If someone is considering a career as a photographer, I would wholeheartedly encourage them to dive in. The opportunities are immense and diverse, spanning various sectors. Personally, I specialise in advertising, fashion, and hospitality, but there's so much more to explore.
1. Tell us about your background and journey.
Hello, my name is Prateek, and I'm based in Gurgaon. I'm a commercial and advertising photographer with an interesting journey that led me to this creative field. Originally, I pursued engineering, but during my final year, I had a moment of clarity that made me realise it was time for a career change. I decided to take the leap into photography, a passion I had nurtured for years.
In pursuit of this new path, I enrolled in one of India's most prestigious institutions, the Bharathi Vidya School of Photography in Pune. It was a transformative experience, and I was honoured to graduate as a batch topper in 2019.
To further hone my skills, I ventured into the industry through internships and assistantship opportunities, learning the ropes and gaining invaluable practical experience. Today, I'm proud to say that I've carved my own path as a professional photographer, specialising in Advertising, fashion, Hospitality, and People photography.
This journey has been both challenging and rewarding. It has taught me the importance of following one's passion and the potential for personal growth when embracing change. I'm excited to continue exploring the world of photography, capturing moments that tell compelling stories and leaving a lasting impact through my work.
Thank you for considering my story, and I'm thrilled to share more about my experiences and creative journey with your digital magazine audience.
2. How and when did you realise your passion for photography?
My love for photography has been a lifelong journey, etched in the tapestry of my childhood. I can still feel the awe I experienced when nature's wonders, vibrant festivals, and the captivating tales of people ignited my imagination. It was a time when I couldn't help but wonder how light painted colors, how seasons transformed landscapes, and how each moment held a unique story.
My deepest well of inspiration lies in my ancestral village, a quaint hamlet near Mathura, where I spent my vacations. Among the lush fields, in the company of my late grandfather, cousins, and newfound friends, I unearthed my true self. I absorbed the world around me, weaving stories in my mind. These cherished memories marked the beginning of my artistic journey.
As time unfurled, I discovered that a camera could be the brush to paint these stories to life. I began capturing the world through my lens, driven by the sheer joy it brought me. During this period, a profound realization dawned upon me – photography wasn't just a hobby; it was my calling.
With unwavering support from my family and mentors, I ventured into a professional course at a renowned institute in India. Emerging as a batch topper, it was a testament to the devotion I poured into my craft.
Today, I proudly declare that my passion has blossomed into my profession. I'm living my dream as a photographer, and each day unfurls new opportunities to seize the essence of the world around me. My gratitude knows no bounds - to my teachers, my family, and the rich experiences of my childhood that molded me into the artist I am today.
3. What are some tips you would like to share with amateur photographers?
Frankly, I don't consider myself in a position to offer grand advice to budding photographers. However, I would like to share a simple suggestion: take a step back from the frenzy of content that often consumes us these days. Put down your phone, and take the time to truly observe the world around you. Listen to people's stories, connect with your subjects, and then translate those connections into your photographs.
In my opinion, developing a keen eye is the most critical aspect of photography. Techniques and skills can always be learned and honed through practice, but the ability to see and capture the essence of a moment is something that comes from within. So, my advice is to start looking at the world without distractions.
This, I believe, is the cornerstone of my own career. Photography is not just about clicking pictures; it's about understanding the narratives that unfold in front of you and capturing them in a way that resonates with others, your audience, or your clients. So, young photographers, embrace the world around you, and let it guide your creative journey. That's where true artistry begins.
4. What are the important skills one should have to be a successful photographer?
Success, in my view, is a highly subjective concept, varying from person to person. However, when it comes to being a successful commercial and advertising photographer, there are key skills that I believe are crucial.
First and foremost, it's essential to understand the why behind your work. Comprehend why someone is commissioning you for a project and tailor your creative vision to resonate with the intended audience. Commercial and advertising photography involves significant investments in campaigns, shoots, and marketing. Without a thorough grasp of the entire business ecosystem, your work may not align with the objectives. It's not just about aesthetics; it's about achieving the desired impact.
In this industry, the creative process often follows a structured path. Artistry comes later on a commercial and advertising set. Therefore, understanding mood boards and the execution process is fundamental. It's about translating a vision into a tangible reality that serves a purpose.
Another critical aspect is effective communication. To bridge the gap between what's envisioned and what's delivered, one must be a proficient communicator. Clear, open, and collaborative communication is the linchpin of successful photography projects.
In essence, being a successful photographer requires more than just technical skills; it demands a deep comprehension of the business, a keen understanding of the target audience, and the ability to communicate effectively. These skills, I believe, are the building blocks of a thriving career in this field.
5. What are various opportunities available for aspiring photographers?
Absolutely, when it comes to opportunities in the field of photography, the canvas is vast and brimming with potential, especially for aspiring commercial and advertising photographers. The market is expanding, and the Indian economy's growth is a catalyst, ushering in a new era of business creation. In today's world, virtually every business relies on high-quality photography to tell its story and connect with its audience.
If someone is considering a career as a photographer, I would wholeheartedly encourage them to dive in. The opportunities are immense and diverse, spanning various sectors. Personally, I specialise in advertising, fashion, and hospitality, but there's so much more to explore.
Beyond these areas, there's a constant demand for photographers in events, weddings, products, e-commerce, wildlife, and many other niches. The list is extensive, and talented photographers will always be in demand.
So, for aspiring photographers, the world is your canvas, and the opportunities are boundless. It's a brilliant career choice, one where your creativity and skills can truly shine.
6. Which is your favourite book and why?
I'm an avid reader, and one book that has always held a special place in my heart is Bhagavad Gita. Every time I revisit it, I discover new wisdom that resonates with me in unique ways. It's a timeless source of insight that I highly recommend to anyone seeking personal and spiritual growth.
Bio:
An acclaimed photographer, a passionate visual artist, an intuitive storyteller, and a creative virtuoso, Prateek Sharma is the Founder and Creative Director of Prateek Swadesh Photography.
A specialist in lifestyle, commercial, and advertising photography and creative & film direction, Prateek is a seasoned expert in building visual narratives and strategic campaigns for both iconic and new-age brands across industries, especially, hotels, fashion, beauty, and couture.
He is an expert in crafting a masterful confluence of the artistic, the aesthetic, and the commercial, translating vision into form in the most impactful way. Prateek’s exceptional craftsmanship both in terms of photography and film and creative direction, synergistic collaborative style, and ability to co-create the vision for his clients within the realms of every brand's core language have consistently led to growth-led successful campaigns.
He seeks inspiration from the authenticity of nature, people, emotions, journeys, and stories, ensuring a distinctive approach to every project with his deeply rooted sensibilities. An ace rank-holder, and an awarded alumnus from India’s most prestigious photography and visual arts institution, Prateek’s work has earned much acclaim over the years.
His images and films have been featured across campaigns for G20 Summit Meetings in New Delhi, the famed Nehru Art Gallery in Mumbai, BVSP’s coveted coffee table book, Albus Atrum, and a host of multiple national and international media newspapers, magazine publications, and Print Hoarding across India.
Interviewed and Edited By - Pragya Lamba
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