Looking to transform fashion photography, Kriti Bisaria took the plunge and deep-dived into the world of underwater photography. Today, New York-based creative mind not only spearheads all the imagery for Rebecca Minkoff, (a global luxury fashion brand), but has also carved a niche for herself — one that is dominated by visuals of bright colours, mesmerising flow of fabric, and dreamy lighting. In a chat with Travel+Leisure India & South Asia, the internationally-acclaimed shutterbug gets candid about her journey, process, and more.
Excerpts from the interview with Kriti Bisaria:
T+L India: How did you foray into the world of underworld photography?
Kriti Bisaria: During the final year of my undergrad program in 2012, I was working on a photo thesis project when I stumbled upon Zena Holloway’s stunning underwater photography. I was captivated by her work and decided to experiment with underwater photography myself. After a few initial attempts, I knew that I wanted to specialise in this field. To achieve this goal, I obtained an Open Water Scuba Diver certification from the Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI). I also attended workshops led by renowned underwater photographers, such as Elena Kalis at the Palm Springs (California, USA) Photo Festival, and completed a semester-long course at the prestigious Brooks Institute (California, USA) under the tutelage of Ralph Clevenger. These experiences allowed me to hone my skills and gain a deeper understanding of this unique niche.
T+L India: You recently exhibited your new work, The Plunge, at Art Magnum, New Delhi. What was the inspiration behind this series?
Kriti Bisaria: The series, The Plunge, was inspired by a transformative experience I had while diving off the Southern California coast for the first time. Standing at the edge of the boat, wearing a dive suit with a 20 kilograms oxygen tank and rubber tubing, I was initially overcome with fear and uncertainty. However, I eventually mustered the courage to take the plunge, and it became a life-changing moment for me. This experience inspired me to create my new body of work.
The Plunge is a visually stunning depiction of the depth of emotions I felt during that moment. Through my art, I aim to evoke similar emotions in my viewers, encouraging them to take chances and confront their fears. Both diving and photography hold immense emotional significance for me, and I hope that my viewers can experience a moment of liberation from their own fears, and emerge feeling rejuvenated and empowered.
T+L India: What are some of the biggest challenges of underwater photography, and how do you overcome them?
Kriti Bisaria: One of the most significant challenges is assembling the right team. Finding a suitable model who is comfortable and at ease in the water is crucial to ensure that they look stunning and composed during the shoot. To accomplish this, I typically test the model beforehand to understand their comfort level in the water. I also practice poses with them before we enter the water, and once we’re in the water, I have them repeat the same pose until we capture the perfect shot. Preparation is key in this shooting scenario, and it’s important to be over-prepared before entering the water.
Another challenge is pacing myself and the models during the shoot. It’s essential to resurface for breathing breaks before the models or crew feel fatigued, and hydration is also critical. These measures ensure that both the models and crew can perform at our best and capture stunning shots.
T+L India: Photography aside, styling underwater can be just as challenging. What are some key things you keep in mind with respect to the styling?
Kriti Bisaria: One of the essential factors to keep in mind is the choice of fabric. Flowy and lightweight fabrics create more movement, which can add to the beauty of the shot. It’s always advisable to test how the outfit will flow in water before the shoot. Another important consideration is the color choice. When photographing clothes, it’s best to avoid blue and aqua color palettes. Instead, strong, and bright colors or even neutrals work great for creating striking underwater shots.
T+L India: As a creative, it can be difficult to stand out. How did you work to develop your own style and point of view underwater?
Kriti Bisaria: Developing a personal style and point of view in any artistic field can be challenging. But for me, it was crucial to find what captivated me the most about water. I am drawn to the way subjects move in water and how the fluidity of water adds a dreamlike quality to photography. This led me to focus on seeking motion in my work, and to explore creative ways to achieve visually stunning images that keep the viewer engaged. To create a style that stands out, I aim to incorporate elements that draw attention to the movement, flow, and composition of my images. I like to work with extravagant clothing, vivid colors, and textures that help to create a sense of mystery in my photos. My goal is to make viewers look closely at the image and try to understand how it was taken, without immediately noticing that it was shot underwater. By focusing on these elements, I have developed a unique style and point of view in my underwater photography.
T+L India: Being underwater for long hours can be physically and mentally draining. How do you cope with this?
Kriti Bisaria: Undoubtedly, underwater fashion photography is an incredibly challenging undertaking. It demands physical endurance, time, coordination, and is often costly. However, the rewards of producing beautiful and striking images make it all worthwhile. While there are always some unexpected obstacles that can arise during a shoot, I have learned that pre-production and determination are key to overcoming them. Additionally, I try to maintain a positive mindset and focus on the end goal, reminding myself of the satisfaction that comes with producing exceptional work. Lastly, staying fit always helps.
T+L India: What have been some of the most memorable underwater adventures you’ve been on?
Kriti Bisaria: One of the most unforgettable experiences I had was during a five-day boat trip along the Pacific shoreline in the Catalina Islands. The islands are renowned for their mesmerising kelp forests, and it truly felt like being in the movie Avatar: The Way of the Water. Being able to spend multiple days on the boat and dive numerous times each day allowed me to fully immerse myself in the adventure. It was a truly enriching and unforgettable adventure that I will always cherish.
T+L India: If you could visit anywhere to shoot that you haven’t been, where would it be and why?
Kriti Bisaria: I have always been fascinated by the beauty of the USAT Liberty shipwreck, one of the most accessible wrecks in the world, in Bali. The top of the USAT Liberty sits in just 10 feet of water, offering a unique setting for underwater fashion shoots. The ship has an interesting history as an American warship that survived WWI and was later torpedoed by the Japanese in WWII off the coast of Bali. What’s intriguing is that the captain beached the ship, and it sat rusting above the water for 30 years. In 1963, the eruption of Mount Agung caused the ship to slide on a sand slope, partially dislocating its structure. Today, the wreck is surrounded by a beautiful garden of giant sea fans, multicolored anemones, and crinoids, which attract a wide variety of fish — from white-tip sharks and turtles to nudibranchs and pygmy seahorses. It’s truly a stunning location for any photographer seeking to capture something unique and captivating.
T+L India: What does ‘travel as you are’ mean to you?
Kriti Bisaria: For me, ‘travel as you are’ means embracing my individuality and interests when I travel. It’s about seeking out experiences that align with my personal preferences and passions, such as immersing myself into new cultures and cuisines, participating in adventurous activities or just relaxing by a beach. I’m also always on the lookout for destinations that offer thrilling experiences, like kayaking in the vibrant bioluminescent bay of Mosquito Bay in Vieques, Puerto Rico or trying out the world’s highest swing in Sochi, Russia.
T+L India: What advice do you have for budding explorers and underwater photographers?
Kriti Bisaria: Practice, practice, practice! The more you practice, the more you’ll learn and improve your skills. It’s also essential to read as much as you can about underwater photography techniques and equipment, and to plan your shoots meticulously before getting in the water. Because shoot times are usually shorter due to the physical demands of underwater photography, it’s important to make the most of the time you have and avoid over-exerting yourself and your models. By putting in the time and effort to hone your craft and prepare thoroughly, you can capture truly breathtaking underwater images and have unforgettable adventures.
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Bayar Jain
Senior Content Manager
Equipped with a degree in Sociology (Honours) from the University of Delhi, and a post graduate diploma in English Journalism and Mass Communication from Xavier Institute of Communications, Mumbai, Bayar enjoys sharing stories of people, places, and different cultures. When not typing her travel tales, you can catch the hobbyist photographer capturing the next frame, dabbling in arts and crafts, or gushing over puppers and kittens.
