If you haven't yet noticed, we are all about storytelling, authenticity and connection. For those who have a moment to spare, take a break from the pace of modern life to read Neo's story below. You may notice that a lot of how we approach Līlā is counter to today's commercial and social recommendations. The world tells us that people today have short attention spans so we need to hook them in the first three to five seconds with flash, awe and loudness, keep them interested for 20 more by appealing to something in them and then close by turning their attention into a sale. It's the Youtuber and social influencer 101 strategy, not to mention having been the underlying principle of business for the last few decades. Be us (Līlā) damned if we digress from this norm, at least we will have gone out with our integrity and dignity intact. 

Today I am somewhat of a multi-genre photographer and artist, something I would have laughed tears at had you suggested the notion to me in times gone by. For the past few years, I have been on an incredible trip, and find myself somewhere that seemed so unlikely yet is so much more fulfilling than anything I have ever experienced before. It is clear to me now, despite being the least religious or spiritual being in existence, that without needing any further empirical evidence or explanation, and to flog an already reincarnated horse, that everything happens for a reason. Even the stuff that seems bad at the time. It has all led me here, to today, typing this little essay if you would. Every event is intertwined to produce a perception of reality for me that is what it is right now. Seems obvious right? 

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As far as photography goes, I took up a camera not terribly long ago as a form of catharsis for my afflictions of the mind. It showed me a world that was there all along, but I was too busy, and too much in a hurry to notice. Landscape, nature and macro photography quickly became my genres of choice, and still are today, for their purpose. This is very important. I have come to learn that each aspect of myself plays a specific role in my journey. My aforementioned preferred genres are still my escape mechanism. When I need to free my mind from the noise of the world, it is where I go. It has been immensely rewarding too. In more of an effort to curtail this body of work rather than be a shameless plug, 'you can visit my other website www.bipolaroidphotography.com or social pages (@bipolaroidphoto)' to see my work and hear more about that side of my story. Particularly the part about being published in the newspaper and Getaway Magazine in 2023. 

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Then there is the 'real' world. The 'sensible' one. The one that runs on logic and reason. The one that tells you that you have spent 30 years developing and proving your analytical prowess, your left-brain strength. The one that adorns the LinkedIn Profile of Neolen Pillay (Pr Eng). Come back down to Earth and do the safe thing. The reasonable thing. The soul-sucking mind-breaking real job.

Wait, hold on! You have discovered this whole other side of you that is so strong and fulfilling, combine it with the old you and build a business that is slightly less of a leech to the heart.

Fine, perhaps feeding reason is not a bad idea. Thus CreativeAnalytic was born. www.bipolaroidphotography.com/creativeanalytic. 

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So here we have mindfulness and we have reason but there is still something missing. The thing that starts the fire. The flint. That thing that is infinitely creative, and not subject to the confining forces of the real world. In fine art and boudoir photography, I found my home. Now sitting aside the fireplace reminiscent of frigid days in Heidelberg that feel like yesterday, I warm my core with the idea of combining my newfound passion for art, and my fast-growing expertise, with a quality that has been the thread that has sewn my whole life together. A longing for humanism and growth. 

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In all my years, I have never felt more alive than when I have helped add value to other peoples' stories in a positive and meaningful way. If we ever meet, ask me about some of those moments. 

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This has all led to the birth of Līlā, and may give you some background as to how I come to answer the common questions that pop up. 

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FAQ

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Q. Why so few photos? Other photographers offer many many more.

A. Yes they do, and like wedding photography, I am sure they are far more adept at it than I am. That is not where my passion lies thus I do not subscribe to the quantity school of thought. It diminishes my creative ability and is thus counter to the purpose of the existence Līlā in the first place. 

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Q. Can I increase the number of images?

A. Yes, of course you can. However, it is something that we must discuss in detail. Each scene or even from shot to shot may require changes in setup, especially lighting. The time I take editing can vary from hours to days depending on the nature of the story and subsequent images that we are trying to produce. I don't put strict limits on time, but I would like for you to receive your images within a reasonable time frame.

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Q. Do you do weddings or events?

A. I don't. I have tried and it took the joy out of photography for me. I have since turned down multiple requests to shoot weddings, unfortunately.

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Q. What about aesthetic styling (outfits, hair, make-up, grooming etc.)?

A. For the images to tell a coherent story, the choices of colours and styles are very important. As part of the process, we will discuss these aspects such that they fit into the design of the shoot. We can look at preferred service providers should you have them, or we can source make-up artists, hair stylists etc. depending on your preference. The critical underlying principle is that we (you and I) constantly work together on aesthetic choices. We do not supply outfits but once again work in constant consultation to make sure that everything comes together well. 

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