That a picture speaks a thousand words is an established fact especially when it comes to highlighting issues like malnutrition, sexual exploitation, child labour or a natural calamity. The visual medium has also been responsible for bringing about major changes in the way these issues are dealt with. But, while everyone has handled a camera, most of us don’t get the perfect shot due to various technical reasons. So, here is your chance to interact with and learn the art of photography from professional photographers.

Child Rights and You, a non-governmental organisation, is offering amateur photographers a platform. From students to aged men and women, all are invited to be volunteers in clicking under the guidance of professional photographers on the subject of child rights, through a workshop called ‘Right Exposure’.

Speaking about the workshop, CRY’s Manager for Volunteer Action, Havovi Wadia said, “Photography is one of those creative media that have often captured people’s issues and taken them to a broader audience. Many photographers have used their skill and their interest to bring to light the concerns of marginalized groups.”

Among the panel of professional photographers CRY has lined up are Soumitra Bhattacharya, who has been associated with various media houses and has done short films and advertisements on a freelance basis. “The workshop serves as a double benefit for budding photographers. First is learning photography skills and other ois the chance to do some social service.” His role would also be to give feedback on the pictures shot by the volunteers and sharpen their skills, he said. The photographers are offering their services pro bono.

Another photographer on the panel, Nivedan Mangalesh, said: “A picture speaks a lot and irrespective of one’s caste, creed, religion, or his geographical location, it can pass the message to all.”

Havovi said the project is an ongoing one and no fees will be charged for registering as a volunteer. An online forum will be established to share photos, critiques, comments, issue updates and shooting experiences, which will facilitate communication among different groups formed by the panel of photographers, she said.

The panel of photographers also includes Soumik Kar, a photojournalist; Rahul Chitella, a writer and filmmaker by profession; Frederick Noronha, an independent journalist and professional photographer based in Goa and Atul Loke, an Indian photojournalist and recipient of Japan’s Young Portfolio Award (2002).