MAM
Click meets craft as OPPO Photography Awards 2025 frame India’s stories
MUMBAI: Sometimes, it only takes a phone and a feeling. That belief sat at the heart of the OPPO India Photography Awards 2025, which wrapped up its second edition by celebrating creators who transformed everyday moments into striking visual stories, one frame at a time.
Anchored in the theme Super Every Moment, the awards drew over 30,000 entries from across India, underlining the growing appetite for emotion-led smartphone photography. Powered by OPPO’s LUMO imaging system, the platform spotlighted how fleeting, ordinary scenes can be elevated into lasting narratives with the right mix of intent and technology.
From thousands of submissions, three photographers emerged as national winners. Soumyasikha Manna from West Bengal took Gold, earning Rs 5,00,000, for a quiet yet powerful portrait capturing the dignity and resilience of a specially abled tribal man. Prathamesh Ganesh Shinde of Maharashtra won Silver and Rs 2,00,000 for his elegant depiction of the traditional sport of Mallakhamb, while Shubham Keshari from Uttar Pradesh secured Bronze and Rs 1,00,000 for a richly textured visual ode to Varanasi’s timeless rhythms.
Beyond the podium, the competition widened its lens across nine categories, from Super Snap and Super Youth to Super Culture and Super Environs. Forty photographers progressed to the second round, shooting exclusively on the OPPO Find X8 Pro, a real-world test of how flagship mobile imaging performs when placed in creative hands.
The jury brought together industry heavyweights, including renowned photographer Joseph Radhik and Vikram Channa, who assessed entries on both technical finesse and emotional resonance. Their verdict was clear: the strongest images were those rooted in lived experience and local nuance.
Category winners reflected the diversity of Indian storytelling, with photographers from West Bengal, Madhya Pradesh, Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Himachal Pradesh recognised. Each category winner will receive OPPO’s latest flagship device from the Find X9 series, extending the brand’s push to nurture emerging talent.
OPPO India head of product and digital marketing Sushant Vashistha said the awards are built on a simple idea, technology should deepen expression, not overshadow it. That sentiment was echoed by Joseph Radhik, who noted that the most memorable images were those where intent and innovation worked in quiet harmony.
Indian talent also made its mark globally. The international edition of the OPPO Photography Awards 2025 attracted nearly 2 million entries from 87 countries, the largest response in the contest’s history. Two Indian photographers were honoured with regional awards for works captured on the Find X8 Pro, carrying Indian stories to a worldwide stage.
At the centre of it all is OPPO’s LUMO Imaging System, blending advanced hardware with AI-driven computational photography to deliver richer tones, nuanced light and cinematic depth. The result is mobile photography that feels less like a shortcut and more like a serious storytelling tool.
In an age of endless scrolling, the OPPO Photography Awards 2025 served as a reminder, when observation meets intention, even the smallest moment can command attention and linger long after the screen goes dark.
Starting a business is one of the most financially demanding transitions a person can make. In the early months, expenses are immediate and often unpredictable, while revenue streams may take time to stabilise. For first-time entrepreneurs, securing small business loans can feel like a paradox: lenders expect a clean financial track-record before approving a loan, but the business cannot establish that track record without funding. Understanding the start-up lending environment in India and knowing the realistic funding options make this process far less daunting, allowing entrepreneurs to plan strategically.
Why Traditional Business Loans Are Harder for Start-ups
Most financial institutions require a minimum business vintage of 2 to 3 years before approving a term loan. This is because the first two years of operations carry the highest risk of failure. For start-ups less than 12 months old, traditional loan options are limited, and lenders often ask for substantial collateral to mitigate risk.
The vintage requirement is not arbitrary. Businesses that have survived their first two operating cycles demonstrate market viability, which significantly lowers the lender’s risk. Until this milestone is reached, entrepreneurs often rely on bootstrapping, personal savings, or alternative financing to build a stable business foundation. Understanding this reality helps first-time entrepreneurs set practical expectations when seeking funding.
Government-Linked Schemes for Startups
India offers several government-backed schemes to support first-time entrepreneurs. One such scheme is the Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana (PMMY), which provides collateral-free loans for micro and small enterprises in three categories:
● Shishu: up to Rs. 50,000
● Kishore: Rs. 50,000 to Rs. 5 lakh
● Tarun: Rs. 5 lakh to Rs. 10 lakh
These loans are available through eligible lending institutions, making them suitable for early-stage businesses. For first-time entrepreneurs, a Mudra loan not only provides initial working capital but also helps establish a credit history. Repaying a Mudra loan on time strengthens the entrepreneur’s profile and increases the chances of securing larger loans in the future.
Using Personal Loans to Fund Early-Stage Needs
When business loan eligibility is not yet established, a personal loan can serve as bridge funding. These loans are assessed on the individual’s credit profile and income rather than the business’s financial history, making them accessible to salaried individuals or those with a strong personal credit record.
Personal loans have limitations: the loan amount is capped based on personal income, and the interest rate is typically higher than secured business loans. Nevertheless, taking out a personal loan during the first 12 to 18 months can provide crucial support as the start-up builds its financial profile. It is especially useful for covering immediate expenses such as inventory, marketing, or office setup costs.
Alternative Financing Options for Startups
For start-ups that are not yet eligible for traditional business loans, other financing options are available through financial institutions. Many lenders offer startup-focused or small-business loans designed for early-stage businesses. These loans evaluate the entrepreneur’s personal credit profile, business plan, and projected revenue rather than relying solely on business vintage. Financial institutions such as Tata Capital provide these loans with minimal documentation and fast disbursal, enabling entrepreneurs to manage operational expenses, purchase equipment, or fund early growth initiatives without pledging collateral.
Some lenders also offer flexible loan amounts, quicker approvals, and streamlined processes, making them well-suited for first-time entrepreneurs. Exploring these options early allows start-ups to access working capital while gradually building a credit history that will support larger loans in the future.
Building the Right Financial Profile Before Applying
For entrepreneurs planning to apply for a business loan in 12 to 18 months, the preparation period is critical. Key steps include:
● Filing Income Tax Returns (ITRs) consistently and accurately from the first year
● Maintaining a clean current account with regular deposits and no overdraft patterns
● Keeping the promoter’s CIBIL score above 750
Lenders assess start-ups by examining these signals. Entrepreneurs who maintain financial discipline from the start will have stronger loan applications after two years. Additionally, tracking cash flow and avoiding irregular withdrawals can further enhance the business’s credibility.
Collateral-Based Options for Larger Requirements
Startups requiring larger amounts beyond government schemes can consider loans against property. These loans allow entrepreneurs to access larger amounts of funding at lower interest rates, as the property secures the lender’s risk.
This option carries significant risk: using personal or family assets as collateral can result in a loss if the business does not perform as expected. Such loans should be considered only when the business plan is validated, the entrepreneur has clear cash flow projections, and the repayment strategy is realistic. Careful assessment of risk versus reward is essential before pledging assets.
Practical Steps to Strengthen Your Loan Application
To maximise the chances of approval, entrepreneurs should:
● Maintain accurate financial statements, bank records, and GST returns.
● Avoid over-borrowing; apply for realistic amounts that match business needs.
● Keep personal and business credit profiles in good standing.
● Explore lenders that offer startup-friendly products.
● Be transparent and complete in all documentation.
Taking these steps early ensures a smoother and faster loan process when the business is ready for formal financing. A well-prepared application reduces processing delays and demonstrates professionalism to the lender.
Conclusion
First-time entrepreneurs often face a funding gap in the early stages, but it is usually smaller than it appears. Maintaining clean banking records, filing ITRs consistently, and exploring personal loans, government schemes, and alternative financing options help build a strong financial profile. Entrepreneurs who plan systematically from day one are better positioned to access formal credit sooner, giving their start-ups financial stability through small business loans.
The ideal time to start building a credit-worthy business profile is the very first month of operations, not when applying for a loan. By understanding available funding options and acting proactively, first-time entrepreneurs can confidently apply for a business loan and set their businesses on a path to long-term growth.
