TN activist develops forum to support struggling photographers

Tulsi Swarna Lakshmi, a development activist from Tamil Nadu has created India’s first dedicated web portal called Jugaad Foto Bazzar for photo-artists and photographers to showcase and sell their works online. “Photography is considered as the most modern and democratic visual-art medium and has gained more popularity. With digital technology, it has become as popular as that of music and poetry. It is estimated that 3.5 trillion photos have been taken since Daguerre captured Boulevard du Temple, 179 years ago. Photographers usually sell the pictures through galleries. But the structure they follow is not a liberal one. After this lockdown, many freelance photographers are struggling to make ends meet. Being a photo enthusiast, I wanted to support them in my way. That’s how Jugaad Foto Bazzar was born. Several months of research has gone into the making of this. In the coming days, we will be bringing out specially curated collections, limited edition photo-books as well as specially designed souvenirs,” says Tulsi, the director of Jugaad Foto Bazzar.

As well know, photographs are future epigraphs and concerted efforts are required to preserve these symbols of our culture. Every photograph has a value and captures a slice of history that contains several layers of information and memories “We all look at an aesthetically captured photo and praise the photographer’s effort. But not many know the struggle behind the process and how the profession helps them lead a decent life. Through this forum, I hope we could support photographers in a small manner,” she adds.

Jugaad Foto Bazzar is initiated by Ealokam Trust for Photography that works towards the preservation and promotion of contemporary photography.