In commemorating 150 years of its history and contribution to photography, the Photography Society of Madras is organising the 'All India Salon of Photography -2008' in addition to an exhibition of the works of its members. The categories for this Salon are Monochrome, Journalism, Nature, Landscape and Portraiture. A special section on "The Girl Child" has been included since 2008 is the Year of the Girl Child. The Salon and Exhibition would be conducted from Wednesday the 17th of September, 2008 culminating in a grand valedictory on Sunday, 21st September, 2008. Over 1500 participants across India are expected to submit their work to the Salon as it is expected to be one of India's largest salons. The total prize money is over Rs.2 lakhs. Each category will have three prizes. The first, second and third prize winners in each section will receive Rs.20,000 ; Rs.10,000 & Rs.5,000 respectively. The salon exhibits will be judged by the cream of India's photographers and the panel includes Mr. Benu Sen from Kolkatta, Mr. T.N.A.Perumal and Mr. H.S.Ganesh from Bengaluru, Mr. Iqbal Mohammed from Ootacamund and Mr.G.Venket Ram from Chennai.

Padmashri Raghu Rai, India's best known photographer, who has chronicled almost every facet of our Country, will be the Chief Guest at the valedictory function and give away the awards and prizes.

This All India Salon of Photography is expected to be Chennai's largest gathering of amateur and professional photographers and enthusiasts. The Photography Society of Madras is making every effort to facilitate the emergence of a new genre of photographers and hopes to attract as many amateurs as possible. The composition of the Jury is itself a reflection of this initiative.

The Photographic Society of Madras (PSM) founded in 1857 by Dr.Alexander Hunter and the Honorable Walter Elliot continues to bring together photographers and enthusiasts of various hues, to create an opportunity for learning, exchange of ideas, appreciation of the art, exposition of the science, having fun traveling, exploring and doing things together. The PSM has members who have been and are some of the finest photographers and cinematographers in South India. With over 30 programmes every year including "get together", discussions, guest lectures, expositions, travel, workshops and family fellowships, the PSM offers phenomenal opportunities to photo enthusiasts to learn the art and science of photography. As part of its agenda, the PSM conducts numerous workshops and training sessions. In making such programs accessible to students, the PSM offers free participation in most of its programs and even accepts student membership applications with a 50% discount on subscription fees. The PSM believes this will help students and young people focus on an activity that is interesting and highly enjoyable as a hobby or as a vocation. In the digital era where the digital camera has become a common tool to capture the moment, the PSM offers courses to beginners to help them learn the science behind photography.

The PSM is guided by an Advisory Board comprising of eminent personalities and includes Mr. Mani Ratnam, the award winning film director, Mr. P.C.Sreeram, the winner of the National Film Award for Best Cinematography, Mr. T.N.A.Perumal, the doyen of Indian wild life photography, Mr. Iqbal Mohamaed, one of India's leading Advertising Photographers and the founder of the Light and Life Academy, Mr. Alphonse Roy, the EMMY award winning wild life filmmaker for the BBC and Nat Geo, Mr. Sharad Haksar, the highly talented and acclaimed photographer with the unusual style and Mr. G.Venket Ram, the renowned advertising photographer.