Making parents proud

From IT field to photography, Bhargavi Jakkala made a smooth switch to strike a balance with what she loves — being with children. Now she specialises in photography of the new-born

How did you come into photography?

It was just to give wings to my entrepreneurial ambitions, and it was a whole new experience. I’ve always had a penchant for business and a passion for the more creative side of things; to more illustrative ones like paintings, artworks that inspired me into photography.

It was my brother-in-law, who had gifted me a digital cam in my college days and since then I was interested in photography and always wanted to pursue my career in this. After my child was born, I had professionally taken this as my career option to have a work balance with my personal and professional life.

I love being with children as they make you smile and spread happiness around all the time. The happiness you get when you are with children is priceless, which makes you forget all the worries and have a happy day, and so I started working with them.

When did you take up photography as a career?

It is my profession now. I started with my baby when she was 6 months old. I learned and moved to professional photography.

I was into IT, which helped me to be technically sound with the tools I use for editing photographs and my previous experience in photography helped me to specialise in my area of interest and move to photography of the New-borns.

Can you share details about child photography?

I expertise in Newborn and Maternity Photography. Seeing your child grow is the most amazing experience which you will be living through and along this endearing journey you always wish to capture every moment of it.

The first few years in the life of a kid is full of many ‘FIRSTS’ which I capture for my clients.

How do you handle gender bias in this profession?

I’m in this space where I feel very peaceful, comfortable, self-assured and it’s something I’ve been working towards since the very beginning. There has always been a very female-friendly environment for me.

There’s a higher standard of professionalism expected of women. The default choice has always been a male photographer but there are so many really good women photographers all across our country.

It’s not male against female. Decision-makers need to be held accountable for helping to create a climate in which women photographers are overlooked, especially when so many photo editors, prop vendors, art directors, art buyers, etc. are women.

What do your friends and relatives think about your career?

My family has supported me a lot to take up decisions on my own and my friends are proud of me to what I am today.

They have always encouraged me, and I am thankful to a few of my clients who travelled from far-off places and have just allowed me to do my job.

How do you handle your family life?

I am a mother of a 3-year-old and I manage to spend a lot of time with my little one, however busy I am.

Having a work balance in your personal and professional life helps you build a healthy and happy family. I base my decisions on what makes me more peaceful, and nothing else.

Which is the best shoot you cherish?

The happiest moment to cherish is only when you see parents bring their newborns with so much trust and confidence in me by the way I handle their baby or children, and get their best memories captured.

News Source: The Hans India