About Me
Framing My American Dream
My introduction to America was a mosaic of culture shocks, hushed voices, and new horizons.
As a quiet newcomer, blending into the background was second nature to me. But my reserved nature had its own advantages — one of which was the $1 section of the local video store. Money was tight at home, and those shelves became my treasure trove.
Jean-Claude Van Damme movies were just simple AWESOME. Mostly because they were action packed and Van Damme owned that screen! But I also became facinated with the art of storytelling. Those movies became more than just an action flix to me; through those shots, I began to understand framing, shooting angles, and the power of visual narrative.
But the real epiphany came during a college trip to Europe.
Everyone talks about the Louvre as this big art museum, but to me, it felt like flipping on a light switch. I remember just standing there, in front of Leonardo da Vinci's 'Virgin of the Rocks', utterly mesmerized. I really understood the importance of lighting and how it changes everything in a photo. The way the light hit the figures, the depth of the scene, how shadows played around – it was like everything just made sense. That day at the Louvre was an enlightening lesson, teaching me the essence of photography in a way no workshop or manual ever could.
It was Van Gogh, however, who became my unexpected tutor in portrait photography.
Looking at Van Gogh's self-portraits, I saw so much emotion and detail. They made me realize how deep you can go when capturing someone. Through his eyes, I learned the art of storytelling with just a face. His use of colors was unlike anything I had ever seen. Being Indian, I love color, every hue and as much as possible! I have tried to replicate it on my shots ever since. Even without a camera in hand, these paintings deeply influenced my perspective on portrait photography, pushing me to see beyond the surface.
As I honed my skills, the doors of opportunity opened wider and wider.
The pinnacle of this journey was stepping onto the courts and fields of LA's most iconic sports teams. I got to capture moments of legends like Kobe, LeBron, Puig, Griffin, and Kershaw. It wasn't just a job; it was an honor. Shooting for the Lakers, Clippers, and Dodgers became the culmination of everything I had learned and experienced. The intensity in Kobe's eyes, LeBron's unstoppable drive, Puig's fiery spirit, Griffin's raw power, and Kershaw's unwavering focus – it all resonated with the lessons from the Louvre.
In every fadeaway, every slam dunk, every pitch, I saw the same depth and storytelling I admired in those paintings. It was a surreal feeling, knowing I was capturing moments that would, in their own right, become part of history.
As I look forward, my mission remains the same: to craft memories, to celebrate stories, and to capture the essence of every moment.
Moments Captured
Crafted Through the Lens
