Photography scene in Kerala is entering into a new phase with new and interesting techniques like 3D, 360 degree photography and Giga images making its way into the State. With a few adjustments to the regular camera equipments and innovative application of existing techniques, a few photographers in the State have ventured into new territory with a passion for the art.
Aravind Krishnan, of Aravind photography, said 3D photography is an often misinterpreted concept. “More often, 360 degree photography, or photographs clicked that way, give the impression of three-dimension, which is then referred to as 3D photography. However, the two techniques are completely different. 3D photography is more like your 3D movies. You can actually see the 3D projection with 3D glasses or specialised equipments. It has infinite possibilities in product photography and also for hotels and resorts,” explains Aravind.
He adds, “We don’t have still cameras that can capture 3D images, so we had to customise regular SLR and DSLR cameras to create the effect. The photograph is captured using different cameras and then planning out the entire image, including the angle and lighting, at which it has to be shot and printed to get the 3D effect. We are yet to begin offering the services to the public and it will start only in January.”
Leen Thobias of P4Panorama was a pioneer in 360 degree photography in Kerala. “360 degree photography gives the most natural and real life feeling about a scene. Panorama images capture a wider view up to 360 degrees, where human eye cannot reach. It offers more details and allows you to have a more holistic view of the place,” Leen says.
Prem Isaac of Pan Panorama adds, “You can’t explain the process and the style of photography in words, but you have to see it to understand. However, most people are not even ready to view as they can’t understand the concept.” Leen says that the latest development in the photography scene is Giga images. “It’s made by stitching together over a thousand photographs to create a final picture that offers incredible amount of details. For example you can zoom into a giga image photograph of India gate and see the names of the soldiers scribbled into the bricks. That is the detail the image offers,” he says.
He adds that most photographers back away from these mediums is because of meager profits. “For an ordinary wedding photography, you spend a day or two on the work, take it to a digital print studio and get the work done for '1 lakh or more. However, in all these unusual modes you need to spend a lot of time and energy and a single mistake would mean that you have to start all over again. However, the photographers who practice it are often more interested in the work than the money. I don’t charge anything for my works on religious places and some heritage sites. It’s a passion and not something done for money,” he concludes.
New wave
- The 360 degree photography made its way into the state six years ago
- Giga made by stitching over a thousand photographs
- 3D photos are similar to 3D movies
