Photographer/photography
While the photographer I work with in US is pretty punctual, the ones in India seemed to be great advocates of IST ( Indian standard time ) aka a couple hours late. In US there is complete professionalism and we believe it is one's responsibility to notify the other in the event you were running late. This timelines was a no show in the photographers back in India- but no complains, their photography was equally good and the results were phenomenal. They were much more courteous and addressed me as Ma'am which I'm so not accustomed to hearing here in US- here I am Sammy. It was a bit awkward but I enjoyed that #GirlBoss feeling.
Team
While in US it's just my photographer and myself on any given shoot day. I am the driver, the porter, the spot boy and pretty much everyone other than the photographer or his assistant. However, in India the photographer came with his own assistant and lights. My driver multi-tasked as the light boy, the spot boy and carried my bag and phone. It was ultimate luxury and I could so get used to this moving around with an entourage.
Location
While each location I choose in US is pretty equipped with bathrooms and or any other utility that that facilitates swiftness and is always appreciated, it was hard to find cleaner places back in India to change and freshen up. It was hot, humid and the bathrooms I used did not have proper ventilation and cooling, but the staff at each of the places cooperated and arranged for floor fans and cleaner floors. In case you were not aware each shoot of mine entails a few different outfit changes. I prefer locations that have bathrooms or stores with fitting rooms around.
Outfits
This is always the highlight and the most exciting part of my photoshoots. I plan my head-to-toe outfits ahead of time, take trial pictures for reference during the shoot and pack each outfit in the order I am going to wear. While in US my wardrobe is limited to just what I own, back in India I had my mom's, my sisters' wardrobe at my disposal. My wardrobe multiplies, I get an adrenaline rush and I have the best time pulling out pieces from my mom's and sisters' closets. Except for the shoes, most of the things work. For instance this lehnga ( the maxi skirt and cropped top ) set that you see on me today was borrowed from my second sister. She is pretty much the same height as me and every piece fits me as if it was made for me. That's the beauty of having stylish mom and sisters.
SHOP MY OUTFIT