Latest Event Updates
HDR Photography
The first thing that comes to your mind when you hear the word HDR is “that cool option we find in most smartphones which captures great colors”. That is exactly what HDR is. It’s a technique in photography which enables you to capture a greater range of colors. To start off, HDR simply means High Dynamic Range. You must have been in a beautiful location, clicked a picture and then realized that the picture was flat and disappointing. With HDR processing, your picture will look as enthralling as it was when you were at the beautiful spot. Here are few examples of HDR photos.
Why HDR ?
The human eye has the capacity to see a greater range of colors than a camera sensor. A typical camera sensor can capture about 3 stops of light. But a human eye can capture upto 11 stops of light. Using a combination of your camera and software, you can make your photos look the way your eyes see things.
How is it done ?
A typical HDR image is created by combining more than 1 photograph taken at varying exposures. In simple words, you use an underexposed, overexposed and a normal photograph taken of the same scene and combine it using software.
What do you need ?
- Any camera with a manual mode
- A computer
- An HDR processing software like Photomatix Pro
- Adobe Photoshop
- A little patience
My next post would contain a step by step tutorial to create HDR photographs. In the meantime, here are a few more HDR photos.
Check out my Flickr Profile at http://www.flickr.com/photos/siddharth_reddy/
Photography Workshop: Basics of Photography & Portrait Photography
Photomaniacs is organizing photography workshop series for beginners on Photography Basics and Portrait Photography in Bangalore.
Who should join the Workshop:
1: If you have a camera and you wish to take great pictures but no matter how much you try you can’t get the amazing photographs which you see in magazines.
2: You recently purchased a DSLR but having a hard time understanding the functions of the camera. We will tell you the nitty-gritty of your equipment and how to make the best use of it.
3: You want to take great pictures of friends and family.
4: You want to capture the beauty of the people you come across when you travel.
5: You want to start a business in portrait photography.
Why Photomaniacs?
Photomaniacs founder Anupam Maurya has 5 year experience in photography. An avid traveler he loves capturing the beauty of India through his lens. He has undertaken many projects in street photography, fashion and product photography. He also interned with India’s best photography magazine “Better Photography’ at the age of 19. Having fallen in love with photography at first year of college at BITS Pilani, he has since then traveled the length and breadth of India and Bhutan. Having flirted with Memory Circuit Design he is now a full time wedding photographer.
Program:
Workshop 1: Basics of Photography : Saturday, November 8, 2013
- Understanding the concepts in photography: jargons, technical details focal length, shutter speed, hyperfocal distance, depth of field etc
- Understanding the camera: Features of DSLR, digital camera
- Composition Rules
- Different types of photography: long exposure shots, night trails, panorama, HDR, Panning etc.
- Photowalk in Cubbon Park in evening
Workshop 2: Portrait Photography Sunday, November 9, 2013
- Photography composition for portraits
- Photographing friends and family
- Outdoor photoshoot in natural light
- Street photography photo-walk at K.R Market
To have a glimpse of how good you can become after the workshop click : http://www.anupammaurya.com
There are 15 seats in each workshop. Each workshop costs Rs 4000. To contact write to anupam.maurya@gmail.com or call 8884312501.
To register for the workshop fill in the contact form:
Jan Lokpal Revolution at Freedom Park
Today on 21st of August 2011 I went to Freedom Park along with my friends Nikhil Ramaswamy and Ishaan Biswas to be the part of arguably the biggest revolution in India’s history since Independence Day in 1947. After decades India is at crucial crossroads where the path chosen by its people will help to cure the greatest panacea of corruption it faces today.
It was heart warming to see so many people from all walks of life peacefully protesting for their cause. Gandhiji’s ideal still live in us, we just need to be reminded of them. This time Anna Hazare is up for the task. I tried to capture what little I could of this historic moment through my camera.
You can see more of my work at http://www.anupammaurya.com
Hercules Ryders Act 110 plus:Cycle, cycle all the way up and down…
My latest possession is my new Hercules Ryders Act 11o plus. I will be uploading a detailed review of it soon. As of now I am loving it. Did 85 km on the very next day I got it. So far it is responding amazingly and is a pleasure to ride and instant attention grabber from onlookers where ever I go.
I never thought I would be so attracted to the idea of cycling. I had a cycle which I used for 6 years and wished the day would come soon when I get to ride a motorbike. But last fall my friend Nikhil Ramaswamy started cycling and introduced me to the ubercool new breed of cycles which sets your heart pulsating by its looks.
I love to inculcate healthy activities and take care to be physically fit. So it didn’t take much to get attracted to a cycle on which one can easily do longer distances, 50 km plus. Among the benefits of cycling I can think of following:
- Cyclist stays physically fit without spending extra time and money in Gym.
- One can reach their office or other places in almost the same time and at times faster when wading through heavy traffic in cities like Bangalore and Mumbai.
- Roadbikes and Hybrid bikes can reach upto 60 kms per hour and one cycle at an average speed of 20 kms easily with some practice.
- You save the environment.
- It attracts as much attention as a Porsche would do. With people even on bikes and cars making enquiry how much it costed :).
- Those with extra money can spend upto INR 200 thousand starting from INR 7k.
- One can easily detach wheels from the frame and can hitchhike to far off places.
- You get to experience things and notice hither to unknown things in your surroundings and it is the fastest way to get acquainted to a new city’s routes.
- If lot of people start cycling traffic congestion can be avoided.
Disadvantages like sweating are very minor for me to consider and I can anyways take a shower in my office.
The decision to cycle was even more easier in Bangalore because there are already thousands who cycle to work and for leisure or adventure. Once you decide to cycle next thing is which cycle to buy as there are different cycle types viz. Roadbike, Mountain Bike & Hybrid Bike. Within each type you have cycles of various prices and brands. Among the most famous are Canondale, Trek, Schwinn, Ducati, GT and our very own Indian Hercules.
It was a tough decision to choose the cycle. One can very easily get enchanted by the macho mountain bikes but they are slow on roads and take extra effort to cycle. Then there are Roadbikes which are super slick, light and reach very high speed but are very costly. Hybrid cycles was the answer to my quest and it very well purposed my needs. My friend Nikhil was able to convince me to go for it. I had my heart set on a mountain bike but his only question , “Will you be fine when I outdo you on the roads on my hybrid bike”. Then and there my decision was made and I am cherishing it so far.
I was faced with two options Hercules and Schwinn. While Schwinn is a foreign brand and has amazing looks with great models it was tad bit costly for my budget. So I settled down for the second best the Hercules Ryder’s Act series. Although Act 110 plus is out of production now, I was able to procure one from RR cycles, Ulsoor, Bangalore.
Great looks and a sturdy alloy frame with light weight lends it speed and strength. It is designed for the Indian roads and gives a nice comfortable ride. The bike was designed in India and is manufactured and imported from China from where all the rest of the bikes are imported. The handle bar can be rotated from racing mode to comfortable seating position and can be easily adjusted as per your need and likability. It has the Shimano Ascera gears with 3*8 combination and can make you climb 50 degrees inclines with some effort.
It has quick release on both front and back wheels so that one can take out the wheels and put it in the back of the car and go to far off places where adventure awaits you. The seat post can also be easily adjusted with your hands using the quick release. The Innova tyres with nylon butyl tubes can go over weeks without any refilling the air. It has a large diameter and thin wheels which give you greater speeds. Most times I overtake cars and motorbikes on roads. But Bangalore is a hill hole and it is difficult to maintain high speeds for long as very soon you will meet and incline.
One can get cool accessories for the cycle like helmet, front light and rear light which makes it even more funky. Helmet is a must so that people respect you on streets. A car or bus driver can easily spot you with your helmet and is extra careful maneuvering around you. So far I have cycles 3 times to my office which is 40 km from my home. With all the attention I get on streets and the joy my cycle gives me I am simply loving it…
Independence Day – Lalbag flower show
I have heard about the famed flower show of Lalbag in Bangalore. So I couldn’t resist myself from going there. Also I couldn’t wait to test my new Tripod.
Lalbag is a huge and beautiful botanical ga rden in the middle of Bangalore city with a beautiful lake and varieties of trees and plantations brought from different parts of world. During Independence Day people bring flowers from various regions of Karnataka to display and sell there. The Lalbagh Botanical Garden, Bangalore is of royal origin and was started initially as a private garden in an area of 40 acres by Hyder Ali, one of the most famous rulers of old Mysore in 1760. Initially designed in Mughal style, on the model of an extensive garden at Sira in Tumkur near Bangalore, this garden was further developed by Hyder Ali’s son Tipu Sultan and subsequently by the British and Indian doyens of horticulture by extension of area and addition of a number of plant species.
People come with their families to enjoy here as it famous with all age groups. It is a great place for children to play and learn about nature. The joggers association of Lalbag is very strong which forced the Govt to remove the entry fee in morning from 5-9. People come, workout, enjoy the pristine nature and then head for a breakfast at the famed MTR restaurant famous for its Dosas and other South Indian delicacies.
The glass house at Lalbag is very beautiful and housed some rare plant and flower species which are showcased during the Independence Day. During Independence Day it is like a fair and people from all walks and shades of life can be seen here in their in their original best. If you ask me a photographer’s heaven…
A night on the Goddamn Bull
I am in Bangalore for my college internship. Bangalore is a great city and fell in love with it within two days. Its salubrious climate is undoubtedly the best any Indian city can offer. Bangalore food, streets, people and culture is amazing. Moreover I have a awesome Penthouse to stay from where I get a beautiful view of the city.
For quite some time I had been planning to go around on the streets on Bangalore during the midnight and further. But the first plan of a cycling trip overnight on Bangalore streets didn’t materialize so as all my previous trip this one was made in spur of a moment as soon I got a call from my friend Harmohit Toor, an amazing photographer. So we went around Bangalore streets on his Bullet Machismo 1997.
I quote Harmohit,” When you are on it you are a King, but pulling it you look like a jackass.” Despite its roaring amazing sound the bike can be a pain when it stops every now and then. Ok no more on that. But certainly it is a beauty and sets a man’s heart pulsating when it passes by.
Dear Harry wanted to have chicken so I took him to MM Road, Frazer Town which has the best non veg Restaurant in Bangalore- ‘Richie’s’ or ‘Rahhaman’ Family Restaurant. Due to Ramadaan there were a hoard of shops lined my the street offering some exotic and exquisite non veg cuisine from Middle East and best of Indian Muslim cuisine. Special mention to Seekh Kabab. Harry wanted to have Butter Chicken but we were so full trying different delicacies that we couldn’t have it. Later that night around 4 we stopped by shady restaurant as we damn hungry and ate butter chicken there . It was good.
We set off to capture Vidhan Soudha as I expected it to be beautifully lit with external lighting. But unfortunately there was no lighting besides the whole area was dug up due to Metro construction and couldn’t get any good vantage point. Some has rightly said Necessity is mother of all Invention. Dear Harry was struck with the idea of clicking the Macho Bullet. Fortunately Harry had an extra ‘chotu’ (small) tripod and hence all my shots are from ground level. For those who don’t know Tripod is essential during night photography.
Once we started we were amazed by the results we got. I had a torch which I used to paint the bike with light and gave nice results. I hope you guys like it.
Yet another Mumbai Holiday
I thought I am fed of Mumbai. But every time I come to this city I meet new people and have new experiences…From racing with the “Papey ji” to narrow escapes on Mumbai roads, from Football with local raudy boys to Biking with good old friend Aditya and interesting observations about my very own city. I think I can very well write a thesis on it.
Listening to the tales of young boys of 12 I feel at times they are advanced in so many respects ( censored :P)…I must have been countless times to Marine Drive and no wonder this one street represents Mumbai completely.From Love birds by the sea, Chana Jor garam , Jazz Bar, fancy street cars to beautiful cityscape it all dazzles and certainly sparkles after a mug of beer…
Perhaps last few clicks in college
Last sem could be my last semester since I might not go back to campus. These were some last clicks for BITS Pilani’s placement brochure. It is been a great journey and hope I return back…
Kutiyattam@BITS Pilani
Last semester SPICMACAY organized an yet another beautiful classical dance performance. This time Kutiyattam. I have never heard of Kutiyattam so I was curious.
It is the most oldest Sanskrit theatre art form surviving for 2000 years now. It is traditionally performed in Kerala and has been recognized by UNESCO as the Masterpiece of Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity. The word means combined acting and has been used for temple worship as a theatrical dance performance. Kudiyattam face make up is similar to Kathakali but in Kudiyatttam female roles or done by women only unlike Kathakali where men do both parts.
I reached 10 minutes late and by then I could see the audience was already captivated and sat clapping every now and then. It didn’t take seconds to realize that it was a great show. More than the physical movements of the bodies the stories were conveyed using the facial expressions and eyes. She really held the pace of every one’s heart by her slow moves. Towards the end of show I realized how much little I know of India’s great culture and its art forms.
To see my latest works visit: http://www.anupammaurya.com
Holi in Vrindavan
Holi the festival of colours is perhaps India’s most favourite festival only after Diwali. Although it is celebrated throughout India but nothing equals the zeal and fervour of Vrindvan’s Holi. People from far flung countries come here to witness the pomp and enthusiasm with which it is celebrated. Undoubtedly it is the best place in World to be during Holi.
How to Reach Virndawan: Vrindawan could be reached from Mathura(U.P.) in 20 minutes by a tempo. Mathura is well-connected by road and railways to Agra and Delhi. With busses and trains plying every hour from either stations.
After having a series of tests and weeks of hectic schedule Holi served to be the perfect and most dreaded escape from insanity to sainthood. For last two days I had just 6 and half hours of sleep because of two consecutive tests. But I was as fresh as a dew on a flower due to the excitement of the trip. We started on 18 March. We were three guys. We missed our bus at 1.40 as one guy came late. So we reached Delhi at around 7.30 pm. Then to fill our stomachs we went to the ‘Paratha waali Gali’. It is a narrow alley at Chadni Chowk with 4-5 shops just serving different ‘Parathas’. Though having limited cuisine it is immensely famous all over India for its delicious food. Even our late Prime Minister Mrs Indira Gandhi used to come here with her family to enjoy the mouth-watering parathas meted by these small shops. But we were in for a shock to see stuffed ‘Puries’ instead of Parathas. Nevermind we ate it. It was good but not up to the hype and it definitely doesn’t conform to even the basic practices of hygiene.
After stuffing our stomachs we rushed to New Delhi railway station only to find that there was no trains for Mathura and the first train is at 7 am. So we were left stranded at the Delhi station. As we sat by the pavement one of us three started cribbing and crying out incessantly that the trip planning was bad and that nothing was happening to the plan. This was the very same guy who had come late. He unable to understand that we had no plan but the destination and hopes of amazing holi of Vrindawan in mind. Moreover this kind of journey was our idea of having fun. While he flipped on us we couldn’t do anything but laugh on him for being such a cry baby. Having lived a life protected by parents throughout his life he was surely out-of-place here. Fortunately upon enquiry we got to know that there is a train from Hazrat Nizammudin, Delhi’s old railway station at 4.30 am, so we rushed there. Upon reaching there we found a nice café called Cumsum with amazing ambience and crowd. The place is buzzing with activity throughout the night. While we relaxed there the Cry baby also pacified upon watching the babes :). Finally our luck came back and we got the reservation to sleeper class hour before trains arrival.
To be continued…
Holi in Vrindawan, Day 2 of trip…
The cry baby by this time had decided to go back to Pilani but as soon we got the reservation to Mathura he changed his mind. So again we hopped on to the train and moved closer and closer to our destination with every train whistle. We reached Mathura station at 7.30 am and had ‘Dahi-Jalebi’ and Kachori in breakfast. We catched a tempo to take us to Krsna Janamasthali at Mathura. It is believed to be the birth place of Lord Krsna by Hindus.
The temple is huge and with security greater than even at an airport. What is remarkable is the temple shares wall with an elegant mosque built by Mughal ruler Jehangir. The mosque is called the Juma or Jama masjid and was built by Nabir Khan then governor of Aurangjeb adjacent to the temple complex of Lord Krishna. Since Hindu and Muslim riots during Independence, it has been a craddle of trouble and tension between Hindu and Muslim. But if you now look at it in a broader way it is the perfect embodiment of confluence Hindu & Muslim traditions and its coexistence. It presents a unique example of religious tolerance and magananimity which still holds India of such stark differences and gigantic proportions. Although there remain elements from time to time who try to disrupt the harmony. What people often present that temples were brought down by Muslim despots in India due to religious bigotry is debatable. As it is widely accepted that Mughal adopted Indian traditions and allowed religions of all faith to propagate. Akbar was a great patron of art and had numerous Hindus in his court. Only person to fall out of line is perhaps Aurangzed who is associated with Vandalism of temples. But even Aurangzeb never carried out the persecution of non-Muslims. A thing widely common in civilised Europe throughout the history. Whatever may be the history, to based our actions today in mistakes of our past is fraught with doom. First we gave up our lives to have Independence and now we end lives to spoil the very fruit we have now. Such is the destructive nature of humans!
We then headed to Vishal’s Guruji’s Ashram in Vrindawan. As soon as our tempo entered the town it was engulfed with enthusiastic and zealous people of Vrindawan showering dry colours on everyone. Their zeal filled our hearts with joy and we knew straightway that we were at the right place. By the time we reached Guruji’s Ashram we were all pink faced with colours.
The Ashram was a nice building with good rooms. It looked more like a guest house than an Ashram. The receptionist was an eccentric and mischievous old man who narrated his colourful youth life with great pride. His stories left us embarrassed.
In the evening we went out on the streets and headed towards Banke Bihari and Radha Swamy temple. There was a maddening crowd on the streets all coloured and dying to have a glimpse of Banke Bihari ( Lord Krishna ). I had wrapped my camera with many layers of polythene to avoid the water and then jumped into the crowd to take pictures. I think this was the most dangerous of all situations for my loyal camera. The excitement and the craze can only be experienced by being at Vrindawan and is beyond words. If you haven’t been to Vrindawan you haven’t witnessed how Bhakti can be give you a high unparalleled by the any booze. Like me there were hundreds of shutterbugs. I felt sorry for my camera after seeing there imported rain bags for camera. It was foolhardy to use my camera like that but it paid.
The streets were lined with best of northern India’s Chat cuisine and were as delicious as their sight was mouth watering. Vishal was craving to try everything and so was I. So we gorged on as much of variety we can stuff in our stomach. While coming back we met a German with whom we instantly struck a chord and promised each other that we will enjoy the next day together. We decided to meet at 4.30 pm. Unfortunately none of us woke up. I wonder whether the guy came and waited for us…
Konkan Ecstasy- Raigarh Fort
After a long haul from the blogosphere and the world of photography, I am back to this scape with a new tale of my adventures in the pristine wilderness of the Konkan reaches and beaches. What started out to be as a roadtrip of 6 friends turned out to be photographically delightful experience ending in a high note with fists and fury:P ( thanks to Raghav and Aniket). Overtime I have come to realise that a trip can’t be photographically fruitful when I go out with non photograher friends, but this one trip has made me to believe otherwise.
From the outset we wanted it to be a no girl trip for practical and other reasons. We didn’t want to spend to much money 😛 and second the kind of fun we had planned would be deterred with the presence of girls we know. So here we were, 6 handsome shaggy lads with a rucksack on their back and with distant and yet familiar hope of breaking free from their hectic college life. Last few months were no less than a sordid prison life with torments of tests every other day. Although I was in constant denial with myself and to others of my ragged state, I badly needed to escape. thankfully I had sovoured the dark days and had done well so I was more eager for my holiday than my other friends who by now had lucartive offers with handome salaires in their kitty.
The journey took off from Panvel, Navi Mumbai bus stand. We catched the bus to Mahad where we had to meet our guide to Raigad fort, our first destination. Once a majestic fort built by Maharaj Shivaji it now lies in a dilapidated condition but there are enough remains emodiment of a glorious history. Raigarh was Shivaji’s capital and it is this very fort from where the helms of affairs of Maratha kingdom were handled. The fort is 820 m from the sea level and has 1400 -1450 steps leading to it. Our guide has a Phd done on this very fort and could imitate sounds of almost all the birds dwelling around the fort apart from knowing a great deal about local flora and fauna. But, by large, the guide was a nuissance as he kept stopping us every time a tiny structure came by our way which was irritating to most of us save Prabhav and Aniket… :). Prabhav is an afficianado of Maratha culture and would not tolerate any nonsense being said even with slightest humour against it. Prabhav’s fervour appeased Aniket’s self respect of being a “Maratha Manus” and they were together endorsing the same view. I am sure Aniket can’t forget the conversation we had by the rocks under the lamp post that night.
After reaching the summit we all were tired and hungry. Aniket using his fluent Marathi instantly convinced a local boy to arrange food at his home for a meager 20 rupees per person. That dinner still remains as a fond memory. We didn’t expect anything lavish but the house turned out to be one of the most humble houses I have ever been to. Roof was so low that we had to almost crawl to get into it and the food was cooked using a cow dung cake fire. There was no exhaust no window. If one stands in there he will asphyxiate himself with smoke. But we soon adjusted after sitting on the floor. The woman offered us Pitla and Bhakri which I had never tasted before. Bhakri is a roti made out of rice and Pitla from pulse flour. Food was not good but it was different and we quietly ate and asked for more our host’s sake. After the dinner we all huddled together under the roof inorder to sleep as it was open from two sides and cold air was gushing in from one side. Somehow we managed it but Aniket enjoyed it thoroughly as he was all over some stranger sleeping at some distance from us :).
The next day in the morning we went sightseeing all the points on Raigharh fort. Interestingly Prabhav and Aniket didn’t come with us as they were hanging out with our cool guide. While we enjoyed exploring the place ourselves they enjoyed themselves by listening to glorious tales of the fort and Shivaji Maharaj. At around 12 am we started our descent of the hill. I, being the braggart, take great pride in descending the 1450 steps in 16 min though no way close to the record of 8 min. While desceding at almost running speed you loose control over your legs after some time and you have to stop not because you are tired but you don’t want to give in to the whims of your legs else down you go. Nikhil finished second in 20 min. Prabhav was the last to come down after full 45 min.
Mumbai, me and my camera
Mumbai the economic capital of India, a hustling and bustling city supporting lives of billions of Indians directly or indirectly elicits patriotism among all Mumbaikars unlike any other city. Imagining India without it is perhaps the most flimsy thought that can occur to any. I, like millions of die hard Mumbaikars, am in love with this city and can uphold its prestige in any ” My city is better” arguments.
Roaming around the streets of Mumbai and trying to capture the best of this city has been a long cherished dream of long now. But every time I am in this city I wait for the right time and temperament to develop so I can do justice to its beauty. Mumbai is this muse which makes me timorous because like every other artist I want it to be my magnum opus. So mostly I go berserk in flurry of excitement and take few shots now and then while hanging out with friends… This summer I planned to capture Mumbai working its Monsoon magic but first ek machar & then ek vada-pav incapacitated me to bed. But I still managed one day with Nikhil ( new Kid on the block- he is a non resident Mumbai fan). We got down on the rocks from the Worli sea face and enjoyed the chopping waves with piercing winds against our faces. It is remarkable how a little bear and sea can lit our countenance…
So as we went fooling around we were not even two but three guys gaping at files of couples snuggly warming each other. Respecting their privacy we stole some of their moments for our camera 🙂
Flurry of mingled emotions…
Every time I sit down to blog, I start with an excuse for my erratic and sporadic delay in blogging. Sadly I have none this time. Last few months have been variegated with mixed emotions, rather flurry of emotions and events. Although there were frequent highs but mostly it was smooth…With a small stint at Better Photography, a National Photography magazine, as a writer I was a martyr to corporate slaughter of creativity in the name of productivity. But lets not get there. By far you must have sensed the tussle of emotions and no far you would have to go to see the consequences on my photographs… I had opportunities to visit Ganapati Phule, a quite beach with sky blue water and choppy waves and its adjacent Lord Ganesh temple. But when I went there it was raining and the sea was roaring with dumper waves… Here are few photographs I clicked…
How to Deal with BLURS in Stage Photography
How to deal with Blurs in Stage Photography
Using Flash Stage Photography is the art of capturing that one special moment, when the curtains are lifted and the action begins, which showcase the brilliance of the artist outside the walls of theatre and immortalizing their talent. Many of us get a chance to photograph stage performances either professionally or for our college functions, at some point of time. But the single most challenge that almost everyone faces are the blurs that inevitably creep into our shots, which might be fortuitous occasionally but damaging at large. But with little skill and diligence it can be avoided.
Using Flash
While flash seems to be the easiest solution it only adds to the agony. Flash is a big no in stage photography since it unnecessarily distracts the artist on stage and also spoils the artificial lighting which the light artists work so hard to create. It also introduces shabby shadows and illuminates the whole stage producing flat and uninteresting photographs.
Why the Blur
The photographs get blurred due to swift movements of the performer. When one tries to capture the performance at the height of its frenzy they inadvertently get blurred because the motion is too fast to be captured if proper camera settings are not kept. Always use minimum aperture number because depth of field is not an issue in stage photography as the distance between the subject and the walls is less and it helps to get the dark background which highlight the subject and give a pleasant contrast to photographs. The ISO should be kept in between 400 to 800. Above 800 ISO will introduce considerable noise.
Shutter Speed should be kept 100-125 which is sufficient to capture the fast movements while 40-60 when taking slow movements or pauses. While light is insufficient on stage when changing from tungsten to blue, red etc., try avoiding taking shots at those moments.
Spotlight and no fill light
Since the Black background looks good in stage photographs, the aim is to take photographs with proper exposure, while avoiding blurs, with the black background. For this always click when the spotlight is on the subject and no fill lights are used. Since spotlight is strong enough one can go for higher shutter speed 100-125 and higher focal numbers up to 9 or 11 which will bring the dark background and nice highlight on the subject. The blur will be automatically countered. Fill lights illuminate the background too, so avoid them.
No tripod
Where all those professional photographers have been advising you to use tripod to avoid blurs and get sharp images, in stage photography it is not advisable. Using tripod reduces your ability to move and compose shots. In stage photography you will have to constantly move from one position to another to follow the subject and take well framed shot.
To avoid blurs at low shutter speeds use VR or IS and keep your camera on the stage with a slim slab or a mobile beneath the lens to give the elevation. Another technique that comes handy is releasing shutter button while exhaling out your breath. To avoid motion blurs in low light conditions take shots at pauses that the artist takes in between the performance with a slow shutter speed. One can go to as low as a 1/15 second easily with practice.
Using Blur to your Advantage
If your biggest enemy turns out a boon for you there is nothing better than can be fathomed. Blurs can be very effective in photographs if used creatively. They bring out the strength and intensity of the performance.
By blurring some part of the body while retaining the rest in sharp focus gives a sense of the movements of the performer. Blurs which gradually decrease over the stage to a sharp subject continuously are very powerful. For e.g. a Kathak dancer pausing to a standstill position gradually, from a twirl moving across the stage. To capture such blurs you need to go for a longer exposure time of 1 to 3 seconds. While rest of time 1/5 to 1 are enough. Capturing blurs is more of experimentation and anticipating movements than technique. Often multiple attempts are required before one can get a good photograph with a creative blur.
Aforementioned things if borne in mind can lead you to capturing good stage photographs but above all a passion, agility and prowess with camera is required to succeed in Stage Photography.
Gothic Photography
So, this blog is not for people wanting to read some boring text. It’ll have loads of Spice or Masala in Hindi so make you journey through the whole article. Let’s Roll!
Gothic Photography, Hmmm, Aah, ooh! Ok I’m not hyperventilating, just restating the expressions people had when they saw the Gothic Exhibition. Gothic Photography in my opinion is all about your model ( if you’re clicking people) giving the right expression and having the right subjects in your frame. Not everything is needed only certain elements and their uniqueness bring out the Gothic Effect.
So I started off with my model Hunting. Now this girl on campus I knew was stark white toned and flawless skin and hence she was sure to be clicked. We got things rolling and there my group was hovering over her like she was subjected to terrorist interrogations. But she survived and Boy did she ‘Survive’ if I say. But then one mistake we faced was , she dint give the right expressions , I felt like posing myself but if you’ve seen me , I aren’t the pretty types, good looking but not pretty ( hey I’m narcissistic so bite me! ).Our fist photo was with a cross and clothes to give a nice vignetting to the frame. Since the expression wasn’t right so we had her eyes shut (don’t get me wrong , it was a musical execution to one of my best snaps).
Somehow I care a lot about people I work with so I kept asking the girl if we were too irritating for her ( we is to be read ‘I’ ). She was very humble and much to my delight I later learnt that she was very excited being part of the shoot.
Our next session had two buds o Mine. One a body builder and with long lovely locks. Now the first one with the long hair came out well all because he gives perfect expressions but then due to low light his eyes came out a black bob, so Little bit of tweaking and there he was having eyes like the “Prince Of Persia” ( I reel in a bit of self pride for bringing out that marvelous eye effect).
Now the Apple+Nail ,Fruit of Pain photo that you’ll see has been one of my most astonishing works and perfect execustion along with the photoshoping. The colors came out well and no hard work at all now that I see it. Ping me for more info on this.
Finally , The photo titled , Bloody Music is the best studio photography can bring out as I learnt. Perfect shadow reduction with my labour juniors holding the lights for me and my dear friend Swapy helping me set the frame right and his constant support , this one’s a killer and Jai( my model in the PIc) gave the most amazing expression .. colours look godly and so apt with a maroon background to kill for.
All in All Gothic was an Amazing experience and I wanna thank my make up girl Amandeep for everyting and Swapy for his constant co-operation ( I’m pretty sure he got very pissed at times but he’s cool ). An d most of all My models for bearing with me and allowing me to work on this amazing project . Thanks to all And to Photog , BITS too. 😛
All those who wanna see the top 3 photos visit http://photoclubdelhi.ning.com/profile/SoumitSaha.
Stage Photography
Stage Photography is photographing everything to anything that happens when the curtains are lifted and the action begins. It could be beautiful voluptuous figure dancing to classical beats or herds of insane people banging their heads to earsplitting music, from classic music or instrument to people dancing to Bollywood numbers or from psychedelic actors enacting plays to eminent personalities sharing their wisdom. Its about capturing that one special moment that spreads the brilliance of the artist outside the walls of the theatre and immortalizing their talent.
Therefore stage photographers bear the responsibility to bring out the beauty of the performing artist and showcase it to the whole world so that they get the due appreciation of their prowess. I have seen many people trying to capture the special moment on stage but very few succeed rarely. Getting one good photograph is not enough but to obtain good shots continually is what that counts.
Two challenges that everyone faces during stage clicking is exposure and framing. Since both the light conditions and the subject keep changing continuously one needs to be be quick in composing shots and anticipating exposure settings. To tackle light conditions one can see the rehearsals but we hardly ever get the time for that. Some of the things that I keep in my mind while clicking stage performances are as follows:
1: Always click in RAW. Since the changing light conditions might give underexposed shots due to dim lighting increasing brightness would be easier if clicked in RAW.
2: Keep a high ISO : 800.
3: If a strong spotlight is on the subject then an ISO of 400 is sufficient in many cases.
4: Keep the aperture minimum as possible and just the right shutter speed to capture the moment. Little motion blur sometimes add a nice effect.
5: Always look for the pauses in dances and other performances. Don’t waste your energy while clicking while the subject is moving it is not going to come good.
6: I never use flash for stage photography cause they unnecessarily illuminate the dark background and detach attention from the subject. Moreover they distract and blind the artist.
7: When there is a strong lighting use a higher aperture instead of shutter speed. It will add sharpness and increase the contrast reproducing better colours.
8: Don’t take shots from just one position. Keep changing your vantage point.
9: Don’t click when there is a strong fill light. The photograph is not going to come out good. Rather enjoy the show for that period.
10: Try taking some shots from the back with the artist and lights in the frame. If lights highlight the subject then even more better.
11: Try out some blurs. They come out interesting.
12: It is not sufficient to just the exposure right and click the subject but composition matters. One hardly gets anytime for composing. Practice and little imagination and foresight are the only instruments which will help you.
Hope I was helpful here…
Jodhpur
The first important destination on our itinerary was Jodhpur. The absolute first was Nagaur, to which I will give a huge miss including the sleepless and restless night despite tiredness from travel spend over a dhaba bed under the open sky , with a blaring TV airing a third grade daily soap to make me twisting in a super uncomfortable rag bed.
Aargh! Wish I can forget that night! While I wished the night would end soon, it did with huge difficulty only to lead to a disappointing day with an unforgiving sun sapping the energy out of us. The supposed fair of Nagaur, second largest animal festival of the country had no events on the day we reached there so we left for Jodhpur and there the adventure began.
On approaching the city by road you see the long and bright fort over a small range which makes you wonder what sort of fort is this only to to be told later that is the Army base. Beautiful houses of sandstones ,with even more beautiful cupolas like crowns, line the wide streets. As we went further into the city two massive forts towered us from two sides on two different hills. We chose one to the right and reached a massive fort after several twirls around the hill. As we all marveled at its grandeur and behemoth size craning our necks to have full view ended with strained necks.
As we took the tour of the fort we got to a know a riveting history of the fort which I like to share with you. This fort has the glory of being one of the largest fort in the country. It was built by Rao Jodha starting 9 May, 1949.
The hill, a hundred and twenty meters high, was known as Bhakurcheeria, the Mountain of Birds, or Cheeriatunk, the Bird’s Beak. Its lone human occupant at the time was an old hermit called Cheeria Nathji, the Lord of the Birds.( Even today the fort is home to thousands of birds, particularly the Cheel or Kite, the sacred bird of the Rathores.)
Auspicious though the day, it was not a smooth beginning for Jodha because the disturbed hermit left his cave cursing the invaders of his solitary world. His curse, impossible to forget even today, “Jodha! May your citadel ever suffer a scarcity of water!” A terrible curse anywhere, in Marwar heralding doom itself. Undeterred Jodha continued with his construction but he did take some measures to appease the gods. Besides building a house for Cheeria Nathji in his new city he also constructed a temple in the fort very near the cave the hermit used for meditation. The cave and temple together with a pond in front form an enchanting spot today. And over five hundred years later fresh flowers are still placed every morning in the temple to placate the irate hermit…
Jodha then took the extreme step to ensure the new site proved propitious; he buried a man alive in the foundations. The man was Rajiya Bambi (Meghwal) and he was promised that in return his family would forever more be looked after by the Rathores. It was a promise that has been honored and Rajiya’s descendants continue to enjoy a special relationship with the Maharaja. A proud family they still live in Raj Bagh, Rajiya’s Garden, the estate bequeathed by Jodha.
Rajiya’s fate is an established fact of history but there are sources, albeit less reliable, which record three other human sacrifices in the foundations of Jodha’s fort. Four in all, one for each corner if these sources are to be believed. Of the three one is held to be Rajiya’s son and another a Brahmin named Mehran, both improbable choices. It seems unlikely that Jodha would pick two men from the same family and a Hindu king sacrificing a Brahmin or priest does not ring quite true.
The controversy remains alive because these sources claim that Jodha named his new fort after Mehran. Today the fort is indeed called Mehrangarh, Mehran’s Fort, and it has been for some time, but the origin of this name remains a mystery. Did Mehran really exist and was he offered to the gods? For the present these are secrets trapped in the depths of Bhakurcheeria. On the other hand the answer may, in fact, be quite simple; Mehr is a Rajasthani word for the Sun and it is not at all unlikely that the Rathores, who claim descent from the Sun, would name their first citadel in His honor.
Whatever Jodha named his fort, a citadel on which he spent all of rupees nine hundred thousand, it was very different from what the present Maharaja of Jodhpur, Gaj Singh II, inherited four hundred and ninety three years later. To begin with, it was much, much smaller; the extremities of the original fortress fall within the second gate today. As the Rathores grew more powerful Mehrangarh, at once a symbol of their glory and the basis of their strength, expanded. Every ruler left his mark and therein lies Mehrangarh’s beauty, for it is today a magnificent blend of different reigns and ages, styles and influences, compulsions and dreams…
Its towering battlements, a hundred and twenty feet high, and stern walls, in places six meters thick, testify to the strength of Rao Maldev (1532-1562) in whose reign the Rathores reached the zenith of their power. The palaces, extravagant and exquisite edifices of peace and prosperity, whisper a thousand secrets; of machiavellian intrigues, dazzling riches and decadent pleasures under the imperial Mughal umbrella (1582-1739). The main gates, Fateh Pol and Jai Pol, sing of great victories, against the Mughals in 1707 and the Jaipur forces a hundred years later; while the lofty ramparts, fiercely brandishing Maharaja Abhaya Singh’s (1724-1749) war trophies, proclaim them to the world…
Mehrangarh has never, not even once, been taken in a siege. Invincible and mighty, inspiring awe, admiration, envy and fear in friend and foe alike, Mehrangarh is the very spirit of the Rathores. Indeed, no historian, no white-whiskered royal retainer, no chronicle, no ballad, no poem can rival the Citadel of the Sun in bringing alive the story of the Rathores of Jodhpur. Every mile-stone in their adventure, every triumph, every act of courage is immortalized here in stone and mortar, marble and metal. The palaces, lavished with delicate friezes, record successful campaigns; cart-loads of war booty and caravans laden with imperial favor. The cenotaphs recount stirring tales of valor and sacrifice; cannon-ball marks on the walls speak of repulsed enemies; the hand-prints, tiny and graceful on the portals, weep in remembrance of faithful queens lost to the flames of Sati…
Mehrangarh is superior in other respects and houses some of the dark secrets through ages. Unbiased, delighting in wickedness, relishing scandal, sharing secrets…Did not the prince Jaswant Singh (1873-1895) throw his mistress out of this very window because she was really his father’s and the latter had just entered the room? Was it not from these ramparts that Maharaja Maan Singh (1803-1843) had his Prime Minister dashed to the ground four hundred feet below? Is this not the foul chamber where Maharaja Ajit Singh (1678-1724) was murdered by his son? Was it not from this balcony that Rao Ganga (1515-1532), reveling in an opium heightened cool breeze, fell to his death? Or was he pushed by his son, the great Maldev (1532-1562).
The fort has excellent architecture, paintings and houses priceless artifacts and antiquities. The Fort gives people the opportunity to visit it during night dressed in delighting lights glimmering and shimmering under blue, green , red and yellow whenever the curator is present at Fort. I wonder why doesn’t curator stay all the time.
Cruising the Land Of Colors- Rajasthan
3-2 at BITS Pilani has been no less than a roller coaster ride marked with numerous trips to enchanting land of Rajasthan and hectic college schedule with 9 courses, explaining my absence on blog domain. So far I have cruised Nagaur , Jodhpur, Jaisalmer, Bikaner and Mandawa and by the end there are signs of sailing through the entire Rajasthan. No where else in India you experience such a rich kaleidoscope of culture, art and history. No where else in world people still live their traditions with such ferocious fervor and passion amassing millions of people over such gigantic geographical terrain.
It’s a land of people who are brave and chivalrous, around whom grew the most amazing legends of romance ad heroism. There is a certain magic about traveling through Rajasthan which is unequalled by any other place in the world. It is a land of superlatives – everything here is breathtakingly beautiful, impressive and fascinating. It is packed with history, art and culture that goes back several centuries.
It is for this great land that Col. James, the writer of “The Annals and Antiquities of Rajasthan” has written, “Rajasthan exhibits the sole example in the history of mankind of a people with standing every outrage barbarity can inflict or human nature sustain, ad bent to the earth, yet rising buoyant from the pressure ad making calamity a whetstone to courage.” The annals of Rajasthan present golden examples of countless deeds of velour and selfless sacrifice. A visit to this wonderland will leave a lasting spell on your mind which I tell you out of personal experience. I have been to places like Jodhpur, Jaisalmer, Bikaner, Nagaur and Mandawa and I am yet to recover from the spell the beauty of this land casted on my psyche.
In my subsequent posts I present you with a delicious cocktail of culture, history and adventure…Enjoy!
Last Day of the Year 2009
I was waiting for the new AC volvo buses by the Vashi bridge and I saw a row of tents and smoking born fires for cooking. Around one such born fire were 5 to 6 kids enthusiastically pushing each other and fiddling with their vessel which contained their food. My bus could come any moment but I couldn’t resist the temptation those poor children and with their subtle nuances and smiles it was a delightful sight. So I took my camera and photographed them. The children willingly posed though I wished them ignoring me.
They asked me when are they going to get the photographs. I replied after 2 days. I broke my promise. But I will give them the photographs. Lets see whether I am able to do it.
These children live as refugees by the posh streets of Navi Mumbai shrouded by malls and Posh Commercial buildings from all around. Unaware of their future they live in tents of Rags and plastics. Their parents are responsible for their condition.
They are taught to beg while their parents work at the construction sites. Migrating from Villages in UP ( I could make that from their language) and Bangladesh they live by roads unable to afford a roof . Mumbai though city of Dreams shatters many dreams when cruel reality strikes hard upon many…
Then I went to Bandra Pizza Hut had lunch there. Then we wanted to go to Bandra Fort where most of the movies are shot. But the autowallah took us to Bandra Court. Apparently he misheard us. The surprising thing is four of us set out in two different autos and both of them heard Bandra Court. I the gallant one refused to give him any money to him and walked off. I was pissed with him and haven’t shouted on anyone in long time but the idiot brought to me bandra skywalk when I described the place as from where one could see the sea and the sea link.
It was too late for Bandra Fort as we were losing out the sun so we called the plan off. On reaching Vashi again by my supercomfortable AC bus I went to the roof of the Vashi station and took photographs of the Palm Beach Road, bikers dream destination and and glimmering Vashi city, India’s flagship city for the super economy of future.
An evening at Bandra
The single most landmark which has become the face of Mumbai in recent times unanimously is the Bandra Worli Sea Link unlike the CST or the Marine Drive of the yesteryear. But where my friends were full of praises for the technological feat I didn’t have the opportunity to visit it. So I took time off from my busy schedule to visit it with Abhinav.
We went to Bandra Reclamation where couples lined up the sea shore fondling each other. I could see them getting uncomfortable with the camera in my hand. But I was in no mood to encroach on their privacy. We didn’t have much time as we were losing out the sun so we ran to the point we got a clear shot of the whole Bandra – Worli Sea link with sun setting behind it. The Sun was casting beautiful reflection in water, just mesmerizing.
When we descended on the rocks we saw rocks protruding quiet a distant in the water which gave us hope that we can prod further in the sea. But on a closer look it appeared as solidified dung. On an even closer look it was clear it wasn’t dung cakes but the rocks have deposited an ugly layer of sewage slurry making them look like dung.
The sun was setting on the horizon and Abhinav was just at the right spot between the sun’s reflection giving him a divine aura.
Luckily we met 4 boys by the rocks who lived at the slums close by. All 4 of them were very enthusiastic kids with typical Mawali accent. They wanted us to take their photographs. Two of them said they can get into the water and pose for us. They without a second’s hesitation took off their clothes and jumped into the water and started posing. Sameer this boy has featured in Slumdog millionaire and some others like Chance pe Dance. Quite Possible since he lives so close to the place where these were shot. He is an awesome swimmer and could jump from the bridge over the gutter going to sea and does awesome stunts. He was eager to show me but it was getting dark so I asked him to do it next time I go to visit him. The other boy Mustaq is no less marvellous than Sameer, in fact more gutsy.
I saw some boats in the sea and wished I could be on that. So the next account will be of that.
A lone ride to Kharghar Hills
I thought I would get back to clicking and serial blogging once I get back to my home, sweet home. But as history has been witness to I never blog when I have free time. Its been days and I have gathered more than enough exciting experiences and they are just about to burst out. Its time for their release.
For years I have heard about Kharghar Hills from people and read in newspaper as a rich biological reserve at nice bike ride distance from my home. The stories had been more of youngsters drowning or falling off the cliff after getting stoned than the scenic beauty it offers and the rich biodiversity it houses. So it had become a taboo to talk about going there at my home. And till the day it has remained the same. But this time I was too curious and too jobless to resist the temptation of exploring the place. So I took my jacket, camera, my swiss knife and bike keys stealthily and left a note that I was going to my friends house and wroom wroom went zooming on the Palm Beach Road at 90 Kmph. Finally after few directions from locals I reached the entrance to Kharghar Hills.
The way up to hill was pleasant ride with nice road though full of gravels which makes it very slippery. I could see the whole cityscape of CBD Belapur and Kharghar two sprawling suburbs of Navi Mumbai beneath me covered with hazy smog, still beautiful. The hill was larger than my expectation and was thickly forested and with amazing points offering beautiful sights of the city beneath. When I reached the zenith I could see it was linked with other hills and was infact a small range. By the time I took some photographs and visited a village it was time for sunset. I went to the only point which offered the sunset. I could see the cityscape by the sea and sun going to dip into to the sea. I saw big rocks at a better altitude. I thought I might get an even better view from there so I started for those two rocks. But there was no way and a densely forested patch lay before us two. I took my swiss knife and began for that directions where the 2 stones lay. My heart was racing and pulse abnormally high. I could feel the sweat and adrenaline rush. I was frightened since I was all alone and the place is known to be niche for various snakes vipers etc. though most are harmless I am not very fond of snakes. I continued deeper and deeper and finally reached there. I got a bit better view but to camera it was all the same. Stupid decision with all the risk and my mobile battery threatening to die anytime. Whatever It was a good rush.
On my way back there a couple of freaky bike riders speeding on the steep slopes. I wished they meet an accident pretty soon to bring their senses to them. There was a couple on the bike the boy speeding trying to overtake me on the turn took a turn close to the outer periphery of the road full of gravel and skidded!!! What a sight! Bhai Maja aa gayaa. The bandi some large bruises but overall they both were not hurt badly. But I plodded vroom vroom on my bike. Set for a movie was all set up waiting for their actors for the action by the roads with floodlights every now and then with no sight of the actors. I stopped by to ask which movie was shot but the crew was clueless about the name. So I moved on.
Portraits
All of us keep watching portraits almost everywhere whether it be newspaper, magazines or advertisement hoardings. These simple photographs are very powerful in conveying emotions and grab attention almost instantaneously. The ability to speak more than what meets the eye is what makes portraits so special. When you click portraits you just don’t capture the expression of the person but you comment on it by your sensitivity and creativity.
Portraits should be simple and not very bright and colourful to become distracting. One portrait should depict a particular mood and the ambience of the photograph should augment the austerity of the portrait. Portraits need not to be of the face. It can use hands and eyes to convey emotions. For example hand of a person being in focus while the person being blurred using depth of field. Instead of just taking head on face in the frame you can try with the side profile. They give very powerful images which bring out the character of the person. Speaking frankly most people look better in their side profile than head on.
Before taking a portrait of a person it is better to interact with the person to know what is her true nature. Capturing people in their own skin gives more natural and impactful images. For instance I wouldn’ t like to capture a closed, introvert person doing something outrageous because that would look fake and you don’t need me to tell you that world appreciates originality however painted and decorated the fake be. Know one would like Bandit queen in an evening gown!
The most important thing in a portrait is that the eyes should be razor sharp and crystal clear. Its the first thing that grabs the attention and lends depth to the photograph. Focus on the eye first and then look for framing. One simple rule is to place the eye at one third from the top in the frame. Portraits should be sharp and that is why professionals use tripod even in bright light in studios. A person maynot be very photogenic but it is the responsibility of photograph to find beauty in dearth. That is the real challenge of Photography and that is what defines a Photographer.
Black and White for Portraits work wonders with Portraits. Black and white brings out and stresses on the features of the person often lending it a surreal feel. While taking Black n White photos look for contrast and play with dark and bright shades. Though contrasts can be added later by post processing but looking ahead for contrast improves the workflow. While photographing a model show the photograph to them so that they know how are they coming so that both of you can work towards making the photograph look better. Most might not admit but becomes a lot easier if the model is cooperating and lively.
If you are a beginner the best way to get good photographs is to go out and play. Nothing can beat the wide range of amazing photographs that one gets on the photographs. The testimony to this fact is almost every photograph in any competition is unanimously clicked on the streets. Taking candid shots often gives interesting photographs which you can’t think of yourself. I got this shot while the lead singer of Israeli band was signalling at me candidly.
While taking portraits use a shallow depth of field using low aperture values which helps to specifically focus on the eyes and give a soft feelings to the portraits. This works well while shooting outdoors which helps to remove the clutter in the background by blurring it and highlighting the subject. In studio you can use shallow depth of field specially when the person is not very photogenic. But in most other cases high depth of field should be preferred so that photographs are sharp.
Halo created the hairline should always be tried when taking photographs in a studio which can be achieved by a snoot from the background. Using lens flare creatively in your shots to lend it a surreal effect, gives stunning effects. Just have a look at the first photograph to have an idea.
Traditionally overexposure is avoided but if done tastefully it gives a classy look to the photograph. This works especially when the person is dressed in white or /and background is white. White is not metered properly by camera meter and is underexposed if we rely on camera meter there overexposing the shot by one to 3 stops gives the true colour , often giving the fashion photography look.
Portraits aren’t that difficult to take if you just remember all that is said above. So, next time, when you go out on streets be ready with your camera to capture that special face which gives you the satisfaction of taking a nice portrait. I hope I was helpful here…
Photography – as I feel
” Were you artistic right from the school days? “, my friend shot at me while I was enjoying my dosa in ANC.
I replied, ” Hmm, Ya sort of. I wasn’t downright artistic but I would like to believe that I was creative. Wasn’t a Picasso but my school projects were always better than the rest, even girls.”
” Cool! “, said my friend.
” But it was more of hard work than sheer brilliance”, I added.
By this time I had understood the true implication of his question. He meant photography. He was looking for a comforting answer as to whether he could do it too. We always like to believe that we are brilliant if we are good at something. But the real question was – Is photography an Art or Science? Am I really artistic or is it a science that I have mastered. I just present here what I feel from my personal experience. I am still too naive to be called a good photographer but undoutebly better than many amateurs.
my very first shot
Surely it is an art. But unlike other true forms viz painting etc. it can be cultivated. To me it is more than a hobby, a passion that keeps me going when I want a break from the usual to get adventurous. It gives an outlet to flush out my frustration when I feel down. It brings out the sensitive part of me and helps me to understand the true nature of things. By relating to unrelated people, their emotions and understanding how life works for them makes me all the more human.
Photography happened by chance. I never expected to pick it up though being constantly fascinated by compelling photographs, never bothering to look past it. Quite ordianary Huh? I know. I joined the Photography Club at my college BITS Pilani because of all the clubs it came out with recruitments at just the right moment when I decided to join a club. I wasn’t there for just the namesake and the social well being of being acceptable into a community as it is considered a hep thing, if you belong to any department or club, in my college. Like many who find security in a herd too satisfied with being cared and nurtured and blinded to see past their hedge while living in a utopia only to be shattered by a little soul searching, I am more of a free bird to belong to any and that is why I think Photography just works fine for me.
On given a camera for the first time all by myself happened when I went to Manali to Directorate of Mountaineering and Allied Sports for Trekking . I just went bezerk with splendor of nature that lay before my eyes. Click click I would go without giving a second thought to how it might come out. I just wanted to capture all that was so beautiful. It was a magical experience and that is where I developed a keen interest in taking photographs.
At the club I met 3 people who had impact on me. One was the Living god Abhinav Toshniwal aka Tullu, preached by all, count me out. He is an amazing photographer. checkout his photostream – http://www.flickr.com/photos/abhinavt. Although I never learned anything directly from him, his work has been a constant source of motivation for me. Second comes Amar Jain who has been a constant support when ever I needed any guidance. Third and the most prominent is Deepak Maloo. He taught to me not to take things seriously and let them go when you can’t help it. WE have worked together on numerous occasions. Other people who have been soul mates on the journey are Soumit and Harmohit. Despite Soumit’s errant behavior we gel up like oil and water. Harry is just a darling, the boy next door. Lazy, lethargic and a passionate photographer. Apart from all this I am a self learned photographer. I read ebooks, better photography and google a lot. Looking at others photograph I try to emulate them. In nutshell this is what I did.
So in essence I wasn’t really artistic but I have trained my self to see creativity. When you spend sufficient time with your camera it becomes a third eye through which you see a different world as seen never before. This third eye come with patience and self training. No one can train you to be a good photographer but guide, they can. The best way to learn photography is to go out on the street and play with your camera. Try a perspective as tried never before and it won’t be long you will start getting good photographs.
Foremost thing to learn is about your gear. You should be thorough with every functionality of your gear. What ever it may be. You tryout innovative measures when the resources are scarce. Battery should be always completely charged and memory card in camera. These things might seem trivial but are not. Trust me I have been there, done it and it is out of experience. Always keep things like a torch, muslin cloth, lenses, shutter releaser and a tripod. Keep extra batteries when planning for a long trip or else you will miss on the coveted moment.
Once you are thorough with your gear you need to enhance your creativity and power of observation to see the world in a different perspective than the rest. You should be accustomed to get a idea of the shot without even looking through your lenses. Frames should form in your mind as you observe your surroundings. Ever wondered why your companion got amazing shots clicking a nicely textured autumn leaf just by your side while you were dirt searching thinking what to click. World is full of beauty, its all around you and all you have to do is see. Developing this third eye is the most challenging part of photography.
To get the perfect photograph, your dream composition you often need to go an extra mile, push your limits and do all what it demands. I have waited days for the right moment to click the compostion in my mind. Its not just how you capture but how well you understand your surroundings and try to control variables as much as you can. You need to things which would be considered insane by most. I once tried took a shot of a marriage procession only to be held by the collar minutes later by a big burly man. I don’t mind lying on the ground in front of thousand people, asking strangers to move in or move out, waking early into the morning and going for photography session, I don’t fear anything that might come in between my subject and camera. Once there was a very intriguing sadhu baba but very scary perfect for an eye grabbing portrait but all the fellow photographers in my club were scared to appraoch him. Later they got to shoot him only because had the guts to ask him. I once went inside the auditorium of IIT Mumbai with my camera to capture ADA the fashion show that too by dodging security and changing shirt my my friends and hiding into the toilet so that the police doesn’t recognize us. These incidents if not fruitment certainly were thrilling. I always end up near the stage photographing performances in my college which is a restricted area. But making excuses and fooling people I got to photograph the Shankar Mahadevan Show!. Guess people are so used to see me around the stage that they don’t mind me anymore. As I photographer you need to camouflage in your environment so that you capture moments in their natural flavour. But I am not insolent, most of my clicked photographs are used for fest publicity. Guess some one needs to do serious job when responsible people are inefficient.
More to follow. Just getting warmed up. juggling time between exams. So sorry for incomplete post…
Phookaas- you, your camera and hukka
Author: Anupam Maurya ©
The post on Phookaas has been long due. So far almost 10 people have personally asked me what is Phookaas. I replied it is the transition of Photomaniacs. Its a transformation which 5 Photomaniacs experienced as they set out to explore the true essence of rural India. Phookaas is made up of two words – Photography and hukka. Some interpert it as Phukne waale or the faggers. But I beg to differ. I still haven’t caught up on the deadly sin and nor intend to in future. Call us hypocrites but we have completely different perspective of Hukka. It made us feel ecstatic and the feeling was no less than of being in elysium. But again It has nothing to do with getting high. Though we felt hysteric because of the experience not the after effects. To me it was about conquering my fear. Fear which has crept in me due to obnoxious smoke inhaled as a passive smoker, thanks to Anurag, and the the taboo associated to it by morally moribund class.
It was a sheer coincidence, a matter of fate that we ended up hukking. On our third village trip our host started smoking his Royal pipe and we were enchanted by the gandeur of his style. The smoke rings fainting out into the oblivion and the rumbling noise from the filter of the pipe, all added to the effect. But no was able to fathom the courage to smoke it. The real thing happened on our next trip. It was a beautiful village, in Soumit’s word typical Gaon Walla Village. As we reached there this time in a new Auto,it was a large one and had a steering wheel, slick by the standards, I saw a beautiful hut with intersting subjects lingering all about it. I took out my camera to shoot them. Click! Click! Click!, Flash! ‘no memory card’ . Ahh my heart twitched and all excitement vanished. Stupidly and luckily I had forgotten to bring my memory card. Some might say I resorted to hukka in the pain of loosing a brilliant opportunity to shoot. Seriously, I have pondered on it many a times now and trust me, I am not that sad.
I borrowed a camera but it was no good. After using a camera for long time you get used to it. It becomes an extension of your body difficult to dispense. Dejected, I sat on the khatola. After everyone finished with shooting they started jimmying me for not bringing a memory card. After all the jacking yet again our throats parched and a desire surfaced. Yes it was time to succome to the gulity passion,” Chai”. This time we didn’t have to look for a host. The Hut owner offered us Chai and then out of the blue- Flash! enters a man with a long hukka, a majestic one. Soumit exclaimed ” Oh my m***********r!”
The man instead of smoking it offered it straight to Soumit. He had brought it for us. Soumit grabbed it and tried smoking. Whole village gathered around us. They enjoyed watching 5 Urban Jokers. Laughs, giggles, whispers and shouts everything set the mood. Now Soumit had to perform dutily. He tried, sucked again and again but he was too apprehensive and couldn’t mouth a trace of smoke. Finally the rumbling sound came and he exhaled thick dark grey smoke and croud broke into warcries. At last our soldier had succeded.
Now it was Piyush’s turn. He took it coolly and started fagging like a pro. Adept was he at all charsi business and proved to be a stiff competition to all the village pro faggers.
Hairy Harry didn’t shy to grab it from Piyush’s clutches and sucked but nothing came. He too had difficulty like Soumit. Mama’s boy face went red and he took one deep breath and sucked. Oh! he spent next one minute coughing. He had taken an enormous puff in. After some effort he did smoked it decently. Hairy Harry was high and he started acting like a real joker. He started playing with the calf tied to the bamboo post.
Finally unexpectantly the mob turned to me and it was my time. I said-” I won’t”. But against the whims of the crowd and ferocious pestering by Soumit, Harry and Chotu I gave in. Crowd silenced and I took a puff . I smoked out. I asked whether I had done it correct and everyone testified. So I took some more sips for the camera and then pushed it away being hysterical and laughing mysteriously. Everyone beamed back and then we all went beaming back to the campus. Just for completeness we were then offered Desi Daru but we refused and then trotted back into our slick auto. Herds of children came running behind the Auto. But the Auto raced up and soon they were left behind…
III stop: Railla
Author: Anupam Maurya
I saw her
Ascending slowly in morning gown
She slipped, she gripped, casting silence down
And out she came opening the veil of silhouettes
Singing and dancing to morning rhyme
Out from my hood, I saw her, igniting young desires
And her smile engulfed all mires
Rejuvenated was my soul shrugging all slumber
Raring to roar shredding lumber
I saw her grazing out past the curves of hut
Whispering her secrets in her eyes
So profane was the whisper shattering corrupt ghouls
Causing them to rumble true souls
I outgrew my hand and clasped
But she slipped like a dream
Oh yes!, I saw her in my dreams.
Thats how I woke up to a cold winter morning sweating under my blanket. As I pondered and tried to recollect the beautiful dream it was as foggy as the morning outside. Nevertheless out of my bed I was and smiled into the mirror as I splashed water on my visage. The day was going to be as beautiful as the dream. It was day for the 3 rural visit to Railla, a village 5 km from Pilani.
We started from the campus in our Phatphatiya Auto with rumbling noise and obnoxious smoke. It asphyxiated me and Harry as we sat behind. This time it was not just our coterie Photomaniacs but other enthusiasts too who accompanied us. We were around 12 people so we dispatched in one Phatphatiya and one red Swift carrying all girls except the driver- Chotu aka Piyush. Piyush, the A.B.S is a skilled driver who bumped over the speed breaker and skidded into a ditch on the way back. No casualtites though.
In the Phatphatiya I realised I was in the company of some amazing characters. To mention one – Harjeet, a typical ‘sardar’, the one who illustrate why all jokes are made on them ( P.S. – no offence to any community, hold them in high esteem). I simply couldn’t comprehend how does anyone let him speak and why of all people on earth he was on the journey with me and there was this female as obnoxious as the fumes of the Phatphatiya. Nevertheless, we arrived at the village to be greeted by familiar cheers and hysterical children. It is so delightful to look at their beaming faces. We then carried out our routine survey of the village to get good photographs. With girls along the women folk were more comfortable around us. The usual scenario being women running into houses the moment they see the big camera.
Then suddenly each one of us had an insatiable desire for the Chai, the guilty temptation, and we asked our Autowaala to arrange some free Goan ki Chai. He took us to a farm house. On the way we were amazed to see delicate gals jumping off into field through the shrubs. As it is exemplified they turned out to be not so delicate, after all. Whatever, we then waited for our chai on the Khats ( bed). Curiously there was a weigh balance hanging by a branch in the courtyard. Each one of us compared who was heavier and even girls played it and pretty soon the secret was out. Finally our Chai arrived and we sipped and sipped wishing it to never end but it did, and so did our trip.
Jumping-off point – Jhareli
Author: Anupam Maurya
Our very first rural trip was a prelude to our scheduled trip for the next day early morining. The plan was to take some newbies to a rural trip as part of clicking sessions for Photog’s exhibhition. But, I couldn’t contain my excitement as I haven’t touched my camera for a long time, then. So I pounced up the moment Soumit suggested for a trip along with Abhinav. We asked the Auto Waala to take us to a nearby village.
In Soumit’s words-
” Jaha aourte matki ke sath, bachhe kichad mein in short just take us to a proper Gaon waala Gaon”.
Essentially he was bang on the mark but the Auto Waala was bemused and he took us to his own village. I said-” Whatever Dude!, just fucking go somewhere .”
So there we were on the soil where true India lives, they say, being unaware what lay ahead.
Our first village was Jhareli, the Auto Waala’s home. On the very first trip Soumit got his coveted shot. He captured ( in camera ) a sepherdess girl whose pose was quite glamourous.
One aspect of rural life that we learned is how old folks play games like Cards, Chaurang and other games in evening on the streets to amuse themselves. I froze that very routine. Just look up.
Next we discovered a cool sand dune and had huge fun wrestling and chasing each other. It was perfect location to do a fashion shoot. Pity we didn’t had any female with us. Atop those dunes I acheived the remarkable feat. I captured N. Dot aka Abhinav, known to be Camera Phobic.Then on our way back we were treated with ‘Chai’ which became a coveted item on our subsequent trips. Serioulsy, Chai was the highpoint of all our trips and a huge reason which drew us to all the trips. Its amazing how sips of tea-” Chai ki Chuski” could be a guilty temptation.
I must mention, hospitality of Rajasthan folks is terrific and unparalled. They just don’t welcome you to their house but to their hearts. They aren’t swarmy like Urban crowd who welcome you with a motive and are suspicious of even their neighbours. On the flipside these people treat every child of their village as their own. This was evident by men fretting over mischeives of other’s children under their close scrutiny. A man won’t fight other man for hitting his child as he knows it is out of fatherly affection which compelled him to do it. By coincidence our first host worked at our college’s workshop. He instantaneously recognized Soumit and then we were really at home away from home. A chance we get once in 5 months. Before I go on anymore it appears fulsome to some I better stop here. On our way back to college we had dinner at the Dhaba opposite of Bus Stand and trust me it was good despite being just roti and soyabeen sabji. We guzzled like famished dogs and left the shopkeeper fretting…
After the trip we were so tired that Soumit slept in my room and the next day we set out for our 2nd adventure with the day-break.
___________________________________________________________________________________________
To add RSS feed
click below
http://feeds.feedburner.com/gorural
______________________________________________________________________________________
To have a glimpse of more rural photographs click:
The Story Board
The story of our journey is not a tale but an unfinished saga which has just begun. That is why it deserves one whole blog. Like a saga it has many chapters to it. Relying on my memory, it can be arranged chronlogically as follows:
My First Trip…….
Author: Sandeep
I share with you my first ever true outdoor clicking session and it couldn’t had been better. It happened by chance. I was just asked after getting up in the morning by my senior and I said yes, obligingly. It was my first but second rural trip of Photomaniacs.
They say India lives in villages.With this rural project at hand we set out to explore the truth behind it.Given below is an account of my first trip as I go down the memory lane………..
Accustomed to laying asleep in our cozy beds in the wee hours of dawn, we broke the habit and set out for a new adventure .The soothing breeze, the chirping birds, chimes of the temple bells, made the perfect setting for a rustic expedition.The subtle pace of our ‘phat-phatiya'(the three-wheeler auto-rickshaw) on the bumpy roads made it even more adventurous !!!!!! After a few kilometers of travelling,we drifted from the main road into a by-lane that marked the beginning of our destination-Banghotliwadi,Pilani,Rajasthan.
We stood there, fixing our cameras, waiting to go on a clicking spree.Photography in essence isn’t just about pressing the button at what you see, it’s about trying to capture the essence, the aura of the ambience around you. As soon as you click the button and freeze the frame,you capture a moment in it,a moment that speaks for itself and tells a different story eachtime. One thing that separates the village folk from the urban people is the lack of sofistication.Their simplicity of approach towards the quotidian activities of life left us astounded at times.But this posed a serious problem as well. As soon as people get a hint that a camera is around there is drastic change in their expression and then you get a couple of artificial poses.As photographers we took this as a challenge and the outcome was tremendous.We had a plethora of portraits capturing people at its bests. The most memorable part was the number of cute little faces that had come greet us. These little friends had lots of enthusiasm and never lost an opportunity of announcing our arrival among their friends. The transition towards modern technology with the passage of time was seen, but with camels ploughing the fields, and the puffy rotis cooked on earthen chulhas(stoves) – the villages definitely present a silent retreat from the complexity of modern life…
_____________________________________________________
To add RSS Feed
click below
http://feeds.feedburner.com/gorural
_________________________________________________
To have a glimpse at more photographs click :
Go Rural
Banghotli – II adventure
Author: Anupam Maurya
I woke up to find Soumit lying in my cosy bed in deep slumber and I stretched my back due to pain from sleeping on the floor. This ‘Athiti Devo Bhava’ shit came very hard on my back. Then we all jumped out of our beds and as I went out in the corridor I saw Sandeep rubbing his eyes on the other end. I asked him to join us and he, eagerly, agreed. Then we gathered other newbies and started for our destination Banghotli. The journey was marked with sun grazing out lazily tearing the horizon and casting beautiful reflection in the dirty sewage pond with ducks rippling its surface.
IV stop: Dhindwa, birthplace of Phookaas
I am a ranger in the lonely woods ,
wriggling for a pass on the untrodden path.
Life is trying to ripp my ass
But i m a warrior, a warrior poet
I will sing you to the dangers that awaits u
For there is no one better
No one insurgent enough to break the ties
the ties that hold e’m back.
The Beginning of “GO Rural”
To add RSS feed:
click the link : http://feeds.feedburner.com/gorural
___________________________________________________________
Follow us on twitter:
Silhouetting the Landscape
I sat down penning after a long time. I thought-” this time, I will write something legendary”. But, self realisation struck me really hard, wasn’t I trying to make my blog legendary, last time too. I failed miserably. I found so many glitches in my previous posts. One doesn’t make something great by will but it is the interplay of destiny and will. So, am I set to write a legendary blog this time, I would like to believe so. So I decided not to bother about the result. But then the thought of creating a masterpiece doesn’t really die off, it lingered on and made me ponder deep, but with no success.
Then I had a brainwave, why not write about silhouettes? As some of my best shot are silhouettes. Silhouette is the easiest way to get an amazing photograph. Rather, I would advice every beginner to start with silhouettes. They are charecterized by a dark foreground or midground and bright background. They lend a surreal effect to every photograph and boy! they are always breathtaking!
- Taken up on FD-3 terrace atop Staircase housing
How to take a Silhouette:
1: If you have a DSLR then switch to Matrix metering mode in Nikon Cameras and Evaluative mode for Canon.
2: Decide your subject and try to focus at one third of the frame so that you could focus at hyperfocal distance. This doesnt ensure you will be focussing at hyperfocal distance but you might get lucky.
In the photograph below image has been shot by focussing at hyperfocal distance to get maximum depth of field. I took this from the terrace of the institute building of my college Bits Pilani on a rainy day.
3: Always meter for the bright region in the background and underexpose it by one or two stop. This will make ur midground object dark and bring in more details in the background.
4: The best time to shoot Silhouettes is sunset, sunrise,dawn and twilight hours.
5: To add an element in the foreground you can use flash as demonstrated in one photograph. In the photograph below i use the ttl flash of my dslr.
6: Click in RAW mode so that you have more control in editing.Also look for leading lines which add value to the photograph and would visually appealing. The shimmering wall leads towards the clock tower
7: Keep your horizon at one third from the top or bottom in the frame. If the sky is very dramtic and you want to take more of sky then horizon should be placed at one third distance from the bottom and vice versa.
8: Look for reflection of the objects in the wet ground or water body. Try to take them by taking care of exposure and focus. In the following photograph I sat down on the wet ground wetting my pants to take the reflection on the wet surface of the terrace.
9: Don’t always look for inaminate object to silhouette them. Try out silhouettes with living beings. for eg :
If you want to knpow anything more about silhouettes write to me.
WarriorPoet
Fashion Photography
“Fashion Photography , I want to do fashion Photography”, said a boy in the brainstorming session of Photography Club and suddenly he grabbed the attention of the crowd, roaring with chaos. A deep silence bathed the whole room, all faces turned towards him, some were stumped, some had an expression of ridicule and some were just blank. The guy weighed down the implication of his statement.What possibly could have been wrong with his idea??? It didnt take long for the crowd to burst into action again. He said again but this time more emphatically “I am serious. I want to do Glamour Photogrpahy”.The crowd then adressesed the guy directly and what happened then is a story(though i wish to say a legend 🙂 )……… We will cut this story in the middle because I dont intend to tell you a story I wish to sing you to the experiments that i have promised .
Glamour Photography, what is so mystical about it which led to such a reaction as if some forbidden realm has been ventured? Possibly because when glamour photography is mentioned, spectre of nude women strikes mind or possibly getting models in a desert like Pilani seems impossible. But what people forget is- it is not just about glamourous women but capturing the true beauty of a women which lies in her demeanour and her expression of her form . No woman represents the quintessential aspects of womanhood better than an Indian woman. Its not just her form but the grace with which she conducts herself . Her blush and the depth & beauty in her eyes all sets her apart from the rest. There is a surreal quality to them seen in none. I am not a racist there is something magical about Indian woman and if God is a woman it has to be an Indian woman. ‘”Flash “‘ sorry for the digression into praise of Indian woman. In our experiments we tried to capture this very beauty of Indian woman. I couldnt upload my best collection because the females didn’t consent to it.
Despite Pilani being a desert, Bits Pilani can be regarded as its oasis and it is this place where the sidewalkers got their models . Sidewalker is a group of young but passionate photographers who dared to to do fashion photography as a project for their cultural festival Oasis. All they had was 2 DSLRs and determination .
HOW TO DO Fashion Photography WITH MINIMUM RESOURCES:
The first step, if you are new to fashion phtography, is to see a lot of photographs by the great masters of this genre and then try to understand how possibly they could have been shot. For this you can go through a lot of magazines and surf on the web.Try to visit personal site of many renowed fashion photographers.
These two steps are for your motivtion.
After motivation you need to conceptualise and visulaize of different ways in which you would like to shape your photographs. One must have a specific ideas for particular model being in mind. Discuss your ideas with your teammates, if you have any. Once brainstorming is done and you are full of ideas , figure out what background , clothes, lighting conditions -morning ,evening, cloudy,clear sky,indoor , outdoor etc is best for your photographs . It is very important that you discuss your ideas with your model so that you can know her comfort level and at times they come up with beautiful sugesstions opening new doors of creativity. Sharing ideas makes the model comfortable because the doubt and fear in her mind vanishes .
Fashion photography can be done both indoors and outdoors. Where indoor gives you the ability to photograph close shots with complete focus on the model ,outdoor shoots magnify the beauty by complementing model’s beauty with nature . Working indoors empowers you with the ability to regulate the intensity and direction of light highlighting specific focus areas but at the cost of expensive light equipment , a luxury ,unfortunaltely most amateurs dont have.But great wonders can be worked with outdoor lighting by controlling and redirecting them with the use of diffusers ,reflectors and screens .
Some Ideas to Try Out:
Outdoor Photography:
1: Place your model in front of a textured wall which contrasts with her colour this will bring out her features better.
2: Choosee a white wall and then have your model in white dress in front of the wall and and overexpose the shot. Over exposing the shot will bring the white better because the camera meter meters the grey area in photograph so it always white a bit underexposed giving it a dull appearance. Overexposing will burn most of the features in the wall giving it a slick appearance.
3: Collect dry leaves in buckets and have them sprinkled from the top over the model with her bathing in the leaf shower. You could also click her while playing with the water sprinkler or rushing out of a pipe with a beautiful smile to give it surreal quality.
4: You can have a setup on the terrace during twilight hours and have her relaxing on the bike with spotlights on her. Couple up with reflectors to bring the shine on the metal surface of the bike.
5: Click her with an Ice Candy. Boy I need not tell you anymore. This is the classic shot, treat to even the blue eyed boy. 🙂
6: have your model in a white dress in mid of a mustard field and take a wide angle shot in the evening with dramatic sky in the background. Preferably kneel down to get a lower vantage point.
Reflectors: Reflectors can be thermocols .There are two kind of reflectors hard and soft.Hard refelctors are used to reflect greater intensity of light compared to the soft reflectors . For making hard reflectors just paste checkered silver and golden paper on the thermocol.For soft reflector just use the thermocol. One side of the thermocol can be coverred with golden paper and other silver in order to reflect golden( tungsten) and silver(halogen bulb) light using the same thermocol or use one side as hard and other as soft .Reflect light where you want to highlight features.For example : if the sun is behind the subject then in order to expose both the subject and the background properly reflectors from the front to reflect light on the face.
Cutters: Again thermocols can be used to block light from where you dont want it to fall. For instance if you want ot avoid the sunglare you can use it a little above your lens.
Diffuser: A piece of cloth can be used as a diffuser. A diffuser reduces the intensity of light and as a genral rule soft light is good for photography than harsh light because latter burns the feature.
Street Photography
Why is it so hard to define what Street Photography is about? Why do all attempts to describe this genre remain so oddly diffuse? Why is there no 25-pages-manual, something you can read and (hopefully) understand and off you go? You may be master of your gear, you may have done amazing macros, table-tops, architecture-shots and even portraits, and yet you may not have a frigging clue afterwards, what Street Photography is about. Because it is something very personal. Because you have to leave your shell. Because you have to – in some cases – expose yourself. Because you have to love people. Street Photography is about empathy, not hate. It is about community, even if it pictures solitude. It can be ironic, but never offending. When you are taking street shots you are commenting, much like a journalist. And this gives you a good deal of responsibility.
- “Red river” – Warrior Poet
Street Photography is easy. And it is difficult. It is easy because you find your subjects virtually everywhere. You don’t need to go for the extraordinary. Far from it. The ordinary, everyday-thing is our matter of interest. It is difficult because the line to taking snapshots and photogrpahs is very thin. Snap-shooters produce pictures, but don’t take photos. Snapshooters just direct their camera to whatever comes in sight and press the button.
- “hey bhai” -by Warrior Poet
Street Photographers work differently. Their photo has been created in their mind – long (seconds or milliseconds) before they release the shutter. Street Photography is – “about seeing and reacting”. “Seeing” is the important part. Light, lines, fore- and background, movement, things and people that happen to interact for a second. If you don’t see these moments, feel them, live in them, all the time, with or without camera, then Street Photography is probably not for you. The “reacting” part is indispensable.
- rhythm divine by “Warrior Poet”
Although photography is magic, you can train your photographic view.It takes extraordinary creativity or lot of practice and self training to develop a photographic eye for everything you click.Its only then you are a true photographer.But don’t try to be someone else. Idols are fine. Learn from them. But don’t imitate them . Be yourself. When you go out hunting on the street, it is you, with all that you know and feel. You react to people, people react to you. This is what makes the really special photos special.
If you don’t feel well in public places, if you happen be the autistic type of guy, Street Photography is probably not for you. If you think that using a 300mm makes you a Street Photographer then you are dreaming. Get close and be part of the scenery, visible or unnoticed, but don’t behave like an intruder.
If you still carry the manual of your camera with you in your bag, come back when you are able to operate it blindfolded or from your hip. But if you feel that your camera is an organic part of your body and the lens your third eye, go out and play.
- “memories” by Warrior Poet
Great photographer once said : “Photographers are like butterflies. They flutter from photo to photo.” Be a butterfly. Street photography, the term seems explanatory but Its not just about clicking on the street but also capturing the activities in its immediate surroundings. So it could be children playing around, beggars begging around and dogs lurking around or it can just be the warmth of the relationship streaming around(eg a father teaching his toddler to walk )….
- “Beauty in dearth” by Warrior Poet
Our world is filled with an untold amount of images waiting to be captured. A street photographers challenge is not finding the shot.. but missing it. Bottom line, street photography is a tradition. The art has been carried down by those who cannot take another step before capturing that moment. This tradition of capturing the world around us, for the sole purpose of retaining the unique situations that make life charming and exciting, is what separates street photography from the rest.
For almost a century photographers have been fascinated by this genre of photography as there is no dearth of good subjects .Street offers plethora of opportunities to both professionals and amateurs to hone their skills in photography and that is why it is challenging . Street photography can also be challenging and exciting. Be it a spy shot or a photo right in front of the (human) subject… both give an adrenaline rush. the finger itches and the heart beats … then we decide to take the photo, no matter what will happen. As long as you stay unnoticed, it works wonderfully.
- “Dare devils” by Warrior Poet
There are people on the streets, shops, crowd, animals, monuments, skyscrappers etc .Where ever your eye leads you will witness the ecstasies of life and celebration of human relationships .The subject can vary from a portrait of a kid on the streets to tall structures meeting the sky.
- by Kopal Sinha
Street photography requires right mix of sensitivity, agility and sense of timing . Normal activities like people playing cards ,couples sitting in park or bench by the lake, a boy riding a bicycle etc need a photographic eye to bring out the subtle beauty of these moments. Street photography is essentially done in black and white but this is not a rule. Black and white reduce the clutter due to excessive colours in the surrounding and brings out the character of the photograph to the viewer.
- “Hope in those Eyes” by Prashant
The best you can do is taking a photo without having any influence on the scene at all, then you have a real street shot and therefore you need the right gear as well. An analogue slr is the best for this purpose. I use Nikon FM 10 .A dslr works just fine but the feeling of slr is better only disadvantage being not able to see the pics at the same time.Something I enjoy about street shots are when the person (be it in main focus or someone else in the frame) is looking at you or at the camera. Ilike these photos when you don’t see that the person realizes the camera but just looks in your direction. That happens when you’re so quick that you take the facial expression and look of the eyes before the person realizes that you take a photo. It’s a question of seconds or even milliseconds… You can capture with your mind or with your heart. Sometimes with both.. but mainly street photography and analogue is with heart and displays feelings. Other forms are a challenge to mind but for the heart,
the heart is street photography and when I write this, I realize it more and more.
- “Street” by Anurag Gumber
Just go out on the sides and start experimenting .The more you will practice it the better you become.Track down the fairs and carnivals in your city because these are the best places to shoot variety of people in different attires, moods, and one gets to see the peculiarities of people. Capture groups of women ( in the frame ) and kids brimming with joy and enthusiasm. Keep your photograph simple and don’t clutter them with unwanted elements which make the photograph visually jarring. Photograph the children playing in mud and freeze the moments which showcase their innocence as these subjects appease to every human. There are plethora of interesting subjects in a fair viz women in traditional dresses, shopkeepers and hawkers at their daily work. When people take break and stretch out to yawn ,don’t miss the opportunity to release your shutter. At this moment i would have shown you a photograph of my friend sleeping with his mouth open but thanks to another friend of mine she spoilt the shot 😦 .
While shooting portraits use low f stop for shallow depth of field so the subject is separated from the background and so that eyes can comfortably concentrate on the main subject. Lookout for bright and contrasting colors. .Observe interesting forms and patterns that can be clicked taking a close shot . Look for symmetry and rhythm in places and objects . While focusing at near by objects use manual focus .Compostion and proper framing is the key to a good photograph . Often an unexciting inanimate object makes a great photograph due to effective composition .Make use of Composition rules but don’t follow them blindly . Break them at occasions to create your own masterpiece. Remember there are no rules in photography only guidelines. look for color combinations which contrast each other . To take blue toned images set white balance to tungsten . Dawn and dusk are best time to shoot blue .Green in combination with different shades of yellow blue and red is very soothing to eyes but if too many colours are there it can make snap look clumsy. Lighter shades of same colour can add depth to pics .
- “Parked Street” by Warrior Poet
When on street you find enough subjects to make your eyes flashing around and don’t try to contain them. Explore every opportunity because however good photographer you are the luck factor is always there. But shooting blatantly will increase your post session workload and you might miss that wonderful snap which could add to your assorted collection. So put some thought behind photograph. Try to associate a story to each photograph cause world likes stories.
Great tips for street photography :
1: sometimes when people are not aware of the camera that makes for interesting capture .
2 learn to see patterns : look for a group of reoccurring elements ,like rows of chairs or the handlebars of bus .Once you figure out the pattern figure the best place to shoot from .Experiment using shallow depth of fields and interesting diagonals .
3 Children make great subjects. Capture the manner in which the child interacts with his immediate surroundings .
4 Have a sense of humour : wrongly spelt signboards , ubiquitous horn ok please ,graffiti etc
5 Shoot animals on the street . Get the story behind the picture … talk the to the person u clicked . 2 minutes of interaction makes the difference between an outsiders and insiders perspective…
6 Know your equipment .Master it that applies to all forms of photography . You cant miss on events ..
7 Use warmer tones use cloudy or shade settings ..
8 Don’t include too many things in the frame keep it clean …
9 Deviate from usual .Don,t just always click the obvious …
10 If people stare at u , wait .Let them get accustomed or bored of looking at you and capture the event in its usual skin without people being too conscious of the camera .
11 Don’t shoot more but think more…
12 Don’t dress up extravagantly .Be simple and try to camouflage in the crowd so that u don’t attract attention to the camera and make people conscious because then you will miss the natural expressions of the people.
13 Most importantly bind your thoughts to definitions and rules let your creativity explore all the bounds.
Personal advice : Never leave sadhus and weird looking people unclicked .While taking portraits you needn’t click them in the centre of the frame and include their whole body . Try to capture the expression in the photos Many great creation are born when the artist is grim and dejected and In photography many great shots are taken while showing the grief,poverty,dearth and negativities of life.
Warrior poet
______________________________________________________________________________________________________
participate to make photomaniacs a phenomenon
contribute with your articles and photos which will be put up on the gallery.the articles can be anything related to photography
mail.photomaniacs@gmail.com
Hello world!
This blog is dedicated to pursuit of a goal. A goal to reach out to the world and showcase our skills in photography.We believe the road ahead can be walked down. But we want to run. And we cant run alone for long .We require your support. Let us make this run a phenomena.This is precisely what Photomaniacs aims …
Photomaniacs is an initiative by a budding group of young photographers who are exploring this exciting and marvellous world and documenting it with their skills in Photography. If you want to be a part of this journey, mail us your comments , pics on, and if possibles your articles about ,any possible genre of photography. We would love to welcome you to our family.
Cheers to Photomaniacs!!!
Photomaniacs 
