Life & Work with Sia Arora of Tempe

Today we’d like to introduce you to Sia Arora.

Hi Sia, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
At the age of fourteen, I was handed my family’s camera, unaware of the immense impact it would have on my life. For the longest time, photography was merely a form of entertainment, a means to play dress up with my friends and capture their poses. However, my perspective shifted when a friend approached me, expressing how my photographs made them feel beautiful and confident. It was a defining moment for me as I began to understand the power of this art form and how I could utilize it to evoke emotions, tell stories, and spread joy.

As I honed my skills, I gained recognition from renowned brands in my home country, leading to opportunities to shoot for magazines. One particularly memorable occasion was when a revered photographer, who had previously inspired me, reached out and offered me an internship. It was a bittersweet moment for me, as my academic pursuits compelled me to move to the United States shortly after. Thus, I had to pass on the chance to learn from one of my idols.

However, my move to Arizona presented new and exciting opportunities. Since then, my journey in photography has been nothing short of thrilling. I relish every moment behind the lens, capturing the essence of my subjects and sharing their stories with the world. With each passing day, I eagerly await the new adventures and possibilities.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
My journey in pursuing photography has been anything but easy. Starting from the basics, I struggled with an unsteady hand, resulting in long hours of shooting, causing me immense physical discomfort. However, my greatest challenge presented itself when I noticed my hand tremors intensifying with time, becoming increasingly worrisome. Despite the fear and uncertainty, I contacted my mentors, seeking guidance on specific hand exercises and preventive measures to improve my shooting abilities.

One of the most heartbreaking moments in my photography career was during my prime in India, where I was thriving in the fashion industry, working with my dream clients and models. I achieved some of my most significant magazine publications and even had the chance to intern under my favorite photographer. However, the harsh reality of academic priorities compelled me to abandon these opportunities, taking a toll on me and my work. Moving to the United States for university posed challenges, especially in establishing myself as a photographer in a new environment where no one knew me. Nonetheless, I persevered, working my way up from the bottom, and with time, I managed to carve a niche for myself in this new land. My struggles were undoubtedly worth it, as they taught me valuable lessons and allowed me to grow and evolve in ways I never imagined possible.

Thanks – so, what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
As a fashion photographer, my lens captures the essence of brand campaigns and everything in fashion! I relish the opportunity to contribute my creative vision to magazine editorial shoots, allowing me to explore new artistic realms. I am exhilarated by the last magazine cover I shot, and I am immensely proud of the work I have produced thus far. What sets me apart from other photographers in the industry is the message I strive to convey through my work being real and embracing who you are. In my line of work, I have witnessed many individuals struggling to find their true selves, be it models grappling with confidence issues or succumbing to societal pressure to conform to unrealistic beauty standards.

Being true to oneself is the ultimate source of beauty; everyone deserves to feel confident and comfortable in their skin. My photographs aim to empower and inspire individuals to embrace their unique qualities and celebrate their individuality.

In my work, I seek to capture and express the realism and authenticity that exists within every person. In essence, my passion for photography is driven by the desire to promote positivity and self-love in a world that can be unkind to those who do not fit certain norms. Through my lens, I aim to continue conveying this message of acceptance and inclusivity, inspiring people to be confident in their skin, just as they are.

If you had to, what characteristic of yours would you give the most credit to?
First things first – to make it as a photographer, you must have some serious creativity and artistic vision. You must be able to think outside the box, see things from new angles, and capture unique and captivating pics. That’s what makes your work stand out from the sea of other photographers out there.

But it’s not just about being creative – you also need technical skills. Knowing your camera inside and out, understanding lighting, and all that technical stuff are super important. And you must be super detail-oriented, too, because even the smallest mistake can ruin a whole photo.

On top of all that, you must be a people person. Building relationships with clients, models, and other folks in the industry is crucial for getting gigs and building a good reputation. And last but not least, you must be persistent, dedicated, and always learning. The world of photography is always changing, and the best photographers are the ones who are always evolving and trying new things.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @humansthroughmylens