Today we’d like to introduce you to Himanshu Pandya.

Hi Himanshu, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.

My journey into photography began at the age of 15 when two pivotal events sparked my passion. First, my uncle gifted me a film camera with the ISO dial taped over, leaving me curious about the art and science behind photography. Around the same time, a close friend, who worked at a photo lab and was deeply passionate about photography, needed help learning from Better Photography magazine. Since English wasn’t his first language, he asked me to translate the content for him. In the process of helping him, I unintentionally learned the craft and fell in love with it myself.

As my interest grew, I had the opportunity to shoot for a friend’s architecture thesis. Renting a film camera and buying rolls of film for the project, I discovered the power of storytelling through visuals. The thesis was well-received, and my work was acknowledged in the preface, marking an early milestone in my journey.

Despite pursuing a degree in business and a postgraduate focus on marketing, I realized I wasn’t truly happy in that field. This realization led me to study interior design for two years, combining my love for architecture and creativity, while continuing photography on the side. However, my yearning for freedom and self-expression eventually led me to transition into editorial photography, which offered the creative liberty I was seeking.

My professional journey began with Autocar magazine, and within a few years, I was freelancing for BBC Top Gear and Lonely Planet magazines. Contributing to these prestigious publications for over a decade has been a dream come true. Over the years, I’ve also transitioned into commercial work, working with tourism boards, automotive and lifestyle brands, while maintaining a focus on storytelling that connects with audiences.

Today, I split my time between New York and Mumbai, combining my passion for photography with teaching through workshops and photo expeditions. Each step of this journey has been a testament to following my instincts, trusting the process, and staying true to my love for storytelling through imagery.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?

The road to where I am today has been anything but smooth, but I believe that the struggles along the way have shaped me into the photographer and person I am now. Like many creatives, I faced significant challenges, especially in the early stages of my career. Transitioning from a stable marketing job to pursuing photography full-time was a leap of faith that came with financial uncertainties and the constant pressure of proving myself in a competitive industry.

Once I took that leap of faith, however, everything seemed to align itself despite the challenges. Networking, which is such a critical skill for a freelance photographer, was not my strongest suit, but opportunities still came my way. I’ve always trusted my gut instinct, even when my decisions seemed completely illogical at the time. Looking back now, those seemingly irrational choices made perfect sense and became key turning points in my journey.

I was fortunate to begin my professional photography journey with Autocar magazine, part of the renowned Haymarket SAC group. This opportunity provided me with a strong foundation and opened doors to work with esteemed publications. When I transitioned to freelancing, I was privileged to become a regular contributor to BBC TopGear and Lonely Planet—two globally recognized brands—for over a decade. These experiences not only honed my skills but also reinforced my passion for storytelling and allowed me to build a career that aligned with my aspirations.

Balancing the logistical challenges of travel and automotive shoots has often tested my endurance. Many of my assignments, particularly for tourism boards and magazines, require meticulous planning, tight itineraries, and the ability to adapt to unforeseen circumstances such as harsh weather, unpredictable access to locations, and managing different time zones. On most occasions, I’ve worked on just 3-4 hours of sleep for weeks at a time, juggling the demands of shooting, backing up data, preparing equipment for the next day, and later tackling post-production to meet strict deadlines. Despite the challenges, the process has taught me resilience, adaptability, and the importance of staying focused on delivering the best results.

Beyond the physical challenges, working for world-renowned and prestigious brands often comes with its own pressures. The stakes are high, and with so many variables that can impact a successful shoot, it’s natural to feel a bit nervous. However, I’ve come to realize that these struggles are an integral part of the journey. They challenge you to grow, refine your craft, and develop the resilience needed to navigate unpredictable situations and deliver excellence consistently.

I credit much of my ability to navigate these challenges to my passion for photography and travel, as well as my belief that every experience—good or bad—contributes to the bigger picture. Given the physically and mentally demanding nature of my work, my background in yogic philosophy and asana practices has been invaluable. It has helped me stay mentally grounded and physically fit, reminding me to trust the process and embrace each step of the journey as a valuable lesson.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?

My work revolves around telling stories through the lens of a camera, specializing in automotive, lifestyle, and travel photography. Over the years, I’ve built a reputation for crafting visually engaging narratives that resonate with diverse audiences. My photography seeks to go beyond just capturing a scene—I aim to evoke emotions and inspire connections between people and the stories being told.

In the automotive world, I am known for seamlessly blending the power and elegance of vehicles with the beauty of their surroundings, creating dynamic compositions that highlight both motion and design. My lifestyle and travel photography focuses on authentic storytelling, capturing the essence of places, cultures, and experiences in a way that feels both genuine and relatable. Collaborating with esteemed publications like BBC TopGear and Lonely Planet, as well as working with tourism boards globally, has allowed me to create visuals that celebrate the beauty and diversity of our world.

What I’m most proud of isn’t just the awards or features in prestigious group exhibitions—it’s the ability to turn my passion into a profession. Every project, big or small, is a reminder of why I started this journey. I take immense pride in the fact that I’ve been able to share my vision with others while staying true to my creative instincts and values.

What sets me apart is not only my technical expertise but also my ability to infuse authenticity and emotion into my work. My background as a certified yoga teacher and practitioner of yogic philosophies gives me a unique perspective, especially in projects centered on faith, rituals, and spirituality. This blend of technical skill, artistic insight, and a deep understanding of human connection allows me to create visuals that feel layered and meaningful.

Additionally, my commitment to delivering excellence under challenging conditions—whether it’s tight schedules, demanding locations, or last-minute changes—has earned me the trust of my clients and collaborators. My work is not just about taking photos; it’s about crafting stories that linger with the viewer, sparking curiosity and emotion.

In essence, my work is a reflection of who I am—an explorer, a storyteller, and someone deeply passionate about capturing the beauty and spirit of the world around me.

Where do you see things going in the next 5-10 years?

The photography industry is constantly evolving, and over the next 5-10 years, I see several key shifts that will shape its future. One of the most significant trends is the increasing reliance on technology, particularly artificial intelligence (AI) and automation. Tools powered by AI are already streamlining editing workflows and enhancing creative possibilities, and I believe they will continue to play a transformative role. However, while these advancements will make certain aspects of photography more efficient, the essence of storytelling and the human connection behind the lens will remain irreplaceable.

Another major trend is the rise of immersive and interactive content. With the growing popularity of virtual and augmented reality (VR and AR), photography will likely extend beyond traditional still images into more dynamic and multi-dimensional experiences. This shift will open up new creative opportunities for photographers to engage audiences in ways that feel personal and memorable.

Social media and digital platforms will also continue to influence the industry. The demand for visually striking and instantly shareable content is unlikely to slow down, and this will push photographers to think more strategically about how their work translates across digital mediums. Alongside this, the growing focus on sustainability and ethical storytelling will likely become more prominent, as clients and audiences alike prioritize authenticity and environmental consciousness.

Despite these changes, I believe the core of photography—its ability to tell stories, evoke emotions, and connect people—will remain unchanged. Technology may evolve, trends may shift, but the need for meaningful and impactful visual narratives will always be at the heart of this industry.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.himanshupandya.com
• Instagram: 1) https://www.instagram.com/mytravelgigs/ 2) https://www.instagram.com/himanshu_pandya/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/himanshu-pandya-49426a9/

Image Credits

© Himanshu Pandya