When I joined the Photographic
Society of America (PSA) in 1998, thanks to my brother Mr Brij M, Sapru and his
wife Dr. Krishna Sapru, I also sought membership of its both Study Groups of
Photojournalism and Human Interest. I did so because in those days my main
interest in photography used to capture the element of human interest.
Thereafter began a series of my
participation in world-wide exhibitions and in many exhibitions my PJ images
bagged awards and appreciation for their high journalistic content. Then in
2003 I was assigned to author a book on photojournalism in Hindi language for
the students of journalism in Hindi speaking states of India.
Later on, around 2015, I found
myself motivated towards bird photography and did it with ease and pleasure. I
was doing it , am still doing it in 2021, despite some health issues. It was in
April 2021 that the Administrator of the PJ Study group of PSA sent an email to
the members of the group that as he has been elevated in PSA, he will join the
new position in October but the new group will commence in May,’21. To keep the
group functional, the PJ Division of the PSA sought volunteers. A few days
later I received a proposal from new Director of PJ Study Groups asking me if I
shall volunteer to be the Administrator of the Group. I agreed for General PJ Group
as I do not have much experience for Sports photography, the other group. The
PSA has new PJ groups with new software.
It was in the last week of April ’21
that I got all the basic instructions and guidance from the new Director and
the Webmaster to run the Study Group. I was a little hesitant in doing it
because I am not much familiar with such softwares . Anyway I am getting good
support and have started my work. Hope it will be a good experience and my
fellow members will enjoy it.
Interestingly, the members of the
group include two women. I am keen to see the women perspective in
photojournalism. In our country I have neither seen many women photojournalists
nor are their many women having photography as a hobby. But at present their
number is gradually increasing and its very encouraging.
