Keerti Siag on Learning, Community, and Multi‑Genre Photography (Photo Country Podcast Ep. 64)

Episode 64 of the Photo Country podcast, hosted by Rajeev Nedumaran, is recorded on Waiake Beach in Torbay, Auckland with Keerti Siag, a Sony digital imaging advocate and multi-genre photographer originally from Chandigarh, Punjab. Keerti shares how she emigrated to New Zealand in 2011, ran a Torbay grocery store for five years, then sold the business and traveled New Zealand during COVID, which helped spark her transition from hobbyist to paid photographer with encouragement from friends and her husband. She credits consistent learning, reaching out to photographers, attending workshops, and building community for her growth, and explains why she rejects strict niching despite algorithm pressures. Keerti discusses her teaching background in English literature, her work leading youth workshops with Imagine8, her involvement with Sony Scene workshops and mentors, her belief that photography creates emotion beyond AI, and her advice: find support, join community, and practice.

00:00 Learning Fueled the Journey

00:46 Beachside Podcast Intro

01:47 Firsts and Experimenting

02:36 Burnout and Coming Back

03:37 Serendipity and Names

04:39 From India to NZ Career Shift

08:01 Photography Roots in India

09:04 Why Multi Genre Works

11:35 Mentors And Support

12:26 Problem Solver Mindset

12:58 Workshops And Teaching Path

14:59 Literature Teaching Roots

16:45 Punjab Memories And Landscapes

18:29 Podcasting And Storytelling

20:27 Prints That Move People

22:38 Future Vision And AI

23:32 Three Tips And Farewell

Episode 63: Printing, Calibration, and Craft with Gary Ashton of Photo Prints

In episode 63 of the Photo Country Podcast, Rajeev records a face-to-face video conversation in Auckland with returning guest Gary Ashton, who runs the Photo Prints printing and framing business. Gary describes starting Photo Prints about 10 years ago after learning from family in Australia, running it alongside a long-time shoe repair shop in Ponsonby, and moving to printing full time after COVID reduced shoe repair demand. They discuss Epson wide-format printers, RIP software, paper/ink profiling, monitor calibration tools like Spyder devices, and how uncalibrated screens affect print results. Gary compares phone vs mirrorless/DSLR prints, explains paper choices (luster, matte, cotton rag), and shares experiments with metal sublimation printing. He talks about his own photography interests (birds, landscapes, Milky Way), editing in RAW, AI-assisted denoise/removal versus AI image generation, film’s renewed interest, photography costs, and travel photo goals like the South Island and Iceland for northern lights.

00:00 Live Podcast Kickoff

00:59 Reuniting With Gary

01:51 Inside Photo Prints Shop

02:02 From Shoe Repair to Prints

03:15 Color Accuracy and Calibration

05:43 Who Prints and Why

06:53 Gary's Photography Journey

09:28 Paper Choices and Cotton Rag

10:53 Metal Prints Experiment

12:11 Value of Printed Art

13:52 AI Tools and Editing Taste

15:43 Film Profiles and Revival

17:22 Gear Costs and Bucket List

19:11 Final Thanks and Sign Off

Episode 62: A Heart for Art with Dr. Howard Grill Host: Rajeev Nedumaran Guest: Dr. Howard Grill

Overview In this episode, host Rajeev Nedumaran sits down with Dr. Howard Grill, a retired interventional cardiologist from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, to explore "Act Two" of his life. Howard shares how he transitioned from the demanding world of medicine to embarking on a creative journey through photography, abstract painting, and multiple exposures. The two discuss the therapeutic benefits of art, overcoming imposter syndrome, and finding new creative outlets later in life.

Key Takeaways

Art as Healing: How creating and viewing art offers measurable therapeutic benefits for both creators and patients.

The Patient Portrait Project: The story behind Howard’s hospital installation that captured patient portraits along with audio stories.

Technique & Experimentation: Exploring camera blend modes, Intentional Camera Movement (ICM), and using painting as a tool to fuel abstract photographic work.

Overcoming Self-Doubt: Practical advice on dealing with imposter syndrome and sharing your creative work with confidence.

Photo Country | Ep. 61: Snapthrash

Guest: Vasuchandran (Snapthrash), Heavy Metal Musician, Independent Forex Trader, and Analog Photographer.

In this episode, Rajeev sits down with Vasuchandran, widely known online as "Snapthrash." He brings one of the most eclectic backgrounds to the show, bridging the gap between Indian classical music, global heavy metal tours, independent forex trading, and a deeply-rooted passion for film photography. From his childhood roots in Kerala to capturing street frames in Japan and Austria, Vasuchandran shares his artistic philosophy on why the slow, deliberate process of analog film brings him a unique sense of value that digital simply cannot replicate.

Photo Country Returns: Sandra Cattaneo Adorno on Experimentation, Light, and Training the Eye

Photo Country returns after host Rajeev’s creative rut with a comeback interview featuring Brazilian photographer and artist Sandra Cattaneo Adorno, discussing her latest exhibition, “Fragments of Light,” at the Venice Biennale. Adorno describes experimenting with metallic inks, shifting from celebratory gold on black paper to reflective silver on dark blue paper, and how the process abstracts images by stripping away detail so some photos translate better than others. She outlines the exhibition’s multiple viewing modes: a shimmering silver-screen video where images melt and re-form, 13 prints, a cloth print tied to curtain panels, and a floor photo mosaic with mirrored backing reflecting the room and canal. Adorno explains her intuitive, high-volume shooting guided by light and shadow, her rejection of AI, her emphasis on training the eye over buying new cameras, and her advice to stay curious, joyful, and influenced by museums, painters, and photography books; prints are available via Robert Mann Gallery in New York.

Her next exhibition: Sandra Cattaneo Adorno: Fragments of Light, on view May 9 – November 22, 2026, at Palazzo Bembo during the 8th Edition of Personal Structures: Confluences, Venice.

00:00 Photography for Fun

00:33 Podcast Comeback Intro

02:01 Gold to Silver Prints

04:34 Tactile Flashcard Set

06:52 Exhibition Walkthrough

09:32 How the Idea Started

12:25 Reflections and Photoshop

14:18 Fast Shooting Process

19:16 Train Your Eye Not Gear

22:19 Art Inspiration and Favourites

24:44 Books Prints and Wrap Up

26:19 Closing and Next Episode

Exploring the World Through the Lens of Matt Jacob

After a long gap, I am back with another episode. I had recorded this a while back. I had the immense pleasure of chatting with Matt Jacob. He's not just a renowned photographer known for his evocative portraits and vibrant storytelling but also the engaging host of the Mood podcast. With his work showcasing the diverse tapestries of cultures around the globe, Matt joined us to talk about his journey, philosophy on art, and why he believes every photograph is a metaphor waiting to be unraveled.

A Passion Sparked by Travel

Matt's passion for photography was ignited through his travels as a pilot. His first career was a childhood dream that took him across the globe, allowing him to discover and record diverse cultures. This curiosity turned into self-expression as he learned to master the camera's technical skills, bringing stories of people and places to life. His love for photography was born from travel, surprise encounters in new places, and the thrill of capturing life through his lens.

The Bali Connection

Matt's journey eventually brought him to Bali, a destination that always intrigued him. As a scuba diving enthusiast, his explorations in Indonesia led him to appreciate the diversity of cultures and landscapes, inspiring him to relocate there during the pandemic. Bali offered Matt a space to live, work, and set up artistic operations, including his podcast and photography studio.

A Stylistic Evolution

Matt describes his style as "moody," characterized by dramatic lighting and expressions, often focusing on indigenous populations. His photographs are a blend of real moments and crafted compositions, capturing the essence of his subjects. His work straddles both environmental portraiture and more intimate, personal portrayals, drawing inspiration from renowned photographers like Joey L, who deeply influenced his journey.

Cultural Sensitivity and Storytelling

Navigating cultural sensitivities is one of the biggest challenges Matt faces in his photography. He stresses the importance of researching and respecting the people and cultures he photographs. Spending time with his subjects before shooting, sharing their stories, and ensuring they have access to the images are crucial steps in his process. The connections made and the experiences shared always take precedence over simply capturing an image.

The Power of Workshops

Matt's journey into education and workshops began during the Covid-19 pandemic. As he sought ways to integrate into the photography community, he started offering advice and holding informal sessions. His plans to conduct workshops and photo expeditions aim to not only share his knowledge but also to deepen his own storytelling, focusing on long-term projects that are rich in cultural depth and meaning.

Podcasting: Sharing the Art of Conversation

The genesis of Matt's podcast aligns with his love for genuine human connections. Born from Instagram live conversations and the desire to learn from others, the podcast has become a cherished project. Despite the rigorous work involved, from guest research to post-production, Matt finds fulfillment in keeping the art of conversation alive and contributing to the broader photography community.

Looking Ahead

As Matt continues to explore photography's vast landscapes, he remains focused on crafting meaningful stories and advancing his expertise, particularly with film photography. His journey over the next few years promises to be an exciting one, woven with artistic endeavors and enriching encounters.

We hope this glimpse into Matt Jacob's world inspires our listeners as much as it has inspired me.

Thanks to Apopo Studios for sponsoring this episode. They are a creative co-working space for photographers, designers and entrepreneurs in South Auckland. Don’t forget to visit www.apopostudios.nz - if you are a photographer looking for an affordable studio space or a freelancer looking for a place to work, Apopo is the space for you.

Stay connected with the Photo Country Podcast for more inspiring stories and enjoy the journey behind the lens with some of the world's most compelling photographers.

The Art of Composition: A Conversation with Ravishankar

In the opening episode of Photo Country Season 4, host Rajiv interviews veteran photographer Ravishankar, also known as the 'Wrong Side Rascal' on Instagram. The conversation delves into Ravishankar's journey in photography, which began in 2004, his love for visual composition over technical details, and his experience in street and landscape photography in Singapore. The discussion also explores the influence of cinema on Ravishankar's photography and his transition to portrait photography. Throughout the episode, the two photographers reflect on the importance of serendipity, intent, and the subtractive nature of photography. They conclude by emphasizing the therapeutic and transformative power of the photographic process.

00:00 The Beauty of Composition

00:47 Welcome to Photo Country Season Three

01:03 Introducing Ravishankar: The Wrong Side Rascal

01:41 Ravi's Photography Journey

04:44 The Influence of Visual Arts

13:20 Challenges and Discoveries in Singapore

17:52 Exploring Portrait Photography

24:20 The Importance of Composition

35:08 Capturing the Unexpected

36:55 The Constraints of Fixed Lens Cameras 39:39 Closing Thoughts and Reflections

Check out Ravi’s work here:

https://www.instagram.com/rongsiderascal/

https://www.flickr.com/photos/fantaphilosophy/