From the Lens, With Care: In Conversation with Ajay Menon, Photographer, Film Director & Founder

In a world where 10-second visual storytelling is picking up pace, Ajay Menon’s work asks you to pause a minute. A photographer and cinematographer known for evocative frames that celebrate Kerala’s cultural depth and the fragile dance between people and their landscapes, Menon approaches storytelling with a rare sincerity.

Whether he’s capturing a forgotten ritual, the glance of a tribal elder, or the hushed beauty of rain on red soil, his images are steeped in patience, respect, and emotional truth.

“For me, Kerala isn’t just a backdrop. It’s home. When I shoot, I’m not just documenting what I see, I’m capturing what I feel. I spend time with the people, walk through the villages, wait for the light to hit the walls just right… It’s these small, honest moments that make the story real. I just let the place breathe through the frame. That’s how I stay true to its soul while still creating visuals that pull the viewer in.”

Your photography often emphasises the interplay between humans and their environment. Can you share an instance where this relationship had a profound impact on your work?​

While shooting the Betta Kuruba tribe in Kabini, I had a conversation with one of the senior members that left a lasting impact on me. 

He said, ‘We’re always happy because our needs are simple.’ That single line shifted something in me. It made me realise how deeply connected they were to their land, rhythm, and values. Since then, I’ve tried to approach my work and life with the same simplicity and intention. 

That moment reminded me that true storytelling isn’t just about grand visuals, but also about quiet truths that echo far beyond the frame.

What role does visual storytelling play in promoting environmental consciousness and cultural preservation?

I believe visual storytelling has the power to make people feel, really feel, what’s at stake. When I frame a misty forest, a fading ritual, or a way of life that’s slowly disappearing, it’s not just to create something beautiful. It’s to remind people of what we’re losing, or what we still have a chance to protect.

Images can go where words can’t-they stay with you, they move you. For me, it’s about using the camera not just as a tool to capture, but as a way to care, to preserve, and hopefully, to inspire action before it’s too late.

With the rise of digital media, how do you maintain the depth and integrity of traditional storytelling in your photographic narratives?​

For me, traditional storytelling is about emotional honesty- something I always try to hold onto, even in the world of digital media. I focus on the smaller details, like textures of a wall in an old Kerala house, the glance between two strangers, the quiet in a storm. These are the elements that carry depth.

I also take time with each frame, resisting the urge to create just for algorithms, and instead trusting that a story told sincerely will always connect with someone.

Ajay Menon had the honour of documenting the dying art form of Arjuna Nirthyam. There, he met an artist named Nadeshan. Nadesan was perhaps the last man who’d ever perform this sacred Nirthyam of Kerala. Despite facing immense personal struggles and barely making ends meet, he had taken it upon himself to revive this ancient tradition. 

“What moved me most was that he continued teaching it to students, completely free of cost. His quiet dedication and selflessness inspired me deeply. Collaborating with him wasn’t just about capturing a fading performance; it became a story of resilience, legacy, and devotion. That experience reminded me of the responsibility we carry as storytellers - to amplify voices that might otherwise go unheard.”

How do you navigate the challenges of representing cultural rituals and practices respectfully and accurately through your lens?

For me, it starts with humility. When I photograph cultural rituals, I remind myself I’m a guest in someone else’s sacred space. I take time to understand the meaning behind the practice-often by speaking to elders or locals before I even raise the camera. 

I try to let the atmosphere and emotions speak for themselves. Respect also means knowing when not to shoot. Some moments are meant to be witnessed, not captured. That balance is what helps me stay honest to the culture and its story.

In what ways has your background in cinematography influenced your photographic storytelling techniques?

Cinematography taught me to see stories in motion—even within a single frame. When I compose a photograph, I think in sequences, in rhythm and pacing. I pay close attention to light and shadow, just like I would on a film set, to build mood and emotion.

It’s not just about capturing a moment, but hinting at what came before and what might come next. That cinematic mindset gives my photography a sense of depth and narrative flow.

What advice would you give to emerging photographers aiming to create impactful narratives that resonate with both local and global audiences?

Start by telling the stories closest to you - what you know, feel, and see around you. Authenticity always translates, no matter who your audience is. Spend time observing, listening, and connecting with your subjects. Don’t rush the process.

And remember, it’s not about having the best gear-it’s about having intention. If your work comes from a place of honesty and empathy, it will resonate beyond borders. Let your roots shape your voice - that’s what makes your narrative stand out in a world full of noise

Ajay Menon is a Kerala-based photographer and cinematographer known for his evocative visual storytelling. His work spans travel documentaries, commercials, and feature films.

He is also the founder of Papaya Films and Café Papaya, has been a brand ambassador for VIVO smartphones for over five years & debuted as Director of Photography for “Halal Love Story.” He has also worked with Discovery Channel and National Geographic.