Jamwaktu.com – Photography is now not just a hobby, but also a vital skill in the digital age. This was evident in the Photography Workshop held by Media Perdjoeangan and the Federation of Indonesian Metal Workers Unions (FSPMI) Bekasi. The full-day event attracted the enthusiasm of dozens of participants, ranging from factory workers and union officials to members of the creative community seeking to hone their visual skills.
This workshop demonstrated FSPMI Bekasi’s commitment to broadening its members’ knowledge and skills, not only in labor issues but also in developing their creative capacities.
With the theme “Sharpen Creativity, Capture Moments, and Let Photos Speak,” participants were encouraged to understand that photography is more than just pressing a button, but rather the art of capturing a story in a single frame.
The workshop was lively from morning on. Participants gathered enthusiastically, bringing DSLR cameras, mirrorless cameras, and even smartphones. The presenters opened the session by introducing basic photography concepts such as composition, lighting, angles, and framing techniques. The material was delivered in simple yet compelling language, making it easily understood by participants from various backgrounds.
The main instructor, an experienced documentary photographer who frequently covers labor demonstrations and social events, explained how photography has immense power as a communication medium. He argued that a good photograph is not only about image sharpness, but also the ability to convey social messages, emotions, and the dynamics of events.
He emphasized that workers are often at the center of various important moments both in factories and organizational activities. Therefore, the ability to accurately capture moments will be an added value for FSPMI in documentation, publication, and public education.
After the theory session, participants were invited to practice directly in the field. They formed groups and tried to apply the techniques they had just learned. Some focused on portraits of people, others captured activities around them, and some even explored the concept of storytelling photos through everyday objects.
The atmosphere during the field practice was lively. Participants asked questions, discussed, experimented, and took multiple photos until they achieved the best results. The instructor actively assisted, provided personal guidance, and pointed out common mistakes to avoid, such as distracting shadows, out-of-focus objects, or weak composition. One participant said the workshop opened new perspectives.
“I usually only take photos to document events. After participating in this training, I learned how to create photos that tell a story,” he said. Other participants shared that simple techniques like the rule of thirds and leading lines made their photos much more engaging.
After the photo session, the committee held a photo review. Participants were asked to select two of their best works for a group analysis. The instructor commented on strengths and areas for improvement. Several photos received praise for their strong natural lighting, authentic subject expressions, and unique angles. Through this process, participants learned that critique is an essential part of a photographer’s development.
In addition to technical aspects, the workshop also discussed how photography can be used to support the labor movement and the organization’s publicity. Media Perdjoeangan as FSPMI’s information channel has been actively publishing photos of actions, field reports, and member activities. With more members able to take quality photos, it is hoped that communicating labor issues to the public will be more effective and impactful. In his remarks, the Head of FSPMI Bekasi emphasized that photography is a strategic skill that activists must possess in the digital age.
“A good photograph can be a tool of struggle. It can honestly explain the situation on the ground, arouse sympathy, and strengthen solidarity,” he said.
He hopes this workshop will become an annual event so that more members can develop strong visual skills. FSPMI Bekasi plans to add advanced materials such as photojournalism, professional editing, and in-depth visual storytelling.
The event concluded with a group photo session and the presentation of certificates to all participants. Participants left satisfied and inspired. Many expressed a desire to continue practicing and deepening their photography skills, and some even intend to form small communities to learn together.
The FSPMI Bekasi photography workshop not only improved participants’ technical skills but also raised awareness that every moment captured on camera has historical value and a message. With these new skills, participants are expected to be able to produce visual works that are not only beautiful but also meaningful and able to speak to a wider audience.
