Ankita Asthana, a visionary in wedding photography, has been immortalizing the most cherished moments of couples’ lives since founding WeddingNama in 2012. Alongside her husband, Akash Agarwal, Ankita has revolutionized the wedding photography industry in India, capturing the intimate, emotional, and unforgettable memories of countless weddings across the globe.
A Journey Rooted in Passion
Asthana’s passion for photography began during her early years, nurtured by the inspiration she found in her family and surroundings. Born and raised in South India, she moved from city to city due to her father’s profession as a forest officer. Her father’s love for capturing moments during family trips ignited her curiosity for photography, a passion that she pursued with vigor.
One of the earliest memories Asthana fondly recalls is taking photos of a pitcher plant during a trek in the forest. These moments fostered her connection to photography and storytelling, which she later honed while studying architecture. Her education in architecture sharpened her eye for detail, enabling her to see the world differently, and her creative side blossomed as she delved deeper into photography.
From Architecture to Wedding Photography
While pursuing architecture, Asthana started a blog called “Fireflies and Shutterbugs,” where she connected with people from all over the world who shared her love for photography. It was during this time that she realized her true calling wasn’t in architecture, but in photography. She ultimately chose to pursue her passion over a traditional career path, declining an MBA seat at IIM Shillong to join the National Institute of Design (NID) in Ahmedabad for a master’s in photography.
Her professional journey began with a range of photography projects, from fashion shoots to architecture and product photography for magazines and brands. However, her transition into wedding photography happened by chance. A bride, impressed by her fashion videos, requested that she film her wedding. Despite having no experience in wedding videography, Asthana took on the challenge, which led to the creation of her first wedding film and sparked the idea for WeddingNama.
The Birth of WeddingNama
Launched in 2012, WeddingNama was born out of a deep love for capturing genuine, once-in-a-lifetime moments. Asthana and her husband Akash Agarwal embraced the creative freedom that weddings offered, enjoying the opportunity to bond with couples and document their most vulnerable and emotional experiences.
“What I loved most about weddings was the creative freedom. Weddings allowed me to truly bond with people and capture their most genuine moments,” Asthana said in an interview.
WeddingNama specializes in photography and cinematography services, offering a range of options from wedding day shoots to pre-wedding and destination shoots. Asthana’s unique ability to connect with her clients has earned her and her company a stellar reputation. Their portfolio includes high-profile celebrity weddings, such as those of Masoom and Shailin, and Sagarika Ghatge and Zaheer Khan.
Overcoming Challenges in a Male-Dominated Industry
When Asthana first entered the wedding photography scene, the industry was largely male-dominated, with traditional photo studios controlling much of the market. Often the only woman on-site, she would face difficulties in finding space and freedom to shoot creatively. Despite this, Asthana persevered, earning respect for her craft and making a name for herself and WeddingNama as pioneers in contemporary wedding photography in India.
Asthana believes that being part of the industry’s early transformation gave her a unique edge. As pioneers, WeddingNama had the advantage of setting the trends rather than following them, establishing themselves as leaders in the field of wedding photography and cinematography.
Balancing Parenthood and Career
Asthana’s journey wasn’t without personal challenges. After becoming a mother, she faced the challenge of balancing parenthood with her growing career. She recalls returning to work just a month after giving birth, bringing her baby to the office with her. Her commitment to both her career and family led her to travel worldwide for weddings, often with her baby by her side. With the support of her husband and a strong support system, Asthana has found a way to balance her roles as a mother and a successful entrepreneur.
Asthana credits the women of previous generations for fighting against patriarchy and social stereotypes, paving the way for greater opportunities today. “We have our mothers and grandmothers to thank for this. They fought the shackles of patriarchy so that their daughters could lead a normal life. However, there’s still much left to fight for in terms of equality,” she says.
Words of Wisdom for Aspiring Women Leaders
Asthana’s success as an emerging woman leader in the wedding photography industry is an inspiration for many. She encourages women to take charge of their lives, work with passion, and find balance. “Take on responsibilities that you can handle with ease and don’t be afraid to ask for help when needed. Hustle, but don’t push yourself to the point of burnout,” she advises.
Asthana emphasizes the importance of leading a healthy lifestyle, both mentally and physically, and encourages women to embrace their true selves. Her journey stands as a testament to the power of passion, creativity, and perseverance.
The Future of WeddingNama
As WeddingNama continues to grow, Ankita Asthana remains dedicated to capturing the most precious moments in people’s lives. With numerous awards under her belt, including being named Best Wedding Photographer of 2024 by Fearless Awards and a top 5 Wedding Photojournalist by WPJA in 2023, Asthana and her team are poised to set new benchmarks in wedding photography.
By blending artistry with emotional storytelling, Asthana’s work not only documents weddings but also preserves the essence of human connection and love.
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