Lessons in the Wild…
Hem Chand Mahindra Foundation(HCMF) and SAEVUS presents fifth edition of a unique initiative called “Youth4clicks” where the best of upcoming talent will be mentored by country’s biggest professionals in the wildlife photography.
Through this workshop, young photographers in India would be taught nature and wildlife photography through practical on-field tutoring as well as theoretical aspects through presentations and demonstrations.
The workshop is aimed at providing a platform to the deserving young photography enthusiasts who might have had not have similar learning opportunities owing to economic constraints.
The upper age limit for the participants attending the workshop will not be above 32 years on the date of commencement of the workshop. The participants will be selected through an elaborate process and taken to a national park for a week where they will be trained on various genres of wildlife photography.
Process of selection and eligibility criteria:
1. We will be inviting applications from wildlife photographers from 1st September 2017.
2. Preference will be given to economically disadvantaged participants.
3. Only photographers who meet the age limit criteria will qualify for the workshop.
4. Applicants are asked to upload 10 images that represent their portfolio and also their bio-data and contact details.
5. Each candidate will require sharing in 150 -200 words their prior experience with conservation initiatives, wildlife photography and their future plans after participating the workshop.
6. The last date for receiving applications is planned as 15th October 2017.
7. Candidates must send their own unedited images with full information of lens, camera, location, the date took and image details. In case of any doubt on the part of Saevus or Mentors, it will lead to disqualification of the candidate. In case there is a doubt regarding the authenticity of images, we will ask for hi-res images from the participants.
8. The 16 shortlisted candidates will be sent by email the detailed selection process.
9. 16 shortlisted candidates will be interviewed by the Mentors and Saevus. We will try Skype interviews unless online connectivity is a problem when we will go for the telephonic interview via a conference call. Diction and the ability to communicate in English will be given some weight as we are expecting the final chosen ones to play a role in conservation.
10. The interview will include technical knowledge, experience with equipment, future potential and commitment towards conservation. The interviews are planned for 30th of October and 15th of December.
11. We will require two references from the photography world from each of the shortlisted applicants.
12. After the qualitative and quantitative judgment will be done we will finalize a list of 8 finalists and 4 waitlisted candidates.
13. This list will be shared with Mr. Ashok Mahindra for his final approval.
14. Income credentials, address, and age will be verified for the participants. Following documents will be acceptable: Annual Returns and Bank statements for income. Passport/Aadhar card/ PAN card for age. Bank Statements and Aadhar/PAN/Passport should be authenticated by the bank.
15. Final 8 will be intimated of their selection and asked to pay a non-refundable commitment fee of INR 7500. In case of anyone backing out the waitlisted candidates will be given a chance. Detailed workshop structure and other details will be shared with them after the receipt of the commitment fees.
About the Workshop:
1. Possession of expensive camera equipment is not a prerequisite as on-field rental support will be provided by the organizers.
2. The workshop will have a team of two distinguished wildlife photographers as mentors
3. It will be an exclusive workshop with teacher to student ratio of 1:4
4. The workshop will be of 7 days duration
5. Experts will mentor the participants through classroom as well as on-field sessions
6. Participants will have to make their own arrangements to travel to the workshop venue.
7. The winners will be awarded at a ceremony attended by dignitaries and press members
8. The overall winner will be featured in an exclusive portfolio section in SAEVUS magazine.
Highlights:
* 5th Successful Year
* 32 trained participants
* 2 Mentors for 8 participants
* Free workshop worth 1 Lac on offer
* Opportunity to explore Kaziranga National park
* Silver gallery membership for all participants
Prizes:
Participation certificate for all
For Winner:
• Coffee-table book by Ashok Mahindra, Capturing Wildlife Moments in India published by OUP and BNHS
• 2 years subscription to Saevus magazine
• Silver gallery membership of Saevus
• Portfolio in Saevus magazine*
• Winner’s Trophy
For Runner-up:
• Coffee-table book by Ashok Mahindra, Capturing Wildlife Moments in India published by OUP and BNHS
• 1-year subscription to Saevus magazine
• Runner up’s Trophy
• Silver gallery membership of Saevus
Mentors:
RATHIKA RAMASAMY
Rathika is one of India’s foremost wildlife photographers who spells technical excellence and captivating storytelling. A part of national and international publications, she holds regular workshops and is a member of Nikon’s Professional Services. Rathika has been conferred the “Inspiring Icon Award” by the Sathyabama University, Chennai and The International Camera Fair Award for achievements in wildlife photography.
http://www.rathikaramasamy.com
UDAYAN BORTHAKUR
Udayan is a nature photographer, a wildlife biologist and an explorer, whose commendable work has led to the discovery of several wildlife species in North-Eastern India. Having spent 14 years in the field of ecological and genetic research, he is currently engaged as the Founder and Head of Wildlife Genetics Division in the research organization Aaranyak.
https://www.udayanborthakur.com
Special Invitees:
Dr. ASAD R. RAHMANI
Asad R. Rahmani is the Former Director of Bombay Natural History Society. He has written more than 170 peer-reviewed research papers in national and international journals, 19 books, and numerous popular articles and book reviews. His principal research interest has been conservation of Indian bustards, Storks and Cranes, and many other threatened species, as well as grassland habitats. He was also the Executive Editor of Journal of the BNHS and Editor of Hornbill magazine. http://www.bnhs.org
DHRITIMAN MUKHERJEE
Dhritiman Mukherjee, arguably India’s best nature and conservation photographer, spends over 280 days a year in the field, capturing species ranging from the charismatic to the elusive and endangered. Widely published nationally and internationally, he is also the recipient of numerous conservation and photography awards like the RBS Earth Hero Award, the Carl Zeiss Conservation Award, the Kirloskar Vasundhara Mitra Award and Nature’s Best International Awards.Dhritiman Mukherjee is the Head of Photography in SAEVUS magazine.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dhritiman_Mukherjee
Congratulations Mandar Ghumare the Winner of the Saevus – HCMF Youth4Clicks (2017-18) contest!
Thanks to everyone who participated and helped make this contest a success!
Wilford
I think it was from Animoto or Premiere