With 15 years of experience witnessing the evolution from film to digital and now to AI-driven tools, Ketaki asserts that while technology transforms workflows, it cannot replicate the emotional depth and intuitive understanding that only a human photographer can bring to an image.

“Being in photography for the last 15 years, I have seen the transition from film cameras to digital, then to people setting up their own lights and studios. Now AI has arrived, and with every technological shift, we must adapt—that is a fact,” says Ketaki Nikam. “But through all these changes, one thing remains constant: emotion. AI doesn’t give you the feel and emotions of a human. There is no human touch. You can command AI, and it will follow your orders, but AI cannot give you the emotions, that emotional touch, that emotional angle. What a photographer can understand, what a human being can understand and reflect in your images—that is something only a living, feeling person can deliver.”

Ketaki Nikam’s journey stands as a testament to the power of human creativity in commercial photography. 

A graduate in Commercial Arts from Sophia Polytechnic, where she specialised in both analogue and digital photography, her talent was first recognised at the Nine Eyes exhibition at NCPA Hall in 2010. Inaugurated by Mr. Raj Thackeray and acclaimed photographer Avinash Gowariker, the show earned her widespread acclaim, with one of her frames finding a permanent place in Gowariker’s studio.

After a brief stint as a graphic designer, Ketaki embraced her true calling in photography. Her breakthrough came through a referral for Tata Croma, where she spent one-and-a-half years transforming products into personalities. This experience paved the way for an impressive roster of clients, including Hotelier Sanjay Narang’s Rokeby Manor, Vita Moderna, Chef Sanjeev Kapoor, Chef Harpal Singh Sokhi, Chef Amrita Raichand, Nestlé Maggi, Kalki Fashion, Tirumala Designers, Chef Ranveer Brar, and Zee Zest. Her versatility spans food, fashion, jewellery, interiors, architecture, corporate, and even automobile photography.

Notable highlights include conceptual shoots for The Chef’s Story, high-profile campaigns, and capturing Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the inauguration of the Aljamea-tus-Saifiyah Mumbai campus for the Dawoodi Bohra community sometime back. She has also documented performances at the Bollywood Music Project featuring artists such as Sukhwinder Singh, Amit Trivedi, Jonita Gandhi, and Ajay-Atul. As a production house, Piccturemint has expanded into ad films, corporate films, and brand films, working with renowned actors including Prakash Raj, Sudha Chandran, and Avtar Gill, as well as developers like Rutu Group.

One of her most significant associations has been with Nestlé Maggi. During the revamp of their official website, www.maggi.in, Ketaki collaborated with Sanjeev Kapoor Productions, leading photography for large-scale shoots & projects. Her work-spanning diverse Maggi recipes and seasonal styles-accounted for nearly 60–70% of the platform’s imagery at the time, significantly shaping the brand’s visual identity. She has since completed 10–12 additional projects for the brand, building a strong portfolio in high-impact, appetite-driven food photography.

Through Piccturemint, Ketaki has built a reputation for crafting authentic visual narratives that go beyond technical perfection to capture the soul of a brand. “Photography is more than capturing images; it’s about creating a brand’s soul,” she says. “With Piccturemint, we strive to elevate every client’s story, making it unforgettable.”

As she celebrates 15 years in the industry from this November, Ketaki Nikam remains committed to the human element that defines truly impactful photography. While embracing new technologies, she continues to champion the emotional intelligence and creative intuition that AI cannot replicate—qualities that allow photographers to connect with subjects, understand brand essence, and create images that resonate deeply with audiences.

Looking ahead, Ketaki aims to establish herself as India’s premier celebrity and advertising photographer, positioning Piccturemint as the go-to production house for brands and individuals seeking powerful, emotion-driven visual storytelling.

About Piccturemint

Piccturemint is a Mumbai-based production house specialising in commercial photography, ad films, corporate films, brand films, and more. Led by Ketaki Nikam, the company is renowned for creating authentic and compelling brand narratives across industries, delivering tailored visual solutions for clients ranging from global brands to emerging businesses. For more information, follow them on Instagram @piccturemint.