Covering their bodies with heavy beads, women of the primitive Bonda tribes returning from the market at Onukudeli in Odisha’s Koraput district. , Photo Courtesy: KR Deepak
From its humble beginnings in the 1990s, Visakha Camera Club (VCC) has come a long way to become the powerhouse of creativity it is today. VCC, one of the oldest photography clubs in Visakhapatnam, is celebrating its 25th anniversary with an exhibition of a vast body of work by its members. Around 600 photographs of 19 photographers will be displayed in the three-day exhibition starting on December 20 at Hawa Mahal.
The exhibition will include genres such as travel, photojournalism, wedding, fashion, portraits, wildlife and landscapes.

BK Aggarwal’s photograph will be part of the exhibition of Visakha Camera Club in Visakhapatnam. , Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
BK Aggarwal, founding member of VCC, will be showcasing his collection of portrait, fashion and travel photography brimming with sophistication and elegance. Agarwal has been conducting photography workshops for beginners every year on behalf of VCC at VMRDA Park and Shivaji Park. Recalling a defining moment years ago in his journey into photography, Aggarwal explains, “Once I was stuck in a situation where I had to conduct a seven-hour solo workshop when the keynote speaker did not turn up. This was a turning point that made me realize the power of sharing knowledge through photography.
Suresh Gorantla’s matchstick photography will contain miniature marvels with intricate details. Additionally, his photographs from the annual Navy Day event at Visakhapatnam will also be displayed, giving a glimpse of the bravery and valor of India’s Naval Forces.
An avid bird lover and member of the city’s bird clubs, Vikram Penmetsa will present a collection of fascinating images of birds from the United States, blending technical finesse with the beauty of nature.
The exhibition will also include a selection of photojournalistic works featuring defining moments of the T20 Cricket World Cup and a collection of fascinating images from the Araku Hot Air Balloon Festival held in the region a few years ago.

Photograph by Suresh Gorantla which will be part of the exhibition of Visakha Camera Club in Visakhapatnam. , Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
VCC is an affiliated member of the Federation of Indian Photography and India International Photographic Council and Andhra Pradesh Photography Academy. In the 25 years of its existence, the Club has organized six international exhibitions and two national level exhibitions with participation from more than 40 countries.
Speaking on further plans, Suresh Gorantla, President of the Club, says, “We will be bringing out a coffee table book showcasing a wide collection of photographs taken by the Club highlighting the beauty of Visakhapatnam, Araku and other tourist destinations of the region. Are planning. It will be a collector’s piece that will also include some rare, vintage photographs of Visakhapatnam and its defining moments. VCC plans to conduct digital editing and mobile phone photography workshops in the coming year in addition to its annual workshop for beginners.
People who wish to join the club can leave their contact details in the visitor’s book at the exhibition.
The three-day exhibition will be inaugurated by Visakhapatnam Police Commissioner Shanka Brata Bagchi and Bobbili MLA Swetha Kumar Ranga Rao on December 20 at Hawa Mahal, Beach Road. The exhibition will run till December 22 from 10 am to 8 pm.
published – December 20, 2024 06:57 am IST