EVENTS & ACTIVITIES

 

Baiju Patil’s ‘Wings on Fire’ wins the prestigious FIIN Award!

Photograph selected from 8,800 entries at an Award gala in Portugal  

Renowned wildlife photographer, Baiju Patil has won a gold medal in the ‘Bird’ category of the prestigious International Nature Image Festival (FIIN). A rare capture of drongos feeding on insects flying frantically from farm fire to save their lives, ‘Wings on Fire’ was selected from over 8,800 entries from around the world. The award ceremony was recently held in Portugal. Baiju Patil is Head of the ‘School of Photography, MGM University.

Travelling through the length and breadth of the country for the past 37 years, Baiju Patil has captured some of the most precious moments of wildlife. His work has been recognized by numerous organizations worldwide. The present photo, named ‘Wings on Fire’ was shot by Patil in a remote Dharur area in Beed district of Maharashtra. In fact, Baiju Patil had been going to this place regularly for the past three years to catch the right moment but wasn’t yet successful. The failure of three consecutive years, however, couldn’t crush his spirit and eventually, he got the desired click in the fourth year.

How were the ‘Wings on Fire’ captured?

The sugarcane fields in the Beed district of Maharashtra are set on fire post-harvesting. The fire disturbs the insects lying in the field forcing them to fly away frantically. Known for their extraordinary acrobatics, drongos are extremely skilled in capturing the insects in the air. The moment they notice the smoke from the field, they reach the location to relish the feast of insects. With the fire under their belly spreading rapidly, the insects have to be really fast and so do the drongos! Therefore, capturing the momentous manoeuvres of drongos is really really difficult. The continuously speeding fire makes the job quite risky too.

Baiju Patil did bear all these brunt even burning the sole of his shoes during the trials but he never gave up. Before that, he also had to study the behaviour of the bird and understand when it was most active. His efforts paid off winning him not just awards but also the hearts of many wildlife lovers.

 

 

At Department of Photography, a series of events are planned in every academic year to enhance the involvement of students, enrich their learning and skill development and make them industry ready.

1. Inauguration of Photography department in presence of Mr. Vivek Ranade,

Mr.Nayan Khanolkar, Mr. Dinesh Kurhekar, Mr. Baba Patel

2. ‘Wild Stories Exhibition was arranged on the occasion of Wild Life Week where various photographs clicked by famous wildlife photographers like Mr. Baiju Patil, Mr. Kiran Pardeshi, Mr.Rajendra Dumane, Mr.Anand Patil, Mr. Shreekrishna Patil, Mr. Deepak Hulsurkar, Mr.Nitin Sonawane, Mr.Raman Upadhaye were showcased.
3. Department of Photography organizes workshops on diverse topics namely,

• Nikon Workshop • Canon Workshop • Editing • Photography

EDUCATIONAL TOURS

In order to enhance the practical photography skills of the students educational tours are organized to Bhigwan Bird Santuary and Jayakwadi Bird Santuary for conducting the practical training at outdoor shooting locations as well as wildlife photography.

 

UNDERWATER PHOTOGRAPHY

MGM Department of Photography boasts of being the only institute to provide unique Underwater Photography training for its students. There is exponential demand for underwater photographers as there are very few of them in the National and International arena. MGM Photography facilitates this rare opportunity for its students through first making them acquainted with underwater photography skill in swimming pool at MGM Campus. Once the students complete the theory and practical training they are given hands on training in the deep sea. After successfully clearing the post training exams the students are certified as underwater photographers.

The underwater photography training includes application of safety measures for oxygen cylinders, masks, swimming suit, clippings, Inhalers and use of hand computers during the process. This rigorous training prepares the student for an exciting and adventurous career in underwater photography. Mr Baiju Patil ,HOD Department of Photography is one of the globally acclaimed underwater photographer and that additional benefit will enhance the students learning experience. So be a part of this exciting photography field with MGM Department of Photography.