Rare honour for photographer Bhaskara Rao

Bhaskara Rao happens to be one of the three photographers over the years from Telugu-speaking States to get this award, which, incidentally, is given to only one photographer across the world every year

Hyderabad: For Dr Ch V S Vijaya Bhaskara Rao, the Vijayawada-based photographer, it was a moment to cherish when he was conferred with the highest and prestigious Honorary FIP from the Federation of Indian Photography (FIP) in 2025.

Bhaskara Rao happens to be one of the three photographers over the years from Telugu-speaking States to get this award, which, incidentally, is given to only one photographer across the world every year.

“This is not open to anyone. It is given only to individuals specially selected by the FIP to those who have rendered distinguished service to photography contributed in the fields of art photography, photojournalism, development and promotion at the national and international level are eligible for this rare honour,” the 65-year-old Bhaskara Rao explained in a chat with ‘Telangana Today’. For the record, the FIP gives honours like AFIP, EFIP, EFIP Grades, MFIP, Hon.MFIP, and service award Honourary FIP.

“I am grateful to all my gurus and fellow photographers who have been a source of inspiration and huge support over the years. I feel privileged to have captured some of the most important developments in different fields, having worked in major publications,” said Bhaskara Rao, who is also the President of the AP Photojournalists Association.

“I get greater satisfaction when I capture the rural life and wildlife,” said the seasoned photographer, who has been to several wildlife destinations across India and also to Masai Mara in Kenya and won many awards like the EFIAP France, ARPS London, for his dedication, excellence and learning in the field besides several Awards at State and the National level.

“I am grateful, thanks to Dr Barun Sinha, honourary secretary general of FIP and Committee members,” he said. Bhaskara Rao, who retired as chief photographer of a national English daily in Vijayawada, recalls that one of his pictures titled ‘Thirsty’ was published in the Royal Photographic Society (London) on its 150th anniversary.

“I feel blessed to be in photography for the 44th year and it has been a wonderful journey so far and luckily adapted to the changing technologies too with ease,” said Bhaskar, who is now a guest faculty in the Photography Department of Acharya Nagarjuna University (AP).