Framing Forever: Ragunathan Shekaven on Capturing Life’s Most Cherished Moments

My name is Ragunathan Shekaven, and I'm a professional photographer with over 15 years of experience, specializing in wedding photography. My journey into this incredible field started with a simple passion for capturing moments. I began with a Nikon camera, learning the basics of framing and lighting, and over time, my love for photography grew deeper.

As I honed my skills, I transitioned to Canon gear and eventually embraced Sony mirrorless cameras, which I now use exclusively. Each stage of this journey brought me closer to understanding how to translate emotions and fleeting moments into timeless images.

I didn’t pursue formal education in photography at a traditional institution. Instead, I am largely self-taught, learning through experience, experimentation, and an unyielding curiosity about the craft. When I first picked up a camera, I immersed myself in books, online resources, and workshops to build a foundation.

Over time, the real classroom became the assignments I took on—be it early events, weddings, or personal projects. Each shoot taught me something new, whether it was mastering light, experimenting with angles, or understanding the nuances of storytelling through imagery. I’ve also learned a lot by engaging with other photographers, attending industry events, and continuously evolving with technological advancements in gear and software.

Absolutely, I still remember my first shot, It was a simple yet meaningful photograph of a sunrise in my Hometown (Penang, Malaysia).

I currently use the Sony A7 IV, a fantastic camera that balances high-quality performance and versatility. My lens lineup is carefully chosen to cater to a wide range of photographic needs, especially for weddings and portraits:

Sony G Master 24mm f/1.4: Ideal for wide-angle shots, especially for dramatic storytelling or environmental portraits.

Sony G Master 50mm f/1.2: A phenomenal lens for portraits, delivering incredible detail, sharpness, and dreamy bokeh.

Sony G Master 85mm f/1.4: My favorite for intimate, close-up portraits, with stunning depth and clarity.

Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8: My go-to lens for versatility. It's perfect for capturing everything from wide group shots to mid-range portraits with consistent sharpness.

Sigma 50mm f/1.4: A reliable choice for portraits, offering excellent sharpness and beautiful bokeh.

Samyang 85mm f/1.4: A fantastic alternative for portrait work, known for its beautiful rendering and value.

Samyang 35mm f/1.4: A versatile lens for storytelling and environmental portraits with a natural perspective.

As a photographer, my ultimate goal is to create timeless images that resonate emotionally and tell powerful stories. I want my work to transcend the ordinary, leaving a lasting impression on the people I photograph and those who view my art.

Specifically, I hope to Inspire and Educate: After 15 years in the industry, I feel driven to share my knowledge and experiences with aspiring photographers, helping them grow while fostering a community of creativity and professionalism.

Compliments like these fuel my passion and affirm that my work has a meaningful impact on people’s lives. They inspire me to continue giving my all to every client, ensuring their memories are preserved in the most heartfelt way possible.

My storytelling is inspired by human connection, cultural heritage, and the beauty of fleeting moments. Ultimately, I strive to craft timeless images that preserve the essence of life's most meaningful moments.

Thank you! Winning the New York Photography Awards is a huge honor, it’s a recognition of the dedication and passion we pour into every project. For me, it validates the hard work I’ve put into honing my craft over the years and reinforces my commitment to pushing boundaries in wedding photography.

I entered a series of wedding photos that focused on capturing authentic, emotional moments between the couple and their loved ones. It’s about telling a story, not just taking pictures. This project reflects my commitment to capturing real emotion and timeless moments in a way that resonates deeply with the couple and their families.

Winning the award has boosted my visibility, opened new opportunities, and increased my credibility. It’s also given me the confidence to push my work further and stay motivated to evolve as a photographer.

Every Photographers have inspired me with their unique style, each influencing my approach to storytelling, emotion, and artistic vision in wedding photography.

The best advice I received starting out was from my elder brother, Mr Vijendra, who brought me into the wedding photography industry. He told me, "Focus on the story you're telling, not just the shot you're taking." This advice shaped my approach to wedding photography, emphasizing the importance of capturing meaningful moments over perfect compositions, and he is my role model for achieving higher goals in the photography business.

Focus on developing your unique style and storytelling. Master the technical skills, practice them consistently, and prioritize capturing emotion and connection. Stay persistent, embrace challenges, and keep learning.

My key to success is constant learning, adapting, and staying true to my passion. My advice: Keep practicing, push your limits, and remember that success is a journey. Stay focused and let your passion guide you.

I stay receptive to new information by always being curious and open-minded. I make it a habit to learn from others—whether it’s through workshops, conversations with peers, or experimenting with new techniques. Staying humble and understanding that there’s always more to learn keeps me in that mindset.

Photography is more than a job to me—it’s about connecting with people and telling their unique stories. I’m grateful for this journey and excited for what’s to come. Thank you for the opportunity to share!