Dear Reader,

I wanted to pop in and say thank you for being in my world and for your support over the years.

I started my photography business in 2007 after a stranger came to purchase a baby carrier from my Craigslist ad. She saw a travel photo on my mantle and asked if I'd photograph her child. She persisted after I ghosted her and became my first paid client.

One of the images from that session still hangs at Palo Alto Medical Foundation—a reminder of those early days.

Some of you also came into my world through those Craigslist days and have stayed around, letting me capture your families as they've grown.

Over the years, while I've stuck with photography, I've pivoted through different seasons of life. Currently, I focus on portraits of women—personal and professional—and launched Luminous, a studio portrait experience, and REimagined, an AI portrait experience. So many of you have become not only clients but friends, whether locally or online, as I've branched into brand strategy, making cookbooks and mugs.

This year, amid pushback, I started offering AI-generated images.
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As a photographer, it was initially hard to put myself out there—first with self-judgment, then with others' opinions. But I'm a lifelong learner (which, ironically, was my area of focus at the web design company I worked at when the internet was brand new). I feel the same now—AI is the new internet, and I'm at the forefront of the curve, resistance and all.

The past two years have been tough with health issues. I've learned a lot about my body and how to nourish it. As we age, there's a debt built up from younger years, and there's catching up to do as insurance for the later years.

This year, I took two trips to India to see my father. At 93, his health was declining, and one of the hardest things was not being able to hop on a domestic flight or into the car to be with him. I'm grateful for both trips.

Baba, as I call my dad, passed away on Friday, November 21st in the U.S., November 22nd in Bombay. That day, I had a feeling somehow it would be his last. In the evening, when my brother called, Baba was not in the best shape and barely awake. On video, I spoke to him, and although he didn't respond, I know he could hear me. An hour later, when my brother called again, I knew.

My dad lived a great life and had one of the sharpest minds, even until the end. On this one trip, as he fed the crows, he said to me, "Alpana, they are my real friends. I have no other friends." 😂😂

As Thanksgiving approaches, I find myself reflecting on gratitude.
For the time I had with him.
For the peace I feel now.
For you, and this community that has held me through so many seasons.

Thank you for being here.

xo,

Alpana

P.S. In this season of gratitude and new beginnings, I'm sharing a few offerings close to my heart:

❤️ Luminous ​— in-studio portraits for women who want elevated, timeless images. Discounted session, exhibit eligibility, and a limited bonus selfie mug + craft coffee with select packages.

❤️ ReImagined — AI portraits for a flexible, budget-friendly option (60% off creative fee + select packages with 20+% off + bonuses)

❤️ Bombay Bites Storytelling Digital Cookbook — Inspired by my mom and the need for quick, healthy meals as a busy entrepreneur. Originally $47, now $19.99.

❤️ Coffee Mugs — from bold to mindful, designed to set the tone for your day. 30% off with code WITHLOVE30.

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​P.P.S. Over the holidays, don't forget to capture the simple, everyday moments with your loved ones. Those are the ones that matter most.
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