Hello dear readers- Today, I have the honor of chatting with @photosbyswati, an incredible artist who takes portraiture to new heights, through meticulous attention to detail, compelling concepts, and extensive technical proficiency. Let's dive in.

Swati! It is so nice to finally be having this conversation with you. Your art is stunning, unique, and I always enjoy getting lost in your carefully crafted compositions. Can you introduce yourself to our community here? Where you are from and the mediums you work in?

Thank you Dave. Love your work and it is my honor to be interviewed by you. I am a portrait, fashion and fine art photographer. I was born in India and began my career as a Human Resources professional with a passion for photography, which I began to explore professionally and seriously after I moved to the United States. One of my milestones has been earning the title of a Master Photographer from the Professional Photographers of America @OurPPA.

That is an incredible achievement. Glad to take some time to learn more about your process and drive to create. Let's start at the beginning- what are the earliest moments you can remember encountering your creative motivation? Did it begin with a camera or even earlier? Was there a resistance from others when you decided to pursue it more seriously or did people help you along this path?

I met my grandfather through a photograph. He sits there in a sturdy piece of black-and-white paper, holding a two-year-old me - my only proof of ever having received any grandfatherly love. As I veered from photographing for pleasure to choosing it as a profession, this black and white photo stuck with me - reminding me how photographs can turn moments into memories.

I also grew up around art and artists - mostly musicians, actors, theater personalities, dancers. My father and Uncle used to take portraits as hobbyists.

I remember taking photos of my brother who was the Captain of the cricket team and a musician while he was in University - photographs he used extensively then and still preserves fondly as some of his best captures.

I think as a Talent professional, I was also unknowingly absorbing the plethora of human stories around me , which has influenced my journey as a photographer.

There was absolutely no resistance from family and friends when I decided to take up photography as a full time career - in fact they were quite supportive and happy for me.

What a beautiful origin story. As someone who also had creativity run through their family line, and who was similiarly enabled by the people around them, this sentiment really resonates with me.

Let's talk a bit about process. Your work is very well thought out and meticulously executed. Can you walk us through your creative process, from ideation to completion?

It usually starts with an idea, a concept. The spark of an idea can come from reading a book, watching news on tv, watching a movie, just from word-play, seeing a painting or a sculpture. Sometimes the germ of an idea sits in my head for a while. I let it marinate till the many pieces of execution begin to form a coherent picture.

What makes a strong photograph is the impact. To create an impact, I plan on the storytelling, lighting, composition, technique, posing the subject, and the final presentation that ‘makes’ the image.

While working on commissioned portraits, I felt an impossible urge to create stylized portraits my way - which tells a story, mostly revolving around women. But beneath the stylization is always the core story of human struggle with self doubt and gradual emancipation from it.

What may look like stylized portraits of beautiful women, actually attempts to capture this emancipation - carefully thought through costumes, props, expressions, mood, etc. It is also my story - a story of defying society’s gaze, learning to live and create and setting myself free.

Lets do a bit of a comparison between your experience online with pure Web2 Social Media spaces, versus Web2 with the added layer of peer-to-peer transactions and ownership via Web3. What has blockchain technology brought to to table for an artist like yourself?

I am thankful for technology- keeping in touch with my family and friends all over the world is so much easier now. However, to balance real life and social media, can get a bit challenging between commissioned work, creating stylized shoots, spending time with family and friends and at the same time be actively involved in web 2 - I feel we need 48 hrs in a day.

Having said that, I enjoy web 3 more simply because through spaces and real life NFT events, I have met and made connections and great friendships with artists and collectors from all over the world. I have connected with amazing artists with whom sharing work process, brainstorming and exchanging ideas and feedback (about each other’s work) and collaborations have been possible. The easy access to my collectors - to be able to have discussions about the work, the process, new plans, to have their feedback, etc. and in some cases, becoming friends in the process, is something I value and cherish immensely.

The blockchain technology has made my creation ageless - I feel I have put a spell on them and placed them in the blockchain forever. In fact, one of my collections is called “I am ageless… she put a spell on Me”.

Your answer really speaks to me, one of the fundamental tenants of ALLSHIPS is that "community is the root of all value." The people we encounter along our journey- it means everything. Really enjoy the way you speak about your experience in Web3.

Lastly, a question I ask of everyone, what is some advice you would have for a creative person who is earlier on their journey?

Keep learning, follow your heart, your dreams and above all, enjoy what you do, it will definitely show in your work - and success is bound to follow.

Swati, thank you so much for taking the time to provide such thoughtful answers, and for sharing your stunning work with us . I will be following you continued success with deep interest, and I wish you all the luck in the future. To the reader, keep up with Swati by following her on X, share this interview far and wide.