About Avinash

I’m Avinash C. Indirabai, currently living in Cupertino, California, though my roots trace back to Tamil Nadu, India. My journey with photography began almost by accident. Back in college, I noticed a friend carrying what I thought was a “professional” camera. At the time, I knew nothing about gear, but something about that machine sparked my curiosity. Years later, when I was about to buy a small point-and-shoot, a colleague casually said, “Why not get an SLR?” That single line changed the course of my life.

In 2004, I bought my first film SLR, and suddenly, the world looked different through the viewfinder. When I moved to the US in 2007, I upgraded to a DSLR, and from that point on, photography became inseparable from my life. What began as a hobby slowly transformed into something deeper — a way of connecting with places, people, and fleeting moments.

For me, photography is not just about freezing time, but about finding meaning in it. Each trip with my camera has been a story in itself. Yosemite holds a special place in my heart — my photographic sanctuary — where every season reveals a new character of the valley. Beyond Yosemite, I’ve stood among the red rocks of Utah, marveled at the untouched wilderness of Alaska, and walked through the otherworldly landscapes of Iceland. Each destination has left a mark, not just on my memory card, but on me as a person.

Photography has also taught me lessons that go beyond the camera. Patience, balance, simplicity — these are not just artistic principles, but ways of living. The joy is not in collecting pictures, but in collecting the feeling of being present when light, land, and sky align for a brief, magical moment.

Alongside this passion, I’ve built a career in UI development, shaping digital interfaces that are clean, intuitive, and thoughtful. While it’s not the center of my story here, I find a strange kinship between code and photography. Both are about structure, clarity, and intention. Whether debugging a UI or framing a shot, I’m chasing the same goal: creating something that feels natural, seamless, and quietly beautiful.

Outside of work and photography, my family is my anchor. My wife has been my steady companion through all these years, supporting me in every journey. And our son keeps our home lively — whether he’s chasing the soccer ball with unrelenting energy, arguing with me about football clubs, or dragging us to try new food. Those little debates and moments of laughter are as precious to me as any photograph I’ve taken.

No journey is ever walked alone. The photos you see here, the adventures behind them — they’re not just mine. They carry the spirit of the people who have walked with me, taught me, and kept me moving forward.

Somasekar (Instagram) was the first to pull me out on proper photography trips. With him, I explored Niagara, Toronto, Iceland, and some of the grandest landscapes of the American Southwest — Bryce, Arches, Canyonlands, Monument Valley, Valley of Fire. His energy and love for travel pushed me to see photography as more than just a hobby.

In 2016, my roommate Nike (Instagram) reignited my spark at a time when I had drifted away from the camera. He not only took me along on trips but even lent me his camera. Without him, I might not have found my way back to this passion.

Aravindhan Ramakrishnan — a fierce critic and devoted admirer of my work who keeps me grounded in more ways than one. Beyond offering honest feedback that sharpens my eye, he's the practical voice that reminds me to stay mindful of my finances (something every photographer needs!).

Since 2019, a new circle of friends has shared countless miles and skies with me:

Jayaganesh (Instagram), my steady partner on endless Bay Area and NorCal trips — from photographing Yosemite’s first snow to chasing the Milky Way at Lassen and Crater Lake.

Aravind Sekar (Instagram) — a night-sky enthusiast who introduced me to the wonders of stars and telescopes.

Chithiraiselvan (Instagram) and Rudramoorthy, who bring warmth, humor, and spirit to every trip.

Each of them has shaped me in ways I cannot measure. They are the reason I still wake up at 3 a.m. to chase the light, the reason every photo carries not just a story but a friendship behind it. This space is as much theirs as it is mine — a tribute to the people who make me, me.