JOIN USIf you are a photography enthusiast, you probably would have heard of ‘Bangalore Photowalk’, which has become a popular club in the City. There is hardly anyone who hasn’t noticed their photographs of the changes Bengaluru has gone through since 2008. They photograph the City and its vibrant streets, people, the rapid development and stillness of the chaotic crowds. What began as a small get together of just 15 members has now turned into a 10,000 member club.
As the name suggests, people walk and take pictures of whatever they find interesting along the way. While clicking photographs, they also share information related to the street or object. But there is more to it than just clicking photographs of the City. “I have learnt a lot about the City, more than what I gathered from my teachers or textbooks. Each photo walk is an experience in itself and we experience it in a different way. We photograph our own way and share our experiences while on the walk. We not only discuss photography, but also history of the places we visit. Along the way, we taste great food that the City has to offer,” says Sandeep Sreenivasa, a member of ‘Bangalore Photowalk’.
The photo walks are conducted every weekend, free of cost. These walks have seen amateur, professional and hobbyist photographers. There are instances where a hobbyist has taken up photography as a full-time profession, all thanks to the club. Mithun Kumar, an IT professional, says, “This club has helped me network with like-minded people and helped me understand the City and its people through photography. We are like family now.”
Subramanya, who is an interior designer by profession and a hobbyist photographer, says that his perspective on viewing things has widened. “When I wanted to explore photography at first, I had only one way of looking at things but after joining the club, which was about four years back, my perspective has widened. Photography needs two things: one is the skill to handle equipment and the other is ‘perspective’. While the former can be learnt, the latter is developed through experience and meeting new people with similar interests and this is what the group has given me.”
The club ensures that interested photographers get more opportunities and better recognition for their work. Adit Hal, who has been associated with the group for over four years, says that the club has given them many opportunities, which otherwise would not have been possible, even from a photography college or a course.
“People from other communities see our page and if they like someone’s work, the photographer is given the opportunity to work for that organisation. A lot of people have gotten job opportunities this way. Clients get in touch with us if they need photographers, which also helps us to explore our talent. It’s a win-win situation.”
Adarsh Bhardwaj is a part-time photographer and marketing person. He suggests that everyone should attempt photography at least once in their lifetime. “In a city like Bengaluru, where a person has a nine to five job, there is not much one can do to
explore his/her creative side. Most activities are performed under some confinement, for example swimming, where one needs a swimming pool or badminton, where there has to
be two opponents to play the game,” he says.
“Photography is the only activity that does not depend on the environment or other external factors. One can pick up their camera or smartphone and start clicking pictures. Photography can be a solo activity or you can meet new people and explore a place on your terms, which can enhance the creative side of every person,” he adds.