The worth of information sharing: MumbaiOgraphy grows a group of over 12,700 photographers

Launched in 2014, PhotoSparks is a weekly function from YourStory, with pictures that commemorate the spirit of creativity and innovation. In the sooner 940 posts, we featured an artwork competition, cartoon gallery. world music competition, telecom expo, millets honest, local weather change expo, wildlife convention, startup competition, Diwali rangoli, and jazz competition.

MumbaiOgraphy, an aptly named images group primarily based in Mumbai, not too long ago hosted an exhibition in Jehangir Art Gallery. See our protection of earlier exhibitions at this iconic gallery right here.

The images group was shaped by Prerna Kale and Hitesh Baldota in 2016. It now has over 12,700 members.

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“Photography to us is like breathing. We see memorable moments every day and even every second,” Kale tells YourStory.

Some moments are lovable and are captured in minds and hearts. “We can also capture some such moments on our devices to relive them again,” she provides.

Every fortnight, the group conducts group actions. This contains photograph walks, workshops, or group discussions.

“Once people learn the art of photography, they can become professionals. This includes genres like weddings, tabletop photography, or even assignment for magazines,” she says.

As tendencies in images, Kale factors to the ever-present use of smartphones as photographic units. “Capturing unique or memorable moments from festivals is another trend.,” she provides.

AI is choosing up tempo as nicely. “Soon, it will take over many processes in photography activities,” she observes.

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Photography is a well-liked interest, and there are various communities of photographers – each novice {and professional}. “We stand out due to the fact that we do personal mentorship,” Kale affirms.

“Through social media like WhatsApp groups, we help photographers become better. We provide help and various tips as knowledge inputs for improvement,” she explains.

Kale has a level in promoting, whereas her co-founder Hitesh Baldota studied engineering. The founders have organised three giant exhibitions up to now.

Jehangir Gallery requires a spot of three years between successive exhibitions by the identical organisation. “The best part of this gallery is that it is a venue where art lovers flock. That makes it the ideal place to exhibit, as like-minded people are all around,” Kale observes.

For their images exhibitions, MumbaiOgraphy has a panel of judges who determine the advantage of the images. “Only the worthy ones are chosen,” Kale says.

“We usually have an open theme. Current topics also play an important part as part of the exhibition,” she says.

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Most group members are in Mumbai, however some are in different cities. Local members additionally journey and submit pictures from different places. “So we do have photographs on display from across the globe,” Kale says.

The founders organise totally different sorts of competitions. “In live competitions, we decide on a location and give the members two hours to shoot and give us their best clicks,” she describes.

“We also have Instagram contests, and competitions for best archive photographs,” she says. Prizes embody images magazines.

The founders additionally talk about subjects and give you a variety of themes. “We have a number of experts on our judging panel, whom we choose from pertaining to that certain genre,” Kale says.

The pandemic was a tricky time for the group. “We conducted many webinars during the lockdowns. Experts from different genres conducted four webinars each, accompanied by slide shows,” she remembers.

The group contains a big panel of consultants. Accomplished practitioners in every style give members suggestions and ideas for enchancment.

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“With our help, the photography community grew quickly from launch. We went from 500 to 1,500 to 2,500 within a couple of months,” Kale remembers.

More individuals now wish to affiliate with the group, together with many manufacturers. “We want to be careful in welcoming brands – we would prefer those that want to genuinely help our community and not just sell their products,” she says.

“Knowledge is more important than money for us. We do not generate funds via sponsors at the moment. We spend from our own pockets,” Kale provides.

Fortunately, the crew has a rising pool of well-wishers. “Our members are happy to pitch in and help us out with completing the tasks,” she acknowledges.

The founders are energetic readers as nicely. “We have to keep ourselves up to date to solve queries,” she says.

Looking forward in 2026, MumbaiOgraphy plans to have extra workshops and photograph walks. “Other groups, including from other cities, have also approached us to conduct photo walks and lectures,” Kale explains.

“Our photowalks are always the talk of the town, as a lot of knowledge sharing ideas and in-depth discussions take place while clicking. We help our members click better, and assist with framing the shots as well,” she says with pleasure.

“Like they say, A family that stays together grows together. MumbaiOgraphy is truly a growing family,” Kale indicators off.

Now what have you performed right now to pause in your busy schedule and harness your artistic aspect for a greater world?

(All pictures taken by Madanmohan Rao on location at Jehangir Art Gallery.)