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Why Us

STUDENT LIFE AT SSVAP

At SSVAP, student life is vibrant, dynamic, and centered around creativity, leadership, and holistic development. Students are encouraged to explore their talents across photography, filmmaking, and numerous other domains, with ample opportunities to take initiative and lead.

why ssvap
why ssvap
why ssvap
Joan Mary George

An elected Student Body Council (SBC) serves as a vital link between the student community and the institute’s administration. The SBC plays a key role in addressing academic and extracurricular aspects, fostering open communication, and ensuring a collaborative campus environment. Welcoming new students is equally exciting with Funkaar, a lively induction festival organized by senior batches. It includes performances in music, dance, stand-up comedy, and fashion shows, creating a warm and engaging start for newcomers.

why ssvap

SSVAP students are at the heart of organizing Frames, the institute’s flagship cultural festival. This highly anticipated annual event brings together renowned singers, actors, stand-up comedians, and artists. From ideation to sponsorship, logistics to stage management, every aspect of the festival is managed by the students themselves - demonstrating their skills in planning, coordination, and execution.

Beyond cultural celebrations, the SBC also organizes an Annual Sports Week, where students, faculty, and staff come together to compete in sports like cricket, badminton, football, basketball, and more - promoting teamwork, health, and friendly competition.

The spirit of creativity thrives at SSVAP through engaging Photography Exhibitions, organized with the active participation of our students. These events proudly showcase student work, celebrating the visual storytelling talent that is cultivated within our vibrant community.

At SSVAP, student life goes far beyond the classroom—fostering growth in academics, creativity, collaboration, leadership, and sportsmanship.

why ssvap

STUDENT ACHIEVEMENTS

Created by - Akshay Latare, Jayesh Rawal & Rohit Keware

SSVAP students Akshay, Jayesh, and Rohit directed and produced a Robot Launch Video that was showcased at the India Today Conclave and went viral worldwide.

Created by - Ahaan Bhattacharya & Amrapali Kamble

for a jewelry brand was featured on a hoarding in Pune.

Wildlife Specialization

For the past year, wildlife specialization students from SSVAP have been photographically documenting wolves in the Saswad-Bhigwan grasslands. Their work has brought attention to three pressing issues: the degradation of wolf habitats, intense competition for food between wolves and free-ranging dogs, and the spread of fatal diseases affecting the wolf population. A news article highlighting these concerns, accompanied by photographs taken by the students, has been published in The Hindu.

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why ssvap

ALUMNI ACHIEVEMENTS

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Shivam Harmalkar

Shivam Harmalkar

Filmmaker Photographer Batch - 2018-20
  • Official Selection Indian Panorama (non feature) 55th International film festival of India for the film “Saavat”. (Director/Screenplay/Editor for the Film) - November 2024
  • Xmage, Awarded Runners-up prize among 650,000 Participants from 86 countries at world culture and art centre Shenzhen, China - November 2024.
  • Best Story at the 50th International Film Festival of India (2019) – "72 Hours Filmmaking Challenge."
  • National Award Pratibha Samman (2021) for contributions to filmmaking and photography.
  • TOTO Photography awards, supported by art & photography foundation (Longlist 2025)
  • Best Film at the Marathi Short Film Festival (2020).
  • Prize Winner at Two national and Seven state-level short film competitions.
  • Artist Talk at Della Leaders Club, Mumbai, November 2022
  • Guest of Honour as a cinematographer of the Konkani short film ‘Giran Lagle' at the International science film festival of India Kolkata 2019.
  • Worked as an educator under Photography promotion trust in Tribal regions of Orrisa. 2022
  • Published work in Eyeshot Magazine (2024) and Planet Goa Magazine (2019).
Sumit Ghag

Sumit Ghag

Fashion, Editorial & Advertising Photographer Batch - 2014-17
Soham Joshi

Soham Joshi

Visual Artist | Photographer | Mixed-Media Practitioner Batch - 2018-21

Soham Joshi is an Indian visual artist working between India and the UK. His creative practice is rooted in alternative photographic techniques, through which he explores nuanced themes of urbanity and identity. Deeply interested in the layered interactions between individuals, photographic materials, and urban spaces, his work often investigates how these relationships shape personal and collective narratives.

Whether portraying the human form or architectural elements, Soham’s imagery aims to celebrate his subjects. He is particularly drawn to experimental approaches that reimagine traditional darkroom methods, allowing him to engage with photography as both a technical and emotive medium. His current research continues to explore identity through such alternative processes, combining the tactile and the conceptual.

Commercially, Soham's fashion and fine art photography has been featured in NAKID Magazine, Curator Magazine, and Homegrown Voices. Since 2018, he has also worked as a touring music photographer, creating concert and press kit visuals for musicians. His music photography has appeared in Rolling Stone India, The Indian Music Diaries, and Rock Street Journal.

As an artist, Soham is passionate about pushing the boundaries of visual storytelling, particularly through mixed-media imagery that intersects multiple art disciplines and encourages dialogue between tradition and experimentation.

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Jagrit Sachdeva

Jagrit Sachdeva

Founder – Wedding Mansion | Media Mansion Batch - 2016-19

I am Jagrit Sachdeva, a passionate visual storyteller and entrepreneur based in New Delhi. I am the founder of two creative ventures – Wedding Mansion, a luxury wedding photography and cinematography brand, and Media Mansion, a visual content studio specializing in fashion, lifestyle, and commercial work.

Over the years, my work has been recognized and featured in some of the industry's most prestigious platforms, including Vogue, Grazia India, Architectural Digest, and Elle Decor. These features reflect my commitment to aesthetics, storytelling, and innovation in every frame.

Driven by a love for timeless visuals and authentic narratives, I continue to collaborate with visionary clients and brands across India and beyond, creating imagery that leaves a lasting impact.

Ratnakar Vallabh Dave

Ratnakar Vallabh Dave

Batch - 2016-19

With over 7 years of industry experience, I have carved a distinct niche in the world of visual storytelling through high-impact brand films, digital campaigns, and motion visuals. Specializing in real estate brand films and advertising content for jewellery and fashion lifestyle brands, I bring a refined aesthetic and deep commercial insight to every project I lead.

My portfolio includes digital motion covers and editorial visuals for globally recognized fashion publications such as Harper’s Bazaar, Cosmopolitan, and Vogue, where I’ve contributed to pushing the boundaries of digital media storytelling.

Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of working with 50+ celebrated personalities across film, fashion, and lifestyle industries — creating content that not only amplifies brand identity but also resonates with audiences across platforms.

Whether it’s crafting a cinematic narrative for a luxury real estate project, building the visual voice of a fashion label, or directing editorial covers with top-tier celebrities, my approach combines creative vision with technical expertise, resulting in content that’s both artistically bold and commercially effective.

Aiko Verma

Aiko Verma

Delhi-based fashion photographer and visual storyteller

Aiko Verma is a Delhi-based fashion photographer and visual storyteller. After completing her Bachelor’s in Photography from Symbiosis School of Visual Arts and Photography (2019–2022), she pursued her Master’s in Fashion Photography and Fashion Film from Paris College of Art.

While completing her degree in Paris, she began working across fashion weeks and brand campaigns. She photographed for agencies like Miss Maltese and brands such as Brainstasy and Nexteberries, and traveled to Milan for additional shoots. She covered multiple seasons of Paris Fashion Week from 2022 onward, capturing names like Zendaya, Florence Pugh, Bella Hadid, Paloma Elsesser, Dove Cameron, Irina Shayk, and J-Hope (BTS).

After graduating in 2023, she was hired as the lead photographer for Paris-based luxury resale platform Une Robe Un Soir, where she continued to work with stylists and models across Europe. Her work was featured in publications such as Selin Magazine, Mob Journal, and other independent fashion and culture magazines.

From July to December 2024, she worked as an assistant photographer with Place des Tendances by Printemps, the luxury fashion group with presence in Paris, London, and New York. Her time there sharpened her skills across high fashion campaigns, e-commerce, and editorial-style direction.

During her time in Paris, Aiko also worked closely with French stylists, designers, and emerging labels, building a diverse editorial portfolio through both brand commissions and personal shoots. Her deep-rooted engagement with the fashion industry led her to be invited as a front-row guest at Paris Fashion Week by international fashion houses such as Nova Bella Couture (Turkey), Amy Store (Vietnam), and Maquinn Maison de Couture (Paris).

She also photographed leading Indian influencers Sanket Mehta and Rakshit Singh during their time at Paris Fashion Week—accompanying them to behind-the-scenes moments, runway shows, and brand collaborations. Notably, she shot Sanket’s collaboration with Galeries Lafayette Paris, and her coverage of the Hermès Autumn/Winter 2025 Men’s Show was featured in Men’s World India. Additional collaborations during this time included designers such as Ankur Verma and 8on8 Official.

Recently back in Delhi, Aiko has already begun freelancing across editorial and campaign work for conscious fashion brands like Doodlage and Libas, while continuing to develop narrative-driven personal projects. Her practice blends cultural research, identity, and cinematic aesthetics—shaped by years of experience in Europe’s fashion capital.

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Divyansh Gupta

Divyansh Gupta

Visual Content Creator Batch - BA 2018-21

Divyansh Gupta is a visual content creator specializing in photography and videography across sectors such as Food & Beverage, Interior & Architecture, and lifestyle branding. He has successfully conceptualized and executed creative campaigns for numerous restaurants, cafés, and lifestyle properties, focusing on visual storytelling and strategic content design.

As the founder of a media production company, Divyansh delivers end-to-end content solutions, including brand films, social media reels, and digital campaigns. His portfolio includes work for notable brands like Agent Jack, Drifters, and Vithoba, along with video editing projects for global names such as Marriott Bonvoy.

Recognized for his creative eye and industry insight, Divyansh has also served as a jury member for a street photography competition at IIT Delhi and a short film contest at Nagpur Institute of Technology, further contributing to the creative community.

Siddhant Gadekar

Siddhant Gadekar

Wildlife, Travel, and automotive photography Batch - 2020-23

I’m a photographer based in Pune with a deep passion for capturing the world through my lens. My journey into photography began at the age of 14, when it was just a hobby. Over time, that hobby evolved into a lifelong passion and ultimately, a profession.

I specialize in wildlife, travel, and automotive photography. My early work was rooted in the wild—exploring forests, spotting elusive creatures, and telling their stories through powerful imagery. I’ve enhanced my skills through courses with NatGeo and ELA Habitat and have worked closely with the Madhya Pradesh Forest Department, documenting the incredible efforts of forest rangers on the ground.

In recent years, my love for machines—cars and bikes—led me into automotive photography. I’ve had the opportunity to work with leading automotive magazines like Turbocharged and Autocar India, and my work has been featured by brands such as Mercedes-Benz India, Porsche India, Volvo India, and more.

My time at Symbiosis School of Visual Arts and Photography (SSVAP) gave me a strong creative foundation, nurtured my storytelling skills, and taught me to blend technical expertise with artistic vision—helping me share not just what I see, but what I feel through every frame.

Vidit Vij

Vidit Vij

Visual Artist And Photographer Batch - 2018-21

I am a multidisciplinary visual artist and photographer with a background in Visual Arts and Photography from SSVAP. My professional journey began in Ladakh, where I worked as a photographer, head of design, and editor for an agency collaborating with the Indian Army and local clients.

Over time, my practice expanded to include graphic design, AI-driven visuals, music, and storytelling. I now work across more than ten AI tools to create images, videos, and narratives with precision and intent. Alongside my visual work, I write, sing, and produce original music, exploring the intersections between sound, imagery, and story to create immersive, multidisciplinary experiences.

SSVAP played a pivotal role in honing my visual sensibilities, encouraging experimentation, and giving me the freedom to blend art, technology, and narrative-skills that now define my work.

Karan Oza

Karan Oza

Photographer Batch - 2019–22

I graduated from SSVAP in 2022 and returned to my hometown, Ahmedabad, to begin my career as a photographer. In the early days, I focused on building my portfolio and network, taking on unpaid projects to showcase my work and make a mark in the local creative community.

Over time, my work gained recognition, and I began receiving assignments from well-known clients and fashion brands. Today, I run my own photography studio in Ahmedabad, offering photography, photo retouching, and cinematography services, with a specialization in fashion shoots, campaign shoots, and product shoots. I also rent my studio space to emerging photographers and artists, supporting the growth of the creative industry in my city.

The foundation I received at SSVAP both in technical expertise and creative problem-solving has been instrumental in shaping me into a confident visual artist and entrepreneur. I now look forward to the day I return to SSVAP, this time as visiting faculty, ready to inspire the next generation of photographers.

Swathi Kamisetty

Swathi Kamisetty

Visual Arts & Photography Batch - 2019-22

I’m a visual storyteller who swapped code for a camera to craft stories that matter. With a Computer Science degree from PESIT and a Bachelor’s in Visual Arts & Photography from SSVAP where I was awarded Student of the Year and Best Visual Graphics Artist I transitioned from a stint at Ericsson R&D (where I earned the Rockstar of the Quarter and ACE Award) into photography and documentary filmmaking.

My work spans sustainability and climate projects (nurture.farm), NGOs (ARC, Sankalp We-care, Enabling Leadership), editorial features (Plan The Unplanned, Elixir Perfumery, Parimal Agarbatti), industrial shoots (Wudgres, Vmake, Maxilam, CrystalLine), F&B brands (Varshini Kitchen, Tiers of Joy), real estate and interiors (Kajaria Spa Resorts, Bangalore International Center, Styltool), and digital platforms (Humans of Bombay, Cancer Warriors, PET Fed).

At SSVAP, I found not just technical mastery but also the courage to tell impactful stories. The environment encouraged my curiosity, helped me develop a strong creative identity, and gave me the tools to inspire change through visuals.

Arka Sinha

Arka Sinha

Batch - 2017-20

After completing my Bachelor’s in Visual Arts and Photography from Symbiosis School of Visual Arts and Photography (SSVAP), Symbiosis International University, Pune, I found myself drawn toward new directions in practice-based research. My undergraduate education at SSVAP not only refined my visual sensibilities but also introduced me to disciplines such as media theory, narratology, psychoanalysis, and semiotics frameworks that continue to underpin my artistic practice.

It was during this formative period that I developed a sustained interest in the history of photography, which inspired me to experiment with alternative and photo-chemical processes. My current practice explores the dimensionless state of images in contemporary society, drawing on diverse approaches including printmaking, camera-less processes, moving images, and photobooks.

In 2023, I was awarded a residency at PhotoCircle in Kathmandu, Nepal, and my work has been exhibited at the Chennai Photo Biennale, the Kolkata Centre for Creativity, and PhotoCircle, among other platforms.

I am currently in the final year of my Master’s in Visual Communication (Photography Design) at the National Institute of Design, Ahmedabad, where my thesis investigates the intersections of history, ecology, and photography in the Bengal Delta. Looking back, SSVAP was instrumental in nurturing both my conceptual depth and technical foundation giving me the confidence to work at the intersection of research, history, and visual storytelling.

DRAG
Amit Sharma

Amit Sharma

Designation : Maidan Movie director

Chief guest for the inauguration of previous year’s Photo

Avinash Gowarikar

Avinash Gowarikar

Designation : Prominent Indian celebrity photographer

Chief Guest for the Gautam Rajadhyaksha Memorial Lecture

Pablo Bartholomew

Pablo Bartholomew

Designation : Indian photojournalist

Chief guest for Srijan - 2023

Sana Mattu

Sana Mattu

Designation : Indian Photojournalist

She won the 2022 Pulitzer Prize for Feature Photography. - Conducted a masterclass for SSVAP students

Avinash Tiwary

Avinash Tiwary

Designation : Cine Actor

Chief guest for the inauguration of this year’s Photo exhibition - SRIJAN

Adnan Abidi

Adnan Abidi

Designation : A distinguished photojournalist and three-time Pulitzer Prize winner.

Chief guest for the event of World Photography Day 2025

Prasenjeet Yadav

Prasenjeet Yadav

Designation : NATGEO Photographer, Natural History and Science Photographer

Chief guest for SIU Nature Photography Competition organised by SSVAP in collaboration with SCCCS

Student Body Council

Vision

At the Symbiosis School of Visual Arts and Photography (SSVAP), the Student Body Council envisions a vibrant and inclusive campus community where every student feels heard, respected, and empowered. We are dedicated to being a reliable voice for our peers while upholding the values and reputation of our institute.

why ssvap

Mission

Our mission is to foster transparent and effective communication between students and faculty, ensuring that concerns—academic or otherwise—are addressed with sincerity and urgency. By engaging regularly through open forums, surveys, and individual dialogues, we actively seek and value student feedback, advocating for their needs at every level of institutional decision-making.

We believe that a thriving educational environment is built on collaboration and mutual respect. As the vital link between student aspirations and institutional support, we strive to enhance the college experience through empathy, integrity, and responsiveness. Our goal is to nurture a campus culture where every student has the opportunity to learn, grow, and excel.

Activities & Events
  • Frames (Flagship Event): A two-day celebration featuring engaging talk sessions, stand-up comedy, and a lively music night—bringing together entertainment and meaningful conversations.
  • Funkaar: A vibrant fresher welcome with music, dance, and interactive activities to unite students and faculty.
  • Sports Activities: Fun and competitive sports events held throughout the academic year, each featuring a new and exciting game to keep the energy high.
  • Cultural Festivals: Small-scale celebrations of National and Cultural Festivals, creating a vibrant atmosphere on campus while fostering diversity and enjoyment.
DRAG
SBC

Lakshay Chandna

President

SBC

Adrij Bhowmick

Secretary

SBC

Aarushi Jain

Creative Head

SBC

Joan Mary George

Cultural Head

SBC

Arnav Das

Sports Head

SBC

Harsh Rathour

Student Academic Forum Head

SBC

Harit Purohit

Logistics Head

Testimonials

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Pritha Singh

Pritha Singh

Alumni

Symbiosis School of Visual Arts and Photography gave me a great opportunity to experiment with various genres of photography, and also to explore complimenting and interesting subjects like Semantics and Semiotics, and Visual Narrative and Research which helped me discover new passions...

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Pritha Singh

Sudhir Sivaram

Renowned wildlife Photographer

“I have been associated with the Symbiosis School of Visual Arts and Photography for a few years now and highly impressed with the way the students get a holistic approach for learning. They get on field and off field learning experience under professionals like us who have vast industry experience...

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Pritha Singh

Ujjwal Shrivastava

Alumni

“Hello, my name is Ujjwal Shrivastava, I completed B.A in Photography and Visual Arts from SSVAP, Pune. The amount of exposure that I have got while pursuing my course here, was tremendous. I can surely say that my creative side has been polished well at SSVAP and it is helping me in achieving my goals...

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Pritha Singh

Manjusha Dangetti

Alumni

"I'm grateful to SSVAP for not just giving us access to the Best of Equipment and Infrastructure but also, for giving us great mentors who helped nourish our craft...

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Pritha Singh

Shivam Harmalkar

Alumni

Visual Arts & Photography (Photojournalism & Filmmaking), SSVAP, Symbiosis School of Visual Arts and Photography is more than just a college—it is a crucible of thought, collaboration, and creative awakening. Studying here shaped my sensibilities not only as a photographer and filmmaker but as a visual thinker...

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Pritha Singh

Shrey Doshi

Alumni

I'm a Photographer and Cinematographer from Mumbai and Symbiosis School of Photography Alumni (batch 2016-2019) who specializes in Fashion, Glamour, Lifestyle, Interior and Architecture Photography and all kinds of Cinematography. Symbiosis School of Photography has greatly helped me for what I am today as a photographer and cinematographer...

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Pritha Singh

Tanay Nellari

Alumni

My journey at SSVAP was truly transformative. The institute offered access to top-notch studios and industry-grade equipment, which played a major role in shaping my skills and vision as a photographer...

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Pritha Singh

Ayanik Dutta

Alumni

I'm Ayanik Dutta, a proud graduate of the Symbiosis School of Visual Arts and Photography (SSVAP). Being awarded the Best Fine Art Photographer in my final year and securing a campus placement, my time at SSVAP shaped me both creatively and professionally...

PROGRAM
B.A.IN
VISUAL COURSES & PHOTOGRAPHY
  • Fashion Photography

  • Fine Art Photography

  • Wedding Photography

  • Automobile

  • Wildlife Photography

  • Food Photography and Styling

  • Product Photography

  • Commercial Photography

  • Interior & Architecture

  • Star-Trail Photography

  • Sports Photography

  • Conceptual Photography

  • Travel & Landscape Photography

  • People & Portrait

  • Advertising Photography

  • Street Photography

  • Photojournalism

  • Documentary Photography

  • Dark Room

  • Post-Production Techniques in Adobe Photoshop & Lightroom

  • Social Media Visual Production

  • Foreign Languages (Spanish & French)

  • AdFilms

  • Direction

  • Fundamentals in Film Techniques

  • Cinematic Lighting

  • Sound Design

  • Emerging Editing Techniques

  • VisualEffects

  • Storyboarding

  • Script Writing

  • Documentary Film-making

ADMISSIONS

2025

B.A.IN

Visual Courses & Photography
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School Of

Symbiosis School of Visual Courses & PHOTOGRAPHY