About Prof. S. K. Rahman
"Professor Shaik Khaleel-ur-Rahman (1966-2021) was a pioneering photographer, educator, and visionary who shaped the landscape of photography education in India."
Early Life
Born on March 23, 1966, in Rantachintala, Guntur district, Professor Shaik Khaleel-ur-Rahman spent his formative years in his village, where he developed a deep love for nature and rural surroundings. His father, Abdul Rahman, served as a Senior Accounts Officer in the A.G.'s Office, Hyderabad. The family's move from their peaceful rural setting to the bustling city of Hyderabad marked a significant transition in young Rahman's life.
During his teenage years, his father would give him 10 rupees on Sundays to watch movies independently, fostering a love for visual storytelling through films like Bruce Lee, James Bond, and Indiana Jones. This early exposure to cinema would later influence his photographic style and storytelling approach.
Education and Early Career
After completing his Intermediate education in MPC (Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry), Rahman chose to diverge from conventional paths, pursuing photography at JNTU College of Fine Arts. This decision, though initially shocking to his family, would prove transformative.
Educational Milestones
- Diploma in Photography from JNTU College of Fine Arts (1983-1985)
- Bachelor of Commerce from Osmania University (1986-1989)
- Master's in Journalism and Mass Communication from Madurai Kamaraj University (2000)
- Master of Fine Arts in Photography from JNAFAU (2008-2010)
Professional Journey
Professor Rahman's career began with diverse roles including assistant cameraman at Chaitanya Movies, photo lab printer at Raja Deen Dayal & Sons, and freelance fashion photographer for Impulse Advertising Agency. In 1992, he joined JNTU College of Fine Arts as a Lecturer, marking the beginning of his academic career.
Key Academic Positions
- Director of Academic and Planning
- Registrar of JNAFAU
- Controller of Examinations
Departmental Roles
- Head of the Photography Department
- Special Officer for University Hostel
- Board of Studies Member
Photographic Journey
Coming from the tradition of small-format Analog Photography, Professor Rahman mastered black & white film processing and darkroom techniques. When digital technology emerged in the early 1990s, he embraced the change, starting with the Sony Mavica Floppy Disk storage camera.
Throughout his career, he developed expertise across multiple photography disciplines. His fine art photography explored abstract forms and textures, while his documentary work captured the essence of everyday life across India. His landscape photography revealed his deep connection with nature, while his architectural work preserved heritage structures for future generations.
Areas of Specialization
Fine Art
Abstract compositions exploring form and texture
Documentary
Street life and cultural documentation
Landscape
Natural vistas and environmental studies
Architecture
Heritage structures and sacred spaces
Advertising
Commercial and product photography
Macro
Detailed studies of miniature subjects
Exhibitions and Recognition
Notable Exhibitions
- "Deccan Rock Forms" - Group Exhibition in Kolkata (2000)
- "Nukkad" - Solo Exhibition on Street Life of Calcutta (2001)
- "Heritage Structures of Hyderabad" - Solo Exhibition (2006)
- "Colors of Rajasthan" - Group Exhibition (2015)
Awards and Recognition
- State Best Teacher Award from the Government of Andhra Pradesh (2012)
- Young Teacher Award (BOLT) from Singapore Tourism Board & Air India
- PESGCPC Grand Progress Award from PASCAL and GREEK School Photographic Club Cyprus (2019)
International Experience
Professor Rahman conducted photography projects and workshops across multiple countries, bringing his expertise to international audiences and enriching his own work through global perspectives:
United Kingdom
Visited Swansea Metropolitan University (2010) for academic collaboration and knowledge exchange
Sri Lanka
Conducted workshops on Temple Architecture & Travel Photography, focusing on the cultural heritage of the island
Thailand
Led workshops on Landscape & Travel Photography highlighting the techniques for capturing tropical landscapes
Nepal
Documented ancient temples and mountain landscapes (2013), creating a visual archive of religious architecture
Saudi Arabia
Conducted urban landscape photography project (2015) focusing on the contrast between traditional and modern architecture
Legacy and Impact
Throughout his career, Professor Rahman mentored numerous successful photographers and filmmakers. His students have excelled in various fields including Film Making, Advertising, Television, Sports Photography, and Education.
Notable Alumni
Professor Shaik Khaleel-ur-Rahman passed away on May 25, 2021, leaving behind a rich legacy of photographic work, educational contributions, and a lasting impact on the field of photography education in India. His work continues to inspire new generations of photographers and visual artists.