Larger looks so much better!
Another random shot from somewhere in the outskirts of Kathmandu valley. Came across this place while on the way to Dakshin Kali, which is about 45 mins from Kathmandu. It's always a good idea to stay alert and look out for subjects or landscapes to photograph when traveling. Never know what might show up when.
November 3, 2008
Serendipity
November 2, 2008
Evolution
Quite an unusual composition at the beach.
The last kid is on a surfboard and the middle one's pulling him using a rope.
October 31, 2008
October 26, 2008
Curious soul
She was trying her best to hide herself from the camera by moving in and out a dark corridor. But once in a while she looked outside and I was able to get few shots like this one. She was in her school uniform, ready to go to school.
Shot at Khokana locality, Kathmandu.
October 23, 2008
Golden dreams
This shot turned out to be pretty good considering the fact that I was not looking through the viewfinder when it was captured! Since it was too bright to look at the sun directly though the camera, I just pointed to the west to take a 'test' shot. Apparently it was my lucky day, and I ended up with this image.
Of course the original photo wasn't that great, as you might have guessed. A crop and few color tweaks in Lightroom resulted in this image - which has turned out to be a good desktop wallpaper item ;-)
October 20, 2008
Old habits
He gave me a curious look as I pointed the camera towards him.
Clicked during Indra Jatra festival in Kathmandu.
October 18, 2008
Hey! You!!
She was happily playing with her friend before she noticed me pointing (the rather long) 70-300mm lens at her. I wasn't expecting her to point a finger at me or something. It was spontaneous, and that's what I'm liking about clicking photos on the streets.
I've been doing a bit of street photography lately. So far I've learned that, people can give you unpredictable looks when they notice you pointing the camera towards them. And there is that moment - that moment when they look at the lens for the first time. Blink and you miss it!
October 16, 2008
Where the mind is at peace
Few days back my friend Suzon took me to this place near the locality of Khokana(I'm not able to find the exact name of the place, even on Google maps). There are fields, endless rice fields everywhere you look around the place.
I was surprised to find such a place so close to Kathmandu. It took us just about 30 mins from the city to reach here. I'd give anything to get away from the hustle and bustle of the busy streets of Kathmandu. And this was the perfect place to be.
I will be coming to place in the years to come. It is just a matter of time when this place will be turned into a concrete jungle. And that day this image will no longer be labeled Green day.
Note: Was able to track down this location on Google maps. Here it is.
October 14, 2008
BCAM
Excerpt from the Picnik blog:
For every pink pic added to the group, their parent company Yahoo! will donate one Euro to Breast Cancer charities across Europe! So send your pink pic to Pink 2008
This photo doesn not qualify for the group as it's not completely pink, but that don't matter - this is to spread the awareness. You can learn more about the whole thing here.
5 photos I've submitted to the group
October 13, 2008
Lonely days
An elderly lady leaning on the corridor wall inside a house in the village of Khokana, Kathmandu. This is a crop of a much bigger image.
March 31, 2008
I am not dead.
Dead?! Not at all. In fact I've been rocking! So much so that I did not invest any time into writing a post in a long time.
As life passes by, you come to realize many things - about yourself and the world around you. I've come to a realization that that I am not a good blogger. I do not get a kick out of writing paragraphs after paragraps just to discuss about things or to express my feelings. Yes, once in a while that urge kicks in, but it never lasts long.
On the other hand, I've also realized that I prefer other means for expression - pictures, videos, IM and such things that do not require for you to read or write too much stuff. Thus you may not find new things in this blog that frequently but you will notice that my Flickr page is updated very regularly(almost on a daily basis at times).
So yes, the past couple of month this blog has been almost dead. I struggle hard to write new blog entries... and what's fun in doing something if you have to force yourself into doing it :-) But I'm glad to say that I will be updating my Flickr page so so often. I PhotoBlog very frequently, and that is something I love to do.
My Flickr photostream is also accessible directly from : www.prakaz.com
November 26, 2007
the Iphone, Unpacking
It's been about a month since I got an iPhone. It's absolutely lovable. No doubt, it's the coolest portable gadget(and phone) I ever owned yet.
When I decided to get one, It wasn't out in the UK, so I had to order it from the US through ebay(paying ridiculous customs charge). Nevertheless, no regrets.
The phone, iPod, youtube, internet, cool applications... and what not, all in one device, is worth every penny.
The iPhone came locked to AT&T sim card and could be used only in the US. Any iPhone has to be *unlocked* first to be used with GSM sim cards around the world. Since I got the phone, I've learned a thing or two about hacking the iPhone (and even helped a friend get his phone unlocked). It's no big deal really. The *real* iPhone hackers have done all the hard work and written applications to unlock the phone. One just has to follow the instructions(carefully).
It may be a while when the iPhone is out for sale in India and other Asian countries. So if you want to use it in any other country other than where the iPhone is officially out(US and UK as of this writing) unlocking it is the only way to go.
I took this short video when unpacking an iPhone(the 2nd one I unpacked). Thought it might be of interest to some people(I watch unpacking of gadget's video on youtube myself!). Here it is... a cheesy video :-)
When I decided to get one, It wasn't out in the UK, so I had to order it from the US through ebay(paying ridiculous customs charge). Nevertheless, no regrets.
The phone, iPod, youtube, internet, cool applications... and what not, all in one device, is worth every penny.
The iPhone came locked to AT&T sim card and could be used only in the US. Any iPhone has to be *unlocked* first to be used with GSM sim cards around the world. Since I got the phone, I've learned a thing or two about hacking the iPhone (and even helped a friend get his phone unlocked). It's no big deal really. The *real* iPhone hackers have done all the hard work and written applications to unlock the phone. One just has to follow the instructions(carefully).
It may be a while when the iPhone is out for sale in India and other Asian countries. So if you want to use it in any other country other than where the iPhone is officially out(US and UK as of this writing) unlocking it is the only way to go.
I took this short video when unpacking an iPhone(the 2nd one I unpacked). Thought it might be of interest to some people(I watch unpacking of gadget's video on youtube myself!). Here it is... a cheesy video :-)
October 2, 2007
I got me a Macbook Pro
I've been wanting to get a laptop for a long time now. I had set my mind on getting a Sony Vaio some time back and I had even told my friends that I'm 99% sure to buy it. Well that was before I visited the Apple store at Regent street in London.
Apple stores have always attracted me. The gadgets they showcase are just too cool to miss. Aha! Yes, the word "cool" and Apple go hand in hand. Even people who have never used/ owned an Apple call apple products "cool".Sure enough that coolness comes with a price tag. I have always been a huge fan of Apple products but never really owned any of their gadgets other than an iPod Shuffle( which was gifted by a friend )..... Well until now! I finally put my money where my mouth is and got myself Apple's Macbook Pro.
It wasn't an easy decision at all. I had a hard time choosing between the Sony Vaio, Macbook and the Macbook Pro. But finally went for the best one. A fine work of art - the Macbook Pro. And, oh I love it already! I was always a little concerned about not being able to use Windows and many of it's softwares. But it turns out I won't have to. OS X(Mac's operating system) is much much more simpler to use than I had imagined. I've never used OS X before and learning everything from scratch. Everything is so simple, actually. The cool graphics & UI makes Windows look like a granpa :-)
The config:
2.2Ghz Intel Core 2 Duo processor
2GB RAM
120GB HDD (5400-rpm)
15.4 inch TFT widescreen display
NVIDIA GeForce 8600M GT with 128MB of GDDR3 SDRAM
etc :-)
I will definitely be spending lots of time on my Mac. I have missed out doing lots of stuffs cause at home I have a crappy desktop and never felt like doing much. Lots of catching up to do and so much to learn.
Now I say my official hi to the Mac world while my bank account recovers :-)
August 19, 2007
Photography terms
Around 8 months back, when I just started photography, I was pretty clueless about many photography terms. Since then I've learned a thing or two about photography from books, friends, Flickr community and from many photography web sites. I have compiled a list of terms, knowing which, will give a better understanding of photography in general.
Well, I'm no photography expert and I have compiled this list after going through different websites (kodak.com, wikipedia.org et al). During my early days I used to be excited to find out and learn about different terms like Aperture, silhouette etc. So I thought of listing out the very basic terms in photography that anyone interested(or not) ought to know.
Hope you find this useful. Have fun photographing!
Aperture
Lens opening. The opening in a camera lens through which light passes to expose the film. The size of aperture is either fixed or adjustable. Aperture size is usually calibrated in f-numbers-the larger the number, the smaller the lens opening. The aperture value is responsible for the depth of field in an image. The image below was taken with an aperture of f4.
Bokeh
A term derived from the Japanese word for "fool" which when applied to a lens refers to the pleasing quality of the out of focus areas of an image produced by the lens. Below is an image with a pleasant bokeh.
Composition
The pleasing arrangement of the elements within a scene-the main subject, the foreground and background, and supporting subjects. When composed properly, the interestingness of an image drastically inclines.
Cropping
Cropping is the process of selecting and removing a portion of an image to create focus or strengthen its composition. May also refer to the framing of the scene in the viewfinder. Below is an example of how cropping can make a photo more pleasing.
Depth of Field (DOF)
The amount of distance between the nearest and farthest objects that appear in acceptably sharp focus in a photograph. DOF depends on the lens opening, the focal length of the lens, and the distance from the lens to the subject. (photo: wikipedia.org)
Focal Length
The distance between the film and the optical center of the lens when the lens is focused on infinity. The focal length of the lens on most adjustable cameras is marked in millimetres on the lens mount.
ISO Speed
The emulsion speed (sensitivity) of the film as determined by the standards of the International Standards Organization. In these standards, both arithmetic (ASA) and logarithmic (DIN) speed values are expressed in a single ISO term. For example, a film with a speed of ISO 100/21° would have a speed of ASA 100 or 21 DIN.
Macro
Macro photography refers to close-up photography; the classical definition that the image projected on the "film plane" (i.e film or a digital sensor) is close to the same size as the subject. A macro photograph:
Panning
Moving the camera so that the image of a moving object remains in the same relative position in the viewfinder as you take a picture. Example of a panning technique: (photo: wikipedia.org)
Saturation
An attribute of perceived color, or the percentage of hue in a color. Saturated colors are called vivid, strong, or deep. Desaturated colors are called dull, weak, or washed out. See cropping above for examples of saturated and desaturated images.
Silhouette
A silhouette is a view of some object or scene consisting of the outline and a featureless interior. Silhouette is a form of art which can result in some very pleasing photographs. Below are silhouettes of temples in Kathmandu city on a lovely evening.
Time Exposure
A comparatively long exposure made in seconds or minutes. This is also known as long exposure. Long exposures can often create very dramatic effects in photography. Use a longer than normal exposure to create the impact of your image.
Wide-Angle Lens
A lens that has a shorter focal length and a wider field of view (includes more subject area) than a normal lens. A wide-angle lens takes in a greater angle of view than a normal lens. This image was made with an ultra-wide 16 mm fisheye lens. Notice the curved horizon.(photo: kodak.com)
Well, I'm no photography expert and I have compiled this list after going through different websites (kodak.com, wikipedia.org et al). During my early days I used to be excited to find out and learn about different terms like Aperture, silhouette etc. So I thought of listing out the very basic terms in photography that anyone interested(or not) ought to know.
Hope you find this useful. Have fun photographing!
Aperture
Lens opening. The opening in a camera lens through which light passes to expose the film. The size of aperture is either fixed or adjustable. Aperture size is usually calibrated in f-numbers-the larger the number, the smaller the lens opening. The aperture value is responsible for the depth of field in an image. The image below was taken with an aperture of f4.
Bokeh
A term derived from the Japanese word for "fool" which when applied to a lens refers to the pleasing quality of the out of focus areas of an image produced by the lens. Below is an image with a pleasant bokeh.
Composition
The pleasing arrangement of the elements within a scene-the main subject, the foreground and background, and supporting subjects. When composed properly, the interestingness of an image drastically inclines.
Cropping
Cropping is the process of selecting and removing a portion of an image to create focus or strengthen its composition. May also refer to the framing of the scene in the viewfinder. Below is an example of how cropping can make a photo more pleasing.
Depth of Field (DOF)
The amount of distance between the nearest and farthest objects that appear in acceptably sharp focus in a photograph. DOF depends on the lens opening, the focal length of the lens, and the distance from the lens to the subject. (photo: wikipedia.org)
Focal Length
The distance between the film and the optical center of the lens when the lens is focused on infinity. The focal length of the lens on most adjustable cameras is marked in millimetres on the lens mount.
ISO Speed
The emulsion speed (sensitivity) of the film as determined by the standards of the International Standards Organization. In these standards, both arithmetic (ASA) and logarithmic (DIN) speed values are expressed in a single ISO term. For example, a film with a speed of ISO 100/21° would have a speed of ASA 100 or 21 DIN.
Macro
Macro photography refers to close-up photography; the classical definition that the image projected on the "film plane" (i.e film or a digital sensor) is close to the same size as the subject. A macro photograph:
Panning
Moving the camera so that the image of a moving object remains in the same relative position in the viewfinder as you take a picture. Example of a panning technique: (photo: wikipedia.org)
Saturation
An attribute of perceived color, or the percentage of hue in a color. Saturated colors are called vivid, strong, or deep. Desaturated colors are called dull, weak, or washed out. See cropping above for examples of saturated and desaturated images.
Silhouette
A silhouette is a view of some object or scene consisting of the outline and a featureless interior. Silhouette is a form of art which can result in some very pleasing photographs. Below are silhouettes of temples in Kathmandu city on a lovely evening.
Time Exposure
A comparatively long exposure made in seconds or minutes. This is also known as long exposure. Long exposures can often create very dramatic effects in photography. Use a longer than normal exposure to create the impact of your image.
Wide-Angle Lens
A lens that has a shorter focal length and a wider field of view (includes more subject area) than a normal lens. A wide-angle lens takes in a greater angle of view than a normal lens. This image was made with an ultra-wide 16 mm fisheye lens. Notice the curved horizon.(photo: kodak.com)
July 27, 2007
Youtube playlist
Youtube is cool. Infact, it's very cool. There's no video that you can't find there. I visit Youtube almost on a daily basis. At work I can't install any P2P softwares to download songs and all. So, throughout the day I listen to songs from Youtube. I have a playlist in Youtube which has videos which I found really cool. Of course you can find millions of other cool videos there, but these are the ones I've come across... and here's the playlist. Hope you enjoy watching them.
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