Weekend mornings in the UAE were always special for me. While most people were still sleeping, I would set out with my dad and his friends, heading towards the quiet farms and the wide, golden deserts. With my camera in hand, these trips became some of the most exciting and peaceful moments of my week. It was during these early adventures that my deep love for both nature and photography began to grow.
In the beginning, my photography journey was simple. I used a mobile phone to capture the beauty I saw around me. Every flower, bird, and desert sunset felt magical through the lens of my phone. As I grew more interested and curious, I switched to an old Canon 550D camera that my elder brother had left behind. It wasn’t the latest model, but for me, it was a treasure. It allowed me to explore photography in a new way, and I learned something new with every click. These early experiences taught me important lessons, built my confidence, and made my passion for photography even stronger.
My journey picked up even more speed when I started learning under the guidance of my mentor, Mr. Mohammed Arfan Asif, a well-known photographer based in Dubai. His teachings made a huge difference. He patiently taught me the basics of photography, helping me understand important concepts like lighting, angles, and composition. He also encouraged me to explore different styles of photography – from portraits and landscapes to macro and street photography. Under his mentorship, my skills grew, and so did my excitement to try new things.
Weekends continued to be a special time. They became an opportunity for me not just to practice photography but also to bond with my dad. Together, we would explore the wonderful world of nature and macro photography. Slowly, I learned to notice the small things – the delicate patterns on a butterfly’s wings, the tiny water droplets on a leaf, and the hidden world that often goes unnoticed. These trips taught me that beauty is everywhere if we only take the time to look closely.
My annual vacations to my hometown, Kerala – also known as God’s Own Country – added another beautiful chapter to my journey. My grandmother has a beautiful garden there, full of life and colours. I loved spending hours in that garden, watching and photographing butterflies dancing from flower to flower and observing the busy little world of insects. It felt like entering a different, magical world where every small detail was a story waiting to be captured.
Recently, I had the chance to visit the breathtaking valleys of Kashmir in northern India and the beautiful country sides of Georgia. The towering mountains, crystal-clear rivers, and lush green meadows offered some of the most stunning landscapes I have ever seen. With my camera, I tried to capture the beauty and calmness of those moments.
Looking back, every trip, every photo, and every experience has played a part in shaping the photographer I am today. Photography has not only taught me technical skills but has also opened my eyes to the beauty, wonder, and details of the world around me. It has taught me patience, observation, and most importantly, to appreciate the simple joys that nature offers.
As I continue my journey with my camera, I am excited for the many more stories, sights, and moments that are yet to come – all waiting to be captured through my lens.
