We recently connected with Harsha Sipani and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Harsha, thanks for joining us today. Any thoughts about whether to ask friends and family to support your business. What’s okay in your view?

When it comes to involving friends and family in supporting my photography business, I believe in a balanced approach. It’s absolutely wonderful to have their backing, and I truly appreciate when they help spread the word or join events like gallery openings. Their encouragement and feedback have been crucial in refining my services.

However, I think it’s important to maintain professional boundaries to ensure the relationship remains positive and my business grows healthily. For instance, I avoid putting pressure on them to purchase my services or asking for frequent favors that might feel like obligations. It’s all about mutual respect and not overstepping personal boundaries.

One experience that really shaped my view was when I initially offered discounted services to relatives to build my portfolio. It was helpful at first, but I realized it was difficult to transition those family members to regular clients at standard rates. This taught me the importance of setting clear expectations from the start, even with people I know well.

Overall, I strive to grow my business based on merit and reaching a broader audience, ensuring that my friends and family can be proud supporters, not feel like they’re the backbone of my client base. It’s a balance I’m always fine-tuning, and I believe this approach has helped me maintain healthy personal and professional relationships

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I’m thrilled to share a bit about my journey and the unique path that’s led me to where I am today. I hold double Masters’ degrees in TV Production from the UK and bring over a decade of experience in digital media, branding, graphic design, and web design. This blend of technology and artistic skills naturally evolved into a passion for photography, especially during a significant shift in my career path prompted by the global events of 2020.

Initially, I started photographing home-cooked meals and recipes. This not only kept me connected to creative pursuits during the pandemic but also helped me develop a distinct personal style that resonated with many. By 2021, deciding to focus fully on photography felt like the most natural decision I’ve ever made. Today, I operate from a home studio and have founded the ‘Lens and Table’ Instagram page, a community that connects photographers globally, celebrating the art of food photography.

Since 2022, I have been honored to receive fourteen awards from Foodelia and shortlisted for Pink lady food photo awards 2024, recognizing my work in the International Food Photographers Awards. These accolades are a testament to my dedication and the unique perspective I bring to food photography.

Outside of photography, I cherish spending quality time dancing, exploring new experiences, having fun with my son, and enjoying board games with friends. I believe in living life fully, which fuels my creativity and impacts the energy and passion I bring to my work.

For those getting to know my brand and work for the first time, I want you to see not just the awards or the technical skills, but the heart behind each image—the joy, the precision, and the storytelling that defines my photography. Whether you’re a potential client, a follower, or a fan, I aim to create visuals that resonate deeply and leave lasting impressions.

What’s worked well for you in terms of a source for new clients?

The best source of new clients for me has definitely been a combination of a strong online presence through my website and, more significantly, my Instagram page. I’ve made it a point to consistently engage with my audience by posting 3-4 times each week. This consistent engagement has not only helped in keeping my audience interested but has also allowed me to showcase my versatility and creativity through the photos I share.

One strategy that has particularly paid off is taking pictures of products from brands that are my dream clients. By showcasing how I can enhance their products through my photography, I’ve been able to attract their attention and demonstrate real value. This proactive approach has been extremely successful, and I’m proud to say that about 90% of my clients have discovered my work through Instagram. This platform has been invaluable for connecting with clients, building relationships, and growing my photography business.

How did you build your audience on social media?

Building an audience on social media has been a journey of consistency, engagement, and strategic content creation. When I first started, my focus was on sharing content that not only displayed my work but also reflected my personal interests and professional skills. This authenticity helped connect with like-minded individuals and potential clients who appreciated the same aesthetic and quality that I brought into my photography.

One of the key strategies was understanding my audience’s preferences and the kind of content that resonated the most with them. Early on, I experimented with different types of posts—some focused on the behind-the-scenes processes, while others highlighted the finished products. Tracking the engagement on these posts showed me what my followers liked best.

Consistency has also been crucial. By posting 3-4 times a week, I’ve managed to keep my audience engaged and ensure my work remains visible in their feeds. Additionally, I made it a point to capture products from brands that I aspired to work with, showcasing my capability to handle projects that fit their style and needs. This not only attracted those dream clients but also built a niche audience that appreciated this specific content.

For those just starting to build their social media presence, my advice would be to start with clarity about what you want your brand to represent. Use your social media platforms to tell your story and connect authentically with your audience. Don’t be afraid to show your unique perspective; what makes your work different is also what will make it stand out. Engage actively with your followers, reply to comments, and participate in community discussions. And perhaps most importantly, be patient and consistent with your efforts. Growing an engaged audience takes time, but with persistence, it definitely pays off

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.harshasipani.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/harshasipani/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@harshasipani
• Other: https://www.pinterest.com/harshasipani/

Image Credits
Models: Larissa Saciotto Diya Sharma Cosmetic brand image: Static Cosmetics Wedding style shoot credits: Planner/Designer/Florist: Radiant Bliss Designs (@radiantblissdesigns) Venue: Oxbow Estate (@oxbowestate) Rentals: Party Reflections (@partyreflections) Dresses: White Bridal Boutiques (@whitebridalboutiques) Models: Kimberly and Nicholas (reception) (@the_dipietros.modelcouple) Madison and Andrew (car) (@madison_lapham) Vintage Car: daretodream_gypsy (@daretodream_gypsy) Hair and Makeup: Peach Cowgirl Beauty (@peachcowgirlbeauty) Jewelry: Jewelry Authority (@jewelryauthority)