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Celebrating a Decade of Dreams: My Journey to Capturing WOW
World Photography Day 2025 feels like the perfect moment to share a story very close to my heart - a story of doubt, discovery, and the birth of something I never imagined would grow into what Capturing WOW is today.
Ten years ago, on 19th August 2015, I found myself in Las Vegas, at Photoshop World. I was ten years into photography, recognized in my field, but utterly frustrated. My finances were unstable, the creative spark felt dim, and I was seriously considering quitting photography. I had reached a point where I questioned why I was doing this at all.
Yet, something inside nudged me to take a leap. I invested a significant amount - the flight to the US, the conference ticket of around $3,000, stay at the Mandalay Bay, plus an additional $100 for a portfolio review. Every penny felt like a risk, but I knew I had to give myself one last chance.
At the conference, Lindsay Adler's presentation completely changed my perspective. She broke down high-fashion images with incredible transparency, showing us the tools, props, and hacks she used - even mentioning things she bought off Amazon for just $10. For the first time, I saw that creative brilliance wasn't inaccessible; it could be learned, practiced, and applied with ingenuity.
I also paid for a portfolio review, which turned out to be transformative. I met a senior fashion photographer, probably in his 60s. When he reviewed my work, he looked at me with disbelief and said,
"Young man, you are mad if you want to quit. Today, your portfolio with ten years of experience is stronger than what most photographers achieve in thirty years".
That moment validated my journey in ways nothing else had. It made me realize sometimes you just need a peer to recognize your worth.
After this, I attempted to bring Photoshop World to India. I wrote emails, reached out repeatedly, and even got the chance to speak with Scott Kelby, the founder. While it ultimately couldn't happen - geography, logistics, and resources made it impossible - this ambition planted the seed that would later grow into Capturing WOW.
Before leaving the US, I made a decision that shaped my growth: I asked Lindsay if I could assist her in New York. Until that point, I had never assisted anyone - I had only been the one leading shoots in India. Assisting her allowed me to see photography from an entirely new angle. Watching her work in a studio, managing lighting, subjects, and vision in real time, taught me nuances that I couldn't have learned alone. It was another turning point, reminding me that growth often comes when you step into the shoes of someone else.
Fast forward to 2019. Inspired by all I had learned, I launched Capturing WOW in New Delhi. We started small, bringing together 314 photographers and filmmakers in pre-COVID India. Beyond workshops and talks, it was the community itself that made the event magical.
I'll never forget the challenges my sister Megha faced while pitching our services. Clients would negotiate aggressively, and we would end up reducing our value. Through Capturing WOW, we built friendships with competitors instead of seeing them as threats. That's when the philosophy of
"Collaboration is the new black"
truly took root.
Capturing WOW wasn't just about learning; it became a platform where we all uplifted each other. These relationships proved invaluable - when Megha got married, I could call photographers across cities to help without logistical headaches, thanks to these strong connections.
When the pandemic hit, the world told us events couldn't happen. But we didn't stop. In 2020, we hosted the world's largest online photography conference, spanning eight days with 80+ speakers from around the globe. We ran webinars, interactive sessions, and continued to bring learning to the community - all online. Even in isolation, the spirit of Capturing WOW thrived.
Post-pandemic, we returned to physical events with renewed energy. Our bootcamps became intensive, hands-on experiences. From there, we launched the Capturing WOW Awards, initially with 40 categories. The goal was clear: recognize artist's work across photography, filmmaking, and content creation. This year, we're proud to present 100+ categories, celebrating talent from every corner.
The festival has given me my closest friends and collaborators - Nitin and Shanaya Arora - who are now family. Together, we've built a community where creativity, recognition, and collaboration define the culture.
And now, in 2025, we return to Delhi with a two-day festival on 11th-12th October, combining bootcamps, awards, and an expo. We'll host panels, expert jams, image critiques, a job fair, and live shoot arenas with the latest gear. More than that, it's an opportunity to network, learn, and grow with peers and legends alike.
I want to invite every one of you - photographers, filmmakers, content creators, podcasters - to join us. Experience the power of collaboration, celebrate your craft, and take part in a community that believes in lifting each other up.
Looking back, 2015 was a year of doubt, investment, and learning. Today, in 2025, Capturing WOW stands as a testament to perseverance, mentorship, and the strength of community. What started as a personal attempt to reignite my passion has grown into a movement celebrating creators across India.
On this World Photography Day, I share this story not to boast, but to remind you: the journey may be hard, the path uncertain, but the right moments, mentors, and community can transform everything. Dreams do come true, and sometimes, the leap is worth every risk.
If you'd like to hear more of my journey in my own words, tune into my very first podcast here: Who is Luv Israni?
I hope to see you in Delhi this October - to learn, share, celebrate, and create together.
- Luv Israni
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