Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Ravin Goyal. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Ravin, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Do you think your parents have had a meaningful impact on you and your journey?

Growing up, my parents unknowingly instilled in me values that have profoundly shaped my life and career. Some of the earliest lessons were the simplest—keeping my surroundings clean, maintaining a balance between study and leisure, and making my own decisions, no matter how small. At the time, I may have followed these practices out of obligation or even reluctance, but over the years, they became second nature. Today, I realize how these habits have influenced my discipline, independence, and ability to voice my opinions with confidence.

What left an even deeper impact, however, was witnessing my parents’ relentless dedication to their work. They sacrificed their own comforts, setting aside personal desires to provide a better future for us. Their unwavering commitment taught me the true meaning of responsibility—not just towards my own ambitions but also towards those who depend on me. Watching them push through challenges without complaints instilled in me a work ethic that drives me to this day.

Beyond hard work, they taught me the value of relationships and the power of forgiveness. I learned that holding onto grudges only isolates and weighs you down, while letting go and choosing understanding allows you to grow. My parents always encouraged me to listen before reacting, to seek resolution rather than conflict, and, when possible, to forgive. And if forgiveness wasn’t an option, they taught me to move on with peace rather than bitterness. This lesson has shaped the way I navigate relationships, both personal and professional, helping me foster meaningful connections without the baggage of unresolved conflicts.

One of the most invaluable lessons I learned from my father was how to embrace failure. He never treated failure as something to be feared or ashamed of; instead, he welcomed it as part of the journey. He would laugh with us about our mistakes, making setbacks feel less like defeats and more like stepping stones to success. That perspective has changed the way I face challenges. Instead of dwelling on failure, I now accept it, learn from it, and move forward with renewed determination.

Every value they instilled in me—discipline, resilience, responsibility, forgiveness, and perseverance—continues to guide me in everything I do. Whether it’s the way I approach my work, interact with others, or handle setbacks, I carry these lessons with me, striving to honor the foundation they built for me. Their sacrifices, wisdom, and unwavering support have shaped the person I am today, and for that, I am endlessly grateful.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

Hi, I’m Ravin Goyal, a freelance photographer based in Los Angeles, CA. My work spans across various photography genres, including fashion (editorial, e-commerce, lookbooks, lifestyle), product, architecture, interior, portrait, and event photography. Each project I take on is an opportunity to create something unique, to tell a story, and to bring a vision to life through my lens.

My journey into photography wasn’t extraordinary, but it’s deeply personal to me. It all started when I was around 13 or 14, using a simple point-and-shoot camera my dad had purchased. I began experimenting, capturing moments at family gatherings, and soon, my family entrusted me with the role of the “official photographer” at every event. What started as curiosity quickly turned into passion, and within a couple of years, I knew I wanted to make this my career.

With no formal training available at the time, I turned to YouTube tutorials, learning everything I could about camera techniques, lighting, and editing. During my final years of school, I had the opportunity to train under a professional photographer, which gave me hands-on experience and a deeper understanding of the craft. To further refine my skills, I pursued a Bachelor’s degree in Journalism and Mass Communication, with Photography as my specialization, as there weren’t many dedicated photography programs in India then. My journey then led me to Los Angeles, where I completed my Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Photography. This experience broadened my perspective, teaching me about conceptual photography, the distinction between art and fine art, and how the smallest elements in an image contribute to the larger narrative.

When it comes to what sets me apart, I don’t want to make grand claims—because ultimately, that’s for my clients to say. What I do know is that I approach every project with honesty, dedication, and respect for both the craft and the people I work with. I value my clients’ time and trust, and I consider it my responsibility to deliver work that not only meets but exceeds their expectations. More than just creating great images, I strive to build meaningful relationships, ensuring that my clients walk away not just with beautiful photos but also with a positive and memorable experience.

For me, photography is more than just a profession—it’s a commitment to storytelling and connection. I believe that the best work comes from a place of genuine passion and collaboration, and I always aim to bring something fresh and unique to the table. Over the years, I’ve learned that strong professional relationships often hold more value than monetary gains, and I cherish the trust that people place in me when they choose me as their photographer.

At the end of the day, my goal is simple: to make sure you walk away with stunning images and a great experience—because those moments we create together are what truly matter.

Can you share your view on NFTs? (Note: this is for education/entertainment purposes only, readers should not construe this as advice)

NFTs have introduced a revolutionary way for photographers to monetize digital work by establishing verifiable ownership, enabling direct sales, and earning royalties on secondary transactions. They provide global exposure and reduce reliance on traditional gatekeepers, offering greater creative and financial control. However, the space is highly volatile, with fluctuating market value, high minting costs, and environmental concerns due to blockchain energy consumption. Intellectual property theft remains a risk, as NFTs authenticate ownership of the token, not necessarily the artwork itself. While some photographers have found success, others struggle with oversaturation and speculation-driven hype. NFTs hold great potential, but navigating this space requires research, strategic planning, and realistic expectations.

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

Since the beginning of my journey, my goal has remained the same—though it is broad and ever-evolving, marked by multiple milestones along the way. At its core, my mission is to collaborate with the best creative minds, work on diverse and innovative projects, and ultimately partner with the clients and visionaries I have always aspired to work with. This ambition fuels my passion for every project I undertake, pushing me to continuously learn, grow, and refine my craft. Each new experience not only strengthens my artistic perspective but also expands my network, bringing me one step closer to realizing my ultimate creative vision.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.ravingoyalphotography.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/@ravingoyalphotography
• Linkedin: http://linkedin.com/in/ravin-goyal-947080233/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@goyalravin2000
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/user_details?userid=ZBCcp7UHkzruU9WmaEUPWg

Image Credits

MODEl: Jayo, Sophie Swiscz, Erika Sanchez Giraldo, Valenttina Dias