Meet Saumya Pant | Photographer, Wild Heart Weddings

We had the good fortune of connecting with Saumya Pant and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Saumya, can you tell us more about your background and the role it’s played in shaping who you are today?
I moved to the US 4 years ago. As an Indian photographer in the US, my background and experiences have deeply impacted my photography career. I have always been interested in photography for as long as I can remember. However, during my post-graduation in marketing, I further honed my photography skills while working on a PR and media committee as my college’s photographer. This experience nurtured my creativity and visual storytelling skills.

Post graduation, while doing a corporate marketing job, I had the opportunity to collaborate with various travel agencies in India, exchanging my photographs for travel expenses. This allowed me to merge my love for photography and exploration, broadening my horizons and deepening my appreciation for diverse cultures.

Today, my Indian heritage shapes my artistic vision and infuses my work with a unique perspective. Since India has a large number of cultures and traditions, I grew up around various traditions, vibrant colors, and landscapes. This helped me develop a keen eye for capturing the beauty of different cultures through photography and a deep appreciation for diversity.

I love capturing the essence of authentic moments and preserving them for generations to come via meaningful images! My multicultural perspective along with my passion for visual storytelling helps me create captivating photographs that celebrate diversity and evoke a sense of connection.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I’m a photographer at Wild Heart Weddings and I specialize in capturing the love, beauty, and unique moments of intimate weddings and elopements. What sets me apart is my distinctive approach to storytelling, blending creativity, attention to detail and candid emotion to create breathtaking imagery that truly reflects the essence of each couple’s love for each other and their special day.

I take a personalized approach to each and every wedding I photograph. I like to take the time to get to know my clients and their vision for their big day. My goal is to make them feel extremely comfortable and confident in front of the camera even if they usually identify as being camera shy. I also help customize each detail of their day to celebrate their relationship exactly the way they want. If they want to hike up a mountain and say their vows or experience a hot air balloon ride together on their special day – I’m game! I believe that their wedding day should be their best adventure!

My journey to where I am today professionally has been filled with dedication, hard work, and a deep passion for photography. Moving to US from India and setting up my own business was definitely not an easy thing to do, especially because I knew no one here except my husband before my move. Referrals are a big thing in my industry but since I had no established circle, I had to build everything from scratch. It hasn’t always been easy, but the challenges I faced along the way have only strengthened my commitment to my craft. I overcame obstacles by continually seeking inspiration from fellow artists and pushing myself to improve and grow.

Today as a photographer at Wild Heart Weddings, my artistry is driven by a passion to capture the essence of love stories and create timeless memories. I am a storyteller who is passionate about preserving the memories and emotions that make each wedding day extraordinary. My brand is built on love, creativity, and a deep appreciation for the beauty found in human connections.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I am primarily based out of Chicago but I travel to Phoenix often since I have family here as well as to capture elopements and intimate weddings. If my best friend was visiting Phoenix for a week, I would suggest them to check out the following places so they can have an amazing time experiencing the best of what the city has to offer:

Day 1 – Hike at Camelback Mountain, explore the Desert Botanical Garden, Head to Roosevelt Row, an arts district with galleries, shops, and vibrant street art. Enjoy dinner at one of the local restaurants like The Breadfruit & Rum Bar or The Coronado.

Day 2 – Visit the Heard Museum which is dedicated to showcasing Native American art and culture. Explore the Phoenix Art Museum and take a stroll through Old Town Scottsdale to check out its charming shops, art galleries, and restaurants. Enjoy dinner at a local favorite like FnB or The Mission.

Day 3 – Experience the beauty of the Sonoran Desert with a hot air balloon ride today and take in all the stunning views and a memorable adventure. Relax and rejuvenate at one of Phoenix’s luxurious spa resorts, such as The Phoenician or Sanctuary Camelback Mountain. End your day with a sunset dinner cruise on the Desert Belle, a scenic boat tour on Saguaro Lake, with stunning views and delicious cuisine.

Day 4 – Visit the Musical Instrument Museum, a world-class museum showcasing musical instruments from around the globe. Explore the Phoenix Zoo in the afternoon and have dinner in downtown Phoenix at restaurants like Pizzeria Bianco or Blue Hound Kitchen & Cocktails, followed by a show at the Orpheum Theatre or a concert at The Van Buren.

Day 5 – Take a day trip to Sedona to see the stunning red rock formations and serene landscapes. Enjoy hiking, jeep tours, or exploring the art galleries and shops here. Return to Phoenix for dinner at a trendy restaurant like The Gladly.

Day 6 and 7 – Take a trip to the Grand Canyon, one of the natural wonders of the world. Explore the South Rim, hike the trails, and soak in the awe-inspiring views. Return to Phoenix on the night of Day 7 and celebrate the last night with a memorable dinner at Kai, an award-winning Native American-inspired restaurant at the Sheraton Grand at Wild Horse Pass.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I would like to dedicate my shoutout to two incredible individuals who have played a significant role in my journey and deserve recognition for their unwavering support and guidance.

First and foremost, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to my husband, Avikal Joshi. His unwavering belief in me, even during moments of self-doubt, has been a constant source of motivation. Starting a business can be daunting, especially when transitioning from a corporate job in another country to establishing my own venture in the US. Through it all, my husband has been my rock, providing consistent support, encouragement, and a belief in my abilities that has helped me overcome challenges and pursue my dreams.

I would also like to extend a special thanks to Hilda Burke, a remarkable professional photographer who has been an instrumental figure in my photography journey. Hilda not only believed in my potential but also generously offered me the opportunity to shadow her and learn invaluable wedding photography skills on the job. As my mentor, she has imparted her wisdom, shared industry insights, and provided guidance every step of the way. Her mentorship has been invaluable, and I am forever grateful for her willingness to invest her time and knowledge in my growth as a photographer.

These two individuals have played pivotal roles in my success, and I am truly grateful for their presence in my life. Their unwavering support, belief, and guidance have helped shape my path and fueled my passion for photography. I am honored to have them as part of my journey, and I owe a great deal of my accomplishments to their influence and contributions.

Website: https://wildheartweddings.com/

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