Incidentally this is the first time NSUPC has organised a photography competition where only NSU students can participate. The aim is to encourage and promote budding photo-artistes within the campus.

Fifty-five photographs by 25 photographers are competing for 10 prizes -- two in each of the five categories. The categories are: 'Nature and Landscape', 'Lifestyle', 'Portrait', 'Still Life' and 'Architecture'. The works have been judged by noted photographers Dr Noazesh Ahmed and Nasir Ali Mamun.

According to Dr Noazesh Ahmed: "It's heartening to see so many young enthusiastic photographers in our country nowadays. The abundance in nature of Bangladesh and the diversity of our people provide innumerable possibilities for a photographer. However, to develop a distinct identity, I feel, a photographer should work with a certain subject and not a number of them."

Nasir Ali Mamun believes that "Photography is an astounding necessity in today's world. The use of the medium in and outside our planet delineates its immense impact. A world without cameras would be inert. Images bring all the nations -- speaking different languages, with different creed and lifestyle -- together."

In the beginning of the line up, the image of a purple and mauve sky with silhouettes of twigs provides one with the sense of serenity. The photograph titled Twilight Splendour by M Miran Hossain was taken in Bandarban. Other works by Miran also seem to follow the trend; a black and white landscape of mist-capped hills and foliage, complete with what seems like a narrow valley, for example.

Shudhui Bansh by M Shamsul Hoque frames piles of bamboo being soaked in the river Ichhamoti. The photograph was taken in Munshiganj. Anchol, the second prize winner in 'Portrait' category, by Hemonto Kumar Mondol highlights a baby smiling. The image confirms the infant's sense of comfort in the refuge of her mother's shoulder.

Smile of Green by Bayzeed Hayder is a refreshing image of bundled water lily buds. A young face is seen right below the bundles; probably off to the market to sell the buds which is widely consumed as vegetable. Sayem's Fog, Sunlight and Vegetation is adventurous yet soothing. Taken in Lawachara at 8 in the morning, the image captures the mystery of woods at its best.

Nature's Rage, a black and white image by Muhaiminur H Ador, has framed distant thunder hitting earth on a stormy night; a couple of high-rises pose as bystanders. Jatra by Prium Mujtaba, second prize winner in the 'Landscape' category, features silhouettes of two loaded vans, all set to start their journey. Khelaghor, first prize winner in the 'Architecture' category, by Faiz Mahmood shows an ant's eye view of an old building. Patterns and designs on the facade are noticeable characteristics of the Old Dhaka heritage.

Traces of brilliance can be sensed in quite a few of the images. Use of innovative angles, dramatic composition, intriguing subjects and utilising natural light in the images make the exhibition worth visiting.

The competition and exhibition ends on July 13 with an award giving ceremony.