Altaf Khan Age 40, Mumbai
“With 50 bulbs, 200 meters of wire, lots of rope and a ton of hard work, I was able to create this set up on the porch of the Park Plaza, Zirakpur, where we were staying.”
Camera: Canon EOS 550D
Lens: Canon 50mm f/1.8
Exposure: f/3.5, 1/800sec, ISO 800
Frame the Star’s final round was a test of virtuosity and determination. Join the three finalists on their journey to win the dazzling Mercedes-Benz CLA, as Natasha Desai brings you the winner of India’s first automotive competition.
After a challenging first round that took place in the heat of Jaipur and the mist of Chikmagalur, three talented finalists found themselves facing yet another mammoth round. They quickly realised that their skills would be put to the test in every way.
Here’s a look at the challenges that Altaf Khan, Kevin Nunes and Raju A Khokale faced on a three-day road trip with the Better Photography and OVERDRIVE team. All three of them had their eyes on the prize—the luxurious Mercedes-Benz CLA for a year, a fact that is evident in their stunning photographs.
Altaf Khan
“I have always been an advertising photographer for a very long time now. After I completed my apprenticeship, I began shooting for some of the biggest brands in India and abroad. For this competition, I had to be outdoors with limited resources and extremely challenging conditions, to say the very least. I knew that I had to play to my strengths!”
Altaf’s decision to pursue photography was as instant as his first camera, a Polaroid SX-70. He strives for perfection in every frame. Today, he primarily shoots advertising campaigns for leading multinational brands.
Raju A Khokale
“If a photograph is not worthy of a pause or a second look it is not worthy of being called a picture… its only an image. This was my motto for the final round. The idea was to make compelling pictures that would punch the onlooker and get them thinking both technically and creatively.”
He gave up his Associate of Chartered Accountant and Associate of Company Secretary studies, in spite of doing extremely well, for photography. He has travelled extensively and has been commissioned for various campaigns, magazines and more. He also enjoys wildlife and landscape photography.
Kevin Nunes
“My whole experience was nothing short of an adventure. While I spent three days shooting, I also spent three sleepless nights figuring out my game plan. While it was a nerve-racking experience, it was exhilarating as well.”
With a fascination for capturing beauty in the moments of life, he began shooting extensively through his early years. He has assisted renowned photographers, through whom he witnessed various styles and forms of photography. For over nine years now, he has done publicity stills for films, fashion and corporate images for magazines and agencies. He continues to create images that stimulate emotion.
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