Today we’d like to introduce you to Dilpreet Shah.
Hi Dilpreet, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
My photographic journey began way back when I was in high school and my dad gave me a DSLR for a trip we were taking that summer. Capturing moments just by a click of a button excited me so much and I felt an instant connection with the camera. My mind was just curious to learn everything about it and I was already hooked on photography.
Art has always been close to me. The idea of communicating through a visual display of my ideas has always fascinated me. I believe it is an effective and beautiful way of expressing oneself. Photography is one such communication method and is a different language for me. It is something that sparks conversations and brings me joy. Looking for varied aesthetics and curating them has become beyond a hobby now. I enjoy doing fashion and product work. As a Mechanical Engineer, I learned to master the art of problem-solving. This skill has come to serve me well as a photographer both on location and in the studio creating editorial and commercial content for clients. I love shooting on locations, but at the same time, I love the control that I have while working in a studio environment. I am a lover of minimal aesthetics and good stories.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
My journey till now has been a mix of both highs and lows. I have had my fair share of problems along the way. But I was surrounded by some supportive people who helped me through and through. I come from a purely technical background. I did my bachelors in Mechanical Engineering, but I perpetually had an inclination towards the creative field. I grew up in a family with no artists, so it was difficult for my parents and everyone to understand when I said I wanted to pursue a career in photography. But nevertheless, they were supportive. They had their reservations, but my dedication and passion convinced them.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I have always been fascinated by the world of fashion, and hence my passion developed for fashion photography. That is something I specialize in. While I am inclined towards fashion photography, I understand that self-reflection and introspection are important parts of being an artist. It makes me pause and brings in new perspectives. A project that brought in that reflection and a renewed sense of perspective was ‘Ball of Burden’. It’s a project close to my heart, as it talks about how self-sabotage and fear of success have become a daily mental weight that I carry with me. Through this series, I am showing how this mental weight would look if it was a real, physical burden attached to me. The exaggerated size of the ball shows how heavy the burden is. Working on this project has enriched me as an artist. The photographs and the video shows how this beautiful ball of burden has become part of my everyday life.
Here’s a link to the project: https://www.dilpreetshah.com/ball-of-burden
I am where I am now because of my consistency in delivering good work, in my art style, and being myself. My curiosity drove me to explore more and teach myself over the years. I am always open to experimentation, new ideas and suggestions. I have always been very detail-oriented in my work, and that is something for which I have received a lot of appreciation.
What do you like best about our city? What do you like least?
LA has so much to offer, and that is its best thing. In terms of careers for people in every type of profession, entertainment, food, lifestyle. There are so many opportunities out there. You just need to work hard and get them!
If I have to pick one thing which is my least favorite about LA, that would be the LA traffic and how it is almost impossible to survive without a car here.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.dilpreetshah.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dilpreeeeeeet/
