Unusual is something that makes a photo and its subject unique.
Anyone can point the camera and click a picture but the technique is what makes photography a form of art.
Deputy Picture Editor Sankha Kar noticed that many photos have been taken from a different angle – a different perspective.
He said: “You can take a picture of any subject but if that common subject is taken from a different view then it will be seen in a new light – this is part of the creative challenge of photography.”
However, Kar also noticed that Gulf News readers have chosen subjects that are out of the ordinary during the month of May.
Kar said: “I saw many photos from the past month – from a close up shot of a fish to the details of the moon and everything in between.”
But the most obvious subject that Kar noticed is people. Readers have shown people from all walks of life doing what they do every day.
Kar said: “Some of them are people pictures and therefore it is easy to have viewers react and communicate with the photos and the subjects.”
From all the pictures published during May, Kar chose the three below as the best pictures of the month.
First
Devbrata Das
Picture published: May 13
Profile: Devbrata Das was not always a photographer and according to him, he certainly did not have the magic touch for it when he started.
The 49-year-old Indian national started reading about photography on the internet by chance.
He said: “After having some exposure on this form of art I started getting inspired by other people’s work.”
So Das, a Bahrain resident, started taking photographs.
He said: “I have to admit that the first pictures I took of the Pyramids in Egypt were a disaster.”
However, with practice, Das developed his skills and became better at telling stories through photographs.
Das’ imagination hasn’t stopped him from practicing his hobby, as his subjects vary from something as small as a leaf to cityscapes.
He said: “At the end of the day cameras don’t take pictures, humans do.”
Das keeps himself motivated by using Gulf News as a way to express himself.
He said: “It [Gulf News] has constantly provided me the opportunity and the platform, which boosted my morale and helped me in constantly doing better.”
Reason for winning:
Deputy Picture Editor Sankha Kar said: “The geometry created by the shadow is the key element in this picture. It is very well composed and the placement of the woman provided the motion.”
Second
Sanjay Pradhan
Picture published: May 17
Profile: Sanjay Pradhan loved photography ever since he was a student but only started taking it seriously two years ago.
Pradhan is a 33-year-old product specialist in a bank and lives in Dubai.
For the past two years he has been involved in a few photography groups that explore the emirate.
Pradhan, an Indian national, said: “For me photography is a channel through which you can capture the world through your vision. I love showing different moods, people, places and even memories through my lens and candidly capturing loved ones in their moments of madness or joy.”
This mode of self-expression gives Pradhan creative satisfaction. He added: “For me, photography is a definite stress buster.”
Sports and travel photography have always been Pradhan’s two favourite subjects.
He said: “I love to travel to different places and love to meet people - cityscapes and landscapes have always fascinated me. When it comes to sports, I love the thrill and spontaneity associated with it.”
Reason for winning:
Deputy Picture Editor Sankha Kar said: “It is a very good sport action shot. The technical aspect in terms of timing, exposure and sharpness is also good.”
Third
Lal Nallath
Picture published: May 22
Profile: Lal Nallath always knew he loved photography.
He only started taking it seriously when he was a university student and took photography courses as part of his curriculum.
Nallath owns his own website building business now and has been living in Dubai for the past 20 years.
He motivates himself by going on different photo assignments.
He said: “I started a group two years ago and we go to different locations in the UAE every Friday to take pictures of whatever we see there.”
His favourite style is street photography.
Nallath, an Indian national, said: “I get along well with strangers so I have very few rejections when I ask to take people’s photo. Although I love landscaping as well, I still lean towards portraits and candid shots.”
Reason for winning:
Deputy Picture Editor Sankha Kar said: “This is a great candid shot. The innocent smile is the main attraction here.”
Photography tips
A tense face is the most natural reaction when people see someone clicking their photograph. And such an expression, no matter how natural it may be, is considered unnatural and less spontaneous, resulting in a disappointing end product.
Imagine a mason nailing a beam and looking at the camera at the same time. Isn’t it unrealistic? The easier option is to take the picture without him noticing. But the downside of such an attempt is that the photographer may be invading privacy and in some countries this may even be illegal.
So the best option for a photographer is to blend one’s self with the subject. Spend time with the subject, earn his or her confidence and then start clicking some of those “obvious”, “posed” shots. After the initial distraction created by your presence, rest assured your subject will be fully focused on his or her job and will be oblivious to your presence.
From that moment, your real job starts.
You can then capture the relaxed, natural expression without any hassle. This applies not only to absolute strangers, but even family members or friends at birthday parties, weddings or social gatherings.
Also, avoid using a flash as much as possible and use a wide angle lens. Try to control your camera without looking at it, checking for speed and other technical details.
Remember, all that matters is freezing a moment for eternity.
– By Sankha Kar, Deputy Picture Editor
