Photography and filmmaking have evolved into influential career paths, largely driven by the rise of social media, OTT platforms, and mobile technology. Recognizing the future demand for structured photography education back in 2001, Iqbal Mohamed and Anuradha Iqbal founded Light & Life Academy (LLA) in Ooty, well before this trend emerged.
Iqbal Mohamed, the founder of LLA, embarked on his professional journey at the prestigious Brooks Institute of Photography in the USA, further honing his skills through collaborations with renowned Hollywood photographers. Returning to India in 1988, he quickly gained recognition as one of the country’s first formally educated professional photographers, attracting assignments from both national and international brands. His 1999 book, “Portrait & Function Photography,” was published in eight Indian languages, bridging linguistic divides.
Anuradha Iqbal, co-founder and director of LLA, contributed significantly to the creation of award-winning campaigns for major national brands during her career in Mumbai’s advertising industry. Her partnership with Iqbal Mohamed in the advertising realm was instrumental in realizing their dream of establishing a photography academy. Notably, among LLA’s alumni is an Oscar-winning professional recognized for her work on the documentary film The Elephant Whisperers.
Today, Light & Life Academy combines contemporary teaching methods with traditional Gurukul values, providing students with a deep understanding of photography as they advance through their studies.
A Comprehensive, Industry-Relevant Curriculum
From its charming campus to its meticulously designed facilities, Light & Life Academy exudes passion in every aspect. The campus features 14 fully equipped studios, including a daylight studio and a 4500 square foot automobile studio, all designed to spark creativity and provide a cutting-edge learning environment.
The academy offers a range of specialized year-long courses, with admission requiring a rigorous selection process involving portfolio submissions and interviews.
- Fashion Photography: Students explore fashion evolution, create mood boards, and plan campaigns. They gain hands-on experience through live shoots with industry professionals, covering lighting techniques, model posing, and makeup artistry. The course also includes portrait photography, focusing on studio and location shoots, natural and artificial lighting, and posing techniques.
- Food & Beverage Photography: This course covers theme creation, production planning, sourcing, food styling, and both indoor and outdoor photography. Students learn through live demonstrations by industry veterans, focusing on splash photography techniques and advanced product photography, with an emphasis on how light interacts with various surfaces.
- Travel, Nature & Fine Art Photography: Students learn to capture landscapes, seascapes, and wildlife, with a focus on storytelling through visuals. The course includes research, project planning, and execution. Fine Art Photography emphasizes creative self-expression through image creation.
- Architecture & Interior Photography: This course teaches students to capture compelling images of both interior and exterior spaces, balancing natural and artificial light sources. Practical demonstrations by professional photographers help students master perspectives and styling.
Click here to learn more about the photography courses
In Tune with the Future of Photography
At LLA, each day is dedicated to fostering a passion for visual storytelling and a deep appreciation for photography. The academy remains adaptable to the evolving photography landscape, incorporating the latest trends and techniques to give students a competitive edge.
With a stellar lineup of Photography, Digital Filmmaking, and visiting faculty members, LLA attracts enthusiastic learners from across India, serving as a gateway to careers in visual communication. The academy also offers career counseling and close guidance from faculty and alumni.
Having nurtured over a thousand students—many of whom have launched successful businesses or secured prestigious roles at major brands, advertising agencies, and media outlets—LLA remains committed to its mission of student success.
Click here to discover more about the institute’s offerings, founders, and activities.
