Meet Khushi Patel | Photographer
We had the good fortune of connecting with Khushi Patel and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Khushi, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
I come from a really big, Indian family where all my cousins and siblings are pursing business and medicine. From a young age I knew my brain wasn’t meant for that. It’s not that I didn’t ace academically, but my mind just didn’t work like that. I have had a camera in my hand pretty much since I can remember. My family didn’t want me to pursue an artistic career, they always pushed academic extracurriculars. My grandma always said that I won’t make money if I choose to be a photographer, but I’m not doing it for the money. I enjoy spending time in the studio, I feel like a scientist when I’m creating still lives or when I change the angle of the lights and camera for the perfect shot.
Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I feel like my art is on both ends of the spectrum. I love product and portrait photography, and I love maximalism. I enjoy adding color and lots of patterns and items to make the subjects pop. But at the same time, I love documenting the quietness and the little moments of my surroundings. Finding who I am as a photographer took a long time for me to figure out. In my heart, I’ve always wanted to be a studio photographer, but in that journey I found myself wanting to be outside with my camera more. It took me a long time to figure it out, but it’s okay if I don’t choose one route of photography. It definitely wasn’t easy. I went though a big period of not shooting photos because I wasn’t sure if this was something I wanted to continue, but with the help of Manu, my classmates, and my professors, I’m learning that it’s okay to just take photographs of what I want. I want all artists, especially those starting out, that pivoting is key. If one thing doesn’t work out, try something else you’ve been meaning to try. Who knows, maybe that’s the thing that makes you you.
Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I love the Atlanta food scene. There is so much to try in so many different spots. One of the first places I’d say to start out in is Little Five Points. One of my favorite places ever to eat is Hattie B’s. Hot chicken at Hattie B’s is a must have, I rave to all my friends about it. Once you’re done eating, there are so many places to shop just down the street. The Clothing Warehouse is one of my favorite places to thrift. There’s something for everybody.
Virginia Highlands also has so many fun places to go. First, there’s always dinner at Jinya Ramen Bar and a movie at the Plaza Theatre right after. Plaza Theatre is such a fun movie theatre to go to, everything is old school in there, and there are always fun and new movies showing. If you don’t feel like having ramen, just down the street is Ponce City Market. Their food hall has so many great options to have food. My personal favorite is Botiwalla. Their Sev Puri Chaat is my favorite.
Downtown Georgia in my opinion has some of the best Mexican food I’ve had in Atlanta. It also has cool nightlife. Underground Atlanta is a great spot to hangout with friends. The music is great and it’s a really fun spot to dance, have drinks, and just have a great time with friends. Be sure to lookout for holiday events because the decorations are really great!
The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I want to shoutout my cousin Manu. She’s been my rock throughout my journey here in Atlanta with both life and school. She will always come through as my model whenever I have a silly idea for a photoshoot. She’s been the best sport through every thing. She let me talk and work through my artist block with no complaints, allowing me to figure out who I am as a photographer. She’s really the big sister I never had growing up. I’m really fortunate for her to open up her space for me so I can come to school and be the best photographer I can be.
Website: https://knpphotos.com
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/khushi-patel-1b0662262
Image Credits
Image Credits: Khushi Patel
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