2017 - My Dad is my inspiration

I would say my journey as a photographer began with my dad. When I was 16 years old, my dad gave me a small camera that probably doesn't exist anymore because of how old it was. My dad has always been a very passionate person and an explorer of opportunities, and I guess I sort of picked that up from him. Every Sunday he would wrap the camera string around his neck and walk around like that, which I found really funny until now when I do that every session. He would occasionally let me use his camera to take photos of our church and everyone there, which also came with a price, which is a warning to care for the camera like he does: "No dent, no scratch," is what he would say. He would carry the camera with him on every trip we went on and always ask me to take photos. I honestly would get really annoyed and hate taking photos until I started enjoying it at some point. I started to like the feeling of being able to capture moments and memories that otherwise would be gone without proof, and I wonder if that is how he felt too. My dad is not a photographer, to make that clear, but he is a very curious and talented person who loves to try new things. Thanks to my dad for helping me discover my interest. I wouldn't be where I am today without him.

Who is your inspiration?

2019 - How I got my first camera

My first ever camera was given to me by my very close friend, who is still my number one supporter to this day. I won't lie to you, but even today, half of my equipment and supplies belong to my friend, and I like to believe that it is officially mine now. My friend has always been very passionate about photography equipment, and he tells me that he wants to someday have a collection on his wall, which is an advantage for me because then I won't have to invest in any equipment myself. The first ever camera I owned, I sold it after using it for about five months for $400 and then saved up for a new camera. I didn't need to take any photography classes since my good friend somehow magically knew every single thing about the camera and how to properly use it, so I guess I could say I attended a geek academy that was taught by my friend. I am very grateful for my geek friend, and I wouldn't be here without him.

2020 - How I got my first client

My first-ever session was a senior portrait I did of my friend in high school. Once I got my first camera, I started experimenting with it, and I took some of my friends and family outdoors to take photos, which I uploaded on my new photography Instagram account that I made. Once I posted some of my work, I got noticed by my school friends, who were added to my Instagram and then later reached out to me to take their senior photos. Back then, I charged $40 per hour for about 100–200 photos! INSANE!!! Innocent me was learning how business works (I am still learning). All of my friends ended up loving all their pictures and spreading the word around for me. I started presenting myself as a professional photographer to the Nepali communities and got noticed by many; that is how I started my business.

I DID THE FOLLOWING TO GET CLIENTS:

• I made flyers, printed them, and then went around the school, taping them on the walls.
• I went around my neighborhood and taped those same flyers on the trees and put them in people's mailboxes.
• I made a business card and went on to pass it around in Nepali stores so they could display it to their customers.
• I also knew a couple of American store owners, so I took some flyers and taped them to their doors and walls.
• I kept my Instagram account updated daily.
• I always brainstormed new ideas to broaden my knowledge.
• I did a couple of free shoots for some family members so I could present myself on social media as a professional photographer.

Going out of your comfort zone

This is a very big topic for me because I consider myself an introvert, and for me to be going out there every other day to meet people who I have never met in real life before and to be in a group filled with people who I have never met or spoken to is a very scary feeling. If I had to be honest, I always tend to have a mental breakdown before any big session, such as weddings, because I fear being judged and that how I present myself won't be good enough, especially being so short (4.11), and working as a photographer is another struggle of mine. Very recently, I have learned to be confident and to be myself, and if anyone rejects me for being me, then that is a win for me because then I won't have to deal with such people and waste my valuable time. There is a book that I am currently reading, and it's called "The 4-Hour Workweek" by Timothy Ferriss. On page 47, Ferriss said, "Usually, what we most fear doing is what we most need to do. That phone call, that conversation, whatever the action might be—it is fear of unknown outcomes that prevents us from doing what we need to do. As I have heard said, a person's success in life can usually be measured by the number of uncomfortable conversations he or she is willing to have". This little sentence in his book is my go-to before I leave my home to go to a shoot. In simple terms, Ferriss is trying to say that in order to succeed and reach the next level, you need to get out of your comfort zone. He quoted, "What we fear doing most is usually what we most need to do." I love that, and I could honestly repeat it a thousand times because that is how powerful that sentence is. I fear going out there, I fear being judged, and I fear being rejected, and the best part is that I know that I can turn this weakness into my strength because if it scares you, then you are on the right path. I believe every big step in your career, in your life, and in your business should scare you, and if it doesn't scare you, then it is not a big thing.