Engineering and photography are much more related than you would initially think. They both are the beautiful application of science, math, and art.

When an engineer helps create a car, it must have an engine that works, an exterior that is appealing and functional, and must be manufacturable.

In photography, the balance of light, composition, and a clear subject are essential to creating an image that looks beautiful, conveys emotion, and is functional (has meaning and is visible).

I believe that more engineers should become photographers.

1. 📸 Photography teaches you how to see

Pick up a camera (it can even be your phone) and take a walk. Look for how the light is laying on what is around you and how objects create shadows.

Try to find patterns or things you have never seen before. Become aware maybe for the first time about what you walk by on a daily basis, but have never really noticed.

This practice will train your eyes to look for patterns and make you aware of the design of bridges, buildings, trees, birds, and just about everything.

You will begin to see themes and will become curious about the world all around you.

Your ability to see what others don’t usually see will make you a better engineer. You will think more critically and with more curiosity about how things work.

2. 🏎️ Learn to appreciate the interplay between form and function

As engineers it can be tempting to design only for function. We can even be accused of thinking, “If it works, then that is good enough.” Photography can help us change this way of thinking and appreciate beautiful design.

If we design this way, we miss out on creating something beautiful that people will actually want to use. Often the most beautiful things, are also the most functional. Birds wings look like art, yet create the exact lift and control they need to fly.

Form and function come perfectly together in F1. These highly engineered cars behave like inverted airplanes and are beautiful at the same time.

If you want to learn more about design, read “The Design of Everyday Things”by Don Norman. I finished it recently and it’s incredible :)

3. 🛠️ Exercise your creativity

Now that we understand the importance of form and function, we can apply it in everything we do as engineers. We can design websites and software that are a joy to use. We can make prosthetics and medical devices that are fashion statements and improve life. We can create the future of energy. We are engineers and we make the world a better and more beautiful place.

To help train this ability to create beauty and function, consider becoming a photographer. Go outside today and take some pictures you are proud of and that mean something to you.

Maybe it is time to make the idea that has been nagging you a physical reality. Check out this article if you want to design and 3d print something:

Photo of the Week:

Action Steps

How can photography make you a better engineer? It can help you to see critically and design better things no matter what type of engineer you are. Do you have any experiences where photography has given you an idea or the skills to tackle an engineering problem?

I’d love to hear from you about anything or even how I can make The Engineering Way better. If there is someone you would like me to interview or an article topic you would like to learn more about, please let me know.

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Rock on,

Camden