Project work on

“PHOTOGRAPHY PORTFOLIO”

Submitted to

LOYOLA COLLEGE

In partial fulfillment of the requirement of the award of the degree of

MASTER OF SCIENCE IN VISUAL COMMUNICATION

By

EZHILARASAN. E

Reg. 21-PVC-021

DEPARTMENT OF VISUAL COMMUNICATION (Self-financed Stream)

LOYOLA COLLEGE (Autonomous)

APRIL 2023

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 DECLARATION

I, EZHILARASAN. E, hereby declare that the project work on Photography

Portfolio is a bonafide work done by me under the supervision of Dr. J. Vijay Ratna

Kumar, subject in-charge, Dept. of Visual Communication, Loyola College In partial

fulfillment of the requirement of the award of the degree of Master Of Science In

Visual Communication.

To the best of my knowledge, it contains neither plagiarized, nor previously published

or substantially overlapping material.

Place : Chennai EZHILARASAN.E

Date : APR 2023 Reg. 21-PVC-021

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 BONAFIDE CERTIFICATE

This is to certify that the project work on Photography Portfolio is an original effort of
a record of study done by

EZHILARASAN.E

Reg. 21-PVC-021

of the Department of Visual Communication, Loyola College, during the period of

his/her study in the years 2021 - 2023.

INTERNAL EXAMINER EXTERNAL EXAMINER

Place: Chennai Date: APR 2023

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 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

A lot of effort has been put in for the completion of this record work. I have done this
project out of great interest and enthusiasm. I present this project with immense
pleasure. It gave me a plot to experiment, explore and experience. I would like to
thank our respected Principal & Head of Department who was always there to offer
us any help when ever needed. Once again, I thank everyone who has been a part
of this project work. So here by I submit this record with satisfaction.

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 TABLE OF CONTENT

S.NO TOPICS PAGE

NO.

1. Introduction 6

2. Themes and Focus 7

3. Image selection and editing 10

4. Research process 11

5. References 13

6. Reflection and Evaluation 24

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 INTRODUCTION

In this project, my main area of concentrating on the area of photography where

the main goal is to take pictures of buildings and other similar architectural structures that

are both aesthetically pleasing and true to life in terms of the subjects they depict.

Photographs can be used to retrace the history of the Commons Building. During and

soon after it was constructed, I took photos of the structure for publicity purposes. Later,

it was documented for historical analyses.

The places that I have covered in my photography portfolio are:

 Marina beach

 Light house

 Santhom church

 Rajaji hall

 Madras university

 Connemara library

The reason behind choosing this theme of photography is I am personally

passionate about exploring architectural works, capturing monuments, and learning

about and documenting historical locations, which is why I chose this theme for my

photography.

OBJECTIVE OF THE PROJECT:

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 I want to use the opportunity to construct a portfolio because it is my area of

interest and career concentration. This will make it simpler for me to exhibit my work

to clients in the future

THEMES & FOCUS:

As a lover of history and photography, the Chennai historic photography theme

immediately caught my attention. I have always been fascinated with the art of

capturing moments in time through photographs, and the idea of delving into the

past through pictures of a city such as Chennai was incredibly appealing to me.

Moreover, living in Chennai and being a part of this city made me curious

about its past and how it has evolved over time. As I looked through the historic

photographs, I found myself transported back in time, feeling as though I was

experiencing what life was like in Chennai back then.

The images acted as a time capsule, depicting not just the physical structures

and monuments of the city, but also the people and their way of living. It was like

looking through a window into another time period, where you could see the

customs, practices and traditions that were once prevalent.

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 The diversity and multi-cultural aspects of the city are also reflected in the

historic photographs. It was amazing to see the intermingling of various

communities and how they have contributed to the city over time.

In short, I chose the Chennai historic photography theme because it allowed me

to explore my interest in both history and photography, and also enabled me to

connect with my city and its unique past. Going through these photographs is like

taking a walk down memory lane, and it is truly a fascinating experience that has

enriched my understanding of Chennai and its people.

Chennai holds a special place in India's history, with a rich and diverse

past. The city's historic photography captures memories of the vibrant culture,

traditions, and socio-economic conditions of the bygone era. Chennai's historic

photography offers a glimpse into the city's evolution, from its colonial past to its

present metropolitan status.

The photographs from the British era showcase the opulent yet complex

life of the ruling British class and their impact on the city's infrastructure, architecture

and social fabrics. The magnificent Madras High Court, impressive British Council

libraries, elegant Victorian buildings and the colonial bungalows all showcase the

British legacy in this city.

Beyond the colonial period, Chennai's historic photography also reflects

the diverse cultural and artistic expressions of the Tamils, including classical music,

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Bharatanatyam dance, and traditional crafts. The pictures of the iconic Kapaleeswarar

temple or the famous festival of Mylapore are testimony to the city's deep-rooted

religious and spiritual traditions.

In addition to this, the documentation of the urban street life, the people,

and their daily struggles, showcases the city's social and economic evolution over

time. It provides us with a glimpse of Chennai's past, allowing us to understand how it

has grown and changed over the years and giving us a better sense of our city and its

history.

Innumerable treasure troves of the past are hidden within the historic

photography, allowing us to learn from our predecessors and understand the historical

significance, diversity, and cultural richness of Chennai. It is important to preserve

this historical documentation, allowing future generations to connect with their

heritage, learn and appreciate the city's unique and diverse past.

My project, which is based on the book "Madras Miscellany," focuses on the

following historic sites in Chennai:

1. Chennai has a rich heritage of structures from the colonial era, including temples,
monuments, and other architectural wonders. The magnificence and beauty of these
ancient structures can be seen in the photographs.

2. Chennai is renowned for its vibrant culture and customs, which have been
influenced by both local and foreign cultures. The various rituals, celebrations, and
traditions that were once common in the city can be seen in photographs.
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3. People and way of life: Photographs provide a window into the existence of people
in the past. Old photos can show the way of life, style, and cultural customs of the
city.

4. Historical milestones and events: Over the years, Chennai has been the site of a
number of historical events that were significant to India's struggle for independence.
Photographs can capture the atmosphere and spirit of the time while also documenting
important historical occurrences like the Salt Satyagraha movement.

5. Day-to-day activities and street scenes: Chennai's hive-like bazaars, markets, and
streets make for some intriguing photographs that can capture the spirit and
distinctiveness of the city.

IMAGE SELECTION & EDITING:

This project required basic editing and colour grading methods like composition and

framing.

1. Straightening and Cropping: Aligning the horizontal and vertical lines in the

architecture photograph through straightening and cropping can help enhance the

image's composition and give it a more professional look.

2. White Balance and Color Correction: Adjusting the colors and white balance of the

image can make the structure and surrounding landscapes appear more accurate and

natural.

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3. Lens Correction: Some lenses can cause distortion, particularly when shooting

architecture. Fixing the distortion through lens correction can help the image to appear

more accurate.

4. Exposure and Contrast: Adjustments in exposure and contrast can help bring out

specific details of the structure's texture and provide a more balanced image.

5. Sharpening and Noise Reduction: An essential part of editing architecture images is

to ensure that the image is sharp while minimizing any noise.

RESEARCH PROCESS

Identifying the scope and topic of the book was my first process in this

project. Before starting any research, it is essential to have a clear idea of the

book’s theme, its period, and its geographical location. And then I Chose

credible sources: Choose primary and secondary sources that are reliable and

trustworthy. Primary sources might include memoirs, letters, diaries,

newspapers, and government documents. Secondary sources might include

academic articles, books, and bibliographies.

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 Creating a research plan was my one of important process. I Developed a

research plan that outlines the research questions, methods, and timelines. A

solid plan that can help streamline the research process and ensure that all the

necessary information is gathered.

I Collected and Gathered the data from the chosen sources. Collecting

data involved me in visiting archives, libraries, and museums. I explored the

city’s history as Chennai has a rich history that dates back to the 17th century

when it was established by the British East India Company. Researchers can get

deep into the city’s origin, the colonial influence, and the evolution of the city's

infrastructure over time. And then I analysed Chennai’s urban geography.

Chennai’s location on the coast and its dense population have influenced the

city’s economic and social structure. We can examine the city’s physical and

human

geography, such as the distribution of the population, settlement patterns,

and land use changes. In the process I also experienced that Chennai is a

melting pot of different cultures and ethnicities, and I can explore the city’s

cultural diversity, sociology, and urban life. This can include an analysis of the

city’s festivals, languages, cuisines, and cultural practices. This city is an

important transport hub for South India, and its transportation networks,

including roads, railways, and airports, play a crucial role in connecting the city

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to the rest of the country. This process gave a detailed idea about the

geographical data about the city and its history.

In this digital age Chennai has become an important economic

centre in India, with a diverse economy that includes various industries such as

automobile manufacturing, software development, and textiles. Which gave me

information about the historic monuments that were renovated and still the city

holds its beautiful culture through its old buildings and landscape.

Chennai’s architecture must be planned to be ecologically friendly and

sustainable. Research may focus on creating new sustainable building materials

as well as designing and implementing sustainable building systems.The

adaptive reuse of old structures, documentation, and the establishment of a

cultural atlas for the city could all help to conserve Chennai’s rich cultural and

historical history.Natural calamities like cyclones and floods are common in

Chennai. A key area of research might be creating infrastructure and buildings

that can withstand natural disasters.

Marina beach:

One of Chennai, India’s most frequented and well-liked tourist destinations is

Marina Beach. Over 13 kilometres from Fort St. George to Besant Nagar, it is a natural urban

beach that runs along the Bay of Bengal. Here are several in-depth studies.Since the 1800s,

Marina Beach has had a storied past. It was a well-liked location for swimming, picnics, and

leisure pursuits during the British era. The beach had extensive rehabilitation and upkeep in

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the early 2000s, including the creation of new walkways, plants, and lights.The beach is kept

up and kept clean and safe for visitors by the Chennai Corporation. Golden sand, crystal-clear

waves, and panoramic splendour are what make Marina Beach so renowned. The captivating

dawn and sunset are two of the beach’s biggest draws. Other activities available to visitors

include beach volleyball, kite flying, and horseback riding. A number of notable structures

can be seen on the beach, such as the lighthouse, Anna Memorial, and MGR Memorial.

St. Andrew’s church :

One of Chennai, India’s most well-known and historic

landmarks is St. Andrew’s Church. The rich history of this historic church,

which is located in the centre of the city, dates back to the 17th century.

The Scottish merchants who founded St. Andrew’s Church in Fort St. George,

then the British East India Company’s administrative centre, in 1640 marked the

beginning of the church’s history. St. Andrew, the patron saint of Scotland, is

honoured at this church.

The Senate House :

In Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India, there is a historic edifice called the Senate House.

One of the oldest and most prominent universities in India, the University of Madras, is

where it is located. The Senate House, a magnificent example of neo-classical architecture

and one of Chennai’s most recognisable buildings, was constructed in 1873.

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Robert Fellowes Chisholm, a well-known architect of the time, created the Senate House. The

Chepauk Palace, which served as the Nawab of Arcot’s home, was also designed by

Chisholm. The Madras Governor’s home was the initial purpose of the building’s

construction. When the structure was finished in 1873, Lord Hobart, the Madras Governor,

gave it its official opening. However, the structure was quickly transformed into the

University of Madras Senate House. One of the first universities in India to be modeled after

the University of London was the University, which was founded in 1857.

Over the years, the Senate House has served as the location for numerous significant

academic and cultural events. Mahatma Gandhi received an honorary degree from the

University of Madras in 1937 while he was in Chennai for the annual meeting of the Indian

National Congress. Other well-known people, including Rabindranath Tagore, C.V. Raman,

and S. Radhakrishnan, have stayed at the Senate House.

History about the name :

The city that was formerly known as Madras is now called Chennai. Historical scholars

disagree on the name Madras’s etymology. However, it is generally accepted that

Madraspatnam, a fishing village that was situated on the site of the modern city, is where the

name Madras originated.

The Vijayanagara Empire once included the village of Madraspatnam. Portuguese colonists

used the village as a trading port in the sixteenth century. The British East India Company

later took control of the village and established a fort and a trading post there.A settlement

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built by the British around the fort in the 17th century eventually developed into a significant

trading hub.

The British called the town Madraspatnam, but for convenience they also called it Madras.

One of the three significant British administrative entities in India, the town continued to

expand and eventually became the Madras Presidency’s capital. The city was formally

renamed Chennai by the Tamil Nadu government in 1996. The name Chennai is thought to

have originated from Chennapattanam, a different Tamil fishing village that was situated on

the current city’s site. In order to honour the city’s Tamil heritage and to replace the colonial

name Madras, the name Chennai was chosen.

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REFERENCES

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 REFLECTION AND EVALUATION

This project was an interesting and challenging task for me and it requires the

use of creativity, technical skills, and project management to deliver this photography

book. It involved identifying the requirements of the project, designing and

implementing it by creating a photography book.

Throughout this project, I faced few obstacles, including time constraints, technical

errors, practical mistakes like planning scheduling etc.

There were few difficulties that I faced during the creation of this book such as.

Selecting the right images that tell a story and convey the message was a challenging

task. I was very careful to select the right images that align with their theme properly.

Editing and Processing images after taking the images and then I edited and processed

them. However, this task was time-consuming and required specific skills to enhance

the images to their fullest potential. Layout and design of a photography book was a

bit hard to work. It is essential to choose the right font, colour, and format to make the

book visually appealing and easy to understand. The next step was printing and

publishing. Getting this photography book printed and published was a hard task. It is

essential to find a reputable publisher who can produce high-quality prints that do

justice to your images. Overall, the project’s success was based on the utility,

efficiency, and effectiveness of the involvement in meeting the need of the project.

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 REFERENCE

1. Sriram V.(April 20, 2019). “In the passing of S. Muthiah, Madras loses its chronicler”

https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/s-muthiah-obituary-

madras-loses-its-chronicler/article26899453.ece

2. Rare book society of India . (2014)

https://rarebooksocietyofindia.org/postDetail.php?

id=196174216674_10152163047056675

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