Techies day out

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: A photographic expedition in the wee hours of a much awaited weekend holiday. It’s not just a break from the mundane line of duty for the lensmen, but more of a passion they have lapped up. Saturdays of a group of techies in the city are devoted to photographic expeditions which they fondly call ‘Saturday shoot out’. Sometimes as a team of six or otherwise just two or three they embark on a journey after spotting the location to hunt photos for the day. An ideal place would be an area in the vicinity of the city, so that the right frames can be captured on camera well before the atmosphere gets aflame in sunlight. Vikas P K, Animator in Pix’N Media in Technopark says, “ normally we all set out by 5.30 in the morning and the expedition would be over by around 10.30 am. All are amateurs and the passion for photography brings us together.” Once the kitty is full, the team disperse after a light refreshment.The scenic beauty of a set of locations in the city have made them the preferred spots for the photographers. Punchakkari in Vellayani, according to them, is abundant with scenes suited for capturing the best in bird-life. A rare variety of ‘Neela kozhi’, they say is an attraction. Vizhinjam, Anchuthengu and Kallar too are preferred destinations. “Once the photographs we took from these places are shown to others, many would wonder whether these  stills are taken from the city,” Vikas says. The lensmen don’t follow the ‘click and go’ norm, as they also find time in establishing a rapport with people whom they meet during the expedition. “Birdwatchers and farmers we met have expressed their yen to join us,” Vikas adds.Many team members who are part of photographic communities on facebook post their clicks on its wall. Appreciations and constructive criticism pour in as comments and likes. There are also others who make use of photo blogs to publish their experiments on shutter aesthetics.Sudhayadas S, who works with Vyga Animation as a background head, joins the journey with his Canon SLR. “From the Fine Arts College days I had an inclination towards photography. Being with a bunch of like-minded people is an exhilarating experience. Therefore we never get tired,” he says. He is thinking of hosting an exhibition of the photographs in the future.Kiran P S is a technology lead with Infosys. For him, the ‘shootout’ is a learning experience. Landscapes and bird life are his favourites. “Travelling is a thrilling experience. New acquaintances help brush up my knowledge in lighting, lens and various other factors related to photography,” he says.  Maintaining a link with shutterbugs from other districts in the state adds charm to their photographic expeditions.Sometimes there will be unexpected assignments that will keep them busy on Saturdays. Still, they will not quit and ask “Sundays are for what?”