Photography competition: Wekh Lahore – a close look at the Walled City

Pictures taken by amateur photographers featuring the Walled City exhibited.

LAHORE:

The Walled City, brimming with history and activity, is a heaven for photographers with its winding alleys, jharokas and sites. With so much to observe and capture, it provided the perfect backdrop for Wekh Lahore, Walled City of Lahore Authority tourism and culture expert Farah Farouk said at the inauguration of the exhibition at Alhamra Art Gallery on Friday.

As many as 252 photographs taken by amateur photographers featuring the Walled City were exhibited. The themes ranged fortress gates, cultural foods, architecture and façade of historical buildings, to havelis in the Walled City. The event was inaugurated by WCLA DG Kamran Lashari.

Farouk said, “Such contests help create awareness about our cultural past and contribute to the social fabric by promoting talent, skill and competitiveness.” She said the turnout had been amazing. The beautiful photographs by aspiring photographers are a source of great inspiration for patrons of cultural and architectural restoration, she said.



Anam Orakzai, a dress designer, said, “Wekh Lahore, for me, is like a light in the dark... it brings out the true essence of Lahore’s culture.”

“I am amazed to see the use of lighting by amateur photographers,” she added.

Ayesha Qaiser Khan, one of the participating photographers, said, “I captured an old cobbler in my picture and tried to show how relaxed he was.”

Amir Shah, another participant, said, “It was a great learning experience for me... we have learned light and shadow techniques... The work was critically reviewed by professional photographers.”

Fatima Ahmed, another photographer, said she had her fingers crossed for the 1st, 2nd and 3rd positions to be announced on the closing ceremony on January 19th.

WCLA Director General Kamran Lashari said Wekh Lahore would be a regular feature of WCLA activities. “We are planning to hold another activity with the professional photographers... photo tourism could play a significant role in promoting the tourism at culturally rich Walled City of Lahore,” he said.

The exhibition and competition will conclude on January 19 with the prize distribution ceremony and a musical night.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 18^th, 2014.