Interview
Jay Sharan
Jay Sharan is an Indian-born, Vancouver-based self taught photographer and visual storyteller whose work is driven by curiosity, emotion, and the pursuit of fresh perspectives. Refusing to be confined to a single genre, he explores everything from portraits and landscapes to wildlife, architecture, street photography, and conceptual art, believing that every subject has a unique story waiting to be told. His photography has been recognized internationally through platforms such as National Geographic Your Shot, ViewBug, Pixoto, YouPic, PhotoCrowd, and 35AWARDS. His work has also earned multiple accolades, including the Amazon India SIG Photography Awards (2018 & 2019) and the Asian Excellence Award (2022). Now based in Vancouver, Jay continues to push the boundaries of visual storytelling by combining traditional photography with emerging creative technologies, including AI, while remaining committed to authenticity and artistic vision. Whether using a professional camera or a smartphone, his goal remains the same: to transform ordinary moments into compelling visual narratives that inspire people to pause, reflect, and see the world through a different lens.
What is your background and how did you start your journey in the art world?
“My journey into the art world began with a passion for photography that gradually evolved into a lifelong creative pursuit. Originally from New Delhi, India and now based in Vancouver, Canada I specialize in different genres of photography, with a focus on capturing authentic emotions and telling meaningful stories through my images. Over the years, I've won different photography competitions and won quite a few awards...my work also has been exhibited, featured on media and recognized on international platforms such as National Geographic Your Shot, ViewBug, PhotoCrowd, Pixoto, and YouPic, and has earned many accolades. For me, photography is more than creating beautiful images; it's about preserving emotions, celebrating individuality, and connecting with people through visual storytelling.”
What inspires you?
“I draw inspiration mostly from everyday moments that often go unnoticed. Every face has a story, and I strive to capture genuine expressions and authentic human connections through my work. I'm also inspired by travel, history, nature, and the diverse cultures and perspectives I encounter, all of which influence my creative vision and storytelling.”
What themes do you pursue? Is there an underlying message in your work?
“I don't confine myself to a single genre of photography. For me, creativity lies in exploration. Whether I'm photographing portraits, landscapes, wildlife, architecture, street scenes, or everyday life, I constantly experiment with subjects, light, composition, and perspective to reveal beauty that often goes unnoticed. Even with a smartphone, I challenge myself to create compelling images from ordinary moments by seeing the familiar from unexpected angles. I believe the camera is merely a tool...the true art lies in the vision behind it. In today's AI-driven world, I also embrace generative AI as a creative partner. Rather than replacing artistic expression, I use it to challenge my imagination, explore unconventional ideas, and push the boundaries of visual storytelling. At its core, my work is driven by curiosity, innovation, and the belief that creativity has no limits.”
How would you describe your work?
“I would describe my work as versatile, curious, and story-driven. Rather than adhering to a signature style or a single genre, I let each subject guide the creative process. Whether I'm using a professional camera, a smartphone, or AI as a creative tool, my goal is to see the extraordinary in the ordinary and present familiar subjects from fresh, unexpected perspectives. My work is rooted in experimentation, authenticity, and continuous evolution. I believe great photography isn't defined by the equipment or the genre but it is defined by the ability to evoke emotion, spark curiosity, and make people pause, reflect, and see the world differently.”
Which artists influence you most?
“I draw inspiration from a diverse range of artists rather than a single individual. The timeless storytelling of Navin Vatsa, the magical wildlife work of Varun Aditya, conservation-focused work of Cristina Mittermeier, the surreal imagination of Erik Johansson, and the innovative perspectives of photographers and digital creators around the world have all influenced my creative journey. Beyond photography, I also find inspiration in painters, filmmakers, nature, travel, and everyday life. I believe every artist has something unique to teach, and I strive to continuously learn, experiment, and evolve my own visual language.”
What is your creative process like?
“My creative process begins with observation. I spend time understanding the subject, the environment, and the story waiting to be told. Rather than chasing perfection, I experiment with light, angles, composition, and perspective until I discover something unique. I often revisit ordinary scenes to find fresh ways of seeing them. Once the image is captured, I refine it thoughtfully through post-processing while preserving its authenticity and to me, creativity is an ongoing process of curiosity, experimentation, and continuous learning.”
What is an artist’s role in society and how do you see that evolving?
“An artist's greatest responsibility is not merely to create beautiful work, but to help people see what they would otherwise overlook. Art preserves moments that time would erase, gives a voice to the unheard, challenges comfortable beliefs, and reminds us of our shared humanity. A single image can inspire hope, spark dialogue, change perspectives, or become a lasting piece of history. As technology and AI continue to reshape the creative landscape, I don't believe the role of the artist is diminishing infact it is becoming even more important. While machines can generate images, they cannot replace lived experiences, empathy, curiosity, or the emotions that give art its soul. The tools will continue to evolve, but the human ability to find meaning, ask difficult questions, and tell authentic stories will always remain irreplaceable. Ultimately, artists are not just creators of images they are creators of perspective, and that is a responsibility that transcends time.”
Have you had any noteworthy exhibitions you'd like to share?
“Since immigrating to Canada in 2022, I haven't had the opportunity to hold an exhibition, because of my full time work commitment. However, my creative journey has never paused. I continue to expand my online portfolio and share my work across internationally recognized photography communities such as ViewBug, Pixoto, YouPic, and 35AWARDS. I have also been honored with awards such as the Amazon India SIG Photography Competition (2018 & 2019), and have been the recipient of Asian Excellence Award (2022). One milestone that remains especially meaningful to me was being recognized by 35AWARDS among Canada's Top 70 Photographers in 2023. After being in Delhi's top 10 and India's top 50, that recognition reaffirmed my belief that passion and perseverance transcend borders, and it continues to motivate me to evolve as an artist. While I may not have exhibited in a gallery yet, I believe the digital world has allowed my work to reach audiences across continents, and I look forward to showcasing it in physical exhibitions in the years ahead.”
Instagram: @jaysuschryst
Other links: linktr.ee/jaysharan, www.viewbug.com/member/jayvardhansharan
