Elton Mascarenhas, 26, a Mass Communication and Journalism graduate, discovered his passion for visual storytelling in 2015. What started as a hobby became a career in photography and filmmaking, rooted in capturing the beauty of everyday moments. Sharing his work through his Instagram handle @eltonmacvisuals, he blends instinct, emotion, and authenticity to create stories that feel both personal and timeless.
I first picked up a camera in 2015. At the time, I didn’t know where it would take me, all I knew was that I was drawn to the magic of documenting everyday life. I began professionally in 2017, but the spark had been lit much earlier. It wasn’t about grand events or cinematic landscapes, it was about the quiet beauty in simple moments: golden hour sunlight spilling into a bus on my ride home from college, my mother preparing a daily meal, my baby cousin playing in the front yard, my grandmother steeping a warm cup of tea. These were my first frames, and they still shape my eye today.
Perspective
People often say I see things differently, but I don't think it's about training your eye. It’s about staying grounded and observant, being present enough to notice what others overlook. For me, photography and cinematography aren't about chasing the extraordinary, it’s about recognising how extraordinary the ordinary already is.
Style
My style has always leaned toward instinctive, especially when I create for myself. On social media, particularly my Instagram, I shoot what I feel in the moment. I don't worry about how it’ll look in the final product, the goal is to capture the mood, the feeling, and then edit it to match what it felt like while filming. For commercial work, of course, there’s more intention: Scripting, storyboarding, and a clear plan.
Memorable project
One film that has stayed with me is The Vertigo, a short project I created with my girlfriend Marsha during the 2021 lockdown. We were experimenting with the classic vertigo effect inspired by Alfred Hitchcock. That time, when everyone was reconnecting with their creativity, it gave me the space to make something purely for the love of it, and it became a memory I still cherish.
Creative fuel
After eight years in this field, what keeps me creatively alive is the work of other creators. A beautifully shot reel or a moving short film will often push me to pick up my camera again and go create. Inspiration, I’ve realised, is all around, you just need to stay open to it.
First gig
My first paid gig came from family, covering a paint-and-sip event organised by my uncle and cousin. They gave me full creative freedom, even though I was new to it. That trust gave me confidence, and their appreciation for the final video confirmed that I was on the right path. It was a small beginning, but a meaningful one that shaped everything that followed.
Work balance
Over the years, I’ve worked in both freelance and full-time roles, and each has taught me something different. Freelancing exposed me to a wide variety of clients and styles, which helped broaden my storytelling range. Full-time work, on the other hand, brought structure, consistency, and a better understanding of team dynamics and long-term creative planning.
Instagram joys
What I love most about Instagram is the ability to express myself. It’s where I share my creative experiments, but also where I showcase commercial projects to potential clients. There’s a freedom in making reels, riding my bike, filming my surroundings, letting intuition guide the lens. It helps me decompress and reset between client projects.
Viral moment
One reel that unexpectedly resonated with people was a simple “day in the life” of my little cousin during lockdown. It went viral, and I think it worked because of its honesty. It was just her being herself; playful, innocent, and real. That kind of unscripted charm is what makes a story stick.
Photography love
Though I lean toward motion, telling stories through video; my heart still belongs to photography. It was my first love and taught me how to see. Sometimes, one frame is all it takes to tell an entire story.I also believe that no camera can compensate for the person behind it. That said, quality equipment is essential when you're working commercially. For me, it’s always been about making the best of what I have and focusing on the story I want to tell.
Daily routine
A typical day in my current full-time job involves creating content, editing, and collaborating with a team. After work, I switch off and engage in other aspects of life like daily chores, family time, or simply resting. It’s important to step away from something you love so you don’t burn out. That way, you return to it with renewed energy and perspective.
Misconceptions
There are many misconceptions about what I do. People often think it’s just pointing a camera, shooting, and editing; but filmmaking is a full process. From scripting and pre-production to lighting, sound, direction, and post-production- it’s complex, time-consuming, and deeply immersive. But is it fun? Absolutely.
Creative blocks
When creative blocks hit, I take time off. I distance myself from the work and allow space to recharge. It’s not about pushing harder, sometimes, it’s about stepping back and living life a bit so that you have something worth saying again.
Future plans
Looking ahead, I’m excited about collaborations. I’ve mostly worked solo, but I now see the value in building with like-minded creatives. Together, we can create more impactful work, whether it’s short films, commercial projects, or something entirely new.
Creative intent
I hope that when people see my work, they feel calm, warm, and at ease. That it reminds them of moments they may have overlooked in their own lives. I resonate with the line “words few and exposures many”; photography speaks where words often fall short. It’s my way of expressing what I feel.
Experience
Over the years, I’ve had the chance to work with production houses like Maddock Films and Bandra West Pictures in Mumbai, as well as agencies and brands in Goa, including FC Goa. Each experience has taught me something new and helped me grow.
Goa base
Being based in Goa is also something I value deeply. After a hectic day, there’s nothing quite like coming home to the people you love. That balance between work and support is priceless.
Why I started
At the end of the day, I always remind myself of why I started. It was because I love to do this. That, more than anything, keeps me going.
