Archive · 16 Nov 2025
Hyderabad's Indian Photo Festival: A Decade of Free, Accessible Photography
Imagine a big party for people who love taking pictures!
A man named Aquin Matthews started this party, called the Indian Photo Festival, ten years ago because he saw that many talented photographers in India didn't have a good place to show their work or connect with others.
He wanted to make it a free and welcoming event for everyone.
Now, it's one of the biggest photo parties in South Asia, showing pictures from all over the world.
Every year in November, the city of Hyderabad becomes like a giant art gallery with photos on display everywhere.
The festival focuses on important topics like climate change and identity.
It also teaches people about old ways of making photos, like using darkrooms.
The goal is to help people feel more connected to the world through powerful stories told in pictures, and for photographers to learn and grow.
The Indian Photo Festival (IPF), founded by Aquin Matthews a decade ago, is India's longest-running international photography festival.
IPF aims to create an accessible, free cultural space for photographers to exhibit, connect, and receive critical discussion.
The festival showcases work from over 65 countries, featuring both renowned and emerging global and Indian photographers.
Exhibitions cover diverse themes such as climate change, conflict, identity, and resilience, transforming Hyderabad into a city of images.
IPF offers free workshops, portfolio reviews, and grants, prioritizing accessibility and artistic integrity while facing fundraising challenges.
- Who
- Photographer and curator Aquin Matthews and the Indian Photo Festival (IPF)
- What
- The Indian Photo Festival (IPF), India's longest-running international photography festival, has completed a decade, aiming to provide an accessible platform for photographers and to use photography to foster dialogue and critical engagement.
- When
- The festival was started a decade ago and the current edition runs from November 20 to January 4.
- Where
- Hyderabad, India, with exhibitions in galleries, public spaces, and metro stations.
- Why
- To address the lack of institutional platforms for photographers in India, provide visibility and opportunity for emerging artists, and use photography to start conversations, challenge perspectives, and build empathy.
- Founder
- Aquin Matthews
- Festival Name
- Indian Photo Festival (IPF)
- Established
- A decade ago
- Current Edition Dates
- November 20 to January 4
- Key Locations
- State Art Gallery and other locations in Hyderabad
- Exhibiting Countries
- Over 65