2017. My first and possibly only lifestyle shoot ever at Annamaya, Andaz, Hyatt’s luxury lifestyle hotel in Delhi. This was something I’d never done before. While styling and shooting food was something I naturally fit into, interiors and hotels was something I had never done. I love shooting people but that while travelling across the length and breadth of India, more as a fascination into the culture rather than for work. This was a people first too with a brief that said something like “a lot of shots with people in it which brings out the essence of the community dining and the clutter and play at the food hall.” Thankfully I’d been to the Annamaya foodhall several times in the past and I loved the concept, the ambiance, the openness, the light and the space. The restaurant has an innovative approach that places an emphasis on consciously sourced ingredients and local artisans’ produce, where their motto “Eat Mindful. Shop Artisanal and Raise Awareness” is adapted beautifully!

As always with Arpana, the support at the Hyatt was humbling and the people that make Annamaya what it is, full of spirit. I loved shooting portraits and candid pictures of the chefs and the ‘community’. It’s always nice to connect with the people you shoot because it brings out the best in them, warm, happy expressions and spontaneous smiles!

Styling & shooting : Deeba Rajpal