"Beyond the Boundary: The Visual Journey of Sameer Bhalekar"
Amidst the fast-paced rhythm of Mumbai, emerges the quiet resolve of a man whose camera tells powerful stories—Sameer G. Bhalekar, known in photography circles as Sgb_Clicks. Specializing in sports and wildlife photography, Sameer’s journey is a vivid tapestry woven with passion, perseverance, and a deep commitment to capturing emotion through every frame.
From the Fields of Gholvad to the Stadiums of Legends
Sameer’s tryst with photography began in 2013, not with professional aspirations, but with a mother’s thoughtful gift—a Canon point-and-shoot camera. As a passionate wildlife conservation enthusiast, he began photographing birds in his native village, Gholvad. This humble beginning soon blossomed into a deeper fascination, especially after immersing himself in Facebook photography groups and YouTube tutorials by legends like Mark Smith, Jared Polin, and Tony & Chelsea Northrup.
Formal training followed with a diploma in Wedding and Event Photography from the prestigious National Institute of Photography, Dadar. But sports photography, his true calling, was largely a self-structured education—honed through experimentation and enriched by the mentorship of stalwarts like Deepak Malik, Vipin Pawar, Sumeet Parmar, and Amol Gaikwad.
A Love for Sports, Framed Through a Lens
Sameer’s evolution into a sports photographer was no accident. Although he didn’t pursue a career as an athlete, his love for sports never waned. Photography became his bridge between passion and purpose. Now, he finds himself capturing the very thrill and emotion he once dreamt of being part of as a player.
His unique perspective focuses not only on the main action but also the unscripted moments around it—the anxious faces on the bench, the joy in the stands, and the camaraderie among players when the spotlight isn't on them. “It’s those tender moments off the field that often say more than a six or a wicket,” he says.
Highlight Reel: Road Safety World Series 2022
Among the milestones in his career, the Road Safety World Series 2022 stands tall. As the official photographer for the India Legends team, Sameer had the surreal experience of flying and working alongside cricketing giants like Sachin Tendulkar, Brett Lee, Brian Lara, and Ross Taylor. For a photographer who grew up idolizing these legends, it was a dream come true and a powerful reminder of how far dedication can take you.
The Sacrifices Behind the Shots
Success didn’t come without struggle. Living in Gholvad, Sameer’s shoots in Mumbai meant waking up at 3:00 a.m. to catch the earliest train. There were nights spent at Virar station, waiting for the next day’s first local, and days fueled by sheer resolve rather than sleep. But the journey was made easier by his close-knit team at Shutter For Sports, who often helped him find a place to stay in Mumbai when shoots got intense.
Staying Grounded, Staying Grateful
Despite now working with some of the biggest names in Indian cricket—Sachin Tendulkar, Ajinkya Rahane, Suryakumar Yadav, and more—Sameer’s humility remains intact. “Whether it’s a ₹500 or ₹5000 shoot, I put in the same amount of effort. For me, being at the boundary with a camera is a privilege I don’t take for granted.”
He measures success not just in frames captured but in memories preserved for athletes, whether international icons or aspiring local players who’ll one day look back at a photograph and relive their defining moments.
Looking Ahead: Wildlife, Wankhede & More
As the monsoon clouds roll in, Sameer shifts focus back to his first love—wildlife photography. He uses this season to capture the raw beauty of nature, bringing its wonders to urban audiences. But his eyes are also set on a big goal: photographing Test cricket at Wankhede Stadium, having already covered Ranji Trophy matches there.
Through the Frame: A Deeper Message
Through his work, Sameer hopes to inspire viewers to see beyond the center stage—to feel the unspoken bonds between teammates, the passion in the crowd, and the fleeting expressions that define the spirit of sports. His frames tell stories, not just of victory and loss, but of humanity and heart.
A Final Word to Aspiring Artists
Sameer leaves aspiring photographers with a powerful piece of advice:
“Discipline is everything. Passion will fade, motivation will waver, but if you’re obsessed and disciplined, you’ll keep showing up—even when everything in you says you can’t. That’s what will set you apart.”
You can follow Sameer’s journey and visual stories on Instagram: @sgb_clicks
Every image is more than a photo—it’s a reminder that dreams, no matter how improbable, are just one click away.
