A Journey from Passion to Profession in Photography – Bandara Tennakoon

October 11, 2024

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From Art to Photography
Bandara Tennakoon, a 46-year-old father of three daughters, migrated to Australia in 2007. His journey into photography wasn’t immediate, as his artistic inclination originally lay in painting and other creative arts during his school years in Sri Lanka. Having won multiple international and national art awards, Bandara initially pursued a career in tourism management. After moving to Australia, he completed his master’s in business and another postgraduate degree. However, it wasn’t until the birth of his second daughter that photography became part of his life. What began as a simple effort to capture his daughters’ precious moments slowly transformed into something much more significant.

A Hobby Becomes a Profession
Bandara’s photography started as a personal hobby, taking pictures of his daughters and perfecting the craft through YouTube tutorials and guidance from other photographers. His skills improved so much that friends and family began reaching out to him to photograph weddings, birthdays, and other events. What was once just a casual hobby evolved into a profession, as word-of-mouth recommendations increased. His first paid gig came in 2017 when a lady offered him $50 for his photography services. This marked the turning point where photography became not just a passion but a professional pursuit. Bandara upgraded his camera gear and began to network within the photography community, quickly building his reputation.

A One-Man Show with a Trusted Critic
Operating as a freelance photographer, Bandara handles everything himself, making it a true one-man show. However, he values the feedback from his most trusted critic—his wife. She reviews his work before it’s released to clients, providing honest critiques that help him improve his craft. This partnership has been instrumental in his growth as a photographer, allowing him to maintain high standards in his work.

Creative Vision in Commercial Photography
While he occasionally covers weddings and birthday parties, Bandara prefers commercial photography, where he can inject creativity and storytelling into his work. His education in marketing and branding plays a significant role in how he approaches photography, ensuring that each shot has a deeper meaning and narrative. His commercial clients, including SriLankan Airlines and Monash University, appreciate his ability to combine artistic talent with a strategic branding approach. His photographs are more than just images—they tell a story, which is why his work is in demand for both corporate and community events.

Challenges of a Rapidly Evolving Industry
Despite his success, Bandara acknowledges the challenges of staying relevant in a fast-evolving industry. The rapid pace of technological advancements means that he constantly has to upgrade his camera gear and software. The integration of AI in photography is another area that demands continuous learning and adaptation. While he is passionate about his work, he also admits that photography is an expensive hobby, requiring significant investment in equipment and knowledge to keep up with the latest trends.

Milestones and Future Goals
One of Bandara’s most significant achievements is gaining recognition from SriLankan Airlines’ marketing team, who trust him with high-profile events like the Melbourne Marathon. Looking ahead, his goal is to secure media accreditation for the prestigious Melbourne Cup, which would represent a major milestone in his career. Such recognition from prominent organizations is a testament to his dedication and growing influence in the world of photography.

A Community That Supports and Uplifts
Bandara credits much of his success to the support of the Sri Lankan community in Australia. Friends and colleagues often recommend him for photography at community events like the Sri Lankan New Year festival. He is also known for his quick turnaround time, often delivering high-quality photos within 24 to 48 hours. This level of professionalism has earned him repeat business and opportunities to work with high-profile clients, including ministers, celebrities, and even international beauty pageant winners like Miss World Australia.

Words of Wisdom for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
For those looking to start their own business, Bandara offers simple yet profound advice: love what you do, study your craft, and stay dedicated. He believes that optimism and hard work are key to success, and in his dictionary, “nothing is impossible.” His commitment to staying busy and his passion for learning have kept him ahead in the competitive field of photography. He also emphasizes giving back, offering his photography services free of charge for charity events and Buddhist temples, showing his gratitude to the community that has supported him throughout his journey.

Capture Your Moments with Bandara Tennakoon

If you’re looking to capture special moments with creativity and professionalism, Bandara Tennakoon is the photographer to trust. With a keen eye for detail and a passion for storytelling through his lens, he delivers high-quality photos for a variety of events—from corporate functions to personal celebrations.

For inquiries or bookings, you can contact him directly:

Mobile: 0433887629
www.btcaptures.com.au

Let Bandara bring your moments to life!