Garima Agarwal is an independent photographer whose practice lies at the intersection of social issues, everyday lived experiences, and personal narratives. Working primarily through long-form visual storytelling, her documentary projects explore quiet, human-centred stories that reveal broader social realities. Her approach combines empathy, patience, and deep engagement with the communities she photographs.
Garima has worked with news publications, advertising agencies, and non-profits, creating visual stories that amplify voices and experiences often overlooked. She has contributed to Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) campaigns, brochures, impact-driven reports, and documentary assignments focused on education, women’s entrepreneurship, school ecosystems, and rural livelihoods. Her work aims to bridge gaps between policy, community narratives, and public understanding through thoughtful and accessible storytelling.
She has contributed to Bloomberg, the United Nations, AFP news agency, Paytm, Oxford Policy Management, Genesis BCW, and several grassroots organisations across India.
In addition to her photographic work, Garima is the co-founder of Astitva Photo, a non-profit initiative dedicated to supporting and empowering emerging photographers and visual artists. She is also a member of Women Photograph, a global collective of women photographers, non-binary photographers, and visual journalists.
Garima’s work is a part of the permanent collection at the Constitution Museum of India.
Exhibitions
2025: "Challenging Narratives, Reshaping Action", International Day of Education Under Attack, United Nations, Geneva
2025: International Photography Salon, Sri Aurobindo Ashram, Puducherry
2020: AIFACS 13th All India Photo Exhibition, New Delhi
2016: Digital Exhibition, Indian Photo Festival, Hyderabad
2016: Where the road leads, Lalit Kala Akademi, New Delhi
2014: NiceFoto, India Habitat Centre, New Delhi
Grants & Awards
2018: Sahapedia Grant
2015: Jury Commendation Award, TOTO Funds the Arts
Selections
2023: VII Academy - Program for Narrative and Documentary Practice, Level 1
2022: 'Working From Memory' workshop on narrative building and bookmaking by Photo South Asia/Murthy Nayak Foundation
2021: Longlist for Chobi Mela New Waves of Documentary, Practice as Research, A collaboration between Pathshala South Asian Media Institute and the VII Academy
2020: Tarzeer Pictures - Selected for Portfolio Review
2020: Art Chain India - Selected for Portfolio Review
Curation Team
2025: From Margins to Mainstreams, CFAR, India International Centre
2019: City Experience Festival (Lucknow), The Stainless Gallery
2019: City Experience Festival (Agra), The Stainless Gallery
2019: City Experience Festival (Banaras), India Habitat Centre
