I’ve always been drawn to photography, like most creative souls, because a picture really does say a thousand words. It all started back in my school days when I had a slim 110mm point-and-shoot camera that kicked off my photography adventure. Later, I upgraded to a Yashica hot-shot camera, which allowed me to capture moments on Kodak 35mm reels. Even today, I have stacks of developed negatives as proof of my growing passion back then.

This love for photography continued into my college years. During my time at Ravenshaw College for my MA, my roommate and I borrowed a friend’s digital camera, capturing memories and burning them onto CDs (those were the days!).

After landing my first job, I finally bought a Canon 700D and went all in on my hobby. My focus has always been on nature and scenic beauty—trees, landscapes, insects, and other natural wonders are my go-to subjects. Photography has been my way of staying connected to the simple yet profound beauty of the world around us.

Being a designer, I learn a lot from photography, as both fields focus on creating meaningful, visual experiences.

Just like a photograph needs well-balanced elements to draw the viewer’s eye, a UX interface needs a clean, well-structured layout. Photographers use the rule of thirds, leading lines, and focal points to create harmony, which can translate into how a UX designer arranges elements on a screen to guide users effortlessly.

Photography teaches you to notice the finer details—the texture of a leaf, the play of light and shadow, or the perfect timing for a shot. UX designers must also pay attention to the smallest details, like micro-interactions, color contrast, and button placement, which ultimately enhance the user experience.

A great photograph tells a story without needing words, just like a well-designed user interface guides users through a story, action by action. Both rely on visual cues to convey meaning and emotion, helping the user or viewer intuitively understand the message or goal.

Photography often requires waiting for the right moment to capture the perfect shot. Similarly, in UX design, patience is key when testing and iterating. Both processes involve refining and revising until the outcome resonates with the intended audience.