Portraits of Life Photography Workshop – With Shibasish Saha

On 30th July 2023, a group of 25 passionate photographers converged for the “Portraits of Life” photography workshop. The day commenced early at 7 AM with a photowalk at Mallick Ghat.

Participants got a first-hand experience of capturing the essence of Kolkata in the morning light. As the city awakened, so did the creativity of our photography workshop participants. They had guidance from mentor Shibasish Saha.

By midday, the group made their way to K P Basu Memorial Hall, Jadavpur University. Here, our participants enjoyed conversations with peers and the mentor. Photographers were eager to delve deeper into the art of life photography.

The Mentor

Shibasish Saha is not just a photographer; he’s a storyteller.

He has over 500 international awards to his name. His prowess in capturing raw emotions and moments is unparalleled. Shibasish’s journey into photography is both inspiring and relatable.

While he excels as an IT Analyst professionally, his heart belongs to travel photography. His travels span the globe, and his passion lies in exploring people from different walks of life.

Shibasish’s approach is unique. He’s self-taught, relying on trial and error, constantly learning and evolving. His distinctions include EFIAP (Luxembourg), FFIP (India), HonPESGSPC (Cyprus), and EIUP (China).

The Sponsors

Stellar continues its tradition of supporting photographers, with our products and services as well as our on-ground support for such photography workshops. Stellar has been at the forefront of data recovery solutions for 30 years now.

Apart from Stellar, the other sponsors were Sigma, Wacom, and Lumix.

Sigma: A global leader in camera and lens manufacturing, Sigma is renowned for its commitment to artistry and innovation.

Wacom: A brand synonymous with creativity, Wacom offers interactive pen displays, pen tablets, and stylus products.

Lumix: A part of Panasonic, Lumix is a name that resonates with photographers worldwide. Their cameras combine the art of making pictures with cutting-edge technology.

Each of these sponsors played a pivotal role in making the ‘Portraits of Life’ photography workshop a success. Their contributions enriched the experience for all participants.

The Photography Workshop

The day began with an engaging morning photo walk at Mallick Ghat. This setting allowed attendees to immerse themselves in the environment and capture life’s essence. The vibrant surroundings provided ample opportunities for participants to experiment and hone their skills.

As the day progressed, the venue shifted to K P Basu Memorial Hall. Here, Shibasish Saha took center stage, sharing his vast knowledge and guiding attendees on the nuances of portrait photography.

After the morning’s photo walk, participants selected three of their best images to showcase during the evening session. Shibasish reviewed the submissions, and a winning photo was chosen.

Promotions and Giveaways

To ensure a wholesome experience, participants were treated to a delicious breakfast and lunch. Additionally, they received special giveaways from supporting brands.

The photographer behind the top image was awarded a Wacom Tablet and a One Year Premium License from Stellar Photo Recovery, valued at ₹5999.

Every participant received a certificate for attending and completing the workshop.

Takeaways From The ‘Portraits of Life Photography’ Workshop

Capturing the Essence of Life

The morning photo walk at Mallick Ghat was an exercise in capturing life in its rawest form. The bustling activities, the play of light on the water, and the myriad of emotions on display provided ample opportunities for photographers to hone their skills.

The ‘Continuous Learning’ Mantra

Shibasish shared his journey from clicking random shots with a Kodak camera. He emphasized the importance of continuous learning and experimentation. His approach to photography is rooted in documenting lifestyles. The photographs captured the essence of people and their surroundings. His advice to budding photographers was clear: know your camera, keep shooting, review, and shoot again.

The Power of Local Exploration

Drawing from his recent experiences, Shibasish highlighted the beauty of exploring local areas. Due to travel restrictions, he focused on capturing the rural areas of West Bengal. He emphasized that one doesn’t need to travel far to find captivating subjects.

Shibasish’s Practical Tips for Photographers

Master the Basics

Before diving into advanced techniques, ensure you have a strong grasp of the basics. Understand your camera’s settings, the rule of thirds, and the importance of lighting.

Golden Hour is Key

The hours just after sunrise and just before sunset, often referred to as the ‘golden hours’, offer the best natural lighting for photography. Utilize this time to capture warm and soft-toned images.

Engage with Your Subject

Especially in portrait photography, building a rapport with your subject can make a significant difference. It helps in capturing genuine emotions and expressions.

Experiment with Perspectives

Don’t just stick to eye-level shots. Try different angles – shoot from above, from below, or even from the side. This can add a unique touch to your photos.

Be Prepared for the Unexpected

If you often shoot near water bodies, be aware of the risks. Over the time, there is a chance that your camera might get exposed to water. Adopt good data care practices. Regularly back up your photos to the cloud or external drives.

Stellar’s Role in Data Recovery

For photographers, losing photos can be devastating. Stellar Photo Recovery comes as a savior in such situations.

It is designed to retrieve lost or deleted photos from various storage devices, ensuring that photographers can recover their cherished memories.

Want Stellar To Sponsor Your Photography Workshop?

Stellar Data Recovery is committed to backing the photography and videography talents in India. We’re eager to sponsor more workshops like these in the coming times.

If you’re planning a photography or videography event and need sponsorship, drop us a line at help@stellarinfo.com. We’re excited to partner up and help nurture this dynamic community.