Arun Hegde gets a shocked look every time he tells people what he does. After starting his career as an aerospace engineer, he is now a photographer! “I see the surprise on their faces — it’s such an unexpected move,” he says. “Photography made more sense to me, though aerospace engineering was good. At one point of time, I had to choose between the two, and I went with photography as it could make a bigger impact on the world when it came to social and global issues like climate change,” Arun states, adding that photography is a lot more than just capturing moments of serenity; it’s an activism too.
Flower sellers, Mysore.
Supermen at Varanasi.
Since its invention in 1826, photography has been used to document everything from social injustice to wars to human rights violations. Arun also loves portraits of people, and beautiful landscapes. “These days, I explore astrophotography and light painting,” Arun reveals. Social media has taken over the marketing and promotions industries which has helped him in a big way by offering a platform.
A jeep ride at Tadiandamol in Coorg.
Fishing at the Pamban Bridge in Rameswaram.
“Social media is the prime reason why I am a photographer now. It has helped me from square one, and gives me enough connectivity, apart from the potential business opportunities. Also, it must be used with care; we should make good content than going for likes and views,” he adds. The 29-year-old photographer is an ardent traveller.
Living root bridges in Meghalaya.
Monks at the Key Monastery.
“After I left my desk job in February 2018, on my first international tour, I was fortunate enough to explore Iceland, a paradise for photographers. Recently, I explored Bali and clicked interesting pictures there. I also plan on doing more photography and travel workshops, to help people to see the beauty of the world and be aware of issues like plastic pollution, climate change, light pollution, etc,” he explains.
A snapshot of youth trekking at Dudhsagar .
Ask what light pollution is, Arun says, “Light pollution is the excessive and prolonged use of artificial lights that, in a way, results in brightening of night skies, disrupting natural cycles and activities of wildlife. My attempts are to educate people about such issues too.”
