OM SYSTEM (formerly Olympus) has announced the launch of two new products in India – the OM-5 Mark II interchangeable lens camera and the M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 50-200mm F2.8 IS PRO lens. The products are aimed at wildlife, macro, birding, landscape, travel, and street photography.
The OM-5 Mark II builds on the OM-5 series, offering upgrades based on user feedback. Compact and lightweight, it features splash, dust, and IPX53 freeze-proof protection certified to -10°C. The model includes 5-axis image stabilisation and a redesigned grip for improved handling.
The M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 50-200mm F2.8 IS PRO lens covers a 100-400mm equivalent focal range with a constant F2.8 aperture. The lens supports 5-axis sync image stabilisation, enabling up to 7 steps of stabilisation for handheld shooting at long focal lengths.
Both launches coincide with the festive season in India. The OM-5 Mark II with a 14-150mm kit lens is priced at ₹1,39,990 and will be available from 18 September 2025, bundled with complimentary 10×50 binoculars worth ₹14,990 as part of the launch offer. The M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 50-200mm F2.8 IS PRO lens will be available from 1 October 2025 on an order basis, priced at ₹3,29,990.
Alongside the launches, OM SYSTEM also announced its annual APAC photography competition, running from October to January, with results declared in March each year.
Nikon India has officially introduced the ZR – a compact full-frame cinema camera. Developed in collaboration with RED Digital Cinema, the ZR is Nikon’s first model to feature the RED R3D NE codec, allowing internal 6K RAW video recording.
The camera supports up to seven video formats, including 12-bit RAW, and offers features such as dual base ISO (800/6400), 5-axis in-body stabilisation, and a 4-inch vari-angle LCD that goes upto 1000 nits of brightness. It includes nine RED-curated imaging presets, real-time waveform, histogram, and zebra overlays, as well as support for multiple LUT formats.
Aimed at filmmakers, the ZR offers internal 32-bit float audio recording via both the 3.5mm jack as well as the digital hotshoe. It also features direct Frame.io cloud uploads, multiple subject detection options through deep-learning autofocus, and tools tailored for studio and multi-camera workflows.
Weighing 540g, the body is primarily designed for portability and durability. Nikon also introduced the ME-D10, a battery-free shotgun microphone that connects through the ZR’s digital accessory shoe.
The Nikon ZR will be available across India from October 16, 2025, at a retail price of ₹186,995 (body only).
When you imagine festivals, especially in India, all you can see is a wall of colours. They’re vibrant, highly energetic and it is really easy to get overwhelmed by all the colours around you, sometimes making it difficult to pick and choose what to shoot. And this is where you can do something while shooting that will change your perspective and give you an opportunity to fine-tune your technical and storytelling prowess—shoot black and white. Yes, colours can sometimes be distracting, so you can choose to shoot them—however, it’s not as easy as changing the colour profile to monochrome and going on about the day. In this article we’ll illustrate why monochrome might be the solution to your stagnant photography style, how it might help you elevate your storytelling skills and more.
The Power of Monochrome
Black and white photography has long been a staple of documentary and fine art photography, allowing the photographer to distill the essence of a moment, unencumbered by the distractions of colour. In the context of Indian festivals, this monochrome aesthetic can be particularly effective in capturing the emotional resonance of these events. By eliminating the riot of colours that often characterises these celebrations, black and white photography can focus the viewer’s attention on the faces, expressions, and body language of the participants, revealing the underlying emotions that drive these festivities.
Capturing Emotion in the Moment
Indian festivals are, by their very nature, emotional experiences. Whether it’s the fervour of a Durga Pujapandal, the reverent atmosphere of a Ganesh Chaturthi procession, or the unbridled joy of a Holi celebration, these events are characterised by intense emotions—devotion, excitement, elation, and sometimes, even sadness. Black and white photography is uniquely suited to capturing these emotions, as it allows the photographer to freeze the moment, revealing the subtleties of human expression that might be lost in a colour image.
Conveying the Intimacy of the Moment
One of the key advantages of black and white photography is its ability to convey a sense of intimacy and immediacy. By removing the distractions of colour, the viewer is drawn into the image, forced to focus on the subject’s expression, posture, and surroundings. In the context of Indian festivals, this can be particularly effective in capturing the quiet moments—a young girl’s reverent gaze as she prays to the goddess, an elderly man’s tears of joy as he watches his grandchildren celebrate Holi, or a couple’s tender exchange as they participate in a traditional wedding ritual.
Highlighting Social and Cultural Narratives
Indian festivals are not just emotional experiences; they are also deeply rooted in the country’s social and cultural fabric. Black and white photography can be used to highlight these underlying narratives, revealing the complex dynamics that shape these celebrations. For instance, a photograph of a group of women performing a traditional dance during a Navratri celebration can convey the sense of community and solidarity that defines these events, while an image of a young boy watching a Ram Lila performance can capture the passing down of cultural traditions from one generation to the next.
The Technical Challenges
While black and white photography can be a powerful tool for capturing the emotional essence of Indian festivals, it is not without its technical challenges. In particular, the high-contrast lighting that often characterises these events can be difficult to manage, requiring the photographer to be skilled in capturing a wide dynamic range. Additionally, the fast-paced nature of these celebrations demands a high degree of technical proficiency, as the photographer must be able to work quickly and decisively to capture the fleeting moments that define these events.
You NEED to know your gear through-and-through. Run through some scenarios beforehand because moments happen on the field in a split second which might not happen again. Or if your intent is to shoot in a photojournalistic style, then that particular moment is gone, and can’t be recreated. Carry a flash on your camera and keep it off because there are situations where you might need to use it as a fill, and reaching out for it during the moment means it’ll be gone before you’re ready to shoot.
Tips To Shoot
Focus on capturing raw emotions rather than just the grandeur of the event. The viewer’s eye is drawn to expressions, gestures, and contrasts, so pay attention to faces in prayer, laughter, or deep concentration. Frame your shots around storytelling moments—a wrinkled hand holding Diyas, children’s wide-eyed wonder during processions, or the solemnity of devotees in crowded temples. Here are a few tips:
Composition Tips
Get close and frame tight on faces, hands, or eyes—details reveal emotion more powerfully in B&W.
Use leading lines from Rangolis, temple architecture, or procession paths to guide attention toward subjects.
Look for layering—foreground silhouettes, middle-ground action, and background context—to give depth.
Negative space (like smoke, sky, or plain walls) can isolate emotion-filled subjects effectively.
Technique Tips
Shoot in Monochrome profile (or simulation) but shoot RAW alongside JPEG. This gives you full control over tonal adjustments in post, while giving you a taste of the final product.
Use spot metering on faces to preserve emotional highlights without being distracted by bright decorations. The most important detail you want to see is the locus of the story you want to tell.
Leverage shadows and high-contrast light to create drama, don’t shy away from underexposing slightly. This also helps preserve details in the highlights while increasing dynamic range.
Work with wider apertures (f/1.8–f/2.8) to blur distractions in chaotic festival environments. But don’t shy away from using deep depth of field (f/4-f/8) and use deep, layered compositions to describe more of the scene.
Anticipate emotion. Observe rhythms of rituals or processions so you’re ready when moments happen.
Switch to continuous low burst mode and turn on pre-capture, because perhaps your timing of pressing the button might not be right, but you’ll still preserve the moment.
Gear Tips
A fast prime lens (35mm or 50mm f/1.4) is excellent for intimate, emotion-driven shots. The 35 especially gives you ample opportunity to capture emotions and depth while also preserving the background without distortion from wide-angle lenses.
A zoom (24-70mm/24-105mm) helps adapt quickly in crowded festival settings without losing the moment.
If shooting handheld in low light, a camera/lens with good stabilisation will help avoid motion blur. Combine this with faster lenses for tack sharp shots.
Consider using smaller camera setups. You might not get enough space, so big bodies and long lenses won’t be the best choice to shoot, especially in tight spaces.
A circular polariser can sometimes help control reflections and enhance textures, useful even for B&W conversions. Better to have it and not want it vs want it and not have it.
What’s Next?
Indian festivals are a riot of colours, sounds, and emotions that can be both exhilarating and overwhelming, easily overwhelming your senses. However, by using black and white photography, it is possible to strip away the distractions of colour and tap into the raw emotions that underlie these joyous occasions. Whether it’s capturing the intimacy of a quiet moment, highlighting the social and cultural narratives that shape these celebrations, or simply conveying the unbridled joy of a festive occasion, black and white photography offers a powerful tool for storytelling, one that can reveal the deeper, more poignant truths that lie beneath the surface of these vibrant events. As we continue to navigate the complexities of Indian culture and society, the use of black and white photography to highlight emotion in Indian festivals offers a unique perspective, one that can help us connect with the very heart of these celebrations.
The Ganpati festival is one of the most vibrant celebrations in India. Spanning ten days, it marks the arrival of Lord Ganesha into homes and communities, followed by processions and the final immersion in water. For photographers, the festival offers an unmatched opportunity to capture emotions, rituals, and culture in its purest form. Shooting Ganpati from the very beginning, known as Aagman or arrival, until the emotional conclusion at Visarjan is not just about clicking pictures. It is about telling the story of devotion, colour, and community spirit that unfolds before your eyes.
Preparing for the Festival
Before you lift the camera, preparation is key. The Ganpati festival is crowded, chaotic, and filled with movement. Plan your gear carefully. A wide-angle lens works wonders for capturing the scale of processions and pandals. A 35mm or 50mm prime lens is excellent for portraits of devotees, while a telephoto zoom (70-200 for example) helps isolate details when you cannot move close, and add compression to the scene. Carry extra memory cards and batteries, because opportunities appear at every turn.
It is equally important to understand the rituals. Speak with locals or organisers in advance. Knowing when the idol arrives, when Aarti takes place, and how the immersion will unfold helps you anticipate moments instead of reacting to them. Being aware of cultural sensitivities ensures you do not interrupt prayers or block devotees during key ceremonies.
Capturing Aagman – The Arrival
Photo by Ramnarayan Iyer @iyergee
The festival begins with the Aagman procession, when the idol of Lord Ganesha is brought to homes or pandals. This is one of the most photogenic stages, filled with drumming, chanting, and dancing. Focus on the faces of the people carrying the idol. Their expressions reveal pride, responsibility, and devotion. Wide shots of the crowd create context, but do not miss the chance to step in closer for intimate details like a child showering flowers or an elder offering prayers.
Natural light during Aagman can be tricky because the processions often take place in the evening or at night. A fast lens with a wide aperture helps in low light. High ISO performance of modern cameras allows you to preserve the atmosphere without using a flash, which can distract or feel intrusive. If you must use artificial light, diffuse it to maintain softness.
The Pandal Experience
Once the idol is installed, the pandal becomes the heart of celebration. This is where photographers can spend hours observing and documenting rituals. Every pandal is unique in its decoration, and shooting wide frames highlights the craftsmanship of artisans who build elaborate backdrops. Step closer to capture offerings like Modaks, coconuts, and garlands that symbolise devotion.
Portraits here take on deeper meaning. Families gather together, women dress in traditional sarees, and children look in awe at the deity. When shooting portraits, be respectful and seek permission. A simple smile and nod can go a long way. Consider working in black and white for certain frames to emphasise emotion over colour, especially during quiet moments of prayer.
Crowds inside pandals can be overwhelming. Look for elevated positions or corners where you can shoot without blocking the flow of people. Patience is key. Sometimes waiting in one spot allows you to capture a natural alignment of devotees, priests, and the idol in a single frame.
Rituals and Aarti
Daily rituals such as Aarti are powerful moments filled with energy. Flames of oil lamps, rhythmic chants, and clapping hands create an environment that challenges your technical skills. The firelight is warm and flickering, so expose carefully to retain highlights. Focus on the lamp or the expressions of devotees holding it. Including multiple layers in your frame, such as the priest, the idol, and the crowd, helps narrate the collective participation.
Sound is integral to the Ganpati festival, and while photography cannot capture it, your images can imply it. Photograph drummers mid-beat, cymbals clashing, and singers with mouths wide open. Movement blur can be used creatively to convey rhythm. A slightly slower shutter speed while panning can turn drummers into dynamic streaks of colour and motion.
Street Scenes Around Ganpati
Beyond pandals, the streets themselves tell stories. Vendors sell flowers, sweets, and souvenirs. Artisans paint idols in small workshops. Children play with toy drums and balloons. These candid moments add context to your coverage. Use a documentary approach, blending into the crowd and waiting for authentic interactions.
Street photography during Ganpati requires awareness of light and shadow. Narrow lanes may create high contrast conditions. Expose for the highlights, but allow some areas of shadow to retain depth. Reflections in water or glass can also provide creative frames.
The Journey of Visarjan
The emotional peak of the festival comes with Visarjan, the immersion of the idol. Processions are louder, grander, and filled with contrasting emotions of joy and sorrow. Wide shots of massive crowds carrying idols create a sense of scale, while close-ups of teary-eyed devotees reveal intimacy.
At Visarjan, movement is constant. Processions may last hours, with dancing, chanting, and music filling the streets. A wide-angle lens helps capture the energy of groups dancing together. To avoid chaotic frames, look for repeating patterns such as raised hands, synchronised drummers, or colourful powders in the air.
When the idol finally reaches the water, the atmosphere shifts. The loudness gives way to moments of silence as devotees bid farewell. This is when you can switch to a quieter, more reflective style of photography. Silhouettes of the idol against the water or the horizon are powerful images. Children watching from their parents’ shoulders or elders folding hands in prayer capture the emotion of parting.
Be cautious around water during Visarjan. Keep gear protected with waterproof covers and carry minimal equipment. The energy and crowd density can be overwhelming, so safety must always come first.
Storytelling Through Sequencing
Once the festival concludes, the task of storytelling begins. Review your images not as single frames, but as a sequence. Start with the anticipation of Aagman, move through rituals and community interactions, and end with the bittersweet farewell of Visarjan. Including wide shots, medium shots, and close-ups ensures variety. Look for a balance of celebratory and emotional moments, because the Ganpati festival is as much about joy as it is about devotion.
Editing plays a vital role. Do not oversaturate colours, because authenticity matters. Sometimes muted tones highlight raw emotions better. For a cohesive series, maintain consistency in your colour grading or black and white conversions.
Respect and Responsibility
Photographing Ganpati is a privilege. Remember that for devotees this is not just an event, but a deeply spiritual experience. Respect boundaries, avoid obstructing rituals, and never treat people as mere subjects. Offering a copy of your photo to families or organisers is a simple gesture of gratitude.
Also be mindful of the environment. Immersions place stress on rivers and seas, and many communities now embrace eco-friendly idols. Documenting these efforts can help raise awareness about sustainability. As a photographer, you carry the power not only to record culture, but also to influence positive change.
Conclusion
From the joyous arrival of Aagman to the emotional farewell of Visarjan, the Ganpati festival is a complete journey. For photographers, it offers lessons in anticipation, patience, and respect. Every frame has the potential to tell a story, whether it is the sparkle in a child’s eyes or the grandeur of thousands walking together. Shooting Ganpati is not just about capturing images. It is about experiencing a festival where devotion and celebration meet, and translating that experience into photographs that will resonate long after the drums fall silent.
India’s aviation regulator, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), has commenced the process of retroactively cancelling registration of certain Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS), including DJI drones, that were improperly registered under the Drone Rules, 2021.
A public notice dated 12 August 2025 identifies those misusing the Digital Sky platform to self-generate Unique Identification Numbers (UINs) with misleading declarations in Form D-2—specifically claiming drones were for “educational, research, design, testing or recreational” use when they were not, and registering foreign-manufactured drones imported without required DGFT authorization DigitalSky.Registrants under review will be provided an opportunity to respond within one month, by submitting documentation such as purchase invoices, import permissions, weighing certificates, and manufacturer details to drone.dgca@gov.in DigitalSky. Failure to respond may result in outright cancellation. Operating a drone with a suspended or cancelled registration is strictly prohibited and may lead to legal consequences under the Drone Rules, 2021 and the Aircraft Act, 1934
Instagram has officially launched a dedicated app for iPad, responding to long-standing user demand. The new version introduces features tailored for the larger screen, including a fresh layout designed to improve browsing and multitasking.
When opening the app, users land directly in Reels, bringing short-form video to the forefront on a bigger display. A new “Following” tab makes it easier to track updates from favourite accounts, while enhanced layouts allow smoother access to messages and notifications. Reels also play in full size while users expand the comments section, ensuring uninterrupted viewing alongside real-time reactions.
The iPad app is available now on the App Store, aiming to provide a more complete Instagram experience for creators and casual users alike.
Nikon India has announced a silver version of its full-frame camera, the Nikon Z f. The new model features a finish reminiscent of classic film-era cameras.
In addition to the silver body, six new Premium Exterior colour options including Indigo Blue, Red, Green, Orange, Grey, and Brown are available. Owners can request a change of body covering through the MyNikon App, after which the camera can be sent to a Nikon service centre for customization.
The Z f will also gain a Film Grain feature via a planned firmware update in 2025. This function will allow users to add grain to photos and videos, with adjustable grain size and strength, offering a film-like appearance. Combined with Picture Controls and Imaging Recipes, it expands the camera’s creative options.
The Nikon Z f Silver is priced at ₹1,76,995, same as the original Z f in black.
Lexar has launched the JumpDrive M400 USB 3.0 Flash Drive in India. The device is built to offer fast data transfer speeds along with a durable metal design, targeting users who need portable and secure storage.
The JumpDrive M400 delivers read speeds of up to 150MB/s, making it suitable for transferring large files quickly. It also features a built-in key ring for easy portability. To enhance data security, the drive includes Lexar DataShield, a password protection tool that helps safeguard files from unauthourized access.
Key Features of the JumpDrive M400:
USB 3.0 performance with read speeds up to 150MB/s
Metal construction for added durability
Lexar DataShield password protection
Available in 32GB, 64GB, 128GB, and 256GB capacities
Includes a five-year limited warranty
The JumpDrive M400 is now available through major retail outlets and e-commerce platforms in India, with prices starting at ₹600 for the 32GB version and ₹2,500 for the 256GB model.
Hahnemühle continues its partnership with Prints for Wildlife, the global conservation initiative that has raised over $2.1 million USD since 2020. The 2025 campaign, titled “Edition Hope”, will exclusively debut Hemp Gloss Baryta, Hahnemühle’s new sustainable fine art paper.
Building on the success of previous editions printed on Hahnemühle Hemp, Edition Hope features contributions from 240+ photographers worldwide, offering limited-edition wildlife and nature prints for one month only. All proceeds (after printing and handling) go directly to nonprofits protecting wildlife and habitats, with new partners including Conservation International.
Hemp Gloss Baryta combines eco-friendly hemp fibres with a refined glossy baryta surface, delivering deep blacks, rich contrasts, and vibrant colours while minimising environmental impact. Before its official launch in October 2025, the paper will be showcased exclusively through this campaign, produced by Hahnemühle Certified Studio ThePrintSpace in the USA, UK, and Germany.
Launching August 21, 2025, Edition Hope presents powerful imagery ranging from landscapes to intimate wildlife portraits and will conclude on September 9th. Collectors can purchase prints at www.printsforwildlife.org, supporting both art and critical conservation efforts worldwide.
Vivo has announced the third edition of the Vivo Imagine Smartphone Photography Awards, open to photographers and enthusiasts across India. The awards aim to position the platform as a hub for storytelling and authentic self-expression.
They encourage participants to submit work that reflects originality, perspective, and intent. This year’s extended format gives creators the freedom to experiment and refine their vision.
The jury will be led by acclaimed filmmaker Zoya Akhtar, joined by renowned photographers Vineet Vohra, Rakesh Pulapa, and Aamir Wani. Entries will be accepted in six categories: Nature & Landscape, Night & Light, Architecture, Motion, Portrait, and Street & Culture.
Submissions are open on www.vivoimagine.com from August 22 to November 30, 2025. The jury will shortlist six finalists—one per category—who will be invited to the Grand Finale in December. The grand jury winner will receive ₹5,00,000, while each category winner will be awarded a Vivo X200 Pro smartphone.
Reflecting on the initiative, Geetaj Channana, Head of Corporate Strategy, Vivo India, said “the Imagine Awards reaffirm our belief that photography belongs to everyone – it’s about perspective, not gear.”
In 2024, the awards drew 17,000+ entries nationwide, with Kukkala Suresh winning the grand prize. This year, vivo continues its mission to empower creators and celebrate the joy of imagination.
