Feature Image: Dreamy White Flower © Deepika Haldankar
It all started with, “You cannot be an artist.” That was way back during my high school days. I convinced myself that art was not for me. But there was a little voice inside encouraging me to pursue it even though I was being told that art was not for me.
After getting a master’s degree in social sciences and moving to the United States, I spent most of my post college years doing photography as a hobby. I had a Cannon point-and-shoot camera, which I used to take pictures of things around me. Later, after my daughter was born, I started a food blog and shared recipes on the Internet. It introduced me to a new field of food photography. I must say embarking on a creative journey can be both exhilarating and challenging. For me, photography began as a simple exercise, a way to capture the world around me through a lens. Little did I know that this passion would eventually transform into a fulfilling and rewarding career.
A Spark of Inspiration
Every remarkable journey starts with a spark of inspiration. For me, it was a single photograph that captivated my imagination and ignited my love for photography. During my point-and-shoot days, I used to do a lot of abstract photography. I enjoyed capturing light and shadows. I vividly remember the moment when I realized the power of an image to convey emotion and tell a story. This revelation propelled me to explore the art of photography further and dive deeper into the technical aspects of capturing and composing visually striking images.
An image that inspired me was an experiment on still-life photography. I took this photo of the reflection of the window blinds in a spoon. The spoon had intricate details, and they complemented well the way window blinds looked in the curvature of the inside of the spoon with contrasting shadow and light. That was my starting point in looking into details while composing an image. I wish I had saved that image.
Building a strong foundation is crucial in any creative pursuit. I remember spending countless hours honing my skills, studying the works of master photographers, and experimenting with different techniques. From understanding the intricacies of lighting to mastering post-processing software, each learning experience played a vital role in shaping my style and approach.
Photography is a medium of self-expression, and it was essential for me to discover my own expression within the vast realm of visual storytelling. I was always drawn toward still life photography. So when I started with food photography for my food blog, it was a perfect niche to start my photography exploration. As time passed, I started getting inquiries for product photography as well. I set myself up as a commercial photographer in the community. It was a way for me to help small businesses in the community to market their unique products through visual storytelling.
The Freedom to Explore
I love my craft and at the same time I love to experiment with it. Commercial photography did not give me that freedom to explore my creativity. Eventually I branched out into fine art photography. In 2021, I participated in my first fine art exhibition and I haven’t looked back. While the journey may have had its challenges, the joys and rewards of being a successful photographer are unparalleled. Evoking emotions in others through a particular image, and having my work recognized and appreciated is a constant source of motivation. Seeing my images on display in galleries or featured in publications also brings a sense of accomplishment that reaffirms my dedication to this art form.
My photography journey from a simple passion to a thriving career has been an incredible adventure of self-discovery, growth and artistic fulfillment. It is a reminder that pursuing one’s passions can lead to a fulfilling and meaningful professional life. Through perseverance, continuous learning, and embracing the creative process, I have transformed my love for photography into a lifelong vocation that allows me to share stories, capture beauty and inspire others through the lens.
Deepika Haldankar
Contributing Writer
Deepika Haldankar is a still life photographer who lives and works in Chandler, Arizona. A native of India, her work showcases a vibrancy and love for colors that she inherited from her Indian culture. Deepika is a self-taught photographer. She started photographing mundane everyday objects, quickly realizing the beauty of everyday objects. Her work focuses on gallery-style creative still life photos. Adding digital painting strokes to the photographs is her signature style. The idea behind these strokes is to engage the viewer deeper into the photo and art.
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