More Friends, More Fun in Manado Gathering

Photo by Dodi Sandradi

More than 100 photography enthusiasts in Manado and its surroundings attended the Canon-Fotografer.net Gathering Series 2010 in this capital of North Sulawesi Province. Taking place at Blitz Café, the event was held on Saturday (6/26) evening and started with a signing by all partcipants on a banner with “Majulah Fotografi Indonesia!” (Indonesian Photography, Go Forward!) written on it.

Photo by Morten Kaparang

Shortly afterwards, Kristupa Saragih – founder of Fotografer.net or popularly called FN (www.fotografer.net), the biggest online photography community in Southeast Asia – gave an opening speech expressing his gratitude as well as gladness for the joyous gatherring and warm fellowship. Besides, he emphasized the importance of inclusiveness. “When we organize an event, make it inclusive. Don’t be exclusive,” he said in responding question/suggestion from audience.

Photo by Dodi Sandradi

The participants were mostly members of some photography clubs or communities in Manado, such as FM, MPC, and Spot. They mingled in a friendly and fun atmosphere along the gathering. Moreover, the atmosphere became more amusing since the MC – Palty O. Silalahi, an FN member from Jakarta – teased the audience with some jokes. Quizes and prizes enlivened the event as well.

There were also a photo sharing performed by James E. Pelealu – a photographer of Manado – and a presentation of Exposure magazine by its chief editor telling how to contribute to the magazine.