Facebook, Twitter, Linkedin, Google + and now Instagram, there seems to be a never-ending addition to the number of social media applications that keep getting added to my phone but out of these Instagram is something really different since the core of its concept is Image and Video sharing. Being an avid photographer this is what I wanted, something by which I could share all my personal favourites to my friend group.
When I heard about Instagram meet in Kolkata or I should say Calcutta with the theme “Portraits of People whom you met today” it really got me exited and I signed up almost immediately. Not being a regular in the photo walk circles of Kolkata I was initially bit uneasy but then got confirmation that I would be joined by some known faces like Prabir Bhattacharya, Svetlana, Indrajit Das & Binoy Mishra.
The Calcutta Instameet was scheduled for 4th of October, 2015 and all the participants were requested to meet at the Kalighat Metro station, the one right opposite to Tram Depot. Our group had planned to meet in front of the Greek Orthodox Church which is bang opposite to the meeting point. I reached at around 8.45 AM and soon found Prabir Da, this was followed by Svetlana and soon Indrajit along with Binoy arrived at the spot. We could see a steady trickle of Instagrammers and all of us proceeded to the original meeting point.
Finally we reached the Kalighat Metro Station where nearly over hundred photographers had already gathered and we felt comfortable that there are many crazy people like us who have come on a Sunday morning to photograph the city.
After waiting a couple of minutes all of us crossed the road and stood in front of Tram Depot where we were welcomed and briefed about the days event and a basic do’s and don’ts. This was followed by the customary group photo and we were ready for the Instameet.
By now our group was joined by Shilajit, Tanayesh & Debraj; the best thing about photography is that you don’t have to know the other person for a decade to become friends, just the connection of photography can have a long lasting bond. Together we decided to go around Kalighat Temple area and do some street photography, the sun was up by now and the heat was scorching but this did not dampen our mood but created a rush.
This was the first time that I had come to this locality and was really fascinated to see the street life buzzing with activity. This was perfect for a Sunday morning photo shoot, there were subjects everywhere and the options were unlimited. We walked around the locality photographing and archiving the street life forever.
Being a hot and a very humid day our energy started running out very quickly, bottles of water were fast disappearing but our journey continued. This lasted until 12 noon when we decided to call it a day. By now Prabir da & Svetlana had already left since Prabir da just recovered from a leg injury and Svetlana had returned to India from Germany the previous night.
Most of us had skipped our breakfast thus were extremely hungry, it was then that someone in our group suggested that the best place to get some Radhaballabhi would be Sree Hari and this was the actual Sree Hari which is famous for its Radhaballabhi and Lengcha. After some delicious Radhaballabhi, Lengcha & Sweet Lassi we decided to end the photo walk.
Walking back to the starting point it was more of casual discussion about each other’s interest etc. In the end this Calcutta Instameet not only was an opportunity to photograph the city life but also an opportunity to know fellow photographers who share a common passion. This was not the end but just a beginning, will surely meet for the next Instameet but before that we surely will catch up for the one and only reason “Photography”.
Thank you Calcutta Instagrammers & Streets of Calcutta for arranging such a wonderful event, see you guys next time.