Best photographer of India

Documentary Photographer
1.	Raghu Rai http://www.magnumphotos.com Raghu Rai (born 1942) is an Indian photographer, who has based his career on the coverage of his native country. Rai became a photographer in 1965, and a year later joined the staff of The Statesman, a New Delhi publication. In 1976, he left the paper and became a freelance photographer. From 1982 up until 1992, Rai was the director of photography for India Today. He has served on the jury for World Press Photo three times. His work featuring the Bhopal Gas Tragedy was highly acclaimed, one of which went on to win World Press Photo of the Year 1984.
2.	http://www.raghubirsingh.com - Raghubir Singh
3.	http://www.deendayal.com Lala Raja Deen Dayal, pioneer Indian 19th century photographer(1844-1905). has left for us an exquisite photographic record of British India, of a bygone Colonial era influenced by Native Princely India- its picturesque opulence, rich costumes, whiskered nobility, hookah bearers, royal palaces, hunts, and parades, elephant carriages, historic events - golden moments captured on "silver" plates for posterity.
Fashion Photographer
1.	http://www.tarunkhiwal.com - Tarun Khiwal Indian fashion photographer Tarun Khiwal, a leading fashion photographer in India.
2.	http://www.atulkasbekar.com - Atul Kasbekar
3.	http://www.dabbooratnani.com - Dabboo Ratnani
4.	http://www.farrokhchothia.com - Farrokh Chothia
5.	http://www.subisamuel.net - Subi Samuel
6.	http://www.vikrambawa.com - Vikram Bawa
Commercial Photographer
1.	http://www.klrajaphotography.com - K.L.Raja Ponsing K.L.Raja Photography is a imparting photography Knowledge through intensive photography education and training.
2.	http://www.gvenketram.com - G Venket Ram Commercial and Fine Arts Photographer, Chennai.
3.	http://www.iqbalmohamed.com - Iqbal Mohamed Iqbal Mohamed is one of India’s leading Advertising Photographer and founder of Light and Life Academy, which is the first and only Professional Photography Institute in India, supported by the industry.
4.	http://www.sharadhaksar.com- Sharadhaksar The award winning digital photographer from India for world class advertising, fashion, still life and concept based photo shoots and stunning images.
4.	http://www.shashikantphotography.com - Shashikant
4.	http://www.rajhanpaul.com - Rajhanpaul
5.	http://www.senthilphoto.com- Senthil
6.	http://www.ajitpatel.org - Ajith Patel Ajit Patel is a Mumbai based Indian freelance creative photographer, with 20 years of experience, specialized in shooting for the fashion, advertising, travel and beauty industries. His works have been featured in several prominent publications.
7.	http://www.anandsharan.com - Anand Sharan
8.	http://www.shilvasa.com - Suresh Natarajan Official Site of Suresh Natarajan. Photographer from Bombay, India
9.	http://www.jatinkampani.com - Jatin Kampani Indian fashion photographer Jatin Kampani, a leading fashion photographer in India.
10.	http://www.pradipgupta.com - Pradip Gupta
11.	http://www.nrupenmadhvani.com - nrupen madhvani A professional photographer, Nrupen is still passionately evolving. His varied portfolio ranges from abstracts to interiors, products to portraits, and lifestyle to landscapes. He believes that 'less is more' and this is reflected in the Zen-like simplicity of his fine art work.
12.	http://www.swapanmukherjee.com - Swapan Mukherjee
Wildlife Photographer
1.	http://www.kalyanvarma.net - Kalyan Varma
2.	http://www.ecotone.co.in - Saravana Kumar
3.	http://www.clementfrancis.com - Clement Francis
4.	http://www.naturelyrics.com - Ganesh H Shankar
5.	http://www.thejunglelook.com - Sudhir Shivaram
6.	http://www.wildlifetimes.com - Jayanth Sharma
Online Photo Sharing
1.	http://www.photo.net Photo.net is a photography community that includes forums, reviews, and galleries for members and casual viewers
2.	http://www.pbase.com Browse images or create an account with galleries.
3.	http://www.flickr.com Flickr is almost certainly the best online photo management and sharing application in the world.
4.	http://www.usefilm.com Online Photo Gallery: Post images for free. Digital Photography Review: Latest digital camera reviews and digital imaging news.
Chennai Photography Club
1.	http://www.ambitions4.com An exclusive academy for imparting world class photographic knowledge and skills, where the process of learning photography for the professionals and hobbyist is made eminently easy and affordable irrespective of academic qualification, age, and well exposure.
2.	http://www.photomadras.org The Photographic Society of Madras was founded in 1857 by Dr. Alexander Hunter and the Honorable Walter Elliot and has a hallowed heritage. One of the earliest photographic societies in the world, the PSM, was established to bring together photographers and enthusiasts of various hues, to create an opportunity for learning, exchanging of ideas, appreciation of the art, exposition of the science, having fun traveling, exploring and doing things together. We at the PSM get together in the evening on the third Saturday of every month and frequently travel together to sanctuaries and other places of photographic interest, making new friends, seeing new places and of course, taking fine photographs. Photography, either for the professional or for the hobbyist is a life-long passion, a break from the humdrum of normal existence and an opportunity for one to record his/her visions of life! This then, is our credo! The PSM has had over its long years of existence and in its erstwhile gatherings, members; who have been, were and are some of the finest photographers and cinematographers in South India. With over 32 programs every year; including get-togethers, discussions, expositions, travel, workshops and family fellowships, the PSM is a great place to be in! We are sure, that this is a fellowship that you wouldn’t want to miss!
Digital Cameral News and Reviews
1.	http://www.dpreview.com Digital Cameras: Digital Photography Review, News, Reviews, Forums, FAQ.
2.	http://www.luminous-landscape.com The web's most comprehensive site devoted to the art of landscape and nature photography using traditional as well as digital image processing techniques.
3.	http://www.photozone.de DSLR lens and camera reviews.
4.	http://www.kenrockwell.com Some of review about Canon and Nikon products.

Best photographer of India

Documentary Photographer
1.	Raghu Rai http://www.magnumphotos.com Raghu Rai (born 1942) is an Indian photographer, who has based his career on the coverage of his native country. Rai became a photographer in 1965, and a year later joined the staff of The Statesman, a New Delhi publication. In 1976, he left the paper and became a freelance photographer. From 1982 up until 1992, Rai was the director of photography for India Today. He has served on the jury for World Press Photo three times. His work featuring the Bhopal Gas Tragedy was highly acclaimed, one of which went on to win World Press Photo of the Year 1984.
2.	http://www.raghubirsingh.com - Raghubir Singh
3.	http://www.deendayal.com Lala Raja Deen Dayal, pioneer Indian 19th century photographer(1844-1905). has left for us an exquisite photographic record of British India, of a bygone Colonial era influenced by Native Princely India- its picturesque opulence, rich costumes, whiskered nobility, hookah bearers, royal palaces, hunts, and parades, elephant carriages, historic events - golden moments captured on "silver" plates for posterity.
Fashion Photographer
1.	http://www.tarunkhiwal.com - Tarun Khiwal Indian fashion photographer Tarun Khiwal, a leading fashion photographer in India.
2.	http://www.atulkasbekar.com - Atul Kasbekar
3.	http://www.dabbooratnani.com - Dabboo Ratnani
4.	http://www.farrokhchothia.com - Farrokh Chothia
5.	http://www.subisamuel.net - Subi Samuel
6.	http://www.vikrambawa.com - Vikram Bawa
Commercial Photographer
1.	http://www.klrajaphotography.com - K.L.Raja Ponsing K.L.Raja Photography is a imparting photography Knowledge through intensive photography education and training.
2.	http://www.gvenketram.com - G Venket Ram Commercial and Fine Arts Photographer, Chennai.
3.	http://www.iqbalmohamed.com - Iqbal Mohamed Iqbal Mohamed is one of India’s leading Advertising Photographer and founder of Light and Life Academy, which is the first and only Professional Photography Institute in India, supported by the industry.
4.	http://www.sharadhaksar.com- Sharadhaksar The award winning digital photographer from India for world class advertising, fashion, still life and concept based photo shoots and stunning images.
4.	http://www.shashikantphotography.com - Shashikant
4.	http://www.rajhanpaul.com - Rajhanpaul
5.	http://www.senthilphoto.com- Senthil
6.	http://www.ajitpatel.org - Ajith Patel Ajit Patel is a Mumbai based Indian freelance creative photographer, with 20 years of experience, specialized in shooting for the fashion, advertising, travel and beauty industries. His works have been featured in several prominent publications.
7.	http://www.anandsharan.com - Anand Sharan
8.	http://www.shilvasa.com - Suresh Natarajan Official Site of Suresh Natarajan. Photographer from Bombay, India
9.	http://www.jatinkampani.com - Jatin Kampani Indian fashion photographer Jatin Kampani, a leading fashion photographer in India.
10.	http://www.pradipgupta.com - Pradip Gupta
11.	http://www.nrupenmadhvani.com - nrupen madhvani A professional photographer, Nrupen is still passionately evolving. His varied portfolio ranges from abstracts to interiors, products to portraits, and lifestyle to landscapes. He believes that 'less is more' and this is reflected in the Zen-like simplicity of his fine art work.
12.	http://www.swapanmukherjee.com - Swapan Mukherjee
Wildlife Photographer
1.	http://www.kalyanvarma.net - Kalyan Varma
2.	http://www.ecotone.co.in - Saravana Kumar
3.	http://www.clementfrancis.com - Clement Francis
4.	http://www.naturelyrics.com - Ganesh H Shankar
5.	http://www.thejunglelook.com - Sudhir Shivaram
6.	http://www.wildlifetimes.com - Jayanth Sharma
Online Photo Sharing
1.	http://www.photo.net Photo.net is a photography community that includes forums, reviews, and galleries for members and casual viewers
2.	http://www.pbase.com Browse images or create an account with galleries.
3.	http://www.flickr.com Flickr is almost certainly the best online photo management and sharing application in the world.
4.	http://www.usefilm.com Online Photo Gallery: Post images for free. Digital Photography Review: Latest digital camera reviews and digital imaging news.
Chennai Photography Club
1.	http://www.ambitions4.com An exclusive academy for imparting world class photographic knowledge and skills, where the process of learning photography for the professionals and hobbyist is made eminently easy and affordable irrespective of academic qualification, age, and well exposure.
2.	http://www.photomadras.org The Photographic Society of Madras was founded in 1857 by Dr. Alexander Hunter and the Honorable Walter Elliot and has a hallowed heritage. One of the earliest photographic societies in the world, the PSM, was established to bring together photographers and enthusiasts of various hues, to create an opportunity for learning, exchanging of ideas, appreciation of the art, exposition of the science, having fun traveling, exploring and doing things together. We at the PSM get together in the evening on the third Saturday of every month and frequently travel together to sanctuaries and other places of photographic interest, making new friends, seeing new places and of course, taking fine photographs. Photography, either for the professional or for the hobbyist is a life-long passion, a break from the humdrum of normal existence and an opportunity for one to record his/her visions of life! This then, is our credo! The PSM has had over its long years of existence and in its erstwhile gatherings, members; who have been, were and are some of the finest photographers and cinematographers in South India. With over 32 programs every year; including get-togethers, discussions, expositions, travel, workshops and family fellowships, the PSM is a great place to be in! We are sure, that this is a fellowship that you wouldn’t want to miss!
Digital Cameral News and Reviews
1.	http://www.dpreview.com Digital Cameras: Digital Photography Review, News, Reviews, Forums, FAQ.
2.	http://www.luminous-landscape.com The web's most comprehensive site devoted to the art of landscape and nature photography using traditional as well as digital image processing techniques.
3.	http://www.photozone.de DSLR lens and camera reviews.
4.	http://www.kenrockwell.com Some of review about Canon and Nikon products.

Ooty - History

Ooty or Udagamandalam (the Tamil version of the original name) rightly described as "Queen of Hill Stations" by Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, now sprawls over an area of 36 sq km with a number of tall buildings cluttering its hill slopes. It is situated at an altitude of 2,240 meters above sea level. Ooty still woos people from all over India as well as foreign countries right through summer, and sometimes in the winter months too. An added attraction for the tourists to Udagamandalam is the mountain train journey on a ratchet and pinion track which commences from Kallar, near Mettupalayam and wends its way through many hair-raising curves and fearful tunnels and chugs along beside deep ravines full of verdant vegetation, gurgling streams and tea gardens.

The scenery, as it unfolds during the trip, is breathtaking, awe-inspiring and fantastic. One can notice a marvellous change in vegetation, as one goes from Kallar to Coonoor. At Kallar it is tropical and at Burliar-the next bus-stop as one proceeds from Mettupalayam-it is sub-tropical. Near Coonoor, it is humid with pines, blue gum (Eucalyptus globulus) and cypress trees. As we go from Ooty to Gudalur, the change in vegetation is striking. What a splendid interaction between climate and vegetation ! It is therefore very appropriate that Mount Stuart called the whole road leading to Ooty from Mettupalayam, "One long botanical debauch."

This beautiful botanical paradise was first brought to the public eye by John Sullivan, Collector of Coimbatore district in 1819. But prior to this in 1812, the first Englishmen who were sent up the Nilgris by the Collector of Coimbatore, were Mr. Keys, Assistant Revenue Surveyor, and his Assistant, McMahon. They made their way via Dananayakan Kottai to Aracad and the existing village of Denad, and penetrated as far as Kallatti, the lower level of North Ooty, but never set their eyes on the beautiful valley in which Ooty lay. After Keys' visit there was no further expedition until 1818 when J.C.Whish and N.W.Kindersly (Asst. and second Asst. to the Collector of Coimbatore respectively) went up by the Dananayakan Kottai-Denad route, crossed the plateau in a south-western direction and descended by the Sundapatti pass from Manjakombai to the Bhavani valley and then went back to Coimbatore. The purpose of their visit is not known.

In March 1819, John Sullivan obtained Rs 1,100 (Rupees of those days not to be compared with the present-day rupee) from the Board of Revenue for laying a bridle path up the hill from Sirumugai to Kotagiri and its neighboring village, Dhimatti. The work was executed by McPherson in a period of 2 years starting 1821. This was the only route to the Nilgris from Coimbatore until 1832, when the first Coonoor ghat road was laid, thanks to the then Governor, S.R. Lushington, who got the work executed by Lehardy and Capt. Murray. The present metalled ghat road from Kallar to Coonoor, a distance of 25 km which has 14 hair-pin bends and a gradient of one 18 ft, which facilitated carriage traffic from Madras to Ooty, was mainly constructed by Colonel G.V. Law in 1871. It is gratifying to note that the cascade of the Coonoor river near Wenlock bridge on the Coonoor-Mettupalayam road named after Law, continues to bear the same name.

The Coonoor-Mettupalayam road was extended to Udagamandalam, covering a distance of about 15 km. The Kotagiri-Mettupalayam road (about 34 km long) which was 8 ft wide to begin with, was widened to 17 ft in 1872-75 with a gradient of one in 17 by the Dist. Engineer, Major Morant R.E. and handed over to the District Board in 1881. During the period from 1819 to 1830, John Sullivan's contribution was, apart from laying the route to Ooty, that he built the first house called Stone House in this place. This formed the nucleus of Government offices. Further, at his own expense, he conducted experiments on agricultural and horticultural crops and in animal husbandry to find the most suitable crops and breeds of milch animals for future settlers.Next to the magnificent task of laying the road to Ooty, the British took up, around 1880, the stupendous task of connecting Mettupalayam to Ooty by rail. A Swiss engineer, M. Riggenback and Major Morant of Kotagiri road fame prepared an estimate of 1,32,000 pounds (currency) for laying the rack railway and floated a company called The Rigi Railway & Co Ltd. Since capital was not forthcoming, Mr. Richard Wolley of Coonoor came forward to advance money on the condition that the contract would be entrusted to Mr. Wolley by the Government of Chennai.

The agreement between the 2 was signed in 1886, and the company called The Nilgri Railway & Company came into being with a capital of Rs 25 lakhs. The work on the line was started in August 1891 by Lord Wenlock, Governor or Madras, but the company was liquidated in 1894. Later, a new company was formed in 1894, and the work was completed in 1899. The line was worked by Madras Railway, to start with. Though the Nilgris formed part of Coimbatore district, it was separated into an independent district in 1868. For a period of 13 years from 1830, it remained part of Malabar district. This was to prevent tobacco smuggling from Coimbatore. From John Sullivan's days to this date, more than 170 years have rolled by. Udagamandalam considered a sanatorium and hill resort by the Europeans, has come to be like any other district. The devastation was so much that a ban on fresh construction was belatedly imposed by the Government.

Ooty - History

LLA One Year Pg course structure

Light & Life Academy, India, offers 'One Year Post Graduate Programme in Professional Photography', its flagship course. This programme is for the passionate image-maker, interested in making a career in Photography.

In recent times, Professional Digital Photography has made giant strides, both in terms of hardware and software. This has made the process of Photography much faster. A Student of Photography today, can see the image instantly after the shot is taken and is able to fine-tune it immediately. As a result, the learning curve has become steeper. More can therefore be done in a shorter time.

Taking advantage of this aspect of time saving with Digital Photography and to cater to the growing demand for study of professional digital photography, Light & Life Academy introduced the One-Year intensive Professional Photography Programme in the Academic Year 2006-2007. The programme is specially designed to offer the aspiring student the flexibility of planning his/her education and career to suit personal interests and requirements.

In keeping with the policy of Light & Life Academy, this programme has now been updated. Densely packed to optimise the use of one year of study, it has been designed, assuming a very high level of interest and motivation amongst the aspiring students.

The course is based on a holistic, ‘hands-on’ approach to Professional Photography. Teaching methodology includes lectures, slide shows (work done by faculty as well as images from around the world), demos, assignments, web research and critique sessions.

Light and Life Academy Arts and Science of Photography.

Light & Life Academy is the first and only Professional Photography Institute in India situated on a picturesque mountain-top in Nilgiris, in Tamil Nadu, supported by the industry.

This Photography Institute offers a Full- time One-Year PG Diploma in Professional Photography">full- time One-Year PG Diploma in Professional Photography with options to study various areas of specialisation like Portrait photography, Fashion photography, Architecture & Interiors photography, Travel photography, Nature photography and Fine art Photography and a 100 Day photojournalism programme. Besides, this Photography Institute also offers Short Duration Photography Workshops.

Founded by one of India's leading advertising photographers, Iqbal Mohamed, the Light & Life Academy aims at teaching the art & science of photography in a holistic fashion, with equal emphasis on aesthetics and techniques.

Cloud Photography

Cloudscape photography is photography showing a view of clouds or sky.

Photography of clouds has a long and rich history. The Belgian photographer Léonard Misonne (1870-1943) is noted for his black and white photographs where heavy skies and dark clouds dominate the image (he even used to add clouds in the darkroom).

In the early middle twentieth century, American photographer Alfred Stieglitz (1864–1946) created a series of photographs of clouds, called "equivalents" (1925-1931). According to an essay on the series at the Phillips Collection website (see external links), "A symbolist aesthetic underlies these images, which became increasingly abstract equivalents of his own experiences, thoughts, and emotions."

More recently, American photographers such as Robert Davies and Ralph Steiner have been noted for producing such images, featured in major solo exhibitions concentrating on cloudscape photography (see catalogues and links below). Contemporary Greek photographer Tzeli Hadjidimitriou has created a book entirely on this theme, entitled Time fading into clouds (2003).