How Shooting From Your Own Heart Evokes Emotion in Photography with Jyotsna Bhamidipati

Jyo creates breathtaking art by infusing so much of herself into her work. Today she shares how embracing your own truths allows you to capture connection and emotion in photography.

Introduction (2:30)

What do you look for when shooting to create mood? (3:26)
Light is always the number one factor. But I also keep an open mind to notice the little things, and connections happening around me.

Do your children like getting their photos taken? (5:29)
My oldest (at 13) is more willing to participate because I collaborate with her. I listen to their ideas and thoughts. And sometimes a no means no. Respect that.

Are you ever in a creative rut? (7:58)
It is normal to experience a rut. Don’t force it. Just go for a walk without a camera and recharge. Everything does not have to be productive.

How do you feel emotions and our senses enhances our creativity? (11:31)
We see and feel images through our senses. The more you’re able to relate to the human senses the better the impact. Images create an emotional response. Going back to your why will help you create images that evoke emotion in photography. There is always a part of you in the image as well.

Why is it important to embrace ALL the emotion in photography, not just the smiling ones? (18:32)
Everything cannot just be one dimensional, there are different emotions and they are all equal. It is ok to express something even when it’s not particularly happy.

How to deal with perfectionism (22:01)
I have more freedom to be myself in my personal work, and I know I’m not perfect. That shift in mentality and being tired of perfection helped me in delivering intentional photos to clients rather than perfect photos.

How do you step out of fear and be yourself? (25:29)
Photograph sentimental things around your house, and connect to the very basics of your story that is meaningful to you. Find out who you are authentically, and be ok with it always evolving.

Do you edit to music? (30:15)
I like complete silence to hear my own thoughts. If I don’t need to focus much, I watch a movie.

When you’re shooting, do you have a vision of how you will edit? (31:28)
I go in with a vision given the space and the light. But often I discover different directions in editing.

Do you find using different tools help keep things fresh? (32:32)
I take liberties with personal work, as there is less risk. But I do use it in client work too where appropriate.

What will you be teaching in the Family Retreat? (35:29)
Shooting from your heart – focusing on emotions and connections in the family unit.

What are you creatively curious about? (36:12)
OCF and food photography


Discover more about Jyotsna Bhamidipati

Website: momentsandphotographs.com
Facebook: @mbmphotographs
Instagram: @mbmphotographs

Bio: Jyo is a mom, an engineer and a published fine art lifestyle photographer and educator based in Sacramento, California. She is a huge lover of light, shadows and connections and often seeks to capture the perfectly imperfect beauty through her lens. She is the instructor of the highly popular creative workshop, The Imperfectionist over at Click Photo School.

Resources shared in this episode:

The Power of a Niche with Paulina Duczman
Inside Out Movie