About the Photoshoot for Funky Bhangra – Photography by Andri Jónasson
When Funky Bhangra approached me for their photoshoot, the vision was clear: capture the essence of Indian cuisine in all its richness, vibrancy, and unapologetic maximalism. Indian food isn’t just a meal—it’s a sensory explosion of colors, spices, and textures, and I wanted to bring that same energy to the photos. The result was a bold, dark, and dynamic series of images that perfectly represent the character of Funky Bhangra.
A Bold, Dark Aesthetic
To balance the maximalism, I used a dark, moody aesthetic as the foundation for the shoot. This helped amplify the brightness of the food while giving the overall composition a sophisticated, almost cinematic quality. The play between light and shadow adds depth to the images, making the food pop against the dark background while evoking the warmth and richness of Indian spices.
The dark style also aligns with the bold and edgy character of Funky Bhangra, setting it apart from the typical bright and minimal food photography. It was about embracing the richness of the cuisine and the culture in a way that felt authentic yet elevated.
Maximalism in Every Shot
Indian food is known for its complexity and depth, and I aimed to reflect that through a maximalist approach. The photos are filled with vibrant, saturated colors that jump off the page, from the rich reds of the curries to the bright yellows of the spices. Every dish was carefully styled to showcase the layers of flavor and texture, while the dark background added drama and contrast, making the colors even more striking.
Each shot is bursting with life—plates overflowing with food, spices scattered like confetti, and intricate details in every corner. I wanted to evoke the feeling of abundance, where the flavors and visual elements are as rich as the story behind each dish.