Commons Education Project:Adilabad

Basic Information

Name of the Event/Activity

Photowalk at Adilabad (Commons Education Project: Adilabad) in Collaboration with CIS-A2K

Type of Event/Activity

Photography walk & workshop

Purpose of the Event/Activity

To create documentation on Bandari - Gussadi festival on Wikimedia platforms. This is a tribal festival that happens in Adilabad during the Diwali season, but we didn't have any images or an English Wikipedia article. We only had details on Telugu Wikipedia and images of the dance replicated at Golkonda Fort, Hyderabad.
During the last photowalk organized by me, we took established photographers from Hyderabad to capture this event, but this time, we are involving budding photographers from a college in Hyderabad, along with a skilled street photographer from Hyderabad. This will function as a photography workshop, where the students learn from the professional. It also serves as an education project, teaching students to see through the lens of a professional.

Expected start date and end date of the Event/Activity

13 October 2024 to 13 November 2024

List of users who proposed the Event/Activity

Program and Metrics

Agenda/Program of the Event/Activity

Documenting Dandari - Gussadi festival at Adilabad.
Training new budding photographers from a college in street photography.
Introduction to Quality Images and Featured Pictures by a Commons Photographer (Diego Delso).
Image upload process to Commons and their usage on other Wikimedia projects.

Expected Outcomes from the Event/Activity planned

3 new photographers will begin contributing to Wikimedia Commons, opening opportunities for more from their college.
Documentation of Dandari - Gussadi festival.
Photographers from Hyderabad will understand Quality Images and Featured Pictures criteria.

Attendees

Mahesh I
Mahesh Kashyap
Prasad
Shrayaan
Vijay

Budget

Budget details of the Project can be accessed here

Post Event/Activity Engagement

Follow-up engagement plan post the event/activity

QI's and FP's collected from this event can be saved for future photo exhibitions by Telugu Wikimedians User Group in Hyderabad
A large-scale photography workshop will be planned at the participating college, where photographers can also contribute their existing images to the Wikimedia Commons repository and photogrpaher who attanded this photowalk will help Wikimedia team in organizing this event.

Meetup 01

Date: 12 October 2024
Location: Online - Google Meet
Participants: I.Mahesh, Mahesh Kashyap, Prasad, Vijay, Shraayan

Introduction session

The first meeting for the Commons Education Project: Bhadrachalam began with an introduction session among the participants.

Mahesh Kashyap introduced himself, sharing his background as a UI/UX designer by profession. He highlighted his deep passion for photography, which he has been actively pursuing for the past six years. His specific area of interest is urban street photography, where he has developed considerable expertise over the years.

Prasad introduced himself, stating that his interest in photography began after completing 10th class. He joined the VJIT Photography Club, which is based at his college. The club has been highly active over the last two years, organizing various workshops, photowalks, and collaborations with other colleges. They have also invited seniors to their meetups, including Sandeep, a good photographer and a friend of Mahesh. Prasad mentioned that he participated in his first Wikipedia workshop through Wiki Explores Bhadrachalam and is interested in making documentaries but seeks guidance to further develop his skills.

Vijay shared that he initially became interested in animations and drawings after 10th class and tried pursuing them. However, during this journey, photography became his true passion. He credited Prasad for helping him learn manual settings after joining the VJIT Photography Club. Vijay also spoke about how he was greatly influenced by the photography community in Hyderabad and regularly follows their work on Instagram.

Shrayaan introduced himself by mentioning that his interest in photography developed after 10th class when he began watching YouTube videos, particularly focusing on wedding photography content. By the end of his second year in VJIT, he became aware of the VJIT Photography Club and expressed his strong desire to become a photographer.

General discussion

The group discussed plans for the next photowalk, where Mahesh Kashyap, as a pioneer in street photography, will guide the students in understanding his approach to capturing street scenes. This will be particularly useful for them as they prepare to photograph the Gussadi festival. Mahesh has been assigned the task of training the students in Hyderabad’s streets next week. Afterward, their skills will be evaluated and will provide feedback. He also plans to share his experiences in handling photography gear, as well as important safety measures to consider during festivals and photowalks. Safety will be a top priority, and he will emphasize this during the training. A meet-and-greet session is scheduled for next week to discuss gear, safety tips, and tricks, as most students are currently in their hometowns due to the Dussehra holidays.

Mahesh Kashyap’s Photography Workshop - 19 October 2024

On the morning of 19 October 2024, Mahesh Kashyap conducted a focused photography workshop for three students near Gudimalkapur market in Hyderabad. The workshop aimed to introduce the students to the fundamentals of street photography, with a specific focus on capturing the vibrant essence of local markets. Below are the key techniques and focus areas Mahesh shared with them:

Capturing Daily Life: Pay attention to the everyday activities of vendors and shoppers—whether it's bargaining or setting up stalls. Try to capture the essence of these interactions through close-up shots, such as hands exchanging goods or counting money, to highlight the human connection.
Details of Market Goods: Focus on the vibrant displays of fruits, vegetables, spices, and fabrics. Use close-up shots to emphasize the intricate patterns, textures, and contrasts between various items. This adds visual richness to your story.
Street Portraits: When possible, ask vendors for permission to take their portraits, or capture candid shots of people absorbed in their work. These moments bring out the personalities within the market and reflect its human character.
Movement and Chaos: Convey the energy of the market by capturing the hustle and bustle. Use techniques like motion blur to show people walking, pushing carts, or traffic moving through the market, creating a dynamic sense of place.
Architecture and Stalls: Don’t just focus on people—photograph the physical structure of the market as well. Capture narrow alleyways, colorful signboards, or the unique way stalls are arranged to give a sense of space and atmosphere.
Cultural Elements: Markets are often rich with local culture. Highlight specific cultural objects like traditional clothing, religious items, or foods that reflect the market’s unique background. This adds cultural depth to your photographs.
Textures and Layers: Markets often have layers of activity—banners overhead, stacked goods, people moving through different spaces. Try playing with these layers to create depth and complexity in your images.
Light and Shadows: Lighting in markets can vary dramatically, from harsh sunlight to dim, atmospheric indoor lighting. Use these lighting conditions to your advantage, capturing dramatic contrasts that add mood and depth to your photographs.
Behind-the-scenes Moments: Look for quieter, less hectic scenes. Photograph vendors preparing food, setting up displays, or taking a moment to rest. These behind-the-scenes moments offer a different, more intimate view of the market.

Later, Prasad, a student from VJIT, shared the following key takeaways from the workshop:

We practiced shooting vendor photos from low angles.
Learned how to capture images without disturbing others.
Discussed essential items to carry during a photography workshop.
Emphasized important safety measures.
Shared personal experiences from the photowalk.

"Mastering Technical Excellence:" Capturing Stunning Visuals for Wikimedia Commons with Diego Delso - 20 October 2024

Diego Delso's (Poco a poco) workshop in collaboration with @Untitled_Storiez was initiated as part of our ongoing efforts to enhance the skills of budding photographers and integrate them into the Wikimedia Commons platform. After several conversations, we confirmed the session for Sunday, 20 October 2024, in collaboration with photographers and participants from Hyderabad and other regions of India. The idea for this workshop came from the need to offer hands-on learning about technical quality, capturing visually impactful images, and understanding the guidelines for Quality Images (QIs) and Featured Pictures (FPs) on Wikimedia Commons. During our email exchanges, Diego confirmed his availability, and we finalized the timing to ensure it would suit participants from India.

This workshop is particularly significant as Diego, an experienced Commons photographer, will provide invaluable insights on image quality and technical aspects of photography. It aligns with our broader goal of empowering local photographers to contribute high-quality images to Wikimedia platforms, with a focus on the cultural documentation of local events. Notably, photography community of Untitled_Storiez and members of Karavali Wikimedians also joined the workshop. Their participation adds depth and diversity to the learning experience, bringing together photographers from across different regions and backgrounds.

Proposed Agenda for Diego Delso’s Workshop

Participants: A mix of professional photographers, established Wikimedians, and college students.

A brief introduction from each participant to set the context.
What is a Quality Image (QI) and What Isn't?
The QI and FP (Featured Picture) Process
Wikimedia Commons as a Learning Platform
How to Capture QIs and Examples of What Works and What Doesn’t
Live Examples from the Nominations Page
Open Discussion from Participants

Diego Delso: Milestones and Contributions in Wikimedia Commons

Diego Delso, based in Munich, Germany, is an engineer specializing in vehicle control units, with a passion for photography, travel, and free knowledge. A dedicated Wikimedian since 2006, Diego has achieved significant milestones, including:

First upload to Wikimedia Commons in 2008
First Featured Picture (FP) in 2012
Over 1,000 FPs by May 2024
20,000 Quality Images (QIs) by June 2024

The Origins and Evolution of Image Review Processes on Wikimedia Commons

Diego Delso discussed the progression of image review mechanisms on Wikimedia Commons, providing historical context for the featured and quality image processes. By September 2004, three Wikipedias had already implemented featured image processes: English (since May 2003), German (since June 2004), and Chinese (since July 2004).

September 7, 2004: Wikimedia Commons officially launched.
November 9, 2004: The Featured Picture (FP) process began, with the first FP awarded on February 5, 2005.
June 25, 2006: The Quality Image (QI) process was introduced, with the first QI awarded on July 12, 2006.
April 10, 2008: The Valued Image (VI) process started, and the first VI was awarded on June 8, 2008.

The Quality Images process, specifically, was born in June 2006 due to three key factors:

The spark: One of the earliest Commons users, Pfctdayelise, faced difficulties finding 12 high-quality images on a single theme for a calendar project.
The idea: User Gnangarra, inspired by the Good Article process on the English Wikipedia, introduced the concept of highlighting technically proficient images. Unlike Featured Pictures, which focus on visual appeal and wow factor, Quality Images prioritize technical excellence, acknowledging that many valuable subjects on Commons may not be visually stunning but still meet technical standards. Gnangarra noted, “The idea was to identify our own work in Commons that we can be confident of in terms of quality... focusing on technical value over the wow factor.”
The means: User Dschwen automated the QI process with bots, ensuring it could handle a large number of nominations efficiently. These bots continue to manage dozens of QI candidates daily.

Wikimedia Commons as a Learning Platform

Diego Delso believes that Wikimedia Commons is a great platform for learning, especially through the Quality Image Candidates (QIC) process. He shared how his experience on Commons helped him grow as a photographer:

Early Struggles:

Focus on Beauty: At first, Diego thought a beautiful picture was enough to get nominated (but soon learned it wasn’t the main factor).
Technical Issues: He didn’t realize the technical problems that made his images fail and struggled to see what reviewers were pointing out.
Lack of Tools: Diego didn’t have the right software or knowledge to fix those issues.

Learning and Improvement:

Planning Shots: With time, he learned to plan his shots better, keeping common issues in mind while framing.
Self-Checking: Before submitting a photo, he now checks for problems himself and fixes them.
Helping Others: As a reviewer, Diego now guides other photographers and helps them fix their issues too.

Diego continues to learn every day through technical discussions on Commons and by seeing other photographers' work.

Success Tips for QIC:

Quick Feedback: You get fast feedback, so you can improve your skills quickly.
Experienced Community: Many experienced photographers are willing to help.
Helpful Attitude: The community is supportive, helping everyone improve.
Simple Process: The rules are clear and easy to follow.
Tools: Automated bots make the process efficient.
Recognition: Awards like QIs and Featured Pictures encourage photographers to keep improving.

Diego also mentioned that workshops, photo events, and equipment support from Wikimedia chapters help photographers learn and grow even outside the QIC process.

For details on the nomination process, review criteria, and requirements for Quality Images (QI), please visit the QI candidates page on Wikimedia Commons. This page has all the information you need to get started with nominations and reviews.

Question: After this, Suyash raised a question during the call regarding the QI nominator tool. He expressed frustration that whenever they use the tool to nominate images, it automatically includes text from the Commons license declaration along with the image title, which can be cumbersome each time. Diego investigated the issue and found that the author of that bot is inactive, making it difficult to resolve.

Criteria to Become a Quality Image (QI)

Non-Technical Requirements:

Provide a good description, including the taxonomy of organisms.
Use specific categories for your images.
The author must be a registered Wikimedia Commons user.

Technical Requirements:

Resolution should be greater than 2 megapixels (don’t confuse this with file size).
Images should have low noise and be free from JPEG compression artifacts.
Proper exposure is essential; images shouldn’t be over- or underexposed, especially in high-contrast scenes.
Avoid dust, lens flares, watermarks, or vignetting.
Ensure good composition with a clear subject and no distracting elements.
Images should not have color problems, like chromatic aberration or white balance issues.
Focus should be on the subject with adequate depth of field.
Eliminate distortions or perspective issues, including vertical/horizontal perspective and barrel or pincushion distortion.

Question: Suyash: Since we have buildings that are often close to the roads in India, how can we photographers overcome the perspective issues caused by capturing images from lower angles compared to the height of the buildings?

Diego replied to Suyash's question by saying that if a photo is taken from a lower angle—like standing directly under a building—there shouldn't be any problem with perspective correction, as long as the composition looks good. He explained that there aren't strict rules for this; some people may want more corrections than others, which is why the discussion feature (yellow boxes) in QI nominations is helpful. It allows everyone to share their opinions about the image. Diego also mentioned that correcting perspective can change how a photo is cropped, leading to debates about whether a crop is too tight or just fine. In the end, it's up to the reviewer, making it a subjective matter with no clear answers. When he edits photos, he uses Lightroom for easy corrections and Photoshop for more complicated ones. However, he warned that fixing perspectives might sometimes make the top part of the image look too large, which can be an issue.

Question: Suyash: If we have different light sources in an image that produce varying colors and create a filter effect, how can we resolve that issue?

Diego explained that if there are different light sources, such as yellow and white, one should remember what should appear white in real life and adjust the white balance accordingly. He noted that when changing the white balance, the order of colors to consider is: Red, Orange, Yellow, Blue, and Green. Diego uses different fixes for various colors and emphasized the importance of shooting in RAW format.

Most Common Problems with QI Candidates

Easily Fixable Issues:

Insufficient descriptions or overly generic categories
Dust spots
Noise (chromatic or luminosity), especially in darker areas
Chromatic aberration

Occasionally Fixable Issues (more likely with RAW images):

Distortions, particularly vertical perspective issues
Overexposed areas, especially clouds

Rarely Fixable Issues (usually result in decline):

Lack of sharpness
Incorrect focus
Motion blur (or excessive exposure for moving subjects)
Severe perspective problems (e.g., cluttered or tight crops)

Gussadi Documentation

Day 01 (27/10/2024)

As part of the Commons Education Project: Adilabad, a photowalk was organized to document the Dandari-Gussadi festival, with the goal of preserving this unique tribal tradition on Wikimedia platforms. This event, in collaboration with CIS-A2K, was designed to give budding photographers an opportunity to learn through hands-on experience while contributing to the documentation of the festival. The journey started at 12:30 AM with myself (Mahesh) and three student participants from VJIT Prasad, Shrayaan and Vijay, departing from Hyderabad by cab. We reached Adilabad by 6:00 AM, just in time to rest and prepare for the day. Our photography trainer, Mahesh Kashyap, along with his friends, Sriram Mallik, Chaitanya and Ajay, started from Hyderabad at 5:00 AM and arrived by 10:00 AM. These experienced photographers played an integral role in guiding the students throughout the photowalk.

To begin the exploration, we contacted a local from ITDA Utnoor. He kindly directed us to a village called Heerapur, located approximately 10 km from Utnoor and 5 km off the main road. Nestled deep inside, the village had a traditional atmosphere that truly represented rural life. The villagers welcomed us with open arms, offering us chairs and taking the time to explain their customs and the significance of the Dandari-Gussadi festival. In a special act of cultural exchange, the villagers performed a unique dance for us to help us understand their culture, even before their neighboring village arrived. It was a touching gesture and provided the students with invaluable insights into the festival’s traditions.

Mahesh Kashyap, along with Sriram Mallik, Krishna Chaitanya and Ajay Kumar, supported the students, offering guidance on how to capture the best shots, ensuring that the experience was educational as well as productive. We stayed in the village until 12:30 AM, documenting every moment of the vibrant festival. The students, under the mentorship of the experienced photographers, captured stunning images that will enrich content related to the festival online. We returned to our accommodation in Adilabad by 2:30 AM, tired but grateful for the cultural immersion and the photographic opportunities of the day.

Day 02 (28/10/2024)

On Day 2, we began a bit later at 11:00 AM, catching up on rest after the previous late night. By 12:30 PM, we arrived at Utnoor for lunch before heading towards Jainoor, pausing briefly to capture some of Adilabad’s natural beauty. Our main stop for the day was the village of Daboli Shaikguda. The journey was notably smoother than the previous day, and we received a warm welcome upon arrival. Villagers were accommodating, and we were able to capture close-up shots of the rituals, enhancing the detail of our documentation.

As we were leaving Daboli, we came across villagers on the outskirts preparing for the evening rituals. This unexpected encounter gave us an opportunity to capture candid shots of their preparations, adding another authentic perspective to our collection. After a visit to a nearby ghat section for more landscape shots, we returned to our accommodation by 9:00 PM, ready for an early start to capture the morning rituals the next day.

Day 03 (29/10/2024)

On Day 3, we began early and headed to Utnoor for breakfast before traveling to Kohenur village to document the festival’s morning session. Here, we captured a moving moment of the Gussadi performers singing together with drummers at the center. A heartwarming scene unfolded as a young child attempted to take a peacock feather from one of the performers, who then placed the feather in the child’s hair—beautifully showcasing the bond between performers and the village’s children. Prasad recorded video interviews of villagers explaining the festival’s essence, with dance performances visible in the background. Later, we witnessed a unique ceremony where performers placed their peacock crowns and instruments on the ground, while village elders gathered to offer a sacrificial ritual with two chickens in honor of the god. Afterward, we explored the village streets, capturing shots that highlighted the daily life and traditions of the community.

In the afternoon, we visited Saptagundala waterfalls, capturing stunning long-exposure shots of the falls nestled within the dense forest. Our day continued in a village near Utnoor, where people from Malwarai had gathered in Lakkaram. We documented the opening ceremony and, despite our plan to leave around midnight, the villagers urged us to stay for another hour to witness some of the festival’s most engaging dances. We filmed until 1 AM, ending our night exhausted but filled with memorable experiences and cultural insights.

Day 04 (30/10/2024)

Our final day began with an attempt to wake up at 7 AM, though we finally got moving around 8 AM. After checking out and boarding the car by 8:30, we headed straight to the village, arriving to find the Gussadi performers already in full makeup. We were greeted by Wikipedian J Prasad Patel, who kindly requested the performers, on our behalf, to allow a photoshoot while they continued preparing. This produced some remarkable shots, capturing the intricate details of their costumes and makeup.

We spent the morning photographing their dance moves until the afternoon, but after three days of shooting, we realized we had documented nearly every aspect of the festival. We wrapped up our experience with a group photo using a tripod and began our return journey to Hyderabad at 1 PM, arriving in the city by 8 PM. This brought our unforgettable project documenting the Dandari-Gussadi festival to a close.

Lessons Learned

Pre-event Planning

Effective planning was critical for the success of this project. Coordinating a team of both experienced photographers and students required scheduling, arranging transportation, and ensuring the right equipment was available. Understanding the festival's schedule and mapping out key villages helped us anticipate where and when to capture the most impactful moments. Reaching out to local contacts like Government officials and any Wikimedia volunteers was also essential in navigating the festival environment smoothly.

Cultural Sensitivity and Local Engagement

One of the most valuable lessons was the importance of building rapport with the community. The warmth and openness of the villagers made it easier for us to capture their traditions authentically. They welcomed us into their ceremonies and even staged performances to enrich our understanding. This experience underscored the significance of cultural sensitivity and establishing connections to gain genuine insights and cooperation.

Field Challenges and Adaptability

In the field, we encountered various challenges, from early starts to long days of continuous shooting. Weather conditions, limited access to specific angles, and the dynamic nature of the festival required us to be flexible and creative. Our trainers helped guide students through unexpected scenarios, ensuring they captured quality shots despite the conditions. We also learned the importance of pacing and rest, given the physical demands of covering an extended cultural event.

Technical Skills and Mentorship

The project provided an immersive learning environment where students gained hands-on experience under the mentorship of seasoned photographers. They learned valuable skills in framing, capturing action, and handling unique lighting conditions, which were integral to the event. The opportunity to review and discuss each day's shots also helped students identify areas for improvement and develop technical proficiency.

Post-event Reflection and Documentation

The completion of this project reinforced the importance of thorough documentation. Capturing the event's essence required meticulous attention to detail, from labeling and categorizing images to crafting narratives for each captured moment. The collaborative experience taught us the value of teamwork, adaptability, and respect for cultural heritage—insights that will guide future documentation efforts on Wikimedia platforms.

This experience has not only contributed to Wikimedia Commons but also expanded our appreciation for traditional festivals and the significance of preserving them digitally for broader understanding and appreciation.

Categories for the Project

1.Dandari-Gussadi Festival 2024

Main category for all images and media from this year's event. This is a parent category only useful to find all images related to the project, don't copy this category

2.Dandari Festival Rituals

For rituals performed during the festival, including ceremonial events like sacrifices and other traditional acts.

3.Dandari-Gussadi Festival at Utnoor

Specific to images taken in the Utnoor area during the festival.

4.Dandari-Gussadi Festival at Jainoor

Specific to images taken in the Jainoor area.

5.Dandari-Gussadi Festival Preparations

Captures behind-the-scenes images such as makeup application, costume preparation, and pre-dance rituals.

6.Locals at Dandari-Gussadi Festival

For interactions with children and locals, showcasing community bonding.

7.Saptagundala Waterfalls - Dandari Festival Photowalk

For shots and scenic views captured at the waterfalls.

8.Commons Education Project: Adilabad 2024

For all images related to this educational project, highlighting the learning and documentation aspect. This includes images that capture the fellow photographers and all the categories mentioned above. Please use this category only if any image doesn't fall under above list.

9.VJIT Photography Club - Dandari-Gussadi Festival 2024

To attribute and organize contributions specifically from VJIT Photography Club participants. Only VJIT students should use this category.