Meet Abhi Vootukuru of Abhi V Photographs

Today we’d like to introduce you to Abhi Vootukuru.

Abhi, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I live two lives- as a photographer and as an aerospace engineer. My passion for aerospace began with watching aircraft during airshows and gawking at awesome aircraft photos. My passion for photography was kindled from my time on the Space Shuttle program at the Kennedy Space Center, Cape Canaveral, Florida, where I was extremely fortunate to be involved with monumental history.

Beginning with an old film camera, I taught myself how to frame my shots and how to be an observationist. Since then, I have tried to notice the visual language of my surroundings and reciprocate by capturing dramatic moments that I bear witness to.

Currently based in San Diego, I now document stories through portraits and my travels.

We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
One of my biggest challenges to date is that while I am confident in my abilities and skill as a photographer, I struggle to market my work. I tend to be low key about advertising. I let my work speak for itself, but I do recognize that it is not sufficient to rely on word – of – mouth. I have come to realize that, a photographer has to be able to capture impactful images, but also needs to be adept at advertising, website design, accounting and maintaining a big social media presence.

While I do recognize the challenges, I have also set myself to the task of doing more to putting my brand out there. I have become more involved in different contests, meeting new clients through gatherings and spending more time advertising on Facebook and Instagram. Things have improved and I have already been seeing a return on my investment of time.

So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Abhi V Photographs story. Tell us more about the business.
I founded Abhi V Photographs in 2016. Since then, I have been offering photography content, through fine art landscapes and portraits.

My goal is simple: When you look at my work, if a feeling is evoked, a thought sparked, or a memory inspired, then I have conveyed my message.

Every day, all around us and on the covers of magazines, we see amazing portraits… I strongly believe that dramatic portraits aren’t just meant for celebrities or models – anyone can have such a portrait of themselves. The most meaningful portrait comes from conveying a personal story or a meaningful idea.

With the help of dramatic lighting, I help translate that idea into a unique portrait. Past clients have seen that such a portrait is worth the investment and time.

Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
Luck in photography is all about being there at the right place, at the right time. I wish I had been able to capture fleeting moments that have past, and I hope to have the good luck of photographing another in the future.

I have gotten lucky when I showed up in Yosemite one random weekend in February and got to know from a fellow photographer about “Firefall” the natural phenomenon, where during sunset, the usually inconspicuous Horsetail falls light up with a fiery glow. Later that night, I left Yosemite with a shot of the event, that would go on to win awards.

But luck itself isn’t enough. Through photography, I have learned to be patient, in hope and anticipation, of capturing that moment when that perfect expression or pose comes forward from a client, or when nature decides to let me in on its masterful display of art.

Pricing:

• Pre-wedding/concept portraits (pre-consultation recommended): Average of $600/3 hrs. 12 images and client page included
• Individual Dramatic Portraits: Average of $200 / 2 hrs. 4 images included.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.abhiv.com
• Phone: 407-421-2256
• Email: abhi.vootukuru@gmail.com
• Instagram: lensvoodoo
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/abhivootukuru/
• Other: Online Store for Fine Art Landscapes: www.abhiv.online

Image Credit:
Arundhati Chakraborty, Svala Johannsdottir, Sean Waymire, Chris Custer, Joseph Gaines

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