Hi, I’m Urmi Chatterjee.  Thank you for stopping by my site.  Here’s a little bit about me.

I’m based in greater Washington DC, which has been my home for the past 12 years.  Lucky me, I don’t think a city could be more picturesque, though Calcutta competes pretty closely.  I was born and raised in Calcutta, India.

My first camera was a gift from my dad at the age of 9.  It was an Agfa point-and-shoot film camera and I was appointed as the photographer for our month-long Rajasthan vacation.  Since then, photography always stayed with me.  It became a “serious hobby” around early 2012 and my full-time occupation beginning July 2013, when I started Pearl Grain Photography.

My favorite photography format is 35mm black-and-white film (yes, it still exists) and I make my prints in the traditional darkroom using customized chemistry and 100% archival materials and processes.  I didn’t think much of it until I came across some good darkroom prints and saw how different they look and feel compared to digital prints!  Once I got started, I couldn’t stop experimenting.  The varied looks that can be rendered from the same negative and alterations made to the final print, all by hand, amazed me.  The darkroom inspires me to be creative while also challenging me to slow down, pay attention to the details, and be disciplined.  Of course, the results are not instant as with digital photography, but are definitely gratifying.  I equally photograph with my DSLR though; you get to choose your preferred format when you hire me.

Speaking of hiring, my favorite photography subject is you.  Making people look their best is what I love doing – be it on location or in the studio; an individual, a couple, or a family; a personal or a professional look.  So if you are looking for a portrait, fashion, or boudoir photographer, please browse through my galleries to see if you like my style.  I am always up for new things as well and will be happy to discuss if you have any other project in mind.  Please feel free to contact me with questions.

Have a great day!