In the mid-1950s, alongside various extracurricular activities, a photography section was established at OŠ “Miloje Čiplić.” In the early days, it had only a few cameras, including the Vilia, Werra 1, and Beirette. Later on, additional cameras such as Smena 8M, Zenit 11, Praktica PL Nova I, Altix, and two flashes were acquired. After purchasing an enlarger of the brand Krokus and chemicals for the laboratory, the section completed its cycle of photo production. The photography section was led over three to four decades by teachers: Alajoš Šatai, Vukomir Stojić, Bane Pecarski, and Silard Balint. During that time, exhibitions of competitive nature were organized for the photography sections of schools from the Novi Bečej municipality.
Many interested students passed through the school photography section, learning the technique of using cameras from shooting to developing photographs. They were enriched with another perspective on the world, a view through the lens. Some continued their relationship with photography, following new trends in the field and developing photos in their own labs after finishing school. Jožef Balo, Dragan Banjac, Šandor Šari Dore, and Slobodan Latić were members of the school photography section from 1967 to 1973, under the guidance of the aforementioned teachers. By the end of primary school, they owned their cameras: Zenit 4, Zorki 4, Praktica, Smena 8, and later more modern ones, such as Praktica EE2, Praktica FED3, Praktica BC1, Canon AL 1, Yasika, and Canon A. Today, they use digital cameras like Canon AE1, Nikon D5100, and Canon Powershot S3 IS.
Dragan Banjac's laboratory was equipped with a Krokus enlarger, along with factory and Rodenstock lenses. Later, he had a professional Durst enlarger, while Latić, Balo, and Šari used Krokus enlargers for photo enlargements. They participated in group exhibitions as well as various contests and competitions.
Šandor Šari Dore and his camera became a folkloric element at various events in almost all cafés in Novi Bečej from the early 1990s. In addition, he photographed interesting personalities and characters, eventually delving into artistic photography.
Jožef Balo continues to engage intensely in photography, mostly for his own enjoyment, and often conducts various service shoots, leaving behind not only documentary-type photographs but also substantial video recordings.
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