Opinion | Your Say
Images from far and wide
Themes including people, animals, architecture, culture and tradition were all covered
- By Mohammad Jihad, Community Web Editor
- Published: 00:00 September 26, 2011
- Image Credit: Supplied
- Clockwide from left: Philip Page, Rolando Manglicmot and Faisal Magray.
A picture is worth a thousand words. We have published more than 40 pictures during the month of August — that is a lot of words.
In pictures: Featured reader photographers of August 2011
Many stories have been told through the pictures that our readers have sent us — from people's sorrow and hardship to children's innocence.
The photographs published were not only taken in the UAE. Our readers have shared their experiences and introduced us to different cultures from their trips to other countries. From Asia, to Africa, to Europe, our readers have covered it all.
The month of August saw portraits, landscapes, and a lot of experimentation with lighting.
Picture Editor Devadasan K. P. said: "Our readers' pictures consisted of a variety of subjects with different themes such as people, animals, architecture, culture and tradition."
The three photographs chosen below proved to be the best because of their subject, composition and the effect they have on viewers. Devadasan said: "The techniques used in those photos were very well done. This made the subject and the picture itself more interesting."
We encourage our readers to push the limits and send us their best photographs.
Photography tips
Most photographers prefer natural light for their photographs. Let us explore a few photography tips for making the best use of natural light.
What is natural lighting?
Natural lighting is also sometimes referred to as existing light in photography and technically speaking it is defined as any light source available within an environment that does not require an artificial light source. This can include indoor overhead lighting, neon signs, street lights and, of course, sunlight.
Timing is critical
Using the soft sunlight of the morning and evening hours yields the best results when taking pictures in natural lighting. While the use of indirect sunlight indoors can be effective during midday, if you plan to shoot outside then your best bet is going to be in the morning or at dusk.
What if you have to shoot during midday?
You will obviously come across times when it will be necessary to capture images in the middle of the day. If this is the case then try to find spots where the lighting is more subtle, such as in the shade - use trees or building structures to block the harsh glare of the sun.
Using reflectors
Again, if you are in a situation where you need to have the ability to manipulate direct sunlight, you might also want to consider using reflectors to shift the lighting. Most of these folding reflectors come with multiple surface tones for a variety of effects. Black is useful for blocking light, white will assist in filling in shadowy areas, translucent surfaces will provide a softening effect, gold will produce a rich tone, and silver surfaces will enhance contrast.
- By Devadasan K. P., Picture Editor
1. Philip Page
Picture published: August 16
Profile: Philip Page, a 37-year-old manager for a logistics company, has lived in the UAE for the past six years.
His interest in photography started at a young age but he only bought a camera two years ago.
Page, a British national, said: "The architecture in Dubai and the ability to travel to different parts of the world brought about an interest in taking photographs with a proper camera."
Page started taking photographs during his trips to Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand and Mauritius and concentrated on the architecture when he was in Dubai. He also likes to experiment with different photographic techniques.
He said: "The long shutter speed made people and traffic in photographs disappear and people liked the results. This led me to trying out street photography and learning to create my own style in black and white images."
Reason for winning:
Picture Editor Devadasan K. P. said: "This is a good picture with the three men passing by at the textile souq in Dubai. Having the photograph shot in black and white with the traditional architecture in the frame gives it more depth."
2. Rolando Manglicmot
Picture published: August 5
Profile: Rolando Manglicmot's passion for photography evolved from his love for nature. He said: "My favourite subject is wildlife. I work in a private wildlife park, so it's easier for me to take photographs of animals."
Manglicmot, a 47-year-old Abu Dhabi resident, is a veterinary nurse from Zambales, Philippines. He started using a camera only last year. He said: "I researched the internet for tips on how to take photographs and I practised the techniques in the wildlife park." Manglicmot also enjoys taking pictures of landscapes.
Reason for winning:
Picture Editor Devadasan K. P. said: "This is a perfectly captured picture with good composition. The positions of the zebra and the deer were great — it was shot well."
3. Faisal Magray
Picture published: August 27
Profile: Faisal Magray, a 21-year-old Kashmiri living in Srinagar district, has always been passionate about photography as he believes it captures a moment forever.
He said: "I have been taking pictures ever since I was a child."
Magray enjoys the freedom that comes with photography. He said: "I believe photography is based on the individual and what they see in the picture."
War photography, portraits, abstracts and street photography are among Magray's favourite styles.
He said: "People are a form of art and I love taking photos of them because I want to capture their expressions."
Reason for winning:
Picture Editor Devadasan K. P. said: "The source of light was used very well inside the mosque with the man in the frame praying - the exposure was done correctly."
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