Lucknow – Photography, often described as the perfect blend of art and science, has always been more than just capturing moments. It is about creating visual narratives using light, technique, and imagination. On World Photography Day, we look back at the deep-rooted and historic relationship between photography and the Lucknow College of Arts & Crafts, one of India’s premier art institutions.
Founded in 1911, the College has nurtured generations of artists and remains a cultural landmark in Uttar Pradesh. Photography has been a significant, though sometimes underdocumented, part of its journey. Former principal and veteran artist Prof. Jai Krishna Agrawal recalls how Lalit Mohan Sen, one of the pioneering faculty members, helped establish the U.P. Amateur Photographic Association in 1932. This initiative marked a turning point, placing Lucknow on the international photography map.
In those early days, photography was not part of the formal curriculum, but Sen’s efforts led to the establishment of a well-equipped darkroom and studio at the college. This gave students hands-on exposure and inspired many to explore photography as a creative medium. Another important figure was Hira Singh Bisht, faculty in the Litho Process Photomechanical Department, who trained countless students in the technical chemistry of film photography—though his contributions often remained overshadowed by the glamour of cameras and final prints.
Notable alumni like Prof. S.B. Dutta, P.C. Little, and D.N. Joshi further enriched the college’s photographic culture with their experimental work in techniques like solarization, tonal separation, and sepia toning. Many of them inspired future generations of students to choose photography as a profession.
Despite this rich past, the lack of systematic documentation means that many legendary photographers such as Lalit Mohan Sen, Shiv Gopal, J.N. Singh, K.C. Sournarexa, S.M. Mathur, K.P. Gupta, Chander Kumar, Krishna Kumar, and even mentors like Hira Singh Bisht have faded into obscurity.
This year, under the guidance of Prof. Atul Hund00, the College of Arts Photographic Society (CAPS) revived its annual exhibition, “Whispers of Light – Season 5”, inaugurated by Asim Arun, Minister for Social Welfare, SC/ST Welfare, Uttar Pradesh. The exhibition showcased over 150 creative works in genres such as portraiture, landscape, commercial, and conceptual photography, contributed by students and alumni like Abhinav Srivastava, Abhishek Patwa, Amisha Gupta, Anurag Swaroop, Deepak Yadav, Jyotirmay Yadav, Khushboo Kumari, and many more.
Adding to the charm, antique cameras were displayed alongside the photographs, offering a glimpse into the technical heritage of the craft. The exhibition also featured a Photo Walk showcase, where selected works captured during recent walks were presented as an evening slideshow.
Principal Dr. Ratan Kumar praised the dedication of the students and highlighted the importance of preserving Uttar Pradesh’s art and cultural heritage through proper documentation.
CAPS itself has a legacy dating back to the 1950s, established by L.M. Sen to promote photography as a serious visual art form. Though it became inactive in the late 1970s, it was revived in 2020 under a new vision, bridging tradition with modern photographic practices. Today, it stands as a vibrant cultural hub that organizes exhibitions, workshops, and interactive events, keeping alive the creative spirit of photography.
As World Photography Day 2025 is celebrated, the exhibition not only pays tribute to photography as an art form but also honors the countless teachers, students, and alumni who shaped the photographic legacy of Lucknow College of Arts & Crafts. It reminds us that a photograph is not merely taken—it is created.
(“You don’t take a photograph, you make it.” – Ansel Adams)
