Aishwarya Pai, a talented photographer from Mapusa, Goa, has rapidly established herself as a rising star in the world of architecture photography. Her journey, rooted in a deep passion for capturing the intricate details of spaces, is one filled with dedication, technical prowess, and a love for both visual art and animal welfare. Aishwarya’s story is one of transformation, where her interests in photography, swimming, and community service have intertwined to create a unique narrative. This article delves into her life, exploring her personal and professional journey, her technical expertise, challenges faced, client interactions, and her future aspirations in the world of architecture photography.
Early Life and Education
Growing up in the vibrant town of Mapusa, Goa, Aishwarya was always surrounded by culture, tradition, and the rich architectural heritage of the state. From a young age, she was drawn to the beauty of the old Goan houses and monuments that dotted her hometown. This early exposure would later become the foundation of her career in photography. However, Aishwarya’s initial academic journey took her in a different direction. She pursued a Bachelor of Engineering (B.E.) degree in Computer Engineering, a field far removed from the creative arts.
Yet, her love for visual storytelling never wavered. Driven by this passion, Aishwarya decided to enroll in a three-year course in photography and filmmaking, specialising in fashion photography and architecture photography. This decision marked the beginning of her journey into the world of visual arts, where she would eventually find her true calling.
The Spark That Ignited Her Passion for Architecture Photography
As part of her photography course, Aishwarya was assigned a project that would prove to be a turning point in her career. The task involved capturing the structures and build of Goan monuments and houses, allowing her to explore the beauty of these architectural marvels through her lens. It was during this assignment that Aishwarya truly fell in love with the art of architecture photography.
She realised that there was something magical about the way light and shadows played across the surfaces of these buildings, creating a visual treat that she wanted to capture and share with the world. This newfound passion led her to focus more on architecture photography, where she found joy in documenting not just the structures, but also the stories that each space told.
National-Level Swimmer and Passionate Dog Lover
Apart from her love for photography, Aishwarya has another significant aspect of her life that she cherishes deeply—swimming. A national-level gold medalist in swimming, Aishwarya’s dedication to the sport has been a source of pride and accomplishment. She not only excels in swimming but also conducts swimming classes for students of all ages. Her youngest student enrolled at just three years old, while her oldest student was an impressive 65 years old. This wide age range is a testament to her ability to connect with people and share her love for the sport.
But Aishwarya’s compassion extends beyond her human students. She is also a dedicated dog feeder, taking care of the street dogs in her locality. Her dream is to open a shelter for these dogs, where they can receive the care and love they deserve. This deep sense of responsibility towards animals is another reflection of Aishwarya’s kind and nurturing nature, which permeates all aspects of her life.
Professional Experience and Growth in Architecture Photography
Aishwarya’s professional journey in architecture photography has been one of continuous growth and learning. Her initial project on Goan monuments and houses sparked a deep interest in capturing the essence of spaces. From there, she expanded her focus to include a variety of spaces such as hotels, villas, cafés, resorts, and restaurants. Each of these spaces, with their unique architectural styles and interior designs, offered Aishwarya new challenges and opportunities to hone her craft.
The beauty of architecture, with its intricate details and the play of light and shadow, continues to inspire her to explore more and capture the stories that these spaces tell. Aishwarya believes that every space has a story to tell, and through her photography, she aims to bring those stories to life. Her work is not just about capturing the physical aspects of a building; it is about conveying the emotions, the history, and the character that each space embodies.
Technical Expertise: The Tools Behind the Art
Aishwarya’s success as a photographer is not just due to her artistic eye, but also her technical expertise. She uses a Sony a7 IV camera, equipped with various lenses, to capture her stunning images. This camera, known for its exceptional sharpness and colour accuracy, is the backbone of her work. Mounted on a sturdy tripod, it allows Aishwarya to achieve the perfect angle and height, ensuring that each photo is captured with precision. But the camera is just one part of the process. Aishwarya also emphasises the importance of high-quality tools in creating a high-quality image. The combination of the right equipment and her technical knowledge allows her to create magic with her photography, turning ordinary spaces into visual masterpieces.
Post-processing is another critical aspect of her work. Aishwarya uses Adobe Lightroom and Photoshop to edit her photos, enhancing them to make the spaces look even more appealing. She understands that appealing photos are crucial in grabbing the attention of viewers, making them want to visit the space or learn more about it. The editing process allows her to bring out the best in each photo, ensuring that the final image is a true representation of the space.
Overcoming Challenges: Capturing the Essence of a Portuguese Villa
Like any profession, architecture photography comes with its own set of challenges. Aishwarya recalls one particular project where she had to photograph a Portuguese villa with very minimal natural light and limited artificial lighting. This presented a significant challenge, as the lack of light made it difficult to capture the space in its true essence. However, Aishwarya’s technical knowledge of the camera came to the rescue. By adjusting the camera settings, she was able to capture the villa’s beauty despite the lighting limitations.
The editing process further enhanced the photos, making them look bright, warm, and inviting. The final images had a cozy feel to them, making viewers want to live there. This experience not only tested Aishwarya’s skills but also reinforced her belief in the importance of technical knowledge in overcoming challenges. It also highlighted her ability to adapt to different situations and find solutions that work, even in less-than-ideal conditions.
Client Interaction: Understanding and Delivering on Expectations
For Aishwarya, client interaction is a vital part of the photography process. She understands that every client has specific needs and expectations, and it is her job to meet those expectations. Before starting any project, Aishwarya takes the time to discuss with the client to understand what exactly they are looking for. Whether they want to promote their property, create a portfolio of the space they have designed, or highlight specific features of the space, Aishwarya listens carefully to their needs. This initial discussion helps her to tailor her approach to each project, ensuring that the final images and videos align with the client’s vision.
Aishwarya offers a variety of photography and video packages to suit different needs. These include lifestyle shoots with models, short video reels for social media, promotional videos for properties, aerial photography of the property, walkthrough videos for websites, and twilight photography. Throughout the shoot, Aishwarya keeps the lines of communication open, encouraging clients to share their ideas and feedback. This collaborative approach ensures that the final product meets or even exceeds the client’s expectations, effectively showcasing their property in the best possible light.
Turning Point: Building Trust and Expanding Opportunities
A significant turning point in Aishwarya’s career came when an architect approached her to document a project. The architect was so impressed with Aishwarya’s work that she shared the photos on her Instagram page. This exposure led to several other architects and interior designers reaching out to Aishwarya, eager to have their projects documented by her. This initial trust built with one client soon expanded to a broader network, allowing Aishwarya to work on a variety of projects and build a reputation as a skilled architecture photographer.
Over the years, this trust has grown, and Aishwarya continues to receive opportunities to document the work of talented architects and designers. This experience taught her the importance of building strong relationships with clients and delivering consistent, high-quality work. It also reinforced her belief that trust is the foundation of any successful professional relationship, and maintaining that trust is key to long-term success.
Future Goals: Aspirations in the World of Architecture Photography
Looking ahead, Aishwarya has ambitious goals for her photography business. She aims to work with renowned architects and interior designers, capturing their innovative work and new-age style. Aishwarya is particularly interested in documenting high-end luxury projects, which offer unique challenges and opportunities to showcase her skills. She is committed to continuously fine-tuning her craft, staying updated with new techniques, and producing exceptional outputs.
Aishwarya’s ultimate goal is to make a name for herself in the world of architecture photography, becoming known as a top-tier photographer in Goa and beyond. But Aishwarya’s aspirations are not limited to her professional life. She also dreams of opening a shelter for stray dogs, combining her love for animals with her desire to give back to the community. This dream reflects Aishwarya’s compassionate nature and her belief in using her success to make a positive impact on the world around her.
Conclusion
Aishwarya Pai’s journey from a computer engineering graduate to a skilled architecture photographer is a testament to her passion, dedication, and hard work. Her ability to capture the beauty of spaces, combined with her technical expertise and client-focused approach, has made her a sought-after professional in the field. Aishwarya’s story is not just about her success in photography; it is also about her commitment to her passions, whether in swimming, animal welfare, or helping others through her work. As she continues to grow and evolve in her career, there is no doubt that Aishwarya will leave a lasting impact on the world of architecture photography, while also making a difference in the lives of those around her.
