Tribune news network
Doha
The ICC Photography Club, operating under the prestigious Indian Cultural Centre (ICC) and the Indian Embassy, has announced its Annual Day 2024. The much-anticipated event will be held on December 13 and 14 in the ICC premises in Abu Hamour, promising to be a grand celebration of photography, creativity, and community spirit.
Addressing the press, key ICC officials, including President AP Manikantan, Vice President Subramanya Hebbagelu, and Photography Club President Vishnu Gopal, shared their excitement for this year’s event, which aims to showcase and celebrate the art of photography in all its glory. Other notable attendees at the press conference included ICC General Secretary Mohan Kumar, ICC Secretary Abraham Joseph, and members of the ICC managing committee such as Adv. Jaffer Khan, Sajeev Sathyaseelan, and Shantanu Deshpandey, among others.
The Annual Day 2024 promises an extensive lineup of activities designed to engage and inspire photography enthusiasts across Qatar. The centerpiece of the celebration will be the ICC Photography Contest, which is open to both nationals and residents.
The competition encourages participants to explore two captivating themes: ‘Exploring Qatar’, focusing on the country’s cultural and architectural richness, and ‘Back to Nature’, which invites global perspectives on the beauty of the natural world.
Participants have the chance to win a grand prize of QR5,000, along with several other category prizes. The contest also welcomes students up to Grade XII with free entry, making it a truly inclusive event. The submission deadline for entries is November 30, 2024.
Another major attraction is the two-day photography exhibition, which will showcase an impressive array of visual stories captured by 150 emerging and professional photographers. The exhibition will officially be inaugurated on December 13 at 6pm and is expected to draw a significant audience of art and photography enthusiasts.
A key highlight of the event will be the felicitation of Indian photographers who have spent over 25 years contributing to the art and culture of photography in Qatar. Nominations for this honour are open until November 30, 2024, with organisers urging the community to come forward to recognise deserving individuals.
Photography enthusiasts can also look forward to a series of workshops led by top mentors and brand ambassadors in the industry. These sessions will cover a wide range of genres, including fine art, wildlife, food, and landscape photography, offering participants an opportunity to learn from the best in the field.
Adding to the intellectual dimension of the event will be a first-of-its-kind panel discussion featuring seven distinguished photography experts. Topics of discussion will include how to read a photograph, approach competitions, create storytelling images, and even explore photography as a form of meditation. Selected photos from the exhibition will also be reviewed during these sessions, providing constructive feedback to participants and helping them refine their skills.
Further enhancing the event, leading camera brands such as Fujifilm, Sony, Canon, and Nikon will set up counters at the venue, offering visitors hands-on experiences with their latest models and exclusive promotional deals. A free camera cleaning service will also be available, ensuring the event caters to both the artistic and practical needs of photographers.
ICC President AP Manikantan emphasized the importance of this annual event, stating that it celebrates not just the art of photography but also the vibrant community that supports it.
Photography Club President Vishnu Gopal added that the event provides a unique platform for photographers to showcase their talent, learn, and connect with like-minded individuals.