“Photography is a wonderful art. It is a language worth a thousand words,” said Ravi Posavanike, renowned photojournalist of the Times of India, Mangalore edition.
Field Marshal K.M. Cariappa College’s Department of Journalism, Alumni Association, and Kodagu Press Club jointly organized a programme on the scope and job opportunities in photojournalism at the seminar hall of the college recently.
“A thousand stories can be told through a photograph. It captures emotions, memories, and messages in an instant. Photography involves both science and creativity, capturing the beauty of nature, people, and events, and touching the hearts of viewers,” Posavanike said. He explained that photography is not only about capturing images but also about conveying the emotions and stories of the photographer. “It creates a unique art form by blending scientific techniques and artistic creativity,” he said.
Nowadays, he observed, everyone considers themselves a photographer. “But to be a good photographer, one must take pictures differently. A photograph should speak. Photographers must have immense patience and a sense of timing,” he advised.
Calling photography a documentary form of art, he described photojournalists as historians. “In the past, an artist painted one picture, but today, a hundred photographs can be taken in moments and shared instantly across the world,” he remarked.
He noted that photojournalists have ample opportunities but must adhere to ethical principles. “No matter how much technology advances, it cannot replace human beings,” he added. On the occasion, Posavanike demonstrated various photographic techniques and displayed photographs captured using different cameras.
President of the Kodagu Press Club and FMKMC College Alumni Association, Bollajira B. Ayyappa, said that the Alumni Association gives special emphasis to journalism students and organizes programmes every year to encourage them. “Awareness about TV media and newspapers is also created through demonstrations for students,” he said.
He observed that although artificial intelligence is reducing job opportunities due to technological growth, journalism continues to offer ample opportunities, and students should make good use of them.
Prof. Nayana Kashyap, Coordinator of the Journalism Department, said that the eyes are the real camera in a person’s life. “When what we see cannot be expressed in words, it should be conveyed artistically or through writing. Photography is an art that helps reconstruct history and offers different perspectives of interpretation,” she said.
Presiding over the programme, Principal Prof. B. Raghava said, “The programme was excellent. Reports become meaningful when accompanied by photographs. Pictures help reconstruct history, create awareness, and play an important role in civilizing society. Today, life without photographs is unimaginable”.
Journalism lecturer A.N. Monica, Ravi Posavanike’s wife Shankari R. Posavanike, Vice President of the Alumni Association Bottamgad Ganapathy, Secretary Chandan Nandarabettu, Association Director and Press Club General Secretary M.K. Adarsh, Press Club Director and Association Director Lohit Magalu, Association Director S.R. Vatsala, Press Club Directors K.S. Lokesh and Vinod, teachers, and students were present.
Chondamma led the prayer, Babita welcomed the gathering, T.V. Varsha narrated the programme, and lecturer A.N. Monica delivered the vote of thanks.
Photography Competition:
Sudeep, a student of FMKMC College, won first place in the district-level photography competition held for degree college students of Kodagu on the theme Kodagu Varshadhare. Chengappa B. of Gonikoppa Cauvery College won second place, and Kirtan Kawerappa of Virajpet Cauvery College secured third place. Diana, Pragati, Pranutha, Madhu Sudan, and B.R. Varsha of FMKMC College won prizes for best photographs.
The winners received Rs. 2,000 for first place, Rs. 1,500 for second place, and Rs. 1,000 for third place. Attractive prizes and certificates were also awarded to the five best photographs.
