-Great Masters- In Love with Mountains : Ashok Dilwali, FRPS

 -Great Masters-

In Love with Mountains
Ashok Dilwali, FRPS

Ashok Dilwali, aged 78 years is a Professional Photographer since 1971. He has been immersed in photography since his childhood, since his father late Mr. B K Dilwali owned two premier photographic studios in New Delhi i.e., Kinsey Bros., (established in 1905) and Shimla Studio (estab1ished 1931). After schooling from Modern School, he graduated in Commerce from Shri Ram College of Commerce and then went to join A F Ferguson & Co to qualify as a Chartered Accountant. 

He entered the profession in 1971 and modernized his studio specializing in Studio Portraiture, Outdoor Assignments, Color Laboratory and allied fields of photography like printing and processing. He then developed his hobby of trekking in the Himalayas which has made him a household name for his expertise on landscapes of the Himalayas. 

He has produced thirty-eight books so far and work is in progress on two new publications. In all these years he has contributed to several newspapers, magazines and journals, both articles as well as photographs. His forte remains landscapes. He is a member of India International Centre, India Habitat Centre, Indian Mountaineering Foundation. He is a member of Royal Photographic Society of UK, and is a Fellow of this Society as well. 

He has also been exhibiting his work at various avenues and has guided many young aspirants and initiated them in this field of landscape work. National Book Trust requested him to write a book for school and college students to acquaint them with basics of photography. The book has met with much acclaim and is titled "All About Photography". He owns a large variety of camera equipment and is now using digital cameras of both Nikon and Canon brands. Today he is very active and is a guide to many who wish to learn the craft and art of his field and shoots for the pure pleasure of photography. His crowning glory was receipt of “Lifetime Achievement Award” by the Govt. of India in 2019. In 2022, he received the Life Award from IIID (Institute of Indian Interior Designers)

(Photographs and Text Courtesy: Mr. Ashok Dilwali)

--Dr. Pankaj Sharma