To celebrate World Photography Day, Canon India, in association with the Centre for Photography at MAHE, Manipal, hosted a two-day engaging workshop at the Manipal Institute of Communication (MIC) on the 19th and 20th of August at 9:30 AM. The event featured prominent guest speakers, Mr. Astro Mohan, a senior news photographer for Udayavani and Canon Maestro, and Mr. Satyabodh Joshi, a Professor of Practice at MIC.

Dr. Shubha H S introduced the event and delivered the introductory remarks. MIC's Director, Dr. Padma Rani, further welcomed the chief guests, including Dr. Raviraja N S, COO of MAHE, and Dr. Vidya Saraswathi M., Professor & Associate Dean, Department of Conservative Dentistry & Endodontics, Manipal

College of Dental Science (MCODS). Mr. Ajay Dominic, Business Manager from Karnataka, also shared valuable insights during the event. Mr. Manikandan C., the faculty coordinator, played a key role in organising the workshop.

Mr. Astro Mohan initiated the workshop by posing interactive questions along with his insights into the concepts of photography, including aperture, shutter speed, and ISO, while delving deeper into the world of photography.

The second session was conducted by Mr. Satyabodh Joshi, who discussed image composition techniques and the principles of exposure essential for capturing the perfect shot.

Following this, Canon India facilitated a hands-on practical experience by taking students from MIC and MCODS to the historic Kathale Basadi and Bhairavi Ganapati Temple. These sites, protected under the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), offered an ideal backdrop for students to apply their newly acquired skills. Kathale Basadi, known for its ancient Jain architecture, and Bhairavi Ganapati Temple, celebrated for its intricate carvings, provided rich opportunities for photographic exploration.

Adding to the excitement, a photography competition was held as part of the workshop, where students submitted their best images. The second day of the workshop comprised participants describing their photographs and receiving feedback from the judges, including Mr. Astro Mohan, Mr. Satyabodh Joshi and the faculty coordinator, Mr. Manikandan C.  

The competition winners were announced towards the end of the workshop, where the first and second place was secured by Girish Kumar SM from MAMC 1st Year and Abdul Samad of MAMC 1st Year, respectively. Both were offered cash prizes and coffee table books that Mr Astro Mohan himself signed. The rest of the students were provided with participation certificates.  

Towards the end, the students provided feedback on the workshop, and both Mr. Astro Mohan and Mr. Satyabodh Joshi, shared their additional insights and experiences. Mr. Astro Mohan also showcased some of his photographs, emphasising that "it's not the camera, it's the eyes behind the lens."  

The event wrapped up on a warm note as Dr. Padma Rani expressed her gratitude to the guests and presented them with thoughtful tokens of appreciation. The collaboration between Canon India and MAHE provided a comprehensive learning experience, inspiring students and equipping them for future endeavours in photography.