Meet fashion and advertising photographer from Mumbai, Priyanka Kirve.

Tell us a little bit about yourself.

I’m a fashion and advertising photographer based in Mumbai, India.

Describe the city you’re living in and what it’s like to live there.

Living in Mumbai is so adventurous. It is like magic waiting to happen! You never know what will happen when!

What is the best and worst thing about living in your city?

The best thing about living here is that there are a lot of opportunities here and Mumbai just welcomes you with arms wide open. It is home.

Worst would be the traffic and pollution.

The best thing about living here is that there are a lot of opportunities here and Mumbai just welcomes you with arms wide open.

Give us 3 words that describe what it’s like to be a creative in your city.

STRONG, DIVERGENT, INDEPENDENT

How did you start your career in photography?

I used to sketch really well when I was a kid. My teachers suggested me to try my hands in the creative field. After secondary school, I joined a short course to learn the basics of camera & photography and I found it interesting. Later, I successfully got into an art school and that’s where it all started! I graduated as an Applied artist from the world renowned Sir JJ Institute of Applied Art, Mumbai wherein I did specialization in Photography.

Were the people around you supportive of your decision on working as a creative?

Honestly, the creative field remains aloof from people’s attention. Every parent wants his or her child to be an engineer or a doctor. When I told my parents about my interest in the creative field, they were pretty hesitant as we knew nobody from the industry and it was all new to them. But they noticed my passion when I was in art school so they supported the decision. After graduation, I started off as a freelance artist, so when I had no work, it worried them! But things set in, and they think it was the best decision I made! I think they are proud of me.

When I told my parents about my interest in the creative field, they were pretty hesitant as we knew nobody from the industry and it was all new to them.

What are some goals and ambitions you have for your future work?

My goal is to travel the world, meet new people and experience new cultures. I believe travel shapes creative thoughts. So my ultimate aim is traveling to different countries and collaborating with the artists. How amusing is this to shoot on a concept where artists from different countries are involved. It is creating something out of pure love without borders.

If you could collaborate with any person in the world who would it be?

I would love to collaborate with Pat McGrath someday.

How would you describe the women around you?

Women around me are really strong.  I have seen my mother work her whole life, she raised two daughters successfully, has an affluent career as a banker. Isn’t it a superpower! My grandmother was a sports teacher. So it is really nice having grown up seeing these strong and beautiful women around me. Women around me are achievers.

Were there any local female creatives that you looked up to when you were growing up?

While I was growing up, I happened to watch a TV show on Amrita Sher-Gil’s life and paintings. I was so inspired by her work that I started sketching and painting more. Somehow past inspirations play a major role in present artworks.

Somehow past inspirations play a major role in present artworks.

Are there any challenging aspects of being a female in your industry?

Fortunately, people have treated and perceived me well.

Do you have any advice to young women who are aspiring to work in your field?

Be confident, be patient! Do not be scared to put your thoughts across, learn, strive, survive, enjoy the process!

Photos courtesy of Priyanka Kirve.