Issue 14

A Portrait Of A Portrayer

Subodh Shetty

Cover: Sketching Out The Frame

Andy Ramos

Volume 2 | Issue 14 | March-April 2014 | Middle East

StreetPhotographyIssue

FUJIFILM X-T1 NIKON DF

FREE COPY

By: Feroz KhanBy: Michael Cruz

10 Don’ts Of Street Photography

ClockworkSaeed Nassouri

GPP Photo Friday

Passions AnewShinihas Aboo

Street SessionFranco Naron



GPP Photo Friday



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Transform anyoccasion into

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Express yourself at Image Arts.

PHOTOGRAPHY | PHOTO FRAMING | VIDEOGRAPHY | GRAPHIC DESIGNING | DIGITAL RETOUCHING | LARGE FORMAT PRINTING

Al Garhoud Tel: +971 42868010 | Dubai Mall Tel: +971 42868010 | Ibn Batutta Tel: +971 44537236 | Email: [email protected]

Transform anyoccasion into

a priceless moment.Through our creative edge and imaginative approach

to photography, we bring each picture to life.

Express yourself at Image Arts.

Depth Of FocusOmar Alzaabi

Volume 1 | Issue 12 | November-December 2013 | Middle East

Fujifilm X-M1Sigma 35mm 1.4

Architectural LandscapePhotographyIssue

Hands On review for Canon & Nikon Mount

FREE COPY

Pointers on How to Shoot Creative Architectural

Photography

An Emirati Fine Art Landscape and Nature

PhotographerMohamed Aljaberi

FujiFilm X-Series Workshop

EGPC sweeps ASCA

The New Addition tothe X-Series

issue 12 cover.indd 1 11/9/13 2:09 AM

Depth Of FocusAdrian Sommeling

Volume 1 | Issue 11 | September-October 2013 | Middle East

Fujifilm X-E1Carl Zeiss

Digital Art PhotographyIssue

Touit Lenses Fujifilm X-Mount Cameras

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“From Dusk Till Dawn, Celebrating Ramadan”

FullFrame Ramadan Photography Competition and Exhibition

Balancing Photography and Digital Artistry

Jake Radaza

Painting Light in the WindKarim Jabbari

Defining Digital Art Photography

Alexia Sinclair

(firmware 2.00) + Fujinon 55-200mm f/3.5-4.8 OIS

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Depth Of FocusJorge Ferrari

Volume 1 | Issue 9 | Middle East

A Testament for the Passion

Raul Gabat

A Thousand Words of an Image

Barry Morgan

A Scribe in Time Charles Verghese

Underwater Photography: Prints of a World Unknown

David Thiesset

Big Things Matter in Sports Photography

Perfect Combination for Lighting Needs

CANON EF 400mmPocketWizard

SPORTS ISSUE


A Picture That Defines A Life

Shirley Lawson

Cover: Photography at It’s Purist Form

Chris Calumberan

Volume 2 | Issue 13 | January-February 2014 | Middle East

PortraitPhotographyIssue

Portraiture: A Genre of Facial Distinction

The Rare Look to Film PhotographyAnjum Vahanvati

Painting Colors Through A CameraEros Goze

Preserving Moments in LifeJoseph Alexander

SONY A7R MeFOTO

FREE COPY

Backpacker Tripod Review

Compact SLR with Fullframe Sensor


Depth Of FocusRichard Schoettger


Finding the Soul Mate within a Classic

Fujifilm X 100sNikon D7100

Culture and TravelIssue

Setting New Standards for Digital Photography

FREE COPY

Life in the UAEFujifilm Photo Challenge 2013

The Resolve of an ArtistThamer Al-Hassan

Dedicating Life on Preserving Culture

Jacob Maentz

Shooting at an Unfamiliar Territory

Paul John Tavera


Depth Of FocusCelia Peterson


Seeing Culture through Today’s LifestyleEmirates Photography

Standing Witness to the Frame of Time

Sean Armenta

Capturing Emotions as a Way of Life

Paul Aiken

Lifestyle Photography: The Story of Existence

Jay Alonzo

A View from a Professional Photographer

GODOX QT 600Fujifilm X-F1

N E W L O O K !more articles, more tips, more inspirations

Fujifilm has launched the latest addition to its highly acclaimed X series.


Photography Magazine

CameraReview

BasicTutorials Workshops Photo

GalleryGroup Profile

What’sInside

Depth of FocusJay Alonzo

15 AED Volume 1 | Issue 4 | Middle East

Why Men Are Into Fashion Photography?!

Jhoel Valenzo

Portrait Photography Tips And Methods

Richard Schneider

“Role Reversal”Rocky Gathercole

Questions From The Readers

FullFrame is a Photography magazine not just for photo enthusiasts but for those who have taste for art, beauty and creativity. It is designed to take a deeper look into photography’s history, influence

and modern agenda. With undying passion, the team behind this publication is taking photography in a different ground and hoping one day to rest the art and craft into its rightful place among the pedestal.

Indeed, an impact is what we seek that would also encourage society to look unto the glamorous and not so superficial side of photography – an irony that lures the curious mind.

This editorial is intended to demystify the use of modern equipment in photography by emphasizing practical use of the camera in the field, highlighting both the method rather than the technical. It has

been conceptualized to stimulate the photo enthusiasts to enhance their recreational enjoyment through photography and to satisfy their needs as amateur and professional photographers.

Grab your free copies at:LightHouse Studio | Advanced Media | Grandstores Showrooms | Image Arts | Al Awazi Studio | EPC (National Theater) Abu Dhabi |

Alton Trading | Great I,age Studio (Abu Dhabi) | Lime Studio (Abu Dhabi)

CameraReview Tutorials Workshops Photo


What’sInside

Depth of FocusMosh Lafuente

Guidelines for Travel Photography

10 Travel Photography Tips

Tips on How to Shooton Low Light

Focal Points


AED 15 Volume 1 | Issue 5 | Middle East


Do’s & Don’ts of Photography in UAE

Discover Obscura

Find out how

Off Camera LightingJay Morales

Beyond PassionEdwin Loyola

Small Things Big ResultChris Calumberan


Gadget Review

PostProcessing Tutorials

Do ItYourself

WorkshopSchedules

Group Profile

What’sInside

Depth Of FocusDonnell Gumiran

Issue 1 | November 2011 | Middle East


The Changing Picture of Photography

Jay Alonzo

Gear UpJanine Khouri Elias

Why Do You Need to Convert Your photo from RGB to CMYK?

Post Production Essential Skills

Alex Jeffries15 AED

FULL

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Foo

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event held at The Armani Hotel

NIKON D600Olympus OM-D E-M5

N E W L O O K !more articles, more tips, more inspirations

Feature, Performance & User Experience


World’s Top SellingStock Photographer

Yuri Arcurs

Behind The LensEdwin Allan Riguer

15 Quick Tips To Better Photos After Dark

The ChallengeMike Malate

9 Ways To Beat The High Cost Of Photography


GadgetsReview

BasicTutorials Workshops Photo


What’sInside

Depth Of FocusA Manny Librodo Exclusive

15 AED Volume 1 | Issue 3 | Middle East

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CameraReview

Tips Tutorials Workshops Photo


What’sInside

Depth of FocusMario Cardenas



AED15

FULL

FRAM

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Black and White Photography;

The World Without Color

The Art ofBlack and White

Photography

Ethics of a Photographer

Progressive Tips on Black & White Imagery


Cover Story Meiji Sangalang

Behind the LensPJ Tiongson

A Desert SurpriseOsama Al Zubaidi

Toy PhotographyJay Calaguian / Noel Garcia

The ChallengeEngr. Milo Torres

Work Flow ExposedEugene Santos / Michael Cruz

Man with Simple DreamsJophel Botero Ybiosa


Issue 2 | December 2011 | Middle East

Camera Guide

Tips &Tricks

Extreme PostProcessing Tutorials

Get the Most Out of your Point and Shoot Camera

What’sInside

Issue 1 “Pilot” Issue 2 “Point & Shoot” Issue 3 “Outdoor” Issue 4 “Fashion”

Issue 5 “Travel” Issue 6 “Black & White” Issue 7 “Wedding” Issue 8 “Lifestyle”

Issue 9 “Sports”

Issue 13 “Portrait Photography”

Issue 10 “Culture and Travel” Issue 11 “Digital Art Photography” Issue 12 “Architectural & Landscape”

Of Emotion, Memory, and PassionWelcome to the 14th issue of FullFrame photography magazine. For this issue, we ask you to join us in exploring one of the most challenging yet easily accessible genres of photography which is Street Photography. Also one of the most engaging genres, street photography has allowed a huge number of photographers to meet various friends out of their subjects. It has also given a huge deal of amateurs a confidence boost that they will always carry with them. Within these pages are visual stories of emotion, memories, and passion as narrated by our featured photographers who lovingly recalled their very first time holding a camera and being able to get out of their “doors” and click their cameras at the wonderful world outside. Other than that is the story behind the cover - a story filled with coffee, sleepless nights and a truckload of ideas where one idea shined above the rest and came to life inside our pages.

Other than that be sure to check out the recent events in the photography world like Instagrammers Dubai’s fourth photowalk and most importantly, the GPP 2014 Photo Friday which is considered to be the region’s largest photography event; which David Hobby best describes as “the most exciting hour in the photography world.” Apart from that do enjoy this issue of FullFrame photography and we hope that it will guide photographers – professional and amateur alike to their passions and to those small moments in the streets hiding from the rest of the world.

A Portrait Of A Portrayer

Subodh Shetty

Cover: Sketching Out The Frame

Andy Ramos

Volume 2 | Issue 14 | March-April 2014 | Middle East

StreetPhotographyIssue

FUJIFILM X-T1 NIKON DF

FREE COPY

By: Feroz KhanBy: Michael Cruz



GPP Photo Friday





GPP Photo Friday




Editor-In-ChiefPaz Calaguian

Creative Director Chris “Bogart” Lleses

Head Content WriterKeith Perena

Graphic and LayoutAngelica Raymundo Domingo

Admin AssistantAileen Grace Abella

Web DeveloperVishow Khanal

Project ConsultantAshley Adriatico

In-House Make up ArtistIvy Peralta

For Advertising:[email protected]

website: www.fullframeme.comMob: +971 56 690. 0466

Once again, Be inspired! Keep your eyes wide open!

Paz CalaguianEditor-in-Chief

Writer Contributors: Saad Mahamood | Feroz Khan | Subodh Shetty Viktoryia Vinnikava | Franco Andrade Naron | Anjum Vahanvati | Franco Naron | Subodh Shetty | Michael Cruz | Marian Pengyan Han

Photographer Contributors:Ashley Adriatico | Feroz Khan | Meiji Sangalang

Special Thanks to: Keitaro So – Fujifilm Middle East FZE | Bader Al Nomani | Beatrice Lachaume| GPP Gulf Photo Plus | Al Awazi Studio | Light House Studio | Grandstores | Alton Trading | Yen Red AB | Image Arts | Advance Media

EDITORS COLUMN

Cover Story

HighlightsTips for Travelling and Shooting street Photography

Vantage PointX-T1 by: Michael R. Cruz

On FocusFahad Bhatti | Khalil Lamrabet | Chilun Leung

Best BuyAdvanced Media

Vantage PointNikon Df by: Feroz Khan

EventsInstagramers Dubai

Best BuyGrandstores

Eye-FiLaunches in UAE

Depth Of FocusA Portrait Of A Portrayer

On The FramePassions Anew

What’s In My Bagby: Viktoryia Vinnikava

HighlightsShocking Street Photography

Behind The LensSaeed Nassouri

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Depth of FocusA Portrait Of A Portrayer Subodh Shetty

On Focus

Random Clicks

Stroboscopic by: Photowalk Dubai

Volume 2 | Issue 14 | March- April 2014

Vantage PointAdvance Media Memory Cards

GPPPhoto Friday

Shutters PAME

TutorialsStreet Sessions by: Franco Naron

Highlights7 Ways to Brave Street Photography

EventStreet Con

Digital Analog

TipsShutter Speed

Tips10 Do Nots of Street Photography

Highlightsby: Saad Mahmood

EventsStroboscopic by: Photowalk Dubai

Best Buyby: Alton Trading

Random ClicksPhotographers Gallery

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by : Feroz Khan

Vol 02 | Iss 14 | 2014 | Street Photography10

Chris CalumberanCOVER STORY Andy RamosCOVER STORY

Street Photography | Vol 02 | Iss 14 | 2014 11

It was a late Wednesday evening in Dubai Sports City when I saw Mr. Andy Ramos sketching out how the photograph will come to be. It is a magical moment that deserves to be highlighted while we were waiting for the models to get prepared, for the equipment to get set up and for the perfect conditions to get the shoot up and running. Upon asking him about this very peculiar act (the act of drawing a frame) he responds to me in a very casual way.


Andy Ramos

Andy Ramos

COVER STORY

But like all presents there is a past that is the reason why all of us were there that night. It all started with days of caffeine induced brainstorming which involved

the ideas of Chris Lleses – known to the family as Bogart with supervision managed by Paz Calaguian, the story being laid out by Keith Perena and the photographer himself, Andy Ramos assisted by Dennis Ong. After days of countless ideas being pitched, the FullFrame team has arrived at the consensus that it should be “street photography that is against the norm”. Not the everyday sort of candid moments about strangers but rather something that will reverberate with the heartbeats of the city: style, muscle and velocity.

Going back to the present, Andy is still sketching out how the image ought to be. Prior to this, he went outside to the site with Dennis to try out the “sketches” and see if it will come out the same as what he has drawn on paper. Meanwhile back in the flat, Ivy and Kerwin began doing what they do best – applying the tricks that they know to transform our model Kate Osipova from someone we all know to a nightingale that will sing out the most beautiful songs with her facial expressions and outfit which was provided by Yen Red AB. Other than that she also provided the FullFrame team with the location of the shoot as well as support by bringing in another model Mohammad which amplified the original vision for the cover by the tenfold.

After the extensive wait and preparations, the shoot was ready to commence. With our side was Mr. Amr Nassar bringing in his modified Camaro RS all the way from Abu Dhabi to take part in our shoot. It was a game of trial and error to get someone with a nice car to become part of the magazine and in this fray we found Amr’s car to be the exact one that we wanted for the shoot.

Once everything was in order it was only a matter of getting things done. Amr positioned his car with the doors open while Dennis “pretended” to pass by it so that Andy could achieve a motion blur effect of fast lights. The next up was taking photos of our models individually. We had Kate walk toward Andy while male model walked towards the car. It took some time to lineup the perfect shot and pack up until all of us noticed that it was the wee hours of Thursday. This did not stop the FullFrame team from bringing the concept to life. Once everything was done, it was all onto Andy to do his magic and bring the entire creative process into full circle. But it was not time to pack up, After 7 or so hours of making the concept of FullFrame into reality. It was a time to celebrate. Everyone joined in and took photos with the Camaro as well as socializing and discussing what will be done next. There were words of congratulations going around while Andy hit the shutter to cover the celebration even joining in with the others for a job well done. It was a beautiful dawn.

Out theSketching

Frame“I do it all the time, it helps me see how the picture ought to come out and how the elements involved in the frame should blend together.”

Special thanks to:Models: Katrin Osipova | Mohammad Naim Ahmad JumaHMUA: Ivy Kep Peralta | Kerwin SoloDesigner: Yen Red Car Owner: Amr NassarPhotography Assitant: Dennis Ong | Derrick Dy | Earl Jerome VillarosaVenue: Ken Corsino


““

Ah street photography, a wonderful genre where photographers make the ragtag elements of their communities into something that is worthwhile, something that will carry an emotion – a statement if you may. But to some, it can only be done at specific locales which means travelling to places and that means doling out money – it is one of the challenges that face the starting street photographer; looking for the “right spot” to take a picture of. It should not be like this, shooting street doesn’t

really mean traveling to places like Paris, New York or Tokyo, most of the time doing street photography can be as easy as walking out of the door and bringing an extra battery pack (if you’re into digital) or a couple of extra film rolls (if you’re into film) and a whole lot of courage and open mindedness. To get you started here are ten excellent tips to go out there while avoiding to get tripped along the way.

10Tips for Traveling and Shooting Street Photography

FullFrameTIPS


An Open Mind is a Photographer’s MindIf you can afford to go places to take your photography to different setting it is important to throw the stereotypes out of the window. If you think of New York, don’t think of the Empire State Building, hotdog stands and the Brooklyn Bridge, If you’re visiting Dubai, don’t think about the Burj Khalifa, Gold, or fancy hotels. Go into a new place with a blank piece of mind, so you could write your own experiences down and not just follow the route that tourists always go to. And since you need to know the “non-tourist” path…

The locals are your best friendBefore even heading to the airport or even booking a ticket, go to your computer and access the Internet. Social Media is a great way to get to know people from the place doing the same thing as you do. The benefit of this is that they could point you to places that are great for photography as well as the local cafes when it comes to taking a rest.

Stay away from tourist landmarks“Oh look it’s the Eiffel Tower! Check it out it’s the Statue of Liberty!” While it’s great too highlight your travel with that place’s landmark there is a sky-high chance that you’re not the only one going there. These are tourist destinations and what do they all have in common? – People. With too much of a crowd, lining up the perfect shot is difficult with people passing by or having their pictures taken as well.

Learn to speak the languageForget the bad accent or the stammering in between words, it’s a really handy tool to know the language of the place. It doesn’t need to be a full-on course to know the entire language. Knowing a few phrases like “how do I go to _________?” or “Where is the metro/bus/cab” and other common phrases not only makes your exploration easier but locals also appreciate you speaking their language

Throw the map awayGet lost in a city, it’s great way to get some interesting photos. But don’t wander off to those dangerous looking places. Let your instinct guide you where to go.

H20 - EverytimeThis is more on the practical side. You can’t go walking around the city just easy, because people get tired and that includes you. Don’t forget to bring a bottle of water and take a swig from it from time to time. When it’s all finished, refill it in water fountains (if any) or have them refilled by cafes and restaurants which will be more than happy to fill them up for you.

Get a comfy pair of kicksWhen the body goes tired of walking the camera doesn’t move. So the most important art of street photography is taking care of you. One such measure is to wear comfy shoes, something that will allow you to walk freely without the risk of getting blisters of muscle pains.

One word – EXTRARemember to bring extras of everything you have. It can include external hard drives, cameras and lenses, batteries, and memory cards because different places present different situations and circumstances and sometimes the circumstances can be bad.

Pack what you need, not the entire house.The worst feeling when traveling is that hulk of a bag dragging you down and restricting movement. Remember to pack light, just take whatever you really need and the basics? Keep in mind that you can always buy it overseas.

Stay, stay where you areStaying in one location can be a bit dragging for those of you that have itchy feet but it has rewards to those who aren’t. Staying in one location makes the location closer to you and you get to know more of the area. If you don’t have the money or afraid to fly, remember that the best scenes that sometimes be found within walking distance; and that means just outside the door. But if you have the chance, travel. It’s a better investment than a new pair of shoes, some shirts. Because what you get in exchange for cash is tons of experiences and memories that you can keep.


Michael R. Cruz

by: Michael R. Cruz

VANTAGE POINT

X-T1

Feature Highlights:• 16.3 MP X-Trans CMOS II sensor + EXR II Processor

• 0.77x EVF magnification (Largest in its class) with 54 fps refresh rate

• First camera to support the UHS-II SD Cards (240 MB/s Write , 260 MB/s Read)

• Supports Contrast Detections AF, Phase Detection AF and motion predictive AF

• 8 fps with Continuous AF

• Weather resistance Body

• Vertical Battery Grip Support (VG-XT1)

• Interval Timer Shooting (Time Lapse)

• Enhanced Wireless Function (WIFI) with WiFi Remote feature

Build QualityThe first thing I noticed was the soft-touch rubbery material that wrapped the X-T1. It really feels a premium product. Somehow it reminds me of a brand new high-end DSLR (like 5D Mark III). The rubber material also adds additional grip.The built-in grip on the side makes a “perfect fit” in your hands. It feels a lot better compared to an Olympus OM-D EM5 with no grip attached. It also feels solid and very well made. The only cheap bit that I found is the SD Card cover but that’s already nitpicking.

It is similarly sized to the X-E2 in terms of dimensions, although the X-T1 is a bit heavier mainly due to the weather resistant construction and the built in grip.

PerformanceIn terms of looks and build quality it is hands down is one of the best in the industry and I am glad to say that it also plays the part. It delivers excellent performance that has never been seen in any X-Series Cameras before.Although in paper, it looks like the sensor and the processor is a carryover from X-E2 but what’s different in X-T1 is the Predictive AF which in my initial testing works quite well. It is quite effective actually; I will probably do more in-depth testing in the future regarding this feature.

Continuous High Mode:It takes around 23-27 RAW + Fine JPEGs before it slows down and I was not able to count it with FINE JPEGs but it last more than 40 seconds before it starts to slow down. Really impressive, this is a bold departure from the other X-Series cameras.

To be honest I am quite amazed on how quick the focus of the X-T1, even with the older lens like the Fujinon XF 35mm f1.4, it is still quick. On all my other X-Series camera reviews, I always mentioned that the AF is not an issue and it very quick but not as quick as the OM-D, but in this case, I have to say that this is fast as the AF system of the OM-D EM-5. In fact, I find the X-T1 to be well-built and have better ergonomics than the Olympus EM-5 which makes the X-T1 a better camera in that regards.

Electronic View Finder (EVF)With 2.36 million dot OLED viewfinder, on paper this EVF is quite impressive, but to see it in person is something else. I was shocked how big and how it looks like an Optical View Finder (OVF) rather than EVF, it is probably because of the .77x magnification which is the biggest in its class and the 54 fps refresh rate (even on dark environment) works really great! I am amazed. This is hands down the best EVF I have seen in the market right now. Apart from that, the layout and the information is nicely placed and it doesn’t feel cluttered like everyone else’s viewfinder.

It is one of those things you have to see for yourself; words are simply not enough to describe how amazing the EVF of the XT-1 is.

Camera Remote App (WiFi)There is a first among other X-Series cameras. Unlike the other WiFi equipped X-Series Cameras, X-T1 supports the Camera Remote App which basically enables you to change camera settings in your Phone or Tablet; It also supports the “tap-to-focus” feature which is quite handy. I hope the other X-Series cameras will have the same feature via firmware upgrade.

Here is how the app interface looks like in the iPad :

My take on the Fujifilm X-T1I have been an X-Series user since X100 and I have been lucky enough to have used pretty much the entire X-Series cameras and lenses; looking at the X-T1 I can say that Fuji made a big leap with this camera. They made a new category with probably the best usable features that you need in a camera.

There’s a lot of photographers and photo enthusiast waiting for a new camera that will define a new category for the X-Series cameras, since the previous cameras that was released are more of updates of the existing models. The X-T1 a bold statement from Fujifilm that they can compete among the best in the mirrorless industry.

I currently have 3 camera system that I personally use. A DSLR which is my Canon 5D Mark III and 2 mirrorless systems; namely Olympus OM-D EM-5 and my X-Series cameras. I mainly shoot with the X-Series cameras right now but I am still holding on with my OM-D EM-5 since I feel that I still need it and it comes with useful features that is not on the X-Series cameras yet, but if I’m being honest right now, after 2 days with the X-T1, I’m starting to think that I might have no use for my OM-D EM-5 anymore.

There are still some features that I haven’t discuss here, like the external dials and the dual screen mode when Manual Focusing. There’s just so much to cover with this camera!If you noticed, I haven’t said any negative thing about this camera. Well, I don’t really have any. Maybe a few wishes for the X-T2; additional features like a touch screen LCD or a Live Bulb feature; but apart from that, the X-T1 is simply the best X-Series camera yet; no question about it.

I will really feel sad returning this camera to Fujifilm Middle East as I really enjoy using this camera and I feel that this might be the camera I have been waiting for. The X-T1 is a game changer, it is one of those cameras that you know will become a classic. The arrival of this camera shows how committed Fujifilm in creating the best cameras.

PROFILE

Name:

Web:

Bio:Michael Cruz

www.michaelrcruz.comphoto stream in: www.cruzm.com

Is a Photographer / Photo-Enthusiast / Digital Artist / Gadget Geek based in Dubai, UAE.His photographs have been published in newspapers, magazines including Conde Nast Traveler London and other architectural and travel books. Michael also conducts workshops that teach photography and post-processing.

Michael R. CruzVANTAGE POINT



ON FOCUS

There is one unspoken question between the photographer and the subject. It could either result

in an agreement that bonds the two together or a stalemate that will keep them away. When we spoke with Fahad Bhatti it was the former he believes that taking photographs is a process of creating what can be remembered so that it will be looked at and admired when it has gained some age – It will speak of a time past, a word said, an image taken.

The street is one place to create such memories as Fahad says. Taking photos in the streets is like buying something from the market: it’s a two way street where both the photographer and the subject share what they have to offer and in passing take home what they have learned from each other. Fahad says so when he wants to be remembered as a photographer that did not take life out of his subjects but rather traded with them. Because as he says, he takes home a portion of his subject’s life and brings it home with him – a feat that he learned growing up as a teen with his digital camera in hand. Having been to places like Mogadishu, Somalia at

a time when it was filled with unrest, Fahad is the ultimate symbol of a risk taker that will stop at nothing to capture the perfect moment to share his story to his subjects and get their stories in return as well. It was no joke being in Mogadishu at that time as Fahad says – there was the constant impact of the environment to his photography, and most of the times he finds himself fighting the sad environment in order to make beauty out of the chaos that is happening around him.

A humanitarian by nature, Fahad finds fun and the best subjects when he is out on a mission helping those in need both physically and emotionally. By taking his trusty 5D Mk. 2 or his 7D, he has been helping people in areas like Pakistan, Somalia and other areas in the Middle East – absorbing the various personalities he meets along the way and weaving together in the next instance that he presses the shutter.

The Emotional Barter

A photographer that did not take life out of his subjects but rather traded with them.”

Fahad Bhatti


Khalil LamrabetON FOCUS

There comes a moment in a photographer’s life where they are presented with a lasting

memory, something that they will remember for all time. To some it can be that first camera or maybe that prize winning image but to Khalil Lambrabet, it’s the one he sees through the viewfinder of his Fujifilm X100S and that makes for a lot of remembering.

Khalil started out small, it began as a simple point and shoot affair that he never really took seriously until with a little encouragement from friends and family, the gates of photography magic opened to him – Moment number one. Never taking any formal classes, he resorted to the books and his own experience in the field to shape his own approach to a subject, to train his eyes and his attentiveness in order to capture

that split-second that could mean the difference between a majestic shot and a downright failure. Khalil is that kind of guy, he chases for the right moment to take the shot because he believes that the shot will be different before or after you hit the shutter.

Moment number two came in when he won Mansoor Bin Mohammed Photography Awards in both the Architecture and Nature categories. A man that would like to be remembered more of a hobbyist rather than a pro in the industry, he vocalizes that all he really wants to be known for is that he showed certain truths about life by means of his identity as a photographer and as a recorder of events, lives and gestures. Because for Khalil what matters is the here and now; the Moment if you consider it that.

Moment Chaser


...he chases for the right moment to take the shot because he believes that the shot will different before or after you hit the shutter.”


Chilun LeungON FOCUS

The Beatles song from which the title of this article came from resonates deeply into the personality of Chilun, because without the help of a friend of his, the flame of photography inside him would be long gone. He remembers his young self back in 90s when he says: “I tried shooting with my sister’s film SLR back in the 90’s but it didn’t work out for me. Film was just too expensive for my limited allowance.” Moving further into the story, in 2008 he was inspired by a friend of his to take up the camera again, but this time minus the film part. Late 2008, he got his first digital camera and started to learn the tricks from his friend that put thim back on the grid. After that it was only a matter of time when he was the one doing the tricks by himself and still learning up to now.

He admits: “I was never good at drawing or painting. So maybe my output to art and expression is thru photography.” What’s more he begun to take photography seriously when he got his digital camera with the help of his friend, he learned to shoot and compose with his friend choosing the best equipment to use, the basics and soon enough he was able to stand by himself.

A learner by nature, Chilun admits that while his friend was the one the one that brought him back to photography, it will always be his colleagues and the world around him that will teach him more about the life of photography.

Being a father to three daughters and a loving wife, Chilun always tries to find time to continue to hone his craft. To go outside and walk into unknown cities, unknown countries facing whatever surprises and moments it has in store. Based in General Santos City in the Philippines, Chilun has a healthy dose of moments but he still yearns for the next adventure outside of that area, to another country, another city. More friends and more opportunities to learn.

With A Little Help from My Friends


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Feroz KhanVANTAGE POINT

NIKON Df

Introduction:Nikon really did a great job with the build up to the release of this cam. With Fuji almost single handedly taking over the retro looking camera segment, all eyes were on the big two (Canon and Nikon) to produce something along these lines and Nikon was the first to jump on the bandwagon. Teasing the public for nearly a month with video snippets of what was to come, it was a welcome release when they finally announced the Nikon Df (Digital fusion). Purists were impressed with its looks although many spoke of some shortcomings in the features segment. Personally, I felt it looked mighty impressive – an instant conversation starter. But looks alone couldn’t justify the price tag. Could it bring back fond memories of my youth, when I took my first steps into photography at the tender age of 5 using my grandfather’s FM2? Chris from FullFrame Magazine was gracious enough to lend me a copy for a whole week just so I could find out

Build Quality:Nikon didn’t cut corners in this department. The Df is pleasing to hold and feels sturdy in its build quality. It instantly took me back to the first time I first held an FM2 in my hands, giving me the same feel and touch that the film SLR did all those years ago. Smaller than the D610, this is Nikon’s smallest full frame DSLR todayISO, Shutter Speed, Exposure mode and EV dials are all placed at the top of the body alongside the shutter (which incidentally needs a screw type manual cable release which were used with film SLRs). The hand grip on the right is subtle, not chunky like with most pro DSLRs these days.

This is definitely not a quick fire cam for photojournalists of today. This is a camera that requires patience and understanding. The dials are not easily adjustable while you are looking through the large viewfinder; on most occasions I found myself having to lift my head, adjust ISO or shutter speed settings and then patiently composing my image again – something that gave me immense respect for the seasoned pros of the film generation, of which my grandfather was one. He is 84 today and never switched over to the digital generation of DSLRs. Yet when I showed him the Df, I noticed a twinkle in his eye and a smile on his face which clearly showed that this camera had impressed him. He spent a few minutes poring over its construction and seemed happy that someone managed to manufacture a DSLR with a styling and design that appealed to him finally.

The one thing that struck me as strange was the placement of the aperture dial as vertical instead of horizontal, however this is something you will easily get used to after a day or two.

Focusing:Borrowing on the 39 point AF system from the D610, I found the focus system to be extremely quick and spot on, even in the low light back alleys of Al Quoz where I was testing the Df out one evening. The AF mode button can be used in tandem with the primary dial on the back of the camera and is located on the left of the cam below the lens release button. Choose between Face Priority, Wide Area, Normal and 3D Tracking area modes based on your requirements and the contrast detect AF employed by the Nikon Df will not fail you.

I did something highly unconventional for a camera of this sort and took it over to the Dubai Tennis Championships as well as the Dubai Racing Carnival. Be it horses racing to the finish line or fraction-of-a-second forehands, the AF on this camera did not disappoint. 3D tracking was accurate and although 5.5 fps isn’t really what you’d used at sporting events, the Df did manage to produce some pleasing images. Working pros alongside me there might have been sceptical of the results on seeing this in my hands, but the results are here for you to see.

Performance and Quality:My personal DSLR of choice is the Nikon D4. This is my primary workhorse and has not failed me till date in producing exceptional results no matter what the situation. Yet there was something about the images produced frame after frame by the Nikon Df which I could not describe as anything but magical. Each shot that was displayed on the 3.2 in LCD after I pressed the shutter amazed me with its sharpness and colour depth. Even in ultra low light situations at ISO 12,800 the noise control was phenomenal. It was as though Nikon had outdone itself (which according toDXOMark.com it had; the Df is currently the low light king of all DSLRs). Have no doubt; this is THE camera to get if you primarily shoot in low light with no controllable external lighting sources. This is better than the stellar D4 at less than half the price, making it a no brainer for someone who’s looking for the best FX in the market today.It certainly attracts attention from those around you, yet others never feel threatened by its presence. I found that bystanders were more than happy to pose for a picture when I asked them and were curious to see the results it gave. I would not hesitate to say that this would be my body of choice for street photography today. Coupled with either the 50mm or the newly launched 35mm f1.8 prime, this is a light yet robust cam for a quick walkabout around town As the tagline goes, this is “Pure Photography” at its best. Yes, there are those who will complain that it should have had video for this price. There are others who will question why it has the same sensor at the D4 but not its 51 AF points. And there are others including myself, who wondered after the announcement, why Nikon failed to provide at least 24 megapixels for this price. In spite of all this, the Df produces the most incredible images frame after frame. Test one out for a few days and you won’t feel otherwise.

Feroz KhanFeroz is a freelance sports and events photographer based in Dubai. When he’s not clicking, talking about photography to his peers or researching the latest technology in the field of cameras, he’s probably planning out the concept for his next photoshoot


Part of the global Instagramers group, Igers Dubai was brought to the city by founder Beatriz Carosini in March 2012. Like many residents in

Dubai, Beatriz was an expat, and thought it would be nice to take something she already enjoyed so much a step further. The group started small with about a hundred followers and simple photography tips and weekly photo features. But it wasn’t long before things picked up, and co-managers Athina Lalljee and popular Dubai Instagramer Herald Herrera also joined the team.

In essence, anyone can be a part of the group, but most followers share a love for photography and capturing moments from their life in Dubai. These common interests have helped attract even more people, with almost 3,200 followers currently active on Igers Dubai. With more followers came a host of events and contests that have made Igers Dubai a steadily growing and engaging community. From their very first InstaMeet at Art Night Dubai in DIFC, to a contest with the Dubai International Film Festival and events to launch Samsung’s Galaxy camera and NX300, Igers Dubai has managed to bring its many multi-cultural followers together to share their love for photography and Dubai.

Most recently, Igers Dubai hosted their fourth InstaMeet, inviting followers to be a part of their ‘culture walk’ that started early by the Dubai Creek in time for the sunrise, and continued on to Al Bastakiya and the Old Souk. A group of around thirty ‘igers’ gathered for a fun morning of pictures, breakfast and getting to know each other. Pictures from the event were also up for a special prize pack that was won by follower @_amjassim.

It’s always great to see such different people with a few common interests come together to make something cool, and that’s what Igers Dubai’s events aim to do. They’re casual, fun, and welcoming. So if you’re wondering when the next meet might be, or simply want to see and share the city of Dubai from a different perspective, check them out @igersdubai.

Have you heard of #igersdubai ?

Igersdubai IgersdubaiEVENTS


Have you heard of #igersdubai ?

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Tuff TTL Whether you prefer to be outside capturing the wildlife or inside the studio shooting mood photography such as portraits, this wireless flash trigger will prove to be a very useful piece of kit for both professional and amateur photographers alike. Specification : Single TTL Flash trigger for Nikon camera/flash gun & compatible models ISM 2.4GHz digital transmission (more than 200M) Full Flash Exposure compensation Digital Chanel Matching Single control button“M” Mini USB socket - For software upgrade or additional external power Powered by 2 x AA batteries (each on transmitter & receiver) for approx 120Hr Available for Nikon & Canon

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Eye-Fi, world leader for wireless SD memory cards, has released Mobi, a memory card – designed specifically for photographers – that turns standard cameras into connected devices, enabling photos and videos to be transferred wirelessly to a mobile device for immediate upload on social media and email. The technology has got photographers in a frenzy. Mobi is designed specifically for photography enthusiasts seeking a solution without compromise; high quality photos and videos combined with the instant online delivery of the smartphone.

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The Individual TalentOf all the available art forms around, Subodh chose photography for one good reason: doing it well. He recalls all the other art forms he’s been with: Photography is not the first art form I tried my hands on, but lately realized Photography was the only one I could do really really well”. Ending it with a smile, we couldn’t agree more that he does it and he does it well. Taking a lot of inspiration from Steve McCurry, he has learned his art to near perfection without any formal education in photography. He is but a student and everyday his teachers are made up of the people around the narrow alleyways of Dubai or Sharjah going out and getting now them more.With an impressive background with him including various prestigious awards like the Scott Kelby Worldwide Photowalk 2012 and also being the founder of Photowalk Dubai, Subodh is not short of being an overachiever, but he doesn’t brag about this and that, he wants to be known for who he is, just a photographer with a wide range of skills standing between the hobbyist and the working photographer. While the occasional job opportunity comes for him to use his skills, he makes a huge demarcation line between photography and work therefore not all he does for work is art, because he finds himself more when he is out on the streets and being engaged with different personalities, not tied down to an office chair trying to make an illusion out of a made up set.

QuintessenceFor Subodh, he likes to keep things to their purest form, when it comes to work. It is work, when it is photography it has to be photography and beyond that there are other refinements until the purest form comes out.

A Portrait Of

A PortrayerIt would be a kind of inception to put the portrayer in his own portrait. But a man like Subodh Shetty

deserves to be put in his own portrait for everyone to admire, draw inspiration from and learn from. Being

a young boy in India, he started with film, decided that it wasn’t his thing so he decided something

very unlikely but somehow related: Reading. But it wasn’t just anything he was reading, he had a copy of National Geographic Magazine and was endlessly

being mesmerized by the photos it contained. He knew with the fire in his heart that he could do the same and learn to take photos. And it was in Dubai

where the story begins.

Subodh ShettyDEPTH OF FOCUS


“JUST taking pictures is different to MAKING portraits of people on street. Just taking pictures is when you sneak in and click images of people without their permission or without their knowledge. This way you create a picture and not a photograph. So when I make portraits of people, it’s never awkward, it’s happiness, it’s warm and it’s beautiful. As a street portrait photographer, my first duty is to make the subject comfortable with the fact that I would be making a portrait of him/her, and the process involved in convincing them for the image is what makes street photography what it is – it’s pure bliss.” And this is the sort of purity that Subodh is after, making portraits out of strangers, knowing them, talking to them and making friends with them and in return he gets to satisfy the artist in him. When asked about his art, he has nothing more to say than the following:

“Street Photography is all about having the patience of a saint and eye of an eagle”.Like the street hunter that he sees himself to be, Subodh waits for the perfect moment and when it is there he takes it. But not before he gets acquainted with his subject and gaining their trust. One such act that he does to gain his subject’s trust is to return to them with their photograph in print and give it to them as a gift.

A staunch believer in moderated post-processing as well, he tries to time himself when it comes to retouching, a 2-3 minute retouch is fine and more than that needs to be deleted. As our time with him closes he only has a few tips to give to other street photographers out there. To be patient, travel, to learn from their mistakes, and most importantly, never measure fame by Facebook likes and traffic as well as being humble and as he says “The rest follows”.





Shinihas AbooON THE FRAME

Creativity Runs in the Blood

He tells us in a very easy way: “It may sound a little cliché but if you have the passion to do something it will not stay inside you for long, it find an outlet through you.” Starting as your “typical man who buys a camera with no prior knowledge about it”, he learned by himself through his inspirations – film, family, friends and the works of everyone we know – Steve McCurry. All that pushed him forward was two things: His creative blood waiting to gush forth and express itself and the numerous inspirations that has kept his creativity alive and in shape throughout his teenage years.

What’s amazing with Shinihas is that he didn’t learn photography in a formal institution. He learned it from where it all began – in the photo studio. He recalls: “I learned the basics by working at a local studio in my native town. My learning was very traditional - taking portrait photos with large format cameras, developing the films and making prints in the darkroom.” To us this was way better than learning things in front of desk with a whiteboard facing you. This was where its at, learning directly from the source of magic how magic was made.

But that was only the beginning for Shinihas for there was more fun for him in store. Definitely.

The Bigger Picture

Not everybody could say that they’ve been to the Burj Khalifa, perhaps outside, by the fountains. But to say that you’ve been inside the Burj Khalifa is a different statement altogether. Shinihas got his big break during December 2012 when he was given the opportunity to conduct a photo exhibition inside the Burj Khalifa an astounding feat but that wasn’t the end, he proceeded to win the Madhyamam Daily New Year Photography Competition (2012), the Reader Picture Competition (March 2012), ARN Hit FM Ramzan Photography Competition (2012) and recently, the Grand Kerala Festival of Photography Competition (2014).For him, there could be more. But who knows? Now he would just like to sit back, relax and enjoy the ride. Have fun, no plans written down, just come what may, bring it on and he’ll accept the challenge once it arrives. Living as a photographer both by passion and by career he is satisfied – he gets to live his passions plus he gets to make a living out of it.

Passions Anew

When asked about the technicalities and the equipment he uses, he was very much eager to tell us that post-processing is not an integral part of photography but a secondary one, he considers “capturing the moment” as the most important part of photography; that endless chase between the viewfinder and the moment. He uses a Canon 5D Mark III and the Fujifilm X100S to make sure that he gets the moment perfect, as for post processing, he keeps it minimal using only Photoshop CS6 for minimal touches here and there.

No Need for Steps 1 and 2

Another great fact about Shinihas is that he doesn’t have any workflow at all. In his words: “Workflow, I believe, curbs creativity. Only when you do not follow any kind of routine or monotony is when you let inspiration flow in freely.” It was a straight and firm answer coming from him. Amazing that he is still one of those people that doesn’t need a set of rules to go by and let whatever their creative minds want to do. As our conversation comes to a close, he tells us that he only wants to be remembered as someone who has made a difference by pushing the boundaries, a bit cliché or downright common, but when we heard him say it. There was something different about it. Him saying it is different that hearing from others. It is because we saw that creative fire in his eyes and he wasn’t just talking about the normal boundaries. He was talking about the creative boundaries, things that he did with his instinct; photographs that he felt and added a dash of creativity to. Apart from that Shinihas tells us that there is nothing he has planned for this year. Except for a travel documentary and we hope to get in touch with him soon if it comes to fruitition.

Shinihas Aboo is quite a pleasant guy to meet, having been exposed to photography at an extremely young age. He is a person that you could easily define as someone on a “labor of love”. When he fell for the allure photography has to offer, he fell and he fell hard. Getting his first camera when he arrived here in the UAE five years ago; the magic of pressing the shutter and hearing that instantaneous click sound still has him falling for photography every single day.



“Workflow, I believe, curbs creativity. Only when you do not follow any kind of routine or monotony is when you let inspiration flow in freely.”


WHAT’SIN MY

BAG

Self-taught photographer, born and raised in Belarus. Developed interest for photography in her childhood fascinated by the mystery of the dark room and inspired by family photographs taken by her father. Winner of several awards in local photography competitions with the latest and biggest achievement so far being 1st place in the 3rd annual ‘Spaces of Light’ Photography Competition in Category ‘Architectural Beauty of the Emirates Palace’. Still searching for her style of photography and enjoys traveling around the world and experimenting with colors, textures, contrasts, selective focusing, slow shutter speed, unique angles, interesting lighting conditions and artistic approach in post-processing her photographs. Photography of Viktoryia was featured in several magazines, online publications, calendars, coffee table books. She is a member of the Abu Dhabi International Photographic Society (ADIPS) & recently received A FIAP distinction from The International Federation of Photographic Art (FIAP).

I have two cameras of choice for street photography.

In safe places I would pick up my Canon EOS 5D Mark II, with two lenses: Canon EF 24-70mm II USM f/2.8 and Canon EF 70-200mm f/4 L IS USM which come inside of Lowepro Micro Trekker 100 backpack.

In places where I need to be cautious about my equipment, or be discreet and invisible, I carry around my new Fuji x-e2 with a Fuji 18-55mm f2.8-4 R LM OIS lens, which comes inside of handbag-style Tamrac 5422 Aria 2 camera bag.

Of course I always carry with me extra batteries, spare

memory cards and even camera chargers.Street photography for me is a search of light, and the search for the right moment. That’s why in my camera bag for this type of photography I don’t usually carry flash.

I sometimes feel a bit intimidated by taking portraits in the street, so the type of street photography I enjoy is the one where I could show a sense of place with presence of people in a form of shadow or from a discreet distance with the person being in right place for the chosen composition. That explains my choice of lenses.

Viktoryia Vinnikava

What’s in my Street Photography BAG

Viktoryia VinnikavaWHAT’S IN MY BAG


Photograph taken in Barcelona underground.Camera: Canon EOS 400DLens: Canon EF-S 10-22mm f/3.5-4.5USM

Photograph taken in Abu Dhabi public garden on corniche. Camera: EOS 5D Mark IILens: Canon EF 70-200mm f/4 L IS USM

Photograph taken at Saluki race at Al Dhafrah festival.Camera: Canon EOS 400DLens: Canon EF 70-200mm f/4 L IS USM

Faded memories of the childhood

Let The World Stop

Walk before The Race


SHOCKING STREET PHOTOGRAPHYThere are some photos taken that carry more value than the others. It can be affected by two or more things: the risk taken, the situational background, a brewing emotion that is made visible, and the time when it was shot. It is a photo that captures the spirit of the generation that it was taken from, it sends out a message.

Photojournalism and Street Photography are two very close related genres, as they both cater to the same audience, and have the same look and feel. They are both a means of telling a story, a sentiment from the time it was taken from and if photos could speak. They will say: “Sit down, and listen to what I have to say about my generation.”

Defending the Barricade

The Pulitzer Prize winning photo shows us a woman being a symbol of fortitude as she blocks the way from a number of local militia.

Photographer Oded Balilty

La Jeune Fille a la Fleur

Becoming a symbol for the “Flower Power” movement during the 70s, it was captured during a protest and this woman was standing at gunpoint with only a flower in her hands.

Photographer Marc Riboud

The Corpse of Che Guevera

A cult symbol for revolutions everywhere, this was taken by Alborta when the corpse of Che was displayed in Vallegrande to the public. Nuns visiting the body noted his striking similarity with Jesus and cut parts of his hair and kept it with them as talismans.

Photographer Freddy Alborta

Burning Monk

An image of Buddhist Monk, Thich Quang Duc who burned himself down as a protest against the rising rivalry

between the Buddhists and the Catholics in Vietnam, when the image was taken, he remained perfectly calm in his

meditative stance until he became mere ashes.

Photographer Malcolm W. Browne

Breaker Boys

Taken from a coal mine in Pennsylvania, USA, it shows the conditions where child labor is subject to - The

constant danger, prone to sickness and the young age by which these boys are immersed into.

Photographer Lewis W. Hine

White Colored

The image symbolizes one of the most rampant and inhumane acts in history: the Apartheid, The

discrimination that Africans received from their British colonizers.

Photographer Elliot Erwitt

Conrad Schumann Jumping to West Berlin

A pivotal time during the Cold War, this shows NVA soldier Conrad Schumann, crossing over to West Berlin by jumping over the barbed wire that divided West and

East Berlin. Later fortifications to the wall provided other escapes futile. The image captured the effect of the Cold

War in Germany as well as predicting the things to come.

Photographer Peter Leibing


Humble Beginnings It all begins inside Saeed’s family household in 1976; he has just received his first film camera and has gone around the house taking pictures of flowers and other trinkets. Soon enough he moves up and takes pictures during the holidays. His experience in tow, he begins to look at other people’s photographs and learns from them, he goes back to his old pictures back in 1976 and realizes that they didn’t have the panache or emotion that others had. The next we hear of Saeed he went back to the books and read on about how to add substance to his former images. This was the beginning of a wonderful journey for this watchmaker.He studied in the New York Institute of Photography where he learned to perfect his art along with a dose of practice in the field as well as being able to teach what he has learned. This healthy blend in his photographic life earned him recognitions including a bronze credential from the French International Association of Photographers and the respect from his peers.

A Breath of ReliefWhile it may not be his dream job, Saeed says that his photographic life takes the stress from his main job away because it is his passion. And the nature of passion is like that – it takes away the unnecessary stress and makes everything around you beautiful and worthwhile. A learner by nature, he always keeps his eyes open for fellow photographers and will be more than happy to help them when it comes to it. He says this is a perfect way to learn from other people as well, because subtly, he gets to learn some few new tricks from the various persons he meet by means of asking questions and giving answers. It’s a two-way street where he can both help someone as well as learn from it in the process.

A Human TouchWhen asked about his style, he proudly says that he adds a little human touch in between the entire subject and photographer chase. He approaches his subjects, talks to them and he ends up with more characters in his composition rather than events. He makes it

a point to us that it is important to add that human touch towards subjects because they are people too, and in approaching them, their stories can be heard and listened to and then this could be embodied in the photograph that ensues. While this is a good thing to learn from someone like Saeed, he also says that it has its fair share of downsides. One of the biggest downsides for him is the cultural barrier that surrounds the people. Especially here in the UAE, he notes. It is ideal to ask people to have their photographs taken, most especially if it contains women or children. In other countries he only needs to worry for his gear but here in the UAE he is presented with a challenge, a challenge that he openly accepts and takes as a new form of learning because adapting to a culture is also another form of learning. He is no stranger to cultural restrictions, having been around the world, he says that photography has given him a means to express himself and share his world view to others apart from that, he has adjusted himself well to various restrictions about photography around the world, especially those regarding street photography in a time when the world has become stricter in implementing rules about photography in public places.

Artist, not PhotographerAs our time with Saeed closes, he tells us that doesn’t want to be remembered as a photographer but rather to be remembered as an artist that has contributed to society with what he has done. When asked if he will ever leave the hobby, he gave us a firm “no” while pointing out that if it does come to that, he’ll just perform post-processing and writing a photography book to – in his own words, “…stay connected with my passion.”The watchmaker, so refined and dedicated only gave us a few words of wisdom before we bid each other goodbye. It was a message to all the other aspiring photographers out in the world and in his own words: “Keep learning, keep presenting yourself at every opportunity and set it your goal to find an area of photography that you feel comfortable with; that you can specialize at. Then develop your skills in that focused area. This will elevate you to heights that are more rewarding.”

ClockworkStaring with a humble film camera back in 1976, Saeed can be considered as a metaphorical watchmaker when it comes to taking photos. “…I was always fascinated with the mechanics of cameras.” He recalls as he tells us why he chose photography over the other art forms. Having done oil painting as well and then ditching the brush for the camera, Saeed is a man filled with experience, accuracy and refinement. From a humble film camera in ’76 to a professional photographer that taught photography to various clubs and groups. This watchmaker knows all the right moves.

Saeed Nassouri

Saeed Nassouri

BEHIND THE LENS


“Keep learning, keep presenting yourself at every opportunity and set it your goal to find an area of photography that you feel comfortable with…”

Saeed NassouriBEHIND THE LENS

SD Cards have been around for a long time now and it’s the most popular media for digital cameras from basic point and shoot to pro level cameras like the Nikon D800. The SD format has grown immensely over the past few years in performance and reliabil-ity from the first generation SDSC (SD) capacity to SDHC and the current SDXC format. An SDXC card is the closest thing you can get to an SSD.

Advance Media has been in the market of producing high quality storage products from SD cards, microSD cards, flash drives and SSD’s. The latest release from them is the Advance Media 128GB SDXC Class10 UHS-I card that promises great perfor-mance at a great price. Being a photographer and shooting on assignments, we are particular about SD card read/write speeds, reliability and durabil-ity. After trying a variety of professional SD cards, Advance 128GB SDXC is on par on all standards.

We have been using this card with many different cameras from Nikon D3100, D7000, D600 and D800 and also Fujifilm X100 and X-E1, shooting RAW images and at times HD videos and time-lapse as well. For the current breed of high-resolution cameras, shooting raw & time lapse will be a giant pain if the card is slow - if you know what I mean. Shooting on burst mode, we didn't feel the card was stuck on writing data, it never stopped, just kept on going. Slower cards have been long off the radar for professional as well as enthusiasts. Advance has been performing extremely well for the past four months that we have been testing the card. Speed is a given and carrying that huge memory of 128GB has its pro’s and con’s, the best use for us is with dual memory card slot cameras to have a huge buffer for continuous backup as you don’t have to change both your cards simultaneously.

Once the shoot is over, copying all that data to computer is also a challenge if you have ever tried even a full card of class4 card even of lower

Advance Extreme 128GB SDXC Card

capacity like 4GB. Advance SDXC gave us a little surprise - comparing with our past experience, the reading speed is real fast. The little sticker on the card claims 95MB/s which technically I have not tested if the numbers exactly matchup or not. Our real experience is the full 128GB will take approximately 25 min to copy having tried it on a Macbook Pro SD card slot.

Weather you are shooting videos or stills, Advance 128GB SDXC card will give you a big capacity, fast read/write speeds and, which I feel, great value for money. It is ideal for your holidays and photography expeditions for you to keep shooting without worrying about running out of memory too soon. You’ll never have to switch your SD cards anymore once you put the 128GB card in your camera.

*(SDHC - Secure Digital High Capacity / SDXC - Secure Digital eXtended Capacity / CF - Compact Flash / HDD - Hard Disk Drive / SSD - Solid State Drive)

Note that SDXC card may not be usable in you camera depending on its age. Most pre-2010 cameras will not be compatible with SDXC cards as they were not built to SDXC specifications.

Additional hack/tip - If you have a iPod Classic with hard-drive gone bad you can replace the HDD in your iPod Classic with a 128GB SDXC card (CF card too) which will give you a lighter & faster iPod. Look at www.tarkan.info for all the DIY info.

Advance MediaVANTAGE POINT


Ah, Friday. It is that single day where everyone is not at work. Some are at the mall, some are sleeping. Meanwhile the photographers; that Friday – March 7th 2014 was at Dubai Knowledge Village to attend to what is the Woodstock of photography – Gulf Photo Plus 2014’s Photo Friday which was supported by big names in the photography industry such as Nikon, FujiFilm, Advanced Media, Phottix, Sigma, Mitsubishi and Arabian Eye. GPP2014 is also supported by Dubai Media City, Dubai Studio City and Dubai Calendar.

To the uninitiated, GPP2014 is the region’s one and only annual photography festival that brings the world’s best photographers and instructors to Dubai to share their knowledge and experience with the Middle East and Africa’s photography communities be it amateur or professional. Billed as the region’s premier photography event, GPP2014 ran from March 7 to 14 and featured a host of hands-on workshops, practical seminars and photography exhibitions, as well as an expo showcasing all of the latest and greatest photography gear, exclusive offers and free events. All is welcome in Photo Friday.

An intense whole day long series of lectures from the visiting photographers, they tackled a huge number of issues ranging from post-processing techniques, mobile photography, going professional and even overcoming the fear of photography and becoming a confident individual. The lectures were delivered by some of the world’s best photographers. With 16, 90-minute inspiring and educational sessions (four happening at any one time), on a wide variety of photography related topics there really was something for everyone whether it’s a professional photographer looking to acquire new skills or grow their business, or an amateur simply appreciating photographic art.

An impressive lineup of photographers and lecturers has also been present at the event. Instructing for the first time at GPP will be Joel Grimes who has been creating larger than life imagery for major commercial clients the around the world for more than 26 years, and RC Concepcion one of “The Photoshop Guy” s and bestselling author renowned for his ability to translate complex technical concepts of Photoshop into plain English for everyone to get a better hold of the application.

Representing the new generation of photographers that has been rapidly garnering international recognition in the industry were passionate street photographer Eric Kim, New York fashion

photographer Lindsay Adler, fine art photographer Brooke Shaden and conceptual portrait artist Sara Lando. GPP2014’s roster of celebrity snappers will also include popular returning instructors and familiar names in the industry like National Geographic shooter Joe McNally, author of the best selling and critically acclaimed book “The Passionate Photographer” Steve Simon, and internationally celebrated master photographer Gregory Heisler who have shared their technical mastery of the craft to willing their willing audience. Other than this GPP also hosted Gregory Heisler’s 50 Portraits exhibition which coincided with his visit to Dubai for this year’s edition of GPP. The exhibition included 50 portraits from his iconic and best-selling book. Portraits of notable personalities that have been presented in the exhibition include former US President George H.W. Bush, Julia Roberts, Denzel Washington, Michael Phelps, and Muhammad Ali to name a few.

These and additional specialist photographers that led the event – including GPP regulars Zack Arias, Bobbi Lane and David Nightingale – have provided a program of master classes, workshops, seminars and photo shoots covering portraiture, conceptual and fine art photography, landscape and street photography, studio lighting, commercial photography, documentary, editorial and fashion photography.

The talks ranged from current events such as the impact of Instagram in the field of photography to the more archaic issues of how to see and think like an artist. Other lectures discussed the pursuit of getting into the habit like starting out projects using only keywords to exercise both the creative mind and the shutter. For those who want a bit more of challenge, there were also lectures on how to go from zero to hero and to get started as a photographer.

GPP 2014 Photo Friday

Photo credits by Meiji Sangalang

GPP Photo Friday EVENTS

Groups are a good way to hone one’s craft and learn from other people immersed in it. There is a huge number of photography

groups around the UAE, they can range from mobile photography up to the more professional ones. But at P.A.M.E or the Photographic Association Middle East (a formal and “classy” name according to them) everyone is welcome as long as the love the craft.Beginning as the Focus Photography Club they began as a simple “bring your friends along” club to one of the Middle East’s prominent photography circles – being able to host various programs for newbies and enthusiasts alike including photowalks and group photo contests, they also offer mentorship for those interested to hone their craft to near perfection.With each one of them being professional photographers, PAME has its fair share of

achievements that each one has accomplished. It was first conceived to be an exclusive group of the best photographers around but they decided to make it an open group to foster a sense of family within the group.During our correspondence with the PAME Directors: Mr. Dino Kintanar, Mr. Arian Marcos, Mr. Chris Calumberan and Mr. Chris Johnson respectively they also said that they are currently accepting new members to join in on their family and to throw in fresh ideas as well. And when we asked for the requirements they only had one thing to say:

“You just have to love the craft.”

A group that is built on the spirit of camaraderie and enjoying while learning, the group emphasizes that “the craft will be more

interesting if one will enjoy it.” And how does one enjoy it? with more people who are enjoying at the same time.As of late PAME has released a couple of educational videos on their Youtube channel, PAMETv, a project that aims to educate aspiring photographers with the craft. They say that there will be more episodes soon to let the photography bug reach people who haven’t even heard of it yet. If you want to get out of your comfort zone or simply do what you really want. PAME is accepting new members of their family. And if you have the constant fear that they only accept professionals, fear not. PAME accepts everyone; like they said: “We just don’t talk about photography. We talk about everything, under the sun. PAME is a family.”

The Fel lowshipof the Frame

PAMESHUTTERS


“the craft will be more interesting if one will enjoy it.”


Franco or Frank as friends call me started photography in 2007. It all started when I was watching Discovery Chanel / Nat Geo and noticed how Photographers in their respective field capture each moment and telling their stories through images.

I started shooting where most photographers (Amateur, Professional, or Hobbyist) learn and test their first gear, out in the streets. The emotion in each and every corner presents a wide range of untold stories of victory, struggle, love, sadness etc… It pushed me more into photography and in the process became a self-taught student of the Game.

When I’m not holding my camera, I just browse and read Photography blogs, spend time on social media and go on a hunt for some sneakers. I had my own term for (Photo Walk – Photo “Camera” and Walk “Shoes”). I had my ups and down’s in photography. I had slowly lost interest by 2010. I was then inspired by a fellow Filipino Photographer based in Dubai by the name of Jay Morales. During his 365 project, I started doing my own study. I had to mix what I had learned before and add the new techniques acquired. From January – December of 2012 I had gained more knowledge and by shooting back in the streets, it opened a bigger studio for me to test, express and play with my imaginations. STREET SESSIONS is what I call my staged street shoot every Thursday night, where me and my friends recreate a scene and do a cinematic approach on each shot. I also do long walks with my camera capturing candid moments and stories in the streets, it relaxes me and serves as my escape from reality.

Other Foreign photographers also inspired me by their style. Zack Arias, Joe McNally, David Hobby, Richard Avedon, and Dustin Diaz to name a few. All the information and techniques learned helped me improve and gave way for me to Host in talks/workshops with different Photography groups such as EPYC and just recently in PhotoWalk Dubai.

My journey into Photography kept moving forward. My works had been Published with Cathay Pacific Airways Magazine, and local newspapers. I had also been shooting in Events and concerts. The most important thing about my journey is not about what I had done, it is about the stories I had in every shoot, the friends made and the memories shared. I believe and take this quote with me in growing as a Photographer

by: Franco Naron SessionsStreet

“When you want to succeed as bad as you want to breathe, then you’ll be successful”-Eric Thomas

Franco NaronTIPS AND TECHNIQUES


A 43” westcott softbox had been used in this set for a wider and even spread of light on the subject. It creates a more natural feel and blends well with the ambient light using a full CTO gel. By using a higher ISO on this set, we had only used 1/32 on the speedlight.

The Strobies Modi-lite flash head softbox is used on this set. It is very handy, flexible and perfect for tight locations. By using distance and 1/16 power on the speedlight, it was enough to evenly light our subject . Using a full CTO on the speedlight helps blend with the ambient light on the set.

Another set used with a Strobies Modi-lite flash head softbox and just a bare flash on the opposite side. By using a smaller softbox on the set, we can easily place the light anywhere we want . We had used 1/16 power on our main light with full CTO and 1/64 for the bare speedlight.

SET UP 1

SET UP 2

SET UP 3


7 Ways on How to Brave Street PhotographyIt can be a storm, especially for those

that have just started or are planning to start. But here’s the catch: street

photography can be very rewarding in such a way that it outweighs the bad things.

A lot of us freeze when it comes to the moment of truth that we have to press the shutter. But this is only one small fear that can be easily overcomed. And it starts with a little confidence and some easy to remember tips.

So if you want to give street photography a try or you’ve been at it and want to revisit it. Here are some handy tricks and tips for both amateur and professional street photographers.

TIPS


Street portraiture is when you go and ask someone to have his or her picture taken on the street. While it sounds easier said than done, It is very difficult to do especially if you are an introvert. Street portraiture offers a big confidence booster because it will make you see how many friendly people in the world there are.

Start with people who wear flashy outfits, they generally want to be seen and they will be more than happy if you ask them to be photographed. And then move to the regular bunch.

With this exercise, you will see how a lot of people would love to have their picture taken. Some will happily smile, say yes and some may say no, in this event respect their decision and move on. There’s a lot of people elsewhere.

While it’s a common idea to walk around places and shoot candid images of what’s happening on the street. It’s also a good measure to just stay in one spot and let people come to you.

Pick an area with lots of passersby or an interesting background and wait for the people to arrive. This way, they’re the ones coming to you and not you’re coming to them. You’ll feel more comfortable and they will less likely notice you.

Unless you want to look like paparazzi with a big lens that is easily noticeable by people, use smaller lenses. This keeps the attention away from you and can be used to “hide” the camera from people. With this you’ll be able to move more freely and be more confident knowing that your camera is concealed in plain sight.

Try to put your camera just below your neck so that what you see with your eyes is the same as what the camera sees. Again, wide angles are perfect for the job since they capture a lot of space. Use zone focusing to eliminate the need to adjust the focus for every single shot you do. You can either switch to the Av setting (Aperture Priority) or Tv (Shutter Priority) to make the job easier.

One of the handiest tricks in street photography is to pretend you’re shooting the background instead of the person. Apart from this, keep a smile and look like it’s your first time seeing the place - because tourists act like that and people tend to give tourists a lot of leeway.

Brush away that nervousness and start looking like you know what you’re doing. People will ignore you if they see hat you know what you’re doing. Because people tend to be suspicious around nervous people who look like they don’t know what they’re doing.

Always bear in mind that you are in the street and the street is filled with strangers. They are also people and some may harm you if they feel like you’re invading their privacy. Be careful whom you take a picture of. If they look dangerous then leave them be. Your life is more important than a single picture and besides there are more people out there.

If it does come to it though and someone approaches you, remain friendly tell them what you’re doing show them the image and give them your contact as well as offer to send it to them. If it goes south and they ask you delete it, then do it. After all you want to avoid an argument so just delete because as it goes. There a more images out there.

Stay in one spot

Street Portraiture

Use a small, wide angle lens

Click from hip. Focus on zone.

Tourists, act like one.

Be confident!Choose your subject wisely


Street ConEVENTS

Al Ghurair Centre, the first mall before the big boom of figures such as the Dubai Mall and the Mall of the Emirates. Located in the urban heartland of Dubai,

it has recently become a symbol of creativity and passion with their colorful campaign which gained fruition in the 10 day urban art fest simply called “Street Con”. The event feature 17 local and international street artists across the UAE for a unique ten-day experience of how their art goes about in the Al Ghurair Centre in Deira.

An almost two week long event filled with colors and music, the Street Con highlights the contribution of art especially in a vividly painted neighborhood such as Deira where there is a vast diversity of people hailing from different countries. Some highlights include the Toy Jam where artists decorated 10 toys live in front of the audience to present life in Deira, as well as “The Wall” which is the artists’ gift to the visitors – it is a live artwork painted in a 4x5m wall of urban art conveniently located in the centre of Deira.


Costing only 1.99 USD in the Apple Appstore, Hipstamatic is a must have app for iPhone users who have the knack for photography as well as those who want to give their mobile shots a retro feel. Inspired by the look and feel of plastic toy cameras back in the 1960s Hipstamatic is an app lovingly made in San Francisco, California that promotes easy, portable photography without the fuss of carrying a real camera. The app comes preloaded with various “lenses”, “films”, and “flashes” that can be shuffled and used with each other to get an image that looks similar to the prints back in the day. Taking heavy inspirations from lomography, Hipstamatic is a great compliment with lomographers for their day to day activities and the app is also perfect for newbies who would like to try something new with their camera as well as experiment on different “combos” – different film, lens and flash combinations that can be used in the app. Hipstamatic got me started with photography; it was compact, easy to move with. But it gets a lot of suspicion since I’m pointing a mobile phone at someone. However, the app’s potential to please people with random combinations resulting in different photos outweighs the bad; a single scene could be represented in various flavors be it color or grayscale. Hipstamatic is an app with endless possibilities and if you find yourself in a dead end, they have a “Shake to Randomize” options where you could shake your phone and get a randomized combo for your next shot. Also, it gets updated regularly with new content these include, new films, lenses, flashes and even camera cases for further personalization of the app. It also has built in sharing features directly to major social media platforms as well as the opportunity to have your photos printed and delivered to your doorstep for a price. With that much being said here is a zero-to-hero guide to Hipstamatic.

1.As much as possible, don’t settle for the preloaded content. Purchase some additional lenses and flashes, they have monthly sales where they offer package deals that come in cheap.

2.Lens and film that come in a pack doesn’t have to be together all the time. Try the lens with another film and vice versa.

3.Shake to Randomize. A good way to explore Hipstamatic and to see each films, lens and flashes’ unique properties is to use the Shake to Randomize feature.

4.Join Communities! There are tons of people using Hipstamatic around the world! They are always active and host weekly contests as well as photo themes which could help you learn more about the various equipments.

5.Use the Viewfinder Mode. When shooting, hit the volume down button to go to Viewfinder Mode from there, you can hold on specific areas of the screen to designate a focus for your image.

6.Have Fun. Hipstamatic is perfect for just walking around and taking scenes from the street, the various combos it offers and the randomize feature allows photographers to experiment as well as exercise their shooting in moving skills – an imperative in street photography.

Digital Analog?Loading film on your phone? No. Here’s something better

Keith Perena HIGHLIGHTS

Slow Down...A slower shutter speed, say 3 seconds, means light is permitted to enter your lens and hit the sensor for 3 seconds. Brighter images result from slower shutter speeds because your sensor is “slowly” exposed to light. This is usually done with a tripod for even slower shutter speeds which require the camera to be immobile for extended periods of time. A shutter speed of 30 seconds can make a midnight picture look like something taken on a shaded area at noontime because of the overexposure.

Rush It Up!On the other hand, a faster shutter speed means less light is allowed to penetrate your shutter because it’s only open for a quick period of time. This results to darker images as you literally take a shot in a snap. For instance, a shutter speed of 1/250 will let in lesser light as compared to a shutter speed of 1/125 since the former is twice as fast as the latter.

Other than exposure, shutter speed also regulates motion blur.

Portraying & Panning MovementSlower shutter speeds highlight the motion of your subject by blurring its movement. A wandering herd of animals or drifting clouds across the mountains can definitely benefit from slow shutter speeds to convey the flow of their direction. When you follow your subject as it moves, this is called Panning. In this technique, a slow shutter speed will give you a blurred background as your subject remains sharply focused.

FreezingFaster shutter speeds, on the contrary, freeze a subject in motion. Time is frozen for a brief moment, for instance a shutter speed of 1/500. This effect generates exciting photos of sports, droplets of water, breaking glasses, items on free fall amongst many others. It is very important to anticipate the desired position of your subject so you won’t miss the moment as you press the shutter button.

Zooming BurstAlso known as a zooming blur, this technique produces a radial blur

increasing from the center towards the edges of the image. It gives the viewer a feeling as if they are being pulled in or as if they are progressing at a fast pace. This can be done by adjusting the zoom ring during the exposure while of course keeping the camera itself still.

Artistic EffectsIf you want to capture your subject’s motion trails and convert it into abstract streaks of light, then use a slow shutter speed. At times, complex effects as if the pictures were painted can be achieved with intentional blurs from camera shakes and later applied with filters during the post-processing stage.

Understanding how shutter speed works can help you make more creative pictures. It translates dynamic movements – whether slowed down or rushed up. The key point to remember is that if the movement of your subject will be more important than its depth of field, then you can do a lot with your shutter speed which is a very powerful camera setting under the right usage.

Shutter Speed: Slow Down… or Rush It Up!

The amount of light captured by your camera is controlled by 3 factors – (1) ISO, (2) Aperture and (3) Shutter Speed. On this article, we will focus on the Shutter Speed. Simply defined as the amount of time your camera’s sensor is exposed to light. It is the speed of your camera’s shutter which is responsible for the duration of a photographic exposure. Since it measures time, its value comes in second/s – from whole number to fractions of a second.

1/1000 | 1/500 | 1/250Freeze Action

1/30 | 1/15 | 1/8 | 1/4 | 1/2 1 2 3 4 8Movement Blur- Tripod

1/25 | 1/60 Hand Held

Think of a glass of water under a faucet. Shutter speed is not how wide or narrow

the opening of the faucet is (which is

actually representative of Aperture) but how

slow or fast you keep the glass under the

faucet for filling. Put it for too long, the water

spills. Put it for too short and you barely

get anything.

TIPS


PhotographyWhile street photography can be fun and very much engaging, in the inside it’s one will goose chase where there are rules to follow. It’s a hunt filled with hobbyists and professionals alike. And as is a hunt, the search for the moment to strike is a well-executed, well-planned one. Here are some obstacles that you have to avoid when shooting street. Have fun!

Don’ts of Street

TIPS

Don’t Even Think of ThinkingA rule of thumb in street photography is to never think. If you have a moment already in your sights, don’t let it go. Because when you let it go, it’s gone forever.

Try to see everything from afar: the elements of the image you have in mind, the people that need to be there. Then go in and take the shot. Don’t stop, because 1. People are also walking; they can walk past your field of view thus obstructing your sight, 2. They can also bump you, especially in the more crowded areas, 3. Your subject/s will awkwardly stare at you.

Don’t Stop for Too Long

It’s nice to make eye contact; they’re the windows to the soul. But when it comes to street photography, avoid it. You can freak him out and as said, he/she can stare at you thus losing that perfect candid moment.

Never Look at the Eyes

Take your shot and move on, don’t look over your shoulder to see if he’s looking at you or calling you. Walk on. This gets you out of prospective trouble.

Don’t Look Back

Or smile, it makes you look like a stalker. Keep the success to yourself. Even if the photo you got is one of the best compositions you have to date. It will make you avoid unnecessary conversations. Celebrate later, at home.

Don’t scream

This is for the Digital Photographers, when shooting street, quit looking at the LCD. It will make people suspicious of you (especially your subjects) and you might bump into something or someone, or worse trip over and damage your equipment.

Quit looking at that LCD.

While not that much important, it’s way better to use a smaller camera for street photography than bigger ones. There are a lot of compact cameras out there from film to digital, which could do the job and do it pretty well. It also gives you less of a street photographer’s number one problem: Attention.

Big Cameras are Big on Attention

Manual shooting is for when you have the time and the subject that knows that you’re taking a picture of him or her. This is the luxury that street photography cannot give to you. Try using Av, P or Tv when going out in the streets. You don’t want to be in a precarious position by tinkering around with your aperture, ISO and all while lining up the perfect shot don’t you?

Do not ever shoot Manual

This is one of the problems facing amateur street photographers today: the fear to press down the shutter. There are a lot of factors involved, including shyness, not believing that they could create a good photo and of course the chance that you may catch the attention of your subject. Throw that out of the window and hit the shutter, who knows you may even be greeted with a smile.

Don’t be Scared

If you get caught and your subject wants you delete the picture, then do it. Remember: there are more moments out there worth shooting. Delete it and apologize, then get back to moving. There are more moments out there.

Never get in to Trouble, please?


Saad MahmoodHIGHLIGHTS

Saad Mahmood was born in the United Kingdom currently living in Chesham a small town on the outskirts of London, originally of a Pakistani descent. At present he is studying a bachelor’s degree in product design, which also is a great way for him to express his creativity. He had always enjoyed photography as a hobby but only became serious when he had choose to study a two year advance level course for photography and started to get great feedback and won various awards for his work. After traveling to a number of different countries, he believes that with the use of photography he can connect people around the world, he states “ Photography is very powerful because through it a photographer can convey a message or emotion”. He has a great passion for design, art and detail he is a technology enthusiast who also has a great interest in engineering and how things function.

Saad Mahmood showcases his work online, feel free to have a look or even contact him. Find him on:

www.500px.com/SaadMahmoodwww.saadmahmood.co.uk

“Street photography is more than taking a photo in the street”Saad Mahmood helps you get started and find inspiration…

Street photography is wholly what you want it to be. There are no absolute rules: it’s an art form you can interpret in a way that suites you. You don’t take a photograph, you make it - make your photograph tell a story, give it a little twist, something clever, funny, unexpected, surprising or ambiguo\us. Something that will make you scratch your head or give you a reason to smile.

Starting with the basics of street photography you will have to have learn to be confident when taking your camera out in public. Does the idea of pointing your lens in an area surrounded by complete strangers bring you out into cold sweat?Street photography is right on your doorstep. The best way to increase your confidence is by stepping outside and giving it a try. Often, the thought of street photography is worse than the reality itself.

Preparation

Travel light, if you’re planning to do a whole day worth of street photography, traveling light is very important as you don’t want to be struggling with heavy stuff, you want to be ready to capture. You need to bear in mind that maneuverability and general mobility will be far easier if you don’t have lots of equipment; so limit yourself to just one camera and a lens or two if you feel it necessary.Wear comfortable clothing and shoes, a day of walking about can be tiring. You want to make sure you’re as comfortable as possible.

Which camera to use?

One of the most frequently asked questions is which camera to use when it comes to street photography. To be honest, there really isn’t any easy answer to this there’s no right or wrong camera to use for street photography; it’s all about personal preference, just about any camera can be used in street photography. Of course the better the camera the better the quality of the image. Personally I use 3 cameras: a Nikon D3100 DSLR, Samsung compact camera, and my mobile, which is a Samsung galaxy S4. Having some sort of camera on you at all times while you’re on the go is important especially if you’re doing street photography. You’ll never know when you may find the perfect moment to capture.

Be different – The best way to get noticed is being unique.

Dubai - Camera Nikon D3100

Dubai is one of my favorite places for street photography. A big misconception is you can’t take photos in the UAE with out being stopped by police, that’s not true at all! Photographing in the UAE is very relaxed. You can photograph without worries just about anywhere. Police don’t see photographers as a threat. I have used my camera in and around Dubai following their civil and religious laws and till today have never encountered any problems. As far as street photography I think Dubai is a very diverse area, as you can capture the best of both worlds the modern developed areas filled with great architecture, people rushing to work on the metros, or heading towards the popular shopping malls and restaurants.

Then you have the older areas of Dubai, a lot of people who have never visited the UAE have never heard of the “old Dubai”, the area around the creek, with low old buildings, a population of Asians (Pakistani and Indian labour mostly), old taxi boats, the noise, the smells and the huge souks (markets). It’s a part of Dubai I like, a part that reminds me of what the UAE used to be. Street photography here is a whole different visual.

Just make sure when you do visit the UAE, you don’t stick to one area! Explore!


Saad MahmoodHIGHLIGHTS United Kingdom, London- Camera Nikon D3100

London is a great place to take street photos, a perpetual hive of people activity. As far as choosing the best place to shoot it varies once again depending on what you want to capture. Some places I like to shoot are the bridges with busy traffic passing through London. The bridges at night are the best time to get your slow shutter ready to capture the lights of the London busses, cabs, and often the busy side paths of people walking past.

Something else I also focus on is taking pictures of graffiti or people doing graffiti, as it is widely popular. London is filled with street artists working in and around London. Along with that you get many street performers, which gather quite an audience around.

Once again there is no one specific place, you really have to explore around the city of London because you will always find something different happening.

Westminster Bridge over the river Thames, with London eye in the background.

To achieve something like this, practice using your slow shutter speed settings. At the most basic level, you simply need to place your camera on a tripod or a flat surface, and then make sure the shutter is speed set to a low value. Anything from around 1/10 of a second should allow an interesting effect, and experimentation is a very important key to getting the hang of it.

- Passing traffic on Tower Bridge

Tower Bridge built in the 19th century, two castles like towers have become synonymous with London around the world.

Saad MahmoodHIGHLIGHTS


Pakistan- Camera Nikon D3100

I took these images on one of my trips to Pakistan in the city of Gujrat. I wanted to capture the people in the poor parts of the country working hard, showing a whole different life style for my audience to see.

Walking around different places in pakistan taking images was a whole different learning curve and experience for me. I have done photography in sevral countries such as UAE, England, Amsterdam, and America. The only diffrence was that in those countries walking around holding a camera was easier as people where use to seeing photographers. When photographing a place as such being friendly and relaxed is very very important, try talk to the people first tell them who you are don’t be a stranger because from what I learnt they are more than happy to be photographed. Think about what you want to portray in your photo. While it is fine to portray the fears and poverty of your subjects in some photos, other should also convey their strengths and expectations. Never portray your subjects as usless or inadequate.

I think it is very important that photographers should use their skills to influence public perception - because it is crucial for organizations to use images that connect people from all walks of life through the language of visual understanding.

United Kingdom, London- Camera Nikon D3100

London is a great place to take street photos, a perpetual hive of people activity. As far as choosing the best place to shoot it varies once again depending on what you want to capture. Some places I like to shoot are the bridges with busy traffic passing through London. The bridges at night are the best time to get your slow shutter ready to capture the lights of the London busses, cabs, and often the busy side paths of people walking past.

Something else I also focus on is taking pictures of graffiti or people doing graffiti, as it is widely popular. London is filled with street artists working in and around London. Along with that you get many street performers, which gather quite an audience around.

Once again there is no one specific place, you really have to explore around the city of London because you will always find something different happening.


StroboscopicEVENTS

Quote of Franco on the event :

“stroboscopic was the biggest crowd i had shared my knowledge with in photography. Everyone had that energy and passion that i must say is pretty contagious. Never a dull moment during the event. With the brotherhood and the bond that the group has, it sets Photowalk Dubai apart from all the others groups in UAE. I had a lot of fun shooting and I am blessed with the opportunity to share with them what i had learned during the course of my journey in photography. I hope there would still be a chance for this to happen again in the future but for now the memories, new people met, friendships made will remain with me. I hope i had shared a valuable piece for their own journey in photography”

Quote from Babar Swaleheen – Other tutor for the night

“Flash photography is all about placing flash light at the right place with right angle and then playing with light modifiers. When Subodh Shetty announced this photowalk, i just couldn’t help myself and just jump to him and requested him to let me support him when it comes to flash ....

Flash photography is one of my strong point. Its was actually real fun for me teaching flash photography. Teaching flash, different light modifier, zooming, slow sync, high speed sync and showing all such techniques practically live made the whole workshop so much interesting and interactive that i felt we need more time in the end”

Quote from Subodh Shetty regarding the workshop :

“At Photowalk Dubai, we believe in sharing knowledge in the simplest possible ways and for free. All our events have focused on sharing the best one knows and this event was no different. Would like to thank Franco & Babar for coming forward to contribute their knowledge to the members of Photowalk Dubai. These events are less about the shots clicked on the event day and more about what members take home. Knowing the basics is all one needs to really push his talent forward. Like its said, give a wiseman an inch and he makes into a mile, at Photowalk Dubai we believe in showing the direction to the members and let them take it further from there. It was indeed a great event. I would like to personally thank models Niharika Pathak, Vimal VJ, Aly Malik, Aaliya Shamim & Shak Eer for supporting the event. A big loud thanks to Nikon Middle East & Africa for being our sponsors and encouraging Photowalk Dubai. I cannot end without thanking Fullframe Photography Magazine & S-Cube Events for the support shown to Photowalk Dubai”

Stroboscopic | Event 26 | Photowalk Dubai

On 28th of Feb 2014, Photowalk Dubai hosted its 26th event ‘Stroboscopic’,

which basically catered to coach the members on street fashion with

simplest lighting equipments.

Franco Andrade Naron was the tutor for the evening along with Baber

Swaleheen. From basic on how to use flashes with simplest diffusers to using two lights to create more

drama was the basic objective of the event. Even details on using the slave

modes of flashes to simplify the shoot without any external triggers were

taught in detail during the workshop. Professional models added to the

glamor of the night.

Attended by almost 100 members this event took Mamzar beach on storm.


For more such events, feel free to join Photowalk Dubai @ https://www.facebook.com/groups/photowalkdubai/


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“A photo means something more than to be kept hidden.”

RANDOM CLICKS

If you have photo’s that you feel the world needs to see, send us a copy through [email protected] and we’ll gladly publish it for you.


Photographers GalleryRANDOM CLICKS

Photo by: Michael Malayo Photo by: Edwin C. Mendoza

Photo by: Charls Thomas

Photo by: Ernesto Serrano Photo by: Riyas Muhammed


Photo by: Mark Arvin Peregrina

Photo by: Oscar Rialubin Photo by: Rico Dizon Naputo

Photo by: Albert Soldao

Photo by: Bot Ecwasen

Photo by: Eugene Nuevarez

Photo by: Rommel Castro

Photo by: Sagar Koshthi

Photo by: Sreeranj Sreedhar

Photo by: Sana Saqib

Photo by: Zahid Farooq

Photo by: Shajitha Shifa

S t ro ke smagazine

THE ULTIMATEBEAUTYGUIDE

SUCCESSEXTRA ORDINARY TIPS FOR YOUR EXPERIENCE

STYLE!FASHION!

BEAUTY BITESThe Best Buy in Town and where to Find Them!

ISSUE 1 VOLUME1

FaceOff

Proper Way of Applying Make-Up

STROKES the new magazine in town to be launch by the same team who brings you FULLFRAME PHOTOGRAPHY MAGAZINE!

STROKES will cater to all the men and women in U.A.E. who loves beauty and fashion. Its aim is to educate on the ways and means of beautifying ‘one’s self and self-improvement. It’s designed for all ages and nationalities, it is easy to read- easy to carry magazine. It will entertain you, fascinate you, guide you and at the same time teach you!

Credits:Photographer: Royce Aldrich CeantenoHMUA: Ivy Kep Peralta | Darwin Perez

SOON in UAE!!!

Documents

Issue 14