The Photographic Society of Madras captures frames from across the world for their Chennai exhibition

The Hindu

03-06-2025

At the Lalit Kala Akademi where there are photographs currently adorning the gallery walls, every corner has a story to tell. There are fishermen in Vietnam standing against a stunning sunset, a military jet belly-up in air as it streaks past the blue sky, a theyyam performer playing with fire, a grizzly bear deftly catching fish jumping out of a waterfall in Alaska, and an idyllic campsite at Tapovan, with snowy peaks in the background.
These photos are currently on display as part of Confluence 2025, the Photographic Society of Madras' annual exhibition. The Society was founded in 1857 by Dr Alexander Hunter and Walter Elliot, just a few years after the very first photograph was taken. Over a century and a half later, little has changed for its current members, who are united by a common passion for photography.
'We currently have over 500 members across age groups, and meet once a month. Apart from interactions and workshops by noted photographers and cinematographers, we also organise photo tours, walks, seminars and exhibitions for our members,' says GN Ramaswami, president.
As part of Confluence 2025, over 230 photographs from the Photographic Society of Madras' active members are on display across seven categories comprising monochrome, landscape, street, portrait, wildlife, monuments, and open colour. Also on display are photographs from across the world, which have won awards at the salons conducted by the Society.
A member for over 10 years now, V Mohanakrishnan says being a part of the Photographic Society has meant meeting many like-minded people, and a camaraderie he greatly cherishes. 'Photography has always been a great stress buster, and as an avid biker, my trips have translated into good opportunities for wildlife and Nature photography,' he says. Photographed by him is a pair of Khalij pheasants, with their vibrant, blue plumage. 'Patience is the key to photographing wildlife and Nature,' he says, of his experiences.
For S Balu, who has been interested in photography for 30 years, his interest in pictorial and Nature photography has meant planning dedicated photography trips at regular intervals. His photos on display include the electric blue Ain Dubai ferris wheel in motion by the water, and a peacock with its tail feathers unfurled and in full display.
If the vibrant wildlife and Nature photographs are fascinating to see, the monochrome photographs capture a melancholic stillness. From wooden cabins covered with snow to the stunning colours of autumn, the landscape photos on display make for a capsule trip around the world.
Ramaswami says they have been encouraging more youngsters to join in, and pick up photography as a hobby. 'We have also seen a marked rise in interest among them. While there are a few members who are professional photographers, a large number of us took up photography as a hobby and have bettered our craft through learning and experience sharing. This exhibition is a great platform for our members to showcase their work through various themes,' he adds.
Confluence 2025 is on at Lalit Kala Akademi, Greams road, till June 7. Open from 11am to 7pm.