For Parmeet Sahni, her fascination with cameras goes back to her modelling days. Many might recognise her as the runner-up in Mrs India NZ 2014. It was in the same year, when Sahni decided to pursue her passion for photography by starting Soulful Memories. She believes that photos act as time capsules to relive memories—whether it is a shared hug or a laughter frozen in time. Indian Weekender caught up with the photographer to know what inspired her to pursue the art. 

IWK: What intrigues you the most about photography?

Parmeet: Time flies but memories stay—I realised it all the more when I shifted to New Zealand from India six years ago. I had to leave behind many precious memories in the pages of photo albums. I have always loved to capture special moments, especially each milestone of my two daughters. When I came here, I could only carry a handful of photos from the thousands I had. It was then that I realised the beautiful role these memories play in our lives

IWK: What led you to start Soulful Memories?

Parmeet: I created Soulful Memories to fill the lives of people around me with special moments. Photography is more a passion than a profession for me. I also do complimentary photo shoots. For me, photography is a medium to spread great, noble, and harmonious messages, just through visuals; sometimes no words are required. On Valentine’s Day, I was spiritedly looking to photograph an elderly couple. It was a dream that I had for long, for it conveyed the message that love is eternal and has no age. On Eid, I captured the photo of two children celebrating the festival, to spread the message of togetherness. I am planning to do my first book on colours of India. Most likely, the book will be releasing in October this year.

My dream is to capture people of India and Pakistan in one book, without mentioning who is from where, to communicate that people are not separated by borders but united by humanity, and deep inside, we’re all the same.

IWK: Did you undertake a photography training before you set up the business?

Parmeet: I have attended workshops and taken professional training. Photography is a vast subject. When I first started, I had no clue about the technicalities of it. I worked hard day and night. There have been times when I jumped off the walls around 2 a.m. to jot down = ideas while thinking about the forthcoming photo sessions. For me, it is important to always be learning, pushing the boundaries, and finding something new and different with each shoot. I am a firm believer in possibilities and love to create them, rather than finding reasons, and also that there is no age to pursue passion and dreams. I am constantly looking for courses to enhance my skills further.

Along with my photography pursuit, I am a full-time working woman with two kids and a supportive husband who has helped me to pursue my passion and to take it to a different height. Without my family’s support, I would not have gone this far! There is still a lot to learn and do.

IWK: As an artist, what is the one thing that you look for in each photo?

Parmeet: As an artist, one thing I look into each frame is to capture and reflect reality. My aim is to make pictures and capture as many moments as I can. Then, at the end of my life, I hope to look back with contentment and not regret thinking about the pictures I could have made.

IWK: Apart from portraits, do you conduct other shoots? 

Parmeet: I do a lot of street photography. I am a blogger and love to relate my pics with a quote, story, or a notion. I do family photo shoots, newborn, maternity, candid photography and anything to do with special moments. Any subject that has people in it always interests me. My next challenge is event and flash photography.

IWK: Which photographers have influenced you the most and how?

Parmeet: Peter Turnley is one of the photographers who inspires me a lot. He is a photojournalist known for documenting the human condition and world affairs. He has lived in and photographed Paris since 1978. I absolutely love his pictures, as they speak volumes.

IWK: What is the one thing you wish you knew when you started photography?

Parmeet: One thing I wish I knew when I started photography is that it is an expensive affair! I have noticed that my love for handbags and shoes has changed into love for cameras and lenses. But jokes apart, I really don't know which one thing I should have known but all I know now is I eat, breathe and sleep photography.