The Self Critic Shutterbug

Av: F/7.1, Tv: 1/1000s, f:18mm

Equipment: Nikon D3000 with standard 18-55 VR lens.

This was shot at Chaweng Beach, Koh Samui island, Thailand. This is my first attempt at partial B&W editing. I dint even know how to use layers in GIMP until now.

Although I have learnt a few things now, I am not very pleased with the result, nor the procedure. I edit the RAW using RAW Therapee, then do this layers thing using GIMP, finally use Picasa to add my signature! Not sure whether I will try such editing again in the future.

Coming to the photo itself, I do like the lazy relaxed mood it gives, not to mention the memories it brings back

Tags: beach, layers, Partial B&W

Tv: 1/200s; Av: F/7.1; f:52mm

Processed using Raw Therapee.

I took a picture of this kid at Sarchu – which is the border between J&K and Himachal Pradesh. We were exiting Ladakh and I wanted to take this photo as a sort of souvenir – a parting gift for myself.

I wanted to retain the original color photo because it highlighted the endearing child’s pink cheeks (which is a feature of all children in the region). However, the B&W brought out the expression better – so I decided to go B&W.

I only wish I had gotten a better background – a more natural one. The tent and that other asbestos shelter (I don’t know what its called) kind of spoil an otherwise great snap.

Tags: B&W, child, Ladakh, portrait