Author Archives: Janhavi Panani

National & Regional Awards: India Winner Announced

Sony India recently revealed Rajeev Gaikwad as India’s National Award winner for the Sony World Photography Awards 2025.

The National & Regional Awards programme is an initiative set up by Sony and Creo under its photography strand the World Photography Organisation to support local photographic communities around the world, with 56 countries taking part this year. Across this year’s Awards over 419,000 images from over 200 countries and territories were submitted to the Sony World Photography Awards 2025.

National and Regional Award winners were selected from the Open competition, which champions the best single images taken in the past year.

Rajeev Gaikwad was anonymously selected by judges for his photograph Phantom Bloom, entered into the Object category of the Open competition. Amidst a vast abandoned waste marble dumping yard in Kishangarh, Rajasthan, a lone tree reaches towards the sky, its bare branches a testament to its resilience. Hanging from the branch, the vivid burst of colour of the two bags introduces a touch of humanity. In this image, the photographer reflects on the delicate balance between nature and human presence in an unforgiving landscape.

Growing up on the surreal outskirts of Aurangabad, Maharashtra, I found inspiration in the dreamlike rural landscapes around me. Photography became my way of preserving moments and telling stories, blending realism with a touch of surrealism. My work focusses on capturing emotions, connections, and the beauty in the mundane. I Always aim to share my unique perspective and inspire others to see the world through a creative and thoughtful lens.

Commenting on his win, Gaikwad said, “Being shortlisted for the Sony World Photography Awards is a surreal and humbling experience for me, I feel completely Blessed. It’s an honor to have my work recognised on this esteemed international platform.

As India’s National Award winner, Rajeev Gaikwad receives Sony digital imaging equipment and will be included in the Sony World Photography Awards exhibition and book.

The overall winners in the Student, Youth, Open and Professional competitions of the Sony World Photography Awards 2025 will be announced on 16 April and will go on display as part of the exhibition at Somerset House, London (17 April – 5 May 2025)

This year’s National and Regional Awards winners are:

Bangladesh - Syed Mahabubul Kader — **Bangladesh Winner — © Syed Mahabubul Kader**

**Indonesia Winner — © Sim Jhones Gozali**

**Philippines Winner — © Renzer Rev Damaso**

**Nigeria Winner — © Nsikanabasi Effiong**

**South Africa Winner — © Werner De Kock**

**Qatar Winner — © Ridhwan Mohammed Rafi**

**Saudi Arabia Winner — © Mohammed Muhtasib**

**Sri Lanka Winner — © Sasindu Pramuditha**

**Uzbekistan Winner — © Mubina Fayzullaeva**

**United Arab Emirates Winner — © Donell Gumiran**

**Republic of Korea Winner — © Kibong Nam**

**Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Romania, and Moldova Winner — © Peter Svoboda (Slovakia)**

**Latvia, Estonia, and Lithuania Winner — © Ieva Gaile (Lithuania)**

**Croatia, Slovenia, Serbia, Montenegro, Kosovo, Bosnia and Herzegovina Winner — © Marko Buntić (Croatia)**

**Cyprus, Greece, Bulgaria, and North Macedonia Winner — © Panagiotis Rontos (Greece)**

**Latin America Winner — © Lucero Mora Ardila (Mexico)**

Photography Trends in 2025

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With our magazine celebrating its 38^th Anniversary this month, January also marks the start of a new year – a time when we explore the trends that we believe will shape the photography world in 2025. Since the beginning of this journey, photography has evolved phenomenally, and each year brings surprises and innovations. Here are some of the trends that we anticipate will make a significant impact in 2025.

By Bhavya Desai

AI-Assisted Editing

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has firmly embedded itself in photography workflows, with tools like generative fill taking center stage. AI-assisted editing software now enables creators to modify, extend, or reimagine their images with precision and speed. Whether it’s removing unwanted elements, enhancing backgrounds, or creating entirely new compositions, AI tools are empowering photographers to focus on their artistic vision while handling complex edits effortlessly.

Tech influencer MKBHD recently showcased a platform like this in one of his videos, highlighting its potential for content creators and drawbacks too. Such advancements hint at a future where AI-driven creativity might become mainstream.

Bold Colours

2025 is all about bold, unapologetic colours. From vivid reds and blues to electric yellows and greens, photographers are embracing a more striking colour palette to make their work stand out. This trend reflects a global appetite for visual storytelling that captures attention in an oversaturated digital landscape.

Vintage Nostalgia

Despite the onslaught of bold colours vintage aesthetic remains timeless, but 2025 is seeing a reinvention of the old-school charm. Film grain, sepia tones and retro-inspired filters are making a resurgence, offering a sense of nostalgia while blending seamlessly with modern themes. Photographers are leveraging this trend to evoke emotion and connect audiences with a sense of history.

High-Key Videos

As platforms like Netflix and other streaming giants invest in high-key visuals, photographers and videographers are adopting this trend in their projects. High-key videos, characterized by bright lighting and minimal shadows, offer a clean and polished look that’s perfect for brand campaigns, fashion shoots, and even social media content. Shows like Selling Sunsets on Netflix are good examples of this, but it’s safe to say that we still don’t see this coming to YouTube video content anytime soon.

Inclusive Photography

Representation matters more than ever. Inclusive photography is gaining momentum, showcasing diverse models, cultures and body types. Photographers are making conscious efforts to break stereotypes and celebrate individuality, ensuring their portfolios resonate with audiences worldwide.

Authenticity

While conversations still surround the fake Instagram-able life, today is all about authenticity. Gone are the days of overly staged portraits where photographers aim to capture genuine emotions and candid moments. This trend focuses on human connections, raw emotions and storytelling that feels real and relatable.

Drones Are Out

While drones revolutionized aerial photography and were used extensively even in 2024, their novelty has started to wear off – in the conventional sense. 2025 sees a shift towards grounded creativity, with photographers exploring unique angles and perspectives closer to the subject. This trend encourages innovation in composition without relying on aerial gimmicks and perspectives like FVP etc will be more visible in 2025.

Vertical Photography

The dominance of mobile content has made vertical photography a staple – since the past few years. However, this year photographers are designing their shots with vertical formats in mind, ensuring their work aligns seamlessly with the viewing habits of audiences on platforms like Instagram Reels, TikTok, and YouTube Shorts. And this is in line with the brand strategies of today.

Advanced Printing Technologies

Printing is experiencing a renaissance with advancements in 3D printing and high-resolution inkjet technologies. Photographers are experimenting with textured photographs and prints that offer a tactile experience. This trend is redefining how we interact with visual art in physical spaces and in many ways also bringing print back.

Intentional Camera Movement

Intentional Camera Movement (ICM) is capturing imaginations in 2025. This artistic technique involves moving the camera during exposure to create abstract, painterly effects. It’s a favourite among fine art photographers looking to infuse their work with emotion and dynamism. You can also see that more and more in wedding styles and fashion. It took off in 2024 and still will continue as a key style in 2025 as well.

Camera Control button

iPhone started it and it seems that more manufacturers might jump onto the bandwagon. Oppo also featured it in the Find X8 Pro and I feel more manufacturers might introduce it in their products in 2025. How much of that feature will be usable is still up for debate.

Photography in 2025 will be a blend of technology, artistry and cultural consciousness. By staying ahead of these trends, photographers can continue to innovate and inspire in an ever-changing creative landscape.

January 2025

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The 37th Anniversary issue of Asian Photography India is out now.

January 2025 – We are 37. Wohooo.

Cover by: @amitkhannaphotography 📷

In this issue read:

~ Framing Timeless Elegance – @bharat_rawail
~ The New Wave In Fashion – @amitkhannaphotography
~ 37 Tech Innovations In Photography
~ Best Camera Phone 2024
~ Top Mirrorless Cameras of 2024

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Cover Credits:
Featuring @aoora69
Produced By: @facemag.in
Publisher: @harshithundet
Creative Director: @farrahkader
Photography: @amitkhannaphotography
Interview by: @naina_humangram
Stylist: @sameerkatariya92
Makeup & Hair Artist: @kanika_arrora
Hair Stylist: @kin_vanity
Asst. Creative Dir: @haaute
Asst. MUA: @sarrahmukadamedits
Artist Management: @vectormob
Location: @shottindia
Coordinated by: @volokal

Nikon NIKKOR Z 35mm F/1.4 Lens Review

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Nikon’s latest prime lens, the NIKKOR Z 35mm F/1.4 is the first F/1.4 prime lens for the Z mount lineup. The second is the 50mm F/1.4, which we have also reviewed in the issue, so be sure to check that out as well.

Design, Build & Handling

At first glance, the Z 35mm F/1.4 looks strikingly similar to its sibling, the 50mm F/1.4. Nikon deserves credit for maintaining design consistency across these lenses. Weighing just 415 grams, it is compact and lightweight, making it a highly portable choice.

The lens sports a 62mm filter diameter and boasts a premium, robust build. When paired with the Nikon Z6III, it achieves excellent balance – a setup ideal for both photography and videography.

The design is minimalistic, featuring only two rings: the focus ring and the customizable control ring. Unlike some other lenses, it lacks additional buttons. Nikon’s reasoning here seems clear – photographers and videographers often use focal lengths like 35mm and 50mm for video work, especially on gimbals. The simpler design ensures quick lens swaps without the hassle of recalibration.

Autofocus Performance

The Z 35mm F/1.4 is equipped with a stepping motor, offering fast, silent autofocus performance. While there’s no built-in image stabilization, the lens delivers smooth, quick focussing both during the day and in low light conditions.

For video shooters, the autofocus transition between points is remarkably smooth. Nikon has also done an excellent job correcting focus breathing, resulting in cinematic-quality footage that filmmakers will appreciate.

Image Quality

When it comes to performance, the image quality from this lens is impressive. Photos are sharp and well-detailed in daylight, while low light conditions allow for atmospheric shots with excellent depth and mood.

While there are minor focus-hunting issues in specific scenarios, you can work around them to achieve results. Edge sharpness exhibits slight softness, but overall, the lens delivers good performance.

Flaring & Ghosting

Very minimal flaring against a light source

Despite lacking the fluorine coating found in Nikon’s S-series lenses, the Z 35mm F/1.4 handles flaring surprisingly well. Even though Nikon includes a lens hood in the box, you can often leave it behind to maintain a minimal and stealthy setup.

That said, because of the absence of fluorine coating, the front element tends to attract dirt and oil more quickly. A microfiber cloth will be essential to keep the lens clean.

Bokeh Performance

If you’re a fan of creamy bokeh, the Z 35mm F/1.4 won’t disappoint. The lens produces smooth, round bokeh across most of the frame. However, in certain areas, the bokeh can appear slightly squished, resembling an egg shape.

Chromatic Aberration (CA)

Running the lens through the Quick MTF app gave an output of 0.42 pixels for chromatic aberration. For a prime lens in this category, that’s a solid result and within acceptable limits.

Verdict

So, what’s our take on the NIKKOR Z 35mm F/1.4? At a price point of ₹89,999, it’s ₹10,000 more than Nikon’s 50mm F/1.4. However, when you compare it to competitors like Sony and Canon, whose 35mm F/1.4 lenses start at around ₹1.4 lakh, Nikon’s offering stands out as a fantastic value-for-money option.

For many photographers, a 50mm can feel too tight, and a wider 35mm is the perfect solution – offering a broader field of view without noticeable distortion. Whether you’re a street photographer looking for versatility or someone who needs a lightweight, travel-friendly lens that performs in both daylight and low light, the Z 35mm F/1.4 is an excellent choice.

Chennai Photo Biennale Edition 4 announced

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The fourth edition of the Chennai Photo Biennale takes its primary inspiration from Dayanita Singh’s ongoing exploration “#whyphotograph”. The biennale will showcase diverse practices by artists who are reshaping dominant narratives by addressing gaps in representation, remixing colonial visual vocabularies with native avant garde aesthetics, by shifting the gaze from the lone photographer to forge an ethic of care and collective authorship. The Biennale will encompass 20+ exhibitions and several programmes across the 90 days. The CPB Edition 4 opens in 2 phases.

The CPB4 is organised with the support of Goethe-Institut Chennai as the primary partner in association with The Hindu Made of Chennai and Palladium Partners – TNQ Publishing | Photo South Asia.

Phase 1 opens on December 20, 2024 with ‘Vaanyerum Vizhuthugal’ (Roots that reach for the sky) – 12 lens-based artists across Tamil Nadu curated by Jaisingh Nageswaran. It’s a project by CPB Foundation in collaboration with Goethe-Institut Chennai in association with The Hindu, Made of Chennai. The participating artists are – Alina Tiphagne, Aishwarya Arumbakkam, Arun Karthick, Brinda Anantharaman, Krithika Sriram, Osheen Siva, Priyadarshini Ravichandran, Sathish Kumar, Shankar Raja Narayana, Sridhar Balasubramaniyam, Steevez Rodriguez and Vivek Mariappan.

Next in Phase 1 will be ‘It’s time. To see. To be seen’ – Women responding to the world through photographic practices. Its a project by CPB Foundation in collaboration with Goethe-Institut Chennai, British Council, Pro Helvetia and the French Institute. The participating artists are – Ann Griffin (Switzerland), Bhumika Saraswati (India), Delphine Diallo (France/USA), Farheen Fatima (India), Fast Forward Collective (UK), Hannah Cooke (Germany), Indu Antony (India), Kiki Strietberger (Germany), Nony Singh (India), Offset Projects (India), Prarthna Singh (India), Radha Rathi (India), Samar Hazboun (Palestine).

CPB Invited Projects in December 2024 are – ‘Madras, Margazhi & Music’ Portraits by Amar Ramesh; ‘Common Nouns’; and ‘Light Salt Water’ by Sujatha Shankar Kumar.

Phase 2 opens on January 17, 2025 with ‘Love and Light’ – A Site of Infinite Possibilities. Its Sunil Gupta retrospective curated by Charan Singh and presented by Tarun and Tarana Sawhney. It is supported by Avtar Foundation for the Arts, Sid Khanna & Meher Varma, Payal and Annurag Khanna.

Next in Phase 2 wil be ‘What Makes Me Click!’ – Celebrating & spotlighting 20 photography projects by children globally curated by Chennai Photo Biennale Foundation and the Children’s Photography Archive, UK, with support from Rohini Nilekani Philanthropies.

Participating institutions and artists include the Tamil Nadu School Department & Palani Kumar (India), Fawood and Curzon Nursery Schools & Catherine Rive (UK), Children’s Photography Archive (UK), CEDAR Coimbatore, Girl Museum (UK), Nirmal Bhartia School (India), Fotohane Darkroom (Turkey), Fotokids (Guatemala), Through the lens (South Africa), Art Reach (India), Bronx Documentary Centre (USA), Anjali House with Angkor Photo Festival & Workshops (Cambodia), Objectifs Centre (Singapore), Museum of Photography (Greece), Photoworks, The National Gallery, London and Brighton & Hove Museums, Alejandra Carles-Tolra (UK), Prakriti School (India), Chennai Photo Biennale Foundation (India), Chinky Shukla (Rajasthan), Ibn Rushd Fund, Qattan Child Centre Gaza, Asmaa Seba (Gaza).

The exhibition will be curated as an interactive installation designed by The Architecture Story along the museum campus with photographs as well as engaging playful activities for all ages including a pinhole camera.

‘CPB4 Open Call Showcase’ features 40 photographers for the first time via an open call. Entries were received from across 30 countries. The exhibition will showcase single images and photo essays selected by an established international jury including Alessia Glaviano – Head, Global PhotoVogue (Milano); Brendan McCleary – Curator, PHOTO Australia (Australia); Gwen Lee – Co-founder & Director, DECK, Singapore International Photography Festival (SIPF-Singapore); Joseph Radhik – Co-founder – Stories (India); Julie Héraut – Head of Exhibition & Research, Le Bal Paris (Paris); Michael Weir – Director, Belfast Photo Festival (UK); Smita Sharma – Visual Journalist (India); Umah Jacob – Director of External Relations & Outreach, India Art Fair (India); Varun Gupta – Managing Trustee, CPB Foundation Director (India).

The CPB – Photoworks Darkroom Residency Showcase, showcasing works by artists from India and UK – Ārun (Chennai), Holly Birtles (UK) and Soham Joshi (UK). The show is supported by the British Council.

CPB Invited Projects in January 2025 are – ‘For the love of…’ Cop Shiva and Lim Soo-Sik curated by Nandini Valli Muthiah; ‘Time Present Time Past’ by Sebastian Cortez; ‘Photography Strictly Prohibited’ A retrospective of Navroze Contractor by Navjivan Trust and National Photography Festival; ‘Lalit Mohan Sen Archives – An Enduring Legacy’ by Emami Art; ‘The Architecture of Remembrance’ by Debasish Mukherjee; ‘Artist Through The Lens’ by Manisha Gera Baswani.

CPB Primary Shows in February 2025 are: ‘Kaana Katral’ – Learning to see – Graduate students’ work from Dr MGR Janaki College for Women and Tamil Nadu Government MGR Film & Television Institute, Chennai. The exhibition showcases 15 students’ works on visual storytelling supported by Photo South Asia and Murthy Nayak Foundation; ‘Hey!’ – The exhibition features photographs made by people with disabilities and neurodivergence.

CPB Invitation Shows in February 2025 are ‘Limits of Change’ by Parvathi Nayar and Nayantara Nayar; ‘Art in Prison’ by Rahimunisa Begam; ‘Footprints on the moon’ by Dheeraj Khandelwal.

CPB Invitation Shows in March 2025 are: ‘Indianisms’ by Prashant Panjiar; ‘So far and Henceforth’ by Nandini Valli Muthiah.

Key programmes on weekends include – public openings, talks, panel discussions, exhibition tours, workshops, film screenings, poetry intervention and more.

Nu Republic launches of Cyberstud X7 ANC Wireless Earbuds

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Nu Republic, India’s lifestyle tech brand, recently unveiled the Cyberstud X7 ANC True Wireless Earbuds – a perfect fusion of style and performance, crafted for those who demand the best in audio technology and aesthetic appeal.

The Cyberstud X7 ANC True Wireless Earbuds redefines the listening experience, boasting an industry-leading blend of powerful sound and ultra-modern design. With Active Noise Cancellation (ANC + ENC), the Cyberstud X7 Wireless Earbuds promises a crystal-clear listening experience, isolating you from ambient noise whether you’re gaming, commuting, or working. Designed with Quad Mics and X-Bass technology, these earbuds deliver a deep, bass-driven sound that’s perfect for music lovers and gamers alike.

Taking inspiration from cyberpunk aesthetics, the Cyberstud X7 ANC True Wireless Earbuds features bold RGB LED lights and a sleek design. A true style statement, these earbuds offer dual modes (Game/Music) with 40ms low latency to provide an immersive experience with seamless audio-video sync.

With up to 70 hours of playtime and a convenient battery LED display, the Cyberstud X7 ANC True Wireless Earbuds is engineered to keep up with any lifestyle. It’s also built with splash and sweat resistance, making it an ideal choice for workouts, gaming marathons, or everyday adventures. The touch controls make it effortless to manage music, calls, and modes, while the ergonomic design ensures a comfortable fit for extended wear.

Nu Republic Cyberstud X7 ANC True Wireless Earbuds is available at price of ₹1799 on www.nurepublic.co.

Its standout features include: ANC+ENC Modes, 70hrs playtime, X-Bass technology, Quad Mics, Touch Controls, 40ms low latency, Dual Mode (Game/Music), RGB Lights, and Splash and Sweat Resistance.