Awais Yaqub | Photographic Blog

Artwork of the Day, Salt Cave

2023-04-18T23:32:00.001+05:00

This dramatic photograph captures the haunting beauty of the world's largest salt mine, located in Khewra, Pakistan. The mine's history dates back to the troops of Alexander the Great, who are said to have discovered it over 2,000 years ago. The image shows a vast underground chamber, illuminated by an otherworldly light that seems to emanate from the walls themselves. The smoothed edges of the salt formations create a stark contrast against the deep shadows, and the overall effect is both eerie and mesmerizing. In the distance, you can see the faint outlines of other caverns, hinting at the vastness of this underground world. This photograph is a stunning reminder of the incredible natural wonders that can be found in even the most unexpected of places.

Order Print from Gallery Link: Salt Mine

f a cave can be hung in a variety of places depending on the style and theme of the space, as well as the size and type of the photo. Here are some ideas:

Living room: A large, high-quality photo of a cave could make a stunning focal point for a living room. It could be hung above a couch or fireplace, or on a large empty wall.
Bedroom: A smaller, more intimate photo of a cave could be hung in a bedroom. It could be part of a gallery wall or hung on its own above a bed or dresser.
Office: A photo of a cave could add a sense of depth and wonder to an office space. It could be hung behind a desk or on a wall with other nature-themed artwork.
Restaurant or hotel: A photo of a cave could be a great addition to a restaurant or hotel with a natural or adventurous theme. It could be hung in a lobby or dining area to create a sense of ambiance.
Gallery: If the photo is particularly artistic or unique, it could be hung in a gallery or exhibition space to showcase the beauty of the cave.

Ultimately, the choice of where to hang a photo of a cave will depend on personal preference, the style of the space, and the size and type of the photo. Order Print from Gallery Link: Salt Mine visit www.ayGallery.com to explore hundreds of technically perfected photographs by self representing artist, Awais Yaqub

Kathmandu Sunset

2017-06-12T12:37:00.000+05:00

Pashupatinath, Kathmandu Nepal 2017 from www.awaisyaqub.com

Fisherman at twilight

2017-06-12T12:16:00.001+05:00

Fisherman waiting for high tide so his boat sails in sea from www.awaisyaqub.com

2017-06-11T02:03:00.001+05:00

Sadhu from www.awaisyaqub.com

Think Tank CityWalker 10

2014-03-22T16:24:00.000+05:00

Think Tank CityWalker 10

My new solution to carry essential everyday photo gear: Canon 5D Mark 2, 17-40L 50mm 1.8 and flash along with other useful accessories. It replaces my Crumpler Pretty Boy which was smaller but i still like it.

Unlike traditional camera bags which i have seen, this one has very clean feel. Sound silencer is very innovative feature which is new to me. Remove ICU to convert it into regular shoulder bag. Nice smooth zippers and fine fabric, it comes with rain cover and strap has sturdy feel.

Wish: gear was little more secure from top when locked, very light fabric covers it from top and there is nothing between, so if i press at top with slightest force i can feel camera buttons.

Overall i liked it and it will serve me very well with my everyday photo walks, top quality materials great practicality (for my use) and i can understand Photographers built this bag.

I am trying to figure out what will i carry in it if am not bringing my camera

Use it to silence scratching velcro sound very helpful in silent venues

With Internal camera unit Phottix Mitros and 5dmk2. hight of ICU is same as mitros

tablet pocket

Pay through Paypal

2014-01-19T01:11:00.001+05:00

Smugmug.com enabled Paypal on checkout, Now you can buy prints from www.awaisyaqub.com and check out with paypal.

2013 in review

2013-12-31T22:00:00.002+05:00

2013 was pretty much straight forward

1: Beginning of Married Life

2: Less shooting and revisiting archives for prints

3: Visiting events as photography judge and handing over prizes! (when will i win one :s)

4: Office work in Nepal (click for complete gallery)

5: Office work in Mexico ( click for complete gallery)

6: Reworked my homepage www.awaisyaqub.com

7: street photography session with other passionate photographers (around 60 of them) in Rawalpindi

8: quick famility related trips to Gojra and Faisalabad (more in street and structures)

9: Quick trip to Istanbul ( Link to complete gallery)

Happy new year 2014

明けましておめでとうございます2014

2014新年快樂

feliz ano novo 2014

mutlu yeni yıl 2014

नव वर्ष 2014

سال نو مبارک 2014

sretna nova godina 2014

Gelukkig Nieuwjaar 2014

Hamingjusamur Nýtt Ár 2014

masaya bagong taon 2014

سنة جديدة سعيدة 2014

Šťastný Nový Rok 2014

feliz año nuevo 2014

Godt Nyttår 2014

felice anno nuovo 2014

Frohes neues Jahr 2014

heureuse nouvelle année 2014

gembira tahun baru 2014

used google translate for translation, errors correction accepted!

Photo tip#1

2013-12-12T23:05:00.001+05:00

Editing a photo in your favourite photo editing software? give rest to your eyes and come back after few minutes... still like it? keep it, hate it? rework, rest and come back until you like it!

Helpful particularly when editing colours or adjusting exposure.

Thought to share my personal experience in simple words their must be much more on internet

flower glory

2013-09-27T00:04:00.001+05:00

weekend visit to Murree

New looks of www.awaisyaqub.com

Kathmandu Nepal

2013-07-13T21:46:00.000+05:00

Photos from Kathmandu, Nepal. A beautiful place full of life, history beauty and wonderful people. do share this post with your friends in support of Nepali people.

Entering Kathmandu image © Awais Yaqub www.awaisyaqub.com

Football team in Godawari village © Awais Yaqub www.awaisyaqub.com

Godawari © Awais Yaqub www.awaisyaqub.com

Kathmandu birds eye view © Awais Yaqub www.awaisyaqub.com

Prayer Wheels © Awais Yaqub www.awaisyaqub.com

Monkey Temple © Awais Yaqub www.awaisyaqub.com

Godawari © Awais Yaqub www.awaisyaqub.com

Moneky temple © Awais Yaqub www.awaisyaqub.com

Shop keeper © Awais Yaqub www.awaisyaqub.com

Woman © Awais Yaqub www.awaisyaqub.com

Traffic controler © Awais Yaqub www.awaisyaqub.com

Rise field © Awais Yaqub www.awaisyaqub.com

Local © Awais Yaqub www.awaisyaqub.com

Old Nepali man © Awais Yaqub www.awaisyaqub.com

Old Nepali woman © Awais Yaqub www.awaisyaqub.com

In narrow old streets of nepal © Awais Yaqub www.awaisyaqub.com

Getting Married!

2012-12-14T16:08:00.002+05:00

Dear readers and admirers!

Lets see how my photographic perspective changes with this great event of life.

Lots of preparations and celebrations in coming week!

Published in Süddeutsche Zeitung Magazin December 2012 issue

2012-12-05T10:33:00.001+05:00

Hey guys my combine harvester pic published in 48th issue of Süddeutsche Zeitung Magazin, Germany
http://sz-magazin.sueddeutsche.de/texte/liste/h/201248

Rise and Shine

2012-11-23T15:09:00.000+05:00

Print Available

Sunflower Glory

2012-11-15T09:17:00.000+05:00

Buy Sunflower Glory print online

Art linked to improved health

2012-10-05T10:26:00.003+05:00

I have wondered about reason of photography and other arts, dance and singing may sound most tempting forms of art, what so good about a fine art print hanging on empty space? is it all about filling the space or it has an affect on health or any other positive aspects.

Here is interesting article i read on BBC, i would like to share with you. My experience says, i remain away from depression or work tension just because of my passion, the photography which allows me to explore nature and human wonders, keeps me satisfied.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-13501294

PS: i am not able to shoot much these days!

cheers

SmugMug Success Story

2012-08-14T00:30:00.000+05:00

Dear readers, SmugMug posted story on their official blog! here is the link

Thanks for support everyone!

Neelum Valley Kashmir

2012-07-30T11:05:00.000+05:00

I made a quick trip to Kashmir's Neelum valley. Kashmir is disputed region between India and Pakistan, only Pakistani nationals with ID can enter the region. However, other nationals need permission prior to arrival. Neelum valley is beautiful valley streching 140km along with Neelum river, valley runs parrallel to Kaghan valley, curvey road often comes across indian boarder areas, during bad days it is impossible to travel on this road.

We were able to travel till Taobat, which is last village of Neelum valley and the end of the road. From Taobat, adventure seekers and nomads continue on feet to enter glorious Gilgit Baltistan Region.

Narrow and bumpy road passes through forests enriched with Cedar Deodar trees and beautiful villages with amazing Kashmir style wooden houses, maize fields surround these villages. Each village has its own hydral electricity plant built on small waterfalls, just enough to light up around 50 houses. Ancient Budhist University is located at Sharda which suggest deep connection of region with rich historic background.

Click for full gallery: Neelum valley Kashmir on awaisyaqub.com
Preview of full gallery:

Click for full gallery: Neelum valley Kashmir on awaisyaqub.com

Click for full gallery: Neelum valley Kashmir on awaisyaqub.com

Click for full gallery: Neelum valley Kashmir on awaisyaqub.com

Click for full gallery: Neelum valley Kashmir on awaisyaqub.com!

Click for full gallery: Neelum valley Kashmir on awaisyaqub.com

Click for full gallery: Neelum valley Kashmir on awaisyaqub.com

Click for full gallery: Neelum valley Kashmir on awaisyaqub.com

Click for full gallery: Neelum valley Kashmir on awaisyaqub.com

Click for full gallery: Neelum valley Kashmir on awaisyaqub.com

Click for full gallery: Neelum valley Kashmir on awaisyaqub.com

Abstract from Mosque

2012-07-02T11:15:00.001+05:00

You can buy this image and many more from following link
http://awais.smugmug.com/buy/8660270_TvV663/

Rush Hour in Turkey

2012-03-08T12:37:00.000+05:00

Here are some photos from my quick trip to Turkey, mainly Istanbul and few photos from Ankara. Turkey is amazing country with great history, people and food. I found lots of similarities between Turkish and Pakistani culture especially language. I fell in love with as soon as i entered the city it is great combination of modern and traditional.

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!