Visakha Camera Club completes 25 years with a photography exhibition from December 20

Sporting heavy beads to cover their bodies, women of the primitive Bonda tribe return from a market in Onukudelli in Odisha’s Koraput district. | Photo courtesy: KR Deepak

Visakha Camera Club (VCC) has come a long way from its humble beginnings in the 1990s to become the powerhouse of creativity it is today. One of the oldest photography clubs in Visakhapatnam, VCC is celebrating its 25th anniversary with an exhibition of a large group of works by its members. More than 600 photographs of 19 photographers will be displayed in the three-day exhibition starting from 20th of November at Hawamahal.

The exhibition will include genres such as travel, photojournalism, weddings, fashion, portraits, wildlife and landscapes.

A photograph by BK Aggarwal that will be a part of the exhibition by Visakha Camera Club, Visakhapatnam. | Photo Credit: Special Arrangements

BK Aggarwal, founder member of VCC, will showcase his collection of portraits, fashion and travel photography with sophistication and elegance. Aggarwal has been conducting photography workshops for beginners on behalf of VCC every year at VMRDA Park and Shivaji Park. Recalling a defining moment years ago in his journey into photography, Aggarwal says, “I was once caught in a situation where I had to conduct a seven-hour solo workshop after the keynote speaker did not turn up. This was a turning point that made me realize the power of imparting knowledge through photography.”

Suresh Gorantala’s matchstick photography will present miniature miracles with intricate details. Additionally, his captures from the annual Navy Day event in Visakhapatnam will also be on display, providing a glimpse into the bravery and valor of the Indian Naval forces.

An avid birder and member of the city’s Birding Club, Vikram Penmetsa will present a collection of fascinating portraits of the birds of the United States, combining technical skill with the beauty of nature.

The exhibition will also feature a selection of photojournalistic works including moments from the T20 Cricket World Cup and a collection of stunning images from the Araku Hot Air Balloon Festival held in the region a few years ago.

A photograph by Suresh Gorantala that will be part of an exhibition by Visakha Camera Club, Visakhapatnam. | Photo Credit: Special Arrangements

VCC is an associate member of Federation of Indian Photography and International Photographic Council of India and Andhra Pradesh Photography Academy. In the 25 years of its existence, the club has conducted six international exhibitions with the participation of more than 40 countries and two national level exhibitions.

Speaking about the upcoming plans, Club President Suresh Gorantala said, “We have planned to bring out a coffee table book showcasing the extensive collection of photographs taken by the club reflecting the beauty of Visakhapatnam, Araku and other tourist spots in the region. It will be a collector’s piece that also contains some rare, old photographs of Visakhapatnam and its defining moments. VCC plans to conduct digital editing and mobile phone photography workshops in the coming year in addition to an annual workshop for beginners.

People interested in joining the club can leave their contact details in the visitors book at the exhibition.

The three-day exhibition will be inaugurated by Visakhapatnam Police Commissioner Shankarat Bagchi and Bobilli MLA Shweta Kumar Ranga Rao on December 20 at Hawa Mahal, Beach Road. The exhibition will run from 10 am to 8 pm on December 22.

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