"Abhivyakti" : Expression Through Photography

-Photo Feature- Tungnath A Place with Versatility of Features

2013-05-07T19:44:00.001-07:00

-Photo Feature-

Tungnath

A Place with Versatility of Features

Mr. Anup Sah of Nainital, Uttarakhand (India) is a well known photo-artist, mountaineer and a trekker. He has been a contributor for our blog since its inception. This time he is before us with a photo feature on Tungnath region of northern hilly tract of India.

-Dr. Pankaj Sharma

“Tungnath region is located in District Chamoli of Uttarakhand, India. This region is one of the most beautiful places of Uttarakhand. The Echo System of Tungnath is very unique. The entire area is extremely rich in Himalayan flora and fauna. Beautiful rhododendron forests and rich wildlife including Himalayan Thar and Monal Pheasant make this area worth visiting. Moreover a variety of birds (of both, the high and the low altitude) are found here and thus this place is a paradise for bird watchers. The “Tungnath” temple of this region is known as the highest Temple of Lord Shiva (3680 metre). Chandrashilla, the highest hill top of Uttarakhand (4000 metre), lies here.”

Best month to visit this area: April.

Route 1: Delhi-Rishikesh-Rudrapriyag-Ukhimath and Chopta.

Route.2:.Delhi-Kathgodam-Ranikhet-Chaukhutia-Adibadri-Karanpriyag-Gopeshwar-Mandal-Chopta.

There is motor-able route up to Chopta.

-Anup Sah

Learning: Travel Photography Tips

2013-04-21T00:35:00.001-07:00

-Learning-

Travel Photography Tips

Visiting beautiful places is the passion of human beings. Many people often click gorgeous places but a very few succeed in making excellent photographs. With a few points in our consideration we can achieve desirable images.

1. Appropriate equipments:

* SLR Camera.

* One standard zoom (such as, 18-55 mm, 18-70 mm or 18-135 mm)

* One telephoto zoom (such as 70-200 mm or 70-300 mm).

If SLR camera is not within our capacity, a suitable digital compact or prosumer camera can help us nicely.

* A firm tripod to prevent camera shake during low light conditions

2. Good knowledge of the Key Characteristics* of the Particular Place:

We should have a good knowledge of the flora and fauna, geographical features, historical background, people and their culture of a particular place. This will help us to photograph that place judicially.

3. Portraying of the Places in Their True Form:

Our aim should be to photograph the places in their true form with above mentioned characteristics. * We have to avoid any manipulation in representation.

4. Photographing in Early Morning or Late Evening Light:

The use of one-sided and soft light of early morning and late evening helps us to find gentle images with vivid colours and fine details.

5. Story Telling Value:

If a photograph conveys some story, it is always appreciated.

6. Great Depth of Field:

Depth makes a photograph dynamic. For this purpose we should use a small aperture (32, 22, 16, and 11). We can set the shutter speed of camera accordingly. If we have a digital compact camera, landscape mode will dish up our purpose.

7. Good Composition:

* Our composition should be simple

* So many objects are be neglected. We have to concentrate on one or limited objects.

* Disturbing elements (like, electric poles/wires, discarded items etc.) are to be avoided

* Place the human beings or a man made structure (like hut or temple) a little away from the center. This will add balance to the picture.

* Tight Composition is to be kept away. Openness in the frame is commendable.

* Leading lines play a dramatic role in a photograph. We can find such lines in the form of roads, rail tracks, rows of the trees, fencings etc. These lines lead our vision into the frame or from one point to another. In addition leading lines boost rhythm in a picture.

* Coordination between the subjects is another vital factor of an image. If they do not coordinate with each other, the photograph loses charm.

* The feel of rhythm is an important part of a good photograph. This can be created by balanced arrangement of the subjects.

* Horizon of the scene should be straight.

* There should be a freshness of approach in our composition.

8. Keeping Extra and Fully-Charged Camera-Batteries:

This helps out evading disappointment during crisis.

9. Care of Camera:

As our camera is very important during a trip; we have to take extra care of the camera. A small negligence can harm it.

- Dr. Pankaj Sharma

-Event- 2nd National Photo Awards, 2011-2012 (India)

2013-04-06T06:37:00.000-07:00

-Event-

2^nd National Photo Awards, 2011-2012 (India)

The 2nd National Photo Awards, 2011-2012 were given away on 28 March 2013 at Vigyan Bhavan, New Delhi by Photo Division, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Government of India to the eminent photo artists of India for their outstanding work in the field of art photography. The awards were conferred by Mrs. Meira Kumar, the Speaker of the Lok Sabha. Mr. Manish Tewari, Minister of State (Independent Charge) - Information and Broadcasting, Govt. of India presided over the function.
These prestigious awards were given in three categories; Life Time, Professional and Amateur.

The award winners for different categories are:

• Lifetime Achievement Award Recipients –

(1) Mr. Pranlal Patel, (2) Mr. T.N.A. Perumal and

(3) Mr. T.S. Nagarajan

• Best Professional Photographer of the Year 2011-12 –

Mr. Salil Bera

• Professional Photographer of the Year 2011-12 on “Green India Environmental Stories” -

Dr. Pankaj Sharma

• Professional Photographer of the Year 2011-12 in Open Category –

Mr. Anil Risal Singh

• Special Mention Awards (Professional) –

Mr. Anand Patel, Mr. Atul Choubey, Mr. Shib Narayan Acharya, Mr. Kailash Soni, Mr. Vinod Gajjar, Mr. Chetan Soni, Mr. Dilip Lokre, Mr. Kailash Mittal, Mr. Sanat Kumar Sinha and Mr. Shankar Mondal

• Best Amateur Photographer of the Year 2011-12 –

Mr. Subhash Jirange

• Best Amateur Photographer of the Year 2011-12 on “Life and Landscape of India”-

Mr. Sudip Roychoudhury

• Best Amateur Photographer of the Year 2011-12 on “Fine Arts” –

Mr. Debashish Ghosh Ray

• Special Mention Awards (Amateur) category-

Mr. Asis Kumar Sanyal, Mr. Joydeep Mukherjee, Mr. Manish Bhatnagar, Mr. Debashis Tarafder, Mr. Sirsendu Gayen, Mr. Subhrajit Basu, Mr. Dhrumil Desai, Mr. Subir Kumar Dutta, Mr. Ganesh Shankar and Mr. Rajesh Joshi

(Information Courtesy: Mr. Debatosh Sengupta, Director- Photo Division, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Govt. Of India)

"Photo Feature" : Bhagoria: The Festival of Love, Life and Colours

2013-03-23T23:26:00.000-07:00

-Photo Feature-

Bhagoria:

The Festival of Love, Life and Colours

India is rich in varied customs. Diverse cultural and traditional activities can be observed in different parts of the country. Bhagoria is one of them. Bhagoria is a festival of love, life, music and colors. It carves a special niche amongst the tribal people of Madhya Pradesh. Mr. Kailash Mittal of Indore is before us with a photo feature about this event.

-Dr. Pankaj Sharma

“Bhagoria is a tribal festival of Nimad and Jhabua regions of Madhya Pradesh, India. This is a trademark celebration of the Bhils and Bhillalas. It is believed that the people of the village, “Bhagor” of District Jhabua started celebrating this festival many years back. Thus this is known as Bhagoria.

The festival marks the onset of the spring season and falls a few days before the festival of colours, i.e., Holi every year. This unique festival can be witnessed at its peak on the Gujarat-Rajasthan border of Madhya Pradesh. The celebration starts with the tribal music and dance. The tribal people are an important part of Madhya Pradesh and contribute a lot to the culture of the state. It is a sparkling occasion, accompanied by singing, dancing and drunken revelry. Bhagoria is one of the most entertaining tribal festivals where young boys and girls are permitted to choose their partners. A number of shops equipped with local items add to the charm of this occasion. Varied means of amusement, especially for children, are also available during this festivity. ”

-Kailash Mittal, Indore

“Obituary” Tribute to an Exceptional Photo-Artist Balbir Singh, IIPC Diamond

2013-03-11T07:54:00.001-07:00

“Obituary”

Tribute to an Exceptional Photo-Artist

Balbir Singh, IIPC Diamond

Balbir Singh (Nainital, India), a courageous photo-artist, passed away on 11^th March, 2013 in Patiala, where he was admitted in a hospital for treatment. Balbir Singh was ill for past few months.

Born in 1956, Balbir Singh was fond of photography since his school days. Unfortunately he had a hard-hitting time in 1976 when his both legs were paralysed due to a problem in spinal cord. This incident brought him under deep grief, and his passion for photography was left far behind. He struggled hard and at last conquered over his depressed life. As a result of his honest attempts, he got job in State Bank of India in 1983. This boosted his courage. Now he decided to breathe life into his hobby, i.e. photography. However, this was not so easy due to his physical immobility. He finally got a three-wheeled scooter. This added wings to his passion. Now his camera became his companion and he never looked back. He did not take halt in his voyage of art till the last days of his life.

He achieved a number of awards and recognitions for his art works. His photographs were displayed in numerous shows in different cities of India. The images clicked by him got wide appreciation.

A few years back I had to go to Nainital to judge a photography contest. He was among the organizers of this event. Unfortunately his mother passed away a few days before this event. During our telephonic conversation he said, “The passing away of my mother is a natural phenomena. The schedule of contest's judging should not be postponed ….The show must go on……….” His words doubled my respect for him.

We salute him for his valuable contribution in the field of art-photography. He will always be remembered for his indomitable courage and his true love for art-photography. May his noble soul rest in peace.

--Dr. Pankaj Sharma

- Profile - A Man with Perfection of Vision: Digwas G.H

2013-02-23T07:34:00.000-08:00

- Profile -

A Man with Perfection of Vision: Digwas G.H

Born and raised in Sirsi of Karnataka State of India, Mr. Digwas G. H is a photo artist with unique aesthetic sense. He was in love with nature, travelling and exploring new places since his student life. Initially photography wasn't his passion. He firstly took camera just to click his daughter's pictures and to capture lovely memories of his life. As time passed, he got more and more involved into photography and gradually it became his passion. Mr. Digwas started spending much of his time with nature and this gave him true enjoyment. He clicked pretty images during his conversations with nature. His close friend, Mr. Prakash Hegde, who himself is a good photo artist, admired his work at all times. Later he came in touch of top photo-artists, like, Mr. M. S. Hebbar, Mr. A. G. Lakshminarayana and Mr. K. S. Rajaram who encouraged his efforts and suggested him to exhibit his pictures in art exhibitions. This boosted his guts and now his never-ending flight of art started. Soon he got mastery over capturing nature and human life. He has good command over artistic composition and dramatic use of light. The pictures clicked by him attract at first sight. He has a number of laurels to his credit.

--Dr. Pankaj Sharma

Dashboard : "My Pride, My Flag"

2013-02-09T05:36:00.000-08:00

-Dashboard-

"My Pride, My Flag"

The National Flag has a very respectful position for the citizens of any country. They value it more than anything else. This time I am before you with a photograph, “My Pride, My Flag”. I clicked this image on the occasion of India’s 64^th Republic Day, 26^th January-2013. I was in my office premises and was waiting for the moment when Indian National Flag was to be hoisted. Suddenly I noticed one of my colleagues with Tri Colour flag in his hands. The way he was holding the flag, fascinated me deeply. There seemed a true sentiment of patriotism in his posture. Furthermore his Khadi-Jacket added to the feel of Indian Nationalism. I requested him to allow me for taking some photographs and he happily agreed. I clicked a few frames.
Later, while editing-process, I concentrated on the hands with flag in order to get an unusual image. In fact the hands seemed to speak more in comparison of facial expressions. My fellow photo-artists also liked this composition and their positive feedback motivated me to share this image with you.

I used a Canon Powershot, A-580 compact camera.

--Dr. Pankaj Sharma

My View : Respect Our Heritage

2013-01-26T06:08:00.000-08:00

-My View-

Respect Our Heritage

The pride of a country resides in its glorious heritage. The noble deeds and valuable thoughts of our ancestors; our precious customs and traditions; literature; art and architecture and a variety of other cultural aspects, altogether form our heritage. This is the duty of every citizen to preserve this legacy. Besides our fundamental rights, there are 10 Fundamental duties in our constitution that the citizens of India are expected to perform. Among them the one is “to value and preserve the rich heritage of our composite culture”.

Unfortunately, many people never seem to be serious towards their fundamental duties. Here the example of glorious historical buildings can be discussed. Our country has a good number of splendid historical buildings almost in every part. Many of them are under the patronage of government. These valued constructions are center of attraction for Indian and foreign tourists. Various such buildings contribute as the identity of our country.

We feel disheartened to notice that some rowdy people mark sleeveless writings or sketches on the walls of such precious buildings. This act not only disgraces the charm of such structure but put a spot of shame on the face of our culture. This ill practice is to be stopped. In my opinion there are two ways to prevent this act. First is to inculcate the awareness among the students towards their heritage since primary level of education. Second is to implement the laws strictly in order to protect the historical buildings against such sick practices. These structures must be kept under thorough observation. If someone is found guilty, he/she must be charged with heavy penalty on the spot.

Above all, this is our duty as well to educate the children in our families regarding the importance of our heritage.

--Dr. Pankaj Sharma

--Profile-- A Brilliant Nature Photographer: Mohan Gidwani

2013-01-12T03:11:00.000-08:00

--Profile--

A Brilliant Nature Photographer: Mohan Gidwani

Born in 1959 in a family of century old confectioners of Delhi (India), “Chaina Ram Sindhi Confectioners”, Mohan Gidwani graduated from Delhi University and engaged in his family business.

In most of the cases a person has inclination towards arts since his/her childhood days. The same was with Mohan Gidwani. He possessed creative bend of mind since his childhood days. He used to observe the art works of the great masters in the magazines and during the art exhibitions thoroughly . The images clicked by them touched his soul and motivated him to step into the realm of art. Gradually photography became his obsession. Mohan Gidwani is a nature lover and he prefers to capture the nature at its best. He believes that photography is a journey of the soul which accompanies an artist throughout his life. Gidwani says, “After so many years of my involvement in creative field, I find photography not as an art only but an integral part of my life. Photography has been a driving “Passion” for me. He further adds, “This art-form is the uttermost medium of expression. This is just like a “Window” to look into the beautiful picturesque world.”

Gidwani loves simplicity in the images, and thus tries to keep his creations away from complexity. His nature shots take us into a fantastic world at first sight.

He has won more than 400 Awards and Certificates of Merit, and has over 1400 of his works exhibited in International and National photographic Salons.

The India International Photographic Council has honoured him with prestigious Associateship Honour and Diamond Grading. A good number of his photographs have been published in reputed magazines and catalogues.

--Dr. Pankaj Sharma

Dashboard : “Chrysanthemum in Shower”

2012-12-29T04:47:00.001-08:00

- Dashboard -

“Chrysanthemum in Shower”

Sometimes luck favors us and as a result we get unusual photographs. This time I am before you with such image. I was on a shoot of Chrysanthemum flowers in the garden of a reputed school of Bareilly, i.e., GRM School. I, along with my few friends was invited there by the director of the school to photograph the pretty flowers. This orange-colour Chrysanthemum drew my attention due to its shape. I decided to capture it. I rested my camera on tripod, put a black background behind the flower and composed the image. The sun light was touching the petals from slight behind. However flower looked a bit dry. Therefore I requested the gardener to shower a little amount of water over flower through spray gun so that it may look fresh. He started doing this gently, and this was a chance that I looked at the flower through the view finder at the same time. I was surprised to see the prospect. The shower against the dark background was adding drama to the scene. I, without delay clicked a few frames. This is one of them.

I used a Nikon D-90 camera with a Tamron 70-300 mm lens to click this image. The aperture was fixed at f-8 and the shutter speed was 1/1250 sec. ISO was set at 250.

Concluding words:

1. We should always use tripod while clicking flowers.

2. Use of dark background helps the flower to emerge out strongly.

3. We should use small aperture in order to get all parts of flower in focus.

4. Shower of water seems dramatic against dark background and particularly when the sun light is coming from behind/little behind.

(I’m thankful to my friend, Mr. Rajesh Agarwal-Jolly for giving me the opportunity of photographing the flowers in his school’s garden)

--Dr. Pankaj Sharma

My View -- Significant Places: Surroudings Matter

2012-12-14T07:05:00.001-08:00

-My View-

...

Significant Places:

Surroudings Matter

Our country is rich in so many important places. We feel disappointed when we watch disturbing objects, such as electric wires and poles around such places. These objects ruin the beauty of the place and on the other hand hinder our visualization. Here is an example of Anasakti Ashram of Kausani (Uttarakhand). This is a calm and valued place where Mahatma Gandhi spent his some days and wrote his commentary of “Anashkti Yog”. I witnessed disturbing electric wires and poles at this place which could not be avoided while clicking this photograph. Later I removed these objects in photo editing software and the image looked quite different. I have done this with the aim of giving a message - if concerned authority had placed these wires somewhere else, I would have enjoyed being at this place with a different feel. Although the value of any such place lies in its historical importance, the beautiful surrounding of the place is equally important.

--Dr. Pankaj Sharma

- Photo Feature - “Horses Compete at Chaubari”

2012-12-01T05:47:00.000-08:00

- Photo Feature -

Horses Compete at Chaubari

Kartik Poornima is a holy occasion for Hindus in India. According to the Hindu Mythology this is considered to be the day of Lord Shiva, Lord Brahma, Lord Vishnu, Lord Angira and Lord Sun. There is a tradition to take bath in the holy river, Ganga on this particular day. This festival is celebrated at Chaubari Village of District Bareilly of Western U.P (India) annually at grand level. This village is situated very close to the river Ramganga. A big fair takes place at Chaubari on the occasion of Kartik Poornima. A number of activities take place in this fair. Horse race is one of them. In fact this race is a type of demonstration of the ability of horses. The horse-sellers come to this fair from different parts of the region. They try their best to show the skills of their horses. The buyers watch the race attentively and the horses which are found best are sold at high prices. Like previous years, this year also the fair was organised with enthusiasm. Horse-race was the center of attraction for visitors.

(The images of this event, presented here, were taken with a Nikon D-90 camera at shutter speed priority mode (at 1/1000 sec.). The lens was 18-105 mm (Nikon). ISO of the camera was set at 500.)

--Dr. Pankaj Sharma

“Extra Ordinaries” A Man of Indomitable Will Power : Balbir Singh

2012-11-17T04:09:00.002-08:00

“Extra Ordinaries”

A Man of Indomitable Will Power

Balbir Singh

Balbir Singh of Nainital (India) is a symbolic of courage. In spite of being physically disabled he has created history by achieving the chief rank in photography, the “Diamond Grade”. The India International Photographic Council, Delhi has honoured him with this rank for completing 1000 acceptances in national and international contests of photography. This success is the outcome of his true dedication and hard work.

Born in 1956, Balbir Singh was fond of photography since his school days. Unfortunately he had a hard-hitting time in 1976 when his both legs were paralysed due to a problem in spinal cord. This incident brought him under deep grief, and his passion for photography was left far behind. He struggled hard and at last conquered over his depressed life. As a result of his honest attempts, he got job in State Bank of India in 1983. This boosted his courage. Now he decided to breathe life into his hobby, i.e. photography. However, this was not so easy due to his physical immobility. He finally got a three-wheeled scooter. This added wings to his passion. Now his camera became his companion and he never looked back. The pictures clicked by him fascinate the art-lovers at first sight.

He has a number of awards and recognitions to his credit. He has organised numerous shows of his photographs and his art works have been appreciated widely. He is constantly involved in his obsession and never wants to take halt in his endless voyage of art.

He believes in the famous saying, “The show must go on…”

We salute him for his valuable contribution in the field of art-photography. At the same time he deserves many congratulations for his recent success, the “Diamond Grade” Honour. May God bless him with many such achievements in future.

--Dr. Pankaj Sharma

--Learning-- Creating Portraits in Window Light

2012-10-27T04:32:00.000-07:00

--Learning--

Creating Portraits in Window Light

Portrait photography is an important art-field. With the change in time, there are new techniques and well equipped studios which help us clicking the attractive portraits. But exclusive setups are not within the reach of every photo-artist. One can click good portraits in the soft light of a window with limited resources also, as our vision is higher than any other thing. With a few points in our brain, we can prepare good portraits:

1. Our subject should look comfortable with spontaneous expressions.

2. A good D SLR Camera with a mid-range zoom lens (such as 18-70 mm or 18-105 mm) is good for our purpose. We have to avoid taking portraits at the wide angle of our lens. The focal length between 70 mm to 100 mm will be perfect. Moreover the lenses with fixed focal lengths, like 85 mm or 100 mm are ideal for portraits.
If we lack D SLR Camera, a compact camera can also serve our purpose. The portrait mode of compact cameras is very useful in taking pretty images.

3. We should photograph the subject during morning or evening in order to get soft light of window.

4. The one sided use of light will present the subject with good depth and mood. We have to manage our subject in such a way that a small portion of light may create a soft triangular shape on the other side of the face (below the eye). If the light is at around 45 degree to the subject, this will help causing the triangle of light under the eye of the subject. If the other side of the face looks too gloomy, we can use the sheet of a white paper or thermocol to provide fill light to the dark areas. But the fill light should always be lesser than the key light. Furthermore, we should pose our model at such angle which may help him/her to have catch-light in his/her eyes.

5. The background plays a vital role. Colour of the background should not be very fast. A dull-colour is always appreciated. In nutshell, background should never dominate the main subject.

6. Positioning our camera at the eye level of subject is advisable. However, we can create some different pictures with a change in view point.

7. The slight wide opening of aperture is generally useful. This keeps the background blurred and as a result our subject looks much lively and prominent.

8. We should always focus at the eyes of the subject.

9. Use of a tripod is always advisable to avoid camera shake and to get sharp images.

Concluding words: Above mentioned points are just basic guidelines; the aesthetic sense of a photo-artist is the key to achieve stunning portraits.

--Dr. Pankaj Sharma

--Profile-- Love for Places and People -- ABHIJIT DHARMADHIKARI

2012-10-13T05:39:00.000-07:00

--Profile--
Love for Places and People
ABHIJIT DHARMADHIKARI

Abhijit Dharmadhikari is a resident of Mumbai. He is a ‘serious amateur’ in photography and likes to capture city life and especially the people. In his last year of Engineering, his parents gifted him a Canon AE-1 film camera and since then, photography enthralled him.

During his college days, he did an introduction course of photography with Mr. Fakhruddin Motiwala, and after a few years did another course at The Photographic Society of India (PSI) under the guidance of Mr. Kishore Jothady; who truly developed deep love for black & white photography in him.

He likes to shoot landscapes, cityscapes, monuments, silhouettes…but his heart truly savors shooting people. He is fascinated by the sheer diversity of people and culture of India. Capturing strangers’ faces of different cultures is like self-exploration for him; which involves communicating with people and building a good rapport with them before clicking. That’s something very challenging! Portraits, full of life, created by legendary photographer, Mr. K.G.Maheshwari inspire him a lot.

He remembers reading a quote by Henri Cartier Bresson, "Your first ten thousand photographs are your worst!” Believing this and taking into consideration his inadequate experience, he says that he is yet to be born on the arena of photography. According to him he has a long-long way to go!

-- Dr. Pankaj Sharma

--Dashboard-- "Throw of Joy"

2012-09-30T07:07:00.003-07:00

--Dashboard--

"Throw of Joy"

Friends,

This time I am before you with a photograph, “Throw of Joy”. It was one fine evening with pleasing patches of clouds in sky. I was on a terrace and noticed these children playing with their balls. They were repeatedly throwing the balls towards sky and then catching them back. This act seemed to give them unlimited joy. I found an opportunity to get a nice shot. I managed to click with a low view point so that the mood of children and the throw of ball could be captured in a dramatic way. I went close to these children and sat on my knees. I pointed my camera towards them and asked them to make a few throws of balls for me. They, very happily, agreed and repeated their act. I continuously clicked and finally got a satisfactory shot which is before you. A Canon Powershot, A-580 compact camera was used to take this photograph with KIDS & PETS option. Since I was clicking the act of children by going extremely close to them, the camera’s lens was set at wide end. This resulted into a dramatic effect.

While shooting such shots we should keep some points in our mind:

(1) We should choose an unusual view point to add extraordinary effects in our pictures. (2) We have to apply a high shutter speed in order to capture the moment perfectly (if we are using a SLR camera). If we are having a compact camera, sports mode or kids/pets mode are useful. (3) We should aim at portraying the true feelings of human beings. (4) We have to be very careful for the safety of our camera. A small negligence can damage our equipment.

-- Dr. Pankaj Sharma

Profile --- In Love With Surrealism: Swarnendu Ghosh

2012-09-15T01:26:00.026-07:00

"Profile"

-In Love With Surrealism- Swarnendu Ghosh

Born in Berhampore, (district Murshidabad, West Bengal-India), Swarnendu Ghosh AFIAP, FFIP, is associated with a well known IT services company as a software engineer. Swarnendu is a human being with an inventive taste. He keeps himself busy in giving shape to his imaginations through his camera and editing tools during the moments of leisure. He captures the subjects through the lens and then treats them with his mind's eye, compassion, love and sentiments. He is currently working on dark-surreal photography which is a combination of Dark Art and Surrealism.

He has got numerous acceptances and awards in photography competitions worldwide. His recent achievement is U.P State Lalit Kala Academy Award.

He is currently residing in Kolkata – the city of joy. His wife, Rudrita is also a passionate photo-artist.

Beside photography, Swarnendu takes interest in listening to music and doing painting. He loves folk music of countries around the world. This music inspires him to paint and to make surreal images.

According to Swarnendu, “Poets express their views through poetry and so writers through their writings. I love to express my philosophy towards life through art-photography. For me, photography is not only a medium to capture a moment of life but also a very strong medium to express my inner mind.”

--Dr. Pankaj Sharma

Event - “6th IIPC World Photography Day Annual Photo Contest-2012”

2012-09-01T01:51:00.019-07:00

--Event--

“6^thIIPC World Photography Day Annual Photo Contest-2012”

Photography is accepted as an important branch of fine art globally. India International Photographic Council’s contribution to encourage this form of art has always been admirable. The organisation’s ‘World Photography-Day Annual Photo Contest’ is an occasion that gives opportunity to the photography lovers to share and polish their talent.

Similar to previous years, this year also the response of participants towards this contest was quite encouraging. A total of 512 entries from 38 participants from different parts of the country were received in five categories, namely B/W Pictorial, Colour Pictorial, Nature, Photo Journalism and Photo Travel. The entries covered a series of subjects. Out of total entries, 158 photographs got acceptances, 05 photographs received awards and 15 photographs got Certificates of Merit. The award winners are:

(1). Mr. G. Jaya Siva Rama Rao (Lakkavaram, Andhra Pradesh) for “Finishing Touch” (B/W Pictorial Section).

(2). Mr. V. K. R. S. Sarma (Nedunuru, Andhra Pradesh) for “Playing Cart” (Colour Pictorial Section).

(3). Mr. Satpal Singh (Lakhimpur Kheri, U.P) for “In Trap of Death” (Nature Section).

(4). Mr. T. Srinivasa Reddy (Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh) for “Irresponsible” (Photo Journalism Section).

(5). Mr. Vaibhav Jaguste (Thane, Maharashtra) for “Leh Monestry” (Photo Travel Section).

Dr. Pankaj Sharma, AIIPC, FFIP, IIPC Platinum, Mr. Bijan Das, LIIPC Mr. Deepak Ghosh, LIIPC, Mr. Gopal Sharma and Dr. Kamran Khan, LIIPC were Jury Members.

--Dr. Pankaj Sharma (Contest Chairman)

“Finishing Touch” By Mr. G. Jaya Siva Rama Rao, Lakkavaram - (Award--B/W Pictorial Section)

“Playing Cart” By Mr. V. K. R. S. Sarma, Nedunuru, - (Award--Colour Pictorial Section)

“In Trap of Death” By Mr. Satpal Singh, Lakhimpur Kheri - (Award--Nature Section)

“Irresponsible” By Mr. T. Srinivasa Reddy, Vijayawada - (Award--Photo Journalism Section)

“Leh Monestry” By Mr. Vaibhav Jaguste, Thane- (Award--Photo Travel Section)

Judging in Progress

Why do we celebrate 19th August as “World Photography Day”

2012-08-18T20:53:00.007-07:00

Why do we celebrate

19th August as

“World Photography Day”

19th August is celebrated as "World Photography Day" all over the world every year. Most of us await the day with great enthusiasm and rejoice this day by organizing photo exhibitions, competitions, lectures, workshops, seminars etc. But a very few of us know why 19th August is celebrated as World Photography day. In fact the first announcement of a photograph was made on 19th August, 1839 in France. Francois Arago, 25^th Prime Minister of France, on 19th August, 1839, gave a presentation to the French Academie des Sciences and Academie des Beaux Arts, which described Daguerre’s process of photography (Louis-Jacques-Mandé Daguerre was a French artist and physicist. He is recognized for his invention of the daguerreotype process of photography. He is known as one of the fathers of photography). Arago discussed its evaluation, predicted its brilliant future and offered its free use to the world (PSA Journal article, January-1989, 150 Years of Photography, By: Mr. George. E. Helmke, FPSA). In this way, the details of photography process were made public.

The India International Photographic Council (IIPC), New Delhi, under the guidance of its founder, Mr. O. P. Sharma, the world famous pictorial photographer of India, contacted many distinguished photographic luminaries, important ones in the field of photography art and photographic organisations of different countries to set a day to be celebrated as World Photography Day every year. The response was very satisfactory and the proposal was accepted in different countries. India International Photographic Council started celebrating World Photography Day 19^th August from 1991. Since then, 19^th August is observed as World Photography Day all through the world annually.

-----Dr. Pankaj Sharma

2012-08-11T10:04:00.019-07:00

"Great Masters"

With Purity of Vision

B. K. Agrawal

Friends,

Born on 15^th February, 1955 at Bolangir, Orissa (India) in a business family, Mr. B. K. Agrawal had deep interest in different games and yoga in his childhood days. His fell in love with photography at the tender age of twelve when his brother gifted him a Kodak box camera. His eternal journey of creativity started step by step with Click III, Billy Record, Yashica Mat, Minolta SRT 303, and finally Nikon. Very soon he built up his own vision to observe the creations of God. He was interested in portraits and figure study since beginning. With his hard working tendency he established his identity as a master of these branches. He portrays human beings with originality of approach. His clicks seem pure, fresh and spontaneous.

Mr. Agrawal has so far 800 acceptances and more than 100 awards in different National and International salons of art-photography. India International Photographic Council has honoured him with most coveted Fellowship (FIIPC) in the year 1999 in Fashion and advertisement section. Academy of Visual Media, New Delhi has honoured him with Life Time Achievement Award in 2007.

He has conducted many fashion photography workshops in different parts of India. He has been a trainer for studio lighting for Companies like Kodak Limited. He is a gracious human being and feels himself in high spirits while helping the art-lovers. His style of educating is so impulsive and effective that even a beginner can easily understand the concepts of art.

Presently he resides in Visakhapatnam and looks his family business in Automobile tyres and tubes.

--Dr. Pankaj Sharma

Dashboard : "On The Way To Munsiyari"

2012-07-28T02:02:00.010-07:00

"Dashboard"

On The Way to Munsiyari

Friends,

This time I am before you with a photograph, “On the Way to Munsiyari”. I was on a trip to Munsiyari (Uttarakhand, India) during the winters of 2011. This is a scenic place of North India. We can enjoy the amazing sight of magnificent Panchchuli Peaks from here. This was an evening when I passed through a small village. I watched a lady with a small girl at one side of the road. They were with a few containers, most likely for bringing water. A heavy vehicle, a moment ago, had passed speedily from the place. As a result, the dust rose in atmosphere. The sun light passing through the dust and falling on a particular portion of the land created magic. Furthermore, the greenery around the place and the house in background added charm to the scene. I used a Nikon D-90 camera with 18-105 mm lens to capture this moment. The aperture was 5.6 and the shutter speed was 1/200 sec. ISO was set at 200.

--Dr. Pankaj Sharma

My View : Camera Verses Vision

2012-07-14T01:00:00.004-07:00

“My View”

Camera Verses Vision

Friends,

Creativity is the inborn quality of human beings. Man has given birth to various visual arts due to his innovative taste. To express the inner thoughts in artistic way, there is always a need of some tools or medium. A painter gives shape to his thoughts through different colours, brush and canvas. A sculptor carves a piece of stone through some instruments. Likewise a photo-artist needs a camera and other equipments to make a picture. A few art lovers (particularly beginners) think that a tool (camera) is the assurance of getting excellent pictures. They are right to an extent. Here we will have to consider two aspects, the technical and the aesthetical. No doubt, a high end camera is essential for a technically perfect image. So far the aesthetical aspect is concerned; this is the vision of an artist which results into an artistically perfect photograph. At this point the example of a writer is worth mentioning. A good pen is off course a requirement to record the thoughts of a writer; however this is the vision of that author which results into a good composition. The same is with the art of photography. We can never ignore the importance of a good camera in order to get finest images but vision is always higher than any equipment. Swedish painter and photographer, O. G. Rejlander has rightly said, “It is the mind of the artist, and not the nature of his materials, which makes his production a work of art.”

--Dr. Pankaj Sharma

"On Project" : Delight of Flowers

2012-06-30T01:13:00.015-07:00

“On Project”

Delight of Flowers

Friends,

Based in Nainital (India), Vineeta Yashswi is an emerging photo-artist. She has been very much inclined towards travelling, trekking and climbing since her childhood days. The desire of capturing different places took birth in her heart quite obviously during her expeditions. Vineeta captures the places in their totality, including people, flora and fauna. We have seen her perfection as a travel photographer previously (December-2011 post). This time she is before us with a few images of pretty flowers of her region. She believes in the simplicity of composition and her view appears well in her photographs.

-Dr. Pankaj Sharma

Profile: Desirous for Creativity: Sateja Rajwade

2012-06-16T02:08:00.023-07:00

Celebrating 3^rd Anniversary

“Profile”

Desirous for Creativity: Sateja Rajwade

Friends,

Sateja Rajwade (Thane, Maharashtra, India) works in a structural consultancy named Actrina Consulting Engg. Pvt. Ltd. She prepares architectural, civil and structural drawings of commercial, industrial and institutional buildings in her nature of work. Since Sateja has been in a creative field where one can develop an eye to visualize the frame of a structure, she obviously has deep inclination towards arts. Photography is her passion. She finds herself very fortunate to be the first lady member of the Foto Circle Society (A group of amateur as well as professional photographers) based in Thane. She regularly participates in reputed photography contests and has a number of awards to her credit. She has taken part in different group exhibitions of photography till date. Sateja always contributes in art-activities with great zeal and dedication. Her main interests are architectural and nature photography. She loves to shoot portraits as well.

Apart from photography, Sateja feels affection for music and travelling.

--Dr. Pankaj Sharma

2012-06-01T02:28:00.034-07:00

“Abhivyakti: Expression Through Photography”

--3rd Anniversary--

Friends,

...I feel delighted to share that our blog, “Abhivyakti: Expression through Photography”, has completed three years of its journey and is witnessing its 3rd anniversary. This blog was commenced in the year 2009, with the goal of imparting the knowledge of photography art among the art lovers through various sections, like LEARNING, GREAT MASTERS, PHOTO FEATURE, STORY BEHING THE PICTURE, PROFILE, YOUTH GALLERY, etc. Afterwards, ON PROJECT and DASHBOARD sections were also added to give expansion to our mission. Furthermore we tried to give important information of major events of photography through Abhivyakti.

The success of a blog depends entirely on the readers and followers. They work as the strength of any such platform. I cheerfully admit that a number of refined readers from India and abroad (Denmark, Chile-South America, Brazil, Turkey, Slovenia, UK, Germany etc.) have attached with our blog. Their precious alliance and unbiased suggestions have helped improving the quality of the contents. I’m thankful to all the readers and followers. I assure that I’ll always try my best for the advantage of art lovers in future through “Abhivyakti”.
Many of the readers and well wishers have sent their messages and wishes on the occasion of our blog’s 3^rd Anniversary. Please have a glimpse.

.--Dr. Pankaj Sharma.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

“Abhivyakti: Expression through Photography” (pankajsharmaphotography.blogspot.com) completes three years of circulation in the internet in June, 2012. In this short time, it has made a nostalgic bond with thousands of enthusiasts, art lovers, established photo artists and amateurs from every nook and corner of the world. It is heartening to see that even school going children are following it intently and sharing their views with the blogger. The field is no more a men’s paradise; women have also made their presence felt.

Let me share with you a few facts about this blog. On an average 55 posts are blogged in a year, which are viewed by a staggering 14,163 persons around the world in more than 11 countries. Amongst the foreign countries, Slovenia, U.S. and Russia top the list of audience or viewers. There are 140 signed in members of this blog.

Hundreds of excellent images are shared in this blog last year. To name a few, I can recall the Harbin Ice and Snow Festival of China, Kambala Sports (Karnataka), Snow Fall in Shimla, Fishing in Goa, etc. In the learning section, photographing landscapes, shooting flowers in window light, etc., were highly appreciated by the audience. The blog is no more a space for entertainment; people have started citing it in their bio data and in the interviews as well. What else a blogger can vouch for?

I congratulate Dr. Pankaj Sharma on the “third (and counting) anniversary” of his blog and my best wishes.

--Dr. Anup Ranjan Mishra, Bareilly

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

Dear Doctor:

Hearty congratulations!

Wish continued success in your endeavors.

Regards,

K.G.Maheshwari, Mumbai (India).

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Dear Pankaj Ji,

You are doing a great service to Indian Photography through your Blog "Abhivyakti". You have given an educative platform to advanced artists to show their work and to beginners to learn from them. I extend my heartfelt Good Wishes for the progress of "Abhivyakti". May I suggest you to give at least one small article with few pictures or diagrams on any photographic subject from expert artist in your Blog once in a month. Thanks

With Best Wishes,

Shivji Joshi

Jodhpur –Rajasthan-India

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Best wishes.......

From,

Virendra Singh-Jamshedpur

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Hi Pankaj,

Congratulations for celebrating the 3rd Anniversary.

God Luck and regards,

S. S Sharma- Delhi

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

First, I'll take it as my Honor to wish your blog a Happy Anniversary. After wishing, I’ll say that this is the time to say thanks to you for maintaining such a beautiful blog which is very useful for travel photographers.
Keep (y) our blog inspiring the people like us who want to prove "something" in the field of art- photography.

Voleti Ravi Kumar, Tenali (Andhra Pradesh-India)

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Dear Dr. Pankaj Ji,

Please Accept my "Many Many Happy Returns of the Day"
on your Baby Abhivyakti: Expression Through Photography's 3^rd Birthday....... :)
It gives me immense pleasure to wish "Happy Birthday" to Abhivyakti on its Birthday.
With Best Wishes,

Regards,

Vinay Parelkar - Mumbai (India)

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Many many congratulations...

Vineeta Yashaswi-Nanital

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Congratulations Dr. Pankaj Sharma Sir, on successful completion of 03 years of your blog, "Abhivyakti". Hope it will continue forever so we all will be in touch of each other and people like us will learn a lot out of it. Wish you 'best of luck' for future. As a token of love I am sending an image of bird for you.

Regards,

Prof. Dinesh Sharma

Mumbai (India)

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I believe, Dr. Pankaj Sharma possesses a magic wand in his one hand, besides the camera in the other. He named it – Abhivyakti: Expression through Photography (http://www.pankajsharmaphotography.blogspot.in/) and waved his scepter over 170 photographers. Every week one budding photographer was introduced in the blog in an unprecedented manner. The way the photographer, along with his major photographs we reported for the last 03 years, is most commendable and ideal. The versatility of Dr. Sharma, being evident in his multi-dimensional blog, inspires me to initiate something in different lines. The achievements of the fellow photographers are also standing tall to motivate. The photographers of the country put their aplomb on major parts of the globe. The international awards to Indians in photography prove that India has emerged to be the new capital of shooting. Looking forward for the similar efforts from Dr. Pankaj Sharma. I further wish his endeavors of introducing new photographers through his blog be prosperous in the years to come.

T. Srinivasa Reddy, FIIPC, FFIP, FPSS, ARPS,

Photo Journalist-Vijayawada

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Dear Dr. Pankaj Ji,

I heartily Congratulate you on the completion of the 04 years of your Blog ; "ABHIVYAKTI : Expression through Photography". Though there are many blogs on Photography on the Internet, "ABHIVYAKTI" is the most informative and the most followed blog with national and international followers.

This is all because of the time and efforts put by you in nourishing and nurturing the blog by all novel ideas.

We have been able to see the works of great photo artists as well as the new and upcoming photographers in "ABHIVYAKTI".

All my best wishes are with you. May "ABHIVYAKTI" remain on the internet and in the hearts of all the Photographers all over the world.

Best regards.

Tilak Haria (Mumbai)

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Pankaj Ji.... Jai ho.

Best wishes from,

Kailash Mittal – Indore (India)

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Dear Pankaj Ji,

It is a great pleasure to know that our blog is successfully stepping ahead in fourth year. It is indeed a proud for every photo artist. Your blog has given many masters, amateurs etc. a precious space to give precise exposure to their work and talent. Thank you very much for giving us opportunity to exhibit our images on this blog. May we have many anniversaries of our blog in coming future… J

All the best…. HAPPY BIRTHDAY

I also wish all the photo friends a Happy Clicking.

Let the whole world be happy.

Yours truly:

Chandan D. N. Gaonkar (LIIPC.IIPC Bronze) - Goa – India

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Dear Dr. Sharma,

I am overjoyed to learn that your ever popular blog "Abhivyakti: Expression Through Photography" will soon be completing 3 years. As I have often stressed, during this period you have offered most invaluable, selfless and precious guidance to photo artists from all walks of life and of all levels - beginners, serious as well as advanced. You have also brought to fore some of the most talented but somehow hidden gems who would have still remained hidden but for your encouragement. I most heartily congratulate you on achieving this milestone and wish you all the success for your future journey. On this happy occasion I would also like to make a humble suggestion to publish in your blog a few examples of masterly work from stalwarts like M/s. E. Hanumanth Rao, Anil Risal Singh, Sudhir Saxena, S. Nagaraj, C. Rajgopal, Allama Prabhu, Bhupesh Little, O. P. Sharma, Amitabh Sil, Waman Thakre, Mitter Bedi, R. R. Bharadwaj, Benu Sen, Dr. G. Thomas to name just a few. Most of the present day generation of photographers may not have even heard of them. God no more makes photographers like them and I am sure the youngsters will benefit immensely by studying their work.
I am attaching a photograph I had shot in the US which I hope you will like.

Kishore B. Jothady, Hon. PSI, APSI- Mumbai

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

It’s an honor for me to contribute to a photography blog which has so much popularity and goodwill among many photographers across the country. Hope my contributions are helpful in a manner which lets the blog site grow and become better every day. I will be contributing more photographs on stronger themes once I get a little free from my professional work load.

Thank You,

Regards,

Amartya Sen

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Congratulation Dr. Sharma Ji.....
Wishing you many more blog anniversaries and looking forward to all your lovely posts.
I wish you....
New Hopes
New Dreams.....
New Aspirations.....
New Opportunities....
and New Joys...

Samir M. Mohite,
APSI,FFIP,AIIPC,IIPC Platinum, AFIAP
Jt. Hon. Secretary, PSI, Mumbai

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Respected Dr. Uncle,

I am Kunal Singh, Class 9th student from steel city Jamshedpur. Virendra Singh, the renowned photo-artist, is my bade-Papa and he is inspiring, guiding & grooming me for my passion of Photography. I got a small pocket Canon camera some time back. Uncle I visit your Blog regularly and find it very educative for a beginner like me.
I even tell my friends about this blog.
I am forwarding my good wishes for your great Blog.

With Kind regards,

Kunal Singh, Jamshedpur

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Dear Pankaj Ji,

It is indeed my pleasure to know that your blog is completing 03 years of its existence. Please accept my heartiest congratulations on successful completion of this journey and may god shower his blessings on you in the years to come.

I am sharing with you one of my images which was published in the 75th Anniversary book of the Photographic Society of America (PSA).

Warmest Regards,

Sincerely,

Dinesh Pagaria
Udaipur-313001 Rajasthan

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Dear Dr. Pankaj,

It is matter of great pleasure that Abhivyakti has completed three years. It has been a wonderful journey for all of us, particularly for the beginners who need little bit of direction. We are happy that under your able guidance many of these beginners have achieved their goal.

I wish you and Abhivyakti to continue its journey with more and more success.

Best wishes once again.

Anjini Prakash Laitu-Dubai.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Dear Pankaj Ji

On this auspicious occasion of 3^rd Anniversary of "Abhivyakti" Expression Through Photography” I Congratulate you and hope this blog will continue to share more and more pieces of art among its lovers .It is a privilege for all the photographers that your blog publishes some good works of photography by you and others as well. The person, who visits the blog, gets a view of different expressions from different angles through the photographs of different photographers. I wish you best of luck for successful future and do continue the good work.

Akhil Hardia, Indore

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Dear Sir,

My best wishes for Abhivyakti.

Regards,

Satpal Singh, Lakhimpur