O P Sharma was one of the important figures in the development of photography in post-Independence India. A photographer, educator and advocate for analogue photography, he spent decades teaching, experimenting with photographic techniques and mentoring generations of photographers. He is also closely associated with the creation of World Photography Day as we know it today. (instagram: artheritagegallery) Photography Found Him in Lucknow: Born in Agra in 1937 and brought up in Lucknow, Sharma initially studied science at Lucknow University. His interest in photography grew there, where he gained access to a darkroom and taught himself the intricacies of processing and printing. The work of Armenian-Canadian portrait photographer Yousuf Karsh also deeply influenced his decision to pursue photography. (instagram: somewhere.ind) He Became a Teacher Before a Photography Icon: After moving to Delhi in the late 1950s, Sharma began teaching photography at Modern School, where he helped develop one of the city's early school darkrooms. He later headed the photography department at the school for decades and trained numerous students who went on to become professional photographers. In 1980, he also established the photography department at Triveni Kala Sangam. (instagram: somewhere.ind) His Portraits Captured India's Cultural Icons: Sharma photographed an extraordinary range of personalities, including Begum Akhtar, Faiz Ahmed Faiz, Pandit Jasraj, Ustad Bade Ghulam Ali Khan, Field Marshal K. M. Cariappa and Rajiv Gandhi. His portraits were known for their careful attention to technique and the character of his subjects. (instagram: somwhere.ind) He Experimented Beyond the Camera: Sharma was not restricted to conventional portrait photography. His practice included photograms, photomontages, sodium sulphite prints and collages, sometimes abandoning the camera altogether to work directly with light-sensitive paper and chemicals. His willingness to experiment made analogue processes an important part of his artistic practice. (instagram: somewhere.ind) The Man Behind World Photography Day: Sharma first conceived the idea of a global photography day in 1988 after learning that August 19, 1839, was the date the French government announced the daguerreotype process to the world. He promoted the idea among photography organisations in India and abroad, with the first observance taking place in 1991. His campaign eventually helped turn August 19 into the globally recognised World Photography Day. (instagram: somewhere.ind)
