Bustling Palayam has a special significance for city dwellers. A major transit point, the locality, however, is also a shutterbug’s paradise, thanks to some architectural gems and the many shades of life in view. This year’s city chapter of the worldwide Scott Kelby photowalk, perhaps the largest social photography event in the world, on Saturday (October 5) zooms in on Palayam.
Organised by CET Shutterbugs, a photography club of College of Engineering Trivandrum, the event marks the third annual photowalk under the Scott Kelby banner held in the city. “Last year, we explored Chalai market in the morning and the year before that life in agraharams in and around Fort. We felt that Palayam, in the heart of the city, was an easy choice for a photowalk as it offers ample scope for diverse photography. The place has many landmarks such as the Palayam church and mosque, Connemara Market, LMS church and so on,” says Pranav Prakash, chairman of CET Shutterbugs that has over 200 active members, both students and alumni.
The stroll kicks off from Martyr’s Column at 6.50 am where participants gather for a brief introductory session. The walk concludes at EMS Park, where shutterbugs are free to share their photos and their experience. “Though entry for Scott Kelby photography contest is limited to the first 50 registered participants, the photowalk is open to all,” says Hena Sarah Eldhose, vice-chairperson of CET Shutterbugs, adding that there is no registration fee. Pranav says skill levels and equipment are not a criteria as the idea is to “simply click and even smartphones will suffice.”
A shutterbug during last year’s photowalk at Chalai market
Abhiram K Suresh, a geology student, is looking forward to the Palayam photowalk. Having been part of the previous two walks, the “self-taught” lensman from Cherthala feels that it’s another opportunity to make friends and share new trends and techniques in photography. “Photography is a hobby and I often take part in photowalks in Kochi and Alappuzha. The Scott Kelby walks have been a fun experience,” says Abhiram, who uses a Nikon D7000 and a GoPro.
For professional photographer Rahul Rakhav, a CET alumnus who was part of the team that formed CET Shutterbugs in 2011, it’s the idea of a “single theme with a large canvas” that has attracted him to the photowalks the last two years. “For me, it’s a break from doing individual works and helps me zoom in on some candid moments. It’s also a good opportunity to experiment with your photography skills. As regards Scott Kelby photowalks, it lends a feeling of being part of a world-wide event,” he explains.
Architecture student and photography enthusiast Hania Hafees wants to prove that one does not need high-end devices to snap good photos. “That’s one thing I learnt from my experience during the photowalk on agraharams when I used my smartphone. I could not catch last year’s event and this time, I won’t give it a miss. Once again, my phone will be my camera,” she says.
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