Hyderabad: District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission, Ranga Reddy has directed Oindrila Bhol, a freelance photographer from Chitrokar Photography in West Bengal, to pay Rs 27,000 to a Hyderabad resident for deficiency in service and unfair trade practice.

This includes Rs 20,000 refund, Rs 5,000 compensation, and Rs 2,000 towards litigation costs to the complainant.

Case details

Sandipan Basu (41), a resident of Narsingi in Hyderabad is an engineer. He was interested in taking a boudoir photography session. He contacted Oindrila Bhol on April 20 over WhatsApp regarding a boudoir photography session with her firm `Chitrokar Photography’. May 20, 2022, was the date for a photography session. May 19, 2022, was reserved for travel.

Bhol asked for an advance payment

Bhol asked for an advance of 50 percent payment out of Rs 40,000 from Sandipan Basu. Accordingly, Sandipan Basu forwarded Rs 20,000 to her Phonepe pay account. Chitrokar Photography confirmed the receipt of the advance amount of Rs 20,000 on April 23, 2022, at 8 pm.

On April 25, 2022, when Sandipan Basu asked Bhol if the studio was booked, she answered: “Yes, updating in some time”, which she never updated. On May 4, 2022, due to unavoidable circumstances of going out of their comfort zone for boudoir photography and the extra cost of traveling to Kolkata, Sandipan Basu decided to cancel the photo shoot to be held on May 20, 2022 and told Bhol over WhatsApp.

Sandipan Basu asked for refund from Bhol

Sandipan Basu asked Bhol to refund the booking amount of Rs 20,000 paid on May 4, 2022. However, Bhol straight away refused to refund saying advance can’t be given back.

Bhol informed Sandipan Basu over WhatsApp on May 4, 2022, about the booking amount being used for the studio floor and makeup artist.

But till June 5, 2022, Bhol has not produced any receipt of Studio and Makeup Artist despite receipt of a legal notice from Sandipan Basu on May 17, 2022.

On May 16, 2022, Bhol on WhatsApp asked Sandipan Basu when he was reaching Kolkata, though he had already informed her about trip cancellation. Bol refused to return the advance and advised him to forget the amount.

Chitrokar Photography didn’t respond to legal notice

With no option left, Sandipan Basu knocked on the doors of the Consumer Redressal Commission, Ranga Reddy seeking justice. Despite receiving notice from the commission, Chitrokar did not file a written reply within the stipulated period.

Chitrokar Photography did not send any reply to the legal notice nor refunded the advance payment of Rs.20,000 to Sandipan Basu stating she used that amount for booking the floor of the studio regarding the photography which was to be held on May 20, 2022, and paid to makeup artists. But Bhol did not file any proof of the same.

Hence, the court noticed that there was a deficiency in service and unfair trade practice by Chitrokar Photography Therefore, the commission pronounced its verdict in favor of Sandipan Basu and directed Chitrokar Photography to refund Rs 20,000 and pay Rs 5,000 towards compensation and Rs 2,000 towards the cost of the litigation.

Beaks locked, claws gripping, eyes blazing with fury. Picture the intensity of angry birds in action. This rare and dramatic photo of two birds in a fierce fight has won the Audubon Photography Awards 2024.

Grand Prize Winner of the Audubon Photography Awards 2024

Photographer Mathew Malwitz was strolling through Promised Land State Park in Greentown, Pennsylvania when two quarreling Blackburnian Warblers suddenly dropped down from the trees above.

“They landed a few feet in front of me, prompting me to carefully step back,” he recalls. 

“They remained motionless, and I worried that the fall had injured them, but a moment later they began battling again. Once I realised the pair were too busy to notice me, I slowly dropped to the ground at their level to get a better look into their world. I adjusted my settings for action and snapped as they fought. The scene lasted a few minutes before they let each other go and returned to the canopy.”

The striking symmetry of their wing positions and colors is what earned this photograph the prestigious Grand Prize.

You can view the other winning images here.

In another display of avian aggression, the video winner of the Audubon Photography Awards 2024 features a trio of Purple Gallinules locked in combat. 

Amidst a bed of green leaves, two of them relentlessly attack the third: one with its yellow toes gripping the bird’s face while beating its wings, and the other using its long legs to push and peck until the third gallinule retreats, spraying water as it flies out of frame.

Watch the video here:

Witnessing such intense displays of nature’s battles serves as a powerful reminder of the relentless drama and breathtaking complexity that unfold in the heart of the wilderness.

For more news and current affairs from around the world, please visit Indiatimes News.

In a rapidly evolving technological landscape, the rise of artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping various industries, including the field of wedding photography. An observer recently noticed a decline in the number of wedding photography studios in a popular bridal street, attributing it not only to the increase in single individuals but also to the growing impact of AI applications.

Reflecting back on their own experience of taking wedding photos, the observer highlighted how AI software now enables individuals to effortlessly create various simulated styles simply by taking a photo with their smartphone. Gone are the days of investing time and effort into choosing outfits, hairstyles, and scenic locations, as AI can generate a myriad of backdrop options, including world-famous landmarks, without ever leaving home.

As AI continues to advance, it poses a significant threat to traditional wedding photography practices. The ease and convenience offered by AI technology in creating stunning wedding visuals remotely raise questions about the future of the wedding photography industry. Could AI eventually lead to the rapid disappearance of certain professions in the field of photography, similar to the impact predicted in other industries?

While the traditional art of capturing special moments through photography remains valued, the encroachment of AI-driven solutions challenges the status quo and prompts industry professionals to adapt to the changing times. As we witness AI’s transformative power across sectors, the need for innovative approaches and creative reinvention becomes increasingly critical in preserving the essence of timeless craftsmanship.

Artificial Intelligence’s Influence on Traditional Wedding Photography Industry

In the realm of wedding photography, the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies has brought about both advantages and challenges that reshape the landscape of this cherished industry. While the previous article touched on the impact of AI on creating simulated styles effortlessly, there are additional crucial facets to consider.

Key Questions:
1. How does AI affect the creative process and artistic vision of wedding photographers?
2. What are the ethical considerations surrounding the use of AI in capturing and editing wedding photographs?
3. Are there concerns about the security and privacy implications of AI tools in handling sensitive wedding imagery?

Answers and Insights:
1. AI can streamline certain aspects of wedding photography, such as image enhancement and automated editing, but it may also influence the originality and personal touch that photographers bring to their work.
2. Ethical dilemmas arise when AI is used to manipulate or alter reality in wedding photos, raising questions about authenticity and transparency in preserving cherished memories.
3. Safeguarding couples’ private information and maintaining the integrity of their wedding albums are paramount considerations when utilizing AI technologies in the photography process.

Challenges and Controversies:
1. Balancing the efficiency gains of AI with maintaining the human connection and emotional depth captured in wedding photos.
2. Addressing concerns about job displacement in the wedding photography industry as AI tools become more prevalent.
3. Ensuring that AI algorithms are unbiased and culturally sensitive in handling diverse wedding traditions and ceremonies.

Advantages and Disadvantages:
– Advantages: AI can streamline workflows, enhance image quality, and offer innovative editing tools, benefiting both photographers and couples seeking modern solutions.
– Disadvantages: The overreliance on AI may dilute the artistry and individuality of wedding photography, potentially leading to standardized outcomes and a loss of human touch in the creative process.

As the wedding photography industry navigates the integration of AI technologies, professionals must strike a balance between leveraging AI’s capabilities and upholding the unique essence of capturing love, emotions, and timeless moments on camera.

For more insights on the evolving intersections of AI and photography, visit nationalgeographic.com.