TCF Ep. 661 - Shivam Pandey

When photographer Shivam Pandey first began working as a fixer for visiting photographers in India, he was positioned on the edges of other people's stories—helping shape access, logistics, and connection without yet fully claiming his own photographic voice. Over time, that proximity to image-making became a catalyst for his own practice. Based in Kolkata, Pandey has since developed a distinctive photographic approach rooted in observation, street-based storytelling, and a deep sensitivity to the rhythms of daily life in India. What makes his journey especially compelling is how organically it has unfolded—from supporting international workshops to building his own voice as a photographer and educator. His work reflects an insider's understanding of place while also carrying the curiosity of someone still discovering it through the camera. In recent years, he has expanded his practice into leading photographic workshops through Kolkata Photo Tours, sharing both his knowledge of the city and his perspective on how to see it more deeply. Our conversation explores that evolution—how teaching, photographing, and living within the dense visual landscape of Kolkata continue to shape his work and identity as a photographer. Resources Shivam Pandey https://www.kolkataphototours.com/about Raghu Rai https://raghuraifoundation.org Raghubir Singh https://www.raghubirsingh.com/ Vineet Vohra https://www.instagram.com/vineetvohra/ Matt Brandon https://mattbrandonphoto.com/ Altadena Photographers https://www.altadenaphotographers.org/ Workshops & Upcoming Education with Ibarionex PerelloX-Pedition Hanoi A destination workshop centered on street photography, culture, and daily life in Hanoi, Vietnam. https://www.f8photographicworkshops.com/x-pedition-hanoi Websites The Candid Frame Support Page https://www.ibarionex.net/support Sponsors Charcoal Book Club https://charcoalbookclub.com Frames Magazine https://readframes.com Education Resources Momenta Photographic Workshops https://momentaworkshops.com/workshops/ Candid Frame Resources The Candid Frame Newsletter & Substack Blog http://ibarionex.substack.com/welcome You can follow Ibarionex on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/ibarionex/