For Surya Nikhil Saripalli, the path to becoming a visual storyteller wasn’t pre-planned — it unfolded unexpectedly, sparked by a single photograph taken on a borrowed iPhone 8 Plus during a family function in Hyderabad. At the time, he was just another engineering student from Gayathri Vidya Parishad in Visakhapatnam, studying mechanical engineering and casually taking pictures on Snapchat. But that one candid shot of his niece and sister — captured purely by instinct — surprised everyone around him. The response was overwhelming, and it planted a seed of curiosity that would soon grow into a lifelong pursuit.
As a national-level badminton player, Nikhil began photographing fellow athletes during tournaments. He quickly realized that photography wasn’t just a hobby — it was a way to stop time. A self-described “tech geek,” he was fascinated by the mechanics of capturing fleeting moments forever. It wasn’t long before this fascination turned into a deep, emotional connection with the medium.
Determined to explore this new passion professionally, he began researching institutions that could help him develop his skillset. That search led him to the New York Film Academy (NYFA), where he not only gained admission but also earned a merit-based grant of $18,000 per semester — the highest awarded in his batch. This achievement affirmed his potential and marked the beginning of a new chapter.
Moving to Los Angeles to study cinematic photography was a transformative experience. He immersed himself in the foundational principles of film, from analog development to the history of photography. What started as spontaneous curiosity slowly evolved into a structured, in-depth understanding of visual storytelling. The learning curve was steep, but Nikhil embraced it wholeheartedly.
His time in LA wasn’t just about academics — it was about discovering a new version of himself. Away from home, in an unfamiliar city filled with creative energy, Nikhil learned to dream bigger. He wasn’t just mastering a craft; he was building a new identity.
Today, Nikhil reflects on his journey as one of unexpected turns, driven by passion, intuition, and a relentless hunger to grow. From the shores of Visakhapatnam to the studios of Los Angeles, his story is a reminder that sometimes, all it takes is one moment to change everything.