Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Parish Mandhan. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Parish, looking forward to learning from your journey. You’ve got an amazing story and before we dive into that, let’s start with an important building block. Where do you get your work ethic from?
My biggest inspiration for my work ethic is my mother. Since childhood, I have seen her work tirelessly every single day without taking any days off to provide for our family. Her dedication and unwavering commitment have set a high standard that I strive to meet in my own life. While I know I may never fully reach her bar, I aim to emulate her consistency and determination in everything I do.
Every day, I put in the effort to figure out what I want and how to achieve my goals. Even on days when I don’t feel like working, I push myself to keep going. I remind myself that there is always someone out there who might want it as badly as I do, if not more. This thought drives me to maintain a strong work ethic and stay consistent in my efforts. Ultimately, my goal is to honor the example my mother has set and continually improve in my pursuit of success.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
My name is Parish Mandhan, and I am a photographer based in New York City. My journey into photography began with a deep passion for capturing the essence of moments and the beauty of human expressions. Over the years, I’ve honed my skills and developed a unique style that blends natural light and off-camera flash to create striking, evocative images.
What excites me most about my work is the ability to tell compelling stories through my lens. Whether it’s a candid moment at a fashion show, the vibrant energy of New York City streets, or the serene beauty of a sunset by the sea, each photograph is a narrative waiting to be shared. This storytelling aspect is what I find most special about photography, as it allows me to connect with my audience on a deeper level and evoke emotions that words sometimes cannot.
A recent highlight is my series “Golden Hour Magic: Portraits by the Sea,” capturing the ethereal beauty of sunset and golden hour at Coney Island Beach. This series emphasizes my love for natural light and the serene, magical quality it brings to portraits.
As I continue to grow my brand, I aim to inspire others through my work and share the stories of the incredible people and places I encounter. My photography is not just about taking pictures; it’s about creating a connection and evoking emotions that resonate with viewers. I believe in the power of visual storytelling to transcend boundaries and bring people together, fostering a deeper appreciation for the world around us.
In addition to my personal projects, I am also looking forward to engaging with the community through workshops and guest lectures. Recently, I had the honor of being invited as a guest lecturer at my alma mater, Choithram School North Campus, where I shared insights about the creative industry with aspiring young artists. Moments like these reinforce my commitment to nurturing the next generation of creatives and giving back to the community that has supported my journey.
Looking ahead, I am excited to expand my portfolio with more international projects and collaborations. My upcoming trip to India will be a significant step in this direction, allowing me to explore new narratives and broaden my artistic horizons. Whether through exhibitions, publications, or digital platforms, I am dedicated to showcasing the diverse and dynamic world we live in, one photograph at a time.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Be Open to Rejection: Rejection is an inevitable part of any creative field. Early on, I learned that rejection doesn’t define my worth or talent. Instead, it’s an opportunity to grow and improve. Each rejection taught me something new, whether it was about refining my technique, understanding my audience better, or simply persevering. My advice for those starting out is to embrace rejection as a learning experience. Use it to fuel your determination and refine your craft. Remember, every successful artist has faced rejection it’s how you respond to it that makes all the difference.
Have Patience: Success in the creative industry doesn’t happen overnight. It requires a lot of patience and consistent effort. There were times when I felt like giving up, but staying patient and trusting the process helped me stay on course. For those at the beginning of their journey, it’s crucial to understand that building a career takes time. Be patient with yourself and your progress. Celebrate small victories and keep your long-term goals in sight. Patience will not only help you stay focused but also make the journey more enjoyable.
Keep Building Your Portfolio and Never Stop Shooting for Yourself: Continuously working on your portfolio and shooting for yourself are essential for growth and creativity. Your portfolio is a reflection of your skills and vision, so keep it updated with your best work. Additionally, shooting for yourself allows you to experiment, take risks, and discover new aspects of your artistry without the pressure of client expectations. For newcomers, I recommend dedicating time to personal projects alongside professional work. These projects will not only enhance your portfolio but also keep your passion for photography alive.
What was the most impactful thing your parents did for you?
The most impactful thing my parents did for me was believing in me. Coming from a small city in India and now working in New York, shooting for amazing brands, is something I could have only dreamed of. This journey would have never been possible without my parents’ unwavering belief in me and their role as the backbone of it all.
Despite financial constraints, they offered me the greatest support by believing in my dreams and letting me pursue my passion for photography. When I started, photography wasn’t seen as a viable career by many, but my parent’s faith in me gave me the courage to follow my dreams. There were times when we didn’t have enough money to pay for my school fees, let alone fund my move to New York. In those challenging moments, my mom even sold some of her jewelry so that I could follow my dream. Their trust in my potential and their sacrifices have been the greatest gifts of all, and I am incredibly grateful for that.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.parishmandhan.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/parishmandhan/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/parish-mandhan-163480152/
Image Credits
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