Studio photography:
Preserving a family legacy

AJAY SHANKER

I am fortunate to have been born into a family deeply rooted in the world of studio photography. It all began with my grandfather, Shri Bhagwati Prasad, who laid the foundation of Delhi Photo Company (DPC) on Janpath, Delhi, in 1937. DPC’s specialisation in studio portraits generated widespread interest. The company soon received accolades and patronage from an array of eminent clients including many royal figures, and British officers and their family members. With the success of the studio in Delhi, a second branch was opened in Mussoorie in 1938.

After India’s Independence in 1947, DPC was appointed the official photographers to the earlier presidents of India. The studio was also appointed this position to the King of Nepal.

My father, Shri Vijay Shanker, continued this legacy and played a pivotal role in shaping the family’s photographic journey. He was among the early pioneers, who ventured to Germany in the 1950s to acquire expertise in the art of studio photography (both in black-and-white and colour). This marked a significant milestone in our family’s photographic lineage.

During my formative years at school, I had the privilege of learning the intricacies of photography from Shri O. P. Sharma. Thus, through generations, our family has nurtured a profound connection with the world of studio photography. This is a tradition that I am proud to carry forward to this day.

To me, a studio is like a theatrical stage. Lights, backgrounds and props are carefully selected to create iconic portraits while providing an intimate setting for both the model and the photographer. I have learned to set the lighting so that the subject cannot see the photographer. During that moment, under the spotlight, the sitter has the opportunity to reflect on life, and it is that essence that I aim to capture.

I am fortunate to have been born into a family deeply rooted in the world of studio photography. It all began with my grandfather, Shri Bhagwati Prasad, who laid the foundation of Delhi Photo Company (DPC) on Janpath, Delhi, in 1937. DPC’s specialisation in studio portraits generated widespread interest. The company soon received accolades and patronage from an array of eminent clients including many royal figures, and British officers and their family members. With the success of the studio in Delhi, a second branch was opened in Mussoorie in 1938.

After India’s Independence in 1947, DPC was appointed the official photographers to the earlier presidents of India. The studio was also appointed this position to the King of Nepal.

My father, Shri Vijay Shanker, continued this legacy and played a pivotal role in shaping the family’s photographic journey. He was among the early pioneers, who ventured to Germany in the 1950s to acquire expertise in the art of studio photography (both in black-and-white and colour). This marked a significant milestone in our family’s photographic lineage.

During my formative years at school, I had the privilege of learning the intricacies of photography from Shri O. P. Sharma. Thus, through generations, our family has nurtured a profound connection with the world of studio photography. This is a tradition that I am proud to carry forward to this day.

To me, a studio is like a theatrical stage. Lights, backgrounds and props are carefully selected to create iconic portraits while providing an intimate setting for both the model and the photographer. I have learned to set the lighting so that the subject cannot see the photographer. During that moment, under the spotlight, the sitter has the opportunity to reflect on life, and it is that essence that I aim to capture.

This is a 2 day workshop on black and white processing and printing.

• DAY ONE
  We will teach you about film cameras show you how to load/unload films, how to use the manual controls like ISO, aperture and shutter speed to control your camera and get the shots you’re after. We provide each participant with a beautiful vintage camera for the duration of the workshop, but if you have your own film camera you are free to get it.
  Photography Tour
  After an introduction to how your camera works, we’ll go on a photography tour to old Delhi where we will take photos in the by lanes, the spice market and the wedding street.
  Film Developing
  When we’re done shooting, we’ll come back to the studio and teach you how develop your own film. As with all aspects of black and white photography, we will show you the tips and tricks for maximizing ‘the feel’ you want to create with every new roll you shoot.
• DAY TWO
  With the film you processed the previous day we will teach you printing photos from them.Printing your own images will give you more creative control, and as with all aspects of black and white photography, we will show you the tips and tricks for maximising ‘the feel’ you want to create with your particular photo.

Workshop Includes:

• 1 black and white film
• 1 packet black and white paper
• 1 litre black and white chemicals for developing film
• 1 litre black and white chemicals for printing photos
• Transportation to and back from old Delhi
• Lunch on day 1 in old Delhi, at Studio on day 2
• Water, tea and cold drinks on both days