The Ace Aviation Photographer: Rajiv Srivastava

The famous saying, “follow your passion, the rest will attend to itself”, fully aligns with the journey of Rajiv Srivastava, who is a top aviation and landscape photographer having a record of capturing India’s 87 airports in his lens and being appreciated by the Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi himself. Aviation World Magazine appreciates him for his remarkable feat and publishes this candid interview to present his thoughts among the global reader’s. Excerpts…

            Vijayawada Airport ( Image : Rajiv Srivastava) 

Q: Share with Aviation World reader’s about yourself and your passion?

A: My journey is a bit unconventional – I started out as a professional cricketer before transitioning to photography. With over two decades of experience behind the lens, I’ve had the privilege of exploring various genres.

My photography journey began with street photography and landscapes, which eventually led me to assist Mr. Tarun Vishwa, a renowned fashion photographer. As his first assistant, I worked on several fashion projects, but my true passion soon shifted towards landscapes and aviation.

Over the years, I’ve had the opportunity to cover a wide range of subjects, including Hotels, Noida Metro, Wildlife, Fashion, Motor Racing (Formula 1), Cricket, Golf, Paragliding and even the Paramotoring Championship in Thailand. I’ve also ventured into filmmaking, creating documentaries on Aviation, Health, the National Security Guard (NSG), and tourism projects. Additionally, I’ve worked on artwork projects for prominent organizations such as NATGRID and NSG, as well as for the Noida International Airports office, Adani Airport Lucknow Lounge, Vijayawada Airport, AAI Headquarter.

Aviation photography, in particular, has become a significant part of my work. I find the intersection of technology, architecture, and nature fascinating, and I enjoy capturing the stories that airports and aircraft tell. Through my lens, I aim to showcase the beauty and complexity of the aviation world, and I’m constantly inspired by the ever-changing skies and lighting conditions.

              Pakyong Airport, Gangktok ( Image : Rajiv Srivastava) 

Q: When did you realised that Aviation photography could be the career that really motivates you?

A: For me, it all started with a life-changing experience – my first helicopter ride in Pasighat during Grade 7. I had never seen a helicopter so closely, let alone from inside, and the experience was exhilarating. Accompanying my father, the then Deputy Director of Education, on a school monitoring visit, I witnessed breathtaking natural landscapes from a unique perspective. But what really blew my mind was seeing the runway during landing – it was an incredible sight. As we touched down, the thrill and beauty of flight left a lasting impression. That moment sparked a fascination with aviation, which eventually grew into a passion for aviation photography. My elder brother gifted me my first camera and lens, further fueling my interest. My mother’s unwavering support has been instrumental in nurturing this interest, and over time, it’s evolved into a motivating career for me.”

Q: You have captured almost all major airports of India in your lens? Share a bit more about the journey?

A: As a photographer, I have always been drawn to capturing architectural landscapes, and airports offer a unique blend of functionality and design. My journey documenting India’s major airports has been truly incredible. I’ve had the privilege of traveling extensively across the country, visiting numerous airports, and immersing myself in their distinct atmospheres.
Capturing airports isn’t just about taking pictures of planes; it’s also about appreciating the architecture, the design, and the story each airport tells. I’ve learned to love the intricacies of airport design, from the sleek modernity of some terminals to the cultural nuances incorporated into others.

Each airport presents a new set of challenges and opportunities. The diverse architectural styles, varying lighting conditions, and ever-changing environments keep my work exciting and dynamic. Whether it’s the stunning glass façades, the intricate patterns, or the way light interacts with the structure, every airport offers something unique to capture.
Lighting plays a big role when it comes to shooting airports, whether it’s inside or outside. The way natural light pours in through the glass ceilings, or the artificial lighting that illuminates the terminals at night, each scenario demands a different approach. Sometimes, I get only a day to shoot, and it becomes even more challenging to plan the perfect angle. But based on my experience, I always try to deliver the best possible shot, even when time is limited.

What I’ve enjoyed most is documenting the growth and development of India’s aviation infrastructure. It’s fascinating to see how airports are not just transportation hubs but also reflections of local culture and identity. Through my lens, I aim to showcase not just the airports themselves but the stories they tell about India’s progress and diversity.

As someone who has also been passionate about landscape photography, I’ve found that combining aviation with landscapes creates breath-taking compositions. The airport buildings set against the backdrop of nature’s beauty – be it rolling hills, majestic mountains, or serene coastlines – offer a visual treat that’s hard to beat. Capturing these moments is truly special, and I feel fortunate to have had the opportunity to do so. In fact, my experience in landscape photography has been showcased through 20 exhibitions across India, where I’ve been able to share my vision and perspective with a wider audience. These exhibitions have been a wonderful way to connect with fellow photography enthusiasts and share the stories behind my images.

This journey has allowed me to combine my passion for photography with my interest in architecture, travel, and landscapes, creating a body of work that I’m proud of. Every airport, big or small, has a story to tell, and I’m grateful to have had the opportunity to capture a part of that story.

                           Pune Airport ( Image : Rajiv Srivastava) 

Q: The CTB “100 Airports of New India” and “Kala Sankalan” had the best of your clicked images. How has been the experience contributing in such respectable book?

A: Contributing to the coffee table book “100 Airports of New India” and “Kala Sankalan” was a dream come true. For both shoots, I carefully curated my best images to showcase India’s diverse aviation landscape. My goal was to highlight the unique aspects of each airport, from modern terminals and stunning interiors to beautiful artworks and scenic surroundings.

The “100 Airports of New India” book, released by the Hon’ble Prime Minister in 2018, was a significant milestone, and being part of it was an honour. More recently, “Kala Sankalan,” released by the Hon’ble Civil Aviation Minister Shri KinjarapuRammohan Naidu, further showcased my work on airport interiors and art. It was a privilege to be part of a project that celebrates India’s growing aviation infrastructure. Seeing my photographs featured in such respectable books was truly fulfilling.

The success of these books is a testament to the incredible progress India has made in aviation, and I’m honoured to have played a role in documenting this journey through my lens.

Q: Any interesting incidence that you would like to share which really inspired you?

A: One experience that really stands out was when I was shooting at Pakyong Airport in Sikkim. The weather conditions were quite challenging, with sudden rain and fog limiting my shooting time to just 10-20 minutes of clear visibility each day. Despite the difficulties, I was determined to capture the best images possible.

The conditions weren’t just tough outdoors; my hotel room was also plagued by insects that made it hard to get a good night’s sleep. But the airport’s beauty kept me motivated. Its stunning architecture, set against the breath-taking backdrop of the Himalayas, made every early morning wake-up call worth it.

The effort paid off when the photos went viral globally, even before the airport’s inauguration and were featured in top publications worldwide. What’s more, the Hon’ble Prime Minister even mentioned about the photo that it went viral in his speech during the airport’s inauguration ceremony, which was a surreal moment for me. It was a tremendous honour, and the recognition reinforced my passion for capturing aviation and landscapes.

(This interview is published in Print & digital edition of Aviation World May-June 2025 issue)