Member Spotlight: Sahil, UAE
‘...if I look at my old photos from 2019/20... I can't believe those were mine.’
© Sahil
Sahil’s favourite piece of equipment is Nikon Z7ii, 105MM, 50MM & 28MM
Sahil beautifully articulates the evolution of a photographer where often the expectations we have when we enter the profession change shape and form as we learn, grow and make those invaluable mistakes. Sahil reminds us that where we start is often very different to where we end up, and only through experimentation and a willingness to learn, do we truly find our unique styles that brings success. You can find Sahil's portfolio here or give him a follow on Instagram!
Describe yourself as a creative…
‘I'm someone whose creativity knows no bounds – the crazier, the better, even if it doesn't always make sense…I’ve experimented with it over the years, finally buying my own camera in 2014. This ignited my love for the craft, leading me into freelance photography and eventually focusing on food photography around 2019.
When I lost my hospitality job in 2020, photography became my lifeline. I dove deeper into learning, turning to YouTube for guidance. That's when I discovered "Karl Taylor Education" and was captivated. Enrolling in his classes, I completed his lighting course with distinction on my first try. Now, as a successful commercial product & food photographer, I also teach at NIKON School, UAE, thanks to Karl's teachings.’
© Sahil
When I lost my hospitality job in 2020, photography became my lifeline. I dove deeper into learning, turning to YouTube for guidance. That's when I discovered "Karl Taylor Education" and was captivated. Enrolling in his classes, I completed his lighting course with distinction on my first try. Now, as a successful commercial product & food photographer, I also teach at NIKON School, UAE, thanks to Karl's teachings.’
What is your favourite subject to create work about?
‘Products and chocolate... I just love the amount of creative liberties I can take with them. Love the details and intricacies that pop up if you shoot them correctly. And the final outcome is always really rewarding.’
© Sahil
What is your favourite piece of work that you have created?
‘I love creating shots that are dynamic... flying, splashes, movements etc.. One such image is a shot of four floating ice creams cake pastries on a plate. I feel that the way that shot was created and composed [was] very organic, clean yet appealing...’
How has your style evolved over time?
‘Initially, I was looking at photography all wrong, as I believed that I needed the best camera money could buy, but then eventually I realized that lighting is pivotal. Now if you look at 90% of my work, you will see how carefully I light each shot. In fact, if I look at my old photos from 2019/20... I can't believe those were mine...’
What are your goals and aspirations as a photographer?
‘At 40 years old, after years in the hospitality industry, I discovered my true passion for photography. Now, I'm determined to keep that passion alive and build a successful photography business. My dream is to create amazing work for clients who value my unique style. Eventually, I aspire to establish a small academy where I can share my skills with others, once I've gained enough experience to pass on.’
© Sahil
What does a typical day look like for you?
I'm an early riser, so Monday through Friday, I try to hit the gym by 6:00-6:15 AM for an hour…followed by a hearty breakfast.
[Then] I spend 2-3 hours on concentrated work, mainly post-processing photography or videography projects. Once that’s done, my wife and I, who both enjoy healthy food alternatives, start preparing lunch around 12:30 PM. By 2:00 PM, we're usually done with cooking and eating.
In the afternoon, I dive into the creation process for any ongoing projects or content creation for my personal pages or brand collaborations. This work stretches until about 6:00 PM, which is my cut-off time.
After work, I wind down by watching a new movie on Netflix, rewatching classics like "Friends" or the "Rocky" series, or playing Call of Duty on my iPad.
Weekends are a bit different. Sometimes I experiment with new cuisines. Recently, I learned to make great ramen, which has become a staple. Right now, I’m trying to master sourdough bread, though it’s really testing my patience since it's such a meticulous process. Alternatively, weekends might involve relaxing at home with some Netflix or exploring the local neighborhood, beaches, or hiking trails.’
Weekends are a bit different. Sometimes I experiment with new cuisines. Recently, I learned to make great ramen, which has become a staple. Right now, I’m trying to master sourdough bread, though it’s really testing my patience since it's such a meticulous process. Alternatively, weekends might involve relaxing at home with some Netflix or exploring the local neighborhood, beaches, or hiking trails.’
What does your workspace look like?
‘I dream of having a spacious studio, but for now, I make do with a single room in my house dedicated to photography. It features a central table where I craft most of my setups, accompanied by a couple of studio continuous lights and a few speed lights. After the shoot, I retreat to my makeshift office in the living room, where my Mac and iPad await for post-processing magic. It may not be ideal, but it's where my creativity thrives.’
Have you got a funny story or fail that happened on a shoot or while creating?
‘...there was the time I got inspired by Karl's shot of crashing whisky glasses and decided to try it with perfume bottles. Little did I realize [that] perfume bottles are much heavier! The result? A chaotic scene where the bottles barely touched, spinning wildly, crashing into each other and the floor, and even breaking some equipment. The intense fragrance filled the house so much that my wife and I had to retreat to a nearby hotel for the night. Needless to say, that shoot took an unexpected turn, leading to a completely different shot for the client.’
What is the one tip you’d give creatives starting out?
‘Invest first in your skill then in your equipment, and always have a mentor, even if you just follow them or are inspired by them. You might not be able to get in touch with them, but if you acknowledge them in your head as a teacher, only then will you excel in what you do.’
© Sahil
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