I also believe that there could not be just one best photographer, it is a skill which has so many dimensions, each of them brings different creativity which is beautiful in its own way.
Tell us about your background and journey. How and when did you realize your passion for photography?
Talking about my journey & background. I am a Law school graduate, had a dream about pursuing law, and definitely did it.
So, I have this great love for food and during my degree period, I used to try out different food places and click pictures, and one time this thought crossed my mind that I have my gallery filled with food images, I should use it or display it somewhere and that time Instagram was one platform which got a good raise and was trending, I created a food page, started to post those pictures, people started to love it, got followers, my page slowly grew, I enjoyed it too.
Then I got invited by a restaurant to review food, kind of a collab, which made me feel good, slowly got to visit many places and my page started to grow more.
After some time like 2 years, I felt that I definitely have this love for food photography, I use to do try it at home with my smartphone itself.
I had this very old Nikon camera at home, so later around the covid lockdown period, I started experimenting & clicking with it, did some styling pictures, recipes videos, so much different kind of stuff, people started to love it so much, I developed a good interest in photography.
Then, I made a small portfolio of mine with them so that I can try out if some clients are possible, thought to give it a try & that did happen, My first client was Hyatt, Ludhiana, I was so happy excited nervous about it, bought my artificial lights just before that, learned through tutorials how to use them and my shoot went really well, I got more picture for my portfolio plus my client was happy of my work too. I got more clients regarding food photography, shot good restaurants, cafes, I realized this is one thing that made me really happy and what I am actually passionate about, I started to enjoy it too. I shifted to professional artificial lights too, bought a new camera too. Slowly, started with all the equipment, props, backdrops required. Learned so much with my own work itself, definitely got inspired too. I also got projects not just within my city but covered some of Chandigarh, Uttar Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh & definitely Punjab.
Talking about my journey & background. I am a Law school graduate, had a dream about pursuing law, and definitely did it.
So, I have this great love for food and during my degree period, I used to try out different food places and click pictures, and one time this thought crossed my mind that I have my gallery filled with food images, I should use it or display it somewhere and that time Instagram was one platform which got a good raise and was trending, I created a food page, started to post those pictures, people started to love it, got followers, my page slowly grew, I enjoyed it too.
Then I got invited by a restaurant to review food, kind of a collab, which made me feel good, slowly got to visit many places and my page started to grow more.
After some time like 2 years, I felt that I definitely have this love for food photography, I use to do try it at home with my smartphone itself.
I had this very old Nikon camera at home, so later around the covid lockdown period, I started experimenting & clicking with it, did some styling pictures, recipes videos, so much different kind of stuff, people started to love it so much, I developed a good interest in photography.
Then, I made a small portfolio of mine with them so that I can try out if some clients are possible, thought to give it a try & that did happen, My first client was Hyatt, Ludhiana, I was so happy excited nervous about it, bought my artificial lights just before that, learned through tutorials how to use them and my shoot went really well, I got more picture for my portfolio plus my client was happy of my work too. I got more clients regarding food photography, shot good restaurants, cafes, I realized this is one thing that made me really happy and what I am actually passionate about, I started to enjoy it too. I shifted to professional artificial lights too, bought a new camera too. Slowly, started with all the equipment, props, backdrops required. Learned so much with my own work itself, definitely got inspired too. I also got projects not just within my city but covered some of Chandigarh, Uttar Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh & definitely Punjab.
My Law career is right now on hold, I also practiced at District Court in my city but left it but definitely now Food Photography is one thing I would like to keep doing. I definitely do mistakes which help me grow a lot but I also hope I can do more good work in the future.
What are some tips you would like to share with amateur photographers?
My tips for Amateur Photographers would be:
I was somebody who never had this photography background, still, my practice, hard work and most importantly passion towards it made me learn it and grow, secondly would be consistency.
Never feel that you are less of anybody, you need to feel good about yourself, your work.
If you are doing it with all your heart, it will definitely show up.
Never ever lose hope.
What are the important skills one should have to be a successful photographer?
Definitely, it starts with practice, photography is a skill which needs a lot of practice, secondly Light is the key, keep experimenting with lights, could be natural light, window light for beginners and artificial lights once you start to use it. Next, Colours are going to attract the eye.
In the case of Food, styling, the composition would be the major factor for sure.
In the end, it's all about dedication & passion and your desire to do it.
I also believe that there could not be just one best photographer, it is a skill which has so many dimensions, each of them brings different creativity which is beautiful in its own way.
What are various opportunities available for aspiring photographers?
There are tons of opportunities available for photographers. FREELANCING is one thing that has kept me going, it is definitely the first step and because of the Social Media era, it is a necessity.
You can make up your portfolio, good & free websites are available for that too. Start by approaching with cold emails to the brands or even the local ones or any you want to work with, let them know about your work and what can you provide to them.
Next, photographers are required in so many fields, Newspapers, Magazines, Cooking Channels, Recipe Booklets, Designers, etc. The best way to get them is by connecting with them, telling them about your work.
Which is your favorite book and why?
My favorite book would be:
It would be IKIGAI, as I am not somebody who is much in reading these days but I definitely loved IKIGAI because it defines what I relate with my work, it explains and defines, Food Photography is something that makes me get up from the bed and work, It makes me happy, it is my IKIGAI.
Interviewed by- Yashika Khanna
What are some tips you would like to share with amateur photographers?
My tips for Amateur Photographers would be:
I was somebody who never had this photography background, still, my practice, hard work and most importantly passion towards it made me learn it and grow, secondly would be consistency.
Never feel that you are less of anybody, you need to feel good about yourself, your work.
If you are doing it with all your heart, it will definitely show up.
Never ever lose hope.
What are the important skills one should have to be a successful photographer?
Definitely, it starts with practice, photography is a skill which needs a lot of practice, secondly Light is the key, keep experimenting with lights, could be natural light, window light for beginners and artificial lights once you start to use it. Next, Colours are going to attract the eye.
In the case of Food, styling, the composition would be the major factor for sure.
In the end, it's all about dedication & passion and your desire to do it.
I also believe that there could not be just one best photographer, it is a skill which has so many dimensions, each of them brings different creativity which is beautiful in its own way.
What are various opportunities available for aspiring photographers?
There are tons of opportunities available for photographers. FREELANCING is one thing that has kept me going, it is definitely the first step and because of the Social Media era, it is a necessity.
You can make up your portfolio, good & free websites are available for that too. Start by approaching with cold emails to the brands or even the local ones or any you want to work with, let them know about your work and what can you provide to them.
Next, photographers are required in so many fields, Newspapers, Magazines, Cooking Channels, Recipe Booklets, Designers, etc. The best way to get them is by connecting with them, telling them about your work.
Which is your favorite book and why?
My favorite book would be:
It would be IKIGAI, as I am not somebody who is much in reading these days but I definitely loved IKIGAI because it defines what I relate with my work, it explains and defines, Food Photography is something that makes me get up from the bed and work, It makes me happy, it is my IKIGAI.
Interviewed by- Yashika Khanna
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