Saturday, October 30, 2010
Kill The Restricted Photographer
Probably, this is a weird phrase "The Restricted Photographer"...
weird because it doesn't literally stand for restricions you tend to associate with. Be it permissions to click pictures or access to a subject, those are only secondary restrictions.
By "The Restricted Photographer",I mean self-imposed restriction.
What would you call a photographer who is passionate about photography but doesn't click pictures; one who finds a lively subject like a Thiruvizha (temple festival) but doesnt click pictures; one who has a basic film camera that works and loaded but doesn't click pictures; one who has a loaded camera at home but doesnt step out to click pictures??????????????????? ... if i ask a zillion questions like that and if i have to answer it, I would say "The Restricted Photographer"!!!!!!
Having been a photographer since 2003, processed and printed all formats of films and photographs, I find myself as the "The Restricted Photographer". Of course I take no pride in it, simply hate terming myself that way and to certain extent i am embarrased about it. Yet, self-realisation is typical and a just measure to anchor myself, i believe.
When I look back, I could trace few instances which i have feel could have changed my perspective as a photographer. This blog is a classic example of one such instance. My sole aim of creating this blog was to anchor myself as a frequent photographer. In spite of the urge to practice and experiment till the era of film completely fades, I found myself as "The Restricted Photographer"
For my peers and hobbyists who seek to excel in photography, here are few "points" which could prevent you from being "The Restricted Photographer":
1. Never let go of any instance thatcatches your attention
2. Have your gear handy always
3. Maintain you gear
4. Good photography is not in the technology use; it's in your skill and practice. So any camera can give you a best shot to it's capacity
5. Give your best as a photographer
6. A dormant photographer is no better than a dead one.
7. Keep processing what you clicked...be it digfital or film
8. Only if you see the output, you would be able to judge your photography
9. film or memory card which is dumped aside doesn't exactly give you feedback about what you shot. It's better to view and review your shots. This leads to improvement.
10. No matter how busy you are and whatever profession you belong to, take time with your camera. This indicates interest.
11. A lazy photgrapher is worse than "The Restricted Photographer"...so kill him/her too!
This is Ramalakshmi signing off...hereby killing "The Restricted Photographer" and Lazy Photographer in me.
weird because it doesn't literally stand for restricions you tend to associate with. Be it permissions to click pictures or access to a subject, those are only secondary restrictions.
By "The Restricted Photographer",I mean self-imposed restriction.
What would you call a photographer who is passionate about photography but doesn't click pictures; one who finds a lively subject like a Thiruvizha (temple festival) but doesnt click pictures; one who has a basic film camera that works and loaded but doesn't click pictures; one who has a loaded camera at home but doesnt step out to click pictures??????????????????? ... if i ask a zillion questions like that and if i have to answer it, I would say "The Restricted Photographer"!!!!!!
Having been a photographer since 2003, processed and printed all formats of films and photographs, I find myself as the "The Restricted Photographer". Of course I take no pride in it, simply hate terming myself that way and to certain extent i am embarrased about it. Yet, self-realisation is typical and a just measure to anchor myself, i believe.
When I look back, I could trace few instances which i have feel could have changed my perspective as a photographer. This blog is a classic example of one such instance. My sole aim of creating this blog was to anchor myself as a frequent photographer. In spite of the urge to practice and experiment till the era of film completely fades, I found myself as "The Restricted Photographer"
For my peers and hobbyists who seek to excel in photography, here are few "points" which could prevent you from being "The Restricted Photographer":
1. Never let go of any instance thatcatches your attention
2. Have your gear handy always
3. Maintain you gear
4. Good photography is not in the technology use; it's in your skill and practice. So any camera can give you a best shot to it's capacity
5. Give your best as a photographer
6. A dormant photographer is no better than a dead one.
7. Keep processing what you clicked...be it digfital or film
8. Only if you see the output, you would be able to judge your photography
9. film or memory card which is dumped aside doesn't exactly give you feedback about what you shot. It's better to view and review your shots. This leads to improvement.
10. No matter how busy you are and whatever profession you belong to, take time with your camera. This indicates interest.
11. A lazy photgrapher is worse than "The Restricted Photographer"...so kill him/her too!
This is Ramalakshmi signing off...hereby killing "The Restricted Photographer" and Lazy Photographer in me.
MY FIRST WEDDING ASSIGNMENT
Hey!
It was a lovely experience clicking pics at my friend's wedding...
but i am not gonna pardon myself for the ISO settings error...
wish i had one of those digital gears. still, no regrets...
with an FM10 with standard lens of 35-70 zoom and no flash, i ain't gonna expect more until i upgrade my gear.
lesson learnt: either choose to be a photographer or a bride's maid/best friend... you cant juggle between those two roles...
It was a lovely experience clicking pics at my friend's wedding...
but i am not gonna pardon myself for the ISO settings error...
wish i had one of those digital gears. still, no regrets...
with an FM10 with standard lens of 35-70 zoom and no flash, i ain't gonna expect more until i upgrade my gear.
lesson learnt: either choose to be a photographer or a bride's maid/best friend... you cant juggle between those two roles...
Friday, June 11, 2010
Portraiture
He-Hi!
These are two of my favorite shots i took with my FM10.
By mistake i continued shooting on ISO setting 200 ASA while my film was only 100 ASA. Still, I achieved desired results through 1-stop push processing.
These are two of my favorite shots i took with my FM10.
By mistake i continued shooting on ISO setting 200 ASA while my film was only 100 ASA. Still, I achieved desired results through 1-stop push processing.
Saturday, May 22, 2010
May 2010 FM10 experience!
He-Hi!
May was indeed a great month as far as photography is concerned. In am able to place myself! and I can see a focus on my subject selection. As always, I loved people photography and Market. This time I enjoyed clicking people where I can establish their character! Few shots at the market where more on the produce than people. I love the colour. This is one genre which would be showcased at its best in colour photography than anyother format. The green of raw mangoes/guavas, the yellow of banana, red/pink shades of flowers... these subjects have better visual perception in colour photography.
The month of may is indeed a month of blunder as well... Photography, at least, never works when you are in a haste. You either adorn the role of a subject or a photographer...if u would suggest the self-timer mode, it doesnt work in haste as well... I ruined 1 entire rolll of a 400 ASA roll in the name of hasty loading. anyway, Its a lesson well learnt!
few pics i shot ths month:
f5.6, 1/60
f5.6, 1/60
This subject of roses, at a florist's desk, was shot with a normal lens. Yet it moves towards macro photography which tend to have very little depth of field because the subject is so close to the lens. I was just too quick to capture these roses. This was shot at the bus stop i frequent to commute to Adyar. I was rushing for another task around 5pm in the evening. My bus was just there, but I was engrossed by the lighting on these roses. Couldnt experiment with many shots sue to lack of time and haste. Most important reason is: This shop is a roadside encroachment and was close to moving vehicles. I feared an accident. Wish I could have clicked more pictures of this subject.
f3.5, 1/30
Ah! Children...one of my favorite subjects for their candid nature. You engage them with something and they are busy and helps you expose their candid nature! A doing something is much more engaging to the viewer than a posed-shot! This picture was shot on a cloudy/ sparingly rainy day. My lil fellow was fascinated by the umbrella and was busy with it. Not a planned shoot. I found that I had a loaded camera and I was quick to make use of this opportunity. No haste though... Wish I had a b/w film. I feel a b/w picture of this setting would be a better match.
f3.5, 1/30
My biggest challenge was to make him pose. Wish it was a brighter day.
f8, 1/60
f8, 1/60
f8, 1/60
f3.5, 1/60
f5.6, 1/60
f5.6, 1/60
I love this picture for its composition. It is a vivid example of geometry. Shapes, lines and contours are present in our everyday surrounding. But we hardly pay attention to these elements of design. When I captured this picture, I was only thinking about the green and yellow placed at different levels. I was looking fr a vantage point that would give me an interesting composition. After developing, I noticed the angular and circular shapes in the image. Though there are many elements in this frame, it looks uncluttered because of its "grouped" nature.
f8, 1/60
This picture is indeed an abstract i shot this month. Much later, I read an article on clicking shadows. A well-written one which taught me more. Mid-day sunlight can be harsh and unappealing in many cases.In fact, a picture I shot of my colleague had ugly harsh shadows below her eyelids and on her philtrum. But this kinda mid-day lighting is perfect to capture shadow and texture on walls/ground. A strong shadow of a recognizable object falling on a texture makes it all the more interesting. this photograph includes the object as well as its shadow. I wish the emphasis was more on the shadow. Shadows are affected by characteristics of the place they fall on and this will make the picture more engaging. In this picture, the shadow seems like a reflection and the nature of the ground affects it to a certain degree.
May was indeed a great month as far as photography is concerned. In am able to place myself! and I can see a focus on my subject selection. As always, I loved people photography and Market. This time I enjoyed clicking people where I can establish their character! Few shots at the market where more on the produce than people. I love the colour. This is one genre which would be showcased at its best in colour photography than anyother format. The green of raw mangoes/guavas, the yellow of banana, red/pink shades of flowers... these subjects have better visual perception in colour photography.
The month of may is indeed a month of blunder as well... Photography, at least, never works when you are in a haste. You either adorn the role of a subject or a photographer...if u would suggest the self-timer mode, it doesnt work in haste as well... I ruined 1 entire rolll of a 400 ASA roll in the name of hasty loading. anyway, Its a lesson well learnt!
few pics i shot ths month:
f5.6, 1/60
f5.6, 1/60
This subject of roses, at a florist's desk, was shot with a normal lens. Yet it moves towards macro photography which tend to have very little depth of field because the subject is so close to the lens. I was just too quick to capture these roses. This was shot at the bus stop i frequent to commute to Adyar. I was rushing for another task around 5pm in the evening. My bus was just there, but I was engrossed by the lighting on these roses. Couldnt experiment with many shots sue to lack of time and haste. Most important reason is: This shop is a roadside encroachment and was close to moving vehicles. I feared an accident. Wish I could have clicked more pictures of this subject.
f3.5, 1/30
Ah! Children...one of my favorite subjects for their candid nature. You engage them with something and they are busy and helps you expose their candid nature! A doing something is much more engaging to the viewer than a posed-shot! This picture was shot on a cloudy/ sparingly rainy day. My lil fellow was fascinated by the umbrella and was busy with it. Not a planned shoot. I found that I had a loaded camera and I was quick to make use of this opportunity. No haste though... Wish I had a b/w film. I feel a b/w picture of this setting would be a better match.
f3.5, 1/30
My biggest challenge was to make him pose. Wish it was a brighter day.
f8, 1/60
f8, 1/60
f8, 1/60
f3.5, 1/60
f5.6, 1/60
f5.6, 1/60
I love this picture for its composition. It is a vivid example of geometry. Shapes, lines and contours are present in our everyday surrounding. But we hardly pay attention to these elements of design. When I captured this picture, I was only thinking about the green and yellow placed at different levels. I was looking fr a vantage point that would give me an interesting composition. After developing, I noticed the angular and circular shapes in the image. Though there are many elements in this frame, it looks uncluttered because of its "grouped" nature.
f8, 1/60
This picture is indeed an abstract i shot this month. Much later, I read an article on clicking shadows. A well-written one which taught me more. Mid-day sunlight can be harsh and unappealing in many cases.In fact, a picture I shot of my colleague had ugly harsh shadows below her eyelids and on her philtrum. But this kinda mid-day lighting is perfect to capture shadow and texture on walls/ground. A strong shadow of a recognizable object falling on a texture makes it all the more interesting. this photograph includes the object as well as its shadow. I wish the emphasis was more on the shadow. Shadows are affected by characteristics of the place they fall on and this will make the picture more engaging. In this picture, the shadow seems like a reflection and the nature of the ground affects it to a certain degree.
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
Human Eye & Camera
How Does The Human Eye Work?
Ok...Now that's a bit of biology from school... we will just look at it as a process in brief in comparison with a camera. When reading this, you will be introduced to few parts of a camera (which would be dealt in detail, later!)
The individual components of the eye work in a manner similar to a camera. Each part plays a vital role in providing clear vision. So think of the eye as a camera with the cornea, behaving much like a lens cover. As the eye's main focusing element, the cornea takes widely diverging rays of light and bends them through the pupil, the dark, round opening in the center of the colored iris. The iris and pupil act like the aperture of a camera.
Next in line is the lens which acts like the lens in a camera, helping to focus light to the back of the eye. Note that the lens is the part which becomes cloudy and is removed during cataract surgery to be replaced by an artificial implant nowadays.
The very back of the eye is lined with a layer called the retina which acts very much like the film of the camera. The retina is a membrane containing photoreceptor nerve cells that lines the inside back wall of the eye. The photoreceptor nerve cells of the retina change the light rays into electrical impulses and send them through the optic nerve to the brain where an image is perceived. The center 10% of the retina is called the macula. This is responsible for your sharp vision, your reading vision. The peripheral retina is responsible for the peripheral vision. As with the camera, if the "film" is bad in the eye (i.e. the retina), no matter how good the rest of the eye is, you will not get a good picture.
The human eye is remarkable. It accommodates to changing lighting conditions and focuses light rays originating from various distances from the eye. When all of the components of the eye function properly, light is converted to impulses and conveyed to the brain where an image is perceived.
Courtesy: http://www.pasadenaeye.com/faq/faq15/faq15_text.html (This had the simplest explanation!)
Ok...Now that's a bit of biology from school... we will just look at it as a process in brief in comparison with a camera. When reading this, you will be introduced to few parts of a camera (which would be dealt in detail, later!)
The individual components of the eye work in a manner similar to a camera. Each part plays a vital role in providing clear vision. So think of the eye as a camera with the cornea, behaving much like a lens cover. As the eye's main focusing element, the cornea takes widely diverging rays of light and bends them through the pupil, the dark, round opening in the center of the colored iris. The iris and pupil act like the aperture of a camera.
Next in line is the lens which acts like the lens in a camera, helping to focus light to the back of the eye. Note that the lens is the part which becomes cloudy and is removed during cataract surgery to be replaced by an artificial implant nowadays.
The very back of the eye is lined with a layer called the retina which acts very much like the film of the camera. The retina is a membrane containing photoreceptor nerve cells that lines the inside back wall of the eye. The photoreceptor nerve cells of the retina change the light rays into electrical impulses and send them through the optic nerve to the brain where an image is perceived. The center 10% of the retina is called the macula. This is responsible for your sharp vision, your reading vision. The peripheral retina is responsible for the peripheral vision. As with the camera, if the "film" is bad in the eye (i.e. the retina), no matter how good the rest of the eye is, you will not get a good picture.
The human eye is remarkable. It accommodates to changing lighting conditions and focuses light rays originating from various distances from the eye. When all of the components of the eye function properly, light is converted to impulses and conveyed to the brain where an image is perceived.
Courtesy: http://www.pasadenaeye.com/faq/faq15/faq15_text.html (This had the simplest explanation!)
Thursday, May 6, 2010
So...What's Photography All About?
Ah, There's the basic question! What's Photography?
An art? A science? A hobby? A process? The most expensive "Whatever"? lol... I would say it's all of it. To be more precise, photography means light drawing. Ah, when i say drawing i need something to draw on and something to draw with. Now these have undergone super advancements that photography has its own history, from its evolution to now.
Photography involves not just light but camera and film/memory card. With this one can capture images permanently. you call it sweet memories or evidence, photography is a revolution that helps in reliving moments through still images.
For beginners in photography, here is Vaidyanathan's perspective on photography! Vaidyanathan is the winner of ¨It happens only in Bangalore¨ theme in the recently concluded Bengaluru Infinite 2010 photography contest. I borrowed this excerpt from his interview on
Photography is so much more than taking pictures, it’s my way of connecting with people, it’s my way of inner happiness. The happiness you see in people’s faces when they ask you if you are from the press and if their photo would make it to the front-page tomorrow is something so valuable that it is difficult for me to say the truth about my hobby. Photography is a way to capture a moment in time which is never ever going to come back again ! I can go on about the philosophical aspect, but practically speaking, I think everyone is a learner, there is so much to learn, but without any deadline ! that’s the best part, you don’t have to hurry to learn photography, keep learning it little by little. Initially, Importance should be given to the physics behind photography, understanding the terms and looking at them practically. After that it’s all about composition and your good luck :) You never know when something interesting would come up before you, it’s about keeping your eyes open and capturing that moment! never ever stick to the “best practices”! Try out different things and that’s the only way you’ll be content with the art called Photography
Oh yes! A little bit of physics makes photography much more fun because u know how it works!
An art? A science? A hobby? A process? The most expensive "Whatever"? lol... I would say it's all of it. To be more precise, photography means light drawing. Ah, when i say drawing i need something to draw on and something to draw with. Now these have undergone super advancements that photography has its own history, from its evolution to now.
Photography involves not just light but camera and film/memory card. With this one can capture images permanently. you call it sweet memories or evidence, photography is a revolution that helps in reliving moments through still images.
For beginners in photography, here is Vaidyanathan's perspective on photography! Vaidyanathan is the winner of ¨It happens only in Bangalore¨ theme in the recently concluded Bengaluru Infinite 2010 photography contest. I borrowed this excerpt from his interview on
Photography is so much more than taking pictures, it’s my way of connecting with people, it’s my way of inner happiness. The happiness you see in people’s faces when they ask you if you are from the press and if their photo would make it to the front-page tomorrow is something so valuable that it is difficult for me to say the truth about my hobby. Photography is a way to capture a moment in time which is never ever going to come back again ! I can go on about the philosophical aspect, but practically speaking, I think everyone is a learner, there is so much to learn, but without any deadline ! that’s the best part, you don’t have to hurry to learn photography, keep learning it little by little. Initially, Importance should be given to the physics behind photography, understanding the terms and looking at them practically. After that it’s all about composition and your good luck :) You never know when something interesting would come up before you, it’s about keeping your eyes open and capturing that moment! never ever stick to the “best practices”! Try out different things and that’s the only way you’ll be content with the art called Photography
Oh yes! A little bit of physics makes photography much more fun because u know how it works!
Not a tutorial!
Hi!
My maiden write-up claims that this blog would serve as my mentor. Yes, Definitely! I wish to give it a better shape...as in make it more unique. I am going to click pictures on pre-determined genres/categories. Since it has taken 4 years for me to re-connect with practical photography, I wish to brush up a little starting from scratch.
So, this is not a tutorial! Absolutely!
Looking forward to more photography! :)
With Smiles et Sunshine as always,
Ramalakshmi L
My maiden write-up claims that this blog would serve as my mentor. Yes, Definitely! I wish to give it a better shape...as in make it more unique. I am going to click pictures on pre-determined genres/categories. Since it has taken 4 years for me to re-connect with practical photography, I wish to brush up a little starting from scratch.
So, this is not a tutorial! Absolutely!
Looking forward to more photography! :)
With Smiles et Sunshine as always,
Ramalakshmi L
Sunday, April 25, 2010
Re-birth of my FM10
4 years now... My FM10 is ready again... happy days for me and my camera. It's back after service and receiving a red carpet welcome wherever i take it... Obviously! It's a film camera... rare sorts in this digi age. All those who were engaged in film photography would join me to call FM10: a real treasure.
Few things I loved about FM10:
1. It is a manual camera. Ya for beginners its the right model to learn photography.
2. It works on film
3. scope for multiple exposure
4. It helped me manage my patience levels (I openly admit that!)
It was indeed a co-incidence that my camera was ready jus before a day out with colleagues. I was happy clicking pictures. I was rediscovering my photographic skills. Trust me I love people photography. and i had enough subjects on this day.
More than capturing pictures, it was testing my camera since it was just back from service. results were good. Few shots were decent. I have my set of complaints though.
This was the 37th frame...ya one of the extra shot u get in a 36 exposure roll. I love this shot for the composition. When I turned my lever to compose, I was thinking about capturing only the structure. I noticed my HOD wearing a black salwar kameez that would compliment this setting. When I was about to click, I paused and called her to sit there. She was conscious though. My only complaint for this setting was the lighting. There was just too much light. I would rather say "Burning" Light. The impact was on the background and thus less light on the face of my subject.
This is one of my favorite portraits. Trust me I dint expect a good picture at all when i clicked this. I must say that my colleague (in the picture) is one of the lively subject. I like this for the composition. Wish there was better contrast. But not bad at all.
Few things I loved about FM10:
1. It is a manual camera. Ya for beginners its the right model to learn photography.
2. It works on film
3. scope for multiple exposure
4. It helped me manage my patience levels (I openly admit that!)
It was indeed a co-incidence that my camera was ready jus before a day out with colleagues. I was happy clicking pictures. I was rediscovering my photographic skills. Trust me I love people photography. and i had enough subjects on this day.
More than capturing pictures, it was testing my camera since it was just back from service. results were good. Few shots were decent. I have my set of complaints though.
This was the 37th frame...ya one of the extra shot u get in a 36 exposure roll. I love this shot for the composition. When I turned my lever to compose, I was thinking about capturing only the structure. I noticed my HOD wearing a black salwar kameez that would compliment this setting. When I was about to click, I paused and called her to sit there. She was conscious though. My only complaint for this setting was the lighting. There was just too much light. I would rather say "Burning" Light. The impact was on the background and thus less light on the face of my subject.
This is one of my favorite portraits. Trust me I dint expect a good picture at all when i clicked this. I must say that my colleague (in the picture) is one of the lively subject. I like this for the composition. Wish there was better contrast. But not bad at all.
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