Updated On: 19 August, 2022 10:22 AM IST | Mumbai | Sammohinee Ghosh
Can visual media amplify the cause of gender equality? On World Photography Day, three shutterbugs review the responsibility of relating graphic stories

Sushant Divgikar in Blossom; (right) A lesbian woman asks her partner, who wishes to stay hidden, to open up to her. Pics Courtesy/Monishaa Ajgaonkar

Monishaa Ajgaonkar, 33
It is about understanding the subject’s viewpoint. The idea is to communicate their vision with honesty. During a planned storyboard shoot, we are in charge of extracting emotions. But, when we step out to document something, one has to capture moments from the course of uninterrupted action. For instance, if I visit a local mill, I can’t expect a mill worker to pause and pose for me. A picture can stir varied feelings, and any photographer needs to be mindful of nuances. I think, listening patiently goes a long way in this art form. We must admit photography’s impactful contribution to drag; people are roused to inquire about drag queens and kings because of the audacious photographs. After I shot transgender activist Sushant Divgikar for Blossom, so many trans individuals messaged me saying that they were inspired to come out to their families. And that feels
so rewarding.