Greetings, I'm Sabik Syed, a part-time professional photographer and IT professional, and I'm delighted to share my story with you. It's been quite a ride, considering I was born in the last decade of the 20th century, allowing me to witness the remarkable evolution of camera technology firsthand.
During my early years, I recall my father owning a cherished Kodak film camera. It held a roll of 24 films, and as a wide-eyed six-year-old, I yearned for the opportunity to hold that camera in my hands and capture a moment. But no one would trust a 6 year old to handle a camera safely. I wouldn't blame anyone when I think about it today. That was the only camera we had. Today, cameras have become ubiquitous, with even refrigerators boasting built-in cameras! The world sure has taken some interesting turns.
It wasn't until my seventh-grade year, when I acquired my first phone, that my true passion for photography came alive. For me, photography is more than just a medium; it's about capturing the essence of a moment. A genuine photographer possesses the ability to anticipate and sense when something extraordinary is about to unfold, ensuring they're prepared to immortalize it through their lens. I consider myself fortunate to possess that intuition.
Growing up in a typical Indian family, photography wasn't considered a viable career option beyond high school. The choices were rather limited: become a doctor or an engineer. Therefore, I pursued engineering as my chosen path. It wasn't until after completing my Master's degree and securing my initial job that I decided to reward myself with a proper camera. I acquired a Canon EOS Rebel T5, a modest DSLR accompanied by a 50mm prime lens and a 24mm landscape lens.
However, it was a turning point in my life when my girlfriend, who has been a tremendous source of support, encouraged me to pursue photography as a profession. I enrolled in several photography courses to enhance my skills and further solidify my foundation. I upgraded my equipment and was thrilled to secure my first paid shoot. While I had previously undertaken photography shoots for friends and family, this particular opportunity was both exhilarating and nerve-wracking. I was determined not to disappoint the client who had placed their trust in me to capture their family's love and happiness. Thankfully, they were delighted with the results, leading to subsequent bookings and further building my confidence and experience.
Presently, I find myself fully engaged in the technology industry on a full-time basis, devoting my weekends and holidays to photography. I occasionally take time off from my primary profession for significant events. My ultimate dream is to transition into a full-time photographer while maintaining my programming work on a part-time basis. There's simply nothing in this world that brings me greater joy than pursuing photography. It has been an enthralling journey thus far, affording me the opportunity to meet incredible individuals and partake in diverse cultural events.
Thank you for investing your time in reviewing my portfolio and reading my story. I sincerely hope we can establish a connection, so please don't hesitate to reach out. Remember, always pursue your passions and engage in what you love. Begin with modest steps and steadily progress towards your goals.