StudioBackdrops, a platform for photography, videography and audio-production equipment, has announced the launch of SBD Creators, a nationwide mentorship programme aimed at supporting aspiring photographers and videographers through structured industry guidance and practical learning.
The initiative formalises StudioBackdrops’ mentorship efforts that have been underway since 2020, bringing them together under a dedicated community spanning fashion, wedding, cinematic and advertising photography.
Designed for creators at every stage of their journey, SBD Creators will offer mentorship on equipment selection, lighting techniques, creative workflows, client management and career development. The programme is open to photographers and videographers regardless of their follower count or online presence, with interested participants able to connect through StudioBackdrops’ platforms.
A key focus of the programme is expanding mentorship opportunities beyond metropolitan cities. Building on its work with creators in Tier 2 and Tier 3 markets over the past five years, StudioBackdrops will create regional-language content through collaborators speaking languages such as Assamese, Bengali, Marathi and Gujarati, with plans to expand further. The company aims to onboard at least 100 creators by the end of 2026, representing all 28 states.
Speaking about the initiative, Archisman Misra, Founder, StudioBackdrops, said, “India’s creator economy is moving beyond the pursuit of better gear. The real gap today is know-how, understanding the right setups, making smarter equipment investments, avoiding common mistakes and learning the workflows that often take years to develop. With SBD Creators, we intend to create a space where experienced creators can pass their learning forward, openly and generously, to those who are just starting out. This is also how we see StudioBackdrops evolving: from an equipment marketplace into a meaningful enabler of India’s creator community.”
Gowri Nair, Creative Director, Ernakulam, said, “One of the most important lessons I have learned is that authenticity lasts longer than trends. It is easy, especially at the beginning, to feel pressure to create what everyone else is making. But the work that truly connects comes from your own perspective. Consistency is not about posting every day; it is about consistently creating work you are proud to stand behind.”
The programme launches with a mentor network that includes Ipshita, celebrity and advertising photographer; Satinder Pal Singh Kalra, fashion and cinematic photographer; Nitish Bajaj, photographer; Maulik Patel, fashion and wedding photographer; Manish Linga, fashion photographer; and Kirandeep Kaur, photographer, educator and Nikon India brand ambassador. More than 25 creators are part of the programme at launch, with plans to welcome more mentors and creators in the coming months.
Through SBD Creators, StudioBackdrops aims to make industry knowledge, mentorship and peer learning more accessible while contributing to the growth of India’s rapidly expanding creator ecosystem.
