In this episode of Figuring Fashion Podcast, Host Arvind Karthik sits down with Shreyans Dungarwal who is one of India’s leading fashion photographers known for working with top celebrities like Tamannaah Bhatia, Aditi Rao Hydari, Rashmika Mandanna, Rashi Khanna, Niddhi Aggarwal, Arman Malik, Nora Fatehi, Malaika Arora, Arjun Kapoor, and Miss India winners including Harnaaz Sandhu & Manasa Varanasi 📸

 Shreyans is also a Sony Artisan , Profoto Mentor and Vivo India Vivographer..Here he talks about

✨ How Shreyans transitioned from wedding photography to high-end fashion photography, and the mindset shift required to break into the fashion industry

🏙️ What Mumbai teaches you as a photographer, and how working in Mumbai differs from other cities in terms of competition, clients, and growth

🌍 Working abroad vs India — why international clients pay for even small changes and what Indian photographers can learn from that culture

📂 Photography rights, copyrights, RAW files, file sizes, and whether you should ever let someone else make money from your work

💼 Client realities — dealing with difference of opinions, equipment questions, missing pre-production costs, and how to make clients come back to you

📱 How Instagram & social media are shifting focus from craftsmanship to volume, and why having a strong website, clean colour tones, and clear categories still matters

🤖 The rise of AI, mobile photography, and content creators — how photographers can turn AI into an advantage instead of a threat

💡 Honest talk about pricing mistakes, undercharging the industry, celebrity shoots, unpaid work, and using free shoots strategically

🎥 Why today’s photographers must understand both photo and video, DIY lighting, film photography, collaborations, and constantly working on themselves

🔥 If you’re into fashion photography, photography mistakes, client management, pricing, AI in photography, or understanding the real business side of being a photographer in today’s world, this episode is a must-watch.

Timecodes

(00:00) Intro

(02:49) Transitioning into Fashion Photographer

(06:24) Working in Mumbai vs other cities

(08:49) Working in USA vs India (how clients behave!)

(10:41) Photographers learn about COPYRIGHTS !

(14:00) Should you give RAW FILES to clients?

(18:42) Difference of opinion b/w client & photographer

(20:52) Has Instagram Ruined Photography ?

(24:49) Should photographers become content creators ?

(29:47) Are All Photographers Rich ?

(33:00) What if photographers are not required in future?

(34:37) Turn AI to your Advantage?

(37:57) Photographers charging way below industry standards!

(39:58) Why some celebs wont pay &how to make use of it !

(46:00) Learn / Teach Posing as a Photographer !

(48:45) What DIY can teach you ?

(52:55) Collaboration vs Getting Paid

(55:41) Shooting Analogue

(57:37) End of Podcast

In this episode of Figuring Fashion Podcast, Host Arvind Karthik sits down with Samantha Jagan who is South India’s Top Celebrity Makeup Artist for a brutally honest conversation about makeup, mistakes brides make, and the reality of the beauty industry.

She has done 4000+ brides, 100+ makeup shoots, and worked with stars like Trisha, Surya, Siddharth, Andrea, Rakul Preet, Amala Paul, Madhavan, Simbu, Sneha, and more.

What you’ll discover in this episode:

💄 Samantha’s journey from salons to becoming a leading celebrity MUA.

👰 Unspoken mistakes brides make before their wedding day.

✨ The truth about Korean “glass skin” & why it fails on Indian brides.

⭐ What celebrities really expect from a Makeup Artist—men & women.

🪪 Union cards, industry politics & the dark side of the MUA ecosystem.

💸 Payment delays, collaborations & why MUAs get exploited.

🤝 The importance of community among makeup artists.

🌍 India vs Abroad — What’s the REAL difference in makeup education?

🎨 Airbrush vs Traditional makeup — which one actually works?

⚠️ Biggest mistakes young & Gen-Z MUAs are making today.

📈 The entrepreneurial side of makeup — pricing, branding & survival.

🪑 Back pain, posture issues & the physical toll of being an MUA.

💡 Advice for upcoming MUAs who want to level up their careers.

💡 If you love makeup, want to become a makeup artist, or simply want to understand the behind-the-scenes reality of celebrity glam — this episode is a must-watch.

Timecodes

(00:00) Highlights

(02:15) What Salon Industry Taught Samantha

(05:08) Unspoken Mistakes That Brides Do

(07: 20) Problems with flawless skin for Makeup

(14:20) What Celebrities Secretly Expect from MUAs

(19:23) Darkside of Working in Movies as MUA

(25:13) Should MUAs work for Free?

(34:05) Makeup in India vs Abroad

(37:00) Why Airbrush Doesn’t Suit Everyone?

(41:38) Why Most MUAs Fail at Business?

(45:01) Backpain & Posture problems faced by MUAs

(48:11) Mistakes to Avoid as MUA

(51:51) End of Podcast

n this episode of Figuring Fashion Podcast, Host Arvind Karthik sits down Reema Thakkar Tiwari – the force behind South India’s grandest weddings and founder of Spize Weddings & Events where she reveals the untold truths of luxury wedding planning. From celebrity celebrations to destination weddings across the Maldives and Palm Jumeirah, this episode takes you inside the world of big, beautiful, and emotional weddings. ✨✨ What you’ll discover in this episode: 🌸 How Reema got into wedding planning & built South India’s top event company. 🕊️ Why wedding planning is an emotional business and how to set boundaries with families. 📋 Step-by-step breakdown of how a planner turns your vision into a dream wedding. 📅 Ideal timeline to approach a planner & what couples should know before starting. 🌍 Challenges of planning Indian weddings abroad – from legal rules to logistics. 💰 Pinterest dreams vs. practicality – things couples want that waste money (and what actually wows guests). 🎥 Why “what looks good on stage won’t look good on camera” and how lighting can make or break your décor. 🎨 How to make one venue feel unique for every couple – Reema’s creative secrets. 🏝️ Trending wedding destinations & why the Middle East is becoming India’s top pick. 💎 How to host an unforgettable luxury wedding on a smart budget. 👗 Inside Chennai’s fashion scene – why fashion shows are fading and what needs to change. 🎬 Paid celebrity guests & the business side of big weddings. 💼 How wedding planners actually make money – design fees, margins & hidden costs explained. 🚺 What it takes to get work done as a woman in a male-dominated vendor space. ❤️ The role of a life partner in building a successful event business.💡 Whether you’re getting married, planning a destination wedding, or dreaming of becoming an event planner, this episode is a goldmine of real insights, wedding hacks, and business lessons. 

In this episode of Figuring Fashion Podcast, Host Arvind Karthik sits down Rukmini Nitin – South India’s one of the emerging and leading stylist, bringing national fashion houses to South India's Red carpets, Movies, and Weddings. Get ready for insider stories, styling secrets, and lessons for aspiring stylists!

✨ What you’ll learn in this episode: 👰 Bridal Styling Secrets – Balancing the bride, family, and creating the perfect look. 🌟 Celebrity Collabs – Dressing South Indian celebs & working with national brands. 💍 Modern Brides’ Mindset – Repurposing wedding outfits & Sabyasachi insights. 💸 High-Profile Styling – Handling replicas, luxury brands & Ambani-style weddings. ⏱️ Timeline & SOPs – Managing last-minute requests, creating efficient styling teams. 🎭 Styling vs Costume vs Commercial – Understanding different fashion roles. ⚠️ Business Challenges – Payment delays, project mishaps, and professional boundaries. 👗 Iconic Looks – Trisha’s yellow sari “GOAT song” look & Eka Lakhani collaborations. 🧑‍🎓 Education & Career Tips – Mentorship, training, and landing your first celeb project.💡 Perfect for aspiring stylists, fashion enthusiasts, or anyone curious about the glamour and grind of South India’s bridal & celebrity styling scene! 

Timecodes

📸 In this episode of Figuring Fashion Podcast, Host Arvind Karthik sits down with Amar Ramesh, one of South India’s elite wedding photographers with 750+ weddings across 22 countries, a string of prestigious awards, and an entrepreneurial journey that redefined the wedding photography industry. They discuss about the following

✨ Amar’s Tipping Point – How he started photography and got his first wedding in Tnagar. 💡 Full-Time Photographer? – How to know if you’re mentally and financially ready to go pro. 👑 Premium Photographer Secrets – Amar’s journey to placing himself as a premium brand. 🎥 Cinematic Over Traditional – Bold decisions that set Amar apart from the crowd. 🎨 Art vs Business – Why photographers shouldn’t just become service providers. 🚀 Building an Aspirational Brand – Amar’s strategy to become one of the most sought-after photographers. 🤝 Team Culture & Growth – How to retain talent and inspire your team. 🌍 Global Learnings – Corporate lessons from the US applied to wedding photography. 📱 Instagram & Validation – Should artists rely on social media for credibility? 🏆 3 Attributes of Success – Traits every successful photographer and entrepreneur needs. ⏳ Industry Reality Check – Delays in delivering photos & videos, and the race to zero pricing. 💸 Payment Mishaps – How to protect your business and get paid on time. 💃 Fashion Meets Photography – Bringing South Indian fashion to the global spotlight. ❤️ Partnerships & Support – The role of a romantic partner in a creative career.👉 Whether you’re starting your photography journey, scaling your business, or just curious about the secrets behind premium wedding photography, this episode is packed with insights you can’t miss.

Timecodes

(00:00) Highlights(02:19) Getting into Photography (05:42) When Should you follow your Passion?(12:59) Becoming a Premium Photographer (17:07) Taking Bold Decision - Photography & Business (19:27) Photographers : Don't Become Event managers !(23:41) Becoming a Dream Photographer (27:19) Building a Team that Never Leaves You !(32:31) What I learnt working in USA(35:32) Should Photographer get Validation from Instagram?(39:39) 3 Things I See in Successful Photographer & Entreprenuer(45:24) Commercial Success vs Aesthetics(48:58) Delay in Album & Photos Delivery (53:18) Avoid Payment delays & Mishaps (57:05) Heavy Competition in Photography !(1:00:46) Bringing Out South Indian Fashion (1:03:11) Technology Made Photographers Lazy?(1:06:44) Wife/GF/BF role in a Photographer's Success !(1:08:38) Question From Previous Guest (1:09:33) End Of Podcast

🚨 In this episode of Figuring Fashion Podcast, Host Arvind Karthik chats with Salomi Rinita Diamond, a top bridal makeup artist who's worked with over 1000 brides and high-profile celebrities like Mega Akash, Manjima Mohan, Kalidas Jayram, Tarini Kalingarayar, Ritu Varma, and more! 💄✨ How did Diamond Artistry begin? Hear about Salomi’s journey from starting her own bridal makeup team to building an empire trusted by celebrities.💍 Bridal Makeup Expectations Over Time – What’s changed in how brides and grooms approach their big day’s look? Salomi breaks down the transformation from 2015 to 2025.🌟 The Green Room Is Sacred – Why does Salomi refuse to let too many people into the bride’s prep space? It’s a delicate balance between the sacred and the stressful!💰 Payment Delays in Bridal Makeup – Let’s talk reality: Salomi shares her experiences with payment issues in the wedding industry and why having transparency is crucial for any makeup artist.👑 Celebrity Clients vs Regular Brides – What’s the difference in how celebrities and regular brides approach their wedding looks? Salomi reveals how she customizes the look for each client.🚨 3 Tips Every Bride Needs to Know – Salomi’s top bridal beauty tips, from hydration to flawless makeup that lasts all day.💥 Why Salomi Doesn’t Do Trial Makeup – Get the inside scoop on why Salomi doesn’t offer bridal trials and what that means for the bride’s final look.💎 Expectations vs Reality in Celebrity Weddings – Salomi shares what celebrity clients truly expect from their makeup artist and how she balances their high standards.🔥 Work-Life Balance as a Makeup Artist – Salomi spills the tea on how she manages to stay on top of her game while balancing life as a makeup artist and entrepreneur.👑 Teamwork and Leadership – Discover how Salomi keeps her team motivated, her secrets to retaining talented MUAs, and how teamwork makes Diamond Artistry shine.🌿 The Importance of Using the Right Makeup Products – Salomi discusses her go-to products for both luxury and drugstore makeup brands and how to pick the best for your bridal clients.📈 Building a Bridal Makeup Business – From structuring your pricing to managing your brand, Salomi shares actionable business insights for makeup artists looking to grow in this competitive field.Whether you’re a budding makeup artist or a bride-to-be, this episode is packed with knowledge that will help you level up your craft and make informed decisions!    Timecodes (00:00) Highlights (01:49) Introduction

(02:29) Story of Diamond Artistry

(04:54) Bride’s & Groom's Expectations in 2025

(07:48) Are Makeup Trails Necessary ?

(12:27) Lighting's importance for Makeup

(14:45) Rule to follow while getting a Bride Ready

(16:38) Ideal time to get a bride ready

(19:04) Makeup Artists are Disrespected?

(22:18) Working as a team in Makeup

(25:05) Team management for Makeup Artists

(26:53) Payment issues and Delays in Makeup Industry

(35:34) Pricing Strategy for Makeup Artists

(40:36) Should a MUA stay for entire event?

(42:56) How to get Celebrity Clients ?

(44:56) Celebrities expectation from a makeup artist

(54:50) Achieving similar look on brides and celebrities

(55:57) 3 do’s and don’ts for a bride

(59:58) What if Salomi is a bride?

(01:02:36) Makeup products that Professionals Love

(01:04:19) Drugstore vs Luxury Makeup Brands

(01:06:53) Work-life balance as a Makeup Artist

(01:10:28) Becoming a better MUA every year

(01:11:55) Do this if you are starting as MUA in 2025

(01:15:23) Highs & Lows for MUAs

(01:18:35) Upgrading as MUA

(01:21:06) Salomi's Worksop Abroad

(01:21:59) End of podcast

🎙️ In this episode of Figuring Fashion Podcast we sit down with fashion designer Vivek Karunakaran, a true trailblazer in the fashion industry! 🎬👗 From Fashion Student to GQ’s Best Dressed Man: Hear about Vivek’s journey from NIFT to being featured in GQ’s Best Dressed Men for 4 years. 🌟

👔 Bandi’s and Shackets Obsession: Dive into his unique love for Bandi’s and Shackets, and how he creates timeless layers for men where he also shares tips to build perfect wardrobe. 👚

🎨 IDAM - A Fashion Revolution: Get an inside look at the story behind his new collection, IDAM, and how Tamil culture influences his designs. ✨

💡 Customization in Fashion: VK discusses why customization isn’t always a designer’s choice and how he navigates the delicate balance. 👗

🎥 Celebrities, Showstoppers, and Models: Why VK avoids celebrity showstoppers and gives full credit to models for showcasing his designs. 🎬

🎓 Fashion Education and Internships: Learn why VK believes every fashion graduate should work for free to gain real-world experience. 💼

🛍️ Slow Fashion and Evergreen Outfits: Discover VK's take on sustainable fashion, including his evergreen designs like the 2010 Venketrams calendar. 🌱

🇮🇳 Shaping South Indian Fashion: A candid conversation about why South Indian fashion isn’t on the global map and what needs to change. 🌍

🎧 This episode is a goldmine of insights for aspiring fashion designers and fashion lovers looking for inspiration and advice from an industry veteran!

🎙️ In this episode of Figuring Fashion Podcast, we sit down with incredibly talented Anita Kamaraj, one of the few women photographers making waves in South India’s fashion scene. Here’s what’s in store:

1. 👩‍🦰 Breaking Barriers as a Female Photographer: Anita spills the tea on how she navigates a male-dominated industry and built her dream career.
2. 🌞 Natural Light vs Artificial Light: Ever wondered why Anita prefers the “sun-kissed” look? Find out why natural light wins her heart every time.
3. 🎨 Developing Your Own Photography Style: Tips on how to create an aesthetic that’s uniquely yours. Hint: It’s not all about selfies!
4. 🌟 Celebrity Shoots Unplugged: From shooting with Samantha to Priyanka Mohan, Anita reveals what it’s really like to work with the stars!
5. 🚫 Say No to Exploitative Clients: Anita dishes out how to deal with clients who try to bargain or micromanage—plus, how to stand firm and get paid!
6. 💡 Turning Creative Ideas into Cash: Find out how to keep your artistic edge while turning those shoots into paid gigs.
7. 💸 Handling Payment Delays: No one likes waiting for their hard-earned money! Anita shares how to manage delayed payments like a pro.
8. 📷 The Gear That Pays Off: Curious about the gear that’s worth the investment? Anita reveals what’s in her camera bag for those perfect shots.

If you’re an aspiring photographer—especially a young woman ready to take over the fashion world—this episode is packed with tips, tricks, and real talk you won’t want to miss! 🚀

(00:00) Highlights(01:45) Introduction (02:26) Capturing South Indian Fashion Predominantly(03:52) Developing Aesthetic Sense (06:23) How to Capture Photos that everyone loves !(09:12) Mistakes to Avoid as a Fashion Photographer(11:00) Difficulties of being a women photographer(15:46) Turning Collab Shoots into Paid shoots (18:26) How to get Celebrity Work?(21:42) Working with Samantha & Priyanka Mohan(23:46) Turning Artistic Vision to Commercial Shoots(25:29) Secret for Viral Shoots(27:37) Handling Model & Celebs Tantrums (32:45) Gaffer's role in Photography (35:47) Photographer - Stylist Relationship (39:11) Best Camera Gears for Fashion Photography (40:18) Expensive Gear or Practice ?(42:00) Natural Light Vs Artificial Lights(44:38) Photographers getting Exploited!(48:52) Payment Delays for Photographers !(53:50) Too Much Micromanagement from clients(57:13) Don't think too much ! Execute Quickly !(58:48) Photographers: Learn this !(01:00:34) Look back at your Old Photos (01:01:20) Dealing with Creative Burnout !(01:03:05) End of Podcast(01:03:19) Outro

🎥 In this episode of Figuring Fashion, we sit down with Maran Rajapandian a seasoned Fashion Photographer & Film Maker whose career has been anything but ordinary. From working with icons like Sabyasachi, Deepika Padukone, and Kajal Aggarwal, to traveling the world shooting in iconic locations, we dive into the creative journey behind the lens. 📸🔑 Key Topics:

• The balance of being good at both photos and videos in the fashion industry.
• Working with celebrities like Deepika and Kajal, and what it’s really like to shoot for top designers like Sabyasachi.
• Networking secrets for photographers and how to build lasting client relationships. 💼
• How to avoid mishaps during shoots and deal with clients who micromanage.
• The impact of AI in fashion photography and where it’s headed. 🤖
• A behind-the-scenes look at shooting fashion films and why iconic locations like India’s landmarks are often the backdrop for high-fashion shots. 🌍
• The decline in shoot budgets and why photographers are paid less, plus how to handle those dreaded payment delays. 💰
• Tips on shooting street photography and how it can inspire your fashion portfolio. 🏙️
• The gear that truly matters when capturing that perfect shot. 🎬

💡 Why Listen? If you’re looking for actionable tips on improving your craft, handling clients, or just want to hear how a pro photographer navigates the ups and downs of the fashion world, this episode is for you.🔔 Don’t forget to subscribe and never miss out on industry insights and behind-the-scenes secrets from top fashion artists. 🎉

Timecodes

(00:00) - Highlights (01:45) - Intro (02:20) - Excelling at Photography & Videography (06:03) - Working with Sabyasachi (08:51) - Learning from Creative People like Tarun Khiwal , Tarun Vishwa (11:15) - Shoot anything or Restrict to your Fav Brand Only? (12:52) - Photoshoots at Very Short Notice ! (13:55) - Working with Deepika Padukone, Kajal (16:17) - Networking & Building Contacts as a Photographer (18:32) - How to get Repeated Clients as Photographer? (20:17) - Shooting Abroad vs INDIA ! (25:20) - Maran's Photography Gears (28:01) - Maran Breaks down of his Iconic Shots ! (32:57) - Why Budgets for shoots have gone down? (36:26) - Delayed payment for Photographers (40:39) - Over Controlling & Micromanaging Clients (43:12) - What do Creative Directors look for in a photographer !? (44:30) - Street photography an inspiration for Fashion? (46:56) - Could AI replace photographers? (51:37) - Working in Movies ! (52:33) - What Gears Matters in Photography? (54:22) - Avoid these Mistakes as photographers! (55:59) - Don't get Exploited as a Photographer ! (59:35) - End of Podcast .

🎙️ Sneha Manoj: Celebrity Makeup Artist Reveals Secrets 💄✨In this exciting episode of the Figuring Fashion Podcast, we sit down with the incredibly talented Sneha Manoj, a celebrity makeup artist who has worked with top celebrities and brought flawless makeup looks to life for various occasions.If you're a makeup artist looking to elevate your skills, or just someone passionate about getting into the world of beauty, this conversation is packed with invaluable insights. If you’re an aspiring makeup artist or someone passionate about enhancing your skills, this episode is packed with valuable tips, expert advice, and career insights:From Self-Taught to Professional 🎨Sneha’s inspiring journey from self-taught artist to pro makeup artist working with top celebrities. 🌟Celebrity Clients and Their Magic ✨Learn how Sneha’s made a mark working with the likes of Dhoni, Nayanthara, Meenakshi Chaudhary and other A-listers! 🏆💕SFX and Bridal Makeup Secrets 💍Discover how special effects (SFX) makeup helped her creating bridal and fashion looks! 💫👰The Highs & Lows of Being a Celebrity Makeup Artist 🎬Behind the scenes of handling high-pressure bookings for the stars! 🚨🎥Expert Tips for Aspiring Makeup Artists 🎯Sneha shares essential tools, product must-haves, and industry tips for budding makeup artists. 🛠️How to Make It Big in Makeup 🚀Sneha’s advice on standing out in a competitive industry and working with top celebrities. 🌟The Real Deal on Fashion Shows 👗 Discover what it’s like preparing makeup for runway shows and fashion events. 💃✨ Don’t miss out on this episode, packed with insider tips, celebrity stories, and inspiration for aspiring makeup artists! 🎧💥