Aniruddh Bakshi, the BOSM Coordinator for the Department of Photography, joined the BOSM English Press for a quick chat over sugarcane juice at Bhag Redi. Better known as DoPy, the most prominent undertaking of this department for every fest is the Snaps. This year, DoPy plans to conduct Team Snaps for all outstation teams as well. They shall also have a photo booth set up for all, along with face painting kiosks.
Snaps work on the same model for all kinds offered, where the net price is calculated depending on the number of people featured in the photograph. This model will also be applicable to photos clicked in the photo booth. Aniruddh explained that in preparation for the fest, juniors were made to take photo-walks to hone their photography skills and were trained extensively in editing tools like Photoshop. DoPy has also designed and sold merchandise including themed diaries and calendars in previous editions of BOSM and in other fests.
Aniruddh then proceeded to reflect on how he has seen DoPy evolve over the years and adapt to the challenges presented by online recruitments. He mentioned that DoPy has historically been very secretive about their recruitments, with individuals not having even the slightest idea of the seniors being involved in photography. He explained that the recruitment process was never undertaken keeping work in mind, given that clubs with ‘more skill and better equipment’ exist for the same purpose. He added that the department was ultimately about the people and had little to do with one’s inherent competence. Aniruddh credited the support from his seniors, batchmates, and juniors for how smooth working for BOSM has been so far.
When asked about the limited number of cameras that DoPy has, due to them being misplaced before APOGEE 2022, Aniruddh clarified that cameras had been stolen from their designated SAC Room. He highlighted that these cameras, along with equipment belonging to the Photography Club and some other clubs were kept in the DoPy room by the chowkidar without their consent. He thanked the CoSSAc for their assistance in restoring their inventory and stated that the department is trying its best to make up for the limited equipment and manpower. He added that it would take some time to restore the inventory nonetheless.
Aniruddh concluded by saying the following, ‘After two long, grueling years of no BOSM, I feel like it’s very important for the BITSian community to band together and make this BOSM the best edition of BOSM ever, to bring BITS back to the glory which it was, because I want everyone to remember that the part they play is not insignificant in any way whatsoever and together, we can make anything happen.’