Today we’d like to introduce you to Amod Mahadik.
Amod, we’d love to hear your story and how you got to where you are today both personally and as an artist.
I always knew that I could never work a desk job, I had to be moving around, doing something I loved, creating something people loved. My varying interests in culinary arts and art growing up led me to live a very creatively influenced childhood. I was always creating new food and pushing myself to build random models at home. My involvement in Boy Scouts from when I was 6 to becoming an Eagle Scout at 18 also pushed me to be respectful of the environments I worked in. Something that defined myself in high school was my love of magic and illusion. It allowed me to interact with people and make them smile, all while forgetting about their problems for a brief second. And that’s what I loved about art and creating back then and now, it allows us all to just forget for a second and focus on the joys of life. My parents often supported my creative endeavors, but still wanted me to focus on school. When it came time to decide on my college future and what I wanted to do with my life, I focused on a career in design. I currently go to the University of Illinois, where I am a 3rd year Graphic Design Major/Photographer Minor.
After moving to the city, I became involved in the photography community. Different groups were hosting monthly meetups where creatives could come together for free and just shoot and get to know one another. These meets opened the door for me, not only allowing me to create but opening up my social life as well. I met others that not only shared my interests but pushed me to create more and better my work. I also started working for Colin Lyons, a well-respected, highly acclaimed Chicago Wedding Photographer. His guidance in everything has made so much for me possible today and I couldn’t be more thankful for his help. This heavy support from friends and family encouraged me to start my own media company while still going to school. Now, I’m doing what I love all the time and it’s never felt like I’ve worked a day.
We’d love to hear more about your art. What do you do you do and why and what do you hope others will take away from your work?
I’m an event photographer/videographer and my company also handle bigger productions like brand commercials and productions; but I love creating portraits, wildlife, and cityscapes.
With my freelance work, I want to show people that there’s more to the world than just a 9 to 5 job. I want to show that you don’t need money for happiness, that a simple sunrise can make your day that much better. I find myself shooting at times no one else is out, which is the best way to self-reflect, allowing myself to become much closer to the image I’m trying to capture. In turn, I hope the viewer feels the same way when looking at my photos. Not only do I hope they like the image, but wish they were there when the photo was taken. And while waking up at 4am for a sunrise shoot might not be everyone’s ideal Saturday morning, it’s one of the best ways to create something that connects more with an audience. I hope people see the raw nature of this world through my photos and come to love the cities we live in.
I’m still trying to find my style, so don’t be confused when you see polar opposite themes on my page. My event work is pretty straightforward, but my side projects are always exploring new ideas and finding inspiration through current trends.
How can artists connect with other artists?
Yeah, go out and shoot every chance you get, with at least one other person. I try to shoot at least 3 times a week, and even if I don’t get a useful shot, the experience has opened up my social life. I once randomly met a French photographer on the streets of Chicago at 4am, and after shooting together for 5 hrs., I learned so much more about media in other countries and got a new friend out of it.
Be open to shooting with anyone, no matter what their experience level is. Having someone to shoot with makes it that much more of an enjoyable experience. You’re not only sharing these experiences with someone else, but you’re exchanging valuable knowledge with someone who can either offer you a lot or with someone you can offer a lot too. Also, be open to new ideas from other creatives. Check out new cities, new concepts, and ideas that could help you grow.
Do you have any events or exhibitions coming up? Where would one go to see more of your work? How can people support you and your artwork?
My work is displayed on my Instagram. With social media being the strongest way to reach my audience, it’s always helpful when people view and interact with my work. I’m always looking for support whether it’s feedback or working with me to create something new. So, shoot me a message, I’m always looking for a new way to create art. People can also buy my prints! It means a lot when people see value in my work and sponsoring me means that I can push my boundaries and experiment with new ideas.
Contact Info:
- Website: amodmahadik.com
- Email: amodmahadikphotography@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amodm_/
- Other: https://www.instagram.com/amod.mahadik/
Image Credit:
IMG_4978: Hannah White
IMG_4567: Julia Elaine
IMG_6365: Megan Laurel Tretter.
Getting in touch: VoyageChicago is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
