Mumbai's student shutterbugs turn pro

Saturday was a busy day for Shreya Shetty, 20, the official photographer for an engagement. The media student from Sophia College, Cumballa Hill, who started off with working for college festivals, is a trained photographer today, with a slew of shoots to her credit.

Saturday was a busy day for Shreya Shetty, 20, the official photographer for an engagement. The media student from Sophia College, Cumballa Hill, who started off with working for college festivals, is a trained photographer today, with a slew of shoots to her credit.

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Ketan Kundargi, currently a features writer at Better Photography magazine, got involved in photography when he was pursuing a Bachelor’s of Mass Media degree. “I usually mix photography with things I love,” said Kundargi, who missed his third-year prelim exams last year to shoot for the Lakme Fashion Week.

Shetty and Kundargi are among the growing tribe of students taking up professional photography assignments while juggling college life; some have even made it a career.

Their talent is slowly being recognised by professionals. In April Khachaak, a photography exhibition by college students, was organised by Tunali Mukherjee, an independent photography professional. “Professionals like to help them because they don’t see these students as a major competition, which actually works out well for the students,” Mukherjee said.

The trend is only getting stronger. To create a platform for like-minded photography enthusiasts, KC College student Ameya Kale started a Facebook page called Shutter Buddies in April, along with two friends. “Photography helps capture moments that can never be revisited except in memories,” said Kale, whose recent photographed the inauguration of a clinic.

“It’s good to see students starting such initiatives at a young age. This not only gives them on-field experience, but also teaches them how to deal with clients,” said Mukherjee.