Malvika Periwal on Her Stories, Career, and Advice for Wedding Photographers

Malvika Periwal is the figure of a relentless fighter and independent, hardworking woman.

Having had a passion for art since the early age, she chooses to follow her dreams and not let her hearing impairment stop her from proving her talents to the world. For Malvika, starting out wasn’t easy as she had to compete and strive in a field dominated by men, while also trying to convince the clients that being a girl and having hearing impairment are not a hindrance in her work.

In her work as a wedding photographer, she excels in capturing candid moments naturally, delivering stories with her photos that look effortlessly beautiful, emotive, and elegant. With more than 80 assignments that have sent her to various parts of the world, Malvika has established her name and business in the wedding industry. But more importantly, she has proved that nothing is impossible with determination and hard work.

We have the pleasure of interviewing her and getting to know her stories as Malvika talks about her experiences, from how she started her career in wedding photography, the biggest obstacle she’s had in her career, and her advice for anyone who wants to be a professional wedding photographer.

Hi Malvika, tell us a little about yourself.

I was born and brought up in Kolkata and Bangalore. I’ve been profoundly hard of hearing since birth, but I never let that stop me from following my dreams.

After completing my fine art degree from Central Saint Martins College of Art and Design, London, I returned back to India, and began my career in photography.

How did you start your career in Wedding Photography?

Art is in my genes. I’ve always been passionate about it since childhood. Initially, I had started out with fashion and commercial photography after completing university in London – especially after training with celebrity photographers like Dabboo Ratnani and Rohan Shrestha in Mumbai, but due to the increased demand for wedding photography, and since it suited my creative style, I decided to take up wedding photography as a career. It’s been four years now, and I have done more than 80 weddings since then – all over India, Thailand, Australia and even Kenya.

What’s the biggest obstacle you’ve faced in your career and how did you overcome it?

My biggest obstacle I have faced in my career was in the very beginning when I started out, I had to make a name for myself. Being a girl, and hearing impaired, it wasn’t easy to convince clients of my abilities. It took a lot of hard work, determination and time to make that happen. Word of mouth also helped me get from strength to strength.

How was your experience of being a photographer in a domain extensively dominated by men?

It is extremely difficult to be a photographer in this field hugely dominated by men – and with the competition. But, with my experience of photography from a young age, and with my family’s support, I have been able to make a name for myself. As photographers, we have to work long hours and travel a lot, and I don’t think I would’ve been able to pursue this as a career if it wasn’t for my parents. They have really encouraged me every step of the way and made me believe in myself and my abilities. They used to tell me, “your work will speak for itself.”

What’s your advice for young and passionate wedding photographers trying to make a career in this field?

Follow your dreams. Don’t let anything stop you from what you want to do. This field is a lot of hard work, but if I can do it, you can too.

Lastly, who inspires ‘Malvika Periwal’?

My parents, they have sacrificed and done a lot for me. If it wasn’t for them, I wouldn’t be here today.

The road to where she is now is not easy, but Malvika has proved that with passion, determination, and hard work, you can jump over any hurdle that comes your way and strive. She follows her dreams with incredible perseverance and tenacity, and she’s now thriving and flourishing.

Thank you Malvika for sharing your inspiring story with us!

Images credit: Malvika Periwal