Photoshop Action Contest WINNER

Starting as a new photographer, there is always doubt somewhere in the mind and the fear of being haunted by the question,

"Is my work good enough? "

Last year, I was in a dark spot and this same question popped into my head a billion times. I did not get any shoot booked for an entire month, which led to a sad period of self-doubt. During this phase, I started questioning my abilities as a photographer and needless to say I was stuck and did not know what to do. I had always been fond of photography but now I started doubting whether I could turn this passion of mine into a successful profitable business or not.

Early July 2017, I decided to give myself a hard deadline of a month. During that one month period, I decided to put myself out in the world and see if my photography skills are any good. I had been following the lovely and very talented duo Bella Kotak and Pratik Naik. They started a color shop named, Fine Art Actions based in London and announced their very first contest. So, I participated in my first ever worldwide photography contest. Little did I know, that applying to this contest would literally change my perception towards my photography business.

My submission was a portrait I truly believed was one of the best shots I had taken so far - a high school senior graduating and dreaming of all the opportunities that await her. I had a vision of how I wanted this fine art portrait to look- unique, enchanted and magical and I was really happy with how this turned out. I felt confident with this portrait and believed it to be worthy of being submitted to the worldwide Fine Arts Actions contest. Needless to say, I barely slept during the entire month, nervous and anxious every time I refreshed the page to see the results.

On 31st July, the day I was about to give up photography as a career, the results were declared. The two winners were decided by both Bella and Pratik. And there it was, staring at me, the statement that changed everything,

"The winners of our Vermilion contest are Sonali Satsangi and Saray Taylor !! "

I emerged as a winner in the Fine Art Actions Vermilion PS Action Contest. Winning my first ever worldwide photography contest with a portrait I truly believed in. I was on cloud 9. Not to mention, how much this helped me gain back my confidence and I started believing that my work was good. From that day on, I stopped questioning my abilities as a photographer.

The days of self-doubt were behind me and I started exploring ideas to boost my business. I expanded my vision, came up with more creative photo shoots, started referral programs and clients started pouring in. And business has been good ever since.

I want to pass on a message to all the novice photographers out there,

"Believe in your work because unless you truly believe in it, no one ever will."

Passionate for creating a career based on portraitures that evoke emotions and build self-confidence, I quit my job to start my own business 5 years ago.

ABOUT ME