The Self Critic Shutterbug

Av: F/5.6; Tv: 1/60(0.017)s; f: 55mm(35mm equivalent – 338mm); ISO: 200; Metering mode : Matrix

One would think this photo was taken in a remote village; while actually, it was taken in a fun park I visited recently. Pot making was offered as one of the attractions at that place & as I was passing by the place, I just flicked my camera into the Black and White setting and took a couple of shots; one a telephoto and this one I zoomed in to focus on the work going on. I did not have to resort to too much Post Processing – just a little a minute tweak to the levels and a frame did the job.
What I like about this photo -

• The centre pot and the pot-making process in focus; with the wheel in a motion-blur grabs the attention in a very nice way.

• The sharpness and the cripness of the photo is another point in favour.

Improvements I would like -

• To take the photo to another level, the photo must capture the natural pottery with the pot-maker in the frame.

• In this photo, a clearer or plain background without the people would have been better.

• With regards to angling, I would also like to try another shot with a flatter angle – ie. sitting at the level of the photo and taking a shot.

Tags: Black & White, pot, pot-making, pottery

Av: F/5.7; Tv: 1/60s; f: 55mm; ISO: 200; Metering mode : Center-weighted average

I took this photo on a train journey. In a way, it captures the essence of the Indian Railways – It’s affordability, it’s connectivity and it’s service rendered to all the masses.
What I like about this photo is the lighting on the photo with a gentle, yet solid gradient between light and dark. Also, there is a definite sense of motion in this photo because of the motion blur (evident through the window) achieved.
Another thing which pleased me was the amount of sharpness in this photo. The way the beard is in focus is a joy to watch, for me.

Improvements in this photo -
In the dark areas, if I could have brought out a bit more details of his outline, it would’ve clearly defined the subject in focus.

I would’ve liked to take more photos in this kind of lighting with the subject awake. It would make for some interesting photos.

PS – In my free time, I’m trying to work a bit on a logo and signature for my photos. Here is the first version of it. Awaiting your feedbacks on it.

Tags: old man, railways, sleeping, train, train journey, travel