1. First
rule of photography, don’t let anything come between you and your shot. The
Shot you have got to frame, and hence if you claim to be a photographer, claim
your space and don’t budge. Yes and I am unscrupulous about this one. Of course
I do tone it down with a “Oops, so sorry. Didn’t know I was in your way”. Sulking
away in a corner won’t help the cause of your album later ;)
2. Out
there to photograph an event for a cultural capture, it is of utmost importance
that you get the celebratory essence in your pictures. Yes hence colour and
balancing of colour are a very important deal here. Settings matter, please go
back to your manual.
3. Bad
exposure shots, when converted to black and white will reveal lack of skills. For
example, ashen faces. Photoshop is a ready tool to a certain extent. Use it :D
4. Holding
a big camera and lens is not enough; you must have the ability to capture the
best in it. As a photographer and one who is trying to take portrait shots, it
is very important to have flattering shots of your “free model”. If you haven’t
managed to do that, scrap the idea of making it available on social media as it
only shows you have no idea how to angle your shots.
5. Study
the environment and also your models, even a candid shot has to be done in a way
that it brings the essence of being candid and yet tells a story. Framing a
candid is fun and permissible, but make sure it is then telling a beautiful
story. Learn the art of bokeh, it makes your shots look like photography.
I guess it is important to be seen with a camera in hand
than actually pay attention to what is being clicked. For these novices I
suggest a phone camera is good enough a tool. Personally, photography is a very
important tool of expression. It must be given its due respect as a form of
art.
You might argue that it’s the photographer’s perspective to
show the worst angels of these happy campers. Well a slight deviation in
posture would get a much better shot, and lack of expertise is what makes me
cringe in these. While I was in those group shots, my eyes were constantly
roving to see what I could click next. In fact it is more fun being behind the
lens than in front. I love observing the world from there. It’s a beautiful
space to be in, and my personal favourite was shooting the little Kumari’s. Their
blissful ignorance to the camera and the rituals, made for such lovely memories;
not just for the parents but for everybody who views them. That is what
covering of a cultural scenario means, people should be happy to be captured in
them and proudly display them. If they have hidden them from their wall, or
worse still untagged themselves, you have failed as a photographer.