Gender bias and pay gap still exists but it is getting better

Aesana Bhuta

Photographer Aesana Bhuta is a name to reckon with. With an interesting background, unique photography style and diverse portfolio, she has surely carved a niche for herself. In an interview with mid-day.com, Aesana, who is also social media strategist and a PR professional talks about how she multitasks, dealing with the glitz and glamour of the showbiz world and also makes a strong comment about the pay parity in the industry.

You are a photographer, social media strategist and even a PR professional. How do you manage to juggle so many things?

It is all about balancing the vigour these crafts behold. In today's fast paced digital era, I believe just capturing frames does not end the job. It is important to startegise their visual presence and reach out through the right medium to as many people as possible.

How would you describe your signature style of photography?

I feel my USP is to deliver realism through my lens. It pivots around treasuring naturality with a hint of aesthetic glaze. I think the silent story or message behind each photograph keeps me intrigued. I like to keep the focus on the model and the styling, telling a story through simplicity.

How do you avoid getting stereotyped?

I think my knowledge of arts, science and commerce weaves my way to versatility. I work on mood boards that hold concreteness of some sort to strike the eye as a good picture. The thought of preventing the sense of superiority & certainty from exceeding confidence & talent motivates me to perform to the best of my capabilities.

Tell us about the glitz and glamour that is attached with your profession. How do you deal with it?

Yes, there's a lot of glitz that exists but the pelting and hard work that goes into achieving it followed by retention of the same is under wraps on an honest note. There are times when you are performing well, and your talent is growing but you don't get work. It is tough to go through the phase but pushing away disheartenment in this drill settles the deal.

What is the difference in shooting models v/s celebrities?

The difference exists on technical fronts. When shooting with models, there is a freedom of time, space and allows me to experiment. It is like moulding your vision into reality with joint effort. When it comes to working with celebrities, things are pre-planned, and the time is limited so you have to be very precise and should be focussed on what your end goal is. Fashion photography is more on the crisp, out of the box lines whereas celebrity photography is simple but elegant.

You recently shot with Raveena Tandon again. How was your experience this time around?

It was more on the confident end this time with both of us having understood each other's frequency. The aura of the shoot environment on the sets of Kaun Banega Crorepati was resplendent. The first time around, it was an amicable check on for working together in the future.

What is the most challenging part about being a photographer in showbiz?

The most challenging part is to analyse the encapsulated theme from the perspective of audience without compromising on creative direction whilst restricting the overflow of budget during implementation. Additionally, the responsibility of being cordial with everyone on set whilst being swift in decision making is equally testing.

What do you think is the difference between a professional photographer and any other person who clicks on phone?

The sensor size, the approach to post processing, the method of freezing frames, image resolutions and mood toning notify the difference.

What is your take on gender bias in the industry? Can you also comment on the gender pay gap?

Gender bias exists in the industry & I feel the gulf it leaves can be filled with humility & equality. I haven't faced instances wherein things didn't work out because the client wanted a male photographer, but I have heard of it. I have instead experienced unspoken faith and comfort from female models quite a few times. Everything has its own pros & cons for which I behold no qualms. Men get a hefty pay over woman, but I am happy that the trend of this disparity is slowly fading.

What is the other kind of photography that you are keen to explore?

I would like to explore hybrids of fashion and wildlife photography or even fashion and fine arts photography sometime in my career.

Any wish list of celebrities that you would like to work with?

I would be blessed if I get an opportunity to work with Rani Mukerji, Ranbir Kapoor, Hrithik Roshan and Katrina Kaif