Meet Abhishek Hajela | Photographer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Abhishek Hajela and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Abhishek, how do you think about risk?
In life, until you take a leap of faith, then you don’t achieve anything. I wouldn’t like to call it risk, but rather a leap of faith.

When I started my career, I began working in a travel agency (it was a business owned by my family), and it was all going very well. It was one of the biggest travel companies in India, and the future looked very bright and promising.

However, I had the great urge to create something, and in my case, it was creating images and the desire to take photos. I was under a lot of pressure from my family to not leave my job in the travel agency, as my family did not understand why I wanted to be a photographer, leaving a well-paying cushy job.

I had no clue where creating photos would take me, but that didn’t matter – taking them is all I wanted to do. So I decided to quit my well-paying job with the family-owned travel agency. I had no source of income and no idea of what would come next – but I only wanted to create images. And that’s when I took that leap of faith, and that has played a big role in my life and career.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?

I am committed to storytelling through visuals, so that I am able to create a narrative.

If I reflect on my professional journey, I do acknowledge the challenges that I faced along the way. And there were many challenges – you have to work harder than others because you don’t have a regular source of income coming in, and your work has to stand apart. Being on the road for several days is difficult as well, and you have to go that extra mile to hone your craft.

I don’t remember attending a number of family events, birthdays, and anniversaries or partying or hanging out with my friends in my 20s and 30s. Because I simply didn’t have the time. I only focused on my work and kept photographing, traveling, and immersing myself in photography.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
For me the most exciting city in the world is Varanasi.

The most fun time photographing in Varanasi would be something like this:

Varanasi, one of the oldest and most spiritual cities in India, offers a plethora of photographic opportunities with its vibrant street life, ancient architecture, and religious ceremonies along the Ganges River. Here’s a suggested itinerary for a photography-focused visit to Varanasi:

Day 1: Morning
Assi Ghat at Sunrise:

Start your day early at Assi Ghat to capture the magical sunrise over the Ganges. Photograph the ghats coming to life with locals performing morning rituals and yoga. Explore the Streets of Varanasi:

Wander through the narrow lanes and capture the daily life of locals. Focus on traditional markets, street vendors, and the unique architecture.

Day 1: Afternoon

Ramnagar Fort:

Head to Ramnagar Fort for its historic architecture.
Explore the fort’s museum and capture the grandeur of the palace.

Day 1: Evening
Dashashwamedh Ghat at Sunset:

Capture the evening aarti ceremony at Dashashwamedh Ghat, a spectacular display of light, music, and spirituality. Experiment with long-exposure shots to capture the essence of the ceremony.

Boat Ride on the Ganges:

Take a boat ride during the evening to get unique perspectives of the ghats and capture the cityscape as it lights up.

Day 2: Morning

Sarnath:

Head to Sarnath, an important Buddhist site, to photograph the Dhamek Stupa and the ruins.
Capture monks, prayer flags, and the peaceful atmosphere.

Day 2: Afternoon
Explore Old Kashi:
Dive deeper into the old city, capturing the architecture of historical buildings and mosques.
Pay a visit to the Alamgir Mosque for its unique blend of Hindu and Islamic architecture.

Day 2: Evening
Manikarnika Ghat at Dusk:

Capture the Manikarnika Ghat during the evening when funeral pyres are lit.

Rooftop Views:

Find a rooftop restaurant or viewpoint to capture the cityscape at night, with the ghats and temples illuminated.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?

A true master bestows upon you vision. That is exactly what my photography mentor, guru, and dear friend John Isaac gifted me.

My journey with John began in 2007. I was working at India’s largest travel company (that was owned by my family) – a fact I have mentioned earlier.

One day, I heard in the office that he was coming to photograph in Rajasthan. I pleaded with my then boss to let me accompany John; as I was familiar with his work as Head of the Photography Department at the United Nations in New York. Unfortunately, the assignment was given to someone else. But three days later I received an urgent call to take the night bus deep into Rajasthan as the existing guide who was on the trip didn’t want to continue with the group. Fate had a way of intervening.

My connection with John was instant, and he embraced me as his protege. He generously imparted his knowledge; how to compose, look for layers, use of lens, engage the people you meet, have patience and persevere. His love of photography became mine.

I had the privilege of traveling with John to Bhutan, South India, Nagaland, Ladakh, to the Kumbh Mela, and Pushkar camel fair. Many other trips as well. John’s recurring trips to India became a colourful and a chapter in my life that I looked forward to. He taught me so much and for that and so much more, I am eternally grateful.

It’s challenging to articulate the depth of what John bestowed upon me. In India, we believe that a guru imparts not only through words but also through their presence, energy, and their aura.

Website: www.abhishekhajela.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/abhishek_hajela/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hajela.abhishek