“Spotlight on Shillong’s first non-traditional photography school — perfectly timed with World Photography Day, writes Esha Chaudhuri.”
Have you ever found yourself standing amidst nature desperately trying to get that perfect shot? Or even in the middle of a chaotic junction, otherwise perceived to be drearily dull but you found an interesting angle for a photograph worth capturing? Well, you’re not alone. In a time when photographs are state of the art, what if there was professional help to capture those very shots in the best possible angles, aperture and lighting? In the heart of the city, Glorianatasha Tham’s (23) GNT School of Photography focuses on vintage-style portraiture, capturing the beauty of everyday individuals through timeless visuals that tell real stories.
Tham, a self-taught portrait photographer and the founder of the School wishes to highlight the growing impact of our photography school and its role in empowering aspiring artists from across Meghalaya and the North East on World Photography Day. She believes that the day is a beautiful reminder of the power of photography as a universal language. “For me, it’s not just a celebration of art but also of community—bringing photographers together and inspiring the next generation to see the world differently” she explains.
On asking her why she thinks a photography school is the need of the hour in Shillong? Tham promptly says, “Shillong has so much untapped talent, but very few opportunities for affordable, structured photography education. A school like GNT helps bridge that gap by giving passionate learners the knowledge and tools to develop their skills. It also contributes to the city’s growing creative culture and provides young people with career alternatives.”
A resident of Madan Laban, Shillong, Tham has studied at Elswer, then Lady Keane Girls’ Higher Secondary School, and later completed her BA in English from ICFAI University, Shillong found herself drawn towards photography and poetry.
“I first fell in love with photography back in high school when I got my first smartphone and started capturing sunsets, people, and everyday moments. What began as a hobby slowly became a passion, and by 2021 I started working professionally as a photographer. I’m entirely self-taught, and photography for me has always been about more than just taking pictures—it’s about creating art and telling stories.” Describes, Tham.
She founded GNT School of Photography in 2022 with the vision of making photography education more accessible. “Many courses today are expensive and out of reach for beginners, so I wanted to create a space where anyone with passion could learn. The main aim is to teach not only the technical side of photography but also the artistic, creative, and professional aspects so that students can build careers and express themselves fully.” She explains.
Is photography a skill or talent?
A debate that has existed for ages spells out a pertinent question whether photography is inherent in a person or can technicality interfere with latent talent.
Tham believes that it is definitely a skill that can be developed with guidance and enhanced with technical knowledge.
She says, “While some people may have a natural eye for beauty, photography is both an art and a craft. The technical skills—like understanding light, composition, and editing—need to be learned. Beyond that, guidance helps students find their style and learn how to express emotions and stories through images.”
To all the naysayers, Tham has a message for them. “I disagree. I believe creativity exists in everyone—it just needs the right guidance to flourish. Photography can absolutely be taught because it is not only about talent but also about practice, discipline, and learning how to translate emotions into visuals. A good school provides the environment and mentorship to help that inner creativity grow.”
The Lessons
Taught by Tham herself, she says there is no strict criteria for those interested. Anyone with an inclination for photography can join. She adds, “We welcome absolute beginners as well as those with some prior knowledge.”
Asked about if there is any specific kind of camera/equipment that is needed to get one enrolled, Tham answers, “A personal camera is not necessary. For those who do not own one, the school provides cameras during the course so that no one misses the opportunity to learn.”
Describing some of the themes that are taught, Tham says, “We begin with the basics—understanding cameras, composition, and the rules of photography. The focus is on portrait photography, including how to pose subjects, make them feel comfortable, choose themes, and style them. We also cover editing, colour grading, and developing a personal style, so students are not just imitating but discovering their own creative voice.”
On the number of batches that are enrolled in a year, Tham says that the school’s long-term goal is to run three to four batches per year, but at present, due to resources, it conducts two batches, annually. She goes on to say that accommodating small groups is beneficial as each student gets personal attention and guidance.
Some of the activities that Tham asks her students to engage in photography is to click people. She says, “I tell them to pick a theme, and guide them on how to pose and style their subjects. These exercises help them practice both technical skills and creativity. The outcome has been very positive so far—students gain confidence, learn to interact with people, and create meaningful images that reflect their growing artistic voice.”
The Students
Those who enroll themselves at GNT have their lessons spread out both indoors and outside. Spanning over a period of two months, so far, the mentees have positive things to say. Hearing from some about their experiences –
“I attended the GNT Portrait Photography School and had a wonderful experience learning the art of portrait photography. Miss Gloria is a professional and taught me about lighting, composition, posing techniques and editing. Classes were well-organised, and I learned so many things that helped me to get better at doing portrait photography. I would recommend GNT Portrait Photography School to anyone who wants to learn portrait photography.” Says Reverts Sohshang
“It was a pretty good experience for me. That I chose her photography course and have no regret. She has incredible talent and creativity. She also has a really good eye for capturing pictures and I’m glad that I was her student. I learn beautiful things from her talent and hardwork.” Sums up, Easter Monday Ryngkhlem
Cresent Shylla describes her experience as “I recently completed my photography course at GNT School of Photography, and I’m thrilled with the experience. The curriculum was comprehensive, covering various genres of photography. I appreciated the emphasis on practical training, which helped me develop my skills and confidence as a photographer.”
Founded and funded solely by Tham, she currently manages all the operations single-handedly. This year, she is grateful to win a grant from Prime Meghalaya, which she says is helping her building GNT and making the courses affordable for students. Although in the future, she hopes to bring in more teachers and collaborators.
Tham’s artistic ambition and storytelling side of photography is an earnest undertaking that encourages students to see the world differently and express themselves confidently through their lens.