There’s a saying that goes, “A picture is worth a thousand words.” For me, photography has always been more than just taking pictures; it’s about telling stories, creating connections, and capturing meaningful moments that last a lifetime.
Born in Khammam and raised in Hyderabad, my journey started in a humble family. My father worked as an electrician and head cook. After the passing away of my father in 2011, my mother worked in a Kirana Store and a Saree Shopping mall to support our family. Later, I began taking care of the family alongside her.
From a young age, I was interested in art and crafts, and that interest eventually led me to photography. Growing up, I worked hard to become independent from a young age, taking on various jobs early on. I worked in mobile stores as a promoter, helping customers explore the latest phones, especially their cameras. This job introduced me to mobile photography, and it truly ignited my passion for capturing images professionally. I realized that photography could be more than just a hobby – it could be my career path. With my mother’s support, I decided to invest ₹60,000 in my first camera in 2014, marking the beginning of my professional career in photography.
At the start, I had just one basic DSLR camera, a tripod, a lens, a bag, and a flash. But I was eager to learn and grow. I took on small assignments, focusing on local events and shoots. I started visiting Prasad Labs in Hyderabad, where I photographed short film events. I regularly attended pre-release events of Telugu films, networking with people from the media and film industry. It wasn’t easy – sometimes I had to travel by bus with all my gear. But every shoot was an opportunity to improve. After events, I’d spend nights editing photos and posting them on Facebook during prime time. Slowly, people began noticing my work, and soon, film personalities started using my photos as their display pictures. This recognition helped establish my brand, EKOR Photography. Over time, I kept investing in new equipment to meet the increasing demands of my work.
My wife, Tejaswini, who’s also my business partner, has been my biggest support, along with my parents. In 2021, I met her at my office in Manikonda when she came with a friend. We became good friends, liked each other, and eventually got married. Tejaswini has a natural ability to capture emotions and moments, and gradually, she developed her skills in photography. Today, she’s not only my life partner but also a vital part of Ekor Photography, bringing her own unique perspective to every shoot.
Although we take on all kinds of photoshoots, wedding photography soon became our primary focus. We approach each wedding with dedication, ensuring every moment is captured thoughtfully. It’s not just about posing for the camera; it’s about guiding our clients, understanding their personalities, and telling their stories through our photos. We carefully plan each shoot, from poses to lighting, making sure everyone feels at ease. Our goal is to help our clients feel comfortable and extract their best expressions in front of the camera.
Our work has taken us to different cities across India. Over the years, our team has grown to include eight full-time employees in the office and over 100 freelancers for larger events.
Looking ahead, we have a vision for the future. I want to create a platform for content creation and media collaboration. Our goal is to establish an academy where aspiring photographers and creatives can learn and grow.”
- Saikiran Kore, Founder, Ekor Photography