Hi, I’m Hark1karan. I am a London-born and bred community photographer and outsider artist who documents the lives of Panjabis, Sikhs, and other aspects of London culture.

My work is influenced by the Sikh faith, Panjabi upbringing, and London’s DIY culture. I collaborate with people from my communities to capture photos with closeness and care. My portfolio includes the photo books PIND, KISAAN, Grass Roots, Zimmers of Southall & Arawak, and the short documentaries Zimmers of Southall (Parts 1 & 2) and A Portrait of Central Hill: A Mini-Documentary. My work has been published, exhibited, and featured around the world.

For commissions, exhibitions, workshops, portraits, research, pre-wedding and wedding shoots, interviews, print sales, or general enquiries, please contact me directly.

Instagram @hark1karan

FAQS

Where are you from? And where are you from, from? South London and Punjab.

How long have you been taking photographs? Probably since a child on and off. Seriously with more direction, from around 2014 onwards.

Do you shoot film? 95% of the time.

What film do you use? A few different ones. Mostly Kodak Portra and Ilford HP5 for black and white.

How many rolls of film do you use in a month? I’d say around 20. This will cover me for all types of work.

Do you use digital? The last time I shot digitally was London Fashion Week 2020, or for more fast-paced events such as Bhangra competitions. Oh yeah, and my smartphone camera.

Do you stage or digitally edit your photographs? None of the street or documentary photography is staged. My fashion and some portrait work do involve planning and working with others. I’m not one to really edit my photographs, just a little exposure correction.

Who are your photographic influences? Surprisingly, I don’t have many photographic influences. It’s more the act of taking photographs to tell stories and challenge narratives. Alex Webb is one photographer I enjoy, his work is unparalleled. Christopher Anderson is also someone pushing boundaries. Sian Davey is one photographer I feel who captures a similar vibe to me. Her work and process are inspirational to me. Charlie Philips and James Barnor inspired me to document Punjabis and Sikhs after seeing them both speak at Lenses of Croydon.

One of your favourite aspects of photography? Meeting new people. I love meeting new people.

Did you learn photography at college? No, I am self-taught and still learning.

Do you have a book of your photography available? My first book ‘PIND – Portrait of a Village in Rural Punjab’ (self-published), my second book KISAAN (self-published), Grass Roots (Out of Place Books), and Arawak (self-published)

What advice would you give to someone starting in photography? Make sure it’s fun and you enjoy it. Tell the story you want to tell. You’ll learn many things on the way and meet many people. Be clear in your communication.

Is there anything else that people should know? If your work is about community, then remember the following from Susan Sontag – “To take a photograph is to participate in another person’s (or thing’s) mortality, vulnerability, mutability… All photographs testify to time’s relentless melt… Photographs cannot create a moral position, but they can reinforce one—and can help build a nascent one.”.

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