From the quiet lanes of Quepem to the roaring stadiums of the IPL, 24-year-old Dhruv Bhende (@thedhruvbhende ) has carved his path as a photographer and cinematographer with a distinct voice and vision. Blending instinct with intent, and passion with patience.
Early days
When I was a kid, I used to get so excited when my aunt brought home floppy disks loaded with games. That was probably the first sign that I was obsessed with tech. I’ve always been the kind of person who wants to figure things out on my own, whether it was dismantling the TV, poking around inside mobile phones, or tweaking settings on a computer just to see what would happen. That curiosity made me the unofficial “ghar’acho technician” at home.
My fascination slowly shifted from just tech to visuals-especially cameras. I was the kid who sat wondering why photographs were rectangular even though the camera lens was round. Eventually, I learnt that it’s the shape of the sensor that decides the format, not the lens. Small things like that stayed with me and made me fall in love with cameras.
First click
In 2016, my uncle got a Canon 1200D, our family’s first DSLR. That camera flipped a switch in me. I started clicking and filming everything. There was something magical about capturing a moment, freezing it in time, and being able to go back to it later. I couldn’t stop thinking about how humans invented a device that lets you hold onto a memory.
No one in my family was from the creative field, so for a long time I didn’t know it was even possible to turn this hobby into a career. But YouTube changed that. Watching people like Sam Kolder made me realise that content creation wasn’t just about art; it could take you places, help you meet new people, explore the world, and still be fun.
Training the eye
I believe the best camera is the one in your hand. I often limit myself deliberately by using just one lens instead of three, for instance, to push myself creatively. I also try to learn from the greats, watch what they do, and figure out what makes their work special. Over time, these small exercises really help train your eye. But above all, I value patience. Wait for things to unfold. Don’t rush. You’ll see your own style evolve.
Instinct first
Most of my shooting is instinctive. I could be at a festival or in the middle of nowhere, and I’ll just know when to pull out the camera. It’s like my hand and eye work together without me thinking too much.
Sometimes, though, I go in with intent, like wanting to document a specific event or capture a certain mood. But even then, I keep things fluid.
Unforgettable frame
One of the most unforgettable shots I’ve ever taken was in Ladakh, while working on Bajaj Auto’s Dominar Rides project. We covered over 1500 km from Chandigarh to Khardung La. On one of the final days, we reached Tso Moriri, one of the largest high altitude lakes in India.
As the sun set, light beams started breaking through the clouds behind the mountains. I couldn’t even see the clouds, just these rays piercing through the sky like something out of a dream. I remember standing there, breathless. That shot will stay with me forever.
Creative fuel
Even after almost 10 years of doing this, I still feel inspired. Nature plays a big part in that. And music, especially movie scores. I never trained in music, but I play traditional instruments like the ghumat and taaso. I listen to composers like Hans Zimmer, Ludwig Gorranson and OAFF on loop, and visuals start forming in my mind.
Sometimes, I hear a track and instantly know what kind of video I want to make with it. It’s like music unlocks the visuals stored in my brain.
First gig
My first paid gig was in March 2020, just before the lockdown, for Heineken’s Sisterhood Soirée. Back then, I didn’t really know how to quote or negotiate, so I accepted the fee as it was offered. Looking back, I realise I undervalued my work, but it was a learning curve.
Freelance life
Freelancing isn’t as chill as people think. It’s more than just clicking pictures and editing. You have to keep learning, pitching, managing money, and maintaining a presence online. But I love it because I get to work across genres and keep things fresh. I’ve learnt to be my own boss and trust the process.
On Instagram
I’ve been on Instagram for nearly a decade. One of my reels, a re-edit of India Bike Week blew up and got over 2 lakh impressions and 600 new followers, many of who are creators I’ve admired for years. That meant the world to me.
Day in the life
When I was working with Gujarat Titans for the IPL 2025 season, a typical day looked like this: wake up, shoot interviews and sponsor content, eat, head to the stadium, shoot practice, edit on-site, back to the hotel, finish edits, plan upcoming content, upload to NAS, sleep. I did this non-stop for 80 days. Glamorous? Maybe from the outside. But it’s non-stop hustle behind the scenes.
Common misconceptions
People think I just travel, click a few buttons, and chill. They don’t see the sleepless nights, the pressure, the heavy gear, the mental fatigue. I’ve edited in weird places, worked without breaks, and carried expensive equipment through sketchy spots. So when someone says “all you do is press a button,” I’ve learnt to just smile and walk away.
Creative blocks
When I hit a block, I go back to nature. I’m lucky to live in Quepem. I’ll take my bike, head to the canal behind my house, sit under the trees, watch the clouds and the water, and just listen to music. That resets me. Disconnect to reconnect, that’s my motto.
Next dreams
Working with Gujarat Titans was a dream come true. Next on my bucket list? Formula 1. I’ve loved motorsport since I was a kid, and to shoot F1 would be insane. That energy, that speed, it’s the kind of adrenaline that fuels my creativity.
