WORLD PHOTOGRAPHY DAY CELEBRATION

SEEN. FELT. FRAMED.

The art of portraits and storytelling

ARTIST TALK BY RAMYA SRIRAM

22 August | 17:00 | SIGMA Gallery, Kottivakkam

Ramya Sriram, is an award-winning travel, street, and cultural documentary photographer, visual storyteller, mentor, and social worker with over 20 years of community service. Alongside her photography, she have worked to raise awareness about child sexual abuse and supported children affected by HIV and single mothers through advocacy and community initiatives. Her contributions to social service have been recognized by the Government of Tamil Nadu.

My work documents India's diverse cultural heritage, indigenous communities, and disappearing traditions, using photography to preserve history, inspire empathy, and create meaningful conversations. I am passionate about mentoring aspiring photographers and storytellers through online and offline workshops, portfolio mentoring, and corporate training programs for organizations including HP and Naturals Salons. I have served as a Photography Mentor and Trainer at Cinema Factory Academy, Chennai, and conducted workshops for the Media Training Centre under MSME, Government of Tamil Nadu. I have also served as a judge for photography competitions and as a guest lecturer at Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT), Cinema Factory Academy, and Velammal Educational Institutions, where I share my experiences in documentary photography, visual storytelling, and creative careers.

ANITA SATHIAM

Documentary Photographer

Anita Sathiam is a self-taught documentary photographer, social entrepreneur from Pune, at present in Chennai my work is driven by compassion and purpose. She began her photography journey in 2013 after overcoming a pre-cancer diagnosis, transforming a personal challenge into a lifelong mission to document lives and create social impact.

Through photography, she helped rebuild 6 homes for families affected by the 2015 Thane Cyclone in Cuddalore, documented the lives of cancer patients, and collaborated with legendary filmmaker Shri Adoor Gopalakrishnan as a still photographer.

She later joined acclaimed director Pa. Ranjith’s Neelam Social and Neelam Cultural initiatives, contributing to projects that celebrate people, culture, and social justice.

Recognized among Chennai’s 50 Inspiring Women (2021) and Honoured with the Vikatan Award (2024), her work has been featured in leading publications including The Hindu, The Times of India, OneIndia, Vikatan, and Kumudam.

Today, as a business entrepreneur, she continues to empower people through photography and meaningful community initiatives.

NAVEENRAJ GOWTHAMAN

Photographer

Naveenraj Gowthaman is an independent photographer from the vibrant southern regions of India, with over a decade of dedicated experience in visual storytelling. His extensive work spans diverse terrains and cultures, transcending mere documentation to explore the profound connections between people, their unique traditions, and the shared narratives that bind communities together. Naveen's artistic philosophy is deeply rooted in the human experience, believing that every individual carries captivating stories within them, particularly reflected in their eyes, which he describes as 'vast oceans of untold tales.

His photographic approach emphasizes emotional depth and authentic human connection, resulting in works that serve as both visual experiences and intimate windows into the soul of the people he photographs. Whether capturing bustling marketplaces, quiet personal moments, or cultural celebrations, Naveen demonstrates a remarkable ability to find beauty in everyday life, creating images that connect viewers to the deeper stories and emotions of his subjects.

Naveen's distinctive vision has garnered significant recognition within the photography community. His work has been featured in both local and international publications, showcasing his unique style and meticulous attention to detail. Additionally, he has participated in several group exhibitions across India, establishing his reputation as a photographer whose technical excellence is matched by his commitment to meaningful storytelling and his dedication to capturing life's varied moments with sensitivity and artistic integrity.

BEYOND THE FEED.

Photography in the Age of Algorithms & AI

PANEL DISCUSSION - ANITA SATHIAM, NAVEENRAJ GOWTHAMAN, R PRASANA VENKATESH AND MODERATED BY PRIYA BANIK

22 August | 17:00 | SIGMA Gallery, Kottivakkam

R PRASANA VENKATESH

Commercial Photographer & Educator

R. Prasana Venkatesh
Professional Photographer | TEDx Speaker | Certified Photography Master Trainer (MESC)

R. Prasana Venkatesh is a Chennai-based commercial photographer, filmmaker, TEDx speaker, and MESC Certified Photography Master Trainer with over 26 years of professional experience in portrait, advertising, fashion, and product photography.

He has trained 7,000+ photographers through workshops and masterclasses across India and Sri Lanka . Prasana has worked with leading brands including Rolls Royce Motor Cars,Sony India, Phoenix MarketCity, Svatma, Wagh Bakri Chai, Jeyachandran Gold House, Jeyachandran Textiles, Adyar Ananda Bhavan, Aspire Systems, Kalakshetra Foundation, and others.

Prasana is a Certified Master Trainer and Master Assessor under the Media & Entertainment Skills Council (MESC). He is also a brand ambassador for Godox and continues to educate photographers through workshops, commercial assignments, and online training.

His work has appeared in national photography publications, and he has served as the official photographer for the visits of U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton (2011) and President of India Pranab Mukherjee (2013) to Kalakshetra, Chennai.

As a photography educator and content creator, his Tamil YouTube channel has grown to 123,000+ subscribers with over 8.5 million views, making it one of the leading photography education platforms in the region.