From Hobby To Passion : My Photography Journey

“Every photograph tells a story. This is mine.”

From Hobby to Passion: My Photography Journey

Description: Discover the inspiring photography journey of Saipraneeth, founder of Pixel Photography—from capturing Diwali diyas as a school student to becoming a professional photographer through learning, rejection, community, and real-world assignments.

How it all began:

My photography journey began when I was in Class 9. I still remember the very first photograph I ever captured—during Diwali.
A few diyas were placed on a polished marble floor, and their reflections appeared beneath them. Something about that moment caught my attention. I picked up a camera, framed the shot, and clicked. That single photograph changed everything.

I didn’t know about camera settings.
I didn’t know about composition.
I didn’t know photography rules.
But I knew one thing: I loved capturing moments.

Pixel Photography — where my dream began

In 2019, I created an Instagram page called Pixel Photography.
Initially, it was just a page where I uploaded the photographs I captured. Whenever someone else clicked a picture that I posted, I made sure to give them proper credit—because photography is also about respecting the work of others.

I never imagined that a small Instagram page would one day become my identity.
Looking back, creating Pixel Photography was one of the best decisions I ever made.

The COVID-19 lockdown changed everything

Then came COVID-19. While the world paused, my curiosity for photography only
grew stronger.

With nowhere to travel and no events to cover, I spent countless hours learning
from YouTube and practice.

I learned about:
1: Camera Composition
2: Lighting
3: Framing
4: Storytelling
5: Editing
6: Different Camera Angles
7: Camera Settings

Those months transformed my hobby into a genuine passion. I realized photography isn’t just about pressing a shutter button—it’s about telling stories without using words.

Joining Anurag University

In 2020, I joined Anurag University to pursue my B.Tech. I didn’t know college would completely change my photography journey. During my second year, I attended my first photography workshop conducted by the university’s photography club, Click Cadets. The workshop was led by Ms. Rathika Ramaswamy—India’s first woman wildlife photographer to receive major national and international recognition in wildlife and bird photography.

Until then, I believed photography simply meant pointing the camera and clicking
in Auto Mode. I honestly thought that was how professional photographs were taken.I couldn’t have been more wrong.

Discovering the real meaning of photography

That workshop opened a new world for me. For the first time, I understood that cameras offer far more than Auto Mode. I discovered different shooting modes like:

• Auto Mode
• Manual Mode
• Aperture Priority
• Shutter Priority
• Program Mode

That’s when I decided: I wanted to master Manual Mode. I wanted to understand every button on the camera instead of letting the camera make decisions for me.

My first rejection

Excited after the workshop, I approached Click Cadets to become a member. Their response disappointed me: only students who owned a DSLR camera could officially join.
I didn’t own one. That rejection hurt. For a moment, I questioned whether I would ever become a
photographer.
But life had different plans.

A few days later, I got a call from a club member:
“Are you free right now?”

I was asked to collect the club’s camera, cover an event, and return it afterward.
That was the first time I held a DSLR with responsibility—excited, nervous, and determined.
Even after that, I still wasn’t allowed to join officially. No camera. No membership.
But sometimes, persistence succeeds where talent alone cannot.
Eventually, after continuously proving my interest and dedication, I became a part of Click Cadets. That opportunity changed my life.

Learning photography one click at a time

After becoming a member, I learned photography from the ground up — experimenting with settings, practicing constantly, and understanding how shutter speed, aperture, and ISO work together.

I wasn’t perfect. Even today, I believe photography is a journey of continuous learning. What mattered most was that I was improving with every photograph I captured.

One lesson I truly believe:

Great photographs aren’t created by expensive cameras—they’re created by
photographers who never stop learning.

My first major photography assignments

Inter-College Cricket Tournament

My first major event was the Inter-College Cricket Tournament hosted by our college. It tested everything—timing, speed, focus, and discipline.
Since I didn’t own a camera, I rented one every day. The rental cost was ₹500 per day—not small for a student.

But I didn’t see it as an expense. I saw it as an investment in my dream.

When the tournament finally began, I felt nervous—but prepared. The best part was seeing players smile when I showed them the photos. Preserving memories felt more meaningful than any certificate.

Then came Daksha…

After the cricket tournament, I covered Daksha, the biggest annual technical, cultural, and fest event at Anurag University.
Daksha demanded everything at once—stage performances, candid emotions, workshops, competitions, and thousands of moments across campus.
Looking back, Daksha was a turning point. It proved that the rented cameras,
mistakes, and endless practice were paying off.

Becoming Publications Head

Soon after Daksha, I was given the responsibility of Publications Head.
It wasn’t just a designation—it was recognition. I worked on documenting events, creating visual content, and helping our club’s work reach more people.

That role gave me confidence and helped me communicate better, coordinate with teams, and meet people from different backgrounds.
Photography wasn’t just improving my technical skills anymore—it was shaping my personality

The camera I dreamed of

For a long time, I depended on rented cameras and borrowed equipment. Deep
inside, I always dreamed of owning my own camera.
After many discussions at home (and with help from my Babai), I finally got the
words I had been waiting for:
“We’ll buy the camera.”

The camera was a Nikon D7200—one of the best decisions of my life. It gave me
freedom to practice, grow, and build confidence.

And the funniest part?
I got my dream camera after I had already left the club.
Life has a great sense of humor.

Photography is more than people think

Many people assume photography only means weddings, birthdays, or
housewarming ceremonies. But photography is an art with countless
specializations:

• Candid Photography
• Street Photography
• Wildlife Photography
• Sports Photography
• Portrait Photography
• Landscape Photography
• Event Photography
• Documentary Photography
• Product Photography
• Travel Photography
  Every genre tells a different story. Every photographer finds their own voice.

After college — the journey continued

Graduating didn’t end my photography journey. It was the beginning of a bigger
world—new people, new clients, and new opportunities.

A new beginning — the Luminor workshop

Just when I thought my college chapter ended, I attended a one-day workshop
called Luminor, hosted by Arif, an award-winning luxury wedding photographer
recognized by The Times of India.
That workshop introduced me to an incredible community: Shutter Society.

Joining Shutter Society

I became a member of Shutter Society, a community of passionate photographers (now over 450 members). Being surrounded by people who shared my passion pushed me beyond college events.
Photography was no longer just an individual hobby—it became a shared journey.

My first photo walk

My first photo walk with Shutter Society was in December at Dhoolpet, Hyderabad.

That day taught me something I’ll never forget:

Two photographers can stand in the exact same place, yet create two
completely different stories.

It wasn’t about expensive gear. It was about observation.

My first client

Every photographer dreams of a first client. Mine was someone special: my sister. She trusted me to capture her baby shower—memories that can’t be recreated. I gave my best, delivered the photos, and seeing her happy meant everything. A lesson I carry with me:

When people trust you with their memories, photography becomes more than
taking pictures. It becomes a responsibility.

One client led to another

After that, another family approached me for a housewarming ceremony. I focused on genuine emotions, and the appreciation gave me even more confidence.

Slowly, I realised my passion was creating opportunities.

My first commercial event — Gaana Bajanna

Soon, I photographed Gaana Bajanna, an open music jam session organized by my college friend Mr. Nandhu Jilla.
Around 100 music lovers gathered—musicians, singers, artists. Music photography is about timing, lighting, emotions, and energy. Capturing that atmosphere was unforgettable.

Pixel Photography became a sponsor

One of the proudest moments came when Pixel Photography officially became a sponsor for Gaana Bajanna.
From uploading random photographs… to communities… to clients… to seeing my brand represented publicly—this moment reminded me how far I had come.

What photography has taught me

Photography has taught me patience. Discipline. Observation. It introduced me to mentors, friends, communities, and unforgettable experiences.

Success doesn’t happen overnight. It happens one click at a time.

My journey is just beginning

I don’t consider myself a perfect photographer—and I don’t think any photographer reaches perfection. There’s always something new to learn.
If my journey inspires even one person to pick up a camera and follow their passion, then every step has been worth it.

Thank you for being a part of my story.
— Saipraneeth
Founder, Pixel Photography

Final thoughts

Every photograph has a story.
Every photographer has a beginning.

This is mine.
N Sai Praneeth
Instagram: pixel_photography21

Some Shots from my camera: