Meet Pranto Podder | Photographer & Filmmaker

We had the good fortune of connecting with Pranto Podder and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Pranto, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
Back in 2008, my uncle went to Singapore for a visit and when he returned, he had bought a Fujifilm camera. I still vividly remember that day when I took the camera to the rooftop and started figuring it out by myself how this small equipment works. There was this real connection I felt when I captured a bird flying in the sky. Looking at the picture, I was like wow I just captured something in the moment. 2015. I moved to the United States, and I started seeing people using Instagram as a platform to show their work. I was inspired to see these beautiful images created by talented people from all over the world. I felt I had the potential in myself, so I decided to just take pictures for fun, and I borrowed my cousins’ camera. He had the Canon T3i with the kit lens and it was a blessing for me because I had his permission to use the camera anytime. I started taking landscape pictures whenever I got the time, I realized that I love taking sunrise/sunset pictures. I started sharing my pictures on Instagram and within 4 months I received lot of great feedbacks. This was my start, and I never really had any kind of expectation from myself at that time. As time went by, I realized that I have a passion for this, and I enjoyed every moment when I am creating content. I can express myself by my pictures and videos. I had no idea that I will come so far in life, I was just a guy with a basic camera taking landscape pictures in NYC. Over the years I learned that one must take risk and follow their passion. Waking up and doing what you love every day is the best feeling. There will always be problems in life as life will never be perfect. As an artist, I always feel inspired from another artist. I might inspire some people but at the same time I get inspired from other creatives as well. Having platforms like Instagram have been life changing for me as this is the platform where I started putting my work out. I enjoy the process of meeting new people, creating content for them and editing the work. There is this true satisfaction I feel all the time once I am done editing a client’s picture. This creative career gave me the freedom which I always wanted. I always wanted to be my own boss and follow my passion. I have worked tremendously over the years to get where I am today. It’s not that easy when you are in the creative field and it’s all about connection and knowing the right people in the industry. I look forward to 2022 and I know it’s going to a good one because I have true passion in creating content.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I have always been an introvert and shy but after moving to NYC in 2015 and taking pictures with my camera, I have stepped out of my comfort zone. I still remember my first shoot where I was really nervous and excited at the same time. It was a huge challenge and a learning curve for me as I am self taught when it comes to my profession. I have a great energy and every shoot, I give 110%. My goal has always been to make my clients feel comfortable and to have a great chemistry. .I personally think if you truly follow your passion, you are never going to give up if there is an obstacle in the way. Books have definitely been another factor which has changed my mindset. I embarked on photography and videography as a hobby which grew into an advanced innate skill from which my passion for capturing any moment in time grew. I wanted to tell you all to never give up when things seem unsure and to never stop learning and trying new things – you never know what might come of it. This is just the beginning.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I live in the best city in the world, New York City. There is so much going on in the city every day. Its unreal. Going to iconic spots in the city would definitely be in the list: Brooklyn Bridge
Dumbo
Williamsburg ( Coolest New York Neighborhood)
The Summit ( Jaw dropping views )
The Edge ( Views are breathtaking)
World trade Centre (Memorial )
Soho ( Shoppong )
Central Park
230 5th Avenue rooftop bar ( Great rooftop bar with the Empire state building view)
Catch NYC ( Food )
Artichoke basil pizza
Ktown ( BBQ)
Washington Square Park ( One of my favorite places in the city)
Ghost Williamsburg ( Iconic gym to workout)

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I want to shot out to Kiimmy crawford for the referral. I have been working with hr for almost 2 years and she has been true inspirational. I cant wait to see her growth for this upcoming year.

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