The Confluence Collective hosted an intensive 10-day Photography Workshop in Gangtok, Sikkim, designed for photographers working on long-term projects or those seeking clarity in their photographic practice. Mentored by Tenzing Dakpa and Anupam Diwan, the workshop brought together five talented participants from Darjeeling Hills and the Northeast of India. Held at the Echostream Studio, this immersive workshop aimed to deepen participants' understanding of image-making as a practice, pushing them to refine their visual storytelling and explore new ways of engaging with their long-term photographic projects.
The workshop focused on giving participants the necessary guidance and direction to shape a cohesive body of work. With a strong emphasis on critical thinking, creative development, and practical image-making, the program incorporated lectures, discussions, readings, and hands-on assignments. By the end of the workshop, participants were expected to create and present new works that reflected their individual interests and artistic vision.
Developing a Body of Work: Participants were encouraged to focus on long-term projects, whether in their nascent stages or requiring further exploration, and to work toward shaping a cohesive body of work.
Image-Making as a Practice: Emphasis was placed on understanding and refining the practice of making images that communicate stories, emotions, and concepts.
Exploration of Photography's History and Processes: Various lectures and discussions on the history of photography provided context to the practice. Assigned readings and examples of influential works further enriched participants’ understanding of photographic processes and practices.
Practical Assignments and Creation: Throughout the program, participants were expected to shoot new images that contributed to their ongoing projects. The focus was on bringing their ideas to life through visual means.
Final Presentation: The workshop culminated in a final presentation, where participants showcased their works through a photo exhibition and a zine, reflecting their creative growth and the learning from the workshop.
Dates: 25th November – 5th December, 2021
Venue: Echostream Studio, Gangtok, Sikkim, India
Mentors' Profiles
Tenzing DakpaA renowned photographer and artist, Tenzing Dakpa brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the table. With an MFA in Photography from the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) (2016), Dakpa has a strong background in both graphic design and photography. His photographic practice is deeply influenced by themes of memory, identity, and the passage of time. His book, The Hotel, was published by Steidl Verlag in 2020. Dakpa’s mentorship offered participants both technical guidance and creative insights, helping them refine their photographic vision and process.Instagram: @dakpadakpadakpa
Anupam DiwanAnupam Diwan is a photographer based in Pune, India, known for his evocative exploration of everyday life, memory, and the concept of home. His works delve into themes of belonging and personal identity, often set against the backdrop of landscapes and intimate scenes from his surroundings. Diwan is an alumnus of Pathshala South Asian Media Institute, Bangladesh, and the Angkor Photo Workshops, Cambodia. His approach to storytelling and visual language offered valuable guidance to participants, helping them tap into the emotions and subtleties that inform their photographic practice.Instagram: @anupamdiwan
Lectures and Discussions:
In-depth discussions on the history of photography, photography movements, and influential photographers allowed participants to better situate their own work within the broader artistic landscape. These lectures also served as inspiration for new ways of thinking about their projects
Assigned Readings and Works:
Participants were given specific readings and assignments, allowing them to engage critically with both contemporary and historical photographic works. These readings enriched their understanding of visual culture, composition, and narrative techniques.
Hands-On Photography Assignments:
Throughout the workshop, participants engaged in practical assignments where they created new images inspired by their ongoing projects. They were encouraged to experiment with different techniques, composition styles, and themes, allowing their work to evolve over the course of the program.
Photo Exhibition and Zine:
The workshop concluded with a photo exhibition and a zine presentation, where each participant shared their work with the group. This final showcase served as a platform for feedback and critique, as well as an opportunity for participants to present the body of work they had developed during the workshop.
The workshop was attended by five emerging photographers from Darjeeling Hills and Northeast India. These photographers, each working on unique long-term projects, used the workshop to deepen their understanding of their practice and refine their visual storytelling skills. The intimate setting allowed for personalized mentorship, enabling each participant to focus on their specific artistic and technical goals.
The 10-day Photography Workshop conducted by The Confluence Collective, with mentors Tenzing Dakpa and Anupam Diwan, proved to be an invaluable experience for the participants. The combination of theory, practical assignments, and mentorship allowed photographers to engage deeply with their projects, expand their creative vision, and refine their skills. The collaborative environment fostered a sense of community and support, encouraging participants to challenge their creative boundaries and push the limits of their work.
The final photo exhibition and zine presentation were a fitting culmination of the workshop, showcasing the diverse and evolving works of the participants. This workshop not only enhanced their technical skills but also enriched their ability to think critically about their photographic practice and its broader implications.
The Confluence Collective continues to provide opportunities for photographers to grow, collaborate, and innovate, and we look forward to future workshops that foster creative development and community-building in the photography world.
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