Today we’d like to introduce you to Sanjana Ayyagari.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Sanjana. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I was on a road trip towards the end of December 2017. I was laying in the car so bored with the monotonous atmosphere of the drive as I saw a huge flock of birds flying through the sky in a perfectly symmetrical arrangement. It was almost instinct for me to open my phone camera and click a few pictures. As I tell this story now, I realize birds seem so mundane, but at that moment the simplicity they carried was beautiful and breathtaking. In that instant, I realized I loved capturing such moments. Every image tells a story or captures an emotion while preserving a moment of time that we can never go back to. With the new year around the corner, I decided I wanted to document my year by trying to complete a 365-day photography challenge. I resolved to take one picture a day and post it on Instagram so that I would be held accountable for posting daily. That was the beginning of Sanjana Ayyagari Photography.
I started out posting pictures of the things around me but very soon I became dissatisfied with the quality and composition of my pictures. I started creating my photos by planning ahead and taking pictures of a variety of places and people while experimenting with new techniques. I took online photography courses to learn about my camera, but ultimately I had to teach myself in order to develop my own style of images. I did countless photo shoots for my family and friends and finally, about four months after starting photography I was asked to do my first paid photo shoots for high school prom and graduations. Those photoshoots put my name out in the community and helped me build my portfolio. Now I continue to do paid photo shoots whenever I can, but mostly I am focusing on improving my work, developing a consistent style, and learning more about shooting and editing.
Has it been a smooth road?
The road hasn’t always been smooth. When I was still doing my 365-day photography challenge, there were some days I would get so busy I would forget to take the picture for the day so I would be scrambling around at 11:30 pm looking for something to take a picture of that was unique and would result in an image I was proud of. Balancing my academics and other extracurriculars with photography continues to be difficult, but time management is key.
Besides just finding time to take pictures, I’ve been discouraged from continuing photography a few times when people compare my work to other more experienced photographers that they know. It has only been a little over a year since I started photography, and in that time I have improved significantly. I’ve realized that comparing myself with people who have years of experience doesn’t make sense, and comparison destroys confidence so I just take pride in my progress and disregard all the comparisons and negative critiques.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Sanjana Ayyagari Photography – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
My photography is not specific to any one style because my work is all about showing my audience my perspective, whether that be my perspective of people, landscapes, or everyday objects. I am a very keen observer of the world around me, and I take pride in noticing the little details. My photography is an extension of what I see and what catches my eye in particular. My editing and shooting style both are meant to emphasize what I find most interesting whether that be colors, architecture, or even someone’s personality.
Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
I love the diversity of Houston. The city is so large that every part has its own vibe. There are so many different kinds of people, food, and places all in one area which is absolutely amazing. The thing I like least about Houston is the summer. The heat makes it hard to go out and enjoy the great things Houston has to offer.
Contact Info:
- Website: vsco.co/sanjanaayyagari
- Email: sanjana.ayyagari23@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sanjanayyagari_photography/
Image Credit:
Model: Vatsala Mundra
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