The year 1934 was a year of extremes: from the rise of tyranny to the birth of innovation. It was the year Adolf Hitler declared himself Führer of Nazi Germany and consolidated power. Percy Shaw invented cat eyes, also known as road reflectors. However, many claim the most major event was the shooting of American bandits Bonnie and Clyde in April 1934. But for people like us dabbling in the creative field of photography, something more interesting happened that year, which is also about “shooting,” but of a different kind. It was the year Daicel, a chemical company, sprouted Fujifilm, an innovative company.
The company name draws inspiration from Mount Fuji, a symbol of Japan. Its beauty has deeply influenced Western art through its representation in Japanese art, inspiring artists and poets alike. So, the fact that Fujifilm graced our studios over the weekend was a matter of pride. They displayed a stunning range of innovative products that looked sleek and high-tech, kindling interest among amateurs as well as more experienced photographers in the audience.
The atmosphere was abuzz with activity, with enthusiasts trying their hands on these cameras and intuitively comparing them to Canon’s, Nikon’s, and what have you. You will always have loyalists who stick by their brand no matter what, and then others who are always exploring for something new and innovative. We had an eclectic mix of audiences from all walks of life—corporates passionate about photography, aspiring fashion models, students of fine arts to professional photographers. The studio transformed into a melting pot of sorts, where interesting conversations and opinions filled the air. There were discussions around the coming of AI and how it is likely to disrupt the field; the lack of impetus given to creative fields unlike in the West where it is considered lucrative; and the changing preferences and attitudes of millennials and Gen Alpha towards almost everything, which is partly worrying.
While all these side discussions and social chatter kept people engaged, an eager bunch of beautiful models were getting prepared to be photographed. Under the keen observation of supermodel Titas Mondal of Muse Grooming House, these models sashayed and posed with gay abandon while receiving perfect advice and grooming tips to stand out as professionals.
Trained actor and upcoming model Saloni Desai caught our eye as she oozed confidence and poise. During a candid conversation with her backstage, she came across as a down-to-earth, unassuming person whose armed forces background keeps her grounded and focused.
In the audience, we had an avid wildlife photographer, Sharat, who dabbles with a grueling corporate career during weekdays and photography during weekends, providing him the much-needed respite from his 9-to-5 existence. Fashion photography is new to him, but he does not want to be confined to any specific genre. He mentioned something very insightful that could encourage a lot of budding photographers out there: “You never know when is the right moment you would get the perfect shot, so enjoy the process and don’t chase after the destination.” A lot of variables and a bit of lady luck are required for these moments to come together. But even then, you cannot be sure if you would get it.
The group of photographers had a sense of apprehension in terms of how Artificial Intelligence and AI Superintelligence could displace this field in the time to come. Sharat stated that the simple click of a camera gives a sense of completion, unlike digital devices, where you do not get the same feel.
Like all good things, this eventful weekend had to also come to an end, but we all surely went back much richer and energized. We thank Fujifilm for giving all the creative aficionados a chance to experience the beauty of photography through their lenses.