'Creating new perspectives is a significant aspect in filmmaking', says Netflix special 'Vir Das: Fool Volume' cinematographer Kaushalya Patel

There are only a handful of professionals in the creative, film, and entertainment realms who have walked unconventional paths in their quest for unconventional success, inspiring a sea of new creative professionals. They know how things can get challenging for them, yet they choose to walk on paths less trodden for their genuine passion for their craft and the hunger to show the world that, with true intention and creative abilities, one can excel in the field.

Cinematography is one such aspect, and a significant one in the world of filmmaking.

Professionals in the field of Cinematography, like Kaushalya Patel, a New York-based (originally from Ahmedabad) cinematographer a remarkable list of work to his credit, explain that cinematography, at its very core, is an act of noticing and creating new perspectives for audiences. It is about paying attention to how light falls on a face, how movement alters emotions and how ordinary moments can become quietly cinematic when framed with intention.

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For him, this very attentiveness has helped lay the foundation for his work and working philosophy. Patel’s formal cinematography education at the New York Film Academy emphasized not just technical proficiency, but the kind of practical problem-solving that separates competent operators from creative collaborators.

He explains how it is always quite helpful for rising cinematographers in the film industry to hone their skills continuously. Thus, he says it is important to work with professional camera, and develop a strong understanding of digital cinema workflows, lenses, exposure, and composition. Yet, beyond the tools, he says, up-and-coming cinematographers in the industry must go deeper to understand how visual choices influence meaning and how audience’s perspective can shape reality, much as he has through his journey thus far.

Especially for artists like him, who come from India and build a career in a foreign country, it is even more important to stay passionate and, most importantly, true to their art, emphasises Patel. New York’s urban landscape became his visual education. Shifting daylight between buildings, reflections in glass, the quality of light in different neighborhoods, he studied the city the way other cinematographers study films. Patel says, it is a habit of observation that has helped him in the industry to define his approach.

One of the most defining aspects of his professional life has been the communal nature of set work. For him, collaborating in the industry with other talents is not just logistical but also creative. Being part of a crew working toward a shared goal, often under time pressure and unpredictable conditions, is a process he finds deeply rewarding. This mindset helped him work across a wide range of projects, from narrative shorts and institutional films to large-scale cultural and industry events.

His work spans multiple platforms and formats. He served as cinematographer on the Netflix special ‘Vir Das: Fool Volume’ starring International Emmy winner Vir Das, a project that earned a Filmfare OTT Award nomination. As lead cinematographer for At The Moment Media, he has covered prominent industry events including the Latin Grammy Awards, CES, BravoCon, Tribeca Film Festival, NYC Adweek, and Disney’s Tech and Data showcase. He has also shot Rasta News, featuring João Nogueira, a digital talk show reaching millions of viewers, and contributed to ICC Cricket World Cup coverage.

Across documentaries, branded films, academic productions, and independent cinema, what has helped Kaushalya Patel going is his respect for the pro