Today we’d like to introduce you to Anugraha Iyer.
Hi Anugraha, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I am a photographer based out of Baltimore, MD. I specialize in weddings, engagements, and portraits of all kinds.
I have been taking pictures all my life, but my real photography journey started when my lovely wife (girlfriend at the time) Emma surprised me with a camera on our first Christmas together. She knew that I’d been itching for one for a long time, so she worked behind the scenes, getting all of our friends to pitch in for it. The look on my face was well worth it (as she likes to remind me often). Since that day, I haven’t put the camera down. (In fact, I’ve only picked up more)
I have fallen in love with the process of capturing moments of love and connection, freezing them in time for my clients to cherish. I feel so lucky to be present for so many important moments, from pregnancy announcements to surprise engagements, to annual family portraits to beautiful weddings. My intention is to show up and help tell your story, whatever it may be, with the artistry and attention-to-detail that it deserves.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Like with any venture, the challenges have been commensurate with the rewards. This whole journey started as a way to gain supplemental income on top of my regular 9-5 so that my wife and I would be able to purchase our first home. We were able to do so which is awesome. This meant sacrificing time with family and friends so that we could achieve this dream.
Now, comes the challenging part of figuring out what I need to prioritize in my life. Everything seems to be so important but there’s only so much time in the day: family, friends, homeownership (there’s always a project), continuing to grow the business.
Being there for people on their special day is such a treasure. I am in the unique position to capture the love and joy on a wedding. It’s an honour to immortalize the fulfillment of a lifetime of investment that culminates in two people coming together with all of their most important people behind them and supporting them.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am a wedding photographer but I’m also dabbling in interior design photography and trying to break into that space. At my core, I am a logical creative; which means I approach my creativity from an analytical or even mathematical perspective.
Whenever I am shooting couples, families, or otherwise, I am visualizing all the different variables that come together to make that photo. This includes: my camera settings, the lighting, the shadows, reflections, post-production process, etc. I am often visualizing the final product and I maneuver myself or the things I can within the space to make it work.
I think what sets me apart is that I am always doing my best to be relaxed, chill, and bring the best energy I can to a shoot. Especially within weddings, after the wedding party and family, I am the person that is most present on a wedding day. If I can be friendly, compassionate, and exude kindness to the people I am around on that day, the photos will show up.
Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc?
– High Performance Podcast
– My brother-in-law’s daily quotes from books that he reads. Here’s one from today: “In areas of uncertainty, use the principle of humility.”
– The Bible. My faith is important to me and I believe that I am called to love everyone. I hope to live my life in a way that people feel loved, welcome, and that their stories deserve to be captured in the best possible way.
Pricing:
- 10-hour wedding day: $4750 (800+ photos delivered)
- 8-hour wedding day: $3800 (600+ photos delivered)
Contact Info:
- Website: https://anugrahaiyer.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anugrahaiyer/
