“I was born and brought up in Sirpur Kaghaznagar, a small town in Telangana. Life was simple. My father runs a kirana wholesale business in our village, and growing up, I believed I would choose something stable and secure. In small towns, security matters.
But somewhere inside, I had bigger dreams.
Growing up around festivals, traditions and different cultures shaped how I see the world. Every temple, street and village had a story. Without realising it, I was learning to observe — people, emotions, light and detail. That later became my strength.
I moved to Hyderabad to pursue my Master of Science (MSc). The city expanded my thinking. During college, photography slowly became more than a hobby. Small shoots turned into short documentaries, corporate projects and wedding films. Drone cinematography followed. One opportunity led to another.
After completing my Master of Science, I worked in a corporate job for nearly two years. It was stable. Salary was fixed. Life looked settled from the outside.
But every weekend, I was out shooting. I felt more connected to my camera than my computer screen.
When I decided to leave my job, people had doubts. “Is there real growth in the creative field?” “You studied MSc for this?”
There’s a common misconception that creative careers are easy. In reality, they demand discipline, long hours, constant learning and serious financial risk.
Over time, I’ve invested nearly 40 lakhs into professional gear. Today, we own eight high-end cameras along with premium lenses, drones, stabilisers and audio equipment. Every upgrade came from reinvesting earnings back into the work.
Acceptance at home came slowly. For my parents, success meant steady income. They truly felt confident about my path only when the earnings became consistent and the business stood strong.
What began as freelance work grew into The Speaking Diaries. Today, I employ four full-time team members and collaborate with several freelancers. I’ve travelled to nearly 18 states across India, documenting heritage spaces, cultural traditions, landscapes and weddings.
Over time, my focus naturally moved towards heritage and culture — old temples, historic towns and local traditions that deserve to be preserved. Travel, for me, is not just about visiting places. It’s about understanding their history and presenting them with respect.
Back home, my father continues his kirana wholesale business. My sister is currently pursuing her higher education. Whenever I return to my hometown, I’m reminded how far this journey has come.
Dreams don’t depend on where you start. They depend on how far you’re willing to go.
Small town. Big dreams. Still moving forward.”

• Sai Kumar, Photographer & Nature Enthusiast