My Journey at Cookd Ventures
In November 2021, during my 6th semester, I was set to complete an internship program, which is a standard step for many students. But for me, things took an unexpected and exciting turn. I received an offer from Cookd Ventures Private Ltd, and instead of starting as an intern, my freelance and volunteering experience in photography and videography landed me a direct position as staff. This was a pivotal moment, marking the official beginning of my career in the creative industry.
The Early Challenges and Learning Curve
At first, the transition from a student to a professional was a steep one. The environment, the responsibilities, and the tasks were all new and daunting. However, with the steady guidance of my team leader, Mr. Ragul Thangavel, and the constant support of Cookd's Founder, Mr. Aathitiyan V S, I gradually found my footing. Their mentorship was invaluable as I navigated this unfamiliar territory.
Exploring the World of Food Photography and Videography
Food photography and videography were not areas I had much experience with initially, but Cookd Ventures gave me the opportunity to dive deep into this niche. Day by day, I learned new techniques to capture the essence of culinary art through the lens. What seemed like just food on a plate became a canvas of vibrant colors, textures, and stories waiting to be told.
The leadership of Mr. Aathitiyan V S encouraged me to experiment with different styles, lighting, and angles, pushing the boundaries of what I thought was possible. This hands-on learning approach helped me build a solid foundation in food photography and videography.
Social Media Marketing and Technical Growth
One of the most rewarding aspects of my journey at Cookd was not just the visual storytelling but also understanding the power of social media marketing. I became actively involved in strategizing and developing content for various social platforms under the leadership of Mr. Aathitiyan V S. The process of aligning visual content with brand identity and audience engagement was a new skill that I honed over time.
In addition, the Cookd editing team played a vital role in my growth. Together, we explored new editing techniques using Adobe Premiere Pro, Adobe Photoshop, and Adobe After Effects. These tools became essential in elevating the quality of our videos and images, allowing us to produce work that was not only aesthetically pleasing but also professional and dynamic.
Problem Solving and Experimentation
At Cookd, creativity wasn’t just encouraged—it was essential. Mr. Aathitiyan V S always fostered an environment of problem-solving and experimentation. This mindset allowed me to tackle challenges head-on, whether it was refining a shoot to get the perfect shot or troubleshooting technical issues. We worked as a team, constantly testing new ideas and improving on old ones, which fueled my passion for the craft even more.
Conclusion: The Foundation of My Career
Looking back, my experience at Cookd Ventures was more than just a job; it was the foundation of my career as a photographer and videographer. The lessons I learned, the mentors I had, and the skills I acquired continue to shape my approach to every project I undertake today.