The mobile phone revolution is one of the incredibly magical phenomena of the 21st century. Today, we carry our lives in our palm sized phones. What makes this more fantastic is that we are able to channelize our creativity using these gadgets.
Meet Aashana Gupta – the wonder woman who has changed that lifeless piece of top end circuitry into a medium of art. She is a photographer- more specifically, a mobilographer – she specializes in taking photographs using her mobile. It is the sign of the times that such a genre of photography is now one of the most popular forms and is taken seriously in all circles.
The Uncommon Box decided to catch up with Aashna and unravel her inspiring journey on this rather unusual medium.
The Story Begins:
Aashana began photography in November 2015, while she was in the third year of college and pursuing Chartered Accountancy. Experiencing the frustrations of the conventional academic system, led Aashana to choose photography as her passion. And like every life-changing decision we make, this choice has also transformed her life drastically.
The journey so far…
Aashana says, ‘My journey in photography has been an amazing experience. As you know I’m a mobile photographer, I always have my gear with me wherever I go. Instagram has given me a huge platform for photography. I don’t use Facebook. Might use it soon.
“As a photographer you have a completely different view of seeing and sensing things. I’ve really grown as a person. I’ve met new people who bought in new experiences. Learning things now and then goes hand in hand.”
My pictures have been featured in Mumbai Mirror newspaper thrice, I’ve got different product shoots, and I’ve got features in huge pages and one in an online magazine as well. I get messages almost every day about me and my work inspiring people. And that’s a huge achievement.
“It really makes me happy that I can help or inspire someone. It’s a huge thing for me as mobile photography is not as accepted as photographs taken with the DSLR. I’ve come to know myself.’”
The most frequently asked question- Why does Aashana prefer to use the mobile instead of the regular DSLR, which is more accepted?
Aashana is very clear about her choice. Her words exude a calm confidence and a staunch belief in herself. She says,
‘I’m doing photography for myself as it makes me happy and gives me peace. I’m passionate about it. So I didn’t just stop or ever think that I’ll not do photography because I don’t have a DSLR. Undoubtedly, a mobile phone restricts you in many ways when it comes to different techniques as in a DSLR. But I’m currently happy and content with what I am doing right now. I’ll obviously get myself a DSLR but only when I feel like owning one. I got my entire life to learn and implement.
“I’ve always wanted to do something unique and present my work in such a way that people are inspired. Even if one single person is inspired by it, I’m successful as a person.’”
The pursuit of every passion involves facing challenges that make the success sweeter. Aashana admitted that – Well it is really difficult to be patient at times when people out there don’t believe that my pictures are mobile shots. In a way it is a good thing. Plus I’ve not faced any such huge challenges as I got great support from everyone.’
Aashana believes that everything around can be framed into a story. One needs to have an eye for it. She follows her heart- clicking whatever she wishes to.
The question put forth by many is about the gadget she uses to click her images:
Aashana uses the Moto X Play phone, which has a 21mp camera.
For post processing, she uses Snapseed.
Most importantly, she makes it a point take a backup of her pictures
“Creating and capturing memories and moments are important but saving them is the most important thing I feel.”
What sets her apart from the other photographers around:
-Every person is unique and different in their own way same applies to photographers. The best thing about me is I never compare myself or my work with others. I instead crave for learning things from everyone. Plus I’ve never got that complex or degraded feeling of not having a DSLR because I’m proud of being a mobile photographer. Be it a small thing but yes I think that makes me different. Passion & positivity is what keeps a person going.
Credit goes to Aashana for finding encouragement and support in everyone! She believes that
‘Inspiration comes from within and every little incident around you can inspire you.’
Of course, the most influential role was played by her family. Her friends support her by actually suggesting places for photography and accompanying her on her shoots. She wishes to acknowledge their roles and thank them all specially.
The Road Ahead:
Aashana plans to complete her academics but photography and exploration will always remain her first love. She intends to carry on with it.
When Team TUB asked her for her advice for budding photographers, this is what Aashana has had to say:
If you’re really passionate about photography then please start photography without waiting to own a DSLR. You’ll surely have one someday. But then till that someday you’re probably missing out many amazing things.
You’ll definitely grow as a person for which you’re going to love yourself. I’ve experienced it personally. Good things are awaiting you. Good luck people.
Such positivity is definitely commendable and the secret to her indomitable spirit. Aashana Gupta is on the threshold of a world that is awaiting more of her incredible artistry.
We wish her the very best for her future endeavours.
You can follow her work on the following links:
email: aashana1209@yahoo.com
Do leave your valuable feedback on this inspiring personality, who may be young in years but is worthy of emulation.
Please use the Submit Your Story to write into us or email us at theuncommonbox@gmail.com.
We encourage all kind of creative work whether articles, poems, sketches, doodling, painting, food styling or about fashion or travelling or photography.
If you are on instagram follow us @TheUncommonBox and use our hashtag #TheUncommonBox for the same.
You can reach us on FB Page too by following our page “THE UNCOMMON BOX”. and can tweet @THEUNCOMMONBOX
