A Legacy in Photography: My Journey into Industrial Photography

Photography has been a part of my family for generations. My grandfather, Charles Emanuel, was the official photographer for the Nizam of Hyderabad, documenting some of the city’s most historic moments. My father, Lenny Emanuel, carried forward this legacy through Premier Studios, a renowned name in photography for decades. Growing up in this environment—surrounded by cameras, darkrooms, and photo shoots—photography became an inseparable part of my life.

My father’s studio, located near the Clock Tower, was more than just a workplace—it was where I learned, explored, and developed my passion. As a child, I would visit often, watching professionals at work while my brother and I played amidst the equipment. The darkroom fascinated me—the scent of developing chemicals, the magic of an image slowly appearing on paper—it was an experience that never lost its charm. Whenever I had the chance, I assisted my father, observing how he handled black-and-white and color film printing.

Even in school, I knew that photography was my calling. While I had a deep interest in the arts, photography stood out. After completing my intermediate studies, I pursued a degree in Animation, but by 2007, I was fully immersed in photography. I started by assisting my father’s colleagues on wedding and commercial shoots, learning the nuances of the industry. Working alongside my father on various projects, I discovered my true passion—industrial photography.

There was something compelling about capturing industries in action—the vast factories, powerful machines, and workers immersed in their craft. I was drawn to the sheer scale and energy of industrial shoots. This passion took me across India’s industrial hubs, photographing factories in Navi Mumbai, Pune, Bengaluru, Chennai, and beyond. What excited me even more were the remote locations—industries set up in the farthest corners of Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka, and Uttar Pradesh. Some of these places lacked proper roads, but we ventured there, documenting industries that few get to witness.

Industrial photography is demanding. The hours are long, and schedules are unpredictable. Some days begin at sunrise in a manufacturing plant, while others stretch into the night at a steel mill. But that’s what makes it exhilarating—the constant travel, new challenges, and the opportunity to meet people from diverse industries.

Beyond photography, I have always been interested in animation, editing, and design. My journey with Photoshop began early, thanks to my mother, who taught my father how to use it. Watching them work sparked my curiosity, and soon, I was experimenting with editing and design. Over time, I expanded my skills, blending photography with creative design elements.

The COVID-19 pandemic brought challenges, slowing down industrial and advertising shoots. However, we adapted, and work gradually picked up again. Today, I continue to travel across India and beyond, capturing industries, innovations, and the stories behind them—one frame at a time.