Via Flickr:
While I was returning from Jaisalmer, after the first phase of the reccee was over; I was driving alone in my caravan known as KINGCOBRA, the roads in that part of India offered amazing photo opportunities, which I could not grab as I would have loved to spend more time, but I was against time .... had to rush back to base .. for the next action ..
One just needs complete logistical support to explore such parts of India where true India offers you unlimited photo opportunities ... unexplored India ... treasure trove for travellers and photographers ....
Soon, I shall be offering you a SERIES of PHOTO TOURS only for road side photo opportunity and the destinations which are free of tourists and other photographers as of now ..with all the logistical support ... an exhilarating experience for those who have the right spirit to explore India ...
Wednesday, January 9, 2013
ROAD VIEW .. Rural India ...in the morning
Saturday, January 14, 2012
Another delight from Rajasthan!
© CAPT SURESH SHARMA. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
PRINTS OF THIS IMAGE ARE AVAILABLE ON PHOTO PAPER AND CANVAS
My Website
Last year in November, I visited Pushkar Cattle Fair and spent about a week. It was quite an experience in many ways. I knew that one just can not work efficiently if one goes with novices or in a group of photographers, but it so happened that I got caught by circumstances and landed up with three four photographers there and faced the inevitable. If one is travelling to such events which are far from home town, then take maximum one photographer friend and a driver/ assistant. More than this is a crowd and you suffer in many ways, not to miss overall loss of performance.
After I had finished with Pushkar, I drifted into Rajasthan and travelled with another friend who was alone and with deep fire to do serious photography. We travelled to Kheechan (disappointed with quite less number of demoiselle cranes), Jodhpur, Barmer, Jaisalmer, etc.
These folk artists are Mangniyars from a village which is about 80 kms from Barmer. I have known them for about three years now. My friend and me went to the village and stayed overnight. In the afternoon, we all went to a sand dune alongwith the troupe of about six or seven people. I wish we could enjoy the music they offered, but we both were more keen on photography.
After we finished our soul-filling photo session with them at the dunes, we went to their house for dinner in the village. Trust me, it was hospitality overflowing and warmth had no bounds.
We enjoyed a special musical night at night and it lasted past mid-night almost. What a wonderful night! I wish I could travel whole life like a nomad. I think I shall resume that soon on-board Kingcobra .
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Photo Prints and Photos Printed on Canvas
Snake Photography
Cactus Photography
Safeguard Camera Optics from Fungus
Monday, November 21, 2011
My Photography Pilgrimage to Rajasthan !
Via Flickr:
© CAPT SURESH SHARMA. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
PRINTS OF THIS IMAGE ARE AVAILABLE ON PHOTO PAPER AND CANVAS
Just got back at base after having lived like a Rajasthani gypsy for 20 days, though equipped with Coleman stove, REI dome tent, whistling kettle, Scottish army pick-shovel, sleeping bags, etc. One of the most rewarding and exhilarating tours of my life as a photographer, experimented and learnt few new things.
Visited Pushkar for a week to photograph the Cattle Fair (one of the most popular destinations for photographers from world over), then drifted to Kheechan for a day, Jodhpur, Barmer, Jaisalmer, Sam and some border areas. I was quite disappointed with photographers this time at Pushkar, they are going to make a mess of the cattle fair in the years to come and its already become an unpleasant place for serious photographers. Most people think buy a digital SLR and land up straight in the middle of camels and one will be blessed to become a great photographer automatically, overlook the ethical route which is longer and more time consuming. In desperation to become a great photographer overnight, they shove their cameras into the faces of these old men (camel traders) ruthlessly and they are full of jealousy against other photographers. What is more upsetting is when they ask people to repeat things for their camera, which has pissed most camel traders at Pushkar. I experienced their aversion towards photographers for the first time this year, in the past one decade.
Next time, you are there - watch out... people will not like you with your camera around them. And one day they may get aggressive and fling things on your face and camera.
EQUIPMENT USED
Canon5D Mk II with 15mm Fish Eye lens . One of the most stunning lenses I have ever used.
Canon 580 EX Speedlite, fitted with Speedlight Prokit accessories/ light modifiers. Canon Off Camera Cord.
Sunday, September 11, 2011
Saturday, September 3, 2011
Recently Baptised for Patriotism !
© CAPT SURESH SHARMA. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. The Green Frames
Chirag, our son has been fascinated with guns, swords and horses, since his childhood. His liking for horses and the famous song of Lakshay film `Kandho se Milte Hain Kandhe, Kadmon se kadam milte hain', has been even when he used to be a lap baby. Today, since morning, Chirag has been coaxing me for a photo shoot of him, dressed in his most favorite army fatigue and his gun. Finally, by the evening he was restless and he got me into it, somehow.
Recently, I had baptised our kids by taking them to participate in one of the protests to support ANTI CORRUPTION MOVEMENT, which swept whole of India. Chirag has been very patriotic eversince, he has been listening to patriotic songs at home alongwith his sister and mother. These days, he moves around like a soldier. I am glad that both our kids participated and witnessed something unique and rare. I am glad that they were lucky to participate in the national event for the common cause.
Chirag - our son, moved by the recent nation wide movement! studio photography, flash photography,
General JP Singh, Deputy Chief of the Indian Army, on his recent visit at place, presented this Indian army camouflage fatigues to Chirag. Specially Tailored by the 1st Para Special Forces (Commando).
Saturday, June 25, 2011
Taj & Fog
© Capt Suresh Sharma. All Rights Reserved.
Well Friends, I worked very hard to get Taj shots in Jan 2006. The moment I bought my Canon 20D, as my first digital SLR, I rushed straight to Agra. I would get up at 0430 hours everyday and be behind Taj around 0515 hours, freezing cold. It was too cold to touch my tripod with bare hands. I did that everyday for 15 days. My army friends stopped asking me after four days about how long I am going to carry on with my crazy trips. I told them that its normal way to get good shots, there is no short cut for hard work. I got some nice shots, which I like. This is one of the shots of Taj which I like.
My most favourite place to photograph the Taj Mahal has been from the Yamuna River side. It used to offer me endless true Indian life behind the Taj i.e. villagers crossing the river in boat, farmers growing vegetables, cremation, immersing ashes, villagers filing water from the dug up water holes, kids playing cricket, collecting sand, crowd of people having holy dip on certain occasions, etc. This side used to be quite interesting.
Since, I used to visit the Taj from the river side more regularly, I have many friends from the village Kachhpura. Most of them are the kids of the village.
But sadly, access to the Taj from Yamuna river side, which was unchecked earlier, has been banned. Brainless security measures. Why can't the security personnel check photographers for what they are carrying and allow them to do photography.
Sikh Soldier of the Indian Army
© Capt Suresh Sharma. All Rights Reserved.
MORE IMAGES OF THE INDIAN ARMY
While working as the main photographer for the coffee table book www.flickr.com/photos/wildhiss/2318550787/ of the Indian army, I got an opportunity to photograph Sikh soldiers of the famous 2nd Battalion of the Sikh Regiment. This Regiment has won the much coveted title `Bravest of the Brave' of the Indian Army. I am told that the 2nd Sikh has the highest number of gallantry awards in the Indian Army. They are fearless and fierce soldiers. It is taken as a matter of great pride to command theses soldiers. While I was posted in Sri Lanka, as part of the Indian Peace Keeping Force, I had interacted with these soldiers quite on many. I found them totally different than other soldiers. There are numerous hair raising stories of their acts of gallantry. They live and work with great pride, which most of the Sikhs do in the civil as well.
While I was visiting the Battalion for photography, Col Karan Mahanjan was the commanding officer, whom I found as a great soldier with very high spirit and enthusiasm, which a CO of any Sikh Battalion should have. he never said no to any of my requests to organise special shoots. Its hard to find such soldiers today. I have such high level of veneration for these brave soldier that I find it hard to express in words. To reciprocate their support to the coffee table book and to honour their soldierly spirits, I have offered to the Battalion my services free for any kind of photography they need to preserve the Battalion's heritage.
The 2nd Sikh Battalion has the distinction of winning 22 Battle Honours.
I salute them all !
CAPTAIN'S WEBSITE
SIKH PHOTOGRAPHY
MORE IMAGES OF THE INDIAN ARMY
Friday, June 24, 2011
Lithops Succulent Shining Bright... Under Elinchrom Strobes...
Lithops Succulent Shining Bright... Under Elinchrom Strobes..., originally uploaded by Captain Suresh.
© Capt Suresh Sharma. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
PRINTS OF THIS IMAGE ARE AVAILABLE ON PHOTO PAPER AND CANVAS
Today, I went to the Cactus Garden, to scout around for some flowers and my usual haunt to find some solace (after having riddled by recession). Its one of my most favorite places, to photograph and to get peace. Above all, when I admire and photograph at the Cactus Garden, I feel, I am paying respect to its creator Dr JS Sarkaria. The Cactus Garden is a priceless gift by Dr Sarkaria, for all of us. About two days ago, when my wife and me visited the garden, I had seen one or two plants, which could give flowers to my camera, soon. Most of the times, I visit the Garden to scout around for flowers, without my camera, to save on logistics. Today, being cloudy in the morning, I went to the garden, in the afternoon with sun peeping out a bit, and found this Lithops succulent was flowering in a way I wanted it, on my previous visit. I rushed home to get my photo-gear, as I had extremely short time at my hands being in the afternoon (flowers in cactus garden start closing very early), was fumbling and scared of handling equipment in such a rush. I had to perform a super fast set-up of my equipment. I worked on the camera, cards, batteries and tripod; my wife had to work like a `light boy’. She is my biggest support – also chief consultant for the quality of the images. Amazing, she has learnt about how to set up Elinchrom studio lights and background etc. all by herself. Now, she is a photographer in the making. We work as a team, now.
Usually, younger photographers think that doing attractive photographs of cactus is as simple as visiting the Cactus Garden in a rush and then the moment you see a flower in the middle of those thorns, just pull out camera and go `click click click…’ Let me tell you, photographs are created and do not happen, quite an effort goes into making the soul cherishing photographs, which could draw anyone’s attention. One needs practice, walk around in search of your subject, try to locate the right subject which could offer good photographs, then carry out visual rehearsal about all angles which could make you good photos. Its practice which will hone your any skills, be it photography, horse riding, flying, painting, etc. As we Indians say in reference to our classical music and dance – its `reeyaaz’ (practice), and nothing else. So its practice, which trains your eyes to see good images even in simple subjects and light. Simply by buying a camera, one doesn't become a photographer.
REMEMBER: Photos are NOT made with cameras in quilts, only love could be made in quilts. So, you decide what you want to do... To seek photos, you have to take your camera out for a walk! Be rest assured, camera sitting in your cupboard makes no photos, may accrue fungus on its optics.
The best way to do photography is – make your progarmme on the previous day (if you are working nine to five, then keep thinking the whole week about where to shoot), get your kit ready (it needs quite a bit of preparation for good outdoor photography) get up early on the weekend, carry your kit, drive to your cherished location an hour before you expect the light for your shoot to get ready. Remember, creative photography is not done in groups, no matter what you say. Only routine basic photography (pull out your camera and shoot), can be done in groups; more than two photographers is a crowd. Its not me who is advocating this, all experienced photographers say that. Most of the seasoned ones will prefer being alone, with their camera.
One can learn the `nitty-gritty' and technicalities of equipment handling from the internet and books, but how to achieve good photos is a long and treacherous path, which one has to tread holding an experienced hand. Its almost like going to the Mt Everest, not all succeed, in spite of all required equipment and logistics in place.
I think, its A matter of passion and patience...
TECHNIQUE: Elinchrom strobes, main key light with snoot and grid, the second one with grid and bandoor, background set-up.
What is Lithops? Lithops are commonly known as `flowering stones’ or `living stones. These are true mimicry plants: as their shape, size and color makes them look like small stones in their natural habitat. Theses plants blend very well among the stones, as a means of protection. So, grazing animals, which would otherwise eat them during periods of drought to obtain moisture, usually overlook them. Even Lithops experts, sometimes find it difficult to locate these plants in the field, because of this unusual element of deception.
MY CACTUS PHOTOGRAPHY
If you wish to have this image as `Screen Saver' for your computer, please write to me and I will send it across.
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
CACTUS INSPIRE ME THE MOST ... when in adverstiy!
Tuesday, December 25, 2007
Balloons on Sale at India Gate, New Delhi
© Capt Suresh Sharma. All Rights Reserved
India Gate is a war memorial, built in the memory of 90,00 soldiers who laid down their lives during World War-I. Located at Rajpath, India Gate is 42 m high and is popular relaxation area during the summer evenings. India Gate also a popular picnic spot. Also known as the All India War Memorial, India Gate was designed and constructed by Lutyens, who considered the chief proclaimer in designing the New Delhi plans.
Whenever I camp at 5D (Mr Koshy’s www.flickr.com/photos/kkoshy/ residence no.) at Delhi, while in transit, I visit India Gate for photography. It’s great place to watch life rolling in colours and people from all over the world, it makes it a great place for photography.
Camel Traders' Campfire at Dusk, Pushkar, India
After trading for the whole day, camel traders settle for the night around campfire, after finishing their early dinner. Its great spending time around them and talking. Indian culture is so diverse that even those Indians who descend at Pushkar as photo-tourists, get a cultural shock.
This shot was the last shot of the day. This time, I did not do much photography at Pushkar.
Camel Owner Coaxing his Camel to Drink cold Water. Sunrise
One day, I decided to sip tea at the make shift tea-stall on the sand dune and stay around the water point. This camel owner came very early with his camel to the water point, but camel was quite reluctant to drink at this time, may be it was cold water. It was so much fun watching the duo talk, camel owner was trying to talk to his camel to convince him water for drinking water. But camel replied `fffffuuuuurrr' ........ And camel did not drink. But I thanked to both for giving me an opportunity to shoot, I invited him for tea. It was nice chatting with the owner, over a cup of tea.
Watermarking: I have started doing this recently. Theft of images is rampant and people are getting shameless and bolder for stealing images from Flickr. I am sorry for spoiling the view of my images.
NO CROPPING NOTES, PLEASE. I will be forced to delete.
Friends, I have been quite busy in recent past and could not be very active on Flickr. I have not been uploading my photos, neither I have been commenting on your photos much. Though, I do view your photos whenever I get time. You all are requested to stay in touch, I am cooking up something, which you all would love.
This image of bullock cart race, was done at the famous village called KILA RAIPUR, about 20 kms from Ludhiana. This village in Punjab is well know for the rural games, which are hosted by the Grewal Sports Association of the village. Now, these games are popularly known as Rural Olympics. Its become hot favourite event of travel photographers. But I will not hesitate to say that the local press photographers, make a mess of photo opportunities there, very often.
I love to be at the event, as it offers variety of strange events as well, which are hard to photograph otherwise. The most popular event is the bullock cart race and its the main event of the four days sports.
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NOTE: You may buy photo prints (framed or without), and canvas prints from THE GREEN FRAMES