Dimpy Bhalotia allows the energy to flow in her captivating photographs
For Dimpy Bhalotia, photography is more than just a practice, it’s a state of being. The art form is an expression of energy, a dialogue between the ever flowing particles of our universe. That may seem extreme to some, however when you listen to her view of the world and look at the images she creates, everything begins to make sense.
I’m a long time admirer of Bhalotia’s work. She has a wonderful talent of transmuting the energy of her environment into her frames. More so, she sees things the average eye doesn’t see and presents captivating stories within the otherwise mundane.
Although I’ve interacted with Bhalotia a lot over the years, I’ve never felt like I really know her. Much like the aesthetic of her black and white frames, there’s a sense of mysteriousness about her. I arranged this interview not only to speak candidly about her photographs, but also about the way she sees the world.
Throughout this interview, Bhalotia shares her experience of traveling through India, her relationship with her camera and how photography helped her overcome a lifelong fear.
Them Frames: Hey Dimpy! How’s life? What’s new? And what’s all this traveling you’ve been doing?
Dimpy Bhalotia: Life has been amazing! I've been going on many road trips all across India, and it has been incredible! India, also known as Bharat, has a very enriching energy that has had a refreshing effect on me. It has played a pivotal role in shaping and discovering my identity and style.
Exploring this vast land has significantly transformed my perspective on existence as a whole. There is something so mystic that it alters the very essence of one's being.
It is as if the atmosphere has the power to recalibrate the chemistry of one's perspiration, instilling a sense of healing and causing the immediate world to pulsate and resonate around you.
I have experienced high vibration frequencies to the richly charged winds and different molecules of life very intimately here. It helps me a lot in maintaining a heightened state of activity, both in body and mind. I have intimately experienced a profound connection with this land. The richness of the land and the transformative properties I have encountered in India shine with extraordinary brilliance and has transformed my perspective towards life.
Them Frames: You describe “energy as your first language”, what does that mean, and how does that contribute to the type of photographer you are?
Dimpy Bhalotia: I feel a strong connection with and a deep understanding of the energetic aspects of the world. I believe that energy, whether spiritual, emotional, or something beyond our senses, plays a significant role in everything around me. I feel heightened awareness of the subtle forces at play in my surroundings which could be only felt. I use photography to capture and better understand these energetic aspects I feel.
Photography is my way of exploring and sharing my unique perspective of the world. It's a combination of spirituality, artistic expression, and a profound connection with the energetic fabric of existence. I photograph and convey the essence of how I perceive energy. It brings me great joy and allows me to express myself fully.
Essentially, photography is a tool for me to explore and express my distinct perspective on the world and the energy I sense.
Them Frames: Photography is one hell of a journey, how would you describe your current relationship with the craft?
Dimpy Bhalotia: I can’t wait to wake up and start photographing. My own photographs inspire me. I want to wake up every day of my life and photograph as much as I can. I feel like I'm experiencing the most incredible time of my life. Photography is my energy. It makes me happy.
Them Frames: You’re well known for using an iPhone to create pictures. However, you recently became a Leica SL2 shooter. What has that transition been like for you in terms of user experience?
Dimpy Bhalotia: I enjoy both. I believe the choice between iPhone or Leica or even any other cameras, depends on the photographer's needs and the perspective I want to convey. For me, any camera is just a machine that helps me to photograph what and how I want.
Them Frames: You can only shoot one: iPhone or Leica SL2, which do you choose and why?
Dimpy Bhalotia: Both are very close to my heart. Also, I am always experimenting and exploring my craft with many other cameras and especially the Nikon film camera. I am not limited to one camera. I focus more on composition and perspective than the camera.
Them Frames: Please can you share an image that may not be as popular as some of your others, but holds a lot of meaning for you…
Dimpy Bhalotia: Popular or not, it doesn’t bother me as long as my portfolio is seen as a whole and not appraised just by a single photograph. I don’t give much attention to the popularity of a single photograph, I always see my craft as a whole.
Them Frames: You’ve had lifelong Cynophobia, yet your portfolio is full of dogs. What is it about the process of creating photographs that allows you to overcome your fear?
Dimpy Bhalotia: Photography transformed my journey to conquer Cynophobia, the fear of dogs. It allowed me to confront my fear head-on, gradually building a connection and appreciation for these animals.
Photography served as a bridge, establishing trust and transforming fear into admiration and affection. It allowed me to observe dogs from a different perspective.
The process of capturing their essence, their unique expressions, and their endearing qualities gradually helped me develop a sense of familiarity and appreciation for these animals.
This experience ignited a passion for capturing the beauty of animals and taught me the power of facing fears through creative expression. It became a transformative process for me. This experience not only helped me overcome my fear but also ignited a newfound passion for capturing the beauty and essence of animals.
Them Frames: Please can you share a piece of music that you feel best compliments your work or motivates your creative brain…
Dimpy Bhalotia: This…