Click, Click, Snap - Edugraph’s Photography Workshop Turns Students into Budding Shutterbugs!

The Telegraph Online Edugraph Workshops: Summer Edition is winding down, but what a whirlwind of summer fun it has been! Filled with laughter, learning, and exploration, these workshops, had students buzzing with excitement over the unforgettable experiences they’ve had. Among the diverse array of workshops, the photography workshop held at Sri Sri Academy on May 30, 31 and June 2 stands out as a delightful blend of learning and fun. In Kolkata, a city with a deep-rooted love for photography, this workshop was a perfect fit!

As the famous photographer Destin Sparks once said, "Photography is the story I fail to put into words." The workshop was a testament to that sentiment, as students learned to tell their stories through the lens.

Through the Lens: Rahul Banik’s Expertise

The workshop was conducted by the talented Rahul Banik, a graduate in Media Science and Film Making from iLEAD, Kolkata. Rahul's experience since 2020 as a freelance photographer, cinematographer, and editor, along with his specialization in event photography and editing, made him the perfect mentor for this workshop. His role as a visiting faculty member at Sri Sri Academy and as the Chief Instructor for the Iskule Bioscope programme has equipped him with unique insights into teaching photography to young minds.

Shutter Clicks and Aperture Tricks

As the workshop unfolded, laughter mingled with clicks. The children became storytellers and immersed themselves in the art of capturing moments that transcend time. Here’s a glimpse of what they learned:

• Understanding Different Types of Cameras: Students explored the functionalities of various cameras, understanding the strengths and applications of each.
• Basic Composition: They learned the principles of composing a photograph, ensuring that each shot is well-balanced and aesthetically pleasing.
• Focusing: Mastering the art of focusing, they discovered how to highlight their subjects effectively.
• Depth of Field: This essential concept was demystified, helping students understand how to control the sharpness of their images.
• Understanding the Field of View: Students gained insight into how different lenses and settings affect what the camera sees.
• Understanding Different Types of Lights: They experimented with various lighting setups to see how light affects mood and visibility in photos.
• Shooting Under Different Environments: Practical sessions included shooting in various conditions, from natural light to artificial settings, equipping students with the skills to handle any situation.

As the workshop drew to a close, the students emerged with newfound skills and a deeper appreciation for the world around them. Rahul demystified the technical jargon, making it accessible even to those who had never held a DSLR or camera before. “I loved the workshop, I loved the three days very, very much!” said Rahul, reflecting the joy and enthusiasm he shared with the students. “Students were very lovely and they are very creative and very skillful as well,” he added, praising the young shutterbugs.

Armed with curiosity and their trusty cameras, the students had embarked on a journey through apertures and shutter speeds. They had learned to chase light, freeze moments, and create visual poetry, because this workshop wasn’t just about f-stops and ISO, it was about capturing emotions.