 The Photographic Society of Madras, which was founded by an Englishman named Dr Alexander Hunter in 1857, is one of the oldest photographic societies in the world.
One more Madras Day is round the corner. And it is an occasion for Chennaiites to see the evergreen pictures of old Madras once again. Those black and white photos of Mount Road with one or two cars and a bullock cart moving majestically along, the vast Mylapore and its water-filled tank, the empty Marina Beach and many such pictures are showcased to honour the city.
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Chennai`s tryst with photography goes beyond these century old pictures. In fact, the first photographic society in the country was set up in Chennai.
The Photographic Society of Madras, which was founded by an Englishman named Dr Alexander Hunter in 1857, is one of the oldest photographic societies in the world. Walter Elliot was it first president (Besant Nagar Elliot`s Beach is named after him).
The PSM served as a platform for all photography enthusiasts to explore the art of photography. It organised a photographic exhibition every year. The exhibition got an international colour because people from various countries participated in it. Photography was evolving rapidly at that time. The members of the society attempted the technological developments without fail.
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However, the society stopped to function for a few years due to various reasons like lack of office bearers and World War I. In 1932, it was reregistered as the Madras Amateur Photographic Society. Later, the original name was reverted.
At present the PSM has 220 members. Its members are both amateur as well as professional photographers who ``consider photography as an art,`` says Dr B Chidambaram who is an executive member of the PSM.
He says a good photographer has an idea about how the picture should look like even before he captures it.
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Sridhar Rao Chaganti of the PSM adds: ``We believe a good photograph is made, not taken. It is as creative as drawing a picture. I can take a picture of you the way you appear. But at the same time I can make a picture of you by adjusting the lights and angle. We are looking for people who can make photographs rather than take snaps.``
The PSM regularly conducts photo competitions and exhibitions. The society has recently conducted a photo competition called `Salon 2009`. There were about 2,400 entries in the contest. The competition was held under different categories like Incredible India, Flora and Fauna, Water, Temples, Monochrome, Emotions and Streets at Night. As many as 228 photographs were selected for various prizes. The photographs will be on exhibition at the Lalit Kala Akademi in the city from August 18 to 23.
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The PSM also conducts workshops, photo walks and tours to out stations to capture different photographs. They meet every third Saturday and an eminent photographer will address the members. ``We conduct almost 35 programmes every year, ``says Sridhar.
The PSM is affiliated to many photographic societies including the Royal Photographic Society, London, and the Photographic Society of America.
Speaking about the challenges a photographer faces, Sridhar says harassment by the police is the most important. ``They won`t let us capture photos even in non-security areas.``
Chidambaram adds that people still don`t consider it as an art. ``People always see a photographer as somebody who takes snaps of functions like marriages. They can`t consider photography as an art. And they look down upon photographers.``
The PSM`s effort is to create awareness among people with workshops on photography. They hope the attitude of the public and police will change one day. |
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