We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Vijat Mohindra a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Vijat, thanks for joining us today. Let’s talk about innovation. What’s the most innovative thing you’ve done in your career?
Most recently, I’ve taken an innovative step by opening The Powder Room Studio LA, a
one of a kind photography studio designed to support emerging creatives and artists
seeking cost-effective ways to elevate the production value of their work. Our creative
space eliminates the need for extensive set design and construction, streamlining the
creative process and enhancing the visual storytelling of productions shot at our studio.
By offering a turnkey solution, our mission is to empower aspiring artists and industry
professionals to focus solely on their craft, free from the burden of logistical challenges.
In such a short time we are proud to have hosted a range of high-profile clients,
including Cardi B, Miley Cyrus, Paris Hilton, Christina Aguilera, and Karol G among
others. Conveniently located near the Downtown LA Arts district and open since
January 2024, The Powder Room Studio LA features 12 post-modern inspired standing
sets, each echoing a late 80s/90s Barbie Dream House aesthetic. With a 35 ft.
hand-painted sky and various other amenities, we offer a fully-equipped environment
tailored for both photography and video projects.
Vijat, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
I think of myself as more of an artist that uses photography as my medium rather than a
photographer – I am most known for my hyper creative monochromatic imagery with a
pop aesthetic. I love creating striking visuals that capture the energy and personality of
my subjects. Over the years, I’ve worked with a wide range of celebrities and brands
(from Nicki Minaj to Lady Gaga) and my work spans across magazine covers, album
art, and high-profile advertising campaigns.
What sets me apart is my meticulous approach to each image I create. Combining my
detailed pre-planning with a spontaneous energy on-set creates the perfect dynamic.
I’m most proud of my long-standing collaborations and the unique studio I’ve created
which serves as a creative space for others to explore their visions. For me, it’s about
creative perspectives and showing off the beauty and energy of the world through my
lens.
What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?
The most rewarding part of being a creative is being able to bring my hyper imaginative
ideas to life and then seeing them connect with people. Whether it’s a celebrity portrait
or an elaborate advertising campaign, I love redefining what great storytelling can be
and inspiring others. That’s also why I opened The Powder Room Studio LA—to give
other creatives the space to tell their stories with style and impact.
How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?
A major pivot for me was realizing that I didn’t have to follow the traditional path to
success as a photographer. Early on, I was told there was a certain way to approach the
industry—stick to specific styles, work with certain clients—but I leaned into my own
hyper synthetic and surreal aesthetic instead. Embracing what made my work unique
opened doors I didn’t even know existed. That shift taught me the power of staying true
to my creative instincts no matter what.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.thepowderroomstudiola.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thepowderroomstudiola/?igsh=b3dyYzk0YzY3d2N3
Image Credits
VIJAT M.