Rising Stars: Meet Pranto Podder

Today we’d like to introduce you to Pranto Podder.

Hi Pranto, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
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 cousin’s 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 four months I received a lot of great feedback. 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.

I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
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.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
Over the years I learned that one must take risks 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 2023 and I know it’s going to a good one because I have true passion in creating content.

Any big plans?
I am focused and determined to end the year on a strong note! I want to travel and work for big brands. That’s the big goal for 2023!

Contact Info:

• Website: Urbanshotsbypp.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/urbanshots_/