Tag Archives: Asian Photography Magazine

September 2025

Asian Photography Magazine September 2025 Edition is out

Cover: By Roshani Shah

In this issue, explore:
– Chasing Timeless Traditions – Roshani Shah
– Using Black & White to Highlight Emotion in Indian Festivals
– Shooting Ganpati Festival from Aagman to Visarjan
– The Art of Photographing Festival Costumes and Cultural Details

Photographing Culture

One of the most rewarding aspects of photography is its ability to preserve culture. The camera
becomes a storyteller when pointed at traditions, festivals and rituals. And it isn’t just about
documenting an event—it’s about capturing the pulse of a community, the emotions in motion,
and the stories handed down for generations. And no other time gives you this opportunity
then the start of the festive seasons. With a variety of festivities lined-up over the months to
come—we decided to focus on YOU, should you decide to go out there and get your beaks wet.
For instance, in Mumbai you can’t miss the blessings of Bappa! The grandeur of Ganesh
Visarjan is truly a photographer’s dream. There is colour, rhythm and magic in the air. It’s is a
spectacle that is both spiritual and celebratory. But how do you go about capturing it in a way,
that’s respectful yet visually compelling?

Timing is everything. The early morning processions offer softer light and intimate moments,
while evenings explode with energy, music, and immersion rituals. Position yourself slightly
ahead of the crowd to frame the deity, devotees, and surrounding action.
But to shoot such things you must also carry the right gear. And we’ve focused on that as well.
A lightweight DSLR or mirrorless camera with a versatile zoom lens (24-70mm or 24-105mm)
will allow you to switch quickly between wide procession shots and tighter portraits. And don’t
underestimate the importance of weather-sealed gear.
We have also spoken to Roshani Shah—On the Horizon section and everything that we speak of
here is captured in her images. The culture, creativity and more. Ultimately as a photographer it
is important to blend in, observe quietly and remember that every ritual is sacred to someone.
Your role as a photographer is not just to freeze moments, but to ensure they live on with
dignity and authenticity. Because when done right, cultural photography doesn’t just capture
an image—it preserves a legacy.

So, Until Next Time…
Happy Reading!!

August 2025

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Asian Photography Magazine August 2025 Issue is out!

📸 Cover by: Arko Datta

In this issue, explore:

~ Credibility is the Core Quality of Photojournalism – Arko Datta
~ Iconic Photojournalism Moments that Changed History
~ The Role of Drones & Remote Cameras in Modern Photojournalism
~ Freelance Photojournalists and the Gig Economy: The Price of Independence

The Ever Evolving Lens of Truth

There no doubt that the world today has reached a saturation point, from AI or image manipulation, or visuals that can be misleading. But one profession that still stands the virtue of time is Photojournalism. Even today it continues to stand tall – not just as a form of storytelling, but as a vehicle for truth, emotion and impact. And in this issue, we pay homage to that
artform. In our Pro Profile section, we pay homage to the craft of one of India’s finest and most iconic names in the field – Arko Datta in an exclusive interview. His lens has captured moments that words could never fully express – raw, haunting and real.

From the grainy black-and-white frames of war zones to the high-definition aerial views captured by drones, photojournalism has evolved dramatically. The tools have changed, but the mission remains the same – to witness and share. Today, drone technology offers a bird’s-eye view of conflict zones, climate disasters and protests, adding new layers of context and storytelling.

Social media has also changed the game, allowing photojournalists to instantly share their work, build audiences and push boundaries beyond traditional publications. Yet, amid this evolution, the heart of photojournalism remains unchanged – its ability to stop time, ignite dialogue and challenge the status quo.

Arko Datta shares not just his journey, but also reflections on what makes an image unforgettable – composition, timing and above all, empathy.

For aspiring freelance photojournalists, the landscape is both promising and challenging. It’s no
longer enough to just take a great photo – you need to understand platforms, pitch effectively,
and often, brand yourself. Diversifying income through stock photography, digital publications,
grants, exhibitions and even workshops can open sustainable paths.

In this issue, we explore not just the legacy, but also the future of photojournalism. Through the
eyes of legends and the tools of tomorrow, we celebrate a profession that continues to risk,
reveal and remind us of the power of a single frame.

So, Until Next Time…
Happy Reading!!

July 2025

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Asian Photography Magazine July 2025 Issue is out!

📸 Cover by: Kristine Zula

In this issue, explore:

~ Arachnid Aesthetics – Christian Brockes
~ Capturing Floral Fascination – Kristine Zula
~ Miniature Marvels – Sandip Guha
~ Decay Diaries: Discovering the Beauty of Rot, Rust, and Ruin Through Macro
~ Where Does Macro End and Micro Begin?

Small Scale, Big Stories

Subscribe to the magazine here!, get 12 months free!

Every year around this time, we turn our focus to the world of Macro – a realm that might seem unremarkable from a distance but, upon closer inspection, reveals a breathtaking tapestry of detail and wonder. These tiny marvels hold the power to mesmerize, but they also bring their share of challenges. For those unfamiliar, venturing into macro photography can feel daunting.

With this issue, we aim to demystify that perception through insightful articles, expert perspectives and practical tips to help make the world of macro more accessible.

In our Pro Profile section, we speak with Christian Brockes, who explores the techniques, patience, and passion behind documenting insect life. Kristine from macro.viewpoint shares how macro photography has shaped her creative journey and deepened her connection with nature and mindfulness. Closer to home, Sandip Guha offers a lens into his precision-driven process, the hardships faced, mistakes made, and the pursuit of that elusive ‘bucket shot.’ Each photographer brings a unique voice to this issue, sure to both inspire and encourage you to explore macro for yourself.

In our Tips section, we explore key themes – like the boundary between macro and micro. Where does one end and the other begin? It’s not just a technical question, but a philosophical one, prompting us to see beauty not only in the grand but also in the minute.

We also discuss macro ethics – a crucial conversation, especially relevant to today’s world. Ethical storytelling and photography extend beyond journalism. In macro, it raises questions about our environmental impact, the treatment of living subjects, and our collective responsibility to nature.

One of the more experimental themes we’ve explored is bioluminescence – a striking metaphor for beauty emerging from darkness. In the deepest waters, light exists not in abundance, but in resilience. It’s a reminder that wonder can lie hidden in the shadows – waiting to be noticed.

We’ve skipped a dedicated feature on macro gear this time, since it was covered in depth last year. However, we’ll make that content available on our website for easy reference. And don’t forget – our E-version is now completely free, making it easier than ever to dive into this edition.
Until next time…
Happy Reading!

November 2024

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Asian Photography India November 2024 issue is out now!

Cover by: Siddharth Sharma 📷

In this issue read:
~Capturing The Landscape of Love – Marcus Bell
~House on The Clouds – Siddharth Sharma
~How To Be A Second Shooter – Photo & Video
~Tech Trends in Wedding Photography
~The Importance of Time Management in Wedding Photography
~Tamron 28-300 vs 50-300 Review & Shootout
~Stuffcool Click20 Magnetic Powerbank Review

OnePlus Buds Pro 3 Review

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The latest OnePlus Buds Pro 3 were recently launched at a price of ₹13,999, with potential discounts available. As someone who used the Buds Pro 2 daily for much of last year, I was eager to try these new earbuds, and I have several observations to share.

Design, Build, and Feel

The design of the Buds Pro 3 has seen some notable changes. First, the charging case has been updated to a flip design, similar to other recent OnePlus earbuds, moving away from the flat design of the Buds Pro 2. The case now features a textured, leather-like finish that enhances grip and feels sturdy and premium in hand. However, like Apple’s AirPods, they now come in a white colour, called Lunar Radiance, which may require more frequent cleaning.

The earbuds themselves maintain the familiar in-ear stem design but with some visible differences. The Buds Pro 3 are slightly larger, indicating an internal redesign, possibly to accommodate the dual DACs in each earbud, which deliver a more powerful audio experience compared to the previous model.

The stems are now longer and feature a touch-enabled sliding function for adjusting volume—a welcome and much-needed addition. However, getting the gesture right can be tricky, as I found my left earbud occasionally slipping out. The earbuds also now have “L” and “R” markings, making it easier to identify the correct earbud, another thoughtful improvement. And with an IP55 rating, won’t have sweat creep in through them.

A nice touch is the “co-created with Dynaudio” branding on the earbuds and the case.

Sound Performance

The Buds Pro 3 support Fast Pair, which means they quickly connect to Android devices, especially OnePlus phones, when brought close. The pairing process is swift, and the earbuds offer the same settings as the Buds Pro 2, with no significant changes. iPhone users can access similar features through the HeyMelody app, though OnePlus should do more to highlight this compatibility.

In terms of sound quality, the Buds Pro 3 deliver a noticeably louder, clearer, and crisper audio output. The bass is well-rounded, much like the Buds Pro 2, but with a richer overall sound. OnePlus claims these earbuds can cancel noise up to -50dB, and they deliver on that promise. The Adaptive Noise Cancellation feature adjusts to your environment, cutting out outside noise more naturally than the Buds Pro 2, which tended to create a slight vacuum effect.

Areas for Improvement

While the overall experience is designed with OnePlus phone users in mind, I feel there’s room for improvement for iOS users. The fit of the ear tips also leaves something to be desired. Despite trying all the provided tips, the fit still felt average and slightly loose during sound tests.

Another issue I’ve noticed with the Buds Pro 2 is that latency tends to increase over time, particularly when connected to a TV, leading to brief connection drops. I’ll need more time with the Buds Pro 3 to see if this issue persists.

As for call quality, there’s definite improvement—voices sound clearer, though still somewhat robotic.

Conclusion

The OnePlus Buds Pro 3 are simple and easy to use. Just pop them open, and they connect to your paired devices, ready to go. They offer a range of customization options and deliver sound quality that sits comfortably between Apple’s AirPods Pro and Samsung’s Buds Pro.

The standout feature here is the price. At ₹13,999, with potential discounts making them even more affordable, the Buds Pro 3 offer excellent value for money. With features like multiple device connections, fast charging (providing up to 43 hours of listening time), and LHDC support (though this won’t work with iOS and Pixel devices), they are a compelling choice.

Ultimately, it’s the combination of price and features that make the OnePlus Buds Pro 3 a great product for the money, especially when compared to pricier competitors like AirPods and Samsung buds.

March 2024 – Celebrating Women Photographers

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In the world of photography, we still see a lot fewer women photographers than men, even though a
lot of women study photography. This makes us wonder why, in a time when people are talking a lot
about making things equal for everyone, women still have a hard time being recognized in photography.
Women face challenges in getting their work shown, published, or even getting certain jobs.
Throughout history, there have been some amazing women photographers who have done great work
and changed the industry. But still, women are not as common in photography as men.
Since March is when we celebrate International Women’s Day, we decided to focus on some incredible
women photographers from all over the world in this Asian Photography Magazine issue. We want to
show you their amazing work, talk about what they have added to photography, the challenges they
faced, and how they succeeded. We hope their stories inspire girls and women who love photography.
We also want everyone else to support and recognise the achievements of women in photography.

From Baku to Beyond – Rena Effendi
Framing Her World – Sanhita Banerjee
Framing New Beginnings – Swara Rane
Lighting Up Lives – Tania Chatterjee
A Lens On New Life – Tarveen Kalsi
Photography’s Role in Unveiling the Past Through Archaeology
A Guide to Street Portrait Photography
The Importance of Colours in Photography
OnePlus 12R vs Redmi Note 13 Pro+ Camera Comparison Test
OnePlus Buds 3 Review

OnePlus Buds 3 Review

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What can be considered as good sound is subjective, but with the slew of phones getting launched in the budget category, earbuds are also a category that has heated up in the past few years. OnePlus, who entered this segment a few years back have had some products that’ve done well in the market, while others that haven’t. They recently launched the OnePlus Buds 3 at a price of ₹5,499, which offers features that aren’t available in this segment. Does it deliver a punch in this segment? Let’s find out.

Design and Specs

**OnePlus Buds 3 – Metallic Grey or Splendid Blue**

The OnePlus Buds 3 are available in Metallic Grey or Splendid Blue, featuring a metal construction with a dual matte plus glossy finish that strikes a balance between style and subtlety. These stem-cell design buds offer IP55 rating for water and dust resistance. Their stems are slightly curved inwards and with the rubberized ear tips, they are comfortable for prolonged periods.

The stems are equipped with capacitive touch controls, allowing users to swipe up or down to adjust the volume, tap once to answer calls or skip tracks, and long-press to switch noise cancellation modes. However, they lack a default gesture for pausing or playing music, which can be customized Bluetooth settings on OnePlus or Oppo devices. The touch controls on the OnePlus Buds 3 are responsive and reliable, although they can be a bit unresponsive at times.

The design of the case is similar to the Pro series and features the OnePlus logo, pairing button and the Type-C charging port at the back. Each bud weighs approximately 5 grams, with the case contributing an additional 40 grams.

In terms of technical specifications, the Buds 3 are equipped with 10.4mm dual drivers and support Bluetooth 5.3, along with the LHDC 5.0 audio codec, in addition to standard SBC and AAC codecs, making them compatible with a wide range of Android and iOS devices. They also feature multiple device pairing and Google’s Fast Pair for a quicker connection process with Android devices.

Sound Quality

The OnePlus Buds 3 offer good audio quality, producing a bass-heavy sound with minimal distortion. There’s no need to turn the volume up high to enjoy the deep sounds. Sometimes, they play the deeper and middle sounds too loudly, but they usually work well with musical instruments and the singing sounds quite balanced. It’s advisable to adjust the EQ settings for a better experience across different types of music.

The microphone quality on the Buds 3 is commendable, providing clear call audio even in outdoor environments. This ensures that conversations are easily understandable by the person on the other end.

In terms of active noise cancellation, the Buds 3 perform satisfactorily for their price range. While audio quality is best with noise cancellation off, turning it on significantly reduces background noise. The transparency mode is also effective, allowing for awareness of surroundings without needing to remove the buds.

The Buds 3 excel in syncing audio and video, including high-bitrate content, and their gaming mode reduces latency for a seamless gaming experience. The feature that pauses and plays audio upon removing and reinserting the buds works smoothly, enhancing user convenience.

Battery

The OnePlus Buds 3 boast remarkable battery performance, delivering around 7.5 hours of playtime with Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) enabled. When ANC is turned off, users can enjoy an extra 3 hours of usage. For daily listeners, charging the case once a week suffices. These results are especially notable when using the LHDC codec on OnePlus devices, enhancing the overall listening experience.

Conclusion

For the price of Rs. 5,499 and with offers the OnePlus Buds 3 are a pretty good product. And you can see an improvement in audio quality and tuning as well, indicating that the company is listening to the feedback and also heading in the right direction. Although they haven’t reached perfection yet. The Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) is effective, the microphone delivers clear sound, the earbuds fit comfortably in the ear, and they boast impressive battery life. We give our thumbs up to the OnePlus Buds 3 and surely recommend them for anyone looking for quality earbuds.

Sony launches Alpha 9 III Camera at ₹5,29,990 in India

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Sony India recently unveiled the Alpha 9 III, a camera incorporating a global shutter system, marking a noteworthy advancement in digital imaging technology. This new model promises to mitigate common photography challenges, such as distortion and blackout during high-speed captures, offering burst speeds up to 120 frames per second.

The device is outfitted with Sony’s cutting-edge autofocus system, capable of executing up to 120 focus calculations per second, and supports flash synchronization at any shooting speed. This combination of features is designed to meet the demands of professional photographers who require precision and reliability to capture fleeting moments.

Mukesh Srivastava, Head of Digital Imaging Business at Sony India, highlighted the camera’s potential to set new standards in photography, emphasizing its ground-breaking 120 fps shooting capability and global shutter technology.

Featuring a 24.6-megapixel full-frame CMOS sensor and the BIONZ XR image processor, the Alpha 9 III delivers high-speed continuous shooting with autofocus and auto-exposure tracking. This model represents a leap forward in still image performance and video capabilities, ensuring minimal distortion and improved usability for professional environments. Additionally, the camera’s enhanced video functionalities include 4K recording at 120p without crop and 4K at 60p with 6K oversampling, complemented by S-Cinetone colour science for natural skin tones and subject depiction.

The Alpha 9 III has been designed with operability and reliability in mind, featuring an ergonomic grip and optional vertical grip for extended use, a 4-axis multi-angle LCD monitor, and a high-resolution electronic viewfinder to accommodate professional shooting conditions.

Moreover, the camera is equipped to support a high-speed workflow and offers scalability with features like image selection filters, dual media slots for CFexpress Type A and SD cards, and compatibility with professional mobile applications for streamlined content delivery and remote operation.

Priced at ₹5,29,990, the Alpha 9 III will be available from 26th February 2024 at Sony retail outlets and online platforms across India.

Xiaomi Unveils Xiaomi 14 Ultra and Xiaomi 14 in India

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Xiaomi has recently unveiled its latest smartphones, the Xiaomi 14 Ultra and Xiaomi 14, marking the debut of its new flagship series in India. The devices, developed in collaboration with Leica, aim to advance Xiaomi’s presence in the realm of mobile photography. Both models are the inaugural smartphones from the brand to operate on Xiaomi’s HyperOS straight from the box.

The launch event highlighted the collaborative efforts between Xiaomi and Leica in enhancing smartphone imaging technologies. According to Anuj Sharma, Chief Marketing Officer at Xiaomi India, the partnership has led to significant advancements in mobile photography, underscored by the introduction of the Xiaomi 14 Series. The new line-up incorporates Leica Summilux optics and a 75mm floating telephoto lens among other features, emphasizing Xiaomi’s commitment to innovation in mobile imaging.

The Xiaomi 14 Ultra is presented as the zenith of mobile photography, drawing on design cues from professional cameras. It boasts a 50MP quad-camera array, covering a wide range of focal lengths and supported by a 1-inch image sensor for high dynamic range photography. Additionally, the device enhances videography with 8K video recording capabilities across all cameras and introduces features like a Movie mode for cinematic shooting and a Director mode for multi-camera setups.

The Xiaomi 14 Ultra features a unibody metal structure with nano-tech Vegan Leather, offering enhanced wear resistance. It also sports a Quad Curved Display with 2K resolution and 120Hz refresh rate, complemented by Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos for an immersive viewing experience.

The Xiaomi 14, while smaller in size, does not compromise on technology or design. It features a high-definition display, a 3D curved back, and is powered by the same Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 Mobile Platform as the Ultra model. The camera system, co-engineered with Leica, includes a primary lens with a custom sensor for superior photography.

Both models incorporate Xiaomi’s Surge battery management system for optimized battery performance. The Xiaomi 14 Ultra offers rapid wired and wireless charging, while the Xiaomi 14 supports fast charging technologies as well.

The Xiaomi 14 Ultra, equipped with 16GB of RAM and a 512GB storage option, is priced at INR 99,999. Sales for this model are scheduled to start at 12 noon on April 12, 2024. For enthusiasts looking to secure their purchase early, a limited Reserve Edition will be up for booking starting March 11, 2024, at 12 noon, with a reservation fee of INR 9,999. This edition boasts exclusive items such as a limited-edition case and a 67mm filter adapter, among other surprises, with early access sales kicking off on April 8, 2024, available exclusively at Mi.com and Mi Homes.

The Xiaomi 14, offering 12GB of RAM and 512GB of storage is available for ₹69,999 and will also be available for an effective price of INR 59,999 after taking into account the INR 5,000 discount on ICICI bank cards, the exchange bonus, and a 24-month no-cost EMI option. This model will be on sale from 12 noon, March 11, 2024, across various platforms including Mi.com, Xiaomi retail stores, Amazon India, and Flipkart.

Xiaomi 14 Series purchasers will enjoy additional benefits such as one free screen replacement within the first six months, a complimentary one-year out-of-warranty repair service covering labor costs, access to a dedicated relationship manager, and a three-month free subscription to YouTube Premium, enhancing the overall user experience and value proposition of these flagship devices.

Vivo V30, V30 Pro launched in India

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Vivo has recently expanded its smartphone line-up in India with the introduction of the V30 and V30 Pro models, highlighting advanced camera capabilities and a slim design. The company announced that these devices, continuing the legacy of the V-Series, offer the thinnest design yet in the series, complemented by a powerful 5000 mAh battery. In a move to enhance the photography experience, Vivo has partnered with ZEISS for the V30 Pro model, aiming to bring professional-grade portrait photography into users’ hands.

The Vivo V30 is available in Andaman Blue, Peacock Green, and Classic Black, with prices starting at ₹33,999 for the 8 GB RAM and 128 GB storage variant, and going up to ₹37,999 for the 12 GB RAM and 256 GB storage option. The V30 Pro comes in Andaman Blue and Classic Black, priced at ₹41,999 for the 8 GB RAM and 256 GB storage model, and ₹46,999 for the 12 GB RAM and 512 GB storage variant. Pre-booking for both devices will start from March 14, 2024, across Flipkart, the Vivo India e-store, and select retail partners.

The V30 series boasts significant improvements in camera technology. The Vivo V30 features a triple camera setup, including a 50MP main camera with Optical Image Stabilization, a 50MP ultra-wide-angle camera, and a 50MP group selfie camera with Eye Autofocus. The V30 Pro elevates the camera experience further with a ZEISS co-engineered triple camera system, incorporating a 50 MP professional portrait camera, a 50MP ultra-wide-angle camera, and cinematic video bokeh effects powered by AI. Both models offer a 6.78-inch 3D curved AMOLED display with a 120 Hz refresh rate, housed in a sleek 7.45 mm body.

Under the hood, the Vivo V30 is powered by a Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 processor, while the V30 Pro utilizes a MediaTek Dimensity 8200 SoC, both supported by a 5000 mAh battery with 80W FlashCharge technology. The devices run on FunTouch OS 14 and are promised to receive three generations of Android updates and four years of security updates, ensuring longevity and reliability for users.

With their latest V30 series, Vivo aims to blend style with performance, offering consumers high-end camera capabilities, a refined design, and robust battery life without compromising on the overall user experience.