Pranto Podder shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Pranto, we’re thrilled to have you with us today. Before we jump into your intro and the heart of the interview, let’s start with a bit of an ice breaker: What are you being called to do now, that you may have been afraid of before?
I’m being called to show up more on camera and share my own stories. For a long time, I was comfortable staying behind the lens, creating for others, but I avoided putting myself out there. It felt vulnerable and a little scary to flip the camera toward myself. Now, I see that telling my story is just as important as telling others’. It’s uncomfortable at times, but it’s also where the most growth happens.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Pranto Podder, and I’m a photographer and director based in New York City. I specialize in fashion, fitness, and lifestyle storytelling, helping brands and individuals bring their vision to life through powerful imagery and cinematic video. What makes my work unique is the blend of artistry and intention—I’m not just capturing moments, I’m building narratives that connect emotionally and visually. Through my brand, UrbanShots Creative Productions, I’ve had the privilege of working with global names as well as rising creators, always with the same goal: to create content that feels authentic, meaningful, and unforgettable.
Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. Who were you before the world told you who you had to be?
Before the world told me who I had to be, I was a shy kid who lacked confidence. I often stayed quiet, observing more than speaking, and doubted whether my voice or perspective really mattered. But that same curiosity and sensitivity shaped the way I see the world now—it’s what drew me to storytelling through photography and film. What once felt like weakness has become one of my greatest strengths: the ability to notice details, emotions, and moments that others might overlook.
What did suffering teach you that success never could?
Suffering taught me something success never could—that pain, when paired with reflection, creates progress. Success often feels like the destination, but it’s in the hardest moments that I’ve learned the most about myself, my strength, and my resilience. Struggle has forced me to slow down, to look inward, and to grow in ways comfort never demanded.
Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. Is the public version of you the real you?
Yes—the public version of me is the real me. I’ve always been kind and genuine, and that hasn’t changed whether I’m on or off camera. What means the most to me is when I hear people say good things about me behind my back—it reminds me that authenticity speaks louder than appearances. I’d rather be remembered for how I made people feel than for any title or achievement.
Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
I hope the story people tell about me is that I always believed in myself, even when the odds were against me. That I showed others what’s possible when you trust your vision, stay resilient, and keep moving forward no matter how many setbacks you face. More than anything, I want to be remembered as someone who inspired others to believe in themselves too.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.urbanshotsbypp.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/urbanshots_/
- Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/ pranto-podder-1ba3a7119
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@prantopodder56
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
