Through the Lens’ brought together students and educators from across Maharashtra to explore photography as a powerful tool for storytelling, reflection, and social connection
‘Through the Lens’ – Photography Workshop
We held a six-day photography workshop, ‘Through the Lens’ at Dr.. Babasaheb Ambedkar Technological University. This was in partnership with the Maharashtra State Faculty Development Academy (MSFDA).
a unique initiative by the Government of Maharashtra dedicated to capacity building for teachers and academic stakeholders across the state. MSFDA strives to nurture colleges and universities as safe, vibrant spaces for holistic learning and the development of thoughtful, well-rounded individuals:
What We Achieved
Students and faculty from across Maharashtra learned photography basics and how visual storytelling can explore educational spaces and create meaningful conversations. They also connected with their surroundings culturally, socially, and emotionally through their cameras.
Guided by Experts
Participants learned from artists, photojournalists, educators, and development professionals. These included Soundher Krishnan, Sanjeev Sonpimpare, Mayura Saavi & Nikhil Latagajanan, Nitin Joshi, Shivam Harmalkar, Dipti Desai, and Padma Shri Sudharak Olwe.
See how our participants brought their vision to life through on-the-spot photography assignments — watch the video!”
Participating Institutions Many colleges and universities from Maharashtra took part.
List of Colleges
- DG Tatkare Mahavidyalay, Mangaon, Raigad
- Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Technological University, Lonere, Raigad
- Bhogavati Mahavidyalay Kurukali, Tal. Karveer, Kolhapur
- Jai Hind College of Pharmacy, Vadgaon Sahani, Pune
- Thakur College Of Science And Commerce, Kandivali East, Mumbai
- B D Kale Mahavidyalaya, Ghodegaon, Pune
- Rashtrasant Tukdoji Maharaj Nagpur University
- Mahatma Gandhi Antarrashtriya Hindi Vishwavidyalaya, Wardha
- K B P Mahavidyalay, Pandharpur, Solapur
Grassroot Storytellers Programme with Aawaaz-E-Niswaan 2024
We partnered with Aawaaz-E-Niswaan, an organisation supporting women, for our ‘Grassroot Storytellers’ programme.
This initiative encouraged women to share their stories and challenges through photography.
Participants attended workshops and a museum photo walk with mentors like Mexy Xavier and Deepak Turbhekar.
What We Achieved
Women learned to use photography to express themselves and capture their everyday lives, challenging stereotypes and becoming a community of bold storytellers.
Photo by workshop participant
Sunday Special Sessions at Jolly Art Adda
Our weekly Sunday Workshops at Jolly Art Adda in Kanjurmarg brought creative people together.
A highlight was a Printmaking Workshop with Dnyaneshwar Randhai. ‘live’ portrait sessions also helped participants improve their artistic skills.
Studio LUMIA — A New Creative Chapter
Photography Promotion Trust launched Studio LUMIA, a new space for creativity and collaboration. It has quickly become a hub for artists, photographers, and storytellers to explore and share ideas.
Celebrating Creativity: Bhavtal & १जूट Ekjut Exhibitions:
We hosted ‘Bhavtal’, an exhibition of paintings and sculptures by young artists from Vidyaddan Sahayyak Mandal, Thane, inaugurated by Padma Shri Sudharak Olwe.
Later, ‘Ekjut १जूट’, a group exhibition curated by Dr. Manjiri Thakur, featured works by Vishakha Apte, Dnyaneshwar Randhai, and shraddha Barde. It was inaugurated by Dr. Pheroza Godrej.
These exhibitions showed PPT’s role in supporting new artists and community discussions.
Photography Workshop in Shimla
We also conducted a photography workshop in Shimla, where young participants learned to use photography for observation, reflection, and communication, making them see the world more consciously.
“As a documentary photographer and educator/ mentor in the field of photography, I am truly impressed by the outstanding workshop organized by the Photography Promotion Trust (PPT). It was a well-curated and thoughtfully executed program that offered immense value to both aspiring and practicing photographers.The workshop maintained a perfect balance between technical knowledge and creative exploration. The sessions were engaging, informative, and highly interactive, encouraging participants to think beyond the frame and truly understand the art of visual storytelling.PPT’s commitment to nurturing photographic talent and building a strong learning community is commendable. Their focus on practical learning, mentorship, and individual growth made this workshop a truly impactful experience.I wholeheartedly appreciate the efforts of the PPT team and look forward to continued collaboration in the mission to promote and elevate photography education”.
- Nitin Joshi
6 Workshops
We conducted photography workshops for college students, university learners, and partner organizations.
Exhibitions
We organized four exhibitions across different towns and renowned art galleries.
2k + Participants
Over 2000+ people visited and interacted during our exhibitions & workshop
34 Art Camps
We organized weekend workshops every Saturday and Sunday throughout the year.
Photography Promotion Trust was featured in the MSFDA newsletter, acknowledging our efforts to use art for education and social impact.
At Photography Promotion Trust, we continue to push boundaries through storytelling, education, and creative engagement. We believe photography can bring about transformation in classrooms, studios, villages, and galleries
