ANANTH KAMAT

From Coding to Clicks: The Remarkable Journey of a Software Development Manager turned Award-Winning Photographer

Born in Bengaluru, I grew up in Bijapur, Belgaum, Vadodara, and Mumbai. Currently residing in Bengaluru, I graduated from Gogte Institute of Technology, Belgaum, and work as a Software Development Manager at Philips. In 2009, while in Mumbai, I discovered photography through a workshop at my IT job. Despite lacking a camera, I joined weekend photo walks, sparking a passion for observing the world. This marked the start of my photography journey. In 2011, I moved to the USA for work where I obtained my first digital camera, and began travel photography, capturing diverse subjects inspired by colours, people, skyscrapers, spiders, food, and temples. Perfection is not my main goal, but I am committed to learning through my photography experiences.

In 2016, after relocating to Bengaluru, I stumbled upon the Youth Photographic Society (YPS) via Instagram. Attending a YPS photography talk revealed its potential for honing my skills, sparking a new chapter in my photographic journey. Engaging in discussions, receiving critiques, and joining photo walks enhanced my photography. I now delve into serious macro and water droplet collision photography. Professionally a Software Development Manager, photography persists as a passionate pursuit, although I have not actively pursued selling my work beyond an initial attempt.

In November 2023, the Tourism Department of Goa recognized my photography in the “Goa through my lens” contest. I have garnered 100+ awards and 1200+ acceptances in national and international salons. In 2022, I earned the esteemed EFIAP and EFIP distinctions from the Fédération Internationale de l’Art Photographique (FIAP) and the Federation of Indian Photography (FIP) respectively. During the same year, I secured the second prize in the ICICI iShine Photography Contest for my macro photograph.