ABOUT
I’m Karthick Raj ST — a cinematographer driven by instinct, emotion, and a deep love for visual storytelling. I hold a Master’s degree in Visual Communication from Loyola College, with formal cinematography training from Mindscreen Film Institute.
Cinematography is my language. Whether it’s feature films, documentaries, or commercials, I strive to uncover the emotional truth behind every frame.
Vision & Approach
My approach to cinematography is rooted in emotion, instinct, and strong visual design. I strive to capture the soul of a story, embracing bold visual choices and pushing boundaries. This is evident in my debut feature Unfateful, shot entirely on an iPhone 7 Plus with anamorphic lenses. The project became a breakthrough, screening at SmartFone Flick Fest, Lift-Off Global Network, and Cine Pobre Film Festival, before releasing on Plex TV and Amazon Prime USA.
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But my exploration didn’t stop there. In the feature film Drive, I combined naturalistic lighting with rich textures to reflect the psychological weight of the narrative. For the Fujifilm-backed documentary Harmony with Nature, I crafted immersive visuals amid the dense forests of the Andamans.
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As a Certified Drone Operator (DGCA License), I bring a dynamic sense of movement and scale — from soaring aerials over the Himalayas to filming just beneath the waves along the Andaman shores. This blend of technical versatility and emotional intuition defines my visual identity.
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Mentored by Charlie Lieberman ASC through the ASC Vision Mentorship Program, I’ve grown to see the camera not just as a recording tool, but as a participant in performance — revealing truth through light, space, and rhythm.
Color Training & Grading Expertise​​
David Briggs’ The Dimensions of Colour:​​​
I had the privilege of studying under David Briggs — a world-renowned color theorist and lecturer at the National Art School in Sydney — through his transformative course. This deep dive into color perception, hue interaction, and visual psychology reshaped how I craft emotion, rhythm, and mood in my storytelling​
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Darren Mostyn’s Colour Grading Masterclass:​​
I honed my color grading expertise through Darren Mostyn’s Colour Grading Masterclass — an immersive workshop that sharpened my ability to sculpt tone, contrast, and emotion, elevating each project from initial concept to cinematic pixel perfection.
Projects & Collaborations
🎬 Feature Films
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Cinematographer – Drive (Dir. Kishore Kumar G) ( In Post Production)
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Cinematographer – Unfateful (Dir. Seby Varghese, Plex TV, Amazon Prime)
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Camera Operator – Kadhalikka Neramillai (Dir. Kiruthiga Udhayanidhi | DoP Gavemic Ary)
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Camera Operator – Erida (Dir. V. K. Prakash | DoP Loganathan Srinivasan)
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Camera Operator – Pattathu Arasan (Dir. A. Sarkunam | DoP Loganathan Srinivasan)
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📺 Commercials & Ad Films
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Cinematographer – K P Namboodiris, Arokya (Dir. Latha Menon), Hatsun, AVT, Freez Mix
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2nd Unit Cinematographer – Parachute (Dir. Rajiv Menon)
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Associate Photographer (with Joseph M Daniel) – GRT, TVS, Sri Kumaran Silks, Ceat Tyres
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Associate Photographer (with Joseph M Daniel) – Film Posters – Thambi and Sardar​​
📸 Documentaries & Photography
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Cinematographer – Harmony with Nature (Fuji Film Grant-winning doc, Andaman portion)
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Cinematographer – Invisible Banks (Documentary on Rohingya people)
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Photojournalist Intern – The Hindu & Deccan Chronicle​
Training & Certifications
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Arri Certified – Large-format camera & prime lens training
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Shane Hurlbut Workshops – Cinematography & lighting mastery
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Optics Expertise – "The Secrets of Optics" (Abel Cine)
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Certified Drone Operator – Aerial cinematography & remote rigging
Awards & Recognition
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Bronze – Spikes Asia 2019 (Touch Me Not NGO Ad)
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Published Photographer – Featured in the 2015 German Calendar on sustainable mobility
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