Today we’d like to introduce you to Raeya Ponugoti.
Hi Raeya, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
It was my artistic and rebellious spirit and the fortune of supportive and encouraging parents that allowed me to reach where I am today.
I was born in Illinois to an immigrant family. Typically, within Indian-American culture, the encouraged career paths are of doctors, lawyers, or engineers. However, my mom highly valued freedom and developing us authentically. Additionally, though my parents are doctors, they exposed my sisters and me to a diverse array of experiences that contributed to our understanding of the world.
My father introduced me to photography at a young age; it was his passion. He would often ask me to take photos of him and my mom. It just clicked. Though I wouldn’t officially learn the technicalities of photography until my senior year of high school, I would utilize my Canon EOS 70D to film and photograph my friends growing up in my hometown of Carmel, Indiana.
The rest of the story is somewhat typical for a Gen Z creative: I was taught iMovie for a 4th-grade project at school, and an entire world opened up for me. I would force my cousins to act in movies directed by me. My friends and I grew up making music videos. The internet expanded my worldview and helped me develop my taste, style, and interests.
With every step of development, I was nudged closer and closer to the film industry. My skills and interests left me with no other option–I was meant for this. The moment I officially understood my path was at a New York Film Academy camp, where I got to experience directing a crew and executing my vision. From there, it was solidified: I would be a director.
I was blessed to continue my journey at SCAD, forging lifelong friendships with other wildly talented creatives. I would deepen my practices in filmmaking and photography, as well as participate in wonderful projects alongside my peers. One of my favorites was directing four documentary shorts in a series commissioned by the institution to promote their new sneaker design minor. Beyond SCAD, I cultivated friendships in Atlanta, leading to exciting experiences like traveling to Tokyo with newfound friends. By my senior year, I would be working in the industry, producing music videos for Sin Spirits and SoFaygo.
Reflecting on this journey, I am grateful for the confluence of passion, family support, and diverse experiences that have brought me to the fulfilling realization of my dreams as a director.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
No road is perfectly paved. From mental to physical health, the universe has thrown my family and me a series of obstacles that have drastically changed our lives. Additionally, I have had to endure personal and professional lessons to become wiser as both a filmmaker and human being. However, I firmly believe that everything happens for a reason. Though certain challenges may be difficult, I try to find a lesson in every moment and keep the big picture in mind.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am a filmmaker and photographer who is known for my strong sense of visual style. My work is often gritty, dark, and emotional. However, I also find stories with a message–often somehow political–to be the most important. It is hard for me to make work without a meaningful intention.
Regarding films, I specialize in directing but have also worked as a producer and production designer for my peers and colleagues. I am the founder and CEO of Impropriety Media, which has produced music videos for artists in the greater Atlanta area.
Though I adore photography independently, some of my favorite photography work is my composites. I do digital compositing, mostly working in Photoshop. However, I love to include handwritten and drawn aspects in my work. Additionally, I love a heavily digitized look combined with a nostalgic feel. I model as well, so I often create self-portrait composites.
Is there something surprising that you feel even people who know you might not know about?
I feel like the life experience I have gone through for someone my age has surprised many of my peers and even mentors. This experience, though, has fostered wisdom, a depth to myself and my work, and an ability to relate to and empathize with the struggles of others.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://raeyaponugoti.com/index.html
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/raeya_ponugoti/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/raeyaponugoti/
- Other: https://vimeo.com/showcase/10244970
Image Credits
In order of submission: 1. Photography/Compositing: Raeya Ponugoti Models: Raeya Ponugoti & Nate Miller 2. Photography/Compositing: Raeya Ponugoti Model: Maria Fontes 3. Photography: Raeya Ponugoti Model: Mercedes Jiminez 4. BTS Photography: Jordan Lang Actress: Rachel Walker 5. Photography: Raeya Ponugoti 6. Photography/Compositing: Raeya Ponugoti Model: Nate Miller 7. Photography: Raeya Ponugoti Model: Emma Renfroe 8: Photography: Maria Fontes Compositing/Model: Raeya Ponugoti
