From mom to a renowned kids photographer. How did Priya Chhabra do it?

She captures the cutest moments of your life, your maternity period, your newborn cries, smiles and yawns and your kids, for you to cherish forever. They will no longer be lost but preserved to bring warmth and smile by Priya Chhabra Photography. Meet Priya Chhabra, a popular portrait photographer from Delhi who has established a name as maternity and kids photographer. Compassion and love are the two mainstays of her job as she deals with the various moods of babies and children. In an exciting conversation with the independent lady, we delved into the secrets and soirees behind the making of Priya Chhabra Photography.

What motivated you to start as a kids? photographer as it was a completely new profession for you?

When you talk about my work, it is always the compassion involved in it that drew me towards this genre. Besides, my two boys, one 13 and the other 7, were also two major influences who encouraged me to become a baby, kids and family photographer.

What challenges did you face and what steps you took to overcome them?

Speaking of challenges, there were no major ones because I have always enjoyed my work. Just the fact that I was being a part of people's happiness and their precious moments kept me glued to this genre. I always say that the smile on the proud parents faces as they see the images come alive is my biggest reward. As I progressed, the only small hurdle I faced was the mindset of some people that you need to get a hundred pictures. So I always tell my clients that less is more. After all, twenty gorgeous pictures are always more valuable than a hundred mediocre ones.

What is the most effective way of marketing your business and gaining new clients?

I strongly believe that your work speaks for you. For me, referrals have always been the best way of marketing and gaining new clients. It is the age of inbound marketing and a client who approaches you via word-of-mouth publicity will always be more excited and interested to work with you.

Also, my many years of experience in marketing and PR is an added advantage as I'm a people person and I effortlessly connect with all the proud parents. Lastly, a strong social media presence is also important to back the word-of-mouth publicity.

How do you manage the competition in your business?

Competition has never really bothered me because art has no limit and we set our own goals and boundaries. See you have your own unique style and people come to you for your own unique work, which only you can do the best. Similarly, I have my own set of clients who like and prefer my style of photography and way of working.

What is your style of photographing? How is it unique from others?

When it comes to photography, I like the minimal trend. For me, the baby will always be the focus. My subjects are always the priority and so I don't like to add too much so that it takes away from the baby. Also if I'm doing a maternity shoot, my intention is to capture that emotion and joy that the going - to - be parents are experiencing at that point and make sure the expecting mommy feels beautiful inside out. My work is also interesting because it's not just about the image, rather it is the story behind it that inspires you to stare at it for a second longer. So families always have a story and I get to be the storyteller. Also, since I am a Fine arts graduate, I like to add an artistic element to my pictures. I like to create an art out of my photography.

Since children have natural moods and expressions, how do you capture the various moods of children?

Well, I always say that the baby is the boss. It's always about the baby and their moods and needs are a top priority. So photo shoots with children are a whole lot of fun. It is more of an experience to cherish wherein I involve parents actively because the child will always respond best to the parents first and it turns out to be this one big party with music, fun and lots of laughter. To capture various moods of the child, I always keep the time flexible. There is no rush to finish the shoot.

How do you think photography empowers women? What is the scope for women in this field?

Well, this question can be best answered with my own example. Photography has definitely empowered me on the second innings of my career and helped me make a business out of it. Since dealing with children requires a lot of compassion, there's undoubtedly a lot of scope for women in this field. Besides, I do believe that women are wonderfully empowered and self-motivated to do anything they firmly set their minds and hearts on.

Gear talk. Which camera are you currently using?

I have always been a Canon girl and I'm currently using the latest Canon 5D Mark IV.

Who is your biggest inspiration in photography and why?

Since I have been qualified and trained under top maternity, newborn and baby photographers from around the world, I follow and am in awe of a lot of international photographers. To name just one would be so tough since they are all so talented and exceptional at their work.

A few words of wisdom for upcoming women photographers?

The only advice that I'd like to give is that do what you love and stick to your style. So when you are capturing photographs, think about yourself and what you love and what your final outcome should look like, it may or may not be what everyone expects from their pictures but if you are happy doing what you are doing, you will only get better at your work and you art.

One quote that inspires you

You become what you believe. Believe in yourself, do the best and everything else will fall into place.

Where can the readers keep up with your work?

You can find my work here

Website

Facebook

Instagram

Or contact me personally at: +9198102 88304