Hi, I’m Arjun Kamath
A Storyteller. A Creative Photographer. A Filmmaker.
From a once inquisitive backbencher to a proud graduate of a renowned film school and now one of the best wedding photographers in India, my journey has been a testament to the artist’s path.
After completing my undergraduate degree in 2009 in my hometown, Bengaluru, I shifted my focus to photography and storytelling, which had always been my true passion.
More than 15 years into my journey, I've crafted art that invites viewers to see the world as a series of vivid, captivating frames—each moment is a story waiting to unfold. My calling shows in my diverse and lionised portfolio of celebrity photoshoots, award-winning films, internationally published photo stories, and globally acclaimed street photography work.
This perspective also shapes my work as a wedding photographer in Bangalore. My multiple accolades in wedding photography from prestigious global competitions have positioned me in the league of the best wedding photographers and a top-notch candid wedding photographer in the industry.
Home to Hollywood
Lessons from the world’s best film school
Attending the USC School of Cinematic Arts in L.A. is a coveted opportunity open to only a few visual storytellers worldwide. In 2012, I aimed for everyone’s dream film school. One of the application requirements was a six-image photo narrative, which led to the creation of my first Bangalore photo story, The Last Straw.
After finishing my engineering degree, I ventured into commercial and artistic wedding photography. So while one day, I was photographing a friend’s coffee estate, in a few months, I was in Los Angeles learning Film & Television Production under renowned filmmakers whose shelves are lined with Oscars, Golden Globes, and Emmys back at home.
Studying in the same classrooms once occupied by revered storytellers like Ryan Coogler and George Lucas was a surreal experience. It was initially overwhelming, but I channelled my vulnerability into passion, knowing this was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
Over the next four years, I poured my heart into filmmaking, producing documentaries, short films, and even feature-length projects. Some of my work as a visual storyteller was showcased at esteemed film festivals, including the Cleveland International Film Festival and the Seattle International Film Festival.
My Journey as a Creative Photographer
Artistic photography has always captivated me, merging my passion for art with my love for capturing images. My first photo story even led me to Los Angeles, sparking a drive to explore more of my potential as a creative photographer.
In 2015, I released Coming Out, a photo narrative highlighting the persecution of the LGBTQ+ community. The project gained widespread attention on social media and global platforms, ultimately leading to an interview with UNAIDS at the United Nations. An acclaimed storyteller by now, in early 2016, I created Avani with a team entirely based in Bangalore. It is a poignant story exploring the injustices faced by women– from discrimination at birth to enduring mistreatment. This Bangalore photo story resonated deeply with millions of hearts, and remains a treasured work of mine.
While studying film at USC, I had the opportunity to document several weddings. My keen eye for emotion, vibrant colors, and fresh perspectives helped me chronicle wedding journeys in a timeless manner. This open creative approach eventually led to an exciting invitation from filmmaker Bubba Mclean, a senior from film school, who asked me to capture his own wedding. And so, I reignited my calling of becoming a wedding photographer during film school itself.
Today, as a photographer in Bangalore, my accolades span a range of photographic genres and international recognition. These honours include the IPA (2020 & 2022), International Photographer of the Year Awards, Neutral Density Photography Awards, MonoVisions Photography Awards, Fearless Awards, MUSE Creative Awards, SIP Awards, Monochrome Photography Awards, Chromatic Photography Awards, and WOW Awards. Notably, the Circle Foundation for the Arts (CFA) recognised me as the Artist of the Month in 2022.
In my professional journey, I have also had the privilege of lending my expertise as a judge for distinguished photography contests, including the COSMOS Awards and the IWPOTY Awards, where I assess and celebrate the remarkable talents of fellow photographers.
As a travel and fashion photographer, I bring the same authenticity to street photography, channelling my creative drive to craft innovative contemporary portraits that speak to my artistic vision. My command of capturing colours, cultures, and emotionally engaging frames has helped me work closely with artists from Bollywood and the Southern Indian film industry. I've had the privilege of creating celebrity portraits for notable figures such as Sai Pallavi, Sobhita Dhulipala, Fatima Sana Shaikh, Shweta Tripathi, Neha Sharma, Shraddha Srinath, Pragya Jaiswal, Shanvi Srivastava, Rashmika Mandanna, Simran, and Malavika Mohanan.
Excerpts from my life journal
When I’m not working as a wedding photographer, filmmaker, or storyteller, I’m likely listening to a podcast or exploring new restaurants with close friends. But on other days, you’ll find me up at 4 a.m., preparing to explore places like Antelope Canyon or Dhobi Ghat.
During one such adventure, I found myself in Hampi, where I captured a striking image of a young shepherd and his flock basking in soft light beneath an overcast sky. National Geographic later featured this image as a top shot in their Daily Dozen segment, ultimately naming it one of the top Nat Geo photographs of 2017. While recognition isn’t my primary goal, I can’t help but celebrate when my art, as a photographer in Bangalore, reaches the world.
Be it through street photography or celebrity photoshoots, storytelling feels intuitive to me, likely inspired by my grandmother, who was a gifted storyteller. My favourite childhood memory is listening to her weave stories as I rested on her lap. Sometimes, I imagine she whispered her best tale to the heavens, crafting my life with her sweet, endearing narrative.
