At Memories by Barkha, nothing excites me more than turning a vision into reality. This is my creative calling, and it’s what drives me every day.
Meet Chhama, a beautiful, vibrant mom-to-be, and her loving husband, Rajeev. When they first came to me, Chhama said something that stuck with me: “I totally trust you. I love your work and just want to feel and look my most beautiful.” She also asked if we could incorporate a Durga Puja theme into the shoot, a tradition close to her heart.
Though Chhama is not Bengali by birth, having grown up in Kolkata, Durga Puja had a deep-rooted significance in her life. Her enthusiasm was infectious, and without hesitation, I said yes, though I had no idea then how this creative journey would unfold. All I knew was that the end result would be magical.
We started by doing meticulous research and multiple test setups to bring her vision to life. Red was a dominant element, symbolizing both the festivity and strength of Durga Maa. We chose a traditional Bengali Durga Puja saree, paired with exquisite jewelry, sindoor, and aalta for her hands, all to capture the essence of this cultural celebration. Initially, we set up a red backdrop, but it lacked the grandeur we envisioned. We needed the set to reflect the true magnificence of Durga Puja. That’s when we decided to print a large image of Maa Durga and position it behind Chhama. Adding rich red velvet curtains and a traditional Indian cotton fabric floor, the set began to transform. To heighten the atmosphere, we included a water fountain, giving it a touch of serenity and grace.
Lighting was key to this shoot, and we used multiple setups to ensure that each image captured the divine aura we aimed for. As we started shooting, we played Durga Puja songs to transport everyone into the festive spirit. The room filled with joy, spirituality, and festivity. The final touch was the use of loban smoke, which added that signature element seen in Durga Puja dances.
The result? Mind-blowing. The images captured the essence of both Durga Maa’s strength and Chhama’s beauty. Her reaction when she saw the final images—tears of joy and a heartfelt hug—was the most rewarding part of the entire experience.
The result? Mind-blowing. The images captured the essence of both Durga Maa’s strength and Chhama’s beauty. Her reaction when she saw the final images—tears of joy and a heartfelt hug—was the most rewarding part of the entire experience.
Want to see how this all came together? Watch the BTS video [https://youtu.be/dAoaMyu1C_0?si=ZGIhA8-pZCKV4H11]
FINAL RESULTS
From choosing the perfect set design to incorporating the smallest details, every element was crafted to reflect the grace and power of Durga Maa. It was an unforgettable journey, and seeing Chhama’s joy reminded me why I love what I do.
Lots of Love,
Barkha Agarwal
