After completing his studies at MSM College, Kayamkulam, Tittu moved to the UAE in 2009 for work. “I continued playing kabaddi in Dubai, but an on-field injury left me with damaged knee ligaments, which forced me to quit the sport. Being bedridden for weeks was tough, but it turned out to be a blessing, as I discovered photography,” he said.

Tittu later moved to Ireland in 2024 with his wife, Rakhi Elizabeth, and continued pursuing his passion. “I met Shyjith in Dubai, and we often travelled together across deserts and sand dunes, photographing ordinary people and their stories. Many of our expeditions brought us international recognition,” he added.

After leaving Dubai two years ago, Tittu began travelling extensively across India, spending one to two months in each location to document local cultures and traditions. “I have photographed major festivals like Holi, Pushkar Fair, Kulasai Dasara, Vitthal Yatra, and Haldi, and explored regions such as Jodhpur and Kashmir. One of those journeys gifted me the Siena award,” he told TNIE by phone from Dublin.

Shyjith, 45, worked as an art director with several advertising agencies in Kerala before moving to Dubai a decade ago. His passion for photography grew after purchasing his first camera there. “Photography became more than a hobby, it became a part of my life,” said Shyjith, who lives in Dubai with his wife Subhasree and children.