ABOUT
GV THE LENSMAN
What do you really learn from a photographer? Or is it simply a delightful experience to be in front of his lens?
Hello, my name is GAURAV VASHISTH (GV)—also known as GV THE LENSMAN.
I am a photographer, creative director, model mentor, and author based in India.
I’ve been creating images for over a decade, in genres ranging from street and nature to fashion and monochrome, which remain my true artistic home.
My Philosophy
The philosophy behind my photography is simple: “No philosophy.” If you love something, you pursue it—unbothered by who approves, criticises, judges, or ignores it.
My Work & My Subjects
I primarily work with fashion models and aspiring talents. For many young newcomers, my work has been an act of charity—offering test shoots to help them begin their modelling journey. It was challenging, deeply rewarding (especially when an aspirant attributed their first break to my images), and often questioned:
“Who will take you seriously if you work for free?”
Yet, I kept clicking.
The Craft
Photography is a tough and expensive art. Good gear costs, upgrades never end, and unlike painters or poets, photographers must create magic from a finished product—the human subject. Our imagination operates within the boundaries of nature and its elements.
Beyond technology lies a photographer’s true edge: the ability to visualise, communicate, and craft a timeless masterpiece. The execution must be so simple that it cannot be copied—that is what makes art truly unique.
I rely heavily on natural light, shadows, and the sun for storytelling. I often prefer monochrome to express my vision—free from the distractions of excessive colour, artificial light, makeup, or designer styling. And when I do use colour, it leans toward retro and cinematic palettes.
The Mentor
In 2017, I began mentoring models who came to me for photoshoots.
What began as casual guidance soon evolved into deliberate research, structured counselling, and continuous engagement.
This journey culminated in the world’s first comprehensive guidebook on model development and mentorship:
“MODEL MENTOR: An Insider’s Guide to Becoming a Fashion Model” (Published May 2024).
The book became a classic reference for young minds entering the industry, protecting them from scams and offering clarity beyond the commercial grooming workshops scattered across India. It complemented my photography by transforming me from just an image-maker to a mentor with purpose—introducing and developing New Talents for the fashion world.
The Scouts Mother Agency
In 2024, the fashion agency—The Scouts Mother Agency—acquired all rights to my books, photography/website and social media handles, under its LLP.
The goal was to institutionalise a scientific, analytical model development programme and to elevate Indian talent globally through structured scouting, development,photography, and placement.
During this time, while pursuing my PGDM, I completed an internship with The Scouts MA and submitted a comprehensive report outlining a framework for consultation, accreditation, and standardised processes for modelling agencies and talent development in India.
The Next Book
In 2026, I published my second book:
“INSIGHT: A Photographer’s Manual on Seeing and Being Seen.”
It aims to develop a thinking photographer—teaching the art of visualisation and offering a classic reference on one of the most complex creative crafts. Another pioneering work. This work is an accumulation of my experience as an observer — a visual philosophy shaped by over a decade of practice in photography and more than two decades in uniform, in service of the nation.
So what do you learn from a photographer?
Or does the process simply brings you joy?
Whatever your reason… I’m here, and my message to you is simple:
“I WANNA CLICK YOU SO MUCH…”