you, not what performs well online… though mixing it up is amazing! And don’t let social media compare or cage your vision. Protect the part of you that sees the world differently; that’s your real asset. And most importantly, take photos that make you feel something, the rest follows.”

The calm before the click

Amitava Saha, born and raised in Kolkata, has called Mumbai home for the last three years. The 26-year-old has honed his craft in fashion photography, exploring style, identity, and visual storytelling. For him, a great photograph is one that provokes curiosity. “A photograph should make one stop instantly and stay long enough to evoke reflection,” he notes.

Saha’s photography journey started at 13 when his father bought a Canon Powershot digital camera for him before their family trip to Kashmir. One trip turned into many until, “Two of my childhood friends suggested I bring my camera to accompany them during their plants and insect photography walks at a nearby lake,” he recalls.

Saha dreams of capturing actor Shah Rukh Khan, someone who has helped him dream big. Until then, he wants to create a style that is unique and honest. The central theme of his work has so far been an attempt to capture a sense of peace and tranquillity in chaos. When asked where he sees the future of photography, Saha scoffs, “Surely not in the hands of AI.”

Saha’s advice for new photographers:

“Prioritise your own vision instead of following trends. You must find peace in what you create—might take some time, but the seeking shouldn’t stop.”

Softness as power

Simrah Farrukh is an American-Pakistani photographer, artist, and cultural storyteller based in San Francisco, USA. Her work honours beauty, identity, belonging, and soul—with a deep admiration for womanhood and cultural expression.

Farrukh wants to create a safe space, or a sanctuary for brown women to be seen and affirmed through her work. “I’ve always created work around womanhood or femininity regardless of your gender,” she tells us. “There’s femininity within all of us.” The 28-year-old is drawn to the quiet ways we relate to ourselves, each other, and the land we root ourselves in.

At its core, her work embraces softness, not as fragility, but as power. Farrukh grew up shy and quiet, and although she has those qualities to this day, she has begun to nurture it as a superpower. “It allows me to approach the different elements of my work in a graceful way—how I interact with everyone on set, how I photograph from a technical point of view, how I colour grade,” she shares. “Softness is an act of resilience, because this world does everything in its power to provoke you and make you angry.”

Farrukh’s advice for new photographers:

“Stay true to what calls out to you. Don’t follow trends that last a month. Play the long game and create a sustainable career through the choices you make.”

The rebel behind the lens

Tarun Kalyani, 32, grew up in Rajasthan and has never been one to follow the rules of fashion or photography. “I actually began my career with acting and doing art direction for television,” he shares. “But the day I picked up a camera, everything shifted.” Kalyani doesn’t shoot with trends in mind, he shoots by instinct. “I see things differently, and that’s the only thing I trust. My work is raw, honest, and sometimes unpredictable—but it’s always true to how I see the world,” he tells Cosmopolitan.

For Kalyani, the best kind of fashion photography isn’t visual; it’s narrative. On social media, he remains clear-eyed. “It’s a double-edged sword,” he admits. “It’s great for showcasing your unique vision, but the real success comes from staying true to your own style.”

Kalyani wants to inspire others by creating images that no one has ever seen before. His driving force is to push boundaries and keep it raw and authentic. Oh, and he’s definitely not afraid to break the rules. “I’ve realised I see the world differently, and that’s my strength.”

Kalyani’s advice for new photographers:

“Don’t follow trends; follow your gut. Be unapologetically you and create what feels right.”

This article first appeared in Cosmopolitan India's November-December 2025 print edition.

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