Some real Pakistan, and my photography

Pakistani Fine Art Prints

2012-01-24T12:11:00.004+05:00

Dear Admirers, i am introducing range of fine art prints framed and shipped through out Pakistan. Size ranges from 10x15inch upto 20x30inch or larger depending on photograph.

If you are not in Pakistan, all you have to do is order print online from www.awaisyaqub.com which is printed and shipped from USA through Smugmug and Bayphoto.

For price and details email: awais@awaisyaqub.com or call +923455400315

The Walking tree printed and framed, standard frame style with boarder.

Photographers?

2011-11-19T11:59:00.001+05:00

Copied it from Facebook - credit-unknown
Interesting post about photographers and their behaviour, i am sure so many can relate themselves to this:

They rather hold their bulky camera, than hold hands with you.
On a romantic date, you’ll watch the sun go down and think “Wow this is gorgeous” and they’ll go “mirror lock, tripod, and stop down f/8 at 1/125.”
You’ll never be able to enjoy tv, movies, or magazines because they’ll point out all the visual flaws.
They like to sit in obscure coffee shop and voyeuristically watch people for great lengths of time.
If you’re taking a walk outside and you come across some “interesting light” they will make you sit/stand/pose in public so that they can take a photo.
You’ll never get to enjoy freshly cooked meals because they’ll spend 15 minutes taking 20 variations of the same dish with their iPhone.
They get angry when your friends go up to them and say “I am interested in photography, can you recommend a good camera for me? Nothing professional I just want to take pretty pictures.”
You’ll wait longer for them to finish analyzing art in a museum than you’ll wait at the dmv
Same goes with old used bookstores.
When you think they’re giving you their undivided attention, they’re really wondering how they could fix you with a little Clone Tool and Patch Tool.
Or they are actually using you to not look so creepy as they people watch everything going on around you.
They rather drop $1,000+ on new glass than a purse for you.
You can’t take a photo with them without taking at least five more.
If you ask them if you look fat, they’ll say “don’t worry I can photoshop you later.”
They’ll never photoshop something simple for you if the content is not up to their “standards.”
That photo they randomly took of you yesterday? Good luck getting them to send it to you.
They spend all their time on the computer (and not for porn.)
They can’t have a normal conversation with throwing acronyms and random numbers.
They still use film cameras.
They spend a lot of time with people cooler than you i.e. models, actors, musicians, successful rich people.
They’ll be fussy over the position of a common household object, like a coffee cup.
They won’t return your calls or text messages, but you can bet they’re still posting pics on Instagram.
They like watching old films that you’ve never heard or will ever understand.
They like looking at weird things in general.
Instead of having penis-envy, they have camera-gear-envy.
If there’s a natural disaster in a far away land, they’re already on a plane going over there.
Everything is watermarked.
They think everyone else’s photos suck.
They want to color correct a lot of scenes from Twilight and Jersey Shore.
They hate rainbows, especially ones spinning in a circle.
Whenever you’re in a group talking and the conversation goes deep, they’re taking notes in some form of Moleskin.
They use over priced Moleskin notebooks.
They like trespassing into old abandoned buildings filled with health hazards.
They always want to show a new photo they took, but don’t really care if you like it or not.
They hate your n00bie friend’s new artsy profile picture.
Bright, sunny days make them sad, but cloudy, overcast days are apparently great!
They’ll take you into places that have “culture” as well a high chance of getting mugged.
Your birthday present will be a portrait that they’ve taken of you.
You can’t go anywhere new without them stopping to take a photo of everything and anything.
They will always bug you to be a test subject.
Nothing can ever be naturally pretty, everything must be fixed in Photoshop.
Bringing their camera means, bringing 50lbs of equipment.
If you break any of their things on accident, you’ll owe them thousands of dollars.
You can’t get them a birthday/Christmas present without spending at least $500
They are natural hoarders, collecting and keeping piles of old newspapers, packaging, magazines, and other things that “inspire” them.
They are weird and geeky.
They have hard drives of photos, but probably have printed 10 images.
They are always secretly judging your creativity.
If you’re ever in auto mode, they laugh at you.
They orgasm every time they learn a new lighting technique.

Intellectual Property Violation by Hashoo Group / Marriott hotel Islamabad

2011-09-05T10:18:00.002+05:00

Ramadan is considered month of blessings, when people are close to God but unfortunately Hashoo group was upto something else! Totally disgraceful act of stealing image from my collection and use in Ramadan (2011) advertising campaigns of Marriott Hotel Islamabad, without payment or permission. But real tragedy is that non of the managers have touched Intellectual Property lessons ever. Lets see how they respond to request of payment. Hashoo group is one of the LARGEST Business groups in Pakistan.

Just look at list of sponsors, sad such a big business name is upto dirt cheap things! This also justifies use of dirty big watermarks on photos, viewers are complaining about.

Omer Hayat Palace

2011-09-01T00:11:00.002+05:00

umar hayyat, a photo by Awais Yaqub on Flickr.

Omer Hayat Palace is located in Chiniot, Punjab. Small city known for its beautiful wood furniture carving which attracts lots of interest from all over the world. Omer Hayat Palace is situated at heart of old city, massive structure stands proudly within narrow converging streets. Palace was built by Omer Hayat, Merchant from early 19th century, he created it with extreme devotion which is still evident from beautiful wood work and paint work all around palace, unfortunately Omer's son died as soon they moved into this palace in few years Mr and Mrs Omer also died and Palace was converted into orphanage, later top two stories caught fire and they were demolished, today (2011) library serves as tourists attraction and small public library.

More on www.AwaisYaqub.com
Images copyright Awais Yaqub

Canon 70-200 2.8 L IS II

2011-01-18T23:31:00.003+05:00

New Canon 70-200 2.8 L IS II

70-200 zoom range is considered a must have for any photographer, canon has 3 variants of this range: 70-200 f4, 70-200 f4 IS and the new 70-200 2.8 IS II. Since i moved to world of DSLR i greatly missed zoom lens of this range for landscapes, actions and portraits. After purchasing 100mm macro, i used it for macro and medium tele needs but fixed focal length and slow focus were main issues (still it is excellent lens for macro work!)

Shot through 5 feet away net and grill. Click for more and large images and exif

It was until launch of this new lens which grabbed attention of photographers, followed by excellent reviews. It is considered step ahead of discontinued 70-200 2.8 L IS mark1 in IQ and IS and price too (2400$)

I took it for a ride, and shot images at various settings, IQ and IS are awesome. I noticed sharp results at all focal lengths. IS saved a shot from being blur when shot at 1/20 at 160mm focal length, so i don't have to worry about keeping shutter speed as high as focal length to avoid hand shake blur.

1/20 at 168mm handheld. Click for more and large images and exif

If you have money and lust for flagship lens with excellent performance don't be afraid of spending extra $$$ on this lens. Buying a lens is long term investment. When i wanted to buy mark1 version (which is not as good as mark2) it was around 1500$ but slowly it ended up with 1800$ price tag in 3 years. Resale of canon L glass is great too.

To protect valuable glass i also purchased Hoya HD UV filter and had it on my lens all the time, and have not noticed any issue in picture quality, though i will test it properly later.

Pros:
Excellent Image quality
Range on crop sensor
Large aperture
4 stop Image Stabilization
Weather sealing
smooth rings
solid construction

Cons:
Weight
Price

Photographic review of 2010

2010-12-27T14:33:00.000+05:00

I have compiled my best photos from 2010, i hope you will like it. Click to enter gallery and order prints of your choice!

2010 is about to end

2010-12-19T10:55:00.002+05:00

I am busy at few things and hardly able to take time out for my blog, it is getting cold here in Pakistan, i went to a small town near Islamabad called Hazro to meet a friend and spent some time at the lake covered with mist. And i am also working on highlights of 2010, will put them up soon! so stay tuned

2nd International Muslim Art Exhibition 2010. IMAE2010

2010-11-26T17:28:00.000+05:00

Proudly announcing my participation in mega event to be held at New Orleans, USA. Check links for press release and details.

CNBC

Yahoo News

Herald Online

NEW ORLEANS, Nov. 23, 2010 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Zeitgeist Multi-disciplinary Arts Center hosts the 2nd International Muslim Artists Exhibition 2010 (IMAE2010) from November 26 – December 31, 2010 in conjunction with the 4th Annual New Orleans Middle East Film Festival. The opening reception is onNovember 26th at 6:00 P.M. The reception is free and open to the public.

The IMAE2010 features contemporary artwork created by 19 contemporary Muslim artists representing 5 countries: U.S.A., Egypt, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and New Zealand. Paintings, photographs, graphic designs, ceramic, installation and mixed media work are the mediums of the displayed work. More than 70% of the participants are female artists. Artists include:


1. Abdelrazek Eid (Egypt)	11. Mona Abdala (NJ, U.S.A.)
2. Ameena Khan (FL, U.S.A.)	12. Muhammad Ahmad (U.S.A. & Pakistan)
3. Awais Yaqub (Pakistan)	13. Nadia Janjua (MD, U.S.A.)
4. Ayesha Samadani (CA, U.S.A.)	14. Reem Hammad (CA, U.S.A.)
5. Haitham Eid (Egypt)	15. Salma Arastu (CA, U.S.A.)
6. Halide Salam (VA, U.S.A.)	16. Sama Wareh (CA, U.S.A.)
7. Huda Totonji (U.S.A. & Saudi Arabia)	17. Sophia Sattar (CA, U.S.A.)
8. Iman Hasan (OH, U.S.A.)	18. Suzanne Wingate (New Zealand)
9. Maece Seirafi (CA, U.S.A.)	19. Taslim Van Hattum (LA, U.S.A.)
10. Michael Klaus Schmidt (IL, U.S.A.)

"Prayer", a cooperative artwork between Cara Greco, a non-Muslim artist and Haitham Eid, a Muslim artist and the exhibit curator, will be on display. Haitham Eid said, "The IMAE2010 aims to serve as a bridge between cultures and to promote mutual understanding." Eid also added, "The IMAE2010 is a collective effort from the Muslim and non-Muslim communities in our beloved city of New Orleans to help rebuild the city and strengthen the ties among our citizens."

The IMAE2010 is sponsored by Zeitgeist Multidisciplinary Arts Center, International Muslimah Artists Networkand Baraka Institute. Rene Broussard, Executive Director of Zeitgeist said, "Zeitgeist Multi-disciplinary Arts Center is extremely proud and honored to present this international showcase of works by contemporary Muslim artists to coincide with the opening of our 4th Annual New Orleans Middle East Film Festival." Broussard added, "Together with the International Muslim Artists Exhibition, Zeitgeist hopes to provide a vital and unique venue, an oasis if you will, to celebrate art and culture and for discourse and understanding."

The exhibit catalogue can be purchased online www.imae.us

SOURCE Zeitgeist Multidisciplinary Arts Center

Buy 2011 Calendar "Forms of Nature"

2010-11-26T17:19:00.000+05:00

I have made a calendar using print on demand service, you can buy it online from RedBubble. Good thing is that you can choose starting month!

Click the link to buy 2011 "Forms of Nature" Only 28$

All gone

2010-11-21T00:26:00.005+05:00

Back to work after Eid al-adha.

Image © Awais Yaqub 2007 www.awaisyaqub.com

Kenny Belaey in Pakistan!

2010-10-08T22:02:00.000+05:00

Kenny Belaey aka Magician is in Pakistan these days. Today he performed at FAST university, Islamabad. I was fortunate to see him flying with bicycle. This is quite new thing in Pakistan, i guess. Anyways here are some photos i managed to take. I was restricted to move around as i was not official photographer.

The Legend! Image © Awais Yaqub | www.awaisyaqub.com

Kenny in mid air, cheerful crowd and brave girls. Image © Awais Yaqub | www.awaisyaqub.com

Making Waves

2010-10-06T09:56:00.001+05:00

Image © Awais Yaqub
visit: www.awaisyaqub.com

As soon as i posted this picture on my facebook page and website, some people asked me how i captured this difficult shot. First of all, it is not difficult shot, secondly, it is not what it seems. Though it looks like coins are falling from above, but infect they are only jumping continuously on vibrating surface of woofer speaker. I just placed white paper and coins on my speakers just above woofer cone, played deep bass track, in this case U2's "with or without you"

Technical Details:
Used Canon EOS-7D, AI Servo focus fixed to central part.
100mm f2.8 macro lens
Off camera 580ex2 fired from left with Lumiquest softbox
Shutter was around 1/200 and aperture f/8

Smiling Face from Flood hit Charsadda

2010-09-27T02:28:00.000+05:00

It is delightful to see people smiling regardless of agony of crises. I met this little boy at village named "Tangee" in charsadda, Kheyber Pakhtoon Khwan (NWFP). There was nothing left at village and there was shortage of water.

Image © Awais Yaqub, do not use without permission

Devastations of Flood in Pakistan

2010-09-27T02:11:00.000+05:00

Recent floods in Pakistan have destroyed agriculture industry of Pakistan, here are some photos my father took at one of agriculture research centers located in Pirsabak, Nowshera called CCRI. Records, infrastructure, machinery, fields are completely destroyed and stored commodities like seeds turned into mud.

My dad is not a photographer but works in agriculture field, he wanted me to put these photos on my blog so world could see the damage.

Shame on QTV ARY

2010-08-23T16:22:00.000+05:00

Well i would have used harsh words but the name of channel don't permit to do that. QTV or Quran TV stole one of my pictures for promos of their show aired during Sehri "Bazm-e-Sehar"

It is even shameful because QTV is part of largest media networks in Pakistan ARY, i am surprised they are spreading message of Islam by doing this silly stuff, this is not 1st time artist usually are found complaining about this sick attitude of media channels and newspapers in Pakistan.

Here is original

Now people should know why i heavily watermark my photos. Unfortunately i shot this picture few years back and uploaded this one without watermark.

Lowepro Flipside 400AW review

2010-08-03T01:38:00.003+05:00

Me and Flipside 400AW, photo credit: Khuram Naseer

After lots of wait and searching i ended up buying Flipside 400 AW from trusted Lowepro, sells new for around 140$, paid 100$ to an ebay seller for new, arrived in a week in very nice packing.

This is largest camera backpack in Flipside product range and only one that includes AW cover. Unique thing about this series is that they open from back of backpack, and allow you to change lenses without taking entire camera bag off which works amazingly well in field. I wish all backpacks were designed like that.

What it holds for me

Canon 7D+17-40L+ 83ej hood attached, 100mm Macro, Flash 580ex2, 50mm 1.8 + free room for more stuff

Tripod holder holds Feisol 3401 and Cullman 30nm Ballhead less than 2kg kit.

Extra T shirt, filter, wireless triggers, battery and other accessories in outer compartment

The Real Test Short after this bag arrived i went on trip to north of Pakistan (see link) from dusty to lush green rainy areas, Jeep travels on bumpy paths but this camera bag kept my all gear secure. I attached lots of stuff to this bag on this trip. As said very comfortable to change lenses without taking camera bag off, keeps harness clean when you have to take backpack off and work on ground. Thanks to its looks, back entry and small depth helps a lot in a crowded place.

The Good

Durable outer material
Comfortable, breathable on back
Don't look like a Camera bag
Secure back entry mechanism
Flipside works perfectly well, can do everything without taking it off!
Sliplock attachments are provided two on bag and 6 on waist belt.
Nice padding and dividers, and 3 memory card holders inside bag
All weather cover

The Bad

I wish tripod holder mechanism was little better, but it perfectly works if top straps are used to secure the Tripod but you lose carrying light jacket flexibility.
I hope Zippers were little more durable, like the ones found in some other series of Lowepro bags.
Chest strap is little flimsy but works.

And The Ugly No Metal D rings, big setback for me, i wanted to attach my DSLR to D rings when working to keep my neck comfortable. Wish it had a cover to protect harness and buckle when tucked away. No small pouch which comes with Lowepros.

Conclusion
Overall i am very happy with this bag and my companion for travel photography around Pakistan, few nits in "The Bad" part are really not deal breaker, I wish for improvements like metal D rings in upcoming models of Flipside.

PS: In above photo i attached sleeping mattress on top of rain coat and used shoelace tied with tripod head and bag's hand carrying holder to keep it secure and minimize movements as provided straps were attached to the rain coat. I had to attach so much stuff in emergency i don't think so i am going to use camera backpack like that frequently!

www.AwaisYaqub.com
www.facebook.com/ayphotos

+923455400315

Islamabad, Pakistan

My work at "The Photo Travelogue of Pakistan Exhibition"

2010-06-24T15:47:00.007+05:00

Some of my work (109 photos) is part of "The Photo Travelogue of Pakistan Exhibition" organized in relation to "All about Lifestyles" in Karachi at Expo Center. It will start on Firday June 25th till 27th June 2010, its a family only event and entry is free. If you want to buy any of the photos displayed in exhibition Contact me. Please share your thoughts about exhibition and photos if possible as i am not going to attend exhibition myself. Contact me using Contact Form, or Email me at awais@awaisyaqub.com call me 923455400315
I may not attend calls or reply to email till 2nd July as i will be away in northern areas shooting some beautiful landscapes of beautiful Pakistan!

Press Release from Dawn.com

KARACHI, June 24: The Dawn Media Group’s “All About Lifestyles Summer-2010” exhibition opens at 3pm on Friday at the Karachi Expo Centre.

The family-only event will continue on Saturday and Sunday from 11am to 10pm.
According to the organisers, the exhibition brings over 200 exhibitors of the finest brands and more than 300,000 visitors together every year.
Spread over six halls and the entire complex of the Expo Centre, this year’s event will have the added attraction of Faces & Places, a photographic exhibition displaying works by Tapu Javeri, Owais Yakub (Awais Yaqub correction), Imran Awan, Shah Murad and Zain Mankani, they said in a press release.

School Kills creativity

2010-06-13T03:25:00.002+05:00

This speech transfered me 14 years back when i was in 6th class... Drawing which was optional subject other one was "electricity"... i don't know what went through principal's mind he moved us to electricity and abolished drawing from school... and i still remember golden words of electricity teacher "This subject is worth more than drawing, electricity students always reach to the top and win good positions in board and even jobs if they cannot continue studies after 10th class"
Now (2010) my little bro seats in a class dedicated to below average students! and he never thought about studying because his whole class thinks same, i.e my friends failed and so do i, everything is fine... What a strategy to motivate students. Glad to see nothing is changed, managements are still dumb!
Management of Schools, University and College are just few dedicated to profit people who have nothing to do with better society they just create brain washed robots not a free human being, may be because of extremely unjust economic system in which people are tied.

Good News and the bad news from Kaghan Valley!

2010-06-08T00:47:00.000+05:00

I spent a day in Kaghan valley last week, away from heated Islamabad in order to relax it is so peaceful and so quiet there. That day i decided to walk up to the village, i came across ordinary village life: farmers working in fields, nomads looking after their herds and ladies working in their homes. After walking sometime i came across a beautiful house which belonged to some political leader or shah of kaghan. Walking little further lead me to a building which seemed to be ruins of some house, i approched it and discovered life in there. Surprisingly, it was building of school and kids were busy learning their lesson. There were approximately 40 kids sitting under those walls. Sadly, this building can claim lives of these innocent children anytime while politicians sit back and relax and NGOs enjoy their lavish new rides.

Good news: Kids are still willing to learn.

Winners of Blog Awards 2010 announced!

2010-05-29T13:13:00.000+05:00

Thanks for your support and encouragement, my blog got 1st place in photo blog category. More about Blog Awards and List of winners

Whats inside my Camera Bag!

2010-05-28T20:03:00.003+05:00

Lots of admirers ask me what kind of equipment i am using to take photographs. To be honest my gallery contains images shot with low end to high end cameras Sony point and shoot to Canon DSLR.

Following is the list of gear inside my bag (year 2010)
Canon EOS 7D 18 MP DSLR + extra battery
Canon 17-40 f4L lens
Canon 100mm 2.8 Macro Lens
Canon 580 Ex II Flash light
Wireless flash trgger and receiver set
Hoya Pro1 Polarizor 77mm
Feisol 3401 carbon fiber tripod
Cullmann 30nm Magnasite Ballhead
Lumiquest mini flash diffuser

Gear on Wish List
Lenses
Canon 70-200 f2.8 IS II
Canon 24-105 f4L IS
Camera body on wish list
5D mark II

Other stuff which i always carry with my camera gear
Rubber bands
Shopping bags large enough to put my bag into it incase of rain or dust storm
Head band to absorb sweat and keeps sweat out of camera viewfinder ( a must have and works wonders for sweaty people)

Bags: Lowepro Rezo 190AW Soulder and Crumpler 3800L Pretty boy, both require upgradation as they are my companions of old days when i had fewer and smaller stuff. Looking for camera backpack, if you know anything appropriate or looking to sponsor backpack throw me an email!

When i started photography in 2004
Sony DSC-W1 point and shoot camera which i still use.
2006
Moved to Sony DSC-H5 which i don't use anymore, it was excellent camera for macros, i covered my 1st professional assignment with this camera.
2007
Got Canon 400D DSLR with 50mm 1.8 lens and 18-55 kit lens, now Retired.

Multan, Khewra, Chiniot

2010-05-21T16:58:00.000+05:00

In 7 days i made a quick trip to 3 prime locations famous for hand crafted objects, Chiniot is known for its Wood carvings, Multan for Blue pottery, and Khewra for Salt mines and decoration pieces made of salt rocks.

Here is slideshow of photos i shot there, though i had very little time for photography but it was beautiful experience

Completely in support of idea to block Facebook

2010-05-20T07:23:00.001+05:00

As my ambition revolve around supporting cross culture interaction for better and peaceful world, unfortunatly the best platform of social networking has proved itself as largest hate monger on planet by supporting blasphemes pages and groups against religions, which is most sensitive issue for majority of world, in my view everyone belonging to whatever religion, creed, culture or country is respect worthy. Few individuals are trying to impose themselves on rights of Majority, so they are not acceptable for me, people should understand these few people for quick fame and $$$ act like terrorists with excuse of freedom to say what ever they want.

I officially declare to suspend my activities on facebook including ID, and Page on Facebook until Pakistani government allowes it, from now and onwards if someone wants to remain updated about my activities kindly visit this blog and my website frequently for latest updates.

May God bless our world with peace, harmony and guide us to the right path especially those irresponsible people trying to divide people in name of Freedom of speech.

thanks

Brief trip to Khewra Salt mines

2010-05-15T03:53:00.000+05:00

If i have to visit one place, that will take my breath away and i have only one day in hand i will visit Khewra Salt mines. I paid a trip to mines few days back and i am in love with them. There are some buildings around mines which date back to British rule time. They have done great job making it attraction for tourists but historic buildings are almost dead, you can buy soveniors and have drinks right inside of the mine, you can witness beautiful mosque, Minar-e-Pakistan made of salt, chandni chowk, lake saf-al-malook all inside one salt mine Tourists can buy souvenirs from shop locatewww.awaisyaqub.comd outside of salt mine. Salt mine is located at 2.5 hrs drive from Islamabad on beautiful motorway.

Spot AF and great detailed images - 1st day out with Canon EOS 7D

2010-03-27T00:06:00.002+05:00

Hats Off to Canon on producing such a responsive and accurate focusing system, these are my thoughts about Canon 7D after using it on my 1st trip out with it along with family. I tried shooting Indian Blue Peacock behind a fence, it had its feathers spread and i wanted to shoot it as such a colorful animal and such a detail in wings really look amazing, and who can resist from printing a very nice large print of dancing bird.

So i used normal focus spot to take a clear photo of bird, no luck. Here is the image it looks like

Check out the sharp fence that was around 6 feet away from me and bird was another 2 feet away inside the cage.

And here is image shot with Spot focusing enabled, Sharp image with excellent details. Eyes are slight back focus, but i think it works, absolutely no camera error but user error, i was using one shot AF and bird was conterminously moving.

The image was shot at 1/200, f2.8, ISO 250, Handheld, Canon 100mm 2.8 Macro non IS version.

And here is the final Processed Image. You can order print upto 20X30 from the gallery (click image)

See how use of wide open aperture (f2.8) along with 100mm focal length blurred the fence. It is slightly visible but image looks perfect for printing.

By Awais Yaqub, Images © Awais Yaqub 2010
Website