Today we’d like to introduce you to Falguni Patel.
Hi Falguni, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I was born and raised in India, and like many others seeking new opportunities, I moved to the U.S. with my husband. A few years later, we began our family journey, and around that same time, I discovered a new passion—photography. Since then, my camera has become my constant companion, right alongside my husband.
Even before getting married, I had always been deeply passionate about women—about the strength, resilience, and beauty of the female body. Growing up in a male-dominated culture where the birth of a girl was often undervalued, and in some heartbreaking cases, even prevented, left a lasting impact on me. That reality was painful to witness, and it sparked something within me. Through my lens, I want to honor women, celebrate their beauty, and preserve the powerful legacy they leave behind for their families.
When I became pregnant with my first child, I truly understood the awe-inspiring capacity of a woman’s body. Pregnancy and birth were nothing short of miraculous. Before that, I had been casually practicing photography—taking photos of friends and their children—but it was during my pregnancy that I became more serious about developing my skills. I started taking classes to learn how to shoot in manual mode and truly understand the craft. At the time, I didn’t even own a professional camera, but I built a simple website and listed my services on Craigslist. To my surprise, the response was incredibly positive, which gave me the confidence to invest in professional equipment and seriously consider photography as a business.
My business is centered around helping families preserve some of the most precious moments of their lives. I’ve designed my services so that every client walks away with tangible memories—whether it’s wall art, heirloom albums, or keepsake boxes. My goal is to create timeless, elegant portraits that will never go out of style, so families can look back years from now and still feel the same joy and emotion. I’m especially thoughtful and selective about wardrobe choices to ensure the photos maintain a classic, enduring look.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The journey hasn’t been easy—no path ever is. Every road has its bumps, and in hindsight, those challenges have made the ride meaningful. In the early days, I faced a lot of struggles. I used to travel to clients’ homes for every session. It was an exhausting process—loading up all my gear, driving to their location, setting up a mini studio in their space, doing the shoot, packing everything back up, and then making the drive home. This whole process could take anywhere from six to seven hours. Despite all the time and effort, I wasn’t charging nearly enough to make it worthwhile.
At the time, my children were still very young. Being away from them for so long, especially for little to no financial return, was incredibly frustrating. That season of life was tough.
Eventually, when we moved into a new house, we made the decision to create a home studio. I wanted it to be a space where every client felt welcomed and at ease. Now, I have a beautifully designed studio with a dedicated shooting area and a cozy sitting space for clients.
Over time, I’ve also invested in myself—learning new lighting techniques and refining my photography skills so I can deliver even better artwork. Growth is a continuous process, and I’m constantly evolving to ensure every client receives an exceptional experience.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I’m a portrait photographer specializing in maternity and newborn photography. When someone reaches out to inquire, one of the first things I ask is what drew them to us. I love hearing their answers—it’s always so meaningful. One of the responses I often get is: “Your images are so elegant and timeless. They’re minimalistic, yet they carry a sense of strength and emotion. That’s how we want to be remembered.” Hearing that fills me with pride and gratitude.
As I’ve shared before, I have a deep passion for womanhood and the incredible strength of the female body. To me, every woman is beautiful—no matter her shape, size, or skin tone. I’m especially drawn to the beauty of pregnancy—it’s a sacred form that only women are blessed with. It’s powerful and divine. Each baby, each family, carries their own unique story, and through my images, I aim to tell that story in a way that feels authentic and emotionally rich.
We’re not just a regular photo studio—we’re a boutique, service-oriented experience. When you book with us, we take care of everything from start to finish. We help you plan every detail, and we offer a curated wardrobe for our clients so you don’t have to worry about a thing. I always tell people: this isn’t just about taking pictures—it’s about creating something meaningful. While we do provide digital images, our focus is on delivering printed artwork—timeless pieces you can proudly display in your home and pass down through generations. Because let’s be honest—digital files don’t carry the same emotional weight as holding a beautifully printed portrait in your hands.
From the very first phone call, we build a relationship. I usually speak with or meet clients multiple times before the actual session to ensure everything is thoughtfully planned and personalized. Every session we create is intentional, tailored to the family’s story and vision. That’s what sets us apart.
I know that being in front of a camera can make anyone feel nervous—even I feel that way sometimes! But by the time we reach the session day, we’ve spent enough time together that our clients feel completely at ease. Some of my clients have been with me for years, and it’s an absolute joy to watch their families grow and to continue documenting their milestones along the way.
What does success mean to you?
My clients feel seen, heard, and celebrated. The images that i create for them that evoke emotion and become cherished keepsakes. My clients return to me for future milestones and refer others because of the experience I gave them. Along with that, I continue to challenge myself creatively, which evolve in my style, technique, and artistic voice without losing my identity.
For financial sustainability, I can charge confidently and profitably for my time, talent, and expertise. My pricing supports my life, business growth, and creative freedom.
I keep waking up excited (most days!) to do the work that I love, that i define as success.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.iShaiPhotography.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ishai_photography/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/iShaiPhotography
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@ishaiphotography9918
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/ishai-photography-pearland
Image Credits
iShai Photography
