Sans Color - Black and White

People ask me this question very often; when do we shoot black and white? There is a serious misconception which makes a certain group of photographers believe that any subject can be captured in black and white.

It is a process before you take a photograph. When you look at your subject you should be able to visualize the scene in black and white. Once you are able to see in your mind’s eye, compare between the colored and the black and white version. Judge whether the black and white does justice to the photograph.

Usually we shoot black and white when we have to accentuate the form and shape of a particular subject or when you don’t want other colorful elements in your photograph to divert the viewer’s attention from the main subject.

It’s a form of art, if you get it right then the black and white image will look much better than the colored version of same photograph.

Abstract Photographs – The Mind’s Eye

In photography the single most important thing is light. If one can understand light and use it to their benefit, the images in your mind can be transformed to reality. Tinkering with things that you see every day, but seeing them in a different way can create some astounding photographs. What follows are a set of images which my mind showed me and were brought into existence using my camera..

Macro- The World Beyond the Human Eye -Part 1

When one looks at amazing photographs from the world beyond the eye, there is just one question.. How was it done? The world of Macro is something that has enticed every photographer at some point or the other. Let’s try and get a glimpse into how it is achieved.

What is Macro? 

There is a misunderstanding when it comes to the usage of this term. To put it in simple language when you achieve a magnification of life size or above with your subject it is termed as Macro. Close ups are something that people consider to be Macro but usually they do not achieve a magnification of life size when photographed, hence technically they cannot be Macro.

So what are the different ways of achieving Macro?

Extension Tubes

Use of extension tubes is the most common method to take good macro shots. Today there are two kinds of extension tubes available in the market. Type one allow the camera to communicate with the lens while type two just helps you to increase the distance between the capture medium and lens. The former is the right choice since it gives you control over the aperture and hence DOF.

Reversing Rings

Usually dubbed as the cheapest way to achieve magnification greater than life size, reversing rings are widely available for different camera mounts and diameters. The magnification achieved via this method is stupendous but it has its own drawbacks. Most of the lenses do not have a switch by which you can control the aperture hence you lose complete control over your DOF, A few Nikon Lenses have this switch which allows you to control the DOF when reversed. The camera loses control over the aperture and getting clarity across the subject becomes almost a next to impossible task. One can use it to practice and get your hand steady when shooting macros; but for commercial purpose it’s a difficult prospect.

Coupling Rings

This is another method by which one can achieve extreme magnifications. Here one lens is attached to the camera while another lens is reversed on this lens using a coupling ring. One has the control over aperture of one lens while the reverse lens cannot be controlled unless you have an external gadget which allows you to control the same.

Teleconvertors

Teleconvertors increase the focal length of the lens by either 1.4x or 2x depending on the one that you are using. These can be used with various lenses and combinations above to achieve higher magnification.

Close up filters

This is one of the methods with which a lot of us venture in to the world of Macro photography. There are multiple types which are available in the market ranging from cheap ones which are about Rs. 500 to 600 (approximately 10 dollars), while the branded ones like Canon cost anywhere from Rs. 5000 to 10,000 (approximately 90 to 180 dollars). These filters allow you to get close-ups of your subject but usually fail to achieve a life size magnification. The branded ones give you a clear picture without any soft corners but the cheap ones drastically lack quality.

Macro lenses

The best way of achieving life size magnification which has sharpness, control over DOF and a perfect picture quality is by using Macro lenses. Again the question arises whether to buy branded lenses like Canon and Nikon or third party lenses like Tamron and Sigma. This a debatable question, but from my personal experience I can say that the Canon and Nikon Lenses hold a slight edge over the third party lenses. These lenses by itself allow you to achieve a magnification of life size. The only lens which is available in the market which gives you magnification ranging from 1x to 5x is MP E 65 By Canon.

The combinations that can be used to achieve macros are infinite; it just takes a lot of practice, patience and understanding of the science behind lens optics along with the technical theory of photography. When I say this I am talking about shooting actual macros and not cropping a photograph to make the subject look bigger.

Tips to get a shot without shake

a.       Always use a flash to freeze motion.

b.      If you do not have a tripod or a monopod or cannot set one up due to space constraints use your body parts to support your arms/hands and camera.

c.       If in your own backyard carry a stool with you, it comes in handy to lie in all weird positions to shoot.

d.      Try to shoot when there is enough light, in dark the shutter speed will fall immensely giving a shake to the picture.

This article was aimed at giving an overview of the equipment used in shooting macros. The technique and science behind actual shooting is immense. Maybe sometime down the line I will continue with the series to give everyone a deeper insight into the actual methodology.

Till then Keep clicking.. and subscribe to the blog for more travelogues and photography articles.

To see more Macro work done by me visit The World Of Small Things

The Jewel Of Vijayanagara Empire - Hampi

For all of you who know my background and what I do for a living, it wouldn’t be a surprise that traveling automatically becomes a part of my life. Visiting different places, meeting people, understanding cultural and ethnic differences, it somehow brings out the best in me. Mostly what you will be reading here would be my endless rant and firsthand experience when visiting places. I am no expert critique but a normal person who likes to get the best out of his trip.

Southern India, especially Karnataka has some varied architectural styles. The Hoysala, the Dravidian, the Chalukya, the Vijayanagara and the Islamic style of architecture are just a few of them. When I travel to these places, I make it a point to read about the history behind it briefly, somehow it connects me to the place in terms of photographs that I take.

A travel to Hampi was on my mind for a really long period of time but no opportunity came by. The capital of the Vijaynagara Empire, Kishkindha of the Ramayana era, sprawls over such a wide area that, to explore it completely you need to have at least a week in hand. For me the opportunity came by as a road trip where we covered multiple places.

I did not have the time to cover the entire place, so finally based on suggestions by friends and some help from Google, I shortlisted Vijaya Vitthala Complex, Hazara Rama Temple, Lotus Mahal, Elephant Stables and the Stepped water tank or Pushkarni. And I would suggest others to not miss out on the Virupaksha temple, Underground Shivalaya and Narasimha statue.

Vitthala Complex

The Vitthala complex is known for its musical pillars and the stone chariot. The main temple was dedicated to Vitthala a form of lord Krishna, while the chariot is actually a Garuda shrine. The road leading to the complex used to be a bazaar when the empire was in its prime. The remains are still seen when one is on the way to the temple. The pillars of the temple facing the stone chariot emit musical notes when tapped. Unfortunately certain people’s curiosity has damaged the pillars leading to a ban on tapping them. The Awe inspiring detailed sculpting leaves you in thought how would it have been achieved.

The Chariot Facing the Main Shrine

The Lotus Mahal which is one of the most notable structures in the Zenana enclosure is way different from the structures found in Hampi. A mix of Hindu and Islamic architecture, it is not dedicated to any deity and is not a typical stone structure but is made out of lime mortar and bricks. The two floored structure gets its name from the peculiar half open lotus bud shape. Probably it was a socializing place for the royal women of that era. A huge tree very close to it provides you ample shade to lie down on the lawn and gaze at the magnificence of the structure.

Lotus Mahal

Lost in its splendor I kept walking ahead and turned into the Elephant stables. This was literally the parking for Elephants. Eleven huge dome shaped structures, a few of which are interconnected and have hooks on the ceiling to tie down the elephants. Each compartment has an opening towards the back for the mahout to enter. The central compartment resembles temple like architecture while the others show predominant Islamic traits.

The Elephant Stables

                                                                                                                                                                             

Lord Hanumana at Ranga Temple

From this point on I just wandered out on a mud trail and reached Ranga temple known for its huge Craving of Lord Hanumana on a single stone slab.Usually people miss this because it’s a bit off the normal track. Walking on randomly towards another temple, I landed into the Pan Supari Bazaar. Yes that’s actually the name of a busy street which has found a place in an inscription by Devaraya II. The searing heat and humidity was getting to me; though it was overcast the humidity levels were extremely high and I had to keep myself well hydrated. After a brief pause I reached the temple I was heading towards, which happened to be on my list and one of the most important structures in Hampi.. The Hazara Rama Temple.

This structure is not really large in comparison to others in Hampi but the most striking feature here are the carvings on the exterior temple walls. It depicts the scenes from Ramayana, stories which are carved in long arrays which makes it the only temple of its kind in Hampi. What’s more important though, is the fact that this was the king’s personal temple or probably meant for the royal family. Paths from most of the important structures around the area lead to this temple showing its importance.

Hazara Rama Temple

Kings Court Stairs

After resting a bit at the temple I ventured out again to explore the area and kept walking down the road towards right which took me to the Kings Court or Durbar hall. This is one of the few elevated areas in the region which works as a vantage point to see the surroundings. It used to be a two storied structure as the steps leading to the top suggest. On the top platform one can find hundred sockets for pillars which supported the actual construction. Historians say they were made out of wood and were gutted during the invasion. This was the place where the king used to address his subjects and listen to their grievances. When I climbed up the stairs a chill ran through my spine just with the thought that how many times would the king  have climbed the very same stairs.

Kings Court

From the top when I looked around my eyes widened with amazement. What I saw left me spellbound because I was looking at the stepped tank which was a very recent discovery (1981). A tank which is 22 meters on its sides and 7 meters deep with five distinct tiers is one of the best examples of well thought out and planned architecture. A stone channel about a foot wide carried water to the tank using nothing but gravity from the river Tungabhadra in its prime. This was probably used by the royalty for religious purposes.

Pushkarni Near Kings Court

On the way back to the hotel I tried to go to the underground Shivalaya but unfortunately it was closed by then.  I ended my day on a note to come back again to cover the rest of the places I missed out on. Tired and sleepy I dozed off sine the next day was a travel to Ahiole and Badami…

To be continued..

The Journey

How to reach?

Closest Airport – Hubli ( 143 km), Flights from Bangalore, Hyderabad and indirect flights via Goa.

Train – Trains from Bangalore, Hyderabad and Goa which reach the closest destination to Hampi (Hospet) which is about 13 kms Away.It is the most preferred mode of transport since the tickets are not really expensive .Buses ply between Hospet and Hampi or you can take an auto. If taking an auto, first make it a point to decide the price with the auto driver.

Car

If traveling from Bangalore it’s at a distance of around 350 km. Travel on NH4 till Chitradurga then take a right turn on NH13 till Hospet. After Chitradurga the road conditions might deteriorate rapidly and most of the times you are bound to run into heavily loaded trucks on the route. It’s better to be safe and take a driver who can drive in these tricky conditions and knows the local language.

Bus

KSRTC buses operate daily from Bangalore, Gokarna and Mysore. From Hospet take a local bus to Hampi. Book your tickets well in advance since during peak season large numbers of travelers visit Hampi.

Getting Around in Hampi

Bicycles- The Art of bicycle trips organizes treks and bicycle tours for a group of people which includes breakfast and lunch along with sightseeing. You can get more information at www.artofbicycletrips.com 

Mopeds and motorcycles -Mopeds and motorcycles are available on rent for Rs. 150 to 200 excluding the fuel. Around 3 liters of fuel is sufficient to take you around for a day. (Rates might have changed)

One can rent a car with a driver for Rs. 1000 and over for one days sightseeing. Quite a few are available in Hospet if you ask around. (Rates might have changed)

Auto rickshaws are another option where you can make a deal for full day of sightseeing.

One can hire a guide for the full day after a bit of bargaining but is worth it since you get to know the history of this amazing place.

Where to stay

KSTDC hotel Mayura Bhuvaneshwari – It is very reasonably priced with all the required amenities with close access to major sights. Rates start from Rs. 1500 for double room. The food served is pretty decent with a good variety in vegetarian and non vegetarian cuisine. Always ask to check the room before taking it. The newly constructed rooms 400 onwards are a good option.

Virupapur Gadde or more popularly known as Hippie Island located on the other side of the river has a large concentration of guest houses and eateries.  The better known ones are Hotel Malligi in Hospet, Kiran Guest house, Shanti guest house, rolling stone home stay etc. Malligi and Kiran are higher amongst the rating with travelers. If you are looking for food with the stay it’s a good option to look for hotels rather than homestays since all will not have food option.

The most noticeable eateries in Hampi are The laughing Buddha, The Goan Corner and The Mango tree.

Major Attractions

Shri Virupaksha temple, Lotus Mahal, Elephant stables, Hazara Rama temple complex, The Vijaya  Vitthala Temple complex, The Zenana complex, Kings Court,The underground Shivalaya, The stepped water tank, Ugra Narasimha statue.

What to carry

When sightseeing most important is a bottle of water mixed with electral or any other rehydration mix.

A cap, dress in light cotton full sleeved dresses, Do not wear tight pants or jeans since there are long distances to walk. Wear shoes with good grip if you intend to climb up and down the surrounding stony areas.

If you are carrying eatables make sure you do not litter the place. Use dustbins to dispose off unwanted things.

Please do not drink or do drugs on the premises, it is a religious site which is highly regarded by people.

A pointer if you are a photographer, no tripods are allowed to shoot, so carry all your fast lenses with you to make the best of the light. Polarizer’s are a must to get the skies right. If you have wide angle lenses even better since it makes life a lot easier to take in the grandeur of the sites at Hampi.