India’s royal families have long been admired for their timeless elegance, architectural treasures, courtly traditions, and deep cultural legacies. While historians document their stories through words, it is the royal photographers who capture these legacies visually—preserving moments, palaces, rituals, portraits, and dynastic heritage for future generations.

From the era of the Maharajas to modern-day royal houses, skilled photographers have played a crucial role in shaping how the world perceives Indian royalty.

This article highlights the most prominent photographers, styles, and stories behind the cameras that have documented India’s regal lineage.

1. Lala Deen Dayal – The First Royal Photographer of India

Lala Deen Dayal (1844–1905) is the most iconic photographer associated with India’s princely states.

Role & Achievements

• Official Photographer to the Nizam of Hyderabad.
• Documented royal durbars, hunting expeditions, palaces, coronations, and portraits.
• His studio produced some of the earliest high-quality photographs of princely India.

Historic Value

His vast archive serves as a visual encyclopedia of 19th-century Indian royalty, including the Maharajas of:

• Hyderabad
• Indore
• Gwalior
• Baroda
• Jaipur
• Udaipur

2. Raja Deen Dayal & Sons Studio

After Lala Deen Dayal, his family continued documenting royalties through the 20th century.

Notable Work

• Photographing royal weddings
• Architectural documentation of palaces, forts, and hunting lodges
• Official events of Nizam and Hyderabad nobility

Many royal families still hold their albums in palace archives.

3. Bourne & Shepherd – Photographers to the Empire

One of the world’s oldest photography studios (1863), Bourne & Shepherd captured magnificent portraits of Indian rulers.

Royal Associations

• Maharajas of Mysore
• Royal Family of Travancore
• Nawabs of Bengal
• Rajputana rulers
• Kashmir royal family

Their formal portraits helped shape the global image of Indian royalty during the colonial era.

4. Felice Beato – Documenter of Early Rajput Courts

Felice Beato was among the earliest photographers to capture northern Indian princely states.

Contributions

• Photographed Lucknow palaces after 1857
• Produced rare images of Awadh royalty
• Captured portraits of Rajput nobles of Jaipur and Jodhpur

His photographs form the earliest records of UP’s royal architecture.

5. Samuel Bourne – Himalayan & Princely State Photographer

Samuel Bourne, known for scenic Himalayan photography, also worked with multiple royal houses.

Key Work

• Palaces of Himachal princely states
• Portraits of elite families and royalty
• Architectural shots from Kashmir, Punjab, and UP

His images have historical significance for their finer detail and composition.

6. Modern-Day Photographers Working With Indian Royals

Today, the nature of royal photography has evolved. Many royal families now collaborate with heritage, fashion, wedding, and documentary photographers to showcase their traditions globally.

Below are some contemporary photographers known for royal or palace photography:

A. Rohit Chawla

• Famous for photographing modern royals, heritage settings, and editorial campaigns.
• Worked with Rajasthan royal families for heritage features.

B. Amit Mehra

• Known for architectural photography.
• Documented several palaces, havelis, and heritage properties.

C. Raghu Rai

• India’s legendary photojournalist.
• Captured royal events, Jaipur festivals, and portraits of heritage custodians.

D. Atul Kasbekar

• Shot heritage fashion campaigns in royal palaces.
• Worked with luxury brands associated with Indian royal houses.

E. Tarun Tahiliani’s Campaign Photographers

• Many of his fashion shoots involve royal families and palace setups.
• Documented modern Maharani-inspired looks inside heritage locations.

F. Private Royal Photographers (Family Appointed)

Many royal families still appoint their local photographers, especially in Rajasthan, UP, and MP, for documenting:

• Festivals
• Coronation-style rituals
• Palace interiors
• Royal family portraits
• Polo events
• Traditional attire shoots

These photographers may not be globally famous but hold deep cultural significance.

Some families even maintain personal archives with thousands of unpublished photographs.

7. Photography as a Cultural Treasure

The photographers of Indian royal families play a critical role by:

• Preserving historic architecture
• Recording traditional ceremonies
• Capturing royal clothing, jewelry, and insignia
• Documenting festivals like Gangaur, Dussehra, and royal darbars
• Showcasing the lives of modern heritage custodians

For websites like IndiaRoyalFamilies.com, such photography forms an important bridge between history and modern storytelling.

Conclusion

From the pioneering lens of Lala Deen Dayal to the fine-art photography of modern professionals, photographing Indian royalty has always been an art of elegance, heritage, and deep cultural understanding. These photographers are not just record keepers—they are visual historians who immortalize India’s regal legacy.