Lakshya Chawla: The Visionary Behind Shutterdown's Wedding Photography Revolution

Delhi: In the world of wedding photography, where moments are fleeting but memories last a lifetime, one name stands out—Lakshya Chawla. A former corporate aspirant who traded spreadsheets for shutter speed, Chawla has revolutionized wedding storytelling in India. As the founder of Shutterdown, a leading wedding photography and cinematography brand, he has captured love stories that have graced the pages of Vogue India, The Times of India, News18 Hindi, and more. His journey is nothing short of inspiring, proving that passion can carve its own path, even in unconventional industries.  

Early Life and Education

Born on March 28, 1990, in Jalandhar, Punjab, Lakshya Chawla grew up in a city known for its vibrancy and industrious spirit. He was academically inclined and pursued an MBA from Great Lakes Institute of Management, Chennai, after securing an impressive 93 percentile in the CAT exam. The corporate world seemed like his destined path until a family wedding changed everything. In 2011, while capturing his sister’s wedding through his camera lens, Chawla realized his deep passion for photography—a moment that planted the seeds for what would become Shutterdown.  

The Birth of Shutterdown

In 2013, Lakshya Chawla made the bold decision to walk away from the corporate world and founded Shutterdown. The venture started as a small photography team but quickly grew into one of the most sought-after wedding photography brands in India. His signature cinematic storytelling, candid captures, and innovative visuals set a new benchmark in the industry. From intimate weddings to extravagant celebrations with over 55,000 guests in stadiums, Chawla’s team has documented over 400 weddings across multiple countries.  

Career Highlights

Lakshya Chawla's artistic approach has gained immense recognition, with his work featured in prestigious publications. Some of his high-profile projects include:

- Keerthy Suresh & Antony Thattil’s Wedding (2024) – A grand celebration in Goa, blending Hindu and Christian traditions, covered by Weddingbazaar and Prabhat Khabar.
- Vikrant Massey & Sheetal Thakur’s Wedding (2022) – A picturesque Himachal Pradesh wedding that made waves in Vogue India.
- Netflix’s The Big Day – Shutterdown contributed footage to this popular docu-series that showcased luxury Indian weddings.
- Bollywood Collaborations – He has worked with celebrities, including singer Jasleen Royal, capturing moments beyond just weddings.

Chawla’s journey has drawn comparisons to 3 Idiots, a film that resonates with many young Indians who challenge societal norms to follow their passion. Publications like DNA Hindi have highlighted his unconventional career switch as a story of inspiration.  

Recognition and Impact

Lakshya Chawla’s work has not gone unnoticed. In 2021, The Times of India included him in their list of influential personalities in arts and photography. His team has bagged over 10 industry awards, and his contributions have been documented in the book Yuva Bharat: The Heroes Among Us, published by Bloomsbury India in 2019.

Chawla’s rise has also influenced the evolution of wedding photography in India. As highlighted by The Wire, the increasing demand for cinematic wedding films and larger-than-life photo shoots owes much to pioneers like him who have transformed the industry.

From a business school graduate to one of India’s most celebrated wedding photographers, Lakshya Chawla’s journey exemplifies the power of passion and perseverance. Through Shutterdown, he has redefined how weddings are documented, turning every couple’s special day into a timeless masterpiece. His story is an inspiration to those who dare to step away from the conventional and pursue their true calling.