Archive · 18 Aug 2025
Blind Photographers in India Explore Art Beyond Sight
Imagine taking photos without being able to see!
In India, people who are blind are doing just that.
They're using their other senses, like touch and sound, to capture images.
One person, Vivek Yeralkar, found that photography helped him feel confident again after losing his sight.
Partho Bhowmick created a program called 'Blind With Camera' to teach others how to do this.
They use special tools like apps that describe what's in front of them.
These photographers are showing everyone that art can be experienced in many different ways, not just through sight.
Some are even becoming professionals!
Blind photographers in India are redefining visual art through sensory and conceptual approaches.
Vivek Yeralkar rediscovered photography after losing his sight, regaining confidence and independence.
Partho Bhowmick founded the 'Blind With Camera' initiative to teach visually impaired individuals photography.
Technology like Seeing AI and vOICe has made photography more accessible for the visually impaired.
Some visually impaired photographers have achieved professional success, including Bhavesh Patel.
- Who
- Visually impaired photographers like Vivek Yeralkar and Bhavesh Patel, and the founder of the Blind With Camera initiative, Partho Bhowmick.
- What
- Visually impaired individuals are exploring photography as a sensory and conceptual art form.
- When
- The shift began years ago with the founding of Blind With Camera in 2006 and is ongoing.
- Where
- Across India, with specific mention of Mumbai and IIT Bombay.
- Why
- To provide a new way for the visually impaired to experience the world, build confidence, and find purpose.
- Initiative Name
- Blind With Camera
- Founder
- Partho Bhowmick
- Training locations
- India and abroad
- Trainees Trained
- Over 1,800 people
- Key Technology
- Seeing AI, vOICe
- Photographer Highlight
- Bhavesh Patel
- Commercial work example
- Lux campaign featuring Katrina Kaif