He hid behind the camera, afraid to communicate. Today, he communicates with world through Professional photography. From covering high-end fashion shows to technical and wedding photography, Arindam Sikdar, 23, does it all. Here’s the interesting story behind making of this young entrepreneur.
Q. Could you share the idea or concept behind initiating your photography business? Was it a hobby turned profession?
I was an introvert from my childhood. It was essentially a way for me to hide behind the camera and be comfortable while talking to people. Also, everyone likes to get their pictures clicked with a DSLR. As a result, over time it became easier for me to communicate with people.
Meanwhile I noticed that everyone is loving my clicks and some are even willing to pay. I then, realized to make a career out of it. From charging 500rs a shoot to owning the biggest wedding & Fashion photography firm in Chhattishgarh, it was quite a long journey filled with sweat and tears. Still, I think that I didn’t even complete 5% of my journey.
Photography or cinematography is an art first and then a business.
Q. How do you advertise your business?
We advertise our business through social media. We also get featured in several wedding portals through which we often get our leads. We also have a pretty good studio/office to attract walk-in clients. When slowly we became a brand then advertising was not much required.
Q. Today is an era of cell-phones where everybody has a high res. camera in their cell-phones and several apps to beautify it. As such, is there a real scope for photography and film making business?
Yes, there is great scope in photography. An individual may buy the costliest camera but he/she can’t buy the vision of photographers and cinematographers, the way we see our subjects is totally unique. Photography or cinematography is an art first and then a business. One needs to master the art before stating themselves as professionals.
Also, if the cell phones technology is improving everyday then so are our cameras.
Q. If you had one piece of advice to someone just starting out, what would it be?
I would say having a little bit of ego towards your work quite important. Only a slightly egoistic person will lose his/her sleep if they fail. That’s the first step to grow, realizing that you are still not good enough and still need to work very hard. It’s actually a mixture of ego and having reality check at the same time. Just an ego won’t take you anywhere. It’s important to keep Hustling!
