The First Step Is Always to Concentrate on Learning Before Earning

One thing that has helped me is my savings from my previous job as photography is an expensive career so you need to have some sort of back up when you start because initially you will not get paid.

1. 1. Tell us about your background and journey?

I’m a self-taught fashion and celebrity photographer. I started my journey in 2018. Prior to that, I studied Fashion designing from National Institute of Fashion Technology and later worked in Dubai as a fashion merchandiser which gave me an idea of the inside of the fashion industry, how shoots are done basically the clients side of it. It has given me an idea of what my client is expecting from me.

Born and brought up in UAE, 2018 was the turning point when I shifted to Ahmedabad, that is where my journey in the fashion industry began. I have worked with various celebrities like Disha Patani, Aditi Rao Hyderi, Karishma Tanna, Kritika Kamra, Mouni Roy, Vishal Singh Thakur, Mrunal Thakur and a lot of others.

Being on the other side of the business has also equipped me with management skills to face any and every shortcoming and loopholes in projects thus having a proud list of happy clients ranging from film stars, designers and models.

2. 2. How and when did you realise your passion for photography?

When I was studying In NIFT we had a minor subject as photography and I started to develop an interest in photography. I got my first camera, Nikon d90 and I started shooting. After that, I went to Dubai to work for an e-commerce brand as a fashion merchandiser and I also did in-house shoots for them. I was also ahead of marketing there. Due to which I wanted to produce a lot of content for the brand I was working for. So, I started to shoot in-house.

Once I was done with that job I started travelling and took pictures of nature and street photography and that’s when I met my fiancé who is also a photographer and videographer. He really liked my work and that’s how since 2018 I have been working with him to grow to become a fashion photographer.

3. 3. What are some tips you would like to give amateur photographers?

The first step is always to concentrate on learning before earning. The second tip is shoot as much as possible, the more we shoot the more we learn and that makes us ready to start charging as we will develop more confidence and understand more about photography.

One thing that has helped me is my savings from my previous job as photography is an expensive career so you need to have some sort of back up when you start because initially you will not get paid. If you have another job in a different field that will help you understand how to talk to clients before starting your career as a photographer.

The last tip I would like to share is starting your career by having a mentor in the industry by assisting a photographer who is working in your niche. For example, if you are a fashion photographer assist someone who is working as the same.

4. 4. What are the important skills one should have for being a successful photographer?

I will personally be a great photographer with your photography and editing skills but if you don’t have a business strategy on how to take your business further as a photographer, how to do networking, how to market yourself on social media then it will take you longer to become a successful photographer.

It is important to consider photography as a business and market, advertise your self and talk more about yourself which will help you get more work.

5. What are the various opportunities for aspiring photographers?

There are many opportunities in the industry and it depends on how we approach. I personally feel there’s enough work for everyone in the industry. You can definitely try all genres in photography and do trial and error to see what you like more. Wedding photography gives more income.

There are fashion, food and product photography one can try and earn from. I tried my hand in wedding and street but since I have a fashion background, fashion photography works for me. There are many opportunities as mentioned above, you can go for it.

6. 6. Which is your favourite book and why?

I’m not much a reader but I did read this really amazing book by Khalid Hussaini its called ‘A thousand splendid suns’. I love that book because I have read of a totally different world where a lot goes on women which have given me a sense of gratitude with the number of opportunities I get and that I’m blessed to be suppressed like other women. My perception towards life and the world changed after reading this book and I love it for its writing.

Interview by - Khushi