Photography Workshop Imagination: An Art of Seeing

This blog puts light on the photography workshop organized by the Department of English, MKBU on 17th August 2023 where the expert and experienced Wildlife photographer Mr. Kaushik Ghelani sir gave great insight as well great guidance to the students.

 In the world of art, when we swap canvas for a camera lens, photography becomes more than just a way to document. It turns into a detailed art that doesn't just freeze moments, but also holds stories, feelings, and the very core of being human.

The workshop was entitled Imagination: An Art of Seeing, in this workshop the aim was not just to understand the technicality of the art of photography but to understand the art of storytelling through one’s photography.

The workshop was in two parts as one was dealing with the instruction of the expert and the theory which gave explanation to the storytelling through photography. In the second part it was a student's chance where they had to showcase their understanding through their captured photographs.

During the photography workshop by Mr. Kaushik Ghelani sir, various techniques come to light, elevating a simple click into a tale of artistry. This journey explores light, shadow, composition, and focus – the tools a photographer employs to tell stories visually.

Some of the techniques discussed in the workshop are

• Rule of Thirds: This is a fundamental guideline that divides your frame into nine equal parts using two horizontal and two vertical lines. The points where these lines intersect are the "golden points." Placing key elements along these lines or at their intersections creates balance and draws the viewer's eye, making your composition more dynamic.

• Golden Point: Also known as the "golden ratio" or "Fibonacci spiral," this principle involves positioning your main subject or focal point at a specific point within the frame. This point has a natural aesthetic appeal and helps in creating a harmonious composition that's pleasing to the eye.

• Center Focus Rule: Placing your subject right in the center of the frame can work well in certain situations. It creates a sense of symmetry and can be particularly effective when you want to draw direct attention to your subject.

• Symmetry: Symmetry is visually satisfying, and it involves aligning elements in your photograph to create a sense of balance. Perfectly mirrored scenes or subjects positioned symmetrically can evoke a feeling of order and harmony.

• Geometrical Shapes: Incorporating geometric shapes such as lines, triangles, circles, and rectangles can add structure and interest to your composition. These shapes guide the viewer's eye and provide a sense of orderliness.

• Leading Lines: Lines within a photograph can lead the viewer's gaze, guiding them through the image. Utilizing natural or man-made lines like roads, rivers, or fences can add depth and help tell a visual story.

• Head/Leading Room: When photographing subjects in motion or facing a particular direction, it's essential to provide space in the direction they're moving or looking. This gives a sense of movement and prevents the image from feeling cramped.

• Depth of Field: The depth of field refers to the range of distance within the image that appears in focus. Controlling this can emphasize your subject by blurring the background (shallow depth of field) or capture a broader scene (deep depth of field).

Each of these principles has its own unique impact on composition, storytelling, and visual aesthetics. While they provide valuable guidelines, remember that breaking these rules can also lead to creative and striking photographs. Mastery of these concepts allows photographers to effectively communicate their intended messages and emotions through their images.

Photography and Storytelling

Photography, however, extends past technique. It becomes intertwined with events, embedding itself in historical records. A photograph seizes time, preserving the vibrancy of a fleeting moment, a testament seen at weddings, graduations, and celebrations, as well as during challenging times and reflective instants.

In the frame of a photograph, emotions find their place. A child's smile, the tears of parting, a solitary figure against a captivating backdrop – all captured, poised to stir feelings in its viewers. The photographer's lens seems to grasp not only light but the very essence of its subject.

One of the fine examples of this that sir could give was the famous photo The Vulture and the Little Girl, also known as The Struggling Girl, is a photograph by Kevin Carter and the tragic story behind it.

Photography's enchantment lies in merging reality with imagination. With each snap, a photographer weaves a narrative that may depart from tangible reality. It's a dance between sight and emotion, a symphony of creativity inviting us to explore endless possibilities.

A photograph is more than an image; it's a storyteller's relic. It carries whispers of the past, the energy of the present, and the promises of the future. In a skilled photographer's hands, it transforms into a gateway offering fresh perspectives. This encapsulates a universe of emotions, experiences, and dreams beyond captured instants.

In the second session students showcased their photos and got their reward from the expert Mr. Kaushik Ghelani.

At the end of the workshop, in the concluding session I got chance to give book as gratitude to the expert Mr. Kaushik Ghelani sir on behalf of the Department of English.