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.
Tag Archives: photography
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.
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 andContinue reading “India Photo Fest 2025 – Call for Entries”
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 theContinue reading “KLPA Autoportrait Contest 2025 – Call for Entries”
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.
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).
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.
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 beauty of imagination and connection to the world.
Unlocking the Invisible: A Journey into Abstract Photography
Discover the meaning and magic of abstract photography—from Schadographs and Rayographs to modern digital experiments. Learn why every photographer should explore abstraction and how it can clear your mind and fuel creativity.
In this post, also explore mind-bending tips to get you started, meet the legendary artists who made abstract photography what it is today, and even peek into a handful of must-read books that’ll spark your creative fire.
Chema Madoz: Transforming Ordinary Objects into Surreal Art
Chema Madoz, a renowned Spanish photographer born in 1958, masterfully transforms ordinary objects into surreal visual metaphors through black-and-white photography. His work challenges perceptions, inviting viewers to explore deeper meanings in everyday items. Grounded in surrealism and conceptual art, Madoz emphasizes the extraordinary within the mundane while avoiding digital manipulation.
Is Collaboration Killing Your Creative Value?
The post discusses the complex dynamics of creative collaborations in photography and cinematography, highlighting the promise versus the reality of unpaid work. While collaborations can offer opportunities for exposure and networking, they often lead to exploitation, with artists undervalued and underpaid. Genuine partnerships must be rooted in respect and fair compensation.
Creative Genes 