About Me
After a decade-long career in engineering and project management, I have been a freelance photographer, arts manager, and most recently, an educator since 2011.
Wedding and Family Photography
I am a photographer that’s trying to keep it real. My approach to photographing your wedding, family or brand is to celebrate you honestly. I see each client as a unique story - with their own aesthetics, strengths, struggles, and joys. Read some client testimonials here.
Chennai Photo Biennale and CPB Prism
About me
I am a photographer, educator and cultural organiser based in Chennai, India. I am a founding Trustee of the Chennai Photo Biennale Foundation where I oversee educational programs.
My work sits at the intersection of photography, education and community practice. At the foundation I have built and grown the learning initiatives of Chennai Photo Biennale, working closely with administrators, teachers and students to develop photography-based programs including curriculum development, workshops, camps and exhibitions.
Alongside my work in arts education, my photography has been published in publications such as The Hindu and The Wire, and I have worked on projects that explore public space, politics and everyday life.
One example of this work was covered in the Indian Express. https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/chennai/chennai-photo-biennale-tamil-nadu-culture-students-7792476/
Board & Affiliations
Chennai Photo Biennale Foundation
Founding Trustee (since 2017)
Children’s Photography Archive
Board Member (since 2026)
Mentorship & Education
Kanavu Fellowship — Chennai Photo Biennale
Mentor & Organiser (2021–2023)
The fellowship supported women photographers from smaller towns in developing professional photography practices.
Featured on YourStory
Speaking & Conferences
IFA Conference Arts Education: Responding to Changing Landscapes Hyderabad — 21–23 February 2025
Presentation: Emerging Technologies in Arts Education
6th Annual Art Educators Conference by IADEA
Jan 31- Feb 1 2025, Chennai
Childhood Publics Seminar (2023)
International research series examining children’s perspectives in visual culture.
Curated & Organised Projects
2025 Aval Idam With the Gender Policy Lab, Greater Chennai Corporation
A photography exhibition exploring women’s experiences of public space in Chennai.
Coverage: DTNext
2024 Women, Outdoors With Goethe-Institut Chennai
An exhibition exploring the relationship between women and public space through photography.
Coverage: Homegrown, The Hindu
Selected Photo Publications
The Wire (2016)
Scenes of grief and devotion from Jayalalithaa’s public viewing
Awards, Mentions & Features
ARThink South Asia Fellowship (2019)
Awarded the fellowship which enabled a professional exchange at the Biennale für Aktuelle fotografie, Germany.
Little Black Book
Featured among the Best Wedding Photographers in Chennai.
https://lbb.in/chennai/gayatri-nair-4178a1/
Press Mentions
Women in India, Tell Us How You Voted in This Election and Why - NYTimes
The Hindu — interviews and coverage during the 2020 lockdown.