Blog 047 - What I learnt at photography school

What I learnt at photography school – Composition

"There are no rules for good photographs, there are only good photographs." - Ansel Adams

Have you ever wondered why some pictures with same subject generate awe whereas some remain in your personal album, unnoticed? Of many factors that make a good photograph, Composition is one of them.

Anand Sharan sir shared some tips and rules regarding composition. These were collected over time from different resources. I am putting these down for ready reference.

1. Background makes the picture.
2. Keep your picture simple and build it around a central theme.
   
3. Give importance to that which is important.
   
4. If movement is involved it should relate intelligently to the rest of the picture.
   
5. Hold the picture upside-down (If symmetry is involved).
   
6. Learn to shoot with your head and heart.
   
7. Try to have references to indicate size.
   

Blog 043 - Travelogue : Mysore

“… Tiger Tipu.” He had a thick south Indian accent and was pointing his finger to a stone structure. People had their eyes glued to the window. I was half asleep. I had thrown up a couple of times last night and was wondering why I was taking this bumpy ride.

“Tiger Tipu” it took a while for the words to settle in. Flash back was instantaneous – the school history textbooks, patriotism and all the glorious stories. The Mysore trip was 'ON' for me!

Mysore is a beautiful place. And has a story for every tourist’s eye. There are temples for one’s seeking divine intervention, history and stories of patriotism and betrayal for the erudite, Nature for the philanthropists and shopping and all the other stuff that makes a complete holiday package.

But somehow everything seemed so phony. I fidgeted with my cell phone trying to punch numbers to call imaginary people.

Our first place of visit was ‘Tiger Tipu’s’ death place. Srirangapatna – Tipu’s capital, the place where he valiantly fought the British and the place of his martyrdom. We progressed our way through the ruins once destroyed by British and now neglected by the authorities.

Photography has been one of my latest free time activity. Mysore was full of beautiful subjects. I loved to click the various architectures’ - the temples, the church, the palace and feel the different emotions expressed by them.

Our next destination was, ‘Chamundeeswari’ temple beyond the Chamundi hills. The road that leads through the Chamundi hills is scenic and beautiful.

I got a chance to shoot my first real time portrait on the way to Chamundi.

The Mysore palace was next in line. The story of grand riches, betrayal and different styles of architecture.

Overwhelmed would be a small word to describe my state of emotion. The paintings, the carvings the wall, the gold decorations. Maan, I would love to give up everything and be a
travel guide to Mysore palace :)

Our final destination was Brindavan garden and we squeezed amongst the crowd to get a glimpse of the musical fountains.

Being overwhelmed by the architectural beauty, Brindavan gardens was a sort of anti climax. But nonetheless, Nawab & I got some beautiful pictures of water fountains.

It was 31^st December; the bus started its journey back to Bangalore. And when the world was busy saying ‘Happy 2007’ I was half a sleep. Vivek (Nawab) shook me and wished me ‘Happy 2007’ I wished him back. Wondering what being happy means.

2006 ended on a good note for me.

More pictures can be viewed at Mysore Trip photos.

Blog 041 - Thought for the day

Don't be reckless with other people's hearts. Don't put up with people who are reckless with yours.

Read the complete speech, 'Everybody's Free (to wear sunscreen.)'