Why we never stop evolving

Evolution is an important aspect of we as being humans. Charle's theory of the survival of the best leads to evolution and there is something which keeps hitting me back since my high school we "Discover" we don't "Invent". My high school English teacher once narrated the theory behind and it is just deep-rooted in my brain since then.

The article is not about the fight between discovering and invent, I just thought to clarify my side but both participate equally in the ongoing process of moving the life ahead. I was chatting with one of my acquaintances over Facebook and realized how people have a strong belief in life that will move on may whatever be the circumstances. I am writing this article as the lockdown is ongoing and myself sitting in my studio apartment thinking very hard what to do next?

This article is going to be self-centric and I hope it gives you enough ideas to do what you can do. I am a freelance commercial photographer, a cinemagraph artist, and a product stylist and I guess I have enough roles now to play and earn around it. To add I have always had an interest in being a model cum actor but every audition came with a disappointment and I eventually realized my appearance is not exactly Indian market-centric or else, well whatever may be the reason I was always displaced and canned at the last moment. I eventually stopped giving any in front of the camera changes and stuck to being behind and It has helped me a lot to survive and lead a life I wished. "The dip" by Seth Godin later helped me to understand that hitting the wall is not worth it if it's not even creating a crack. Anyway, moving on to my evolution, I started as an editorial photographer for an online magazine which later leads me to have a full-fledged portfolio of portrait and people and eventually got hold of more and finally an advertising campaign setting my foot into the advertising world.

I before proceeding to my so-called brief journey want to state the realistic aspect that all the factors came into space due to the lack of options, scarcity lead me to take chances and evolve.

As I got more product-related assignments, lack of budget and the client being open to ideas I tried my hand over product styling and lead me to act as one and helped me to earn a little extra on the side.

As a cinemagraph artist, I did a few potential campaigns but market was very skeptical hence it never became a big hit for myself.

I tried, and I still try to give a try to every opportunity and however I am hesitant to things I have never tried before I personally believe there is always a start.

I have picked up some of the bestselling self-help books and every book teaches us an aspect of hanging on and prolonging the desire we wish to be, some taught me to leave things the way they are and not to commercialize every aspect of my existence.

I love to dance and I love working out but I have never thought to earn from it cause they are the source of my happiness and personal development and a way to let people know what I am apart from my work. Cooking is my other way of self de-stressing and something I have found deep disappointment is dating someone. Every initial conversation does start with something promising but ended up on an abrupt note and it eventually pushed me to seek therapy. I recently loved the fact that I came out with my issue of depression and depressive episodes and my intellectual sessions have helped me to understand that I need to break free the norms I thought will not be acceptable by the society, in-fact opening up the way I am in person and on a subconscious way has helped me to connect more to people and portray the aspect of being more approachable.

Seeking therapy is not making me cuckoo but I guess we all need and seek some kind of non-judgemental guidance to evolve and evolve for ourselves.

Evolution is not just self-centered but even when we wish to fill a gap or curious or just there is a scarcity which needs to be met, the very present time is one of the epitomai of times in the history which is in the making if and when we find a way to fight the very Corona. When we don't know but I know things will not be the same globally and evolution will be on its peak to seek a solution for any future mishap if any on the way.

As an artist, as a human, as a loved one to one and as whoever we are and we are everything at ones, to be honest, we all seek to improve ourselves.

We will not stop or pause because it is not in the DNA and it is too easy to say sitting in my cozy apartment but with due living a life of 30 years I know what I am talking. I have not stopped seeking a way to evolve in my work and my thought process and it will not end as long as I am alive. We all are seeking a better tomorrow and we all are seeing to be in a better place.

We cannot escape evolution even if we seek minimalism and we will deter to be better in it day after day.

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Hii, I am shovona, a freelance commercial photographer who resides in the economic hub of India, Mumbai. As an artist, I undergo the above almost every day and I am here to support others to let them feel cool about anything happening in life.

Feel free to contact me for any portrait, corporate, food, product photography related queries or just drop a hi! at

shovonakar@gmail.com

#commercialphotographer #portraitphotographer #productstylist

Future is You...

When we call self an artist, the very image of being starving and always broke is something comes in a lay man's mind. We, most of you in this case are from metro cities far more reached and far more open to opportunities which were considered neoconservative/unsafe.

Past few years we have seen a steep boom of photographers, graphic designers. UI, CGI artist, animators, illustrators and more of its kind of story tellers, enough to have a very unhealthy competition of supply and demand and price cut hence it is still considered one hell of an occupation to be.

Freelancing is new trend for many to live a lifestyle with so many ill-practices and myths one lives by but on the other hand its a new and more healthy way to cope with unemployment. Recently the budget passed by the govt of India is more inclined towards freelancing and is its a good news? Only time will tell but its all about believe we need to live with.

Now coming back to the statement I have made above in the heading, what exactly is the future of Imagery business and the answer is simple Conceptually Versatile.

MIX MEDIA IS ON THE RISE

Photography has been a craze past 15 years and so with the boom of digital cameras and how easy and affordable they are, but as time passed we saw a trend of bending realities and motion graphics adding an edge to it. Its indeed a clear indication that things are moving faster than before and if you wish to be in the competition you need to step up your game. Sadly the market craving for such is still very niche specially in India and as per my experience with national and international clients things are better outdoors. People still considering self an old school master should not loose hope but one who desires to join the upcoming market should initiate thinking little out of the box.

Investment in an upgraded system may sound pricey to you at the present point of time but you will surely thank yourself in coming times.

Present market is looking for people who have concepts more connected to people as it has more power to move them. We are far more reached via social media and other mediums and hence people are either sensitive or not so sensitive at all. The overall agenda is to find ways to grab the attention span a little more than given by them and let them know the message we have in mind. Your concept needs to be a little more than either still or moving, it needs to be engaging unbiased of the fact it can be as stupid and as funny as possible.

MORE CONCEPT BASED IDEAS

Following with the above, we have seen a change in advertisement where either the technology is giving an edge and above all the story is making the overall difference. Television commercials are more home made and hand stitched taking us back to the days when things were more practically worth living peacefully.

Raw is the new form of visual treatment where we can see ourselves and effect is far more outgoing. There is no denial of the over the top commercials and pictures which are purely meant for entertainment purposes.

MORE PSYCHOLOGY BASED PROFESSION

Freelancing and any profession per say takes a toll on our mental health in a long run if and when ignored. Recently I met a professor teaching in a design college and loved the passion he has for a better design future for his students. This puts me to the thinking if teaching is a profession where one can help shape one with a better mindset. The more late back and minute the job was been considered back in 90s and 80s the more important aspect they tend to play at the present point of time. Basics aka foundation needs a solid brush stroke.

Sharing the knowledge what you have gained is a new way to counsel people known and unknown and is very much a trend we are gonna see in future. Quality education is either gonna be free or more reachable is something time will say but with the kind of chaotic market it is many bloggers are flexible to give away in a more pocket friendly subscription.

If I need to be frank the quality of design school in India still has a long way to go but keeping hope is never a bad thing.

The line between Photo, film and CGI

Visual creative business has far gone than we can expect and reaching the skill is only beholden by few largely due to the raw material needed, funds and above all the interest and patience one require to be there.

If you think you have the moral and financial support to hang on and surpass more of the mental hurdles to acquire the skill of mastermind, its the best investment you can ever have. If you start today for sure in coming years market is gonna lean more towards its demands.

Artificial Intelligence is controversial

We tend to not so like the artificial intelligence which may or may not have the potential to replace us in the coming future, the competition is very unclear but they indeed have proved from time to time the authority they may have on us. Living in fear is not an option has its more towards economical growth at present but scientist are due trying to imbibe the capabilities for them to take few independent creative calls.

Lets face it, phones and computers are far more advanced than before yet we are calling the calls and trust me it will take a lot for a client to hire them than us so relax.

Coming back to the basics of any freelancing or job, certain things don't change as evolution takes years to come to practical. Supporting yourself with the expensive deal you will have to face will make the life hard to live and will take toll on your mind, as there is nothing easy, even baking a cake has its calculations to follow.

Clients will tend to be ignorant of your struggle and they will continue to push you down from time to time, as long as you hang on you will prove your worth to them.

Visual imagery is not a business of money it is pure passion and pure sheer to master your skill to give back something worth getting inspired and move the mind within. Money will follow, quality clients will come to you and you will carter things to a brighter side eventually.

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Hello, myself Shovona, a freelance commercial photographer, product stylist and a cinemagraph artist presently based out of India. Freelancing is an accident I am living a happy life with and looking forward to more opportunities to explore the unexplored side of mine.

#dailyblogger #photographer #womanphotographer #productstylist #mumbaiphotographer

When you need it most, Savings 101.

In every freelance life there comes a phase or a stage when the phone stops ringing and there is this vacuum where the person doesn't understand why there is no calling. In short no opportunities knocking the door.

Every good to go freelancer or an entrepreneur has undergone the above and then the inner awakening happens. The sensibility to tackle opportunities and money.

Finance is a part very much neglected keeping a thought in mind, more is on the way and we have the right to live as if its the last day in life. Often people take the statement in a literal sense and doesn't think about the future. Savings is an bigger aspect than what one considers it to be. Emergency doesn't give you a fore say and when it comes your financial stability determines a lot how you are gonna tackle the issue.

Our parents and generation before were very successful enough, may be because they had least expectations and fancies from their life. The exercise to save is a gift you will always be great full to yourself.

Savings comes in many ways and they are easy to practice though they need a little of restraint from yourself if you want it to be a success. Limiting your needs on monthly and yearly basis do checks the expenditure. Looking for sale and multiple platforms to get the maximum in the least is a good exercise.

Our banks have amazing schemes to help you save and many where your money will be locked for a certain period of time for you to create the same blockage in mind but the returns are fruitful. I personally swear by PPF and FIxed Deposits and I have gained quite a lot in past many years. Contact your bank about the plans they have with the high interest rate.

Investment is a good way for your money to grow, SIP is a quite a new word for many but if done in a healthy way the returns are amazing.

Gold is again an investment which will never let you down, keep the bill intact in-case you wish to exchange it for more gold or money from the desired shop.

Collection of artifacts may sound fancy but its a risky trade to be into, as the industry runs a lot on the based of contacts and presentation, I suggest avoid getting into gambling as much as possible.

A simple act of keeping 60% of your earning as saving is quite a task but its a best way to avoid unnecessary expenses. The phase where no opportunities knock your door do exist in my life and savings is something I swear by. One of the investment I do and it never disappoints is education, upgrading your skill with new knowledge is never an expenditure indeed you open a new door to earn an extra cash. Money is not everything but it do has the power to solve many of your materialistic problems. Fulfillment of dreams is when your alive, you are in a space to think afresh. Money may not be everything but it do makes your life little easier.

Savings is like your best friend and a confidence.

Few things I personally practice to keep my expenditure checked.

• Keeping a menu beforehand lets me buy food accordingly plus I avoid ordering food or going out on daily basis.

• I often check my wardrobe and sort the clothing accordingly to avoid the very feeling of "I have nothing to wear" .

• With every assignment I set aside 50% to 60% of the fees for PPF (I pay the max limit annually to gain the maximum interest)

• I do keep my traveling checked with all possible public transport.

• Every sale is not smart move but I do keep a n eye over it to grab one when its priced the least

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Hi there, its me Shovona, a freelance #commercial #photographer, #cinemagraph artist and a product #stylist based out of #Mumbai India. Feel free to get in touch. For any work related queries you are just a call away.

#potraitphotographer #productstylist #mumbaiblogger #dailyblogger #mumbaiphotographer #productphotographer

SMOOTHIE: banana grape stawberry

Who doesn't love smoothies and they are the best way to gulp in those yummy fruits in a most fancy manner. Smoothie is my fast breaker, its something which takes away my blues and I swear I love it on any occasion.

Smoothies are catching up in many small food chains and pubs and clubs. The name sounds exotic and yes they do come with a good price. What if you can make it at home with no extra taxes. All you need is a blender and some alfafa.. fruits..hahaha. the more exotic they sound the premium it charged.

Here I have simply diced few grapes, strawberries and one banana and blended it well with a dash of lime, salt, pepper and cold filter water or soda (yes soda gives a punch) but optional.

Serve it with few fresh pieces of fruits or a pack of granola. (will share that recipe soon) in a not so fancy glass and enjoy!

Its healthy, its fast its lazy! and the best way to impress your date, even the non healthy one will love it.

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Hello, myself Shovona. a freelance commercial photographer, cinemagraph artist and a product stylist based out of Mumbai India. Food is an integral part of my personality, I belong to a family of farmers and back in my home my family makes sure to grow something organic where ever possible. Food is my religion and I am very passionate about it.

Thankyou for reading..

See your tomorrow!

#foodblogger #foodstylist #productstylist #smoothie #dailyblogger #foodphotographer #mumbaiphotographer

5 things I wish people can understand

Self Portrait

We are in the 21st century, era of unimaginable technology, super sonic process and era of checking self and trying to filter and curate self in each and every step. But stop! before you cross the limit and its too late to be sane here are few things I wanna share with you all. The feeling of being accepted is not something you only go through, the one who have gained fame and name crave it far more than you, you see they have more to loose. Playing according to the social norms is not traditional anymore, rather the more you try to jump high, swim deep and think bizzard, chances are people will notice you in some or the other way. Any marketing is a good marketing.. my friend and all you do with it is in your hand.

Here are my 5 things I wish people can understand.

SHIT IS JUST NOT ONLY SUBSCRIBED TO YOU: We all like to throw a little of tantrum stating we are going through a lot, unless you have a shed over your head and food to eat, possibilities are endless. Lack of opportunities, lack of things we see other posses is often been misunderstood, we feel ourselves as "Not the chosen ones" and the feeling of being underrated is all we live with. Well true some are born with a silver spoon, but if you back to their history there was one who did things beyond its comfort, even queen Elizabeth fixed vans and trucks back in world war. Best thing to do is to open few old books, read the old men and women. Dig as much as possible to understand from where they come from. Having all the name and fame brings its own fancy SHIT to go through. The more you are in ease while the phase the better you showcase yourself. We are a part of an ecosystem where Charles Darwin theory will exist as long as we are alive.

GETTING MARRIED DOESN'T DEFINE STABILITY IN LIFE: Who doesn't crave for love, yes people are there who wishes to retire, live a non materialist life, but the feeling of belonging-sens is not going away, its just changes in form, be a soul mate or a cozy house on hills with the most exotic view, you want something to calm you down, to give you company. In case you are still single looking for the special once and on the side your mates found one back in the school n college days, Don't think you have hit the wall, post dating guys over the past many years I have understood a basic fact, options are numerous and a quick fix is not a solution in today's time. Above all what we should really look around is a good company who doesn't judge you but at the same time is not biased. Let it be a pet or a friend or a mate or even a cozy house. As long as you are productive and giving back to the society you should feel good and call it stable.

YOUR BANK BALANCE SHOULD NOT RESTRAIN YOU IN ANYWAY: Who doesn't need money. Who doesn't like money, if one says NO! please shut him up. But reality is the market is going bad and work scarcity is cribbing in. We are more cautious about how we spend now more than ever. cashback is a new fancy term to fix our Financial Fixation. Things has to move on, life has to move on and there is no way you will achieve your goals and dreams being shut between four walls. Hope! Internet is the best thing happened to the Mankind, possibilities are now at your desk space. How you use it will give shape to the idea you always had in your head you wished to make it true. Information is plenty but avoid self with overload. Goal is to plan things accordingly, I don't deny things will happen without spending a penny but minimizing your expenses and putting it into thing it really needs to happen for a better tomorrow should be the agenda.

NO SHAME ASKING MONEY FROM YOUR PARENTS: Financial crunch is a real problem and we have to admit it, there is nothing wrong with you if you are off work for months and even years, sadly things are pretty low economically. I understand you wish to stand on your own money and make things happen for self and your parents and siblings and other dear ones but there is nothing wrong to reach out to them when you need a little money push.

BEING STUPID IS OK: Are you trying to rehearse for the next gala? Darling life is not a gala and that's the best part. Criticizing self is your fav thing to do? Now lets not be too hard on self. Being silly is the new fashion in today's time and we have given it a nice fancy name to it.. COMEDIAN! there is no harm being what you are, its healthy in-fact. We indirectly portray a positive side of being a human and what is reality vs staged. Don't overdo it. There is this amazing sweet little charm being silly, being kiddish, is that we tend to be retain the best soul possible and teach other how to be more Human.

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Hey, my name is Shovona, a freelance commercial photographer based out of Mumbai, India. You see, being into an industry where perfection sells and reality is underrated I tend to compromise in my thoughts in exchange of money which helps to fuel my soul and body, but there are so many things I wish to share I found my blog to be the best place and I hope you like what you read.

Thanks for reading...

See your tomorrow!

#fashionphotographer #productphotographer #productstylist #mumbaiblogger #dailyblogger #followmetofollow #mumbai #photographer

5 Things believe it or not!

Life is a complicated fusion of things we believe and some we don’t, few we can see in reality some we don’t. Feelings, rage, anger, insecurity, love, jealousy.. so many things define what we are... Being religious, spiritual, atheist is a personal choice, so do having a believe in spirits, ghost, whatever you call.

Running a show alone both personally and professionally has nothing much to do with my top 5 things but yes I have somehow found peace practicing them.

• THINGS HAPPENS FOR GOOD: To keep things clear, I am not stating all those unfortunate abuse and molestation and accidents to be on the good book what I wanna state is things beyond our control or our emotional stability, loosing track once in life is all good. Getting caught for something unfair to else or letting your dirty secrets in open, if you think hard, few incidents in life happens for ones good. It gives you a chance to work on prior its too late. In-case you don’t believe, its totally cool!

• IT’S NOT IMPORTANT TO BE A INSTANT: We all are in a constant virtual touch with people all round the globe, whats-app BLUE tick is like any drug raising an urge to looking forward to, SEEN AT is again working on the similar lines. What one has to understand, things can wait!, there is no hurry to reply to ones forwards and surveys keeping your VIP work aside, there are things all round the day which needs your constant attention than those unlimited like and tag pings. It’s not even important to reply if your don’t feel like, let you give self a break, take deep breaths and initiate the conversation afresh.

• HONKING IS NOT IMPORTANT: Stuck in traffic! so do many others along you, its a chain reaction, and Honking is not gonna clear the way exclusively for you, sadly what happens is you raise the tension way more with the annoying noise pollution. Wait... respect the driver in front of you, and one infront of that and then in-front of that and so on...

• HAVE PATIENCE: Breath in and out is not any fancy term, its a practical theory, which actually works. We all are impatient, not in once in blue moon, but almost everyday. BREATH IN! BREATH OUT! Yes things takes time and good things takes time. Effort is a collaboration of your passion and how much you waited for ... if you want things your way, you indeed have to work but with patience.

• ITS NOT GOOD TO BE TOO GOOD: Counting your karma is one thing, but being sane is another. Life is unfair and its true. Survival of best is a basic rule how life moves and that doesn’t mean you take the shit as it comes along. You need to learn to give back as needed. You have a worth and you have right to tag yourself with it and if one questions, at times you need to let them show them a mirror.

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hey, Myself Shovona, a freelance creative mad hatter based in Mumbai India. I have always thought and to be honest in a process to think what exactly being in peace means. There are no pills, no monthly subscription, its all in you. Getting rid of fear and insecurities.. is a one of the secret.

#mumbaiphotographer #advertising #foodblogger #productstylist #mumbai #artist #portraitphotographer