Param Talaulikar, born and raised in Margao, Goa . He completed his schooling at Mahila & Nutan English High School, pursued commerce at RMS Higher Secondary School, earned his B.Com at Damodars, and finished with a Master’s in Commerce from Goa University. Despite his family’s business background, Param’s heart led him down a different path—one of art and creativity.
The Start of a Photography Journey: Finding Passion in Frames
Param’s journey into photography began in 2015 when friends admired his phone photography skills, often praising his ability to frame shots well. The appreciation he received online for his pictures motivated him to explore photography more seriously. Although he started with just a phone, Param’s passion and commitment soon led him to invest in his first camera using savings from his pocket money.
He enrolled in a ten-day photography course with Sir Prasad Pankar, where he learned about the intricacies of lighting, camera settings, and the science behind capturing perfect photos. This foundational course not only equipped Param with essential skills but also boosted his confidence, pushing him to explore Margao’s streets, capturing college festivals, live performances, and candid portraits. His growing love for photography ignited a desire to commercialize his work and eventually pursue it as a full-time profession.
From Nightlife to Weddings: Overcoming Challenges and Finding Purpose
Without a portfolio, Param initially struggled to break into wedding and event photography. He started by messaging nightlife event planners, as these gigs did not typically require a portfolio and often welcomed newcomers willing to work for lower rates. After many attempts, a few responded, and Param began his journey in nightlife photography. However, the path was not easy; he faced challenges like poor lighting, frequent rejections, and his own introversion, which made approaching people for photos daunting.
Determined not to give up, Param turned to YouTube tutorials, where he learned to experiment with camera settings and flash positions. This self-taught approach eventually paid off, leading to significant improvements in his work and positive feedback from venue owners. These experiences helped Param overcome his introversion, making it easier for him to engage with people and capture memorable shots.
By 2017, Param’s efforts in nightlife photography began to pay off. People started to recognize his work, and inquiries about his services for private events like engagements and birthdays began to pour in. This growing demand prompted him to establish his own company, “49 the Studio,” where he took on various small events, including parties and get-togethers. Working more often at different events, meeting new people, exploring the art, further boosted his confidence, enabling him to balance his photography with his Commerce course.
The Birth of “49 the Studio”: Creating a Brand from Passion
As Param continued to develop his skills, his work in nightlife caught the attention of wedding photographers. This exposure led him to freelance with various players in the market, and through these experiences, he realized that wedding photography was his true calling. Weddings, with their vibrant celebrations and unique stories, allowed Param to fully express his artistic vision.
However, the arrival of COVID-19 disrupted many businesses, including Param’s. Yet, this challenge turned into an opportunity for “49 the Studio.” The pandemic ushered in the concept of intimate weddings with fewer than 50 guests, which became a niche that Param expertly captured. Despite lacking an extensive portfolio, he took on these small-scale weddings, creating distinctive content that he promoted on Instagram. His creative wedding videos, which highlighted safety measures like masks and gloves, quickly gained popularity, especially since larger players overlooked these low-budget events. This success led to his first destination wedding booking in Jaipur in late 2020, marking a significant milestone in his career.
Building a Business: Merging Artistic Vision with Practical Knowledge
By January 2021, “49 the Studio” had gained significant visibility, and Param fully committed to the wedding scene, leaving his job at Big Daddy Casino to focus solely on his business. His background in commerce, both from his B.Com and M.Com studies, proved invaluable in managing the business side of his company. From pricing strategies to deal-making, Param seamlessly combined his artistic talents with practical knowledge to grow his brand.By January 2021, “49 the Studio” had gained significant visibility, and Param fully committed to the wedding scene, leaving his job at Big Daddy Casino to focus solely on his business. His background in commerce, both from his B.Com and M.Com studies, proved invaluable in managing the business side of his company. From pricing strategies to deal-making, Param seamlessly combined his artistic talents with practical knowledge to grow his brand.
Collaborating with newcomers eager to work with him, Param expanded “49 the Studio” as a destination wedding company, building a reputation for delivering high-quality, unique wedding experiences. His approach emphasizes treating every client and event with the utmost importance, striving to exceed expectations and create memorable stories.
Favourite Locations and Equipment: Crafting the Perfect Shot
Goa remains Param’s preferred location for wedding photography, with around 80% of his shoots taking place there. The region’s stunning beaches and resorts provide the perfect backdrop for his artistic vision. However, Param dreams of expanding globally, exploring diverse cultures and traditions, and creating unique content worldwide.
When it comes to equipment, Param prefers Canon cameras for photography and Sony for videography, as these brands offer the best experience and image quality. Investing in top-end cameras and lenses is essential for achieving professional results. While understanding camera settings like shutter speed, aperture and ISO is crucial, having high-quality equipment enhances the creative process, making shooting smoother and more efficient.
Managing Large Weddings: The Importance of a Strong Team
Shooting large weddings is both exciting and challenging, requiring a dedicated and skilled team. For Param, the business relies on a supportive team environment, where timely payments and mutual growth are prioritized. Honesty with clients and delivering on promises are core values that define “49 the Studio.”
Standing Out in a Competitive Market: Originality and Innovation
In a booming wedding photography market, standing out requires originality and a strong commitment to one’s unique style. Param emphasizes the importance of being true to oneself and discourages copying others. Developing a distinctive style, maintaining consistency in framing and colours, and experimenting with new trends that meet modern consumer demands help differentiate his brand. Additionally, offering a unique selling proposition, such as fast delivery or distinct storytelling methods, further sets “49 the Studio” apart.
Client Selection: Building Rapport for Better Results
As “49 the Studio” continues to grow, selecting the right clients whose vision aligns with the brand’s style becomes increasingly important. Param emphasizes the need for open discussions about expectations, unique shooting methods, and special offerings, such as face recognition software. Building a friendly rapport with clients, especially couples, leads to more natural and comfortable interactions, resulting in better photos and overall satisfaction.
Personal Interests and Future Aspirations: Keeping the Artistic Flame Alive
For Param, photography began as a hobby and evolved into a fulfilling profession. Beyond photography, he enjoys travelling, road trips, exploring new foods, especially street food, and occasional weekend parties. As for future plans, Param does not aspire to expand into a large production company shooting hundreds of weddings. Instead, he aims to keep his work unique and artisanal, focusing on limited, high-quality bookings that provide a distinctive experience for clients.
Param’s long-term aspiration is to travel globally with his team, exploring new locations and cultures while maintaining the artistic integrity of his business. The company’s tagline, “Experience the Exquisite,” reflects this commitment to delivering exceptional, one-of-a-kind wedding experiences.
