Creating with intention: Inside Jainee’s creator journey

Meet Jainee Shah, an architect-turned-creative director and photographer based in Surat, India. With a sharp eye for aesthetics and a passion for storytelling, Jainee’s journey into content creation began behind the scenes as a stylist and visual designer. It wasn’t long before she discovered her love for being behind the camera, bringing brand stories to life through thoughtfully styled, visually compelling content.

Introduced to Creatively Squared by a fellow creator (and fellow architect!), Jainee quickly found her stride. Since joining, she’s worked on standout campaigns for household names like Dettol, Harpic, Airwick, Sheba and Dentastix, consistently pushing creative boundaries while refining her signature style: minimal, chic and always intentional. Her Dettol splash shots are etched in memory, on-brief and full of impact.

Fuelled by this confidence, she runs her own content studio, crafting scroll-stopping visuals for food, product, lifestyle and interior brands. All this while juggling the roles of creative director, stylist and photographer.

Whether she’s capturing the perfect splash or sourcing the next prop that sparks a fresh idea, Jainee brings creativity, precision and heart to every frame she creates. Scroll down to explore her journey and creative process.

Let’s chat with Jainee

Hey everyone, I’m Jainee Shah from Surat, India.

Honestly, photography wasn’t part of some grand plan, it kind of found me. I'm an architect turned creative director, I’ve always had an eye for aesthetics and storytelling, which initially drew me into styling and visual design.

But it was when I started working closely with photographers on brand shoots that I realized how much I loved being behind the camera too.

Creatively Squared was a huge turning point. They trusted me with some amazing brand campaigns early on, which gave me the confidence to sharpen my skills, take ownership of full creative concepts and really grow as a photographer.

When I'm not creating content for Creatively Squared, I run my own styling and photography content studio where I work with product, food, interior and lifestyle brands. I plan, style and shoot everything from scratch, often juggling roles of creative director, stylist and photographer all in one.

And when I’m not working? I’m probably traveling, café-hopping or hunting for the next prop or texture that’ll spark a new idea. I also love creating art, whenever I feel like expressing myself, you'll find me painting a canvas, this keeps me creatively charged too.

I’d say I’m a proud Jill of many trades, but food and product content definitely have my heart. There’s something so satisfying about styling a beautifully plated dish or capturing the texture and detail of a product in just the right light. Both allow me to blend creativity with precision, and I love the challenge of making something not just look good, but feel irresistible—whether it’s a decadent dessert or a thoughtfully designed product. Plus, the little details, props and storytelling you can build around them? That’s where the magic is for me.

If I were to describe my personal aesthetic, it would definitely be minimal and chic…always. I love clean compositions, soft tones, and letting the subject shine without too much clutter. For me, it’s all about creating visuals that feel effortless yet elevated. Whether it’s a styled flat lay or a lifestyle setup, I gravitate towards simplicity with a touch of elegance. Think less noise, more intention.

Journey with Creatively Squared

I actually came across Creatively Squared through my work colleague and a dear friend Dishank Shah, who is already creator at Creatively Squared. He inspired me to join Creatively Squared community during a phase when I was actively looking for meaningful creative opportunities, something beyond the usual client work.

The moment I landed on your website, it instantly felt aligned with what I love doing—styling, storytelling and creating visually engaging content for brands. What really drew me in was the quality of work being shared and the fact that it gave creators the chance to collaborate with global brands, while still bringing their unique style and voice to the table.

It wasn’t just about shooting a product—it was about telling a story around it and that excited me. So I applied. And I’m so glad I did. Being a part of the platform has helped me grow creatively, think more strategically about content and work with some of the coolest brands out there—all while doing what I love.

One of the most memorable projects was the Dettol Personal Care (Splash) shoot. Capturing the perfect water splash was both challenging and a lot of fun. It really pushed me to experiment with new techniques—timing, lighting and precision were everything. I came out of it not only with some amazing shots but also with a deeper understanding of motion and product interaction. Definitely one of those projects that helped me grow creatively.

Tools of the trade

Mirrorless Camera : Sony Alpha ILCE-7M4,

Tripod : Manfrotto 05

Light : flash AD200 pro

Constant light : FV150,

Editing programs : Adobe Lightroom & Photoshop

I love working with acrylic blocks. They’re so versatile and instantly elevate the composition with clean lines and interesting reflections.

I also really enjoy sourcing custom-made props tailored to each brand and brief. It adds a personal, thoughtful touch to the setup and makes the visuals more impactful.

As for locations, nothing beats my studio. It’s my creative playground, where I have full control to build, tweak and reimagine setups exactly the way I envision them. The flexibility it offers opens up endless possibilities to bring ideas to life.

Jainee’s creative process

Every time I have a photoshoot, I’m definitely a planner! I believe strong visuals come from strong foundations. I always start with content case studies to understand the brand, its audience, and what has worked well in the past.

Then, I move on to creating and sketching the ideas to create a mood board to align the visual direction, colors, and styling elements.

This process helps me stay focused and intentional during the shoot, so the final content is not only visually appealing but also impactful and on-brand.

Whenever I feel creatively stuck or need to reset, I turn to painting and sketching. It helps me express myself freely and declutter my thoughts without any pressure. It’s like a creative cleanse that clears the noise and makes space for new ideas. I also meditate often, which really helps me stay centered and reconnect with my creative energy from a calm, focused place.

Top creative tip

Intentionality is everything. Before you pick up the camera, get clear on what you’re trying to say and why. Understand the brand, the audience, and the mood you want to convey. Then build your setup, styling and shot list around that purpose. Also, never underestimate good lighting and thoughtful props. They can take a simple idea and make it scroll-stopping.

Lastly, what’s next for you?

I want to improve my videography and video editing skills like a pro.

Thank you Jainee for being a creative force we can always count on. Your dedication, consistency, and creative excellence are qualities we truly appreciate!

Be inspired and follow Jainee on her Instagram @pro.doc_studio