Photography societies of Delhi University: What makes the students 'click'

The photography societies in the varsity are platforms where students can explore the art of clicking. Apart from theoretical knowledge, these societies also offer hands-on experience by organising photoshoots and walks.

Apart from the quality education that it provides, Delhi University (DU) is also known for fostering talent in students through the various societies in its colleges. The photography societies in the varsity are one such place. For students who are shutterbugs and would like to spend more time immersed in the art, these societies are the place to be. Here’s a list of some of the photography societies in DU:

The photography societies of Delhi University help encourage budding photographers.

Projekt

Film and Photography Society of LSR

Founded in 1977, Projekt nurtures the talent of film and photography enthusiasts of the college. Apart from holding exhibitions, photo walks, and organising guest lectures for its photography members, the society also collaborates with other societies in the college in order to diversify itself. The members of the society are selected on the basis of their previous work, and there is an interview procedure as well. “Photography is viewed as a personal thing as it the photographer’s vision. We are trying to make it a democratic space by helping students learn to create photographs that everyone can relate to,” says Deyasini Chatterjee, president of the society.

Projekt collaborates with other societies in LSR so as to diversify itself.

Pinhole Photography Society

Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Khalsa College

Apart from sharpening their skills at photography, the society is also like a closely knit family which stands by each other. “We believe in being more than just a photography society. Aisa nahi hai ki aao, click karo aur chale jao. We’re all like family to each other now; we are with each other through each other’s problems,” says Tanveer Oberoi, the president of the society.

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Founded in 2011 by Paawan Khanna, the society has about 20 members. In order to secure a place in society, students have to send in their 10 best photos, after which they have to participate in an on-the-spot photo essay competition. Those who clear this round, have to give an interview. The society holds exhibitions for its students twice a year, one annual, and the other mid-semester. Along with that, the society also hosts photo walks and photography classes for its members. “Whatever the students learn in these classes is tested when they return to the college at the beginning of a new academic year. We take photography quite seriously!” adds Oberoi.

Pinhole, the photography society of SGTB Khalsa, is more like a close-knit family.

The Delhi University Photographers' Club (DUPC)

DUPC is perfect for those who wish to be in a photography society along with students of other colleges, not just their own. As the name suggests, the society is for all the students of DU, and not just for students of any one particular college. “Our main aim is to unite all the photo societies in DU. For this reason, we do not even hold any auditions or have a selection process. Anyone who has an interest in photography can be a part of the society,” says Aastha Rana, the president, DUPC.

Started in 2011 by Haris Mikael, the society has about 200 members. Unlike other societies, DUPC does not participate in any events such as competitions or exhibitions. “We organise our own events, instead of participating in them. We even hold a photography fest where all other colleges participate. We try to provide a platform to budding photographers in DU.” The society often also takes interns so keep an eye out at their Facebook page, you might be their next!

Members of DUPC consist of students from various colleges of the university.

Iris Photography Society of Gargi College

Iris has a long list of achievements to its name. It comes as no surprise that the society takes photography seriously to such an extent, that is gives its members home assignments to complete during the holidays. “There is also have a proper timeline that we follow at the society. We begin with basic photography sessions where we cover the general topics in the first month and then progress to advanced photography in the second month, where we start conducting photo walks. Then we progress to themed indoor photo shoots,” says Vidisha Khaitan, the convenor of Iris.

Founded in 2004, the society has 22 members currently. To be a member of the society, students have to send their best five photographs and participate in an on-the-spot themed photography competition. Of the events organised for the members, some are photo walks, online competitions throughout the session, and exhibitions. The society also presents a photography, film and fine arts exhibition in collaboration with the fine arts and film society of the college.

Members of Iris regularly hold exhibitions and photo walks.

Clicks

The Photography Society of DCAC

“Clicks is the place to be if one loves photography,” says Shubham Verma, the president. The society was started in 2010 by Laveesh Sharma and Rudransh Nagi. It currently has 27 members. To be a part of the society, one has to send in their best five photographs and participate in a photo walk which determines their selection. The process takes about a week. The society organises exhibitions, competitions, photo walks, feedback sessions where the work by the members is critiqued by senior members, workshops, and sessions by guest photographers for its members. The work done by the members is showcased at an exhibition during the college fest every year, along with the work of students from other colleges. “We’ve improved in so many ways since we joined the society. Our photography has improved, our confidence has increased, and we have really learned how to befriend people. People don’t just learn photography here, they begin to truly enjoy it,” adds Verma.

An exhibition by Clicks, the photography society of Delhi College of Arts and Commerce.

Photographic Society

St. Stephen's College

Started in the year 1949 by a few students, The Photographic Society is one of the oldest photography societies in DU, and one of the oldest as well. The society boasts of members who have made a name for themselves in the field of photography, such as Chandan Gnomes who is the youngest recipient of India Habitat Centre Fellowship for Photography, and Aditya Arya, a leading Indian photographer known for his work ‘India Photo Archive Foundation.

Members of the Photographic Society of St Stephen’s during a photo walk.

The college currently has 30 members. Pooja George, the president, says that there is no selection process for those who want to be a member. “Anyone who loves photography can be a part of the society. It doesn’t matter if you think you are good or bad. All you have to be is passionate about photography.” The society organises several events for its members, including photo walks to monuments, informal photo talks by alumni, and competitions and exhibitions at their fest.

The society has also launched a coffee table book, which is filled by photographs taken by its members. It also launches a calendar every year for the students, and the photographs of this are also taken by the students. “The society wants to provide a platform for those who have a zeal for photography. It is a very open society in the way that it does matter if you are a beginner or an advanced learner, there is space for everyone.”