But let’s face it – when push comes to shutter, no number of those devices can rival a single frame captured by the pros. And there’s one event that consistently commands respect for these experts – weddings.

On World Photography Day today, FMT Lifestyle spoke to Aiswahryaah Kannan, 32, who stands out in an industry often dominated by males.

As the founder of Aahana Studios, Aiswahryaah serves as an inspiration for women who aspire to wield the camera as a profession.

“It’s quite clichéd, but I ventured into photography because I wanted to tell a story, to freeze a moment and all its emotions within a single frame,” she said.

Growing up an only child in a conservative Indian family, she said convincing her parents that photography was a viable career was challenging to say the least.

“During that time, around seven years ago, it was considered unsafe to be a female photographer. In fact, there was no one in Malaysia who I could show as an example to my parents, someone to say, ‘Look, I want to be like her.’”

But she went ahead anyway and established Aahana Studios in 2016 in her hometown of Klang. Finally, she had her very own wedding photography company.

Today, she’s become a much-sought option, particularly among the Indian community in Selangor.

Given the myriad fields of photography, from wildlife to fashion, what motivated her to choose wedding photography?

“I love the festive spirit and the energy of weddings, especially Indian ones,” she said. “Witnessing two families coming together to celebrate love is just very special.”

However, the camera whizz also acknowledged that capturing Indian weddings presented a slew of challenges due to their unique rituals.

“The most stressful moment for a photographer is the thali tying moment, the climax of any Indian wedding,” she shared.

Aiswahryaah explained that in traditional Tamil Hindu weddings, the groom ties the first two knots of the thaali, while the third and final knot is tied by the groom’s sister.

“It’s during this moment, the one that everyone wants the perfect photo of, when the uncle, aunt, and half of the people in the hall come up to the stage, crowding around the couple.”

If photographers aren’t quick on their feet, it can be quite a nightmare.

“There’s one wedding I’ll never forget, where the groom’s aunt moved to hold the thali as the groom was tying it and completely forgot about the camera. She ended up standing right in front of the bride, blocking her face from view.”

Of course, Aiswahryaah acted quickly. “I ended up crouching low and crawling like a frog in order to get the shot,” she shared with a chuckle.

Reflecting on her journey, she said Aahana Studios, like many others, had humble beginnings. “I simply grabbed my camera and started shooting at family weddings. If they liked my pictures, they were welcome to use them, but I didn’t ask to be paid.”

She shared that despite her family’s initial hesitance to accept her profession, it was they who eventually gave her their full support and in so doing, bolstered her confidence. “My mother and my husband are the true backbones of this business.”

She also attributes her success to her very first customer. “Back in 2016, a groom’s sister discovered my photos on Facebook, and at the time, I didn’t even have a physical album to showcase. Still, she ended up bringing along 12 family members just to meet me!”

In fact, she has become close friends with every one of them. “I typically focus on weddings, but for them I always say yes, even to capture photos of their other smaller ceremonies.”

Considering the hurdles women can face in the workplace, has she had ever had to deal with clients who questioned her abilities solely due to her gender?

“Not at all,” she replied. “Not even one person hesitated to hire me once they found out the main photographer is a woman. In fact, I think these days people are more confident in giving the job to a woman.”

Her advice to aspiring photographers: “The first thing you need is confidence. The more you capture, the better you’ll become. You can only improve through learning from your mistakes.

“When you genuinely appreciate your work, your clients will, too. I always advise starting with street photography. It’s the simplest, most authentic way to begin.”

Follow Aahana Studios on Instagram.