A celebration to remember
 

by Gritakumar E. Chitty

President, Photographic Society of Sri Lanka

The Photographic Society was established over 70 years ago by a group of enthusiasts and artists. Besides those who indulged only in photography, there were, painters, actors, musicians and sculptors among the group.

Like others who dabbled with photography at the time, they started out as amateurs taken up with the new medium for capturing or recording images - camera, film and print.

Their tools for capturing images in black and white and shades of gray were the early miniature cameras, much smaller and more portable than the large format view cameras used by studios and professional portraitists at the time.

They were experimenting with the process of capturing artistic images on black and white negatives, developing the negatives, enlarging the image and producing large prints on photographic paper.

The darkrooms were their laboratories with enlargers for converting light as images on film into prints on paper. They were using this medium to create works of art using the new technologies of that age. One of them was Lionel Wendt, pianist and amateur photographer.

Sometime in 1934 or 1935, the photographers in this group and others who shared in the interest formed the Photographic Society of Ceylon, (later with Sri Lanka's Republican Constitution it was renamed the Photographic Society of Sri Lanka).

Activities

In the early days the Society met at different locations, but later Lionel Wendt hosted them at his mansion, situated at Guildford Crescent. After his death, part of his legacy was the creation of a centre for the arts - music, dance, painting and photography.

When the Lionel Wendt Memorial Arts Centre was set up, the Photographic Society of Ceylon was incorporated into it. Thus it is that since the 1950s the society enjoyed a rather unique facility - a permanent home, centrally located with ample room for members meetings, a large well equipped studio and three darkrooms.

This gives the members an opportunity to develop their skills within the premises and amidst their fellow members. They enjoy the facilities at a nominal cost.

From its inception there had been periodic monthly members meeting at which members present their photographic works for comment and criticism and suggestions for improvements. This tradition goes on to this day. They compete for a monthly competition with an assigned subject separately for B&W prints as well as colour prints.

There is also an open section for colour and monochrome. Each month points are allocated for the best works and at the end of each year the member who has the highest points receive a challenge trophy in each category.

The society has extended its facilities and services to its members by conducting specialized workshops and training coursers for all levels from beginners to experts. Digital photography is now included, as it is popular in the taking of the image and computer generated prints are almost the order of the day.

Annual exhibitions

First held in 1934, an annual feature of the society has been the exhibition of the best works of its members. They compete to have their prints accepted for exhibition. The acceptance of a print for exhibition is itself the achievement and the print receives a seal denoting its acceptance - this is a seal of acknowledgement of a successful work of photographic art.

In later years the exhibitions were open to non-members. For 50 years it had been open to salon photographers the world over and is recognized as an international exhibition of repute.

Over the years the society and its members achieved an international standing because they had to compete with international photographers in the annual exhibition and in turn they would send their photographs to be recognized in foreign exhibitions.

Many professional photographers are also actively involved in the society, not to display their professional work but because it gives them an opportunity to indulge in the art of photography and to benefit from the artistic talent and views of the membership.

They also seek the recognition that comes with a successful competition in international exhibitions.

The Photographic Society of Sri Lanka besides being the pioneer, continues to be at the forefront among the photographic clubs and societies in the island. It has had in its membership and among its office bearer, very prominent exponents of the art of photography. It has from its membership, spawned other societies focusing on exhibition rather than serving as forums for discussion, that the PSSL is.

Lovers of photography and exponents of the art may send their photographs to be considered by the judges for exhibition and wards. Entry forms may be obtained from most photographic printing outlets or from the Society Office at 18, Guildford Crescent, Colombo 7. Forms can be downloaded from the society website www.photosocietysrilanka.org

The best of the pictures received will be hung at the 50th Jubilee Exhibition. The Exhibition will be from November 11 to 13 at the Lionel Wendt Art Centre. The closing date for entries is November 3.

Besides the achievements of having the photos exhibited and receiving a seal of acceptance, Gold, Silver and Bronze Medals will be awarded in the Black & White category and in the colour category.

A special award for the best in show will also be made. The judging will be carried out by a panel of three reputed international and national exponents of the art of photography.

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