A perfect platform for budding photographers

VADODARA, Nov 16: Picture the setting sun, a tranquil cloud, a coy bride or a toothless smile. Remember those endless endeavours at capturin...

VADODARA, Nov 16: Picture the setting sun, a tranquil cloud, a coy bride or a toothless smile. Remember those endless endeavours at capturing life8217;s finer moments on camera wasted only because of a click at the wrong time? But don8217;t lose heart. Montage 8211; The Photography School comes with a promise to minimise if not eliminate the disappointments faced by aspiring photographers.

Started in March, the first of its kind photography school in Vadodara, Montage offers hobby courses in photography for those passionate about the still frame but unclear about the rudiments. Says the school in-charge, requesting anonymity, 8220;There are a lot of people here owning good equipment and a zeal for photography. However, the avenues for formal education in the same are limited. And professionals in the field can only offer them tips. So, a photography school seemed the ideal proposition for Barodians.8221;

The response, he says, was excellent with more than 50 students, from 12 to 67 years, passing out from the school till date. Besides imparting knowledge about the camera, lenses and lighting, Montage is among the few photography schools in the State boasting of an in-house darkroom where students are taught the developing and printing procedure.

Montage currently offers a two-week foundation course and an advanced course of five weeks charging Rs 850 and Rs 2,500, respectively, the former also including lessons in printing at an added charge of Rs 250. While fundamental photography knowledge constitute the basic course, the advanced lessons also focus on fashion photography. A course in handicam operation is also available at Rs 1,500.

The learning atmosphere is essentially informal with students having the liberty to decide their batch timings. SLR cameras and other equipment for training are provided by Montage, besides guidance in purchase of better photography equipment at concessional rates and camera repairs.

8220;We do not claim to make the students experts but we certainly help channelise their talents by offering them a well-guided path. We also encourage interaction between the students and the photography circle by holding guest lectures by senior photographers so that they can draw from their experiences,8221; the in-charge says.

Montage plans to introduce shortly a six-month and one-year diploma courses. Regarding recognition, he says, 8220;Montage has also approached the M S University to explore avenues of a sort of tie-up where we can take their excess students and offer them training. The option is being worked over.8221; He, however, adds that Montage will remain open to all with an avid interest in photography with no entrance criteria for those seeking admissions. 8220;One strongly believes that talent in tandem with dedication is pivotal to any course in art,8221; he says.

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Montage also runs a model co-ordination cell offering modelling assignment opportunities to budding models from the city and also designing their portfolios at affordable prices.