All India Photographic Trade & Industry Association (AIPTIA), founded in 1973, unites India’s photography trade through exhibitions, networking, innovation. During an exclusive interaction with Imaging Solution Magazine, Mr. Jayesh Mehta, Hon. President, AIPTIA, shares insights on AIPTIA’s legacy, exhibitions, community impact, and growth.
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Could you briefly share AIPTIA’s journey and legacy in the photography trade?
AIPTIA is a very old and respected national association. We were registered in 1973, and this year marks the 52nd year of our existence. Over the decades, we have conducted many impactful shows for the photography and imaging community. The exhibition currently being held is our 32nd show, which reflects not only our consistency but also the industry’s trust in AIPTIA. Our association has always worked with a long-term vision—to strengthen the trade ecosystem and keep the photography fraternity united under one national platform.
Why did AIPTIA begin hosting exhibitions in Delhi after 2000?
Initially, our major exhibitions were held in Bombay (Mumbai). However, after the year 2000, we decided to do the shows in Delhi as well. The idea was to expand our reach and enable larger participation across India. So, we followed a pattern—one year in Bombay and one year in Delhi alternately. Delhi attracts a strong crowd from North India, while Mumbai draws more participation from Western and Southern India. This strategy helped us strengthen industry networking across regions and improved overall participation and trade impact.
What makes this exhibition such a key annual platform for the industry?
The exhibition has become a must-visit for anyone involved in the photography trade. Visitors come not only from the host city but also from other cities and states. People who work in photography, imaging, printing, importing, manufacturing—everyone plans their year in a way that they can attend this event. The reason is simple: the entire community gathers under one roof, and that creates huge opportunities for business networking, partnerships, growth, and market exposure. This exhibition supports the trade not only commercially, but also in terms of learning and community bonding.
How has the visitor response been this year, and what turnout are you expecting?
Last year, we had around 18,000 to 20,000 visitors. This year, we are expecting a much bigger turnout—around 25,000 to 28,000 visitors, and that too from Day 1 itself. Today, as you can see, the exhibition is packed and the response is extremely encouraging. If this momentum continues over the next few days, reaching our expected number won’t be difficult at all. This clearly shows the trust the trade places in AIPTIA and the importance of such industry platforms.
What major challenges do you face behind organizing this show?
Managing such a large exhibition is definitely not easy. There are countless challenges—coordination, logistics, vendor management, visitor planning, discipline, and ensuring that everything runs smoothly. What really matters is strong teamwork and mutual understanding. Everyone involved in this association has their own business, yet they take time out and work in an honorary capacity. They contribute their energy, time, and effort without calculating monetary returns. That spirit is rare, and that is what makes AIPTIA special.
How crucial are transparency and accountability for a national association?
Transparency and accountability are extremely important. To run such a big national association successfully, these values must be central. There is a history—sometimes bad history—in running associations because people may have different opinions. That is natural. But what matters is how we handle differences. If we maintain transparency, keep systems clear, and ensure accountability, then anything can succeed. Also, when someone makes a mistake, we must not try to spoil their name. Instead, we should analyze, improve, and move forward. That mindset keeps the association strong.
Why do you want youngsters to take leadership in AIPTIA?
I have been part of this association for nearly 30 years, in different roles. Now I genuinely feel the need for youngsters to come forward and take leadership. Age, family responsibilities, and health are realities—everyone has to be practical. But that doesn’t mean seniors stop contributing. Seniors can guide from behind, but youngsters must take active charge. The more youth participate, the more innovation and progress will come. The trade will move faster with new energy, new technology, and a new mindset.
How is the photography trade evolving with IT integration?
The industry has changed massively. Today, imaging and photography have merged with electronic imaging and IT products. Now you see LED products, printers, various imaging devices, and many other technology segments becoming part of the same ecosystem. This is why I appeal to big multinational companies—whose offices are in 100–150 countries—to actively participate in our trade and association. Many already do, but more involvement will bring faster industry growth. When everyone contributes together, the trade becomes stronger.
What does India’s huge photographer base indicate about market potential?
The photography market in India is huge. Imagine, India has close to 10 lakh photographers. We have around 6 lakh villages, and photographers exist even in small villages where there are traditions and events. In every mini metro, metro, and mega metro, photography is a major profession. For example, Mumbai itself has thousands of photographers due to its geography and size. In Maharashtra, there are around 1 lakh photographers, and in the western region across states like Gujarat and Rajasthan, the number is even higher. So realistically, the number of photographers will never reduce—it will only evolve with technology.
What community welfare initiatives does AIPTIA undertake besides exhibitions?
The exhibition is only one part. To organize a big exhibition, you literally need to dedicate 2 hours daily for 3–4 months. But AIPTIA does more than that. When smaller associations face difficulties—like natural disasters, tsunamis, earthquakes—we support them by sending funds in whatever capacity possible. We also organize workshops, seminars, and training sessions on new topics. Today, subjects like AI integration, lighting techniques, baby photography, and evolving imaging technologies are becoming important. Through learning programs, we support the professional growth of the trade.
How big is the AIPTIA network in terms of regional associations and membership?
AIPTIA is a national body, and almost every city has its own photography association. If you consider India’s states and major cities, you’ll find easily 100+ associations, and honestly, it’s much more than that. Some associations have 200 members, some have 2,000, and some even have 5,000 members. Warangal has an association with 2,000 members, Gujarat has associations with 5,000 members. These regional bodies are connected with us, and they benefit by staying aligned with national-level updates and industry direction.
How can new members join AIPTIA, and what are the membership options?
Membership is simple. The application form is available on our website. You can download the form, fill it, and apply. We have lifetime membership fees based on business type:
- Proprietor: ₹12,000
- Partnership: ₹25,000
- Private Limited: ₹75,000
Once you become a member, you get multiple benefits. For example, entry to the exhibition is free for members. If the exhibition lasts three days, the association even arranges daily food for members. All these are part of the association’s responsibility and commitment.
How can members actively contribute beyond membership?
Membership is only the beginning. If someone wants to contribute more, they can participate in elections and take responsibility within the association. They can also write to us in advance and volunteer—whether it’s managing part of the exhibition, delivering a lecture, conducting a workshop, or sharing knowledge. We have built a dedicated space where 200 people can attend lectures, and this platform is open for members who want to add value. When more people contribute, the whole industry benefits.
Covered By: Imaging Solution / AIPTIA
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