Abhishek is an independent photographer and an educator for more than 15 years currently based out of Budapest. He is one of India's topmost acclaimed commercial photographer & a filmmaker.

His work has been published from mainstream trade magazines to in-flight magazines. With his work being published in Cambridge University Press, Oxford University Press, Conde Nast - India, The History Channel-New York, NBC News, France TV Studio & The TeleGraph Media Group.

Abhishek has also been a Photography Brand Ambassador for many brands like Panasonic Lumix & Nikon.

As a photography mentor, he has mentored and shared his knowledge in more than 350 photography workshops for many imaging brands, lead more than 30 photography expeditions across the globe. He has trained more than 5000 photographers.

Officially worked for prestigious organizations like the Indian Air Force, Mumbai International Airport, he has created some really dynamic and viral videos on YouTube in the field of aviation.

1. When did you arrive in Hungary and what brought you here?

I arrived in  Budapest in August 2020, It was not an easy decision to shift the entire business operations from India to Hungary, that too in middle of Pandemic but me and wife believed that it could be very good move not just for business but also for my child.

As the schools in India were not showing any signs of reopening because of the increase in COVID cases and on the contrary Hungary was reopening businesses as well as schools, we thought of relocating to Budapest can refuel our business and child’s education. Hungary being centrally located in EU along with lower cost of living were the two major factors because of which we decided on the country.

2. Have you ever been an expatriate elsewhere?

New Zealand is the only place apart from Hungary where I spent almost an year but Budapest is very unique and different from NZ in many ways. Though I loved the scenic country of NZ, Budapest offers more diverse variety of experiences especially for a photographer like me.

3. What surprised you most about Hungary?

Though the list is very long but three things that I love about Hungary and Budapest: First, the food is just too good. The taste of some of the cuisines really reminds of Indian flavours like Goulash, Chicken Paprikás and Lángos are very close to some of the Indian cuisines.

My initially impressions before coming to Hungary was that I may have some difficulty in finding Indian flavours but was surprised to see that it was not at all a problem here. Second thing I was surprised about the flawless public transportation system, I have never encountered overly crowded bus or tram even during the peak office hours. Third thing is people, yes they do take their own sweet time to open up but then once they do that, they are very warm and show lot of acceptance towards foreigners.

4. Friends are in Budapest for a weekend - what must they absolutely see and do? 

Apart from visiting some famous sightseeing locations like Buda Castle, St, Stephen’s Basilica or Fisherman’s Bastion I strongly recommend my friends to spend time at Tihany Village, Miskolc-Lillafüred are simply amazing places too. Hollókő is another place which they should really consider during Easter as the village gives absolutely an amazing experiences during Easter festival.

5. What is your favourite Hungarian food?

Goulash and Cat Fish Paprikás.

6. What is never missing from your refrigerator?

After coming to Hungary, various types of Paprika is something you will always find in my refrigerator.

7. What is your favourite Hungarian word?

No such favourite but I personally do use Köszönöm and Szia a lot because these are the only two words I can pronounce well.

8. What do you miss most from home? 

My friends and my motorcycle.

9. What career other than yours would you love to pursue?

Since I am a photographer and a filmmaker but I really like to try my hand in acting. Just want to know how it feels to be on the other side of the camera and being directed by a professional DOP or Director.

10. What's a job you would definitely never want?

Any desk job which requires hours of work on excel or spreadsheets. I love photo editing and editing films, I can do that for hours but other than that I cannot spend lot of time on computer or laptop.

11. Where did you spend your last vacation?

Our last vacation was in Maldives, before pandemic.

12. Where do you hope to spend your next holiday?

Though there are many destinations in Croatia, Italy, Norway where I would like to spend time but as its just been a year in Hungary, I would first like to explore Hungary extensively in every season. Spend few days in some remote villages in Hungary is something I would love to do in coming months.

13. Apart of temptation what can't you resist?

Pistachio ice cream.

14. What was your favourite band, film, or hobby as a teen?

Being a photographer and filmmaker I love all kind of music and films. No favourites as such when it comes to band but yes in films I have many from Blood Diamond to Forrest Gump, from Saving Private Ryan to the latest Top Gun. I started doing photography as hobby when I was a teen and it is now a passion.

15. Red wine or white?

Red wine but only when I have a company.

16. Book or movie?

Movie

17. Morning person or night person?

Early morning is what I prefer for my work but then there are times when me and wife had late-night discussions over many social and professional topics.

18. Which social issue do you feel most strongly about?

There are two social issues which worries me regarding the future of our children like: increasing Civil Rights and Racial Discrimination and Climate change. I have been doing commercial photography from last 15 years but now would really like to raise these issues as a photographer. I am now seeking opportunities to work with organizations and agencies actively involved in bringing out these issues.

19. Buda or Pest side?

They day I explored the Buda side, I fell in love with the locality. Pest is good for me to spend a day with family and friends at restaurant or a sightseeing location but to live I prefer Buda.

20. What would you say is your personal motto? 

Perfection is boring. Getting better is where all the fun is.