Meet the Photographer

Hey, my name is Raghul Shanmuganathan

Hi, I’m Raghul. I am a photographer based in the Öresund region (Malmö/CPH) with an obsession for cinematic visuals. I work in tech full-time and am currently following my artistic passion more seriously.


My background in photography didn't start in a pristine, perfectly lit studio. It started out in the wild, capturing unpredictable wildlife, harsh Nordic landscapes, casual portraits for friends, and bold architecture. That foundation taught me how to read natural light and find beauty in deep shadows.


Today, I bring that same dramatic, atmospheric style to human subjects. I don’t shoot light, airy, pastel photos. I shoot moody, high-contrast images that feel like a movie. When I am not behind the camera, you can usually find me building in the tech world or planning my next conceptual shoot.

Get in touch

The Muse: Kristófer Andersen

TBD

Kristófer Andersen

Muse

 

The Core Vision

 

 

​This shoot is all about capturing an authentic, confident "street style" aesthetic in the heart of the city. We want to keep the vibe simple and natural, but ensure you stand out cleanly from the bustling background. The focus is on movement, urban textures, and relaxed masculinity.

 

The Color Palette

 

  • Deep Maroon & Leather Textures: The rich tone of your maroon leather jacket acts as our striking centerpiece color.


  • ​Urban Neutrals: Crisp whites, soft beiges, and classic denim blues to balance the boldness of the leather.



  • ​City Backdrop: The natural grays, brick reds, and muted tones of Malmö's streets and squares.

 

Wardrobe & Styling

Since we are dealing with chilly weather, layering is key. Here are the distinct combinations we can work with from what you've shared:


  • ​Look 1 (The Elevated Casual): Maroon leather jacket, crisp white collared shirt, and the light beige trousers.


  • ​Look 2 (The City Classic): Maroon leather jacket over the dark textured sweater/shirt, paired with blue jeans.


  • Look 3 (The Sharp Twist): Maroon leather jacket, white shirt, blue jeans, and adding the purple tie for a fun, standout element.



Locations & Environment

  • The Meeting Point: A cafe near Friisgatan or Gustav Adolfs torg to grab a coffee, sign the quick GDPR paperwork, and talk through the final ideas.


  • ​The Streets: We will use busy, interesting thoroughfares like Friisgatan, Södra Förstadsgatan, Drottninggatan, or Lilla torg to get that authentic "walking through the crowd" aesthetic.

The Cinematic Shots (What to Expect)

  • The Commute: Action shots of you walking confidently toward the camera, using a slightly longer lens to compress the busy background behind you.
  • ​The Cafe Candid: Relaxed, documentary-style shots while we review the plan at the cafe.
  • ​The Urban Lean: Utilizing the architecture of Malmö, leaning against brick walls or modern glass storefronts to contrast with the vintage feel of the leather jacket.
  • The Crosswalk Prowl: A dynamic, low-angle shot of you striding confidently across a Malmö intersection. We will use a wide aperture (f/1.4) to blur the passing cars, bikes, and pedestrians, making you the undeniable focal point of the bustling street.
  • ​The Detail Cutaway: Tight, editorial close-ups focusing purely on the texture of the maroon leather, the layered collar of your shirt, and your hands adjusting your cuffs or jacket zipper. This breaks up the gallery and adds a high-end fashion magazine feel.
  • ​The Window Reflection: Shooting from the outside looking in (or vice versa) through the glass of a coffee shop or storefront. We will catch the reflection of the city streets and architecture overlaid softly across your silhouette for a moody, artistic portrait.
The gear & why

Camera Body: Canon EOS M50 Mark II


This compact mirrorless body is the perfect tool for urban street photography. Because it is small and unobtrusive, it allows us to shoot in busy areas like Friisgatan or Gustav Adolfs torg without drawing a crowd or feeling like a heavy, intimidating commercial film set. It keeps the vibe fast, candid, and relaxed.


Primary Lens: Sigma 30mm f/1.4


This is our core storytelling lens. The massive f/1.4 aperture is the secret ingredient for that "cinematic" look—it creates a beautifully blurred background (bokeh) that instantly separates you from the busy city behind you. It ensures the maroon leather jacket and your expressions are the undeniable focal point of every shot.


Portrait Lens: Canon 50mm


On my camera system, this acts as a short telephoto lens. I will swap to this specifically for the tighter, editorial "Detail Cutaways" and the "Window Reflection" concepts. It compresses the background, visually pulling the Malmö architecture closer behind you while capturing the rich textures of your outfit with tack-sharp precision.

Practical Details & Checklist

When & Where?

  • Date: March 1st
  • ​Time: 14:30
  • ​Location: Meeting near Friisgatan / Gustav Adolfs torg in Malmö.

What I am bringing (Raghul)?

  • ​My camera gear suited for urban portraiture.
  • ​The standard TFP/GDPR contract sent to your email (Andersen19@gamail.com) for a quick digital signature.


What you are bringing (Kristofer)?

  • Your chosen outfit(s) centered around the maroon leather jacket.
  • ​If you want to shoot multiple looks, feel free to bring an extra layer (like the black sweater or purple tie) to easily swap out without freezing!
  • If you have any useful props like sun glasses, cool hats, umbrella etc.

How long does it take to get our photos?

For a shoot like this, I’d say roughly 1.5 to 2 hours is the sweet spot. That gives us plenty of time to be creative and try different angles without feeling rushed.