Basic Photography workshop at Loreto College, Kolkata

I was invited to conduct a “Two days Basic Photography and Social Media workshop” in Loreto College, Kolkata. On the first day (22nd March 2014) I spoke about basic framing of a photograph, importance of framing giving relevant examples. In the social media side – I spoke about my own story and how my blog helped me transform myself and meet more people. On the second day (29th March 2014) we proceeded with the basic variables in photography and the rest of the schedule was filled with activities.

Personally speaking, this experience was very fulfilling and I loved interacting with the students there. The students were enthusiastic and creative.  I will paste some of the student’s feedback I got in the previous blog post:

Ashmita Nandy wrote,

 It was an amazing experience. Since i personally love photography, some of the things like placing of the subject and the play of light and shade was really fruitful to me. The best part was that you kept up the interest of the girls till the very end.

Sneha Ganguly commented,

With a feeble idea of it being an amazing thing,we stepped in and truly so,I loved it! It might sound flattery but this was my first such ‘Interactive’ session in which I could actually interact and have so much fun!

From your candid tips to a panorama of your mesmerizing pictures that kept me jaw-dropped,our funny oral answers to your encouraging us to participate more,it was an amazing time having you with us.

Shemanti Ghosh:

I loved all of your works, specially the light painting. That was something new and amazing! 🙂
And the most interesting part was that it was an interactive session where we got to ask questions and clarify certain things!

Subhadrika :

The presentation was really good. and yes you could connect and capture the attention of 36 students even after their college hours. On a more serious note, the basics which you shared with us will remain with us forever. The take on social media was very good. we had actually not thought in these lines before. so it was enriching for us.

Mohini Gurung:

Both the sessions were really interesting, specially today’s – when we were given to do activities and accidentally  I captured some pictures that I loved and thank you for explaining the reasons why I got them that way. Let the monsoon come and I’m surely going to shoot the lightning!

All the best with that ! I remember I forgot to speak about the precautionary measures!

During the activity: I gave them 3 flower vases and 1 sand clock for them to photograph. All I had to do was to explain to them the concepts. After a couple of minutes, the students started with their own arrangements, working out with the light, thermocol and black chart papers. Many of them used compact cameras without the manual mode, few started with their DSLR’s yesterday. They were very prompt in taking the concepts up. As a teacher / instructor, nothing can be as fulfilling.

It is good to see academic institutions having photography clubs, media society and organising workshops, where they not only focus on photography but also social media behaviour. A big Kudos to them !

Previously when I went to Pratt Memorial School, the teacher asked me to tell them about taking up photography as a full time career. I could hardly speak on it. I spoke about maintaining dignity in approach and passion in work and that everything else will fall in place. In Frank Anthony Public School, the Vice Principal was so supportive. In Loreto College, the teacher and the students were very warm, I got introduced to “New Media in Journalism”. I learn a lot doing these. I learn a lot helping people around. I love it when they smile. As I mentioned in my page “Journey so far“, this is the most fulfilling part of my life so far. Looking forward to few more Institute visits this year.

I’ll end this post with a photograph. It was shot during the workshop. The arrangement was done by a student. Do leave for me your honest feedback 🙂 Thank you.