Last Updated on 02/04/2025 by Nilofer Khan
Although photographs of celebrated public figures are often scrutinized, revered, and adored, they also play a significant role in shaping public perception. Some images ignite hope and inspire, while others become cherished memories of the past. Visuals celebrating icons, whether portraits or album covers, must be flawless. While these photographs capture glamour, they often obscure the true essence of the person. Recognizing this complexity, photographer Vijat Mohindra aims to create visuals that strike a delicate balance between reality and imagination. “I want to create visuals that feel larger-than-life but remain connected to the subject’s identity,” he tells The Phoblographer in an interview.
All images are by Vijat Mohindra. Used with permission. For more, visit his website or follow his Instagram @vijatm.
The Color of Magic
From a young age, Mohindra has been fascinated by art—be it drawing, painting, or sculpting. But amidst the varied forms he saw and adored, photography always held his heart at its palm. “What makes photography so special to me is that it allows me to incorporate all these different modalities and present them in a singular and modern format,” he shares with us.
After graduating with a Bachelor of Arts from ArtCenter College of Design in Pasadena, Mohindra was mentored by David LaChapelle; and in 2009, he landed his first commercial photography gig with Kim Kardashian. Since then, Mohindra’s career has flourished, successfully collaborating for portraits with artists like Dolly Parton, Katy Perry, Miley Cyrus, Doja Cat, Machine Gun Kelly, A$AP Rocky, and others.
What sets his work apart from the rest is his ability to evoke nostalgia while creating photographs that favor contemporary aesthetics. For instance, in one of his portraits of Paris Hilton, the celeb is seen in a glimmery blue dress sitting on stairs, which can be interpreted as modern-day Cinderella after her makeover. Her attire, the tiara, the cupids in the image, and the shiny grey heels all add to her narrative, leaving viewers intrigued and wanting more. Speaking about his process, Mohindra tells us, “My creative process begins with a strong conceptual foundation, often inspired by vivid colors and surreal imagery. I start by immersing myself in the story or theme I want to convey, drawing from art and pop culture, and I especially love to pull inspiration from vintage aesthetics of the 1960s all the way through the 1990s.”
I like to collaborate closely with each subject, tapping into their unique energy and personality to bring out their essence rather than imposing a one-size-fits-all aesthetic onto them.
Vijat Mohindra
After the initial conceptualization stage has been cleared, he collaborates with a great team consisting of stylists, set designers, and makeup artists who help him bring his vision to life. “I believe in creating an environment where everyone can contribute their creativity while staying aligned with my aesthetic vision,” he explains. Since his photographs are largely captured on set, he takes utmost care to get the intricate details perfectly. This includes the make-up and hair, lighting, composition, styling, and overall aesthetic of the image. “I like when every shoot feels like stepping into a dreamland,” Mohindra explains. “My goal is always to transport the viewer into that universe, leaving them inspired and captivated.”
Since Mohindra has to capture high-resolution images that can be published as magazine covers, billboards, and more, he relies on Fuji GFX 100S. In a studio setup, lights play a crucial role, and so he relies “exclusively on strobe lighting, primarily using Profoto lights.” In addition, he utilizes modifiers like gridded reflectors, the hard box, and the Magnum, as well as umbrellas or silks for the shadow. Occasionally, he may use a constant light source “when incorporating practicals into the shot to maintain their natural exposure.”
The Journey Beyond Glamour
Mohindra’s portraits, while vibrant and captivating, excel at showcasing his subjects, particularly women, with confidence. Each photograph of Rihanna, Lady Gaga, and Donatella Versace exudes boldness and pride, unapologetically embracing their sexiness. Often staring straight into the camera, these women are fierce yet warm. When asked how he is able to depict so many traits in one portrait, Mohindra said that his goal has always been “to celebrate women in a way that transcends traditional notions of glamour.” He explains it: “To me, glamour isn’t just about appearance—it’s about beauty, authenticity, and self-expression. I want to create visuals that feel larger-than-life but remain connected to the subject’s identity. The result is a celebration of women as inspiring individuals and icons of beauty.”
I try to preserve the authenticity of my work so it still feels real and keeps that human element intact.
Vijat Mohindra
In addition to photography and filmmaking, Vijat Mohindra has established The Powder Room in Los Angeles, a studio that provides emerging artists with a space to work without the burdens and challenges of managing production. The space features 12 post-modern standing sets that resemble a 90s Barbie Dream House and, in a way, simplifies the creative process, allowing artists to focus entirely on their vision without hindrance. “What’s been really exciting to see is how diverse the work coming out of the studio has been,” he explains. “From bold editorial shoots to viral social media campaigns, the space has inspired photographers and directors to think bigger and embrace a more polished, larger-than-life style.” One could say that Mohindra’s commitment to giving back is positively influencing the commercial photography genre.
In our visually saturated world, Vijat Mohindra adds a touch of glamour and aspiration while keeping his portraits authentic. As AI-generated images are now becoming increasingly acceptable, Mohindra believes that they can never truly compete with or replace the power of photography. “With all the AI images flooding the scene, it’s easy for content to constantly be generated,” he states. “Photography, however, is about creating something that connects—something real. And that’s what keeps it art, not just content. Technology may evolve, but the human connection is irreplaceable.”
AUTHENTICITY STATEMENT
The Phoblographer works with human photographers to verify that they’ve actually created their work through shoots. These are done by providing us assets such as BTS captures, screenshots of post-production, extra photos from the shoot, etc. We do this to help our readers realize that this is authentically human work. Here’s what this photographer provided for us.
