Antara Boruah
An alumna of IIT-Powai, Antara Boruah’s journey into the world of food photography is a
tale of passion, reinvention, and the courage to start over. Leaving behind a corporate
career, she ventured into the food industry—initially uncertain of her path, but certain of
her love for food. Today, she is a sought-after food photographer, balancing her creative
career with motherhood and being a devoted pet parent.
From Recipes to a Calling
“After leaving my job, I knew I wanted to be in the food space—I just didn’t know how,”
recalls Antara. She began by sharing recipes on social media. A friend working with a
premium FMCG brand offered her the first break: recipe development. She
photographed the dishes with her phone, and unexpectedly, another opportunity
followed—this time from a fitness brand run by a former colleague.
It was during these early projects that her love for photography blossomed. “I fell in love
with the way light touched a plate, how textures came alive, and how a simple dish
could tell a story.” What began as a practical step to present food better evolved into a
creative obsession.
Eventually, photography eclipsed her interest in recipe creation. The real turning point
came after relocating to Ahmedabad. “The IFEA meetups and food trials helped me
build connections in a new city,” she says. Encouraged by local restaurateurs and
supported by the IFEA network, her work began gaining recognition.
The Challenges of Reinvention
Switching from a secure job to a creative profession wasn’t without its hurdles. “I had no
network, no formal training, and had just moved cities. Everything was overwhelming.”
Self-taught and running solo, Antara had to master a wide range of skills—from pitching
clients and sourcing props to handling shoots and editing.
She leaned into the discomfort, treating every obstacle as a chance to learn. “I
connected with photography communities, invested in courses, and gave myself space
to fail. Over time, I started trusting my own rhythm.”
Technical skills like lighting and composition were essential, but Antara emphasizes the
importance of soft skills too—managing expectations, leading a team, and staying
adaptable in a fast-paced industry.
Her Forte: Visual Storytelling
Brand storytelling is where Antara thrives. Whether it’s for packaging, social media, or
ads, she crafts visuals that align with a brand’s identity. “I believe in respecting the
food—understanding its texture, how light interacts with it, and how best to highlight its
natural beauty.”
Her creative process begins with emotion: “I ask myself what I want the viewer to
feel—warmth, nostalgia, indulgence—and build the shot around that emotion.”
Her most rewarding projects include a Diwali campaign for a sustainable brand
completed in just two days, which saw a remarkable uptick in client sales, and a week-
long shoot at the heritage hotels of Gondal. “Each dish had a story. Being immersed in
the local culture made it unforgettable.”
A One-Woman Army—and a Team Player
Antara brings multiple skills to the table. She doesn’t just click photos—she styles the
food too. With a background in recipe development, she deeply understands how food
behaves and how to present it authentically. “That hands-on knowledge gives me an
edge. I know how a dish will react to light, time, and heat.”
Styling and photography are often treated as separate roles, but she finds synergy in
combining them. “It creates a seamless workflow and aligns the creative vision
perfectly.”
At the same time, she’s a strong believer in collaboration. “A great food shoot needs a
team—stylists, videographers, assistants, models, editors. Clear communication and a
shared vision make the magic happen.”
Inspirations and Advice
Antara admires Indian photographer Abhishek Khanna for his clean aesthetics and
intentional styling. Internationally, she draws inspiration from Dennis Prescott, Skyler
Burt, and Linda Snieder, each known for their distinct and powerful visual storytelling.
For aspiring food photographers, she offers grounded advice:
“Master the fundamentals—but once you do, don’t be afraid to break the rules. The
journey is different for everyone. Focus on your style, follow your passion, and stay
authentic. That’s your greatest asset.”
