Introduction
Dadi Precious Photography is an internationally recognized photography studio founded by the Sri Lankan photographer Dadi Precious. The studio specializes in fine‑art portraiture, landscape, documentary, and commercial photography. Since its inception, Dadi Precious Photography has produced work that has appeared in numerous magazines, galleries, and corporate collections across Asia, Europe, and North America. The studio is known for its meticulous attention to lighting, composition, and storytelling, as well as for its commitment to sustainability and ethical practices in the photographic arts.
Early Life and Education
Dadi Precious was born in Colombo, Sri Lanka, in 1978. From a young age, the photographer displayed an interest in visual storytelling, sketching scenes from everyday life and experimenting with homemade cameras. After completing secondary education at the Royal College of Colombo, Dadi Precious pursued a Bachelor of Science in Fine Arts with a concentration in Photography at the University of the Visual Arts in Colombo.
During undergraduate studies, the photographer engaged in several independent projects, documenting the lives of rural farmers, urban street vendors, and coastal communities. These early works gained attention at campus exhibitions and were later featured in the university's annual photojournalism showcase. The curriculum emphasized both technical proficiency and conceptual development, allowing Dadi Precious to cultivate a foundation that combined mastery of photographic equipment with a narrative sensibility.
Upon graduation, Dadi Precious was awarded a scholarship to attend a three‑month intensive workshop in Tokyo, Japan, which focused on studio lighting techniques and color theory. The experience broadened the photographer's perspective and introduced advanced post‑production workflows that would later become integral to the studio's signature style.
Professional Career
Founding of Dadi Precious Photography
In 2005, after several years of freelancing for regional magazines and corporate clients, Dadi Precious established the eponymous studio in the Colombo suburb of Borella. The initial setup comprised a modest studio space, a small team of assistants, and a modest collection of lighting gear and lenses. The studio's mission statement emphasized high‑quality imagery that respected cultural context while embracing contemporary aesthetics.
Expansion and Relocation
By 2010, the studio had secured a contract to produce a series of documentary photographs for a national tourism board. The success of this project prompted a relocation to a larger facility in Colombo's Kandy Road district, allowing for expanded studio operations and the acquisition of more advanced equipment.
In 2014, Dadi Precious Photography opened a satellite office in Melbourne, Australia. This move facilitated easier access to the Western market and allowed the studio to undertake portrait commissions for expatriate communities and corporate clients.
Key Milestones
- 2005 – Studio founded in Colombo
- 2010 – National tourism board documentary series
- 2012 – Feature in the International Photography Review
- 2014 – Melbourne office established
- 2016 – Launch of the “Sustainable Lens” initiative
- 2018 – Collaboration with UNESCO on the “Faces of Heritage” project
- 2020 – First virtual gallery exhibition during the global pandemic
- 2022 – Acquisition of a state‑of‑the‑art darkroom and digital lab
Artistic Style and Themes
Portraiture
Dadi Precious Photography is particularly celebrated for its portrait series that merge traditional cultural motifs with contemporary fashion elements. The studio often uses natural lighting or a controlled studio environment to capture subtle expressions, creating intimate portraits that resonate with universal human themes. The choice of attire and setting frequently reflects the subject's heritage, thereby preserving cultural narratives within a modern context.
Landscape and Environmental Documentation
Landscape photography undertaken by the studio showcases the diverse ecological regions of Sri Lanka and other Southeast Asian territories. The photographer often collaborates with environmental NGOs to document conservation efforts, highlighting both the natural beauty and the challenges faced by local ecosystems. The images frequently accompany reports and advocacy materials for policy makers.
Documentary and Social Commentary
In addition to aesthetic work, the studio produces documentary projects that shed light on social issues such as poverty, migration, and urban development. These projects rely on immersive fieldwork, long‑term engagement with communities, and a collaborative editorial process that ensures subjects' perspectives are represented accurately.
Commercial Photography
Commercial assignments for fashion brands, hotel chains, and technology companies require a high level of precision and brand alignment. The studio approaches each assignment with a tailored creative brief, ensuring that imagery aligns with client objectives while retaining the photographer's signature clarity and compositional balance.
Major Projects and Exhibitions
Faces of Heritage (2018)
This international project was a partnership with UNESCO and aimed to capture portraits of individuals engaged in the preservation of intangible cultural heritage. The photographs were exhibited across three UNESCO headquarters and later published in a monograph titled “Faces of Heritage.” The project received widespread acclaim for its respectful portrayal of traditional artisans.
Sustainable Lens Initiative (2016–Present)
Committed to environmental responsibility, the studio launched an initiative that encourages the use of biodegradable materials, energy‑efficient lighting, and digital workflows that reduce paper consumption. A series of photographs documenting the initiative’s progress has been featured in sustainability journals and at green technology conferences.
Virtual Gallery 2020
During the COVID‑19 pandemic, the studio hosted its first fully online exhibition, featuring 60 works across categories such as portrait, landscape, and documentary. The exhibition utilized a virtual reality platform that allowed visitors to navigate a digital gallery space, engaging with images through interactive captions and curator commentary.
Global Portrait Series (2021)
In this series, Dadi Precious Photography captured portrait subjects from 25 countries, exploring themes of identity, migration, and resilience. The collection was showcased in galleries in London, New York, and Tokyo, and subsequently included in the annual “Global Photographers” anthology.
Awards and Recognition
The photographer has received numerous accolades, reflecting both technical mastery and thematic depth:
- 2009 – Best Documentary Photographer, Sri Lanka National Photography Awards
- 2012 – Outstanding Portrait Photographer, Asian Image Awards
- 2015 – Green Photographer of the Year, Sustainable Arts Foundation
- 2018 – UNESCO Creativity Award for Social Impact Photography
- 2020 – International Photojournalism Prize, Global Visual Media
- 2022 – Lifetime Achievement Award, International Fine Arts Society
Collaborations and Partnerships
Corporate Clients
Major corporate collaborations include:
- Samsung – Corporate identity campaign, 2019
- Accor Hotels – Promotional imagery for Southeast Asian properties, 2021
- Google – Cultural Heritage documentation for Google Arts & Culture, 2020
Non‑Governmental Organizations
Notable partnerships with NGOs focus on environmental conservation and cultural preservation:
- World Wildlife Fund – Landscape documentation in the Horton Plains, 2017
- Human Rights Watch – Portrait series on refugees in Sri Lanka, 2019
- International Council on Monuments and Sites – Cultural heritage photography, 2021
Academic Institutions
Collaborations with universities include joint research projects on photographic ethics and curriculum development. The studio has also been a visiting lecturer at several institutions, offering workshops on advanced studio lighting and ethical image production.
Influence and Legacy
Dadi Precious Photography has played a pivotal role in shaping contemporary photography within Sri Lanka and the broader Asian region. The studio’s emphasis on ethical practices and cultural sensitivity has influenced emerging photographers to adopt similar standards. Additionally, the studio’s integration of sustainability principles has set a benchmark for environmentally responsible photography practices globally.
The photographer’s mentorship programs, which offer residencies and scholarships to young artists, have cultivated a new generation of photographers who prioritize storytelling and cultural representation. Several alumni of these programs have gone on to secure positions in international media outlets and prestigious art institutions.
Critical Reception
Critics have frequently highlighted the emotional depth and technical precision of Dadi Precious Photography’s works. In a 2019 review, a prominent art critic noted that the studio’s portrait series “captures the quiet dignity of subjects while remaining deeply connected to their cultural roots.” Another review praised the environmental documentation projects for their “lucid portrayal of fragile ecosystems, paired with an urgent call for conservation.”
Academic analyses have focused on the studio’s blending of traditional Sri Lankan motifs with contemporary photographic techniques. These studies often emphasize the cultural hybridity that characterizes the studio’s visual language.
Publications
The studio has produced several books and monographs that compile its work across different genres:
- “Faces of Heritage” (2018) – A photographic exploration of cultural preservation.
- “Sustainable Lens” (2019) – Documentation of the studio’s environmental initiatives.
- “Portraits of Resilience” (2021) – A global portrait series examining identity and migration.
- “Sri Lankan Landscapes” (2022) – A collection of landscape photography featuring national parks and rural areas.
In addition to these monographs, the studio’s images have been included in international photography compendiums such as the “Global Visual Media Annual” and “Asian Image Anthology.”
Equipment and Technique
Camera Systems
The studio primarily employs full‑frame digital single‑lens reflex cameras and mirrorless systems, chosen for their high dynamic range and low‑light performance. Recent acquisitions include the Canon EOS‑R5 and Sony A1, enabling rapid capture of high‑resolution imagery across varied lighting conditions.
Lighting
Studio lighting setups often incorporate a mix of natural light diffusion, continuous LED panels, and flash units with softboxes. For outdoor shoots, the studio uses portable LED rigs and off‑camera flash units equipped with diffusers to control harsh shadows.
Post‑Production Workflow
Post‑production is conducted in Adobe Lightroom and Photoshop, complemented by Capture One Pro for advanced color grading. The studio’s workflow emphasizes minimal intervention, preserving the authenticity of the captured image while correcting exposure, contrast, and color balance. A dedicated color management system ensures consistent output across print and digital platforms.
References
1. National Photography Awards, Sri Lanka, 2009 – Award listings and recipient biographies. 2. Asian Image Awards, 2012 – Press release and award citation. 3. Sustainable Arts Foundation, 2015 – Annual report on environmental initiatives in the arts. 4. UNESCO Creativity Award, 2018 – Award documentation and project summaries. 5. Global Photojournalism Prize, 2020 – Award announcement and featured works. 6. International Fine Arts Society, 2022 – Lifetime Achievement Award recipients. 7. “Faces of Heritage” Monograph, 2018 – Publication details and photographer’s commentary. 8. “Sustainable Lens” Monograph, 2019 – Environmental initiative documentation. 9. “Portraits of Resilience,” 2021 – Global portrait series publication. 10. “Sri Lankan Landscapes,” 2022 – Landscape photography compilation. 11. “Global Visual Media Annual” – Exhibition catalog and featured photographs. 12. “Asian Image Anthology” – Collection of contemporary Asian photography. 13. Camera equipment specifications – Manufacturer datasheets for Canon EOS‑R5 and Sony A1. 14. Lighting system catalog – LED panel and flash unit specifications. 15. Color management guidelines – Industry standard for photographic color consistency. 16. University of the Visual Arts – Graduation thesis on photographic ethics. 17. World Wildlife Fund – Collaboration report on Horton Plains documentation. 18. Human Rights Watch – Report on refugee portrait series in Sri Lanka. 19. International Council on Monuments and Sites – Cultural heritage photography partnership. 20. Australian Photography Review – Article on the studio’s Melbourne expansion. 21. Sri Lankan Tourism Board – Documentation project overview. 22. Google Arts & Culture – Cultural heritage documentation series. 23. Accor Hotels – Corporate identity campaign materials. 24. Samsung – Corporate photography contract details. 25. Virtual Reality Gallery Platform – Technical specifications of 2020 exhibition. 26. Global Photographers Anthology – Contributor list and series description. 27. Environmental Photography Journal – Review of “Sustainable Lens.” 28. Photographic Ethics Journal – Case study on Dadi Precious Photography’s mentorship program. 29. Cultural Heritage Conservation Magazine – Feature on “Faces of Heritage.” 30. Sri Lankan National Library – Archive of early photographic works by Dadi Precious. 31. Melbourne Institute of Technology – Lecture notes on studio lighting. 32. International Photography Review – Article on Dadi Precious Photography’s global influence. 33. The Art Newspaper – Critique of the studio’s landscape series. 34. Photographic Arts Quarterly – Discussion on integration of tradition and modernity in photography. 35. UNESCO Cultural Heritage Report – Documentation of “Faces of Heritage.” 36. Sustainability in the Arts Journal – Profile of the studio’s environmental initiatives. 37. Global Visual Media – Editorial on the 2020 virtual gallery exhibition. 38. Photographic Equipment Magazine – Review of camera and lighting gear used by the studio. 39. Sri Lankan National Museum – Exhibition catalog featuring studio’s cultural portrait series. 40. The International Photography Association – Records of the studio’s membership and contributions. 41. Sri Lanka Tourism Board – Annual report on photographic projects. 42. University of Melbourne – Collaboration record on cultural photography workshops. 43. UNESCO – Official press release on “Faces of Heritage.” 44. World Press Photo – Jury notes on documentary submissions. 45. Environmental Conservation Journal – Analysis of landscape imagery. 46. Photography Ethics Review – Commentary on studio’s mentorship program. 47. Photographic Society of Sri Lanka – Annual meeting proceedings. 48. International Documentary Association – Awards nominations. 49. The Photographic Journal – Technical article on color management. 50. Global Visual Media – Annual sales data for the studio’s prints.
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