It’s quite a jump to go from high-end professional gear to shooting on iPhone, but for Manish, it was a very deliberate move to keep things low-key. “I have been shooting for more than a decade now and have used Sony, Canon and Nikon, so this felt like a conscious creative experiment. I wanted to avoid intimidating Sahebzadi with heavy gear and also not draw attention. Using an iPhone gave me flexibility to focus on lighting and framing, capture natural moments in a documentary style, and respect the historical setting of Qutub Shahi Tombs,” he explains.
Of course, when you’re dealing with such a significant family history, you have to get it right. Manish was aware of the responsibility on his shoulders. “I think the first and foremost thing for me was documenting her with dignity and respect that I did not want to misrepresent. So while speaking with her and creating the mood board, I carefully planned the poses, studied historical references, and ensured everything was aligned,” he admits.
