When Arun Hegden speaks about photography, he speaks less about lenses and light meters and more about the silence of unguarded moments, the way emotions slip through people’s faces when they forget the camera exists. His journey into photography did not begin with an expensive camera or years of artistic training. It began with the simplest act of seeing.

Born in the small Kerala town of Ettumanoor and schooled in Kottayam, Arun trained in aerospace engineering and went on to work in a corporate job between 2011 and 2018. But parallel to spreadsheets and office hours, a quieter, more artistic story was unfolding. Just before he finished engineering, Arun bought a phone with a good camera and started clicking whatever was around him. He recalls, “I enjoyed the process of creating something unique, even if it was just hostel corridors or college friends.”

By 2012, he had invested in a DSLR. At first, it was just curiosity, the same curiosity that once made him sketch in school notebooks. But photography grew from a pastime into a parallel calling, and eventually, his main pursuit. In 2018, he made the leap, leaving behind the safety and stability of his corporate job to step into the uncertain sphere, an unconventional career path – photography.

Choosing Emotion Over Perfection

Arun’s philosophy as a photographer rests on a simple but profound belief: emotion outweighs technical perfection. “You can create a good picture with perfect lighting and pose,” he says, “but if you want to create a great picture, there has to be an unguarded moment. The imperfections are what make it beautiful.”

He admits he prefers humans in his frames whenever possible. Landscapes and architecture may have their grandeur and symmetries, but for him, photography becomes alive when it carries a trace of humanity—expressions, gestures, small emotional truths. That, he feels, is what creates resonance.

It is also why he publishes very little of what he shoots. From over a million images, less than 0.1% make it to his social media. For Arun, photographs that are technically perfect but emotionally empty remain “failed photographs.” A sharp image but without any connection or feel, he insists, is still hollow.

The Rough Road of Transition

Walking away from engineering into photography wasn’t a smooth crossing. Like every middle-class Indian family, Arun’s family too considered government jobs as the gold standards. Convincing his parents was difficult, as was convincing himself on days when work was irregular and money uncertain.

In a structured office, there are supervisors, deadlines, and colleagues to lean on. In freelancing, Arun had none of that. “You have to figure everything out on your own. There’s no boss to tell you what to do. And when there are long idle periods, creative blocks come in.”

Photography, he learned, was only about 10-20% of the actual work. The rest was marketing, networking, socializing, and constant skill upgrades. In the early years, he sustained himself on a few pre-booked projects and the hope that things would grow. Eventually, they did, though not without months of silences, struggles and challenges.

The Arun Hegden Motto: Photography as Process, Not Pressure

For many photographers, weddings are the bread-and-butter of survival. At one point, Arun was shooting 80 weddings a year, until the burnout set in. Today, he has cut it down to 30-35 days annually. Arun reminds us that while weddings bring in money, after a while, you lose the joy. “I want to enjoy the process, not feel drained by it.”

Having been in the creative field for almost a decade now, Arun has cultivated the approach of process over pressure. He doesn’t carry his camera everywhere, nor does he feel compelled to photograph constantly. If a scene feels worth capturing, he shoots. If not, he simply watches with his own eyes. “Not every moment needs to be photographed,” he says. “Sometimes it’s enough to experience it.”

Navigating a Digital, AI-Driven World

In today’s landscape where AI can generate images at the click of a button, Arun remains grounded. He does use AI tools to speed up editing, bringing down his workflow from an hour to just ten minutes, but he resists the idea of AI-generated photographs. Authenticity is the real art, and for Arun, the process of creating is an authentic act in itself. 

His love for film photography further reveals this attachment to authenticity. With two film cameras in hand, he relishes the slower pace, the delayed gratification of waiting weeks or months before seeing developed negatives. In today’s age of digital archives, it is these moments that bring us back to the materiality and tangibility of our lives. 

On Trends, Travel, and Impermanence

Travel and photography, for Arun, evolved hand in hand. In 2012 he bought a bike, in 2013 he visited Ladakh. A photograph from that trip was exhibited widely, convincing him that stepping out of comfort zones was essential. Over time, though, his relationship with travel changed. While earlier he might have traveled to click, but now he travels to experience. Even if he doesn’t find anything worth shooting, he’s happy just being present. Travel and photography have shaped each other and him quite equally. 

In a time where every trip, concert, or meal gets documented for social media, he remains cautious of over-documentation. We’re aware of the multitude of content present online, which is, as Arun points out, overwhelming. Our attention spans are shrinking. Arun comments, “I don’t want to create because others are creating. I share when it feels authentic, not as part of a daily race.”

Advice to Young Photographers

When asked what guidance he would give beginners, Arun Hegden keeps it practical:

• Practice daily: Shoot for 30 days straight to master your camera. Technical confidence frees you to focus on emotion.
  
• Find mentors: Attend workshops, learn from others’ visions, and don’t be afraid to ask for guidance.
  
• Create for yourself: Don’t chase validation. If you enjoy the process, the work will sustain itself.
  
• Act on inspiration quickly: Don’t let it fade into procrastination.
  
• Balance art and life: Pay your bills, upgrade your tools, but never lose sight of why you started.
  

Looking Ahead

Today, Arun Hegden is experimenting with videography, something he has been practicing for the last two to three years. Having once dabbled in short films, he hopes to return to filmmaking in the future. “Someday, I’d love to make films again,” he says, with the quiet certainty of someone who knows that creative journeys are not straight lines but spirals.

For Arun, success has never been a fixed point, never a fixed definition. “There’s no single destination called success. It’s always ups and downs.” Truly, the real success is in not giving up, in continuing to create even when nobody is watching. 

And perhaps that is what makes his story remarkable. In a world obsessed with perfection and speed, Arun Hegden reminds us of the value of imperfection, patience, and the simple joy of creating—whether for the world or just for oneself.

Arun Hegden is an Indian photographer who left his profession as an Aerospace Engineer. During his college days, Arun started experimenting with his phone camera and loved creating something ‘authentic’ and ‘unique’. Today he does landscape photography, portraits, weddings, cultural events, and more.

Photography is more than just a visual medium, it is a form of storytelling that captures fleeting moments and eternalises emotions, landscapes and lives. This curated compliation features the powerful perspectives of some of India’s most evocative photographers, each telling a unique tale through their lens. From the golden silence of dawn in the hills to the vibrant chaos of city streets, these pictures are not just visually stunning but deeply immersive. Each frame invites us into a world of awe, intimacy, culture and quiet reflection.

Piya Deora- @pixel_wali

This serene view has balanced the marvellous fort and the electric blue streets, making a blend of history and modernity. The stunning photograph captures the essence of the beautiful landscape of Jodhpur, the Mehrangarh Fort, bathed in warm, amber light, standing majestically atop the rugged terrain, excluding the timeless grandeur. In contrast the city glows deep in blue, with its narrow streets and compact houses, resembling a colour of mosaic and life. The exuberant sky, tied up the city’s beauty in its transition from deep indigo to a soft, rose-tinted gradient, adding a surreal backdrop to this architectural marvel. The photograph shows the contrasts of serenity and vibrancy, making it a breathtaking visual symphony.

Sanket Khuntale- @sanketkhuntale

This heartwarming capture by @sanketkhuntale ignites the feeling of companionship and love. Not just between the viewer and the lady in the photo, but between the lady and the animals as well. This photograph captures the essence of rural life with intimate grace and vibrant authenticity. The woman wearing a richly patterned red and green sari is glowing with warmth and pride as she cradles two young goats. The golden blur of the dry forest in the background frames her figure softly, letting her colourful attire and joyful energy shine. The story of the connection between tradition and livelihood is captured. Sanket’s lens doesn’t just capture a moment, it immortalises the soulful simplicity of a life well lived.

Madhur Nangia- @madhurnangia_photography

This serene image captured by @madhurnangia_photography at the Bhigwan Bird Sanctuary, is a poetic ode to nature’s drama. Against the background of the peachy-orange hues of sky, are three flamingoes, standing elegantly in shallow waters— two of them seemingly entwined in a tender display of affection, while the third lingers nearby, aptly evoking the caption by Madhur, “Third Wheeling Hard!!!”. The soft gradient sky mirrored in the water below, adds a dreamlike quality to the scene. With impeccable timing and composition, Madhur transforms a fleeting wildlife moment into a visual narrative full of warmth, humour and grace of the wild.

Bean- @iambeansingh

This breathtaking aerial shot showcases the divine curves of the Ganga River weaving through the spiritual heart of Rishikesh, Uttarakhand. As the golden sunlight shines over the horizon, it bathes the town in its gentle, golden hues, casting long shadows over the lush hills. The turquoise robes gleam with clarity, creating a striking contrast against the slopes and clusters of buildings. This composition gracefully balances the blend between nature and civilisation, forming a panoramic perspective that’s both peaceful and awing. This image provides a soulful invitation to pause and marvel at sacred serenity. 

Priyanka Nahada- @priyanka_nahada

In this majestic capture of the Amer Fort, its grandiosity and elegance sprawling over the rugged hills of Rajasthan, is exuded. The warm sandstone structure glows under the crisp blue sky, its intricate architecture and layered ramparts unfolding like chapters of royal history. Every angle of the fort is highlighted with precision— curved pathways, ornate gates and fortified walls that echo the tales of Rajput valor. The contrasting dry terrain and the reflective water below create a visual dialogue between nature and heritage. Priyanka’s lens doesn’t just document, it elevates the timeless elegance of India’s architectural legacy.

Abbas Baig- @abybaig

In this hauntingly beautiful frame by @abybaig, the Taj Mahal emerges from a veil of dark mist like a dream in marble. A lone figure sits in quiet reflection on a bench, anchoring the viewer’s gaze and adding depth to the composition. The sky transitions from deep twilight blues to soft golden hues, painting the perfect form of light for India’s monument of love. The fog cloaks the foreground in mystery, blurring the line between reality and reverie. Abbas captures through his photography the emotion of solitude, wonder and a timeless pull of beauty seen through the eyes of reverence.

Bobby Joshi- @bobbyjoshii

This serene landscape photography captured by @bobbyjoshii is a poetic celebration of light and nature. Sunday’s cascade through the lush and dense forest and the mist-covered hills. The golden hues of morning light are seen dancing over the undulated terrain, creating a rhythmic play of shadow and shine. The photograph exudes peace and harmony, inviting the viewer to experience the quietness of stillness. ‘Dawn’ is personified and beautifully tells the story of hope, harmony and the sacred simplicity of a new day. 

Through their lenses, these photographers have given us more than just their beautiful photography; they’ve shared pieces of their soul, the essence of a place and the poetry of the ordinary. Whether it’s the grandeur of historical forts, the serenity of nature or the quiet grace of everyday life, this compilation is a reminder that photography can move us, ground us and open our eyes to stories waiting to be seen. In these frozen moments, we find timelessness, truth and the quiet magic of the world around us.

Landscape photography is not out of the ordinary, yet it still manages to calm or unrest a soul. The elements in landscape photography are the same that we see around us, yet somehow, certain shots manage to bring us to a standstill. Let’s explore a few such landscape photographers who are bound to bring your world to a standstill with their awe-inspiring works.

Nitin Rai (@nitinraiphotography) 

The perfect balance of haunting and beautiful, this particular shot by the photographer is bound to stay in your vivid dreams. The subtle play of textures brought out by the fog and the overall black-and-white filter adds an extra layer of depth that makes this landscape photo all the more impressionable. The witty play of focus that the plants play in the foreground tends to distract the viewer from focusing on the middle part of the picture where very discreetly a tiny cosy house is nestled in the landscape adding to the rustic feel.

Jidhun MG (@jidhumg) 

The simplicity and tranquillity oozing from this landscape snapshot are bound to put any restless soul at ease. At first glance, this simplicity will remind one of the Windows wallpaper, which, though very ordinary, carries with it the rustic charm of eras gone by. The colour palette captured by the photographer creates a visual harmony that will put any restless soul at peace.

Sukoon (@uv_bisht)

The beauty of this picture lies in the contrast. Taking the art of landscape photography to another level, the photographer tries to bring out the vibrant contrast of nature with an icy mountain range as the background and a pop of red flowers in the foreground. The way the end and beginning of life along with the beauty of nature is captured in this one snapshot is truly magnificent.

Subhash Chandra (@subhash_chandra)

Remember the top of the mountain final scene in the film Brother Bear? This snapshot screams that. The way the photographer has captured the sun’s warm glow breathing life into an otherwise icy landscape foreground makes the entire shot look like it’s been taken straight from a Disney movie.  

Siddhartha Joshi (@siddharthajoshi)

Capturing childhood wonder and joy in one shot, the photographer managed to keep the serene beauty of nature alive while also mixing in the sweet wonder of childhood joys. The yellow raincoat beautifully compliments the towering green trees. The jump could also signify the wish to break free and go beyond the towering trees to become one with nature. 

Gopi Jolly (@gopijolly_photography)

Beautifully capturing the co-existence of nature with technology, this landscape snapshot aptly captures our past and present. The photographer has managed to do justice to the beauty of nature while also ensuring that the swiftness of modernity is not lost in the green haze. The high-angle shot gives the photographer an advantage in capturing this rare shot that mixes the beauty of nature with the sharpness of technology that stands out like a streak of red in a field of green.

Keep an eye out for these budding photographers!

Art is personal to everyone and everyone chooses to express themselves through various unique forms of art. Painting transformed itself into photography with the advent of modernization and the rejection of traditionalism and realism. Painting evolved in various forms. And, photography, and cameras have evolved over the years. From 1816 to 2024, photography has diversified into multiple formats. We bring you some photographers of the contemporary who we enjoy and hope you do too.

Vinay Kumar

Vinay Kumar projects his photographic lens on portrait frames majorly. His photography is vintage-inspired and engages with the neon hues that remind you of vintage pubs. His photos seem to express human emotions and speech with the various expressions and angles of the portraits.

Credits: vink.photography

Tejz Photography

Tejz Photography is a newly started venture of a photography enthusiast who embraces nature. The photography captures the delicate aspects of nature, immortalizing it in beautiful and encapsulating frames. The photographer brings nature to the table with their personal lens. 

Credits: tejz_photography

Sitanshu Gupta

Sitanshu Gupta is a traveller-photographer and a travel influencer. He is capturing the world through his exquisite photographic lens. His captures present the sublime with the vast landscapes and huge water bodies filling the majority of his work. Upon looking closely one can also find a hint of mundane moments that make up for the sublimeness of life he presents. These frames are little moments shared between locals against the backdrop of infinite landscapes of the photographed space.

Credits: guptajighumnechale

Suhas Yadake

Suhas Yadake is a photographer, observer, and admirer of mountains. A lot of his photography captures the exquisite and insane beauty of the Himalayas. He stills the nature he observes and admires through his detailed photography. His frames tell a story of itself and the surroundings behind the particular shot presented. He experiences nature by capturing it beautifully.

Credits: man_and_mountains

Anil Kumar Saini

Anil Kumar Saini photographs nature and architecture. He presents exquisite frames via his lens. His photography tells that he observes various monuments, religious shrines, mountains, nature, flowers, and architectural structures and captures them beautifully. He believes that preserving nature and capturing it can be seen as one way of stilling the life in it. His photographs tell a story of their own too.

Credits: anilkumarsainiii

Rohan Shahi

Rohan Shahi is a photographer and videographer capturing panoramas through his highly observant lens. He brings the beauty of mountains together in his photographs and stills them for the most exquisite views. He views nature with close to his heart and brings the viewers closer to nature. From the vast and impossible landscapes to mundane moments and things to furry animals around us, he captures them and their stories beautifully.

Credits: rohanshahi

Wishing to explore the wild but your mundane job doesn’t allow you to step out of the clutches of the corporate world to relish nature? Hoping for a tiny escape in your everyday life even though it’s for a few minutes? All your prayers will be answered in this article. We bring to you the treasure box containing just the finest wildlife photographers on Instagram. We are sure that they will keep that wildlife explorer spark in you alive.   

Dhir Jakharia

Capturing the glory of nature at its finest, Jakharia is one of those wildlife photographers whose camera will take you on a visual journey through the wild. From innocent moments of elephants playing with each other or fanning out their ears to the brutal reality of the law of the jungle as the lion catches on to its prey by the neck, his pictures beautifully show the different sides of nature without any hesitation.

Munna Mandalapu

Capturing nature in motion with so much clarity is not an easy feat to achieve. Yet Mandalapu’s work makes it look super easy. His expertise as a wildlife photographer shows in his attempt at capturing birds and even insects in action and is really noteworthy. The vibrancy and depth that each picture carries is unmissable.

Apoorva Jadon

The first thing you will probably notice in Jadon’s photography is her play on colours. She is someone who ensures that her background beautifully complements her subject in the foreground. One of those wildlife photographers who ensures that nature’s beautiful aesthetic sense is only enhanced by her lens. Jadon’s works are bound to transfer you to the middle of the jungle.

Biplab Banerjee

A wildlife photographer with a special focus on birds. Banerjee beautifully captures these ever-fleeting creatures of nature for us to marvel at. Freezing them for us to admire each aspect of their existence his works are truly a sight to behold. From a mother bird feeding her children to a bird that is simply perched up on the stem of a flower, his lens never fails to capture any moment.

Jagdish Choudhari

A “Wildlife Conservator with a Camera”, Jagdish’s captures are bound to get you in touch with the innocence of nature. Freezing the calm beauty of nature, his work is bound to leave you feeling energised and refreshed. From vultures to lions to common crows, all of them find a place in his photography.

Amal George

Are you a big fan of the big cat family? Then George is the wildlife photographer for you. Capturing these majestic beings at their finest, his work is bound to leave you speechless. From the famous Royal Bengal Tiger to the endangered beauty, Black Panther his lens captures them all in their natural habitat. Although he does cover other animals, the big cat family seems to be his favourite of them all.

Dhruv Shilpi

Big fan of reptiles, amphibians and insects? Then Shilpi is the wildlife photographer for you. Taken with utmost precision and clarity, his works allow us to see something as small as a wasp or a spider up close. Giving a new perspective to snakes we get to see them from an entirely different angle.

Sheetal

From innocent marmots to ferocious wolves to deadly lions, Sheetal’s page is an absolute delight for any wildlife enthusiast. She uses the natural light to her full advantage and enhances the depth and clarity of the subject of her image tenfold. Our personal favourite from her page is the “Sunday Morning Stretch” by the Leopardess Padma.

Joy in the Wild

Capturing the brilliant orange hue of the tigers perfectly, his works are bound to leave you in awe with their vibrancy. Another big cat lover, he does click other animals such as elephants and otters, but his undying love for big cats is hard to miss. Using nature as his palette he ensures to bring out the true colour of each of his subjects. 

Adityaa_chavan

Capturing the enchanting winterscapes, Chavan’s work will leave anyone breathless. Keeping birds at the centre of his work, he brings to us some of the most rare species in the world. From pallas’s cat to snow leopards to red pandas, his works primarily centres around the wildlife found in the coldest regions. His page is a true sight to behold and will most probably make you book the earliest flight to the mountains.

Hope these wildlife photographers reignited the adventurer spark in you!