Corporate Maze and Shutter Secrets

Picture this: a labyrinth of London alleyways, winding and mysterious, concealing a hidden gem—a cozy club known only to a select few. That’s where my first foray into the corporate world led me. And let me tell you, it was quite the adventure.

As I stepped into the dimly lit club, camera in hand, I couldn’t help but feel a surge of excitement mingled with a hint of apprehension. This wasn’t my usual scene.

The challenge? No flashes, no artificial lighting—just the natural ambiance of the club. A photographer’s dream, right? Well, let’s just say it added an extra layer of complexity to the gig. But hey, where’s the fun without a challenge?

As I weaved my way through the crowd, capturing moments in the muted glow of the club, I found myself drawn to the real stars of the show—the people. Like the bartender, a pint-sized Italian powerhouse with a knack for mixing drinks and spinning tales. Her stories of London life and family dynamics kept me entertained between shots.

And then there was the unexpected highlight of the night: a chance encounter with one of the event’s key speakers, a woman of Indian origin. She made a point to seek me out during dinner, eager to learn more about the person behind the lens. It was a gesture that warmed my heart and reminded me of the power of human connection.

Reflecting on the day’s events, I couldn’t help but marvel at the way photography has a knack for bringing people together, breaking down barriers, and revealing the beauty in the everyday. The corporate world may have seemed daunting at first, but through my lens, I discovered a world rich in stories, characters, and unexpected moments.

So here’s to trying new things, stepping out of your comfort zone, and finding beauty in unexpected places. Isn’t that what life—and photography—is all about?

A Kolkata Photo Adventure

So, I recently took my youngest son to India, and we ended up in Kolkata. Let me tell you, if you haven’t been there, you’re missing out on a city that’s like a time machine with a modern twist. And for someone like me, who loves street photography, it was a goldmine.

First off, Kolkata’s old vegetable and floral markets are something straight out of a movie. They’re packed with vibrant colors, quirky characters, and a chaos that somehow makes sense. Picture this: vendors shouting, flowers everywhere, and vegetables so fresh they look like they just popped out of the ground. I snapped photos every chance I got. My son? He was more interested in trying to spot the street animals.

Then there are the vintage sweet shops. These places look like they haven’t changed since the 90s, selling candies that brought back so many childhood memories. Kolkata is known for its dessert shops as well. The shelves are stacked with colorful treats, and the shopkeepers have stories for days. One shopkeeper even tried to convince my son that eating a certain sweet would make him grow taller overnight. Spoiler: It didn’t work, but it was worth a try.

Walking around with my camera, I felt like a kid in a candy store (literally, at times). Every street, every shop, every face had a story to tell. My son, on the other hand, was fascinated by the rickshaws and kept trying to count how many people could fit in one. Answer: way more than you’d think.

But Kolkata isn’t just about markets and sweets. It’s rich in culture and heritage too. We visited the Science City, where my son had a blast exploring the interactive exhibits and learning about the wonders of science. And then there were the museums, each offering a fascinating glimpse into Kolkata’s storied past.

One of the highlights of our trip was visiting the oldest standing café in Kolkata, where you can still smoke indoors. It was like stepping back in time, surrounded by vintage décor and the smell of freshly brewed coffee. My son thought it was the coolest thing ever, until he realised he couldn’t actually breath very well in the smoke, and that he couldn’t order anything as he is vegan and doesn’t drink coffee.

Kolkata’s charm is in its mix of old and new. One minute you’re looking at a hundred-year-old market, and the next, you’re standing in front of a modern café. It’s like the city is giving you a big, warm hug and saying, “Welcome, enjoy the madness!”

Our trip was an unforgettable adventure, filled with laughter, photos, and way too many sweets. If you ever get the chance, pack your camera (and maybe an extra stomach for all the candy) and head to Kolkata. Trust me, it’s worth it.

And who knows? Maybe you’ll bump into a woman with a camera and a kid counting rickshaws.

Confessions of a Wedding Photographer: My First Gig

So, let me set the scene for you. It’s January 2024, and I, in a fit of entrepreneurial optimism, decided to dip my toes into the tumultuous waters of professional photography. But here’s the kicker: I swore up and down that I’d never, ever do weddings. Nope, not for me. Too much pressure, too many bridezillas lurking around every corner, just waiting to pounce.

Yet, fate has a twisted sense of humor, doesn’t it? Because within the first four weeks of hanging my shingle, I found myself face-to-face with the daunting task of wedding photography. Cue the nervous laughter and frantic Google searches on how to politely decline without sounding like a total chicken.

But hey, life’s full of surprises, and this one came wrapped in a bride-to-be who insisted that my style was exactly what she was looking for. She even promised there’d be no glitz, no glamour, just a white knee-length dress and blue Converse. Well, color me intrigued. And let’s face it, when someone’s willing to support a newbie like me, who am I to say no?

Fast forward to the big day, and I’m a bundle of nerves wrapped in camera straps, trying to juggle lenses, lights, and bags without looking like a complete klutz. Did I mention I’m only five feet tall? Yeah, managing an entire wedding setup at that height might’ve been a tad… let’s go with “challenging.”

But you know what? The universe has a funny way of conspiring in your favor when you least expect it. The bride? Total sweetheart. Down to earth, a bit self-conscious about her postpartum belly (aren’t we all?), but her smile could light up a room. And her husband, Sam? A real-life Prince Charming, minus the shiny armor.

As I click away, capturing moments and stories instead of fabricating them, I can’t help but feel the warmth and camaraderie of their guests. They make me feel like part of the family, constantly checking if I need anything to eat or drink (bless their souls).

And then there’s the bride, who not only remembered that I’m a vegan but also packed a little lunchbox just for me. Oh, and did I mention the sweets for my kids? Yeah, she’s that kind of thoughtful. She even went as far as making name cards for my munchkins, just in case I needed a guilt-free excuse to have them tag along.

But in the end, it’s moments like these that remind me why I chose this path. Sure, it’s chaotic, sometimes overwhelming, but surrounded by the right people and the right kind of work, it all falls into place. Life’s funny like that, isn’t it?

So here I am, a reluctant wedding photographer turned accidental storyteller, sharing glimpses from a day filled with love, laughter, and maybe just a touch of chaos. And you know what? I wouldn’t have it any other way.