I currently reside in Abu Dhabi and have previously worked for Etihad Airways for eight years as a Senior flight attendant.
My job provided me with the best opportunities to see the world, meet amazing people, work with fantastic colleagues, built unique relations and taught me how to overcome some of the most challenging scenarios at 40,000ft. On the other hand, it also taught me to look beyond the glamour of the aviation industry, made me discover my true passion and pursue it as a career, and for that I am eternally thankful to Etihad Airways.
Every moment of my day was spent fulfilling my dreams which was to travel and photograph the world. We gain so much new information and even have the privilege to discover ourselves when traveling.
Being based in Abu Dhabi has been the cherry on the cake for me. All of Abu Dhabi's vibrant history, culture, beaches, highlands, long drives and the connectivity to any part of the world is a huge perk.
Author Napoleon Hill had famously said “Your Big Opportunity Might Be Where You Are Right Now.” To be honest, I had never planned on leaving the aviation industry but there was always something about photography that was kind of a calling.
Following my redundancy last year, I decided to pursue a career as a full-time photographer.
Photography is an art form that necessitates the maximum amount of creativity.
To be an effective professional photographer, you must observe everything and interpret it in various way and express that idea through the capture of both beautiful and meaningful photographs.
Given the fluid nature of the photography market, it is critical to be informed about the most likely future developments in this area. This makes it easy to grab opportunities as they arise and also to respond promptly to immediate threats that could drive the unprepared out of the market.
What I have realized about my career change is that a lot rides on networking. Don’t get me wrong, I am an introvert so I can never even attempt building a rapport with a big group of people. I am much more comfortable talking one-on-one or speaking on the phone. So that is what I was always doing, on my way to work, on my flights, on my layovers. I met up with people, some with prior appointments via social media and some at completely random places. I asked questions, shared life experiences and I learned a lot. I truly believe that on the basis of the strength of a positive relationship with people, you can build anything. A family, network, career and even an empire.
In my 8 years in Abu Dhabi, with less than a year pursuing photography and videography full time, I have managed to successfully build a reputation as a professional photographer and videographer, working with internationally recognized brands both in India and UAE. I have also had the opportunity to collaborate with startups and am currently one of the authorized media partners for Dubai Expo2020. My portfolio also includes engagement and pre wedding shoots, food photography and several other independent projects.
About Bhupendar Singh
Bhupender Singh is an Abu Dhabi based Freelance photographer, videographer, lifestyle blogger and a former Flight Attendant. Traveling across the world and documenting it through his unique style of photography and sharing it with the rest of the world is his passion. Throughout this process, he has expanded his social media platform skills, studied analytics and created a planning tool to assist brands to grow online.
