Meet Abhishek Nigam

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Abhishek Nigam a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Abhishek, looking forward to learning from your journey. You’ve got an amazing story and before we dive into that, let’s start with an important building block. Where do you get your work ethic from?

My work ethic in photography comes from a combination of personal discipline, creative curiosity, and a deep emotional connection to the art form. Growing up, I was always drawn to visual storytelling—movies, paintings, photojournalism—and I was fascinated by how a single image could evoke powerful emotions or tell an entire story. That early fascination gradually turned into a passion, and over time, I realized that producing meaningful work requires more than just talent—it demands consistency, patience, and an unwavering commitment to growth. This mindset drives me in both portrait photography and toy photography—two genres that allow me to express different facets of my creativity. Portraits help me connect with people on a human level, while toy photography opens the door to cinematic storytelling and imagination.

I also credit my upbringing for instilling in me a strong sense of responsibility and perseverance. I was taught early on that anything worth creating is worth doing with full effort. In photography, that means long hours planning shoots, waiting for the perfect light, or editing late into the night—not because I have to, but because I genuinely care about every detail. Each image I create carries a piece of me—my perspective, my mood, my message—so I feel a responsibility to honor that process with integrity and hard work.
Over the years, I’ve come to embrace the grind that comes with mastering the craft. Whether it’s experimenting with new gear, scouting unique locations, or constantly pushing myself out of my comfort zone, I treat each project as an opportunity to evolve. Photography has taught me that the difference between a good shot and a great one often lies in the extra effort—the second take, the early morning, the patient pause—and that’s the mindset I bring into every shoot.
References:
Portrait Photography : abhisheknigamphotography.com
Toy Photography: toyversephotography.com/work

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

As a visual storyteller, I specialize in both portrait and toy photography—two very different but equally rewarding avenues that allow me to explore human emotion and imagination in unique ways. My portrait work is about connection: capturing authentic expressions, moods, and moments that reflect the subject’s true self. On the other hand, my toy photography is a tribute to cinematic storytelling. It lets me build entire narratives in miniature worlds—drawing inspiration from pop culture, comic books, and childhood nostalgia.

My brand is rooted in passion, storytelling, and a commitment to craft. Whether I’m working with a client or creating personal work, I put everything into each shoot—from concept to execution. I believe photography is more than just pictures—it’s about impact, memory, and connection.

Recently, I’ve been expanding my toy photography into a dedicated series and am working toward showcasing it in a themed exhibit. I’m also developing educational content and behind-the-scenes looks to give others a glimpse into my creative process.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

Looking back, four qualities have been especially impactful in my journey: 3C’s which are consistency, creativity and curiosity,

Consistency has been the foundation of my growth. While talent can ignite the spark, it’s the discipline of showing up—day after day, even when inspiration feels low—that truly shapes an artist. Whether I’m planning shoots, editing into the late hours, or experimenting with new concepts, staying consistent has allowed me to steadily evolve and refine my voice.

Creativity is the soul of my work. It’s what drives me to explore new ideas, take risks, and see the world through different lenses. Creativity is especially important in both my portrait and toy photography—whether I’m capturing an authentic emotion or building a miniature cinematic scene from scratch, it’s the creative spark that transforms a simple image into a story.

Curiosity keeps me learning and growing. I’m constantly inspired by visual storytelling in all forms—movies, comics, other photographers—and that drive to explore “what if?” moments has pushed me to try new techniques, tools, and perspectives.

How can folks who want to work with you connect?

Yes, I’m always open to collaborations and partnerships that align with my creative vision and values. I believe that some of the most powerful work happens when creative minds come together, and I’m excited by the idea of building something meaningful through shared passion and perspective.

I’m particularly interested in collaborating with:

Fellow photographers, artists, and visual storytellers who are eager to explore fresh concepts or push creative boundaries.
Stylists, models, and makeup artists who want to bring bold portrait ideas to life.
Toy collectors, designers, and brands who are passionate about cinematic or storytelling-driven toy photography.
Content creators and brands who value authenticity, artistry, and emotional connection in their visual campaigns.

Contact Info:

• Website: abhisheknigamphotography.com, toyversephotography.com
• Instagram: @abhilensandshot

Image Credits

Model : Catherine Agnes
Model : Ella Griffith
Model : Marissa Italia