Photography has always been a passionate hobby of mine. I knew a bit about the subject. I tried to learn a lot online but I always felt that there was something missing- A Teacher or Guru. From experience, I have learnt that when a Guru teaches you, it is very different from a computer teaching you. I have always wanted to formally learn photography and acquire knowledge in a structured form. Hence, I always wished to go to an institute to study Photography.

However, it was always a far off dream. Family commitments and the need to support and provide for them always took precedence and I never thought studying photography at an institute would become a reality.

Then came the difficult period of my life where I had to rethink what I was doing. My other profession and passion, Landscape Architecture, started to become less of a passion and more of a work obsession. It stopped being about design, the love for design and things I was passionate about. The job became monotonous, involving submissions and meeting deadlines with no scope for creativity and passion. I started disliking the job and the monotony of going to office everyday became more of a burden than a passion and it started taking a toll on me mentally and physically.

During this time, my family and I had to take an important call: Do we want the money or do we want a happy life? No job or life is worth it if you hate it every day. Hence, I decided to resign and take a small break. During this period, the dream re-surfaced. Spontaneously, one day, I decided to come to Ooty and visit Light & Life Academy! Our family sat down and went through our finances to see If we could afford it. After analyzing the situation – The fees for LLA, one year without an income etc, we decided, to hell with everything else and said what the heck, we love this place, lets give it a go!

I came to LLA for an interview and the rest, as they say, is history! LLA has given me a new lease on life. I have new friends who are always overflowing with creative ideas and that inspires me and helps me with my design too! I’m not sure if I will pursue photography professionally as a career or go back to landscape architecture. I might even do both J! However, I have one piece of advice for everyone. If ever in life, you are not enjoying what you are doing, REBOOT.

You can rest assured that life gives second chances. People might think you are crazy, that you have lost your mind, and that you are suffering from the clichéd midlife crises. But people who love talking will continue to talk. The most important thing is to focus on yourself, look inwards and find true meaning. If you want something badly enough, the stars will align themselves and ensure you get it. It is then up to us and how we use it and what we make of it. It is never too late to pursue your dreams and passions. I’ve learnt that personally!

Vikram Hingmire
www.vikhingmire.com