From Tech to Weddings: A Photographer's Accidental Rise

Siddharth Sharma, founder of the renowned wedding photography studio House on the Clouds, shares the story of his accidental career path. Originally working in tech in the US, Sharma found himself drawn to wedding photography after capturing a friend's event, realizing the profession offered a 'proper job' within the celebration.

The distinctive name 'House on the Clouds' was not initially intended for a photography business but for a cafe Sharma hoped to open. The name was adopted for the photography studio when struggling to find a suitable alternative, eventually becoming synonymous with the company's signature soft, cinematic wedding imagery.

Sharma considers AI a valuable assistant, particularly in post-production workflows, but dismisses it as a disruptor in wedding photography. He emphasizes that the industry's core lies in emotional connection, a quality he believes machines currently lack.

Addressing the misconception that celebrity weddings require extraordinary effort, Sharma clarifies that celebrities often grant more artistic freedom due to their appreciation for art. The studio adheres to a 'first come, first served' policy for bookings, prioritizing availability and budget over elaborate selection processes.

The emotional depth of weddings deeply impacts Sharma and his team, fostering invisible bonds with couples and families. This connection often leads to lasting friendships, with former clients maintaining contact and sharing significant life moments, which Sharma considers the most rewarding aspect of his work.

House on the Clouds has photographed high-profile celebrity weddings, including Kiara Advani-Sidharth Malhotra and Alia Bhatt-Ranbir Kapoor. Sharma notes that Alia and Ranbir's wedding was their first major celebrity assignment, yet he experienced minimal pressure, attributing this to meeting the couple and feeling an immediate connection.

Sharma acknowledges industry competition but views it as healthy, fostering innovation and improving overall work quality. His aesthetic has been influenced by international photographers, though he also admires Indian photographer Nirav Patel for his craft and inspiring journey.

Regarding pricing, Sharma explains that House on the Clouds maintains fluidity, reflecting their journey from humble beginnings. To accommodate smaller weddings, they created a separate vertical, Samsara, ensuring they don't miss out on capturing beautiful, intimate events. Despite operating in the luxury market, they aim to retain their core values and are open to connecting with weddings that resonate with their team, regardless of budget.

Athiya Shetty, who married KL Rahul in 2023, celebrated their daughter Evaarah's first birthday last week, a testament to the personal connections forged through their work.