Fun, fancy food photography. Himanshu Taneja takes innovative photos to tantalizes your taste buds.
What’s your story?
Few years ago, on a Sunday afternoon during one of India’s hot and scorching summers, me and my friend were trying out some baking recipes at home. They were a success and we were completely overwhelmed by our creations. It was when The White Ramekins originated out of excitement and joy. Since then I have been totally immersed in my love for baking, styling and photographing food. I live in a city in the suburbs of New Delhi, India, by myself in my apartment. I have a day job in a banking and financial organization, which I enjoy a lot. When I am not styling and photographing food, I am either hanging around with my friends or spending quality time with my family.
What excites you most about your industry?
Being creative every other moment is what I like most about food photography. It’s a form of art where you have to innovate to tantalize the taste buds of your audience by the visual appeal of your pictures. You feel like you have accomplished something if you achieve this.
What’s your connection to Asia?
Food is the connection. The photographing follows suite. Nothing can best describe a culture, religion or the people than food. It has the power of bringing these elements together. The joy of sharing a piece of bread with someone is above anything else.
Favourite city in Asia for business and why?
Delhi, not because I belong here, but I have experienced the evolving food scene in this city. This city has got an amazing potential for food styling and food photography, because every other day, a new eatery is opening up. They are not limited to any one particular cuisine. In this age of mobility and app stores, it has become the basic need for food chains and restaurants to have beautiful looking food photos, to gain more clients.
What’s the best piece of advice you ever received?
My father always tells me to keep on marching without worrying about the consequences. All you need is perseverance and focus and the success is inevitable. If you have it in you, nothing can stop you from rising and shining.
Who inspires you?
My father, for all the patience and hardwork he epitomizes.
What have you just learnt recently that blew you away?
At a recent food styling for a cover shot of a travel magazine, there were so many talented folks and I learnt a lot from each of them. Also we had a great time together!
If you had your time again, what would you do differently?
I would go study photography and psychology, in order to portray my emotions and thoughts in a more evocative and expressive way.
How do you unwind?
By baking a coffee cake in my kitchen and sharing it with friends and family. Nothing can beat that aroma of freshly baked cake. It can bring a thousand watt smile to anyone’s face.
Favourite Asian destination for relaxation? Why?
Mukteshwar, a serene and relaxed village in the hills of Kumaon region of North India. These hills have got the magic of peacefulness which draws you towards it and relaxes you, inside and out.
Everyone in business should read this book:
Steve Jobs, A Biography. A truly inspiring and thought provoking book.
Shameless plug for your business:
Bringing emotions and life to a food picture and weaving a story around it. This isn’t something everybody can do. But, I can help you get there.
How can people connect with you?
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheWhiteRamekins
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/himanshutaneja/
Instagram: https://instagram.com/thewhiteramekins/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/HimanshuTaneja1
Twitter handle?
@HimanshuTaneja1
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This interview was part of the Callum Connect’s column found on The Asian Entrepreneur:
Callum Laing invests and buys small businesses in a range of industries around Asia. He has previously started, built and sold half a dozen businesses and is the founder & owner of Fitness-Buffet a company delivering employee wellness solutions in 12 countries. He is a Director of, amongst others, Key Person of Influence. A 40 week training program for business owners and executives.
Take the ‘Key Person of Influence’ scorecard <http://www.keypersonofinfluence.com/scorecard/>
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