We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Aditya Gupta a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Aditya, so good to have you with us today. We’ve always been impressed with folks who have a very clear sense of purpose and so maybe we can jump right in and talk about how you found your purpose?
I found my purpose in life through a combination of personal reflection, challenges, and a deep-seated passion for visual storytelling. My journey began during adolescence when I discovered solace in capturing moments through photography. The ability to freeze a moment in time and make it timeless deeply inspired my younger self. After high school, I immersed myself in practicing this passion, joining my sister-in-law’s photography venture and completing a short photography course at NYU Tisch.
The Covid-19 pandemic was a pivotal moment for me. The world came to a standstill, and I found myself struggling to navigate the disruptions it caused. During this period of introspection, I realized my passion for telling stories through more elaborate means. This led me to transition from photography to cinematography, where I started assisting DPs and worked on a personal film project based on the relationship between a dog and a human. I chose this subject because my dog, Joey came into my life during this time and uplifted me from a period of emotional stagnation during the pandemic, which is why, the beauty of bonds and emotions, especially in the time of adversity, is reflected in my work to date. Despite limited resources and knowledge, I completed the film, which was a significant milestone in my journey.
Soon after that, I realized that my purpose is to tell stories that evoke emotions, convey messages of human bonds and connections, and bring about societal change through my visual art.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
I am a 25-year-old cinematographer, and my journey began with photography before transitioning to cinematography. My work is centered on capturing stories and evoking emotions through the visual medium. However, I like to introduce myself as an observer first and then as a storyteller. I have 25 years of experience in observing and listening to stories and 7 years of experience in telling stories through my lens.
One of my strengths is using light and shadow to enhance storytelling and add visual depth. I believe my natural sensitivity to emotions allows me to capture and convey them creatively through my lens.
Early on in my journey, I realized the necessity of formal education to excel in the creative business world, so I pursued studies in media management. Simultaneously, I kept pursuing my passion for cinematography and covered the ITTF (International Table Tennis Federation) World Junior Circuit event in 2015 and 2016. Opportunities soon came knocking, with nominations like being the official photographer for Mood Indigo 2018, IIT Bombay’s tech fest. I also covered events with artists like Salim-Sulaiman, Zaeden, Neha Kakkar, Jasleen Royale, Kriti Kharbanda, Divine, and many more. I also covered Times Fashion Week for Saisha Shinde and Hina Khan.
Despite having worked on over 40 projects, I yearned for more opportunities to tell stories through my visual art. I hungered for more. I decided to move to the United States, where I pursued formal education in cinematography at the New York Film Academy in Los Angeles, deepening my expertise.
My recent project as a camera operator – ‘La Vaste’, a feature film, premiered at the Cannes Film Festival and Jagran Josh Film Festival, Mumbai. Other projects like ‘My Project Life,’ a finalist in the Oniros Film Awards in New York and chosen as the official selection at Los Angeles International Short Festival 2023. ‘Cursed Halloween’ was nominated for best short action film at Action Short Film Premier, Los Angeles.
Alongside feature and short films, I’m also working on projects like web series, TV commercials, and music videos. I aspire, and I hope to continue to tell stories to wider masses, convey messages, and impact the hearts & minds of viewers to ultimately bring about a change in society through my work. One of my recent works includes a commercial short film for GAIL. (Gas Authority India Ltd.)
In terms of new developments, I am excited about several upcoming projects, including a new web series and a music video collaboration with a renowned artist. I am also working on expanding my portfolio with more commercial and product films, aiming to blend artistic storytelling with brand narratives.
Through my work, I strive to create a lasting impact, tell compelling stories, and evoke deep emotions, making each project a unique and immersive experience for the audience.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Looking back, the three qualities that have been most impactful in my journey are:
1. Curiosity and Observation: My innate curiosity and keen observation skills have allowed me to understand and appreciate the nuances of storytelling. By paying close attention to the world around me and the emotions of those I encounter, I’ve been able to capture moments with authenticity and depth.
2. Technical Expertise in one area: I created my niche and developed my expertise in Lighting. Understanding how to manipulate light and shadow to create mood, depth, and emphasis enhances the visual storytelling in my work. I strongly believe that light and shadow are the paints that you paint a picture with. This forms the foundation of visual communication.
3. Adaptability and Resilience: The ability to adapt to new challenges and remain resilient in the face of setbacks has been crucial. Whether transitioning from photography to cinematography or navigating the disruptions caused by the pandemic, staying flexible and persistent has enabled me to grow and continue pursuing my passion.
My advice to my fellow visual storytellers, filmmakers, and cinematographers – We are currently living in an era of visuals. With the boom in social media, OTT, and the entertainment industry, it is essential to cultivate a habit of observing the world with intent. Pay attention to details, emotions, and interactions.
One of our goals is to help like-minded folks with similar goals connect and so before we go we want to ask if you are looking to partner or collab with others – and if so, what would make the ideal collaborator or partner?
Absolutely, I am open to partnering and collaborating with creative professionals who share a passion for storytelling and visual artistry. I am particularly interested in connecting with:
Fellow Cinematographers and Filmmakers: Those who bring fresh perspectives and innovative techniques to the craft of cinematography. Collaboration with individuals who have a strong artistic vision and a deep understanding of light, shadow, and narrative can lead to exciting and visually compelling projects.
Writers and Directors: Creative minds who have captivating stories and unique narratives to tell. I value collaboration with storytellers who are passionate about their projects and interested in exploring new visual dimensions in their work.
Brands and Companies: Companies that have a distinct brand identity and want to convey their message through powerful visuals. Whether it’s through commercials, brand films, or product showcases, I’m excited to help bring your brand’s vision to life with creativity and precision.
If you are interested in collaborating, you can connect with me through Email, LinkedIn, Behance or Instagram:
Email: storiesbyaditya10@gmail.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aditya-gupta-791b75228/
Behance: https://www.behance.net/adityagupta1098
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_storiesbyaditya_?igsh=MWU0cnpzYjJ3YjV3Yw==
Feel free to reach out with your ideas or projects. I look forward to exploring creative possibilities and working together to bring unique stories to life.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_storiesbyaditya_?igsh=MWU0cnpzYjJ3YjV3Yw==
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aditya-gupta-791b75228/
- Youtube: https://www.behance.net/gallery/163074573/Aditya-Gupta-Showreel
- Other: https://www.behance.net/adityagupta1098
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