Based between Delhi and Ajmer, photographer, stylist and art director Naveli Choyal has built a creative practice around one simple act: observing deeply. Her work draws us into a world of natural light, rich cultural heritage, emotion and everyday beauty.

What began as a return home during the pandemic became the catalyst for a new creative path — one rooted in curiosity, storytelling and a desire to preserve the moments and traditions that might otherwise disappear.

Could you introduce yourself to our community and tell us a little about your journey into photography, styling and art direction?

I am Naveli Choyal, based between Delhi and Ajmer. My journey into photography, styling, and art direction began during the pandemic, when I found myself spending time with my family in Ajmer.That time completely shifted the way I looked at the world. I found myself drawn to the quiet stories hidden in everyday objects, home-cooked food, traditional crafts with many other things. There was an urgency to understand and preserve these moments before they disappeared. What began as curiosity soon evolved into a purpose. I left my career as a designer, took a leap of faith, and committed myself to exploring photography as a way of telling stories from my perspective. Today, my practice is rooted in creating thoughtful, evocative imagery that celebrates culture, craftsmanship, and the beauty found in the ordinary.

Your work has such a distinct softness and sense of emotion. How would you describe your creative style, and what do you hope people feel when they experience your images?

I just hope to evoke emotion through my images - letting everyone see, pause, connect , interact  through their own understanding and stories.

India has such a rich tapestry of colour, culture and craftsmanship. How has your heritage and the places you've called home shaped your creative perspective?

I think the curiosity about it shaped my perspective. The music , stories, contrast , architecture , language etc everything existing together intrigued me. The way I saw it sometimes felt very personal but also distant - I loved the whole existence of traditional and contemporary in such rich cultural diversity.

Inspiration seems to live in every detail of your work—from light and texture to movement and quiet moments. Where do you find yourself returning for inspiration?

I try to go back home or try to travel , where everything grounds me - the sunlight, trees, food, landscape, conversations. 

As both a photographer and stylist, how do you approach telling a story through imagery? What draws you to a scene before you ever pick up your camera?

Light plays a really important role for me - the interaction of space with the natural light, everything else then follows. 

You've helped capture Daughters of India in such an honest and beautiful way. What was it about the brand that resonated with you creatively? 

Thank you so much for your kind words. There was something so effortless about the simplicity of the clothing, and my interaction with Megan felt equally genuine. I think that's what resonated with me the most.

There is such a beautiful sense of femininity and freedom throughout your work. What does femininity mean to you, and how does it influence the stories you choose to tell?

I didn't consciously set out to photograph femininity - it simply found its way into my work because it's how I still relate to the world. I'm drawn to the layers that exist between the rawness/sharpness and softness of it , with some quiet moments, and honest emotions, and those are the stories I feel most intrigued towards and want to tell and learn.

What advice would you give to someone hoping to pursue a creative life?

I would say trust your instincts above all else, it’s the greatest strength. Stay curious, observe deeply, and allow yourself to keep unlearning and relearning in the process. I think that's where the most meaningful creative work comes from.


Looking back on your creative journey so far, is there a project or moment that has been especially meaningful to you?

There have been many moments like that - I believe that I have been on a journey that I never ever imagined for myself , so it’s hard to pick one. Every project has been a learning or an experience, every interaction has helped me understand myself a little better. 

Finally, what are you dreaming about next—whether creatively or personally—and what would you love to explore in the years ahead?

Creatively, I'm focusing on my jewellery project again and nurturing a few personal photography projects. Personally, it's been a challenging year, and I'm finding my way back to myself through new perspectives, learning, and a slower, more intentional pace. I have many more interests that I want to pursue in the coming years with music, researching etc Hope to experience them all.

~

We leave Naveli where she seems most at home — curious, observing, learning and allowing life to unfold at its own pace.

There are still photographs to make, stories to discover, music to explore, jewellery to create and countless new perspectives waiting to be found.

And perhaps that is what makes her work feel so alive: she is still looking. Still learning how to see.