Strugglesome stories told in fashionable frames

A riot of fluorescent colours, intricate layers of flower petals, elaborately flowing garments, demure models, enigmatic expressions and overt femininity are the common elements in the dozen pictures shot with transgender models by L Ramachandran, fashion photographer of international acclaim. Being the first Indian photographer to shoot for the Playboy magazine, Ramachandran's recent project breaks stereotypes attached to the community. “I have been contemplating over the idea for quite some time. But the real trigger happened when I read the book 'Aravani Ulagathu Athisayangal', written by Paal Suyambu. I was moved by the stories and personal accounts. It was a learning experience and I felt the need to bring out the various struggles of the sexual minority,” says Ramachandran, who has worked on the project for over three months. “Right from the conceptualisation, background, props and outfits, we built everything in real so that there's very minimal manipulation on post-production software.”

WHEN IMAGES SPEAK: The frame depicting the theme ‘Ardhanrishwara’, shot by L Ramachandran  

Shot entirely in his 2400 sq.ft studio in Chennai, Ramachandran has brought to life a fantasy world in his frames. “The challenge was to achieve a dreamy aura. The idea was to show the raw reality of their struggles while wrapping it all in a colourful package. The contrast conveys how they are torn between harsh reality and high aspirations and how the society relegates them to a helpless and hopeless situation, barring them from moving towards their goals,” he explains. The 12 frames shot under eight concepts takes one through the various stages in the life of a transgender. With four more concepts in the pipeline, the story is still evolving.

WHEN IMAGES SPEAK: The frame depicting the theme ‘Gothic’, shot by L Ramachandran  

“This is probably the first time, an entire fashion shoot is being done with transgender models,” beams Ramachandran, who hand-picked the models, nine from Chennai, two from Mumbai and one from Madurai.

WHEN IMAGES SPEAK: The frame depicting the theme ‘Hopeless soul’, shot by L Ramachandran  

“I got in touch with Thozhigal organisation that works for the community and they helped me identify potential models. Though some have minimal experience in walking the ramp, most of them are novices. They are extremely emotive with dramatic mannerisms and I could extract candid expressions from them.”

WHEN IMAGES SPEAK: One of the frames in the series, shot by L Ramachandran  

27-year-old Nazriya, a classical dancer from Chennai, has done three concepts in the project, including 'Ardhanarishwara'. She says, “This is a great platform for people of our community to exhibit their talents and voice their concerns. When I signed-up for the shoot, I was a bit scared and doubtful but the crew treated me with so much love that I synced in easily. I am excited to see the result of our efforts.”

WHEN IMAGES SPEAK: The frame depicting the theme ‘Struggle for freedom’, shot by L Ramachandran  

Mobina who has modelled for two concepts, is a 24-year-old engineering graduate, working as volunteer in Chennai-based Sahodaran organisation. She says, “I have done a couple of small modelling assignments before but this kind of a fantasy shoot was totally new. I have won transwoman beauty pageants and fashion is something that I love. I felt liberated while shooting for the project.”

WHEN IMAGES SPEAK: The frame depicting the theme ‘The mother’, shot by L Ramachandran  

“After 13 years in the field, my signature styles have evolved from fashion and glamour to nude art photography. Apart from shooting for high-end brands, fashion houses and publications, this kind of an independent project with a social angle is my way of giving back. I have also expressed the artists in me through this series, in which every frame is as good as a painting. I have invested so much thought, time, effort and money into it. Over 15 people including makeup artists, production managers and team members have worked together. I hope it inspires many transgender people to achieve big,” says Ramachandran.

CHENNAI, TAMIL NADU, 17/05/2017: Photographer and artist L. Ramachandran during an interview with The Hindu in Chennai. Photo: R. Ravindran   | Photo Credit: R_RAVINDRAN

The photo story falling under fusion photography will be exhibited at international festivals and events, says Ramachandran. “I have planned to present it at Miami next week and after that at the Boston gallery. In India, I will be exhibiting first in Mumbai and later at various cities.”

Transwoman from Madurai models for the shoot

WHEN IMAGES SPEAK: The frame depicting the theme ‘Admiration of beauty’, shot by L Ramachandran  

Among the models is 24-year-old Harini, belonging to Therkuvasal, Madurai. She has done three themes. “Being a small-town girl, I feel it's a rare opportunity that came my way. I got the call through a friend and initially, I was a bit shy and reluctant to pose for pictures. Later, I shed inhibitions and starting enjoying the process. I am also lucky to have the support and acceptance of my family. But there are thousands like me who get thrown out of home for what they are. I believe, this kind of a bold photoshoot will help bring awareness among people on transgenders,” says Harini, who studies Airport management at Aptech Aviation in T. Nagar, Chennai. She is also working as Secretary of transgender wing at Chennai Dost.