Today we’d like to introduce you to Sundas Shahid
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I’m a 29-year-old photographer with a deep passion for capturing the special moments that tell a unique story—whether it’s the joy of a wedding day, the intimate connection of an engagement, or the warmth of a family’s love. My journey into photography started over 11 years ago, but it wasn’t until three years ago that I made the leap to turn my passion into a full-time career.
Before diving into photography, I had a corporate career in finance, which gave me invaluable skills in business management, organization, and a strong work ethic. But despite the stability, I found myself longing for a more creative and fulfilling path. After spending years working on photography part-time, I decided to take the plunge and leave my corporate job behind to pursue my dream full-time.
Since then, it’s been an incredible ride—growing my own photography and videography business, building meaningful relationships with clients, and learning new techniques to capture the most precious moments. Today, I’m proud to say that my business is thriving, and I get to do what I love every day. It’s not just about taking pictures for me—it’s about creating art, preserving memories, and being a part of the most important milestones in my clients’ lives.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road, but every challenge has been a valuable learning experience. When I first started out, balancing a corporate career with my growing passion for photography was tough. There were long nights and weekends spent shooting and editing, and it often felt like there weren’t enough hours in the day. The hardest part was figuring out how to juggle both worlds without burning out, all while learning how to make a name for myself in a competitive industry.
When I decided to leave my corporate job and go full-time with photography, the leap was exciting, but also terrifying. It meant going from a stable income to working for myself in a highly unpredictable field. Building a client base from scratch was another challenge, as well as figuring out the business side—marketing, contracts, pricing, and managing everything from admin work to client relations. There were plenty of moments of doubt and fear, especially in the early days when I wasn’t sure if I was making the right decision.
As my business grew, there were also technical challenges to overcome, from perfecting my craft to keeping up with the constantly evolving trends in both photography and videography. There was a steep learning curve with the equipment, editing software, and keeping up with social media to build a presence online.
But each obstacle pushed me to grow, become more resilient, and adapt. Looking back, I wouldn’t change any of it. Those struggles taught me the value of persistence, the importance of networking, and how to manage both the creative and business aspects of running a successful photography business.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I specialize in wedding, engagement, and family photography, with a strong emphasis on capturing authentic, heartfelt moments. My approach is all about storytelling—I want to create images that not only look beautiful but also evoke the emotions and memories tied to that moment. Whether it’s the look of pure joy when a couple says “I do,” the intimate moments shared between partners during an engagement shoot, or the laughter and love of a family, I aim to preserve the essence of those relationships in my photos.
What sets me apart is my ability to really connect with my clients and create a comfortable, relaxed environment during shoots. I believe that the best photos come when people are at ease and can truly be themselves. My clients often tell me that my calm demeanor and attention to detail help them feel confident and natural in front of the camera, which results in more authentic, candid moments.
I think what people appreciate most about my work is the personal touch. I take the time to get to know my clients, so I can capture their unique stories in a way that feels intimate and true to who they are. I’m also known for my calm and professional demeanor, which helps clients feel relaxed and comfortable in front of the camera, leading to more natural and candid shots.
I’m most proud of the relationships I’ve built over the years. Many of my clients have turned into friends, and I’ve had the honor of photographing multiple milestones for the same families—weddings, anniversaries, newborns, and family portraits. The fact that they trust me to capture these special moments is something I truly value.
Another thing I’m proud of is how far my business has come in just a few years. From starting out with only a few clients to now running a successful photography and videography business with a loyal client base, it’s a reminder of how much can be accomplished with hard work, passion, and dedication.
Ultimately, I think what sets me apart is my commitment to capturing real moments, my ability to tell a complete visual story, and the care I put into each session—whether it’s a wedding or a family portrait. I want my clients to feel seen, heard, and celebrated through every frame I capture. Every shoot is an opportunity to tell a story, and that’s what makes my work so fulfilling.
If you had to, what characteristic of yours would you give the most credit to?
I believe the most important quality contributing to my success is **empathy**. Photography is such a personal and emotional experience for my clients, and I’ve found that being able to genuinely understand and connect with them helps me capture more authentic moments. Whether it’s a couple on their wedding day or a family during a portrait session, I try to see the world from their perspective and create a space where they feel comfortable, seen, and celebrated.
Empathy also helps me anticipate their needs and make them feel at ease, which leads to more natural, candid photos. It’s about creating trust and building relationships, and I think that’s why so many of my clients return for future milestones and refer me to others.
On the business side, empathy has also been crucial in understanding my clients’ unique visions and tailoring my services to meet their expectations. I truly care about delivering a product that’s meaningful to them, and that commitment to understanding their stories has been key in building a strong reputation and growing my business.
So, while technical skill and creativity are vital, I believe it’s my ability to connect with people, understand their needs, and make them feel valued that has been the foundation of my success.
Pricing:
- $3999 for Full Day of Photo & Film (8 Hours)
- $2700 for Full Day of Photography (8 Hours)
- $400 for Engagement Session (1 Hour)
Contact Info:
- Website: https://pixelsphotoandfilms.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pixelsphotoandfilms/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Pixelsphotoandfilms/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@pixelsphotoandfilms
