PCD, PCZ, ZGC officials along with the participants during the World Photography Day programme held at Zunheboto Government College (ZGC) on August 19. (Morung Photo)
Morung Express News
Zunheboto | August 19
Photography was highlighted not merely as a hobby but as a creative profession and viable career option for young people at a World Photography Day programme held at Zunheboto Government College (ZGC) on August 19.
The programme was organised by the Photography Club Dimapur (PCD) in collaboration with the Photography Club Zunheboto (PCZ) and Zunheboto Government College (ZGC). It featured experience-sharing by photographers and discussions on the importance and different forms of photography.
Speaking on behalf of ZGC, Assistant Professor Newtoli K Yeptho said photography has much to offer young people both as a hobby and profession. She noted that people are naturally drawn to pictures and colours, while photography provides a platform to explore talents and abilities.
Photography, she said, can do more than capture images, as it can portray society and preserve memories and history. She expressed hope that such programmes would encourage young people to take positive action and explore their creative potential.
PCZ president Tunato Achumi shared his journey into photography, recalling that his decision to pursue the field was initially questioned by relatives and friends who expected him to prepare for competitive examinations or seek a government job.
Despite the doubts, Achumi said he remained committed to photography because it was what he genuinely wanted to pursue. He began with a simple DSLR camera and limited resources, at times borrowing his father's vehicle for work.
The journey required continuous learning, hard work, investment and patience, he said. Over time, photography enabled him to travel, meet people from different backgrounds and visit places he might otherwise not have seen.
Photography eventually became a source of livelihood and enabled him to support his parents, which he described as one of the greatest achievements of his journey.
Achumi encouraged young people not to limit their ambitions to government jobs or conventional careers. Opportunities exist in entrepreneurship, business, skilled work and several other fields, he said, urging youth to identify their interests, develop their skills and be willing to start small.
“Do not limit your dreams,” Achumi told the gathering, stressing determination, perseverance, faith and willingness to work hard even when resources and support are limited.
PCD president Wati Jamir spoke on the evolution and different forms of photography, including portrait, landscape and wildlife photography.
Jamir said the Photography Club Dimapur began in 2013 with a small group of members and has since grown considerably. The club has organised photography festivals, workshops and seminars and undertaken activities to support underprivileged children through proceeds from exhibitions and the sale of photographs.
Photography has evolved considerably with advances in technology, he said, noting that mobile phones now allow people to experiment through features such as manual or pro modes.
He highlighted the importance of finding appropriate angles and perspectives in portrait photography to bring out a person's uniqueness. Landscape photography, he said, helps document and appreciate nature while creating awareness about preserving flora and fauna.
On wildlife photography, Jamir stressed the need for patience, dedication and specialised equipment, noting that capturing wildlife moments often requires considerable time and resources.
The programme included an invocation by ZGC Assistant Professor Nitokali V Chishi, a questionnaire session, experience-sharing, a session on “What is Photography,” a vote of thanks and benediction by PCD Finance Secretary Benjamin Soiyo.
Speaking to the media, Jamir said photography could be pursued as a sustainable profession if approached with sincerity, consistency and patience.
“To pursue photography, you should be sincere and consistent. Without that, you cannot go far,” he said, adding that more than a decade of consistency and patience had helped him and the club reach their present stage.
Jamir said photographers should look beyond wedding photography, pointing to opportunities in wildlife, food and product photography, interior photography and architecture. Changing trends and people's needs, he said, were creating new opportunities in the field.
He, however, stressed that sustainability as a photography professional depends on how an individual utilises their talent.
Meanwhile, Achumi said World Photography Day carried a deeper meaning than simply celebrating cameras or the act of taking pictures.
“Being a photographer is not just about taking pictures; it is about seeing, feeling and telling stories through our lens,” he said.
