Hi, I'm Swami.
I use this site to showcase my photography, share my tips, life lessons, and insights I've gained from other photographers.
A little bit about me: I grew up in Chennai, moved to Malawi during my high school years, went to college at ASU, and currently live in San Jose. I’m an engineer at Reputation.com, and cofounder of ShotStories.
Somewhere along the way, I picked up an interest in photography. I think it was when my dad got me a video camera in the mid-90s. I took the camera to school and videotaped my classes, and those recordings are my most precious memories of Africa.
I mostly shoot landscapes, though I mix in portraits at times. Earlier, I've shot Bollywood concerts and sports, mainly tennis tournaments. In 2018, I was an official photographer at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells. Here is a fun question I asked Roger Federer after his semifinal match.
One of my passions is helping new photographers become pros. Because of my experience in multiple genres, I'm able to bring in the different perspectives a new photographer needs before they can start to specialize. I teach using hand-drawn illustrations because I've found that to be an effective way to convey complex photography techniques.
My podcast, ShotMasters, is launching soon. I'm currently interviewing landscape photographers about the techniques and mindsets that helped them succeed as an artist. Last year, I spoke to photographers from genres outside my comfort zone: wildlife, fashion, travel, macro, impressionism, and street. Those interviews are on my YouTube channel.
On the blog, I share my thoughts on photography and life—mostly lessons learned around things I’ve been dealing with the last few years—managing time, finding focus, and being happy.
Thanks for stopping by. Hope you find something inspiring here!
— Swami