In 2019, I began a series emphasizing the vital role of diversity
before it became a corporate buzzword or a bigger movement than it is today, and I’m glad there is progress, but still a way to go. For me, diversity transcends skin color to include gender, sexual orientation, religion, and more. My aim was simple: to showcase that talent knows no bounds, focusing solely on merit regardless of identity markers. Rejecting advice to only photograph women for profit in the fashion industry, I instead prioritized talent (and kindness), capturing subjects from all walks of life.
Kunal Kohli is a narrative photographer from Norway. His work explores self-identity, diversity, and connections between people seen as “different.” With roots in India, his reflective photography draws from observation to create emotionally resonant images. Kunal’s work has earned multiple awards and has been exhibited in cities including New York, San Francisco, London, Milan, York, Tokyo, and Cape Town.
Awards
The Independent Photographer: Finalist in "black and white" category for “Absolution”, 2017
Tokyo International Foto Awards: Winner/ Honorable mention for “Absolution”, 2017
International Photography Awards (IPA): Honorable mention for “Absolution”, 2017
Life Framer, Winner/ Honorary mention, 2018 (July, judged by Brian Paul Clamp), “Absolution”
Life Framer, Winner/ Honorary mention, 2018 (November, judged by Martin Parr), “Absolution”
Moscow International Foto Awards, Gold Award for “Absolution”, 2019
Budapest International Foto Awards, Silver Winner for “Absolution”, 2019
C2A, Creative Communication Award, Fashion category, 1st Prize for “A Joe’s story”, 2019
Muse Photography Awards, Editorial Photography, Gold Winner for “E.X.C.E.L.L.E.N.C.E”, 2021
International Photography Awards (IPA): 2nd place for “E.X.C.E.L.L.E.N.C.E”, category in fashion, 2021
Budapest International Foto Awards, Silver Winner for “E.X.C.E.L.L.E.N.C.E”, 2021
NY Photography Awards, Gold Winner for “E.X.C.E.L.L.E.N.C.E”, 2021
C2A, Creative Communication Award, Fashion category, 1st Prize for “E.X.C.E.L.L.E.N.C.E”, 2021
Aesthetica Art Prize 2022, “E.X.C.E.L.L.E.N.C.E”, 2022
London Photography Awards, Platinum award for “E.X.C.E.L.L.E.N.C.E”, 2023
Life Framer, Winner/ Honorary mention, 2024 (May, judged by Marta Weiss), “Absolution”
Prix de la Photographie, Paris, PX3, Advertising/ Fashion (Professional), Silver for E.X.C.E.L.L.E.N.C.E (part II), 2024
NY Photography Awards, Silver Winner for “E.X.C.E.L.L.E.N.C.E” (part II), 2024
Muse Photography Awards, Editorial Photography, Gold Winner for “E.X.C.E.L.L.E.N.C.E” (part II), 2025