“If we don’t write our story, our story writes us”
"A LIFE THROUGH MY LENS"- TAJPAL DHAMU
As I started writing this book in July 2021, I felt like I had to trace my mind back to nearly 12 years ago, of when my journey all started as a photographer.
I was always a creative person, at school and college, and even in my college days, I studied Art and Design, ironically, I never paid much attention to my photography classes, and had no interest in this subject what so ever. Thinking back now I wish I had paid more attention, as I am sure my tutor would be proud to see my achievements. She was a black American Woman, who taught us who to use the 35mm camera, in a dark room. Needless to say, I failed this element of the course due to my lack of attention.
I fell into the creative world of photography, I never even knew how to operate a digital camera, I only knew I liked taking photos from my smart phone.
We were entering the new digital era of technology. I learnt from a very young age watching my eldest sister always taking photos on her little Digi camera, that memories were priceless. She showed me that we must always take photos. I used to go with her to boots to get the photos developed, and she would take such pride in placing the photos into an album. We still have all these precious albums at my mums house.
I didn't chose photography, it chose me...
I strongly believe that it was one of my souls purpose was to become a creative, I possess a lot of passion and tenacity for my photoshoots, and I pour a bit of myself in everyone of them.
Some of the chapters for my book are titled: about me, "how I broke into the wedding industry", "boudoir photography", "having a career is like being married, you have to work hard at it everyday", "you won't crack it in a mans world", "my award and recognition" , "the struggle is real" and "everything will fall into place".
A lot of people/ clients have asked me over the years, "did I study photography as a subject at University"? The simple answer is "No", it was a "self taught" artist. I read a lot of camera magazines and watched hours of you tube content whilst working in my London office job. My passion for it just grew and grew. I bought my first DSLR Camera in in 2010. This was when I really started taking photos and experimenting behind the camera. This was when I got very creative. I shadowed other professional photographers at weddings, (which were long hours, without even being paid) , as I wanted to build up my portfolio for a website, and to get the experience of what it felt like to be a second shooter (photographer) at a big event.
I am in the process of writing this book for publication, I hope this small extract appeals to you, and shows you an insight into my journey as a photographer.