Amala Muralidharan

 

 ‘Photography is painting with light using a camera instead of a brush’, believes Hari Bhagirath, a Mumbai-based Fitness Photographer and media professional. Hari had always been a painter who built a penchant for the magical world of photography, which is just another step in his evolution as an artist. For him photography is just another dimension to tell great stories through his perspective. “The purpose of a photograph is to sell an idea and outlive the momentary existence”, he says.

 

When passion for photography was introduced in his lifestyle of fitness and art, it was the defining moment for the shutterbug. He has worked as a managerial employee and a visiting faculty, who has also shared his domain with publications like The Times of India and The New Indian Express. Hari hails from Thrissur, Kerala and is based in Mumbai.

 

In a tete-a-tete with Amala Muralidharan Hari Bhagirath throws light on various aspects of fitness photography:

 

AMALA MURALIDHARAN (AM):  How did your journey start as a photographer?

 

Hari Bhagirath (HB): My first step into the world of colours was as a painter. I felt comfortable to paint my reality with a camera. I focused on this aspect when I completed my Masters in Communication with specialization on Visual Studies. Then I went ahead to complete my Masters in Philosophy specializing in Media Studies from Christ University, after which I had the opportunity to work with Technicolor, a Hollywood Post-Production company. There were many talented individuals to work with who had a positive influence in my life. This proved to be pivotal in my journey as a photographer.

 

AM: What made you to switch from photojournalism to fitness photography?

 

HB: Fitness photography offered me avenues for creativity. It is something exciting for me since I love fitness and painting. It is lot more challenging than fashion or street photography. I am still learning advanced levels of anatomy and in-depth details of posing and light effects. More than a job it is a result of passion that defined my personality.

 

AM: From where do you draw inspirations!

 

HB: In the field of fitness, I have been lucky to attend training sessions by Kris Gethin and Neil Hill to be certified as a Physique Elite transformation specialist. The program gave me much of exposure into the world of fitness modelling and bodybuilding. Years of experience, working out in gyms helped me to be familiarized with muscle composition, aesthetics and posing. This really inspired me to learn more about fitness and bodybuilding industry.

 

AM:The job of the photographer is to make the athlete look at his best, is challenging!

 

HB: The level of knowledge about anatomy that I learned from painting and the in-depth knowledge about muscle groups and fitness made this dream possible. The impact of lighting and shadows is essential in achieving the desired results and posing routines. I believe the artistic element in this field is much more challenging and demanding. Each muscle contraction makes a difference in the end result.

 

AM: Your biggest moments!     

 

HB: When I was assigned as the Chief Photographer for Fit Factor at BodyPower India Expo, it was a great experience. BodyPower 2014 was the largest fitness Expo in India with names like Jay Cutler, Ronnie Coleman, Ranveer Singh, Arjun Kapoor, Kris Gethin, Mustafa Ahmed and Shweta Jaiswal to name a few.  Lately I had been working with a few artists from the Indian film industry, it was a great privilege to work with Tovino Thomas from Malayalam film industry, especially because we were from the same school during our childhood.

 

AM: How do you balance your work as a photographer, lecturer and Media Management professional?

 

HB: I am a Media Management professional, so I believe it is my profession to manage time and resources to bring the best within me. At times rather than treating myself as a person, I focus on the brand I try to project to my clients. I believe that if one has a definite goal and focus nothing is impossible.

 

AM: What next!

 

HB: I will be working with a few reputed international fitness brands athletes and actors in the year ahead. Even travelling is on the cards.