5 must-know facts about the photography business.

An honest confession " I left my 9 to 5 job to work 24*7" and I couldn't agree more. Every time one lets me know the amazement they believe I own in my job, it brings back all the memories of when I almost gave up. Any consideration of creative business is a 21st-century melodrama and it is not meant for the weak heart. Looping cycling of demand and supply and knowing the art of quitting before it gets saturated.

We all know it is important to be creative and above all, it's crucial to understand how to be creative for others to seek a profession in the creative industry. What makes and breaks one to sustain for more than expected is governed by 5 laws and how to implement them into one's life for the better.

To note: From here on, it is gonna be full of life gyaan and sanskaar, so in case you are looking for any creative tips and tricks please do check out my articles especially 3 best alternative careers to commercial photography

Now, let's get back to business!

LAW 1: One thing at a time

A part-time hustler is a myth. It's either you are into it or not. It's like any serious relationship either and there is no middle ground because everything else is "Dolgapaan hai yeah"

The law of attraction governs when you desire something with your whole heart and soul, the universe finds a way to make you meet it. If you ever know anyone who has sailed two boats at the same time, it will be mostly an illusion.

A conservative idea of hustling with your primary job is an idea best suited to hustling forever.

LAW 2: Get your subconscious to work for you.

It is an extension to law 1 where I will encourage anyone to practice the art of letting go of any fear and seeking comfort. I understand, is a mind-blowing transition and many hesitate to talk about it, considering in-case you contemplate even having an adventurous thought, though let's face it, it is not going to be easy but it's all gonna come back far better than ever you imagined cause you deserve it post all the minimalist and sacrificial act you had to adopt in the due journey of being your own boss.

Meditate and learn the art of visualization of your must-have dreams. Power of Your Subconscious Mind by Joseph Murphy is an excellent Book to start the process (ignore the religiousness effort put in by the author which can make you feel a little off)

LAW 3: Be smarter with your finances

I love money and I hold no shame or guilt in stating how much I love it every time my bank account gets credited. For everyone else, it is a must to get to know your money and understand how it works and how to make it work for you.

Financial freedom leads to creative freedom, a power you hold in your hands to choose what you wish to do, and with whom and always have an upper hand when it comes to negotiation.

A must-have is a medical insurance | claim and in case you have any who means a lot to you, get a term life insurance.

(I was recently been miss sell a product by my own bank and I had a hell of an experience to prove my point and get the money back, will post about it soon)

In the past two years, I have been observing the power of Mutual funds and highly advise everyone aspiring to be a creative business person to start their financial educational journey asap.

LAW 4: Be Rational with your commissions.

As an artist, it is difficult to let go of your work and I have often seen many aspirants, including myself, getting too attached to my work and not letting themselves loose enough to understand the need of the client and brief. In the commercial business, a change of attitude is non-negotiable. We all have our own version of what we want to do vs what one is asked for and when the work is based on a monetary transaction it is highly important to let go of any ego attached to our outcome and hear the client out better.

Having said the above, I don't mean to care less about the work quality, but rather learn how to balance via direction and communication. One has to remember, as you generate more experience in the industry chances are high that you will come across clientele who are looking for what you do and which speaks your taste, visual treatment and style.

LAW 5: More than photography

This may sound blizzard but the truth to be told, business is not just about how emotionally you are attached to your work but it is also about being rational and practical with your approach, attitude and action. In the creative industry, there is no space for talent unless it has the right attitude along. A better understanding of the business basis is what you should look for if you are serious to pursue a career in the same.

Learn to be a better salesperson, writer, marketer, public speaker, social media manager and analyst, work on your personality and sort out any internal issues you have (anxiety, Adhd, and depression are widespread) don't let it hamper your client image, and learn how to manage your schedule (meditation or any kind of mindfulness activity is a must for any creative aspirant, check out apps like calm and headspace in-case you are not able to afford an in-person session with a professional).

Having the core skill to generate creative content for your audience retains value as long as you bring something fresh in front of your audience and hence never stop learning.

The best part of running or starting any venture is the unknown territory you have allowed yourself to ride on, and be ready to amaze yourself with everything you didn't know about yourself.

Wish you the best!

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Hello! Myself, Shovona Karmakar is an advertising photographer and a product stylist based out of Mumbai, India. I have worked with upGrad, Whisper, ICICI, Future Generali, Whisper, Pampers, Morningstar USA, Pepe Jeans and more. An avid plant lover and having the superpower to connect to stray dogs, keep me grounded. If you ever find a crazy chick flying on her cycle, that's me! Check out my other work at: shovonakar.com

Psychology of money

Psychology of money | by Morgan Housel

5 ways for you to be a better creative professional

The book is for anyone to understand the basics or to lay a foundation of financial literacy in one's life. It doesn't matter who you are and what you do, financial literacy and the concept of saving is very new. It is important to know how we behave with our money in general as most of it is often irrational and saving money should not have any agenda in general though it is important to inbuild the habit of doing so as early as possible in our lives.

I come from an era where creative professions were linked with failure, hunger and struggle all lifelong. I work in an era where the creative profession is considered for the strong heart and the risk-takers which eventually tops the chart of life considered successful.

It is sad to see though, many creative professionals often concentrate solely on creating and recreating content to generate a bank of work to prove their worth and many often neglect or shy away from the fact, that let one do what it wishes to do as long as it wants to do and when it wants to do. Money is often considered that corrupts one's mind and hampers its creative vision, in reality, it is the most important factor which let ones mind to be free from worry and create the stuff one wishes to.

If you are a photographer, illustrator, makeup artist, stylist, director, cinematographer, post-production artist or anyone who is a part of the media and entertainment industry, this book has a lot to teach you and I will also share a few aspects of how I behave when it comes to my money at the end of this article.

TO NOTE: Only a few points are been discussed considered fitting the agenda of the blog, though I will humbly suggest you pick a copy if you can. This blog is not responsible for any personal, professional, financial, psychological loss incurred if it may. Any mentioned pointers are to be considered as a mere suggestions and not professional financial advice.

1. Confounding Compounding:

Any aspirant starts their journey to be a professional from mere scratch. It either learns a skill to initiate or hold a mere talent in its native state.

Whereas any portfolio showcasing various aspects of creativity serving a set of premium audiences holds the much-needed growth gained in its past many years.

Eg: As a photographer, I started capturing images solely from a photography point of view minus post-production and creative manipulation though down the line I believed in various other mediums and owing those skills to recreate a bank of images that helps me hold an edge over others in the market.

Similarly, money, when let, grows for decades undisturbed gains power and an edge one needs eventually in its life.

Given said that, the amount is not what matters as much as the amount of time one lets it rest and grow, as like any talent needs its own time for it to get mature aesthetically.

2. Wealth is what you don't see

Spending money to show people how much money you have is the fastest way to have less money

As with any creative profession, things are required to set up its space initially doesn't come cheap. As and when an instant desire to upgrade with the latest and greatest comes to mind that one may feel fit one needs for time being and hence are kept at the top of one's shopping list may sound like a wise call to take. On the other hand, this irrational act of buying robs one's bank of the much needed financial support if and when one may wish for it.

An emergency like the much-needed service of your computer, camera or a subscription of your graphic software must be for the project you need to submit at the earliest.

The latest phone or the wifi-enabled camera. The drone you hold or the accessories you wish to add to your photography bag may create unwanted anxiety and it surely gives an instant satisfaction when finally bought, blame it partial to the social media and advertisement that makes you believe that you need it. The way to have a hold over it is by being rational than irrational about one's needs and being comfortable with what one has and a bit below what you think you can live with, comfortably.

The choice of renting exist to unload the burden of buying things that you may need to sell to buy things you need.

3. SAVE MONEY:

The only factor you can control generates one of the only things that matter. How wonderful!

Having more control over your time and options is becoming one of the most valuable currencies in the world. There is nothing that can force me to deny what is been stated.

As our parents and our grandparents, where saving and the act of investment was directly proportional to various life goals like owning a house, car, planning for a world tour and child education. Saving in the present era should not exactly be pinned to any definite agenda, though the simple act of saving, is a good enough reason to be prepared for anything, which helps you to step up in life or hold you up in the worst of your phase.

4. You will change:

long term planning is harder than it seems because people's goals and desires change over time.

We, humans, are been carried away via various phases in our lives and yet we think we will retain the same characteristics we held decades ago.

Like a child dreaming to be a superhero in his mind which holds no fear or worry of life, eventually realises the world around and hence his goals changes. We change and we keep changing ourselves to best suit our survival opportunities.

A creative professional does have its set of phases to pass through and eventually feels the need to change or grow in various aspects. Our life plans and goals changes and so so does our priority.

In the worst scenario where your creative profession didn't turn up as per your expectation in a definite time period or you need a few years to gain a certain skill set very much in demand in your area, or a sudden personal pitfall, gives anyone a valid reason to save.

5. The seduction of pessimism:

Optimism is a belief that the odds of a good outcome are in your favor over time, even when there will be setbacks along the way

The life of a creative professional is full of uncertainty, one's economy is directly proportional to its standard of living. Yet in the past decades, we have observed and lived uncertainties and hence it justifies enough to be not too sure about the coming times. The future is uncertain and so does the economy.

We may not adore a negative person or an idea though it holds the most power and gains our maximum attention. This desire to survive and the instinct in us as a human lets our minds think about the worst than the best to make themselves prepared well for the pain we all must avoid. The fear to live for months with no work calls or pitches. The anxiety where the bank is not fed well for long is a good reason to think about how we behave with our money and how we set our life in general. A certain amount of self-pampering is good for mind and soul and indeed important, as money earned is not worth it if it was what you finally hold on your deathbed.

Above all, a desire to be a creative professional, where the mind holds the possibility to attain a life considered successful in conventional terms. One's financial planning and the decision will eventually help one to do and create at its own pace, choose the best of the clients one wish to work for, and live in the best environment giving the utmost standard of living.

Tips and Tricks:

1. Buying vs Renting:

As a commercial advertising photographer and a product stylist, I hold no reasons to buy the latest of the camera, computer, lens and else every time it is been launched. Instead, I believe in renting my equipment as and when required. The ability and possibility to reach out to the best of the vendors in the market updating itself with the best give me more reasons not to shed my own money.

2. Buy the best you can afford:

My investment choices are based on the factor of how often I am using it and the amount of time it will require to cover my base expenditure and how much profit I may gain eventually.

Any buying choices must be around the factor of investment vs return.

A high-end digital gadget's self-life vs its depreciating market value is a must think about,

Eg: a computer with a well-built metal body along with a fast, high-end processor which can serve you and your work demands for the next 5 years may cost you 6x, it may seem like an expensive choice to go for versus a system with an average configuration and plastic built costing you 2x and last for a year only. In the case of the latter, you will end up spending 8x more to suit your need in the coming 5 years.

3. Living below my comfort level:

I am not a fashion vista nor my job demands me to be and hence a few pairs of awesome sports shoes, formals and athleisure are all I hold in my closet. My clients demand me in terms of my work quality not how I look like. To add my occasional visits to movie halls, entertainment centres and restaurants and once in a few years, vocational breaks has helped me to be sane enough for those days unannounced.

Given said the above, it is your personal choice to splurge though keep in mind how much value it is adding to your life in general.

4. Saving for the sake of Saving:

Every nation in its democratic nature has led to various advantages for anyone running its own shop. Tax redemptions are not solely for the corporate but even creatives should be aware of. My choice around my money is more about investing in the market and government funds than splurging on things I will not need eventually.

5. Being Rational vs Irrational:

A trick learned years ago is adding all you wish to own instantly on your cart and let it sit for a week and two and if possible for a month. A month is a good enough time for anyone to understand its priorities and eventually one can take a call accordingly. The goal is to educate yourself about what is important vs a temporary gratification.

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Thank you so much for reading and I hope it helped you to understand your own relationship with your money better or share it with someone whom you think is an aspiring creative and needs a little nudge in regards to its financial understanding.

I am Shovona Karmakar, a commercial advertising photographer and product stylist based out of Mumbai, India. I specialize in portraits, editorials, people, products and cinemagraphs. If you are looking for a creative professional alike or wish to drop a Hi! feel free to ping me or use my contact form.

#psychologyofmoney #creativeprofession #photographyandmoney #moneypsychology #moneyforcreatives #advertisingphotographer #portraitphotographer

Secret to Success v1.1

The power of positive thinking and having people who love and support you unconditionally and with no question asked which eventually leads you to completely omit those poking you from time to time is an attitude many misunderstand as a way to success.

To note:  This article is just a mere personal observatory and by no means I am liable for any personal, professional, physical, mental or psychological pain and loss.  

Often we are been told to be surrounded by positive people though I have a question for you to ponder, how do you know who is compatible, when you don't know what traits are not working for you? How do you know what is love when you have not felt what betrayal means? How do you know who supports you when none cheated you?

If you know what it is, this article may not be for you but still read along in case you are open to grabbing a few more pointers to add to your list to watch out for.

There is a thin line between criticism and feedback and on any usual day, I am sure many will not stop for a sec to feel what one should feel rather feel what one wants to feel.

In my understanding, the word "Criticism" is often regarded as negative and demeaning for many and whereas the word "Feedback" is positive and supportive.

To be clear I don't expect anyone under 30 years to really appreciate what is mentioned in this article. 

It doesn't matter whether you are a high-school going student, an intern or a full-time professional be it service or self-employed, the above has and will always be a part of our life as long as we live. Success comes to them who knows when to appreciate, edit and accept it accordingly.

Often your folks don't know the best hence entrusting them with no question asked has its downfalls. They for sure have their set of experiences that do qualify in terms of quality but as time passes the intensity differs and we have no control over it hence being open is the way to go.

Below are a few pointers from my personal experience for you to look out for in anyone whom you do or may cross paths with.

Personal

To note: It is a choice you ought to make as per your requirement and environment to suit your living needs and standards. By no means its an imposition rather mere suggestions in case you are seeking a better social life.

My childhood has been quite critical for a decade and two until a few people made me prove wrong, and I am forever indebted to them to do so. An individual with dark skin, afro curly hair and above healthy built led her to go through various experiences which shaped the way she is down the line. A wall she carried for others to maintain a distance from her and was and is a way to protect herself from any further damage. After many years of her desire to be with people who can help her understand better, she comes across whom she needed the most and they eventually guided her to be who she can be at its best.

A desire | wish | passion to meet people, living beings and instances in life who and which can teach one to be it's best is what leads one to alter it's attitude to be wherever it wishes to be is undoubtedly a powerful tool and skill to posses and practice everyday respectively.

In my everyday life, I have come across people who admired my existence and who simply faked it. My job was to analyze the sincerity in their statements and keep them at distance accordingly.

The skill of understanding sincerity in anyone helps in a long run.

Many admired, worshipped with overwhelming compliments simply to be in my good books to take the best in me and eventually part ways when I have nothing to offer is a toxic connection to carry. The moment I feel so I either choose to be distant and avail my presence as per my convenience only or choose to part ways in situations where I suffer from anxiety and worry.

On the other hand, many respected my existence without over showering me with superficiality and they may or may not have anything to ask for, at the end, I felt safe and being myself in their company. The reason being is if they come to me any day bluntly letting me know where I am wrong and how it affected them confirms that they wish me to be a part of them, cause else they wouldn't have cared so (many will simply do so to make you feel miserable).

In today's world, people don't have enough time and bandwidth to invest in any relationship unless it matters to them any way more than anything.

I have difficulties getting along with my folks, the difference lies in the conditioning and the exposure to life. I do admire and am forever thankful to them for providing me with things that helped me to come so far. I also admire all the love and support through our differences doesn't get banished for the same above. The way I see my life and the belief system I have gained in the past many years often challenges them. Yes, they do feel the authority to have control and I only choose to give as and when I like (it is forever a struggle for me).

To note: when I say so, family is the most subjective affair to have in anyone's life and it's up to them how to move along the game to either win or loose and often simply to play draw. Being neutral is often a best strategy to go about.

I remember an instance where my dad brought up a particular trait of mine to me. It so happened I used to ask for a tentative budget one had in mind, anytime anyone called me for work. I don't mean to defend myself though that's what I have learnt in the past few years as and when I started freelancing.

Dad: You know what, I have been listening to your past few conversations and you need to stop asking their budgets, it is not a good way to go.
Myself: Why??? Well that's what I have learned so far from my other colleagues, they do the same. 
Dad: You may feel so but it is not a good way to about it, I repeat!
Myself: Aaah, dad, you don't know how my business worrks... hmm anyway...so, what do you think what I should do henceforth?
Dad: In-case one asks for your fees, tell them a ball park and let them decide if you fit their bill. It's business you will not earn the best and you will not be underpaid all the time. You will be happy to be paid what you asked for. 
Myself: Ok, what about in-case I severely over estimated as per my client and lost the job?
Dad: That's ok, at least you didn't underpaid yourself and in case the concerned values your skill, it will come back for any further negotiation and that's the client worth the chase.
Myself: Ok, will try to do the same next time. 

I mean no joke and it worked wonders for me, I am happier and more content about my deliverables. My business is doing better and I got the opportunities I always dream for. The value I wished to add in me as an artist and a business person gained many folds and down the line, I have gained the confidence and self-respect I always wished for.

To add to the above my dad will not be the best person to criticize my work and any technical glitch it may have, simply reasoned being he has no experience to have the needed understanding of being the critic I wish for when it comes to photography, design and production.

The Rude ones: I don't know how to explain myself to you better than to tell you the benefits of looking into someone beyond their rudeness. Every now and then we come across those into themselves, rusted monks who have nothing to offer other than #nofilter statements and who very often makes us feel off about ourselves. 
The thing which should make us wonder is why we felt so? Than, why he|she|it said so! if we think hard we will realize what the problem is and it is up-to us to edit it for our own betterment.

PROFESSIONAL:

After many professional failures, I was desperate to have access to the right people, one of the many secrets to creative business is often collaborating with one who wants you too to succeed and the rest is often been taken care of by itself.

I met people who were sweet, sugar-coated and eventually ghosted me in various forms which led me to confusion and forced me to retrospect whom to trust and not. As a person who had been through enough simply seek one who wished it's well with complete sincerity. Met enough art seekers who wanted me to keep my work to myself for their benefit, had hours-long conversations with people who adored my work but never considered me enough for any assignments, crossed paths who promised opportunities to attain what I always dream for but they never ended up responding to my calls.

I wasted a lot of time with people who acted well enough to make me feel good initially but eventually didn't mean enough or otherwise I was of no concern to them.

(Sincere recommendation to be good enough to those who were not as you never know what is there in coming times unless it falls under no tolerance policy)

In 2019, I decided to freelance as a product stylist apart from photography to enhance my networking ability and eventually met a professional whom I was aware for a long time and I got a call from his production manager seeking my availability and fees, things went through and we met in person and he realized that he knew me. It was a long long day when we finally finished our shoot and ended up with the deliverables. I have heard a lot about him as a producer and his past en-devours and my in-person working experience confirmed my assumption and with no further delay, I wanted to have a conversation in case he wishes to collaborate for any future projects. I was so happy to know when he was all eager and down the line, we ended working on multiple projects. But wait he had more to offer than just being my producer.

The other secret to success is being uncomfortable with being comfortable.

We avoid debates, confrontations and other respective conversations which is meant to alter ones believe system. Ego is what people think is at stake and often misunderstand it with an attitude. 

I had this bunch of images on my website, work from my past commercial projects and they all looked pretty well for many but sadly my portfolio struggled to get a green go for many years. I eventually started to ponder in case I need to edit or do something to bring the change it needed. I do believe in my work and my skill but I was pretty assured I do lack something, an attribute which is stopping my work to surpass the hurdle and finally one day I thought to ask my producer about the same and must say I felt low about myself after long. The conversation we had didn't quite throw me off (well it will do to anyone else if I have to be honest) but whatever he said it was indeed enlightening and eureka I got to know what I was lacking. He was not able to spoon-feed me with the solution but gave me the right amount of magic portion for me to sort the rest.

As I type this I am reworking on my portfolio and I am super excited to say I do binge on a few assignments post-pandemic with not many hurdles when it comes to my photography portfolio.

Yes, I do still struggle with those confrontations from time to time and honestly, I look forward to it as I get to learn so much.

To sum it all up the above, the struggle is still on and the journey to a better myself is an ongoing process. Like anyone and anything, perfection is a myth and not letting self do the mistake is what fools believe.

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Hello, I am Shovona Karmakar, a commercial advertising photographer and product stylist. Portraits, Product and Food is my speciality and have had the opportunity to work with various national and international brands, corporate and publishing houses.

Feel free to connect in case of any business queries or simply use the contact form.

We are a cross-functional team, presently based out of Mumbai, India, that provides specialized service in still photography, product | food styling, cinemagraphs, digital content creation and TVC production.

Thank you so much for reading and do visit again for more.

#commercialartist #advertising #feedback #secrettosuccess #positiveattitude #winningattitude #productstylist #secrettosuccess