Mokokchung Photography Club observes World Photography Day with a mobile photography contest and an exhibition.
MOKOKCHUNG — The Mokokchung Photography Club (MPC) observed World Photography Day on the theme “Home” at the Mokokchung Municipal Council Conference Hall on Wednesday.
The event was attended by Imtiyapangla, Project Director of the District Rural Development Agency (DRDA). The observance featured a mobile photography competition that drew 66 entries, alongside an exhibition of works from the MPC photo gallery.
Addressing the gathering, Imtiyapangla admitted she was not a photographer but stated that she deeply appreciates the craft and believes photography can play a far greater role in society than is often recognised.
Highlighting the relevance of photography for young people, Imtiyapangla noted the persistent focus on government jobs among educated youth. While acknowledging nothing is wrong with seeking such employment, she pointed out the need to broaden perspectives as government vacancies have become saturated.
“Getting a government job should not be the definition of success in our society. Our young people need to learn how to create opportunities as well as look for them,” she urged.
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She identified photography as one such avenue. She explained that a talented and determined young person can build a livelihood through wedding photography, portraits, events, sports, fashion, products, real estate, tourism, and cultural documentation.
Stock photography, she added, offers further potential, noting that images of landscapes, festivals, food, people, traditions, and everyday life can be licensed multiple times, generating ongoing value.
She advised building a strong portfolio, covering local events, collaborating with businesses, mastering editing and marketing, and establishing an online presence, steps that can eventually attract clients from outside the state and internationally.
Imtiyapangla appealed to experienced photographers to mentor the next generation not merely as students but as potential entrepreneurs.
Longrangty Longchar, a founding member of the MPC, presented a brief overview of the club’s journey. He recalled that the club was formally launched 15 years ago in 2011 at the Mokokchung Press Club office, inaugurated by the then SDO (Civil) Nungsangmenla Imchen.
The initiative had been conceived earlier by Onenjungshi Pongen and former convener Imnaonen Pongen, both formally trained photographers, who, together with senior journalists Sashimeren Jamir and Limalenden, and others including Senti Kichu, Temsuchila Jamir, and Maong Longkumer, laid the foundation.
He said the early mentors generously shared technical knowledge, introducing members to aperture, lighting, and the fundamentals of good photography at a time when most relied on compact point-and-shoot cameras.
He noted that a landmark two-week workshop organised with partners from Goa-CAP, held at the erstwhile Eastern Talkies theatre, proved transformative, where participants learnt that “the best camera in the world is the one in your hand", shifting focus from equipment to framing, light, and perception.
The club also celebrated World Pinhole Camera Day by constructing cameras from matchboxes and creating the “Morung Camera”, later exhibited during the Moatsu festival.
After a period of reduced activity starting around 2015, responsibility was handed to a new generation. Under the leadership of convener Takumeren and secretary Moa, the present team has revitalised the club with creativity and passion, he informed.
The programme was followed by a photo exhibition. Winners of the mobile photography competition were, first, Odichuba Ozukum (Sungkomen); second, Akangkokba (Ungma Village); and third, Tekatemjen Walling (Süngratsü Village).