My Safar: Authentic Self-Portraits & Creative Experiments
My camera is my third eye, and these self-portraits are my way of capturing my own 'suffer2safar'. I do not follow rules, I follow feelings. Let's see what we can create together when we stop posing and just start being.
A self-portrait in the mountains, using my dupatta to play with the wind. This is about finding strength and holding your head up, a core part of my personal journey.
A confident and calm self-portrait against a backdrop of green hills. These sessions are my way of connecting with myself and with nature.
A playful and free-spirited self-portrait, letting my dupatta fly in the mountain breeze. It’s a celebration of movement and freedom.
This video captures the feeling of being one with the mountains. It's a visual expression of self-love and finding peace in travel and nature.
A moody, cinematic self-portrait video inspired by the film 'Qala'. I love experimenting with shadows and light to create emotional and artistic visuals.
This self-portrait video is an exploration of finding peace and self-acceptance. It’s a quiet, reflective piece set to a classic song, embracing body positivity.
An experimental self-portrait video playing with subtle expressions and glances. It's a creative exercise in storytelling through small, nuanced movements.
About this collection
Shooting these self-portraits taught me that the best shots happen when you stop performing for the camera. My experimental sessions are built on this concept. We will not be doing standard, stiff poses. Instead, we will experiment with natural light, shadows, and mood, creating visuals that feel like you, whether we are in a studio or your living room.
Why do I shoot self-portraits? Because it is the ultimate test of vulnerability. When I am in front of my own lens, I am not modeling. I am just reflecting, whether that is finding peace in the mountains or experimenting with moody, cinematic lighting inspired by cinema.
If you are looking to book a creative session with me, forget the idea of a perfect portfolio. My conceptual and themed shoots are about celebrating your raw essence. We will play with props, lighting setups, and your unique energy to build a visual story that feels authentic to who you are today.
What to expect in our session
- Zero Posing: We do not do stiff smiles. I guide you based on movement and emotion, letting your body language speak the truth.
- Creative Experiments: Whether it is high-contrast, dramatic lighting or soft, golden-hour minimalism, we design the vibe together.
- Body Positivity: I do not reshape bodies. You are the subject, and my job is to capture you in all your natural glory.
Practical Details
These themed sessions typically run for 3 to 4 hours in a Delhi NCR studio or a home setting. We take our time. It is not about finishing the roll; it is about finding the moment that sticks. If you have a specific mood board or a song that defines your current phase, bring it. That is where we start.
Manya Upadhyay
I am Manya. I do not believe in perfect angles or fake smiles; I believe in capturing the energy you already possess. My camera is just there to witness your journey, exactly as it is.
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