Surbhi Jain IG@surbhi_jain_photography surbhijainphotography@gmail.com

What is your specialization in photography? (portraits, fashion, nature, street photography, etc.)

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Fashion and beauty photography.  

What inspires you in your creative work?

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I find inspiration in color and the way it evokes emotions and tells stories beyond words. Fine art plays a crucial role in shaping my creative process, offering a rich history of expression and technique. I love looking at inspiration in museums, where each piece holds a world of meaning and invites me to see things from new perspectives. Ultimately, my work is a reflection of self, blending personal experiences with the artistic influences that resonate with me.  

What key techniques do you use in your photography?

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I rely heavily on studio lighting to control the exact look and feel of my photos, shaping the light to create the mood I envision. I prefer to keep my work as real in-camera as possible, using less Photoshop to maintain authenticity and a natural aesthetic. At times, I also experiment with mixed media, blending different artistic elements to add depth and texture to my photography.  

How does your culture or country influence your photography style?

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Coming from India, a land rich in spectacular heritage, color, and texture, my photography is deeply influenced by the vibrancy and sensory richness of my culture. The smells, sounds, and visual contrasts I grew up with shape my artistic vision, inspiring me to create images that feel immersive and full of life. My memories of home play a key role in my creative direction, influencing my use of color, light, and composition to evoke emotion and storytelling in my work.  

What resources (books, online courses, webinars) do you recommend for improving photography skills?

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For photographers looking to refine their skills—both technically and conceptually—I recommend a balance of hands-on experience, critical reading, and active networking. Assisting other photographers is one of the best ways to gain practical knowledge both on location and in the studio, as it exposes you to different workflows, lighting setups, and creative approaches. But developing a strong theoretical foundation is just as important in shaping your perspective.

Books like Camera Lucida by Roland Barthes and Regarding the Pain of Others by Susan Sontag are essential for understanding the deeper cultural and emotional impact of photography. They challenge the way we think about images, their meaning, and their ethical implications. Ways of Seeing by John Berger is another key text, offering an insightful critique of visual culture that’s still highly relevant today.

Additionally, attending events for creatives is crucial for growth and learning. Networking with other photographers, designers, and artists opens up new opportunities and perspectives. Events like Creative Control in Glasgow provide a great space to connect, collaborate, and gain industry insights. Engaging with creative communities—whether at exhibitions, talks, or workshops—helps build relationships that can shape your career in unexpected ways. Ultimately, photography is a lifelong learning process, and the best way to improve is to stay curious, keep creating, and surround yourself with inspiring people.

What editing programs or tools do you use for processing your photos? Why did you choose them?

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I primarily use Adobe Lightroom, Photoshop, and Capture One for processing my photos, each serving a different purpose in my workflow.

Capture One is my go-to for tethered shooting and RAW processing, especially for fashion and commercial work. The color control and tonality it offers are unmatched, allowing me to fine-tune skin tones and textures with precision. It also handles large files efficiently, which is essential for high-end editorial shoots.Adobe Lightroom is great for organizing and batch-editing images, especially when working on documentary or portrait projects. I love its seamless workflow for applying consistent color grading and making non-destructive adjustments.For more intricate retouching and compositing, I turn to Adobe Photoshop. Whether it's refining details, enhancing textures, or layering elements, Photoshop allows me to take an image beyond the raw capture while maintaining a natural and authentic look.I choose these tools because they complement different aspects of my work. Capture One gives me the best starting point, Lightroom keeps my workflow efficient, and Photoshop lets me push creative boundaries when needed. Together, they allow me to achieve the exact look and feel I envision for each project.  

Which social media platforms or networks do you think are the most useful for promoting photography?

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The best social media platforms for promoting photography depend on your style and audience, but here are the top ones: Instagram, Pinterest, Behance, and LinkedIn.  

Do you have favorite photographers or artists who have influenced your style? Which ones?

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You have an incredible list of influences! Each of these photographers brings something unique to the table:

• Tim Walker: His whimsical, dreamlike storytelling and use of extravagant set designs.

• Richard Avedon: The way he captured raw emotion and personality in his portraits, especially in fashion.

• Duane Michals: His narrative-driven photography and surreal, cinematic approach.

• Guy Bourdin: His bold use of color, surreal compositions, and provocative fashion imagery.

• Eliska Kyselkova: Her moody, ethereal, and painterly aesthetic.

• Amanda Charchian: Her soft, intimate, and otherworldly portraits with a strong feminine presence.

• Nima Benati: Her glossy, high-fashion visuals and impeccable lighting techniques.

What technical or creative challenges have you faced while creating your work, and how did you overcome them?

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I’ve faced both technical and creative challenges in my photography journey, but each one has pushed me to grow.

Technical Challenges & Solutions:
Sometimes, achieving the perfect lighting, especially in studio setups, can be tricky. I’ve learned to experiment with studio lighting setups, modifiers, and gels to create the exact mood I want. Since I prefer keeping things real in-camera, I have had to refine my posing, styling, and lighting techniques to reduce reliance on post-processing.Creative Challenges & Solutions:
With so much inspiration out there, I strive to create something fresh. Looking at museums, fine art, and my cultural roots helps me develop ideas that feel personal and unique. When I feel stuck, I revisit my influences, like Tim Walker and Richard Avedon, or I experiment with mixed media to spark new inspiration.  

How did you hear about "Depo," and what are your expectations for our magazine? Are you interested in participating in future projects or collaborations with "Depo"?

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I first heard about "Depo" through Instagram and some online buzz about the unique and fresh perspectives it offers in the photography and art scene. From what I've seen, your magazine stands out for its focus on innovative, boundary-pushing work—which is exactly the kind of platform I admire.

CREDITS

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Models in order of photos: Elisabeth Emilie, Alma Rosaz
Photographer: Surbhi Jain
Stylist: Surbhi Jain
MUA: Elisabeth Emilie, Silvia Franco