We recently had the chance to connect with SAMPADA RAWAT and have shared our conversation below.
SAMPADA, we’re thrilled to have you with us today. Before we jump into your intro and the heart of the interview, let’s start with a bit of an ice breaker: What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
I recently started an internship after graduating from my MBA, and it’s been an adjustment settling into a new routine. My weekdays are packed with commuting and work, but I unwind in the evenings with a long run or gym session. I’ve set some fitness goals this year and have been fairly consistent in showing up, especially with running. Since completing a half marathon last year, I’ve been pushing my limits, going from barely managing 1.5 miles to consistently running 6-7 miles. Beyond fitness, I find joy in photo editing whenever I get the time. It’s something that truly makes me happy.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hi, I’m Sampada Rawat! By day, I’m navigating the world of business as a recent MBA graduate and current management trainee, balancing work with evening runs and gym sessions toward my fitness goals. But beyond the structure of 9-to-5, I find my creative escape behind the lens. What started as a casual stroll with a phone camera turned into thatgirlonastroll- my alter ego and personal lens on the world, capturing vibrant streets, mundane moments, and quiet corners. Photography has become my way of pausing time and finding beauty in the everyday. One of my personal goals in life is to publish a coffee table photo book filled with photos clicked by me. I want to share my work with the world and am gradually building my personal brand.
Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. What relationship most shaped how you see yourself?
My relationship with myself. This is the strongest relationship I will ever have and the most important one at that. I have learned, unlearned and relearned so much about myself in the last decade. My views and opinions on career, personal life, health and lifestyle have always evolved and continue to do so. From moving around with family as a kid to now moving around the world for my own goals, I have learned a ton about what I like, dislike, need and want. I pride myself on choosing the path less taken because very often, for better or for worse, that’s how I’ve landed some of the most rewarding and unique opportunities in life, and these opportunities have shaped me as a person.
When did you last change your mind about something important?
They say perfection is the enemy of good, and in photography, it truly is. When I first got my DSLR, I believed it would transform my work. Sure, it improved the quality of pixels, but not the quality of perspective. That part had to come from within- through observation, curiosity, and practice.
For the longest time, I waited for the “perfect” shot before sharing anything. But I’ve come to realize that a photo doesn’t need to be flawless, it just needs to feel something- to capture a moment, an emotion, or a story. Perfection is often in our heads. Don’t let it stop you from sharing your art. Keep experimenting, keep evolving.
So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. What’s a belief or project you’re committed to, no matter how long it takes?
One day, I want to publish a photo book. I aim to keep improving my photography and editing skills as long as I can and want to share my artwork with the world someday. I may not be great yet, but just thinking about this personal project excites me.
Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. How do you know when you’re out of your depth?
When I can’t decide the next step and feel overwhelmed about it. When even with a clear destination in mind, the path forward feels overwhelming or unclear- usually because there are too many moving pieces or I lack the necessary experience- that’s when I realize that I may be out of my depth. In such times, I don’t hesitate from reaching out to people who can help.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thatgirlonastroll?igsh=MzU0YjRvbGE0azRl&utm_source=qr
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sampadarawat/
Image Credits
All photos have been clicked and edited by me.
