Urban Lens: Documentary & The Art of Seeing
Photography Workshop with Nihal Kumar
As part of the Lodhi Art Festival, Urban Lens is a photography workshop that shifts focus from simply capturing murals to documenting the layered relationship between art, architecture, and everyday life in the city. Rooted in documentary and street photography practices, the session encourages participants to develop a “documentary eye” — one that prioritises storytelling, context, and human presence over surface aesthetics.
The workshop begins with a guided photowalk through the Lodhi Art District, where participants will be introduced to the ethics of photographing public spaces and people. The walk will explore how murals can function as context within larger urban narratives. Participants will then work independently to capture a moment, interaction, or character that reflects the spirit of the neighbourhood.
The second half of the workshop is an interactive indoor-style discussion within the district. Participants will explore how to read photographs through frame, meaning, and visual language, alongside an introduction to documentary photography as both artistic expression and historical record. The session will also cover essential composition principles such as the Rule of Thirds, Leading Lines, and framing — alongside understanding when and how to move beyond them for stronger emotional impact.
About Nihal Kumar
Nihal Kumar brings a multidisciplinary approach to visual storytelling, combining the narrative instinct of filmmaking with the observational depth of fine art practice. Trained in Fine Arts and design at Jamia Millia Islamia, his work spans mixed media and documentary storytelling, with a strong focus on human-centred narratives and emotional authenticity. His recent documentary film Ruke Na Jo has been screened at festivals including SiGNS and IFF Bhubaneswar.
Open to all skill levels.
You may bring any camera you are comfortable using — mobile phone or camera equipment are both suitable.
Time: 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Duration: 4 Hours (Photowalk + Interactive Session)
Location: Lodhi Art District
Where it is
Address : Lodhi Art District, 18, Lodhi Rd, Gokalpuri, Institutional Area, Lodi Colony, New Delhi, Delhi 110003, India
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