Noted photographers in city to attend Shillong International Photo Festival

SHILLONG: The first edition of the four-day Shillong International Photo Festival organized by the Mass Media Department of St Anthony’s College in collaboration with the Information and Public Relations Department, witnessed a gathering of renowned photographers and photojournalists.
However, famed German photographer Karoline Kluppel could not confirm her attendance, following criticism from some sections of the people, though her invitation still stands.
Raghu Rai, India’s most celebrated photographer and a Padmashree recipient in 1972, who started photography in the year 1965 was also present, at the event.
Speaking to The Shillong Times on Monday, he indicated the relevance of the festival and said that it was a good thing happening in the country and it was different considering that many photographers are coming up in the country.
On being asked if there is any difference in the photography field back in the older days and in the present times, he said, “There is a big difference. Back in our days we had to struggle to get photography equipment; nowadays, you can get photography equipment anywhere.”
On being asked if every photo has a message, he said that every photo has something in it; there are photographs that have special message also.
He emphasized on young people to enhance their photography skills and not just dwell on pretty things. “Young people should bring youthful energy to their photos and not just flowers or butterflies.”
He urged youngsters to venture and take beautiful photos without being repetitive.
Another noted photographer Prashant Panjiar, who is based in Delhi, said that it is a great avenue to have a photo festival of its own. “There is a strong interest in the people and it is not just for fun sake. The interactive session will be of great value with the exchange of ideas that will benefit the students as well.”
Closer home, local photographers, who displayed their work at the Festival, concurred that the event has helped in promoting their works.
Lamkupar War, who took to photography in 2011, said that good art always has a message to tell. He has displayed a photograph of a visually impaired girl telling her story through photography.
Another local lad, L. Dhar, whose forte is food photography even though he desired earlier to be a chef, said, “Through food photography, I can experiment with food without being a chef.”
The photo festival was inaugurated by Chief Minister Mukul Sangma who said that the region has photography potential considering the landscape, culture and people creating stories in the process.
He also said that the government is always looking for partners who will create positive stories to connect with the rest of the country and the world.
The chief minister also released the Festival Booklet and also felicitated the winners of the photo competition. The students also preformed Melange: Ode to Photography.
A.L. Hek, Minister, Information & Public Relations, said, “Communication has become a visual art and global audiences relate more easily to pictures than words and mobile audiences demand the immediacy of an image rather than the complexity of the text.”
Fr. John D Jayakumar, Founding Director of the Mass Media department, looked back at the 20 years of the department and expressed happiness that the enthusiasm for the wonderful art of photography and expertise in it has grown in the last two decades.
There will be workshops on photojournalism, visual storytelling, wildlife photography, landscape and travel photography, among many other subjects, during the next three days of the festival by renowned photographers and resource persons.