The Proof Is in the Picture

What makes a good photograph? These four photographers believe that it's all about instinct, rebellion, emotion, and reverence.

- Ananya Rai

In a world where “I have a digicam” can frequently translate to “I'm a photographer,” it helps to remember that photography is an art form, one that requires years to perfect. In her book On Photography (1977), American writer Susan Sontag says, “The painter constructs, the photographer discloses.” To keep us all humble (yes, you too with the latest iPhone), we talk to four photographers who disclose it the best.

Seeing the World Through Rose-Tinted Lenses

Sasha Jairam, a fashion and advertising photographer, is known for bold colours and a point of view that's anything but invisible. “I’m not a ghost artist hiding behind the camera—my presence, intuition, and creative voice shape every image I make,” she tells us.

For the 29-year-old, a great photograph is less about technical perfection and more about emotional resonance. Jairam goes with her intuition. “I'm always looking for an image that feels alive to me rather than staged,” she says. Her work is driven by a desire to reveal inner worlds—the quiet truths beneath people's surfaces, including her own.

Jairam believes social media helps photographers build community, find collaborators, and witness how their work lives in the world. She thinks the future of photography will be a blend of technology and soul, more accessible tools, yes, but also a deeper craving for authenticity. “As artificial intelligence and digital manipulation grow, the value of true human perspective will only increase. People will always crave for images that feel personal, imperfect, and emotionally grounded,” she says.