On 4th April 2021, we had the privilege of hosting an enriching Portfolio Review Session with the talented photographer Tenzing Dakpa. The session, held online, was an insightful and interactive experience, providing an excellent opportunity for local and emerging photographers from the Sikkim Darjeeling Hills to receive professional feedback on their work. The session was aimed at helping photographers refine their portfolios, gain a deeper understanding of photographic history, and draw inspiration from Dakpa's own artistic journey.
Tenzing Dakpa, an accomplished photographer with an international academic and professional background, shared his expertise, delving into the nuances of photographic practice, conceptualization, and the technical aspects that shape a compelling body of work. His feedback was invaluable for the participants, offering constructive criticism as well as positive encouragement for their creative growth.
Dakpa took the participants through the history of photography, emphasizing key movements, influential photographers, and pivotal moments that have shaped the medium. His reflections on the evolution of photographic styles and approaches helped participants better understand where their work fits within the broader context of photography's development.
During the session, each participant had the opportunity to present their portfolio to Dakpa. His feedback was personalized, touching on technical aspects such as composition, lighting, and post-production, as well as more conceptual elements like narrative, theme, and emotional impact. His suggestions were constructive and specific, aimed at helping photographers enhance their work and push their creative boundaries.
Dakpa’s own artistic journey, along with his project The Hotel (published by Steidl Verlag in April 2020), served as a powerful source of inspiration. His work blends a deep understanding of visual language with an introspective, nuanced approach to storytelling. By sharing his experiences and challenges as a photographer, Dakpa motivated participants to continue refining their craft with passion and perseverance.
Dakpa also offered practical advice for emerging photographers looking to build their portfolios, focusing on the importance of personal projects, consistency, and the value of experimentation. He encouraged participants to trust their creative instincts while also being open to critique and continuous learning.
About Tenzing Dakpa Tenzing Dakpa is a renowned photographer and artist with a diverse academic and professional background. He holds an MFA in Photography from the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) (2016) and a BFA in Graphic Design from the College of Art, New Delhi (2009). He has received several prestigious awards, including the RISD Fellowship (2014-2016) and the T.C. Colley Scholarship for Excellence in Photography (2015).
Dakpa's work has been widely recognized, and his monograph, The Hotel, was published by Steidl Verlag in April 2020. The book explores themes of isolation, memory, and the passage of time, captured through the lens of Dakpa's distinctive photographic style. His works have been exhibited internationally, and his unique voice in contemporary photography continues to inspire photographers around the world.
The portfolio review session with Tenzing Dakpa was an invaluable experience for the emerging photographers from the Sikkim Darjeeling Hills. The interactive session provided deep insights into both the technical and conceptual aspects of photography. Participants left the session feeling motivated, equipped with new ideas and approaches to enhance their portfolios. Dakpa’s mentorship was a powerful reminder of the importance of creative discipline, continuous learning, and the potential for growth in the art of photography.
We look forward to future collaborations and opportunities to engage with such talented photographers, and we extend our heartfelt thanks to Tenzing Dakpa for his time, expertise, and inspiration.
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