About Us

ABOUT

Madhu Gopal Rao is a renowned and award-winning professional photographer based in Hyderabad, with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Photography and over 20 years of experience. His work spans across India and overseas, where he collaborates with individuals, institutions, and brands to create compelling visual narratives that blend artistry, precision, and storytelling.

His expertise covers architecture, advertising, industrial, schools & colleges, hospitality, real estate, weddings, and 360° interactive virtual tours. For Madhu, every project is a unique opportunity to explore the fusion of art and functionality, while showcasing the ingenuity and vision of each subject. With a fine arts background, he brings a distinctive eye for composition, lighting, and details, ensuring his images are both visually striking and deeply meaningful.

Throughout his career, Madhu has successfully bridged the worlds of art and commerce. His photography goes beyond documentation, serving as a powerful tool for branding, promotion, and identity building. From capturing architectural marvels to creating immersive 360° experiences, his work continues to push boundaries, staying innovative, relevant, and impactful.

What distinguishes Madhu is his commitment to artistry with purpose. He believes photography is about interpretation, elevation, and inspiration, transforming spaces, stories, and moments into visuals that resonate. Whether working on a brand campaign, an industrial profile, an academic institution, or a wedding celebration, he approaches every assignment with sensitivity, precision, and vision.

At the core of his practice is a philosophy that guides all his work: to transform fleeting moments into enduring visuals that define, connect, and inspire.

Honors & Distinctions

  • 2007 – Honored with Associateship of Royal Photographic Society, London, Great Britain

Grants & Fellowships

  • 2023 – 2024 Interglobe Heritage Fellowship for Documenting Jatharas of Telangana.
  • 2017 – 2019 Senior Fellowship for Outstanding Persons in the Field of Culture, Ministry of Culture, Government of India
  • 2018 – Sahapedia Frames Photography Grant, India

Solo Exhibitions

  • 2025 – Metamorphosis, Jehangir Art Gallery, Mumbai
  • 2023 – Solo Photo Exhibition & Talk, Kalakriti Art Gallery, Hyderabad
  • 2010 – Lalit Kala Akademi, New Delhi, India
  • 2010 – National Center for Performing Arts, Mumbai, India
  • 2009 – Poetry in Stone, Icon Art Gallery, Hyderabad
  • 2008 – Vijayanagara, Art Heritage Gallery, New Delhi
  • 2007 – Araku Valley, Alankritha Art Gallery, Hyderabad

Group Exhibitions

  • 2011 – Salar Jung Museum, Hyderabad
  • 2010 – Worldwide Gala Awards Exhibition
  • 2009 – Humanity Photo Awards, China
  • 2007 – VIPC Photo Exhibition, Venice, Italy
  • 2007 – Prestigio International Photo Exhibition
  • 2007 – All India Photography Exhibition, AP State Academy of Photography, Hyderabad
  • 2006 – Humanity Photo Awards, China
  • 2006 – Agriculture in the City, IDRC-Canada, World Urban Forum (WUF3), Vancouver, Canada
  • 2006 – 5th Concorso Fotografico Internazionale, Italy
  • 1994 – JNTU College of Fine Arts, Hyderabad

Professional Appointments

  • 1995-1996 Lecturer in Photography, Sri Venkateshwara College of Fine Arts, Hyderabad, India

Workshops and Talks

  • 2023 – Talk on Kakatiya Architecture as part of exhibition at Kalakriti Art Gallery, Hyderabad, India
  • 2020 – 12-Week Documentary Photography Workshop by Christopher Morris, Dr. Walsh, and VII Academy
  • 2020 – Photo Talk with Sophie Wright, former Global Cultural Director of Magnum Photos, now Photography and Art Consultant

Books & Publications

  • 2018 – Ramappa Temple – The Crest Jewel of Kakatiya Art & Architecture, edited by Prof. Choodamani Nandagopal, part of India’s UNESCO nomination submission
  • 2017 – Culture@Telangana, a compilation of visual narratives of eight photographers from Telangana, published during World Telugu Conference 2017
  • 2018 – Bonalu, visual documentation of the Bonalu Festival, published by Department of Culture, Government of Telangana

Awards

  • 2016 – Silver Medal at All India Level for the Kalanand Art Contest, Prafulla Dahanukar Art Foundation, India
  • 2011- Humanity Photo Award, nomination for architecture series
  • 2009 – Humanity Photo Award, nomination for architecture series
  • 2007 – Gold Medal, Venice International Photo Contest (VIPC)
  • 2007 – Silver Medal, Venice International Photo Contest (VIPC)
  • 2007 -Special Jury Award, 2nd Prestigio International Photo Contest for “Tribal Girl”
  • 2006 – Humanity Photo Documentary Award, China, for Kakatiya Architecture series (organized by CFPA & UNESCO)
  • 2006 – Outstanding Photograph Coppa/Cup at 5th International Photo Contest on Raw Earth Architectures, Italy
  • 2006 – Semifinalist, “Agriculture in City,” IDRC Expose Urban Solutions Photo Contest, Canada
  • 1992 – Vice Chancellor Award, Annual Art Exhibition, JNTU College of Fine Arts, Hyderabad
  • 1990 – Principal Award, Annual Art Exhibition, JNTU College of Fine Arts, Hyderabad