Berhampur University-Organised Webinar On Photojournalism Offers Students Deep Insights

Berhampur: Students were offered deep insights into the changing landscape of photojournalism at a webinar on ‘Photojournalism in the Digital Era,’ organised by the Department of Journalism & Mass Communication at Berhampur University.

The webinar, conducted to celebrate World Photography Day, was informative and deeply inspiring for the students.

The event, held on the university’s virtual platform, brought together students and faculty members as they explored evolving dynamics of photojournalism in today’s digital landscape.

Justin George, a distinguished photographer of Chennai-based English daily DT Next, was the keynote speaker at the webinar.

His presentation was a visual journey through his extensive portfolio, where he showcased some of his most impactful photographs. The images, spanning various genres of photojournalism, highlighted the power of visual storytelling in the digital age.

Pictures not only help to enhance a story, they also tell a story of their own. Anyone can take a picture, but not everyone can be a photojournalist.

The main purpose of photojournalism is to communicate a story and educate an audience. Over the years, technological advances have changed the field of photojournalism.

Photographers now use digital cameras, and no longer use the darkroom to develop images. New technologies, platforms and methods of visual storytelling are exerting a range of pressures and influences that require photojournalists to adapt and respond in different ways.

George, an industry expert, emphasised the importance of adapting to technological advancements while maintaining the core principles of journalism. He discussed the challenges and opportunities that digital platforms present to photojournalists, such as the increased accessibility to a global audience, the rise of citizen journalism, and the ethical considerations that come with the instant dissemination of images.

Organised by Dr Bandita Panda, Head of the Department of Journalism & Mass Communication, the event was coordinated Agni Kumar Behera.

A photography exhibition themed ‘An Entire Day’ was organised by the PG Department of Journalism and Mass Communication to encourage creativity and photography skills among the students. The department received 30 photographs on the eve of World Photography Day. The event was coordinated by Assistant Professor Dr Chinu Bahidar.