From the scenic coastal village of Colva, Sharlet Fernandes has emerged as one of Goa’s promising young photographers, known for her eye for detail and artistic flair. Her journey began in 2018, when she trained under Presley Fernandes at Chowgule Tigers CCAPS, setting the foundation for what would become a deeply fulfilling creative career.
A Dream That Evolved Unexpectedly
Interestingly, photography wasn’t Sharlet’s original dream. As a child, she loved sketching and aspired to study into Fine Arts college, but financial limitations held her back. Growing up, her ambition was to become an air hostess, and she would proudly write that down whenever asked about her goals in life.
Her determination led her to the Frankfinn Institute, where she was selected, but her height made her ineligible for the air hostess position. She was instead offered a role as a ground hostess, which didn’t align with her aspirations. Though disappointed at the time, Sharlet now sees this as life’s way of guiding her toward something even more meaningful, her passion for photography.
Discovering a Love for Capturing Moments
Her fascination for photography began during family events, where she admired how photographers could preserve fleeting moments and emotions forever. What started as quiet admiration soon turned into a calling, inspiring her to pick up a camera and pursue photography professionally.
By 2019, Sharlet was working full-time, refining her style into one that is creative, bold, and rooted in storytelling. Each photograph she takes is more than an image, it’s a narrative woven through light, color, and emotion.
Mastering Her Craft
Sharlet began her photography journey as a freelancer at Exotic, Goa. Today, Sharlet specializes in weddings, events, creative portraits, and décor shoots. Her process begins with understanding the client’s vision and expectations, followed by selecting the theme, location, and style, and meticulously planning her gear and setup. This structured yet creative approach ensures that every project feels personal, polished, and full of life.
Inspiration in Every Corner
Sharlet draws inspiration from people, music, colors, and nature, the elements that bring warmth and emotion into her work. She also finds ideas in social media trends and the work of fellow photographers, blending fresh concepts with her own creative identity.
Grace Under Pressure
Like many artists, Sharlet has faced her share of challenges. Large-scale events with tight schedules have tested her patience and adaptability. Yet, she’s learned that success lies in organization, teamwork, and staying calm under pressure.
She fondly recalls one of her most unique shoots, an outdoor event in the rain. While the conditions were tough, the unexpected weather led to some of her most beautiful candid shots, proving that magic often happens when things don’t go as planned.
Prepared, Patient, and Professional
When it comes to high-stakes assignments like weddings or live events, Sharlet thrives under pressure. For her, preparation and timing are everything. “Keeping a cool mindset helps me focus no matter how busy things get,” she says, emphasizing that confidence and calmness are as essential as technical skill.
Always Evolving
Sharlet believes that growth is a continuous process. She keeps her skills sharp by learning from her mistakes, exploring online tutorials, and practicing daily. Each new project is an opportunity to experiment, improve, and refine her craft.
The Art of Connection
For Sharlet, photography is as much about people as it is about pictures. She ensures that every client feels heard and understood before a shoot begins. Through open communication, shared ideas, and a comfortable atmosphere, she brings out the most natural and confident versions of her subjects.
Learning from Every Frame
Feedback, she says, is an important part of growth. Sharlet takes client suggestions positively and makes necessary adjustments, always prioritizing satisfaction and collaboration.
Staying Current and Creative
Keeping pace with change, Sharlet follows evolving photography trends such as candid storytelling, moody edits, and cinematic-style videos.
These influences inspire her to keep her work fresh, emotive, and visually striking, while maintaining her signature touch.
Social Media: A Window to the World
In today’s digital landscape, social media, especially Instagram, plays a crucial role in her career. It serves as her portfolio, her connection to potential clients, and her bridge to other artists. Through it, Sharlet has built a growing community that appreciates her authenticity and artistry.
Standing Out in a Competitive Industry
With the photography scene becoming increasingly competitive, Sharlet stands out by focusing on genuine relationships, consistent quality, and her personal creative style. She believes that staying true to herself is the key to long-term success in any field.
Dreaming Bigger with Shutters up Photography
Sharlet’s long-term vision is to expand Shutters up Photography into a full-fledged creative brand known for storytelling excellence and versatility. She dreams of capturing destination weddings and music events, where culture, art, and emotion merge into unforgettable moments.
New Horizons Ahead
Eager to evolve further, Sharlet plans to explore fashion and conceptual photography, while advancing in drone and cinematic videography, genres that combine her love for innovation with her artistic eye.
Words to the Next Generation
To those starting out in photography, Sharlet offers a simple yet profound message:
“Start small, keep practicing, learn from your mistakes, and never stop being passionate about what you shoot.”
A Journey of Resilience and Artistic Discovery
From an aspiring air hostess to a visual storyteller behind ShutterSup Photography, Sharlet Fernandes has proven that dreams can change, but passion always finds its path. Her story is one of resilience, reinvention, and creativity, reminding us that sometimes, the road not taken leads us to the most beautiful destinations.
