Photography is not just the art of taking and processing photographs, but a journey down memory lane, a recap of experiences and a way to express ones perspective. Even though February isn’t particularly a holiday season, most of the pictures sent in by Gulf News readers last month were of travel experiences, especially within the UAE. Many readers packed their bags and went around the country looking for mysterious yet picture perfect sceneries of Nature from the Jebel Al Jais Mountain and Jazirat Al Hamra (Red Island) in Ras Al Khaimah to the Tilapia Lake near Al Ain city.
The pleasant weather seems to be the trigger. We praise our amateur reader photographers for making an effort to explore the country beyond its iconic sky scrappers and shopping malls.
Having gone through a number of unique and high quality pictures, Deputy Picture Editor Sankha Kar chose the following three as the winning pictures for the month of February.
FIRST
Dr Saleem Moopen, 50 years old Indian National, discovered his passion for photography during his college days. He said: “As a child I was very fascinated by moving images on screen. While try to understand the technique I got into photography when I was in university. Today, I’m a specialist ophthalmologist and have been working in Dubai for the last 10 years. Even on a busy schedule, I make sure to dedicate time to photography every now and then. Travel photography, capturing Nature, people and traditions from around the globe is what I enjoy most.”
Reason for winning:
Kar said: “This is a very well executed portrait. The mood, exposure and the approach is very good. The focus on the expression in the eyes stands out.”
SECOND
For Philippines national Marcelo Dela Cruz, who works as a waiter in a Dubai restaurant, pictures are a way to show the world what lies within him. He said: “Photography is a beautiful technique that lets you see things differently and share your perspective with others.” Cruz does not have a preference of subject when it comes to experimenting with his lens. “I just try taking pictures of regular things from a different perspective,” he said. His collections of pictures always take him down the memory lane, reminding him of who he is, where he comes from and the different experiences he has had in life.”
Reason for winning:
Kar said: “Nice example of slow shutter speed photography. Good composition, exposure and obviously the colour pattern of the car light trails.”
THIRD
Indian national Sreeranj Sreedhar, 44, was inspired by the work of many great photographers that eventually convinced him to pick up the lens and give it a shot. He said: “I enjoy travel photography the most. Using the available natural light to frame and focus on people and the environment while travelling gives me immense pleasure.” The Human Resource Manager, who has been living in Dubai for 22 years, travels to explore street photography around the world. He said: “While traveling one often comes across moments that make our heart skip a beat, capturing that moment in its true essence is what I strive for.”
Reason for winning:
Kar said: “It’s a very dramatic picture. Forms created by the tonal variation of mountain and the diagonal placement of the road, made the atmosphere mystical.”
