“Photography is not just about capturing moments, but about telling stories that transcend time—each click revealing a new perspective, a fresh narrative.”

Wiki Loves Mangaluru Photography Competition, held in the months of May & June 2024. It was an initiative aimed at capturing the essence of Mangaluru through the lens of talented photographers. Organized by the Karavali wikimedian’s in collaboration with CIS-A2K Bengaluru & St Aloysius University Mangaluru. This initiative was coordinated by Mr Santhosh Notagar, HOD & Assistant Professor of Department of Computer Animation, St Aloysius University. The competition invited participants to showcase their skills and present unique perspectives of the city’s vibrant culture. The event not only celebrated the art of photography but also succeeded in creating a valuable repository of images for public use in Wikimedia Commons.

The competition was open to all. More than 40 members including community members, students and professional photographers participated in this. Participants were given a month to submit their entries, which were then evaluated by a panel of esteemed judges, including renowned photographers and expert journalists. They are Mr Ravi Posavanike (Renowned Photographer of Mangaluru), Ms Devishree Shetty (Professor in Mass Communication Department), Mr Likith Shenoy (Professor in Journalism Department), Mr Gopala Krishna (Wild Life Photographer)

As a part of Wiki Loves Mangaluru, a Wikimedia Commons online training session was held by Mr Mahesh from Vizag on 10^th May 2024 He trained new users about uploading photographs. And Photography offline session was held by Mr Ravi Posavanike an esteemed photographer from Mangaluru on 13^th May 2024. Also, Photo Walk was organized on 26^th May 2024. More than 25 participated in this tour and captured many photographs of Mangaluru

The competition witnessed an overwhelming response. Over 40 students and photographers took part in this event, and over 2500 images have been added to Wikimedia Commons

The competition featured 4 categories, like Nature, Religious and Cultural Events, Sports & local activities, Monuments, Streets, Buildings. Each focusing on different aspects of Mangaluru’s heritage. The awards were presented to winners Which includes Amazon Vouchers of total worth Rs 35,000, Mementos & certificates

The judging panel had a challenging task of selecting the best photographs from a diverse and high-quality photograph. The criteria for evaluation included creativity, technical excellence, composition, and the ability to convey the spirit of Mangaluru. The winners were honored at an awards ceremony held at the St Aloysius University on 19^th July 2024, which was attended by participants, Prize winners, Local Photographers and Wikipedia Association students of St Aloysius University.

Impact and Benefits

The Mangaluru Photography Competition had a significant impact on multiple fronts:

Gaining Knowledge: Participating in a photography competition provided students with a unique opportunity to enhance their skills and knowledge in the art of photography. By preparing for the competition, they learned about various photographic techniques, such as composition, lighting. The competitive environment encouraged them to research and experiment with different styles and concepts. Additionally, receiving feedback from judges and peers helped them to identify their strengths
Adding new users: A first-time user of Wikimedia Commons learned to upload photos by creating an account and familiarizing themselves with the platform’s guidelines and copyright policies. Using the upload wizard, they selected the photos they wanted to upload, added appropriate titles, descriptions, and categories. New users felt happy when they successfully navigating the upload process, making their contributions accessible to the wider Wikimedia community
Promotion of Local Talent: The competition provided a platform for local photographers to showcase their skills and gain recognition. It inspired a lot of aspiring photographers to learn and contribute to Wikimedia Commons
Tourism Boost: The stunning photographs highlighted Mangaluru’s attractions and potential as a tourist destination. The widespread sharing of these images on social media and other platforms created interest and curiosity among potential visitors.
Cultural Preservation: The photographs captured the cultural richness and diversity of Mangaluru, preserving moments and scenes that reflect the city’s heritage. This visual documentation in Wikimedia Commons serves as a valuable record for future generations.
Community Engagement: The event fostered a sense of community and pride among the residents of Mangaluru. It brought people together to celebrate their city’s beauty and uniqueness, strengthening local identity and unity.
Public Resource: The creation of a publicly accessible photos in Wikimedia Commons has provided a valuable resource for students, researchers, and anyone interested in Mangaluru. It has also facilitated the promotion of the city in various media and publications.

The Mangaluru Photography Competition was a resounding success, achieving its goals of training students & photographers, contribution to Wikimedia Commons, promoting local talent, boosting Mangaluru tourism, preserving cultural heritage, and engaging the community. The event not only enriched the artistic landscape of Mangaluru but also created a lasting impact through the publicly accessible photos in commons.