Lens on society

Ranu Basumatary inside her newly reconstructed house at Tulshibil, Kokrajhar, Assam. Pic/Harsha Vadlamani

In documenting crises and social issues from the frontlines, photojournalists face various questions of ethics, consent, and representation. How do you navigate these aspects while documenting a story? Sambhaavnaa Institute of Public Policy and Politics based in Himachal Pradesh will be conducting Viewfinder - a workshop for photojournalists and photographers looking to focus on social justice and activism.

Amirtharaj Stephen. Pic/Selvaprakash Lakshmanan

Harsha Vadlamani, independent photojournalist and a mentor at Viewfinder, says, "It's important to document issues of social justice, you need to take those pictures because the world needs to know what is happening. But how do you ensure that you're telling a story in an ethical manner, or showing people who are vulnerable or are going through a crisis, in a respectful and dignified manner, with their consent? Dignity is very important in photography."

This is not a technical training workshop. At Viewfinder, the aim is to help participants build perspective. "A camera is a powerful piece of equipment. So when you are capturing something, you need to know the power that you have and be sensitive toward the subjects," elaborates Aswathy Senan, researcher, and co-curator of the workshop.

Harsha Vadlamani and Seema Krishnakumar

With a mentor list of seasoned photojournalists, a documentary filmmaker, and photo-documenters, like Seema Krishnakumar, Ruhani Kaur, Amirtharaj Stephen, Harsha Vadlamani and Sanjay Kak, the workshop will also offer professional perspectives on building a career path. Conversations covered will include writing grant proposals, conceptualising projects, and building networks. Candidates without access to such kind of information and resources stand to benefit.

The month-long workshop, limited to 15 participants, will include online mentorship and a five-day residential workshop at the institute in Palampur, Himachal Pradesh. The institute, through year-round programmes, encourages individuals to develop critical perspectives on ideas that define a ‘just' society.

From: RMarch 15 to April 11 (February 28 is the last date to apply)
Log on to: sambhaavnaa.org
Cost: Rs 8,000