Creative Genes by Vivek Verma
Welcome to my photography blog!
Email: contact@creativegenes.in
Reviews
Curious about the best gear and books to elevate your photography? Click below for in-depth reviews that inspire and inform!
Inspiration
Dive into interviews and stories from legendary photographers, and my personal favorite from various genres—click below to get inspired!
Learning
Master photography with lessons on visual art, aesthetics, and beginner-friendly tips to inspire and guide your creative journey.
Books
Explore reviews and recommendations of photography books by genre, a glimpse into my personal library of photography and coffee-table books available to borrow, and a selection of pre-loved books for purchase.
Resources
Elevate your photography knowledge and skills with learning resources I’ve found invaluable—books, articles, videos, workshops, courses, movies, podcasts, and talk shows—all curated to inspire and educate passionate learners.
Buyers’ Guide
Find the perfect camera and lenses with my curated buyer’s guide, designed to help photographers choose the right gear for their needs and budget. Explore recommendations tailored to various genres and skill levels.
Legal Aid
Navigate the legal side of photography with my articles on essential topics like copyright, licensing, wedding contracts, drone regulations, and more—helping you protect your work, stay compliant and have a watertight contract.
ZIPA 2025 Marks a Landmark Global Debut
Featured Image Above: Escape by Mohamad Jalilzadeh, Iran ZIPA 2025 announces winners from over 30 countries, featuring 1,500+ submissions judged by an international jury. Exhibition and publication to follow. December 27, 2025 Zyne International Photography Awards (ZIPA) 2025 has successfully concluded its inaugural edition, witnessing participation from more than 350 photographers across over 30 countries worldwide,…
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Editor’s Letter: Before You Press Submit — Again
After nearly a decade of holding back, I finally began submitting my work again — and learned more from rejections than recognitions. In this letter, I share what those experiences taught me — about choosing contests wisely, preparing submissions with purpose, and finding quiet courage when results don’t go your way.
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How Much Does It Cost to Exhibit Your Artwork in India? A Complete Guide for Artists & Photographers
Many emerging artists in India overspend on exhibitions due to a lack of transparency about costs. This guide reveals the true expenses, including printing, fees, and hidden transit risks, while offering strategies to save. Understanding these factors can help artists make informed choices, maximizing their exhibition experience without financial strain.
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Zyne International Photography Contest 2025 – Submit Now
Zyne International Photography Contest 2025 – a prestigious juried competition inviting photographers worldwide to submit their work for global recognition.
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India Photo Fest 2025 – Call for Entries
COG India Art Foundation is now accepting submission of photographs for their annual photography festival to be held in Kolkata. Dates 19-21 December, 2025 Venue Four art galleries run by The Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR), Kolkata About the Organizer COG India Art Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting Indian art and…
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KLPA Autoportrait Contest 2025 – Call for Entries
The Kuala Lumpur International Photoawards (KLPA) is now accepting submissions from photographers worldwide for their contest, Autoportraits. About the Contest & Organizer KLPA is an independent annual global portrait photography prize which started in the year 2009. KLPA supports and rewards contemporary portraiture practice especially in the South East Asian region. The Jury What the…
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That Hard Feeling of “Not Selected”: Why Photographers Must Embrace Rejections
Rejection in photography contests often leads to feelings of inadequacy, yet it reflects the subjective nature of art rather than the artist’s worth. Not every image aligns with a jury’s tastes, and visibility often requires persistence. Embracing rejection as a growth opportunity can refine one’s craft and redefine success beyond accolades.
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The Price of Recognition: 10 Easy Ways to Get Scammed in Photography
The article highlights the pervasive scams in the photography industry, including costly contests, exhibitions, and misleading awards. It details personal experiences that expose how recognition often comes with hefty fees, leading artists to question the value of their investments. Ultimately, it emphasizes awareness and discernment in navigating these financial traps.
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Toffee with Taran on Launch of Zyne
Welcome to the low-budget (sorry, no-budget) spin-off of Coffee with Karan—let’s call it Toffee with Taran.
No celebrity couch, no designer mugs, just me interrogating… well, me. Why? Because who else would interview an artist still very much “in the making” (a polite euphemism for my amateurish creative career).
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Demons and a Little Angel
This series unveils my abstract photography as a visual fable—an infernal world of demons born of fire and shadow, where chaos reigns, until the fragile light of a little angel dares to intervene.
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As the Trees Dance to the Wind’s Song
Step into a world where trees sway like dancers, the wind hums its own melody, and the rain writes poetry in motion. These photographs are not just images — they are fragments of a storm’s heartbeat, captured in the mountains of Mahabaleshwar. Come closer, and let the monsoon pull you into its embrace.
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The Weight of Wings
What does freedom truly mean? The Weight of Wings is a soulful photography series that captures birds in blurred flight—an evocative metaphor for how freedom looks effortless yet often hides the weight of societal, mental, and emotional constraints we carry within. This series invites reflection, not answers.
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The Magic Lamp: A Photography Series
This photography series reflects my experience as a parent witnessing my toddler son’s imaginative exploration during a sleepless weekday night. Through a series of black-and-white photographs, a child interacts with light, as a sense of wonderment and curiosity. The photographs emphasizes the striking contrast between adult perception of the world and childhood wonder, highlighting the…
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Flying, Not Driving – What Brad Pitt’s F1 Whispered to My Creative Soul
Learn five deep, cinematic life lessons from Brad Pitt’s F1 that every artist and photographer must hear. A must-read for creatives and dreamers. Dear fellow dreamer, Last evening, as the credits rolled and the theatre lights slowly blinked back to life, I sat frozen in my seat — heart full, mind humbled. Brad Pitt’s F1…
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Mental Health for Photographers: The Healing Power of Looking Forward
Discover how looking forward to small, joyful moments can transform a photographer’s mental health, creative flow, and emotional well-being in ten powerful ways.
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Creative Genes 