We recently connected with Nilangana Banerjee and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Nilangana, so happy to have you on the platform and I think our readers are in for a treat because you’ve got such an interesting story and so much insight and wisdom. So, let’s start with a topic that is relevant to everyone, regardless of industry etc. What do you do for self-care and how has it impacted you?
As a commercial photographer and creative director, my commitment to self-care is paramount for maintaining peak creativity and professionalism. I carve out time for activities that rejuvenate me, such as immersing myself in reading, watching movies, listening to classical music, practicing mindfulness, and cherishing moments with loved ones. Alongside these, regular exercise, nutritious eating habits, and ample sleep are essential pillars of my routine.
These self-care practices wield a profound influence on my effectiveness. They sharpen my focus, sustain my motivation, and infuse my work with fresh perspectives. When confronted with challenges, I find myself more resilient, equipped to tackle projects with vigor and innovation. Prioritizing self-care not only elevates my well-being but also bolsters my performance as a creative professional in the industry.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
In my multifaceted roles at HANHOO USA (Comprehensive Sourcing Solutions) in Los Angeles, I serve as the In-house Lead Photographer, Director of Photography (DOP), and Head of Creative Productions. Here, I conceptualize, direct, create, and post-produce content for numerous brands and clients, including Amazon, Walmart, Urban Outfitters, and many more.
Simultaneously, I nurture my personal brand, Nilangana Banerjee Photography, which operates through two distinct units. The first unit specializes in commercial photography, encompassing editorial fashion, interiors and architecture, portraiture, food and beverage, product, and lifestyle photography. The second unit delves into conceptual fine art projects that address pressing global issues, drawing inspiration from psychology, sociology, and environmental sciences to foster awareness.
I take great pride in the dual nature of my brand, which straddles both commercial and fine art photography spheres. This approach has garnered recognition through features in prestigious magazines, journals, books, and newspapers worldwide. Additionally, my work has been showcased in numerous gallery exhibitions and highlighted across a variety of media platforms, both in print and online.
What sets my work apart is my distinctive artistic perspective on global issues. While art inherently holds meaning, infusing it with a message, a purpose, and a goal contributes to societal betterment. I firmly believe that addressing and raising awareness about significant global challenges, such as climate change, transcends the confines of scientific fields alone. It’s a shared responsibility across all disciplines to offer insights and collaborate in seeking solutions.
Consequently, my unique style and business ethos center on creating purpose-driven art—a dedication to leveraging my platform to advocate for meaningful change and contribute positively to our world.
In the near future, I intend to rebrand and reintroduce my brand as a production company, integrating the production of artistic motion pictures alongside still imagery.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Reflecting on my journey, three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge have profoundly shaped my path:
Creativity: Creativity is the cornerstone of my journey. It ignites my passion for photography, propelling me to explore new horizons, experiment with innovative techniques, and continually refine my craft. For those embarking on their creative journey, I urge you to nurture and cherish your creativity. Immerse yourself in sources of inspiration, whether it’s art, nature, or everyday experiences. Embrace the freedom to take creative risks and boldly express your unique vision and style.
Resilience: Resilience has been indispensable in overcoming the inevitable challenges and setbacks encountered along the creative path. Whether facing rejection, surmounting technical obstacles, or grappling with creative blocks, resilience has empowered me to persevere and forge ahead. To those starting out, I advise cultivating resilience by fostering a supportive network of mentors, peers, and fellow creatives. Embrace setbacks as opportunities for growth and draw strength from the journey’s inherent adversities.
Continuous Learning and Adaptability : The journey of evolving as a photographer or an artist has been greatly influenced by the pursuit of knowledge and skills, as well as the essential ability to adapt to evolving challenges, technologies, and circumstances. Mastering new techniques and staying abreast of industry trends and technological advancements through continuous learning has been pivotal in ensuring my relevance and fostering innovation. To aspiring creatives, I emphasize the importance of a steadfast commitment to lifelong learning. Seek out opportunities for education and skill enhancement, be it through formal training, workshops, or self-directed study. Cultivate an insatiable curiosity, maintain humility, and wholeheartedly embrace the journey of perpetual growth and expansion.
In essence, I urge aspiring photographers and artists to embrace creativity, cultivate resilience, and embrace a mindset of continuous learning. These pillars will not only help navigate the challenges of the creative journey but also unlock the full spectrum of artistic potential.
Before we go, any advice you can share with people who are feeling overwhelmed?
When overwhelmed, I’ve developed the habit of pausing and taking a deep breath. Breaking tasks into smaller, manageable steps, and prioritizing them based on urgency and importance, restores my sense of control. Stepping away briefly for a walk, mindfulness, or music also aids in clearing my mind. Seeking support from loved ones or colleagues can alleviate the burden. Ultimately, it’s crucial to strike a balance between addressing the source of overwhelm and practicing self-care to navigate challenging moments effectively.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.nilanganabanerjee.com
- Instagram: @nilangana.official
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063589400588
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nilanganabanerjee/
- Twitter: @NILANGANA_10
- Other: https://www.brush.bio/olive
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