Faces of Tradition: Capturing Naga Sub-Tribes at the Hornbill Festival

Faces of Tradition: Capturing Naga Sub-Tribes at the Hornbill Festival

During my visit to the Hornbill Festival at Kisama Heritage Village, Kohima, I had the incredible opportunity to witness the vibrant representation of Naga culture. What captivated me the most wasn’t just the performances or the colors—it was the people. Each face, each outfit, each moment reflected the deep-rooted traditions and  pride of different Naga sub-tribes.

As a photographer, I focused my lens on the human elements—expressions, attire, and presence. Every portrait I captured felt like a visual story of heritage and resilience. From intricately detailed headgear to handwoven shawls, each person carried their tribe’s identity with elegance and strength.

This post is a tribute to those proud faces of Nagaland—a small visual diary of culture, spirit, and timeless tradition.

 

Behind the Lens: A Day in My Life as a Photographer

 Photography isn’t just a passion—it’s a way of seeing the world. Every photo has a story behind it, and today, I want to take you through a typical day in my life as a photographer. From the early spark of inspiration to the final click of the shutter, here’s what happens behind the lens.

Starting the Day with Creative Energy

My day usually begins with a scroll through inspiration—Pinterest boards, magazines, and past shoots. These moments help spark ideas and set the tone for the shoot ahead. I believe in observing everything around me—light patterns on walls, people’s expressions, colors in nature. Every small detail becomes fuel for creativity.

Planning the Shoot

Once I have an idea, I begin planning:

• Concept: What story do I want to tell?

• Location: Outdoor or indoor? Natural light or studio setup?

• Outfit & Props: What fits the mood and adds depth to the frame?

• Equipment Check: Battery charged, memory cards cleared, lenses ready.

This phase is crucial—it gives structure to the creativity.

The Photoshoot: Capturing the Story

This is the most exciting part of my day. I head to the location with everything prepared, but I always leave room for spontaneity. Some of my favourite shots happen in unplanned moments.

Like this one:

In this photo, I captured a child’s pure, confident energy. The lighting, outfit, expression—all came together naturally. I kept the vibe relaxed, letting the subject express themselves freely. That’s when magic happens—when emotion flows and I’m just there to catch it.

Editing & Reflection

After the shoot, I transfer the files and begin post-processing. This is where the raw photo transforms into my visual story. I adjust tones, highlight details, and sometimes enhance mood. Editing is where my vision truly comes alive.

Ending the Day with Gratitude

As I review the final edits, I feel a sense of joy and fulfillment. Photography is not just about taking beautiful pictures; it’s about connection—between light and shadow, subject and viewer, and me and the world.

Each day behind the lens brings a new experience, a new frame, and a new story.

Thank you for stepping into my world today.

If you’re someone who loves photography or simply enjoys stories told through visuals, stick around. The Golden Frame is just getting started!

My Favourite Photography Style & How I Developed It

Photography is a beautiful blend of art and perspective. Over time, every photographer develops a unique style that defines their vision. I enjoy exploring different types of photography, especially fashion photography, which I love working on the most. However, nature photography is where I feel most connected to my creativity.

Through this blog, I want to share my journey of discovering one of my favourite photography styles and how I refined it over time.

How I Discovered My Photography Style

When I first started photography, I was curious about every genre—landscapes, portraits, street photography, nature, and even abstract shots. Each had its own appeal, but something about the Nature Photography stood out to me.                                                                                                            

I realized that I was naturally drawn to capturing nature, playing with shadows, using natural framing, and working with natural light. Every time I picked up my camera, I found myself focusing on these elements, which eventually helped me define my creative skills.

The picture above was my first nature photography attempt. “A small bouquet of vibrant yellow flowers rests gently on a bed of smooth, weathered stones.” Doesn’t it look amazing? I found these small flowers very attractive, so I gathered them into a bouquet and placed them on the small stones that were on the sand.

How I Developed My Photography Style

Finding my style was just the beginning—the real challenge was improving it. Here are the steps I took to refine my craft:

1.⁠ ⁠Observing & Learning from the Best

I have spent my time on platforms like Instagram by watching and learning from Famous Photographers.

Their use of composition, lighting, angles, or storytelling helped me understand what makes a photo stand out.

2.⁠ ⁠Practicing Consistently

Practice is the key to improvement. I set challenges for myself, like capturing different moods in the same location, shooting in low light, or experimenting with new compositions. The more I practiced, the more confident I became in my unique approach.

3.⁠ ⁠Understanding Light & Composition

One of the biggest turning points in my photography journey was realizing how light shapes an image. Whether it’s the golden glow of sunrise or the dramatic contrast of shadows, I learned to use lighting to enhance my photos.

4.⁠ ⁠Editing to Match My Vision

Photography doesn’t end with capturing an image; editing plays a crucial role in defining the final look. I explored different editing styles in Lightroom, tweaking colours, contrast, and tones to match my creative vision.

5.⁠ ⁠Finding Inspiration Everywhere

Photography is all about perspective. Over time, I trained my eyes to see beauty in the most ordinary things—textures, reflections, shadows, and fleeting moments. This has helped me refine my style and stay inspired.

Final Thoughts

My photography style is always evolving, but it remains true to my artistic vision. I believe that photography is not just about capturing what we see, but how we see it. 

If you’re still searching for your photography style, my advice is: experiment with different genres, observe your natural inclinations, and most importantly—enjoy the process!

What’s your favorite photography style? Let me know in the comments!

The Golden Frame: A New Chapter in My Photography Journey

 The First Click That Changed Everything

I still remember the moment I fell in love with photography. It wasn’t a perfectly composed shot or a technically flawless image—it was just a simple photo that felt right. The kind that freezes a moment, holds an untold story, and makes you look at the world a little differently.

That’s the magic of photography. It’s not just about capturing what we see—it’s about capturing what we feel.

                                      

Why I Started The Golden Frame

As a student with a deep passion for photography, I’ve always been fascinated by how a single frame can hold so much meaning. Over the years, this passion has grown into something bigger than just a creative escape—it has become my way of documenting emotions, perspectives, and fleeting moments that might otherwise be forgotten.

Every frame tells a story, and I wanted a space where I could share those stories, my experiences, and everything I’ve learned along the way. That’s how The Golden Frame was born—a creative space where photography isn’t just about pixels and settings, but about storytelling, creativity, and seeing the world through a different lens.

What You’ll Find Here

If you’re someone who loves photography—whether you’re a beginner experimenting with a camera or someone who simply enjoys appreciating visuals—this blog is for you.

Here, I’ll be sharing:

✅ Photography insights—from composition tips to creative techniques

✅ Behind-the-scenes stories—because every great photo has an untold journey

✅ Editing tricks—to bring your vision to life

✅ Personal projects & inspirations—so we can grow together

I want The Golden Frame to be more than just a blog—I want it to be a community where we explore the art of photography together.

Let’s Capture Moments, Create Art

This is just the beginning. I can’t wait to share this journey with you, learn from each other, and find new ways to tell stories through our lenses.

So, tell me—what does photography mean to you? Drop a comment and let’s start this journey together!

📸 Welcome to The Golden Frame!