Finding Freedom, Passion, and Community in Photography: A Conversation with Keerti Siag
What drives someone to completely pivot their career, step away from the familiar, and turn a passionate creative outlet into a thriving full-time career?
In Episode 64 of the Photo Country podcast, host Rajeev Nedumaran sits down with Keerti Siag—a Sony Digital Imaging Advocate, educator, and multi-genre photographer based in Auckland, New Zealand. Recorded right on the sand at Waiake Beach in Torbay, their conversation dives into Keerti’s journey from teaching English literature in Punjab to capturing memories, teaching sold-out photography workshops, and building a creative community.
The Early Spark: Roots in Punjab
Keerti’s love for photography began long before she moved to New Zealand. Growing up in Punjab, India, her father—an ardent hobbyist photographer—always kept a camera around the house.
“I think back then when I was a young 11 or 12-year-old, I found photography to be that one source of freedom... Nature was part of it because I come from Punjab, where it’s all agricultural land. You see the sun rising in a field of wheat or cotton, and you just fall in love with that.”
Before taking up photography professionally, Keerti taught English literature, linguistics, and phonetics at the college level for nearly seven years. That background in education would later become a cornerstone of her success as a photography instructor.
The Leap: From Grocery Business to Full-Time Creative
Keerti and her partner emigrated from India to New Zealand in 2011, eventually settling in Torbay, Auckland, where they ran a local grocery store for five years. When they decided to sell the business, they spent six to seven months during the COVID pandemic traveling across New Zealand.
During those quiet months on the road, Keerti documented their journey, sharing her photos online. A friend noticed her talent and hired her to shoot for her business—Keerti’s first paid photography job. With the encouragement of her husband, she took the gamble and officially launched her career as a professional photographer.
Embracing Multi-Genre Photography
In an industry where creatives are frequently advised to find a narrow niche, Keerti chose a different path: embracing multiple genres. From landscape and family portraits to headshots and branding, she shoots across varied styles—steering clear only of empty real estate houses, which lack the human or emotional element she loves.
“Being a multi-genre photographer means that I love photography... painting with light, creating with light. I love nature, I love outdoors, I love hanging out with people... Why do we have to put ourselves into one of those boxes?”
Instead of limiting her scope, being a multi-genre creative allows Keerti to share a broader range of skills through her workshops and mentorship.
Art That Connects: Creating Prints with Emotion
One of the most rewarding aspects of Keerti’s work is seeing how photography connects deeply with people. Through her print sales, local residents frequently share how her images of local landscapes, such as Waiake Beach, evoke cherished memories of raising families and living in the community.
“Somebody said, ‘You live in our houses, in our living rooms through your art, and we love that.’ How beautiful is that—you are there, and somebody looks at it, thinks of their life, and at the same time thinks of the artist who created it?”
3 Key Takeaways for Aspiring Photographers
For anyone looking to get into photography—whether as a hobby or a profession—Keerti shares her core advice:
Build a Strong Support System: Surround yourself with family or friends who support your vision and give you the space and time needed to practice.
Engage with the Community: Connect with fellow photographers and mentors who are eager to uplift you and share knowledge freely.
Practice Relentlessly: There is no shortcut or substitute for consistent hands-on experience and continuous learning.
Listen to the Full Episode
Catch the full conversation with Keerti Siag on Episode 64 of Photo Country, hosted by Rajeev Nedumaran.
