(Top) Alemtemshi Jamir, CEO of the Investment and Development Authority of Nagaland with the members of Photography Club Dimapur during the 1st Nagaland Photography Festival at the Mandeville Garden, Purana Bazaar, Dimapur on August 19. (Bottom) Officials and participants during the workshop. (Morung Photo)
Workshops by Nikon, Lumix and Photography Club Dimapur
Morung Express news
Dimapur | August 19
The 1st Nagaland Photography Festival began at the Mandeville Garden, Purana Bazaar, Dimapur. Former Nagaland Chief Secretary, Alemtemshi Jamir, currently the CEO of the Investment and Development Authority of Nagaland (IDAN) inaugurated the two-day event, organised by the Photography Club Dimapur (PCD).
Over the two days, the festival will feature a mix of activities, including photography workshops by Nikon and Lumix, besides photography competitions, music, cosplay and interactions between photography clubs from the northeast.
The PCD was formed in 2013 by a group of photography enthusiasts and currently has around 50 members with Letminthang Kipgen as President.
A photography conclave in concept, Kipgen said that the festival is not limited to photographers alone. “We have so many things lined up. There is on-the-spot mobile and DSLR competitions, cosplay competitions, there’s music, there’s so many stalls here from different places with different items so it’s a great time for everyone and not just photography. Everyone who loves life is here today,” said Kipgen.
Localised in appearance, the broader idea is to connect with the wider world “so that we can further our fraternity to do even better,” he said.
While stating that the objective is to turn it into an annual festival, Kipgen emphasised the potential photography presents to Nagaland to connect with a wider community. The proliferation of the internet and social media, in particular, has opened opportunities like never before, he added. Together with hard work and consistency, “It’s a very good time to be a photographer… with this small step we hope to make that possible,” he said.
Photography clubs are generally assumed to be composed of professionals. However, he dispelled this notion, stating that the PCD is a mix of professionals as well as hobbyists. “Because of the love of photography they have joined and that is actually all that is needed to become a good photographer. Today you might be just having a mobile phone but in the future, with the love and the expertise, you can cultivate and develop, you can become a professional as well.” According to him, some members do not even own a DSLR camera.
The photography workshops by Nikon India on day 1 and by Lumix India on day 2 are free of charge. The third workshop by the PCD on day 2 will be a paid event.
Anyone, with a love of photography can join the workshops, with or without camera, Kipgen said.
