Photographer to Entrepreneur: Building a Startup with CEO Archisman Misra

Chatting with the 33-year-old photographer turned startup CEO, who barely sleeps, mentors employees across departments, loves rock music and his jokes, was easy. Getting him to free up 30 minutes for this interview? Now, that was a task.

In this exclusive drop, we’re diving into the mind of Archisman Misra, the self-taught photographer. He has turned Studiobackdrops.com from just a dream into your go-to photo, video, and audio destination online. Get ready for a fun ride through his journey – from a freelance photographer to shaking up the e-commerce world. Trust us, this is one story you’ll want to catch!

Photography has a way of capturing moments that freeze time, and for Archisman Misra, this magic began at a young age. His fascination with the intricate details and emotions that a simple photograph could convey sparked a lifelong passion. Archisman started with a modest point-and-shoot camera, dabbling in self-learning and experimenting with every shot he could take. But it wasn’t just about capturing moments; it was about seeing the world differently, understanding the stories behind each frame, and honing a craft that would eventually lead to something much bigger.

One of the first major projects for Archisman was a campaign with a renowned international brand for a global campaign. It was challenging, pushed his creative boundaries, and ultimately proved incredibly rewarding. “Seeing my work make a global impact for the first time was quite affirming. It actually gave me the validation I needed to experiment more with my work and ideas,” he says with a smile. This shoot was for Motorola and it validated Archisman’s skills and gave him the confidence to pursue bigger opportunities. “It was the first time I realized that there wasn’t a limit to the things I could create and achieve. It gave me the boost to be more ambitious than I was before,” he recalls.

The Inception of India’s one-of-a-kind Startup

As he delved deeper into photography, he began to notice a significant gap in the Indian market. Quality backdrops and studio equipment were scarce, and what was available was often either overpriced or simply inadequate. The idea for his startup began this day. “While I was able to come up with makeshift solutions to my problems, something which we fondly call ‘jugaad’, my peers were facing the same. I realized how this was putting a limit to my creativity.”

After going through these limitations personally, it ignited a drive to make a change. As a creative field, photography requires an upfront investment that is not paid off until one gets paid for work. And this was a problem that Archisman wanted to tackle with his business venture. He envisioned a platform that would provide affordable, reliable solutions for photographers, videographers and creators in the industry—a place where creative professionals could find everything they needed to elevate their work. And so, in 2016, Studiobackdrops.com was born, marking a seamless transition for Archisman from a passionate photographer to a pioneering entrepreneur.

But balancing these two worlds—photography and entrepreneurship—wasn’t always easy. It’s a challenge to stay grounded in creativity while managing the demands of running a startup. Yet, Archisman found a way to harmonize these roles. “My love for photography keeps me engaged with the creative community and fuels innovation in my business. I have focused on the business but I’ve never stepped away from the photographer in me. I am involved in the research and production of every single product on the website. And I sometimes step into the studio to partake in some product photography too,” he shares.

As he continuously stays involved with the production process of his brand, he ensures that his entrepreneurial responsibilities and his creative pursuits complement each other. His focus on photo, video, and audio gears wasn’t just a business decision; it stemmed from a personal need and a recognition that many creators faced similar challenges.

Looking ahead, Archisman envisions a dynamic future for his startup and the creators associated with it. But beyond that, he anticipates a growing emphasis on sustainable practices within the industry—something that Studiobackdrops.com is actively exploring. For him, creativity isn’t just about capturing the world differently; it’s about using innovative problem-solving and product development to inspire customers and shape the future of photography.

Read more about Studiobackdrops.com’s story here: About Studiobackdrops.com

The Entrepreneur Says:

When asked about advice for aspiring photographers and entrepreneurs, Archisman’s words are simple yet powerful: “Just keep clicking. It’s not about the one perfect photo that everyone likes. But rather the hundred good photos that bring you joy.” He believes that mastering photography requires dedication to the craft, but for entrepreneurs, it’s just as important to understand the market. “Always surround yourself with people who know more than you. That is the biggest secret to success,” he advises.

One of his proudest achievements is the growth and impact of his startup, Studiobackdrops.com. Seeing the products he created enhance the work of photographers across the country is incredibly rewarding, affirming the dedication he’s poured into both photography and entrepreneurship.

As our chat comes to a close, he reflects on his journey, Archisman remembers his very first photoshoot. “The first commercial photoshoot I did, I think I failed miserably. I was unprepared and when I came back home I decided to return every rupee to the client. That was the day I made up my mind – I was never going to a photoshoot unprepared ever again.” He applied this lesson to everything he did after that day. This is why he tells the Studiobackdrops Team the importance of preparation, adaptability, and continuous learning. It’s these lessons that have guided him through his career, from photography to building a business that supports the creative community.

Check out Archisman’s personal Instagram here: Insta @poetoftheblack

So, here’s to all you creative folks and dreamers out there: keep snapping, keep innovating, and remember, the best is yet to come!