What: IIPK presents ‘A journey through time’, a photography workshop by Raghu Rai, in association with t2

When: August 19, 10am onwards

Where: Jamini Roy Gallery at ICCR, 9A Ho Chi Minh Sarani

What to expect: On World Photography Day, veteran photographer Raghu Rai will hold a workshop for students of the International Institute of Photography, Kolkata (IIPK), sharing his own journey and offering tips to better their craft.

Calling all t2 readers: While the workshop is only for IIPK students, 10 t2 readers stand a chance to win a place at the workshop, free of cost. Send in one original entry on the theme “India” to t2click@abp.in latest by 2pm on August 14.

A quick t2 chat with Raghu Rai...

What’s your take on World Photography Day? How do you celebrate?

Because of digital technology, every second person can call himself a photographer — with cellphones, digital cameras and DSLRs. The purpose of photography is to record the time and life that we live in. And World Photography Day can be celebrated by everybody (laughs)! Technology has made things much easier for photographers. But who will do the exploration, the things that haven’t been captured before? Every time you take a picture, does it tell a story? And is the story worth telling? Be very focused and colourful in the journey of exploration.

For me, the celebration goes on forever. This is not only my profession, this is my dharma! This is my joy. So every time I am taking pictures, the intensity and passion is the same. For me, it is in my blood!

Your advice for budding photographers?

I would like to uproot individuals from their predictable and comfortable zones. I don’t want them to take other people’s ideas. Life and nature have treasures to offer but you will only get it if you are seeking it. In this workshop, participants will be given a sense of well-being that there are certain things waiting for each one of us so that they don’t get bogged down.

What should people carry to the workshop?

They can carry simple equipment and not too many lenses, so that they won’t take too much time to change their equipment. They have to switch off their mind.

Is this workshop for amateurs?

This workshop is for amateurs who are excited about taking better pictures and also for professionals.