We recently connected with Pranto Podder and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Pranto, thanks for joining us today. Earning a full time living from one’s creative career can be incredibly difficult. Have you been able to do so and if so, can you share some of the key parts of your journey and any important advice or lessons that might help creatives who haven’t been able to yet?

Yes, I’ve been able to earn a full-time living from my creative work – but it was a journey filled with challenges, risks, and growth.

I moved to the United States from a small town in Bangladesh in 2014. I was 18, wide-eyed, and stepping into a whole new world with nothing but ambition and a deep curiosity for creativity. At the time, I had no idea that photography and visual storytelling would become my path — I just knew I loved creating.

In the beginning, I juggled school, part-time jobs, and living with multiple roommates in Queens. Photography was a passion I explored on weekends and late nights — shooting for friends, experimenting with edits, learning everything on my own. I didn’t have a mentor or any connections, but I kept showing up and doing the work.

Eventually, I realized I had to stop treating this like a side hustle and start treating it like a business. That mindset shift was huge. I formed my LLC, UrbanShots Creative Productions, and committed to delivering high-level content — especially in fashion, fitness, and wellness. I built my reputation through consistency, storytelling, and going all-in on my creative vision.

No, it definitely wasn’t like this from day one. I made mistakes, undercharged, overworked, and even doubted myself at times. But each project taught me something. One of the biggest milestones was when I finally charged my worth — that’s when things started to shift. I began attracting bigger opportunities and working with brands I once dreamed about.

If I could go back, I would tell my younger self to invest earlier — in education, mentorship, and mindset. It would’ve saved me time. But honestly, every part of the journey shaped me.

Today, I’m proud to say that I make a living doing what I love. And what truly makes me happy is helping brands grow and stand out through powerful, intentional visuals. There’s nothing more fulfilling than seeing a brand’s story come to life in a way that connects with people.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

My name is Pranto Podder — I’m a Creative Director, photographer, and filmmaker based in New York, originally from a small town in Bangladesh. I moved to the U.S. in 2014, and my creative journey started shortly after, with nothing more than a deep curiosity and a desire to express myself through visuals.

At first, I was just exploring photography on the side — documenting moments, playing with light, and telling stories through a lens. But the more I shot, the more I fell in love with the process. It became my outlet, my passion, and eventually my purpose. Over the years, I taught myself everything — from shooting and directing to editing and building a business around it. Being self-made has taught me discipline, sacrifice, and the level of focus it takes to achieve anything meaningful.

Today, I run UrbanShots Creative Productions LLC, where I specialize in creating high-impact content in the fashion, wellness, fitness, and lifestyle space. Whether I’m working with a global brand or an individual entrepreneur, my focus is always on storytelling that feels authentic and elevated. I offer a mix of photography, short-form video, and brand direction — helping clients grow and stand out through visuals that speak to who they are.

What sets me apart is my ability to blend creative direction with emotional depth. I don’t just press record — I craft a vision that aligns with the brand’s voice, purpose, and energy. My work has been featured by leading companies, and I’ve built long-term relationships by consistently showing up and delivering quality.

But beyond the technical skills or accolades, I’m most proud of the journey — of turning nothing into something. I know what it feels like to start from scratch, to navigate uncertainty, and to push forward when the odds feel stacked against you. That’s why I want my work and story to be a source of inspiration for others.

My bigger mission is to spread positivity and possibility into the world. Whether it’s through my visuals, my YouTube videos, or in-person conversations, I want people to feel seen, empowered, and capable of creating their own path. At the end of the day, my brand is rooted in human connection — and that’s what drives everything I do.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

For me, the most rewarding part of being a creative is the freedom — the freedom to express myself, to choose the kind of work I want to do, and to shape my own schedule. I get to wake up every day and build a life around storytelling, visuals, and ideas that matter to me.

It’s also incredibly fulfilling to collaborate with amazing people — clients, fellow creatives, and teams that push me to level up. There’s an energy exchange that happens when you work with people who are just as passionate about creating something impactful.

Another big part of it is growth. As an artist, you’re never truly “done” — there’s always room to evolve. That continuous process of learning, experimenting, and improving is what keeps me inspired. It’s a journey that challenges you to stay curious and intentional.

But above all, I feel grateful that I’ve built the skills to make a positive impact through my work. Storytelling has the power to connect people, shift perspectives, and spread light — and that’s what drives me the most.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

Yes — my mission has always been about stepping outside of my comfort zone and evolving as a person through creativity.

I was a really shy kid growing up. I never thought I’d be in front of people, leading projects, directing shoots, or putting myself out there publicly. But choosing this creative path has continuously pushed me to grow. It has challenged me to express myself, speak up, and lean into discomfort — and that’s where real growth happens.

Beyond the craft, my goal is to use my work to make a positive impact — through visuals that inspire, empower, and tell stories that matter. I want to show people — especially those who come from humble beginnings or feel unseen — that it’s possible to create your own path, even when the odds are against you.

This journey has taught me that creativity isn’t just about visuals — it’s about transformation. I’m evolving with every project, and my mission is to help others feel that possibility for themselves too.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.urbanshotsbypp.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/urbanshots_/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Podder.Pranto/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pranto-podder-1ba3a7119
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@prantopodder56
• Other: Personal : https://www.instagram.com/prantopodder/
  Podcast : https://www.instagram.com/prantounscripted/