The community of photographers is among the most well-knit units in the country, yet when it comes to opportunities to collaborate for projects or we talk about attempts to address issues unique to their field, there hasn’t been much activity. It is perhaps to fill this gap that photography content-creation platform Picxy, co-founded by Jitendra Chowdary and Vamsi Mannem organised a first-of-its kind Hyderabad Photographers Meet recently at Kavanah, Jubilee Hills.
The second in their 40-city series (the first one was in Visakhapatnam) aimed at building a strong network of photographers across the country had nearly 130 photographers from the city in attendance. The event helped bust certain myths about photography as a full-time career option besides discussing copyright infringement issues, the need for local photographers to look at their cities beyond the over-exposed dimensions.
Venky, who owns Photriya Studio shared insights with budding photographers. Jitendra talking of his intentions behind the meetups says, “We want to ensure mutual learning and collaboration among photographers. Photography is sometimes concentrated at one location, like a Charminar or Taj Mahal or a Ladakh. We’d want people to discover places that aren’t as prominent but works well as a creative opportunity. Often photographic essence is lost as people travel across many places. We don’t want people in Hyderabad to travel to a distant place like Assam; instead we want to build a network of photographers within Assam as we believe those who have been in one location for longer duration, know that place better.”
Picxy’s Hyderabad meetup attracted diverse audience. “The who’s who of the photographers community was at the event. For many, it was the first time they’d gathered under one roof. Photographers tend to live in bubbles sometimes, so something like this was novel,” adds Jitendra. The event threw open discussions on low/no cost travelling in partnership with photography content creators, how photography shouldn’t be free, etc. Learning, exploring, possible travel areas, stock photography were other focus points of the event.
Hyderabad Photographers Meet wasn’t without its takeaways, Picxy has plans to offer internships to aspiring photographers across the country. “Our aim is to promote people with talent, who need a platform to express and grow. We advise them on broadening their spectrum, groom talent with the help of seniors, create employment and mentorship opportunities.” Picxy is looking to trigger an activity whose momentum and impact can be sustained in the long run.
Picxy’s next photographer meetup is in Chennai while a nation-wide photography festival is on the cards too.
