The masterclass by Vinay Panjwani offered a deeply personal and reflective journey into architectural filmmaking and documentation. The session delves into intersections of life, photography, and architecture. Once a businessman in the plywood industry, Vinay transitioned into full-time photography after years of pursuing it passionately on weekends. His entry into professional photography was catalyzed by unexpected recognition from global institutions like National Geographic, the UN, and the National Press Photographers Association. Despite having no formal training or initial aspirations to enter the field.
His breakthrough moment came with his first architectural photography assignment for the legendary architect B.V. Doshi. An experience that profoundly shaped his philosophy and cemented his belief in photography as a narrative art form. Rather than focusing on the technicalities, Vinay emphasized the importance of storytelling. Further focusing on empathy and silence, both in architecture and in photography. He shared how documenting life and spaces is about observing deeply and representing the emotions, efforts, and artistry of the people behind them.
The session also explored the evolution of his photographic themes. After early successes in festivals and portraits, he took on more challenging social subjects. Such as barbers in Indian society and child marriage. His image series on barbers was particularly poignant, revealing the deep social and cultural presence of these overlooked figures. Whether shooting a bustling street, a sacred ritual, or an architectural marvel, Vinay’s images strive to reflect the human essence within the frame.
Vinay spoke candidly about his struggles with defining success, confronting self-doubt, and the constant pressure for external validation, ultimately concluding that fulfillment lies in meaningful creation, not comparison. Drawing from his experiences as a documentary photographer, he illustrated how human stories, often overlooked, can transform even the most ordinary subjects, like village barbers or crowded urinals, into powerful visual narratives.
In closing, Vinay expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to reflect publicly on his journey, from a plywood salesman who once swore never to speak to architects, to becoming one of India’s leading figures in architectural filmmaking, collaborating with the country’s most respected practitioners. His story is a powerful reminder that creative paths are often nonlinear, and that passion, patience, and introspection can transform even the most unexpected life trajectories into fulfilling artistic vocations.
This session was not just about photography; it was a meditation on purpose, patience, and staying true to one’s voice.
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