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Having fun behind the lens

Dubai-based Tina Patni creates a distinct and compelling style in her professional journey as a photographer

Tina Patni focuses her lens on fashion and beauty effortlessly capturing the mood of her models attired in delicate fabrics posing in front of varied backgrounds. She also enjoys shooting still life concepts with a modern appeal. Her travel/landscape/journalism photography depicts her personality, her work and the way she sees the world reflecting her signature style.
Not surprising as she belongs to a family of photographers. Her father is Murli Patni, a renowned photographer in the UAE who has captured the changes of the nation through his lens. Brothers Tejal and Daryl Patni are also well established photographers in their respective areas. So, the collective skill is second nature to Tina.
"I grew up in a fully creative environment. I enjoyed watching my dad shoot and was very intrigued by the process. I would assist him on several occasions. I think it's like everything that you grow up with becomes part of your aesthetic eye. It's not that I am consciously thinking about any of it. I guess it becomes part of who you are. I find that the only way to educate oneself in this field is to continuously keep shooting, in fact you learn something with every single click," she says in an interview with Khaleej Times.
Tina admits that every experience is unique and interesting. "My favourites are the ones that allow me to say something more than a beautiful woman in an ornate dress. There has to be a story, and that's my goal. I enjoy shooting people more and try to capture the moment. As they say, a photograph speaks a thousand words, which is true in every sense."

In fact, Tina deals with big brands like Dior, Bvlgari, Chanel, Gucci, Amato, Michael Cinco etc. "Lighting and composition are key components as well as capturing the right moment. Usually our shoots are based on the collection of the current season. I try to understand the subject through discussions with the team - client, stylist and make-up artist. We agree on the concept, prepare for it, have a set ready and get a shoot done. Images are then selected mutually between the client and me. Post production is next."

Tina is still in search of her perfect shot. "I am generally very critical about my work, guess that's what keeps me going.. to thrive on something better, it is very important to connect with the subject," she adds.
What is the one thing she wished she knew when she started taking photos? Tina replies, "I only wish I could shoot more on film. By the time I started photography, the film era had almost faded and the digital world took over. No doubt digital has made photography a lot more simpler and easier, but it can never match the standard of film, so that's unfortunate."

Explaining her strengths, she says, "My biggest strength is lighting and understanding the subject and the mood. I love texture, so my shoots are more dramatic. I am mesmerised by the works of top photographers such as Paolo Reversi, Tim Walker, Mario Testino, Steven Meisel, Peter Lindberg and several more."
Tina admits that she does not really plan for the future, but wishes to continue shooting as long as she can.. as the more she shoots, the more she finds herself! Her best advice, "Buy a good pair of shoes and keep walking, you will find inspiration at every step, and you will develop a style of your own!
-suchitra@khaleejtimes.com