Hello, I’m Hamdan Muhammed, an Architect turned Architectural Photographer. My journey into photography began during my early college years at the Avani Institute of Design, where the architectural environment profoundly influenced me. I found it natural to communicate through visuals, whether through photography or sketching. Over time, I realised this was the genesis of my passion for photography. Experiencing Avani’s architecture across different seasons taught me to appreciate the beauty in everyday moments and the elegance of the ordinary. This perspective became integral to my work as a photographer. Immediately after college, I started my professional practice in architectural photography and began analysing spaces critically. I focused on understanding the feelings evoked by elements such as light, shadow, volume, and other sensory experiences—a skill honed from my architectural background.

I firmly believe that capturing spaces authentically is crucial. Darkness holds as much significance as light in architecture; portraying spaces with their natural interplay of light and shadow reveals their true depth. As someone who practices architectural photography exclusively in natural light, I strive to depict the reality of a space. It’s essential to document the environment as it was created, rather than focusing solely on aesthetics for marketing purposes. Maintaining authenticity in architectural photography is vital in today’s world, filled with AI tools and manipulations. The spaces we design are meant for people to live in and experience, not just to showcase. Therefore, balancing ethical considerations with authenticity is paramount when documenting a space. However, I also recognise the potential for artistic expression within these spaces, where photography transcends mere representation and transforms into a medium for storytelling and imagination.