Cultural & Documentary Photography
Available across Kundapura
I document Karavali rituals and festivals as they happen, capturing real moments and details without posing or extra lighting.
Pricing Guide
Yakshagana & Bhoota Kola Night Rituals
Coverage Scope
- Photographer: 1 Senior Photographer specialized in low-light cultural documentation.
- Duration: Full night coverage, typically 8 to 12 hours (e.g., 6:00 PM to 6:00 AM).
- The Chowki (Green Room): Documentation of the intricate makeup process, costume fittings, and artist preparation.
- The Ritual: Capture of the invocation, high-speed performance action, and trance states.
- Lighting Focus: Emphasis on 'Divine' moments involving fire torches and smoke without using artificial flash.
Deliverables
- Images: 150 - 250 high-resolution, color-corrected JPEG images.
- Editing Style: Atmospheric grading to preserve warm ambient light and contrast.
- Reel: 1 Highlight Reel (30-60 seconds) synced to traditional audio for social media.
- Delivery: 5 - 7 working days via cloud link.
Equipment
- Gear: Dual full-frame cameras with high ISO capabilities.
- Lenses: Fast prime lenses (f/1.4) used to shoot strictly in available light to maintain ritual sanctity.
Kambala & Temple Festival Action
Coverage Scope
- Photographer: 1 Senior Photographer equipped for outdoor action.
- Duration: Day or evening coverage, typically 6 to 8 hours.
- Kambala: Track-side positioning to capture head-on sprints, mud splashes, and jockey intensity.
- Rathotsava: Wide-angle shots of temple chariots, crowd scale, and street processions.
Deliverables
- Images: 100 - 150 high-resolution processed images.
- Editing Style: Vibrant, sharp 'Frozen Motion' editing to highlight water droplets and muscle definition.
- Video Extras: 3-4 raw unedited slow-motion clips of peak action moments.
- Delivery: 3 - 5 working days via cloud link.
Equipment
- Gear: High-speed burst mode camera bodies (10+ fps) for sports.
- Lenses: Telephoto zoom (70-200mm) for action compression and wide angle (16-35mm) for crowd magnitude.
About Cultural & Documentary Photography
What Drives My Lens
I’m Pradeep, an engineer by degree but honestly, the camera is where my real heart is. For me, photos are about soaking in and sharing the feeling of our Karavali roots. I’m always looking to show what’s actually happening, not just what’s on stage.
Inside the Rituals
Whether it’s Yakshagana or Bhoota Kola, the magic starts long before the show. I spend ages in the chowki (backstage), quietly watching the artists get ready, painting their faces with bannagarike (makeup), and slipping into their roles. My camera catches those quiet, nervous, sometimes funny moments that most people miss. I use only the light from torches and lamps - it’s not easy, but it keeps the vibe real.
Kambala & Festival Moments
Kambala is something else - mud flying, buffaloes thundering, otagara (jockey) fully focused. I love chasing that one wild second that says it all. Same goes for hattihabba, kodihabba (cattle and temple festivals) or whatever’s going on - people, faith, chaos, colour, all of it in one frame.
How I Shoot
No posing, no directing. I like to blend in, catch those unscripted scenes that actually tell the story. Most times, I just use the light that’s already there. If your family’s got a ritual, or your town is celebrating, I can document the whole thing from tiny details to big moments - solo or with my team for bigger events.
Meet your Expert
Pradeep Photography
71 connects in last 3 months
My Story
Engineer by profession, but honestly, my camera is where my heart sits. Born and raised in Bengaluru, Kundapura, Shivamogga – I’m full-on Karavali, boss! I love clicking Yakshagana drama, Kambala races, and anything that’s got energy and emotion. My albums have everything: travel, family, even our new car. I just want to capture life, as it happens – real, raw, nothing fake.
My Work
Photography for Events & Functions - We cover weddings, big parties, and all celebrations. Team Pradeep Photography is ready for anything.
Personal Shoots - I do actor/model portfolios, couple shoots, pre-wedding, and maternity portraits. Genuine moments, no drama.
Karavali Festival & Culture Shoots - If you want Yakshagana photography or Kambala race photos, I get the vibe. Culture means a lot to me.
My Way of Shooting - I let photos do the talking. Not much chatter, just chasing light, color, and emotion for that real shot.
