Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Abhishek Hajela. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Abhishek , thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Earning a full time living from one’s creative career can be incredibly difficult. Have you been able to do so and if so, can you share some of the key parts of your journey and any important advice or lessons that might help creatives who haven’t been able to yet?
Yes, I’ve been able to earn a full-time living from my creative work. It wasn’t always the case, though – it was a journey that required a combination of persistence, strategy, and passion.
In the beginning, I had to take small steps and build a foundation while working in a travel company where I started my career. Photography was something I always loved, but it took a lot of effort to turn it into a sustainable income stream. I started by honing my skills, networking with like-minded creatives, and slowly building a portfolio. There were many moments when it felt uncertain, especially in the early years.
The pivotal moment in my journey came when I combined my love for photography with travel, which eventually led to the creation of Unique Photo Adventures. The idea of leading photography trips was something I felt passionate about, as it not only allowed me to showcase my photography skills but also share my expertise with others. This shift was key in transitioning from sporadic income to a more predictable, full-time living. I started offering curated photography tours, creating packages that appealed to photographers who wanted an immersive, hands-on experience in unique destinations. Word of mouth, regular work from my top photographey partners and tour leaders in the USA; and positive reviews and recommendations from clients played a huge role in helping grow the business.
It definitely wasn’t like that from day one. Initially, I had to build a reputation, develop a niche, and connect with people who appreciated what I offered. The learning curve was steep— from figuring out logistics for the trips to understanding how to market myself and my brand. I didn’t know it would take time to gain the trust of clients, and I wasn’t fully prepared for the amount of work it took to plan and execute successful trips. However, once I understood the value of what I was offering and built a community around it, things started to align more.
Some of the major milestones for me were when I first sold out a trip, when I gained partnerships with photography brands that recognized my work, and when clients began to come back for multiple adventures. Those were turning points that gave me the confidence to push further.
Looking back, there is nothing I would change or even do differently. I believe everything has to flow naturally and it time takes to build something meaningful. Speeding up the process sometimes doesn’t help or is not even required. It takes an army and energy, time and effort to build a brand, to grow an online presence – each process takes time. Comfort is easy; growth is painful – if you avoid struggle and going through the process, you avoid success.
Now, I’m proud of where Unique Photo Adventures stands, and I’m thankful for the experiences and the people who’ve been part of the journey. Photography is no longer just a passion—it’s a fulfilling career that allows me to do what I love every day.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
I’m Abhishek Hajela, the founder of Unique Photo Adventures, a company dedicated to offering photography enthusiasts the opportunity to learn, explore, and capture the beauty of the world through immersive photography trips. Photography has always been my passion—it’s more than just a craft to me; it’s a way of connecting with the world and telling stories.
My journey into photography started in my early twenties. I was always fascinated by how a single image could capture so much emotion and beauty. As I traveled and explored different landscapes, I began to notice the power of storytelling through images. Over time, I started leading photography trips. I took a photography course and led everything I could about the technical and artistic aspects of photography. I found that I particularly enjoyed guiding people in how to capture moments and how to approach photography with a more mindful, artistic eye.
After years of refining my skills, I realized there was a gap in the photography industry for guided, immersive photography trips that not only offered beautiful destinations but also focused on skill development and a personalized experience for each participant. That’s when Unique Photo Adventures was born. It combines my two great passions: photography and travel. I wanted to create a space where photographers of all levels could come together, learn, and explore new places while improving their craft in a hands-on, supportive environment.
At Unique Photo Adventures, we provide expert-led photography tours to the Indian sub-continent. Our trips range from festivals, cultural experiences, to offering diverse opportunities to capture stunning images in a variety of settings. What sets us apart is our personalized approach—our trips are designed to focus on both the technical aspects of photography and the art of storytelling through images. We guide our participants step-by-step through everything from composition to post-processing, giving them the tools and knowledge to elevate their photography skills.
I believe in providing more than just a sightseeing experience; I want every trip to be an opportunity for growth and a chance to push personal boundaries in photography. Whether it’s a once-in-a-lifetime trip to the Maha Kumbh (a religious festival that is happening in India after 144-years) to the cultural exploration of India’s vibrant festivals, each adventure is carefully curated to not only show participants new places but also to help them capture the essence of those moments.
One of the biggest problems I solve for my clients is the challenge of combining travel and photography while also learning new techniques in a hands-on, real-world setting. Many people love to travel and take photos, but they often struggle with the technical side of photography or feel overwhelmed in unfamiliar environments. By leading these trips myself, I ensure that each participant receives the attention and guidance they need to capture their best shots while enjoying their travels.
What sets me apart is my deep commitment to offering a truly immersive experience, tailored to photographers who want to grow their skills in a way that traditional workshops or online tutorials can’t provide. My personal approach—providing individual feedback, fostering a supportive community of like-minded photographers, and offering insider tips on the best locations to shoot—creates an environment where learning, creativity, and adventure go hand-in-hand. Clients don’t just get to see amazing places; they get to capture them with purpose and intention, all while honing their craft in the process.
What I’m most proud of is the community we’ve built around Unique Photo Adventures. Over the years, I’ve seen clients return for multiple trips, and many have shared how much their photography has improved because of our time together. It’s incredibly fulfilling to know that I’m not only helping people create beautiful images but also fostering lasting memories and relationships through these shared experiences. I’m also proud of the feedback I get from clients about how transformative these trips have been—both for their photography and their personal growth.
The main things I want potential clients, followers, and fans to know about me and my brand are that I’m dedicated to creating a genuine, personal experience. I’m passionate about photography, travel, and helping others grow, and that passion drives everything I do. My goal isn’t just to lead trips—it’s to create moments of learning, inspiration, and connection through the power of photography. So whether you’re a seasoned photographer looking for a new adventure or a beginner who wants to learn the art of photography in a real-world setting, I’m here to guide you every step of the way.
For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?
For me, the most rewarding aspect of being a creative is the ability to connect with others through the work I create. Photography, in particular, is a powerful medium because it allows me to capture moments, emotions, and stories that transcend words. There’s something incredibly fulfilling about knowing that the images I capture can evoke a feeling, inspire thought, or even change a perspective in someone else.
In addition, as an artist, I find immense satisfaction in the continuous process of learning and growth. The journey of improving my craft, exploring new techniques, and pushing my own creative boundaries keeps me motivated. There’s always something new to discover, whether it’s a different location, a unique lighting condition, or a fresh way to approach a scene. That constant evolution keeps me engaged and excited about what I do every day.
On a deeper level, though, it’s the opportunity to share these experiences with others—whether through teaching, leading photography trips, or simply sharing my work—that brings me the most joy. Helping others develop their skills and see the world through a new lens is incredibly rewarding. When I witness someone’s “aha” moment or see them grow in their own creative journey, it makes everything worthwhile.
Ultimately, being a creative means having the ability to inspire, challenge, and connect with people. That’s what makes the path so meaningful and rewarding.
What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?
There is a clear mission behind my creative journey, and that is to inspire people to see the world through a different lens —both literally and figuratively.
Photography, for me, is not just about capturing beautiful images; it’s about storytelling, connection, and bringing out the deeper essence of the places and moments I experience. My goal is to help people discover the beauty that exists in the world around them, often in places or situations they might overlook. Through Unique Photo Adventures, I aim to create immersive experiences that allow others to grow as photographers while simultaneously exploring and appreciating the wonders of the world. Whether it’s through capturing a fleeting moment of light or learning how to truly understand the landscape around you, I want to empower others to embrace their creativity and step outside of their comfort zones.
Another core mission is to demystify photography — especially the technical aspects that can often be intimidating for beginners. I want to show people that photography is about more than just mastering equipment; it’s about having a vision, being present in the moment, and telling a story. I believe everyone has the potential to create stunning images, and my role is to guide them along that journey.
Ultimately, my mission is about blending travel, photography, and education into a meaningful experience that leaves participants not only with incredible images but also with a sense of fulfillment and growth. I hope to leave a legacy of individuals who feel more connected to the world and more confident in their creative abilities.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.uniquephotoadventures.com
- Instagram: abhishek_hajela
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hajela.abhishek
Image Credits
Abhishek Hajela