We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Sahil Faraz. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Sahil below.

Hi Sahil, thanks for joining us today. Before we talk about all of your success, let’s start with a story of failure. Can you open up about a time when you’ve failed?

I was fairly new in Canada, covering a rave party recommended by a prominent DJ I had worked with before. The organizer and I had a good vibe from a previous event, so optimism fueled my efforts. In hindsight, he pushed me to expedite the editing process well ahead of the agreed-upon date, resulting in sleepless nights as I tried to balance the demands of a full-time job.

The following month, he invited me to a larger 3-day event, promising better pay. However, when I requested upfront payment, he laughed it off. On the event day, he directed me to leave my office mid-day, although our initial plan was to depart after I completed my crucial tasks. I somehow managed to finish my work, and then he informed me that he wouldn’t be able to pick me up. Instead, he requested me to take a cab to another city at my own expense. This should have raised a red flag. Despite these circumstances, he displayed utter disappointment upon my arrival, but I dismissed it, offering him the benefit of the doubt, given his consistent behavior with everyone around him.

However, things took a downturn when he was intoxicated, acted strangely, and drama ensued on the first night. Remaining composed, I decided to take a cab at 2 am, despite being 300 km away from home in the middle of nowhere. Other organizers implored me to stay, compelling him to apologize and promising to rectify the situation. His apology proved hollow as he continued to withhold crucial event information over the next two days.

I persevered, completing my work to the best of my abilities, and endured an eight-hour wait for his departure on the final day, only to be directed to take a cab at midnight. The financial fallout from that weekend amounted to a four-figure loss.

The lesson learned: trust your instincts, adhere to your principles, and never undertake work without securing upfront payment. In the realm of photography, the challenging experiences often provide the most valuable lessons.

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.

In 1996, during my nursery school days, the weight of mundane subjects shaping my future felt heavy. One day, returning home, a conversation between a relative and my mother brought unexpected solace. Exploring the meaning of my name, “a shore,” the relative sketched a boy in a boat, reciting a short Urdu poem. His words and sketch briefly transported me, revealing the power of storytelling through art. This pivotal moment ignited my imagination, shaping my ability to find beauty in simplicity.

Thus began my artistic odyssey, from childhood sketches and vibrant color experiments to victories in MS Paint competitions, all leading to an unforgettable Y2K assignment at just eight years old. Envisioning futuristic landscapes of flying cars and towering skyscrapers hinted at a future collaborating with top-tier brands on cutting-edge projects, from video games to self-driving cars. As part of a generation witnessing a profound paradigm shift, I effortlessly navigated the realms of creativity and technology. Photography emerged as a natural fit, offering the perfect blend of technical exploration and creative vision development. Transitioning into my late teens, my passion for exploring mountainous landscapes seamlessly intertwined with my newfound love for photography. Embarking on capturing spontaneous moments without formal training, I eventually delved into self-learning through photography tutorials, engagement in local creator networks, and participation in photo walks, all of which accelerated my growth.

While many consider cultivating a significant social media following and establishing an online platform as the key paths to monetization, I found myself drawn to a more traditional approach. Adapting to the algorithmic pressures of consistent posting posed challenges, leading me to utilize social media primarily as a learning tool, finding inspiration from fellow creators. Meanwhile, my profound connection with the majestic Himalayan landscapes and culture served as a constant wellspring of inspiration. Over time, the meaningful connections I formed in the Himalayas evolved into paid opportunities, debunking the myth that a strong social media presence is the sole driver of success in creative endeavors.

The joy I derive from the intricate process of color grading, accompanied by ambient music, transcends the allure of quick filters or LUTs. Each photo, crafted with meticulous attention to detail, holds the aspiration of gracing a wall someday, a sentiment often overshadowed on the bustling Instagram feed. The play-to-win philosophy I endorse resonates through my creative pursuits, allowing me the freedom to contemplate my role as a photographer. Balancing diverse subjects, from landscapes to people and architecture, reflects my commitment to finding beauty even in the overlooked aspects of life. The privilege of pursuing art without the pressure to monetize underscores the authenticity of my creative journey, making it a testament to the fluidity of passions and the enrichment that comes from mastering diverse realms.

I primarily cater to individuals seeking to immortalize their significant life events without the need for a full-fledged photography team. I take charge of managing lighting, composition, poses, and overall ambiance either independently or by collaborating with friends who share an interest in photography. I also provide incentives to my friends for their assistance.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

In the heart of India, I led a fulfilling life, balancing my work at an exceptional tech company, embracing a vibrant work-life equilibrium, and seizing every chance to explore the majestic Himalayas. These mountainous adventures not only provided personal connections but also opened doors to numerous business opportunities within the tourism and hospitality sectors. However, my aspirations extended beyond the Indian subcontinent, and I harbored plans for a permanent move to Canada.

Embarking on a new chapter, I found myself in the vibrant city of Toronto, working for a renowned video game company while pursuing photography gigs on the side. Though the experience was enjoyable, I felt a yearning for personal and professional growth. The turning point came when the prestigious University of Toronto extended an offer for me to pursue a Master’s in User Experience Design, granting me almost two years during the COVID era to reflect on the impact I wished to create and the brands I aspired to collaborate with.

With this new user-centric design skillset added to my engineering background, I got an offer to lead the design of self-driving cars for one of the biggest automobile brands. While photography remains a passionate pursuit rather than a profession, I find equal fulfillment in knowing that the algorithms I design contribute to saving lives on the road. Despite my demanding career, I make it a point to venture out with my camera or drone every week, satisfying my creative drive. My journey from the Himalayas to Toronto reflects not only a geographical shift but a professional evolution, blending technology, creativity, and a commitment to making a positive impact.

Can you open up about how you funded your business?

I spent all my savings to explore the Himalayas, before moving to Canada and even sold most of my photography gear to save up for initial expenses. I had to think for a week to buy a $100 ticket for one of my favorite drum and bass artists. But on the day of the event, I found myself taking pictures on my old Nikon D3200 rather than enjoying the artist I always wanted to watch live. At the end of the night, when I showed those pictures to the organizers – they were blown away and immediately exchanged contacts.

Like many new immigrants, I worked part-time at BestBuy on a minimum wage for a few months before finding a job of my liking. As soon as I was able to save up some money, I spent all of it to claim the employee discount on this new camera I needed to shoot professionally – which then became my best friend in this completely new country.

While gear is important to set up shop, I made it a point to upgrade, only with the money I earned through the art; which was quite challenging in a new country, without any contacts. But eventually that $100 concert ticket helped me find the right contacts. Looks like it did pay off, and I did attend that concert again – this time without the camera.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/flying_retina/
• Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/sahilfaraz