To the Wayfarer

A serious photographer is constantly on the lookout for pictures that will make him stand out from the rest. His mind works like a darkroom, mentally developing pictures and looking for ways to enhance them. The hesitant beginner usually has the “lack of picture opportunity in the vicinity” excuse. This article deals with using “the eye” and how it helps you find images, even in your backyard.
Aswathi. J. Nair

Traveling is the fire that keeps alive the soul of most camera junkies. However, it is the same fire that often leaves a gaping hole in your pocket. The traveling process is definitely a way of de-stressing for many who look for change, and a learning experience for all who pack their bags and take off at any given opportunity. If you have done your homework before embarking on a trip, you may discover never-seen before sights that often lead to never-seen before photographs (provided you have the ability to recognize an opportunity, and if you know what to do with your camera).

At the risk of sounding clichéd I’m going to say this, beauty lies in the eyes of the beholder. What I imply is that good photographs need not necessarily be 3,600 kilometers away from you. A photo opportunity is consistently available around you, be it of any genre; nature, landscape, portrait, sports etc. I say this in actuality, there can never be a dull moment when you have your camera with you. If you find yourself stuck in some remote village, or a relative’s place during one of those dreaded family visits, instead of wallowing in self pity, I recommend you turn on your ‘photographer’s eye’, and wander around looking for portfolio-worthy images. Imagine yourself to be a warrior, an adventurer on a trip, or anything you want as long as it evokes your creativity. Photographing solo is any day better than going with a group where the whims and fancies of your fellow travelers and the time constraints can frazzle your nerves, and most importantly by going alone you do not end up with images similar to the ones taken by others.

The images featured here were taken during a trip to Kerala, where I had to visit every relative and their grandmother. The locations here are backyards, living rooms, wells, kitchens, etc.

My two cents for the solitary traveler

Keep your eyes wide open at all times. In other words, learn to recognize picture opportunities. A subject we probably would have seen innumerable times. Something as common as this was worth taking a picture of as the bright background made the subject a semi-silhouette. The available light from a window created subtle highlights on the hand, bottles etc. revealing its form.

Get your basics right and dare to experiment. An after-school game of football. The camera was panned at a slow shutter speed. The movement visible in the hands and legs depict motion and the space to the left indicates the direction in which the children intend to move. Sharp panning was not achieved (clear streaks) as the boys were moving slowly.

Train yourself to observe colors, textures, patterns, lines, reflections, etc. A rubber bucket and a well, one of the most common sights in Kerala. What caught my eye here was the striking patterns formed in the water by the surrounding trees, cable and sky, which are normally overlooked Equip your mind to visualize in monochrome. Do not ravage the environment while taking pictures. Ensure that your equipment is safe and protected. Cats love seafood. This feline was sitting under a sink, attentively focusing on the cook cutting some fish. The light source here is a slightly ajar doorway, that created the catch-light in her eye. Since the background is devoid of any distraction, the cat stands out. Henry Miller, the American novelist and painter put it simply when he wrote, “One’s destination is never a place, but a new way of seeing things.” I hope this little piece had some impact on those who were skeptical about their start. So go on, take the first step, explore and capture the world in your own way!