In the bustling city of Hyderabad, amidst the humdrum of daily life, Arpital Patel was born. Raised and educated in Hyderabad, Arpita’s journey from a typical Indian household to becoming a celebrated photographer is nothing short of inspiring. Her early education at Sri Aurobindo International School played a pivotal role in shaping her career. The school, known for its creative environment and lack of a uniform, fostered Arpita’s creativity and instilled in her a love for the arts. It was here, more than at home, that her teachers provided the support and encouragement she needed, setting her on a path destined for a creative future.
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Discovering a Passion
Photography chose Arpita rather than the other way around. Her mother, passionate about capturing moments, was meticulous about getting family photos clicked at studios. She instilled in Arpita the importance of photographs as markers of personal growth. With a basic roll camera in hand, her mother taught her the significance of a good background in any image. These lessons, absorbed subconsciously, slowly ignited a love for photography within Arpita.
Coming from a traditional Indian family where women were not typically encouraged to work, Arpita was initially prepared to marry right after her education and become a homemaker. However, her passion for photography and art eventually led her to realize that she could forge an independent path. The turning point came during her college days when she discovered the work of Richa Kashelkar, a wedding photographer whose stunning captures of simple moments inspired Arpita. Seeing a woman excel in this field gave her the confidence to believe in herself and pursue photography as a profession.
The Struggles and Triumphs
Reflecting on her journey, Arpita believes that struggles are essential for growth. One of her earliest challenges was acquiring her first DSLR camera. Her parents, unsure of investing ₹50,000 in a camera, hesitated, prioritizing education instead. It was her uncle who ultimately stepped in, helping her buy the camera and supporting her dreams.
Entering a male-dominated field like photography presented its own set of challenges. Surrounded mostly by male photographers, Arpita found little initial support. However, she was fortunate to work with talented mentors who guided her. One such mentor was Shreyans Dungrawala, who welcomed her as his student. Interning with Shreyans and his friends, Arpita learned valuable lessons about purpose, innovation and the evolving technology in photography.
During those early days, Arpita had no clear direction for her career but deeply enjoyed the process of photography. Social media, especially Instagram, played a significant role in her journey. Her work resonated with many, leading to opportunities such as judging events at colleges and winning the award for the youngest female photographer in Hyderabad.
A Dream Come True
A major breakthrough in Arpita’s career came in May 2021 when she received an offer from a heritage hotel chain to photograph their properties across northern India. Traveling to cities like Haridwar, Mussoorie and Nainital, she was able to combine her love for travel and photography, fulfilling a long-held dream. However, Arpita’s ultimate dream is to shoot for National Geographic, a goal she continues to strive towards.
Looking back, Arpita wishes she had known early on that photography is an expensive profession and not just a hobby. She learned the importance of valuing her work and setting clear boundaries. Doing free shoots, especially for commercial projects, undermines the profession. Professionals charge for their expertise, time and quality and establishing fair pricing from the start is crucial for building a sustainable career.
For Arpita, the most rewarding aspect of her work is meeting new people and getting to know their unique stories and perspectives. Each person she photographs teaches her something new. Traveling, another significant part of her work, enriches her creativity and passion for photography. Exploring new places and experiencing different cultures allows her to blend her love for travel with her profession, creating memorable images that tell compelling stories.
A Message for Aspiring Artists
To young dreamers who wish to follow unconventional careers, Arpita Patel says, “Dreams are meant to be pursued and turned into reality. Keep going and life will provide what you need. Never lose your passion for what you love the most.” She advises staying focused on your goals, enjoying the journey and believing in yourself. Embrace obstacles as opportunities to grow, take risks, surround yourself with supportive people and let your passion drive you forward.
Arpita Patel’s journey is a testament to the power of passion, perseverance and the belief in one’s dreams. From a young girl in Hyderabad to a celebrated photographer, her story inspires us to follow our hearts and pursue our passions, no matter the challenges.
