Meet Hiren Lad | Engineer & Photographer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Hiren Lad and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Hiren, any advice for those thinking about whether to keep going or to give up?
If you’re passionate and committed, keep going—every setback is just part of the journey. Growth comes from persistence, and as a photographer, every challenge shapes my vision. Adapt, learn, and push forward—quitting isn’t an option when you love what you do.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I’m an engineer by profession, but photography has been my passion since childhood. I’ve always felt a deep connection with the camera, even before I could afford one. I used to capture photos with my mobile phone and upload it to instagram. Back in 2013, My first hands-on experience with a DSLR happened during my bachelor’s degree, thanks to my close friend Harsh Patel who introduced me to a Canon DSLR. From that moment, I knew photography was more than just a hobby—it was a calling.

During weekends, we would go out for street photography and participate in contests. After completing my bachelor’s, I bought my first Nikon D3500 and began working professionally, diving into fashion and landscape photography. I traveled across different cities in India, shooting fashion editorials and weddings, and started earning through my passion.
Eventually, I upgraded to a Nikon Z6, taking my craft to the next level. Balancing studies, work, and photography was challenging, but I never gave up.

In 2021, I moved to the USA for my master’s degree, and adjusting to a new country meant less time for photography. I remember going six months without touching my camera, feeling like I had lost my touch. But passion finds its way back—I took an on-campus job as a photographer for dining marketing, which reignited my creative spark.

What sets me apart is my vision—I want the world to see the emotions, stories, and beauty that I capture through my lens. Every time life gets overwhelming, I pick up my camera, step outside, and explore.

My biggest lesson? Never give up on your dreams. If you truly love your passion, it will always find its way back to you.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Day 1: Exploring the City & Skyline Views
Morning: Stroll through Piedmont Park, play games, and enjoy the beautiful scenery.
Afternoon: Have a picnic or barbecue in the park with a stunning Atlanta skyline view.
Evening: Visit a local brewery and try some of Atlanta’s best craft beers.

Day 2: Stone Mountain Adventure
Morning: Hike up Stone Mountain and witness the unbelievable sunrise with a 360-degree city view.
Afternoon: Explore the park, take a scenic tram ride, and enjoy the lake views.
Evening: Grab dinner and try Atlanta’s famous lemon pepper chicken wings at J.R. Crickets

Day 3: Nature & Outdoor Fun
Morning: Take a road trip to North Georgia for a scenic mountain hike.
Afternoon: Visit Amicalola Falls or explore Sweetwater Creek State Park for a peaceful nature escape.
Evening: Have dinner at a local Southern food spot, enjoying classics like fried chicken and biscuits.

Day 4: Food & Culture
Morning: Brunch at Ponce City Market, exploring different food stalls.
Afternoon: Walk along the Atlanta BeltLine, enjoying street art and coffee shops.
Evening: Visit Krog Street Market for dinner and enjoy the lively atmosphere.

Day 5: Relax & Local Favorites
Morning: Visit the Atlanta Botanical Garden, experiencing vibrant flowers and greenery.
Afternoon: Chill by the Chattahoochee River, maybe go kayaking or just enjoy the view.
Evening: Head to a rooftop bar like 9 Mile Station for breathtaking city views.

Day 6: Hidden Gems & Final Explorations
Morning: Have breakfast at a cozy café and explore Little Five Points for unique shops and music stores.
Afternoon: Visit Centennial Olympic Park and take a tour of Atlanta’s historic sites.
Evening: Enjoy a farewell dinner at a popular seafood or barbecue spot.

Day 7: Farewell & Last Moments
Morning: Get coffee and doughnuts at Revolution Doughnuts.
Afternoon: Take a final scenic drive through Midtown or Buckhead before heading to the airport.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My shoutout goes to my close friend Harsh Patel, who first introduced me to a DSLR camera during my first year of my bachelor’s degree. That hands-on experience was the turning point that fueled my passion for photography, something I had always felt connected to since childhood through movies and cinematic frames. A special thanks also to my parents for their unwavering support, allowing me to pursue what I truly love. Their encouragement has been a driving force in my journey, and I wouldn’t be where I am today without them!

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hiren_lad?igsh=NnkzZm0wMXA2dDhn, https://www.instagram.com/hr_vision?igsh=YXM3NG03a3B6cGps