Transcending Boundaries
Panel Discussion
VARUN GUPTA
Varun Gupta – Photographer, Entrepreneur & Advocate for Analogue Photography with two decades of experience, Varun Gupta is a photographer, serial entrepreneur, and a passionate advocate for analogue and alternative photography. He co-founded the Chennai Photo Biennale and CPB Foundation, dedicated to growing India's photography community. He collaborates with Photo Australia and Belfast Photo Festival, working closely with arts organizations across India.
An alumnus of Light & Life Academy and the College of Wooster, US, Varun founded Travelling Lens (2006) for photography workshops and managed large-scale public exhibitions for Art Chennai (2010). His long-term project, Photo Seva, captures portraits of local communities using large-format B&W film.
In 2023, he helped establish the CPB Lighthouse in Chennai, home to his dream project—the CPB Darkroom. Within a year, it has become a landmark space for photographers, reviving historical photography practices through workshops and community engagement.
VENKET RAM
Venket Ram is an Indian celebrity and fashion photographer, who has shot principal photography stills for several notable films as well as portfolios.
RENUKA RETNASWAMY
Renuka Retnaswamy is a skilled photographer specializing in Portraits and Fashion, with a deep passion for storytelling through the lens. A Fine Arts Photography graduate from Brooks Institute, California, she blends technical expertise with a keen artistic eye to create images that resonate.
Her work, often in black and white, captures the quiet beauty of life, focusing on human connection and the interplay of light and shadow. Renuka’s approach to film photography adds depth and anticipation to her creative process.
Beyond professional work, she explores fine art photography and shares personal glimpses as a parent and artist, fostering authenticity and connection with her audience.
SUDHARSHAN BALAJI
Sudharshan Balaji, known as "The Storyteller," is a distinguished photographer with over 16 years of experience in fashion, portraiture, still life, digital art, and underwater photography. He holds a Master’s in Visual Communication and a Master’s in Journalism & Mass Communication.
His initiative, “The Storyteller”, launched by director Venkat Prabhu, offers concept-based portfolios for aspiring models and actors. His surrealistic approach has made a mark in Tamil cinema promotions, with notable projects including Maanaadu, Thangalaan, Jai Bhim, Dhruva Natchathiram, and an upcoming Telugu film with Prabhas.
- Adobe Behance International Portfolio Reviews – Best Photographer (2013–2015)
- Privilege Moments Photography Contest – National Runner-up & South Zone Winner (2014)
Sudharshan continues to push creative boundaries, redefining visual storytelling in fashion and film.