Dhenkanal: Photografia 5.0, the five-day annual photography workshop of the Indian Institute of Mass Communication (IIMC) Dhenkanal, got underway on Saturday.
Around 90 participants from IIMC and other institutions are taking part in the workshop to improve their photo-storytelling skills.
National award-winning photojournalists Himangshu Vyas, Adjunct Professor of Photojournalism, HJU, and Tabeenah Anjum Qureshi, Senior Journalist and Visual Storyteller, and Amit Chatterjee, Architect and Assistant Professor, VSSUT, are among the experts conducting the workshop on photography, photojournalism and visual storytelling.
“Visual communication is arguably the strongest form of communication, particularly because it can be comprehended by people without major language barriers when done right. This is something no amount of verbal or written communication can achieve, thus it’s critical for the students to hone their skill in using images to communicate stories,” IIMC Regional Director Dr Mrinal Chatterjee said while inaugurating the workshop.
Prof. Ruatliana Sailo, Regional Director, IIMC Aizawl, attended the inauguration along with other academic members, resource persons and participants.
“Anyone with a camera may become a photographer, although the term photographer does not mean that all images can be called photographs, just like the term ‘writer’ does not necessarily imply a good writer. Hence, learning the art and science behind the craft is crucial,” co-resource person Tabeenah Anjum said while interacting with the participants.
The workshop offers theoretical as well as intensive hands-on learning, with a focus on the past, present and future of photojournalism. Various camera techniques and aspects of visual storytelling will be dealt with to help those interested in pursuing a career in photojournalism.
The works of participants will be displayed in an online photo exhibition for everybody to view and engage with.