Discover the work of Richa Bafna
I was born and raised in Mumbai, India. I got my undergraduate degree in Interior Design from Pratt Institute in New York. I am passionate about all things creative and I have since taken on projects as an Interior Designer, a Graphic Designer, and, most recently, a photographer.
What is photography to you and how did you get started with it?
To me, photography is self-expression—a medium through which I can articulate and share the way I experience the world. Growing up, painting was always my creative outlet, but I lost touch with it when I went to design school. Later, when I tried to return to it, I felt like I had nothing new to say. I wanted a creative channel for myself and that's when I bought myself a film camera and started taking pictures of my family and my surroundings. Being limited to 36 exposures made me slow down, look around, and truly experience the world while also documenting it. I started walking around my city and capturing moments that resonated with me and fell in love with the process.I have always been a bookworm, drawn to virtual worlds, but having my camera with me made me excited to experience my physical world. It helped me notice and appreciate the mundane, everyday details that I found beautiful.
Do you have a specific method for planning your shoots, or are they more spontaneous?
Most of my photography involves documenting city streets and my family. While I usually start by choosing a location or a subject, the rest of the process is spontaneous. I keep my camera accessible and let myself explore, observing interesting moments, beautiful light, or narratives as they unfold.
What or who has influenced your style of photography? Are there any artists or experiences that have shaped your vision?
I attended a photography workshop by Indrajit Khambe when I was just beginning to experiment with my camera. He has been my mentor and one of my biggest inspirations over the past few years. His philosophy of finding beauty in everyday life and surroundings and capturing it through the lens has deeply influenced my approach to photography. In addition to Indrajit Khambe, I’ve also drawn inspiration from photographers like Raghu Rai and Alex Webb, whose work has helped shape my vision and style.
Looking back on your journey as a photographer, what has been your most memorable moment or project so far?
One of my most memorable and ongoing projects has been capturing my Nani (grandmother). Spending time with her, taking photos of her, and creating an archive of treasured memories and moments through photography has been one of my most fulfilling experiences as an artist.
What impact do you think your childhood has on your photography?
I spent most of my childhood either reading novels, mainly fiction, or painting. I think my love for narratives and visual storytelling is reflected in my photography. I also grew up in Bombay and was surrounded by a myriad of different kinds of people, culture, and food and I think appreciating this culture I grew up in and celebrating it is an important aspect of my photography.
What challenges do you face as an artist and how do you overcome periods of low motivation or creative ruts?
One of the biggest challenges I’ve faced as an artist is the difference between creating for myself versus creating for a client, as I often did as a designer. Allowing myself to spend time making art or taking photographs without a client or monetary compensation is something I have struggled with. Sometimes just doing something that feels ‘fun’ instead of productive and embracing playfulness in my creative practice has led to me getting out of a creative rut.
Tell us about a photo/photos you’re proud of.
One of the photos I’m most proud of shows two children playing climbing a slope.The back of the slope features photos of various gods, and the interaction between the children’s actions and the images in the background creates a metaphor of sorts. I love how the added layer of meaning makes the image open to interpretation, allowing viewers to find their own connections within it.
If you could shoot anywhere in the world next, where would it be and why?
I’d love to spend some time photographing communities and religious cities in India. I’m fascinated by the relationship people have with their faith and how it shapes their lives and experiences. I’d like to explore and document this connection in more depth.
Where can we see more of your work, and what’s next for you as an artist?
You can see more of my work on my Instagram. Right now, I’m in an exploratory phase as a photographer, and focusing on projects across street photography, family and fashion.
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