From the New York Spark to the Perfect Shot: A Photographer’s Journey to Success
- Farkas Viktória
- 14 hours ago
- 4 min read
Many of you ask me: how does someone actually become a photographer? What does it take to turn a hobby into a profession, and a simple click into a piece of art? The answer involves much more than just expensive equipment. It is a journey that starts from the depths of the soul, sometimes leads all the way to New York, and finally finds its purpose in someone else’s happy moment. Allow me to share my story with you.
Inspiration – When the World Suddenly Looks Different
It all begins with a single moment. The realization of how light falls differently on a face at sunset, or seeing pure, unadulterated joy in a child’s eyes. For me, this is the "Alpha" of photography: the ability to see the miracle in the everyday. The first camera in your hand is just a tool, but soon, it becomes an extension of your vision.
The Big Decision – When the Concrete Jungle Becomes the Classroom
Inspiration alone isn’t enough. I had to find a way to manifest the images in my head onto the sensor. For me, this turning point arrived in New York. The pulse of the city, the interplay of light and shadow created by skyscrapers, and the thousands of stories hidden in the streets gave me the final push: I had to master the art of photography here and now.
But fortunately, I was never alone on this path. The power of the photographic community is invaluable. I feel immense gratitude for the supportive fellow photographers who accompanied me. A special place in my heart belongs to Norbert Bánhalmi, whose mentorship allowed me to learn amidst the bustling streets of New York.
Our work knew no bounds. We rose at dawn to capture breathtaking New York sunrises from the Brooklyn Bridge and stayed out late into the night to create fantastic portraits using the vibrant lights of Times Square. These moments truly taught me the masterly use of light and the importance of persistence.
Finding My Voice – The Power of the International Community
This support network didn’t stop at the borders of New York. To this day, I have mentors and friends across Europe, throughout the USA, and in Central America. This international community constantly inspires me to refine my own unique voice—the Viki Photo Art style.
This style was born from my New York experiences, my love for natural light, and my desire to capture honest, human emotions. When someone looks at one of my photos and says, "You definitely took this," I know that all the energy invested and the experiences gathered around the world have truly paid off.
Click here for animal portraits!
From the First "Yes" to a Vocation – Balancing Passion and Business
Perhaps the hardest step is shaping passion into a profession. The first paid commission is both terrifying and elevating. Suddenly, there is a huge responsibility: someone is entrusting you to capture the most important moments of their life. At this stage, being a "good photographer" isn't enough; you must be skilled in communication, marketing, and building trust.
The True Measure of Success – Beyond the Likes
And what is success? In the photography profession, it’s easy to get lost in social media likes. For me, however, the measure of success is completely different.
Success is when a bride looks through her wedding album with tears in her eyes. Success is when a family pulls out their photos years later with a smile. And success is the gratitude and friendship I feel within the photography community, and the joy I see in my clients' eyes when I deliver their final images.
"I have never ever taken professional pictures and she made this experience all worth it!!! She made me feel so comfortable like I knew her forever. If your looking for someone to make the experience fun, She is the person for you. 5 stars all the way!"
Of course, the numerous exhibitions and magazine features represent professional recognition, of which I am very proud. Click here to see my published works!
This path is full of challenges, but every early morning wake-up call and late-night shoot is worth it. Photography isn't just a job; it’s a vocation that allows me to give eternal memories and show the world the beauty I see through my lens.
Thank you for joining me on this personal journey! If you would like me to capture your story and your moments with the vision I’ve refined across the globe, feel free to contact me!
Contact Details:
Website: https://www.vikiart.com
Instagram: victoriaphotography.art
Facebook: Viki Photo Art by Viktoria Farkas
With love,
Viki
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