Interview with Chandigarh based Sports Photographer - Rahul Bhardwaj

From Listening to Village Cricket Commentary to Professional Sports Photography

In this interview, sports photographer Rahul Bhardwaj shares his journey from growing up in a small village Rajaund District Kaithal in Haryana to covering major sporting events across India. He speaks about the lessons learned through mistakes, the importance of professionalism in sports photography, adapting to the changing content landscape, and why patience and consistency matter far more than chasing quick recognition or expensive gear.

About Rahul

Rahul Bhardwaj is a Chandigarh-based sports photographer whose journey into photography is deeply rooted in childhood memories, cricket, and family. Growing up in a small village, Rahul’s love for sports began while listening to cricket commentary alongside his grandfather, Shri Balwant Ram. Long before photography became a profession, sports had already become an emotional connection in his life. 

Q1. Where did you start your journey in photography? Which company and which genre?

My journey into photography actually started much before I ever picked up a camera. My grandfather, Shri Balwant Ram (Bhalle Ram), was a huge cricket lover. While most kids my age were busy watching cartoons like Shaktimaan, I would sit with him in our village in Haryana, listening to cricket commentary on the radio and later watching matches on TV. That is where my love for sports, especially cricket, began.

At the same time, I was always fascinated by electronics — walkmans, cassette players, gadgets, anything technical. During a visit to the Golden Temple in Amritsar, I saw a Nikon DSLR for the first time. I was instantly drawn to it. I couldn’t afford one back then, but that moment stayed with me.

In 2011, I bought my first DSLR — the Nikon D7000 — and started my photography journey through wedding photography. Weddings taught me discipline, storytelling, handling pressure, and technical adaptability.

Later, I transitioned from Nikon to Canon, working with cameras like the Canon EOS 6D Mark II, Canon EOS 5D Mark III, and today I shoot on the Canon EOS R1.

Though I started with weddings, my heart always belonged to sports photography because it connects directly to my childhood passion for sports.

Q2. What do you like most about Sports Photography? Which other genre do you like the most?

What I love most about sports photography is that it captures raw human emotion in its purest form — determination, pressure, heartbreak, triumph, resilience — all within fractions of a second.

In sports, there are no retakes. Every frame is history being created live. That unpredictability pushes me to stay mentally sharp and technically prepared.

Sports photography also gives me a feeling of being part of the game itself. Even though I couldn’t play at a professional level, photography gave me another way to live that dream.

Apart from sports, I deeply enjoy documentary and lifestyle photography, because both are about storytelling and authenticity. They allow you to preserve emotions and moments that can never be recreated.

Q3. Any mistakes you learned the most from?

I’ve made plenty of mistakes — technical as well as practical — and every single one taught me something valuable.

Early in my career, I underestimated preparation. I’ve faced issues like incorrect exposure settings during fast-paced action, memory card errors, poor positioning during critical match moments, and not always being fully prepared with backups.

One of the biggest practical lessons I learned was this:

Talent gets you noticed, but professionalism keeps you there.

Being on time, understanding event protocols, respecting players and officials, delivering files quickly, and maintaining consistency matter just as much as taking a good photograph.

Every mistake taught me to prepare better, double-check everything, and stay calm under pressure.

Q4. Any tips for sports photographers starting their journey?

My biggest advice: Master the basics before chasing big events.

Start by covering local tournaments, school matches, district games — anywhere you can build your timing and anticipation.

A few important things:

Learn your camera inside out

Practice tracking moving subjects

Study the sport you’re shooting

Focus on storytelling, not just action shots

Learn editing and fast workflow

Build consistency before chasing recognition

And most importantly:

Patience is everything.

Sports photography is a long game. Keep shooting, keep improving, and let your work speak.

Q5. Any YouTube / Instagram channels or photographers you follow the most?

One of my biggest inspirations is Seshadri Sukumar. His journey, discipline, and contribution to sports photography have motivated me immensely.

I also study the work of international sports photographers who cover global events because observing their framing, timing, and storytelling teaches a lot.

I believe instead of blindly following trends, photographers should study why a frame works — the composition, anticipation, emotion, and context behind it.

That analytical approach helps far more than just scrolling endlessly.

Q6. Any financial advice for photographers struggling to stay afloat?

This is very real because photography is not just an art — it’s also a business.

My advice:

Don’t chase gear before building income stability.

Many photographers put themselves under unnecessary pressure by buying expensive equipment too early.

Focus on:

Building relationships

Delivering quality consistently

Managing expenses wisely

Saving during peak seasons

Creating multiple income streams

I’ve had my own struggles too. My journey has never been easy.

But I’ve learned that consistency and smart financial discipline matter more than flashy upgrades.

Invest in skill first, gear second.

Q7. Any tips on reaching the big leagues like IPL, ISL, Pro Kabaddi, Hockey India?

Reaching the big leagues requires more than good photos.

It requires:

A strong, sport-specific portfolio

Professional networking

Reliability

Reputation

Patience

My own journey included working as a freelancer and covering national and international events with organizations like the Boxing Federation of India, Hockey India, and through FIH Hockey Junior World Cup, Madhya Pradesh T20 League, and several major hockey events.

Receiving recognition from the international hockey leadership in Chennai was a proud milestone.

My advice:

Start local. Build credibility. Deliver consistently.

The big leagues notice photographers who keep showing up and improving.

Your reputation travels before your portfolio does.

Q8. Everyone wants reels these days. Is photography still in demand?

Absolutely.

Photography is not losing demand — it is evolving.

Yes, reels and video content are dominating social media, and photographers should adapt by learning hybrid storytelling.

But still photography has a timeless power that video cannot replace.

One strong photograph can freeze emotion, define a legacy, and tell a complete story in a single frame.

Even today, the most iconic sporting moments are remembered through photographs.

So I believe photographers should evolve with changing trends, but never doubt the value of photography.

Great photography will always remain relevant.

Final Thoughts

Rahul’s responses reflect a perspective built on patience, discipline, and genuine love for sports rather than chasing quick success. What stands out most is his emphasis on professionalism, preparation, and consistency alongside technical skill. From starting in a small village in Haryana to covering major sporting events, his journey highlights how long-term growth in sports photography comes from understanding the sport deeply, staying adaptable, and continuing to improve quietly over time.