Kolkata Workshop
Sabyasachi Nath
When I first told my dear friend and fellow Progressive Streeter, Shubhodeep Roy, that I had booked tickets to come back to India, he said I must do a workshop in Kolkata as part of Progressive's collaboration with the Photography Club of India (PCI). The first part of this collab was a joint exhibition in Kolkata. An exhibition of Indian photographers is due soon in Livorno, Italy.
We made plans over the internet, set a date, and Shubhodeep, as the Photoshop wizard he is, made a great-looking poster to advertise the event.
I started my trip to India on Oct 15 and, after a stint in Mumbai, arrived in Kolkata on the 21st. A friend I made in Tokyo last year, Calvin Mak from Malaysia, also came to Kolkata then. Shubhodeep's mentor, Tanmoy Chatterjee, completed the small group who did some "warm-up" street photography sessions in the days leading up to the workshop. Such a great time! Both the shooting and maybe even more, our long chats in several classic Kolkata cafés.
At 8 o'clock on the 24th, Shubhodeep picked up Calvin and me at our hotel, and we went to a place in the College Street area with a large swimming pool. We waited until all the participants arrived. I think there were about 15 of them, plus some organisers from PCI. After many greetings and handshakes, I started with a short talk. I gave some basic facts about myself, my "civilian" life and my photography background. Then I gave some of my views on photography and some tips for the photo walk that was to follow. We took many group photos and selfies.
We walked slowly through small streets and alleyways mainly westwards. I was shooting myself and was trying to point out how I was framing and what I had in mind to those who were nearby. Some participants came up to me and showed their fresh photos, and I gave spontaneous opinions.
After about two hours, we stopped for more group photos and selfies. The head of the PCI gave a short finishing speech.
All in all, a very interesting and pleasant experience for me. I hope the others liked it! :-)
Afterwards, I posted my photos in the designated WhatsApp group. Participants have been doing the same, and I have been giving feedback.
Shubhodeep Roy
