We often see popular reels on Instagram today where photographers approach complete strangers for street portraits. Every time one of those videos pops up on my feed, it brings a massive smile to my face because it instantly takes me back to a very special memory of my own.

It happened at Gautam Buddha University in Noida during the National Youth Festival organized by the NYKS. I was walking around with my camera, hunting for interesting street frames. I was completely focused on shooting in black and white, enjoying the classic monochrome vibe. But suddenly, my eyes caught something that completely changed my mood. My mind shifted instantly from wanting gritty street shots to wanting a pretty portrait.

That person was Pinkal Patel from Gujarat.

Back then, I was a pretty shy guy. I had never walked up to a stranger to ask for their picture before. I hesitated, but I really wanted to capture the frame. I turned to my friend, Chintu Nick, and shared my desire to take her portrait. Before he could even finish telling me to go ahead and approach her, I gathered my courage, walked up to her, and asked for permission.

She and her two friends agreed. We chatted for a brief moment in the winter sun, and then she posed for the pictures.

This was back in the day when smartphones were not as dominating as they are now, so looking at a shot on a digital camera screen was still a unique experience. When I showed her the results, the genuine joy that lit up her face was unforgettable. She absolutely loved the picture, and seeing that reflection on her face made all my initial shyness vanish. Years have passed, but that single moment remains one of my favourite photography memories, the day a stranger helped me conquer my shyness, one click at a time.