There was a time when I didn’t know better.
I thought saying yes to promotions and endorsements would help me grow, make me more visible. I said yes a few times — to brands, companies, campaigns — without truly understanding what I was becoming a part of.
But slowly, I started to feel uncomfortable.
I saw how my face, my story, my name were being used — not to inspire, but to sell.
And sometimes, what was being sold wasn’t even true.
So I stopped.
I’ve made mistakes. I’ve taken wrong turns. But I’ve learned from each one of them. I’m still learning. I’m not perfect — just trying to stay honest in a world that often rewards the opposite.
Today, I say no to every offer that doesn’t align with my values — even when it comes with more money than I could ever imagine.
Because I didn’t become a photographer to sell things.
I became a photographer to serve people — to tell the stories that often go unseen.
I don’t want to use people to make a living. I want to use my lens to give them dignity and voice.
I live a simple life. I don’t have much.
But I carry what matters most — self-respect, truth, and peace of mind.
This is not a criticism of anyone else’s choices.
Everyone walks their own path.
This is simply mine.
And if sharing this helps even one person stay true to who they are, then it’s worth saying out loud.
We may not have much in our hands.
But if we have honesty in our hearts,
we already have everything.
_GMB Akash
GMB AKASH 