H|S photography

Anyone for Bird Watching on a Budget at a Nature Reserve

2017-02-15T23:58:00.000-08:00

Part of this review and a picture got printed in Khaleej Times

If you are looking for something different to do with your family and that too with in the budget then Wasit Wetland Center is perfect for you. I found about the facility on trip advisor and the idea of nature reserve converted to an aviary / learning center grabbed my attention.

Wasit Wetand center is a facility built around wasit nature reserve, which is home to almost 60 species of coastal resident and migratory birds.I am really glad that Sharjah government took the initiative to not only develop and preserve the area but also use this as an opportunity for the public to experience and learn about local fauna as well.

Getting to the place is very easy as its situated almost on E311 located somewhat at the border of Ajman and Sharjah. It is available on google maps as well so finding it is not an issue. It took only 19 minutes from Ajman but even if you come from Dubai, I dont think it would be a hassle provided you are not coming during rush hours.

At the entrance there was drive thru ticket counter, from there you enter into a small parking area. We reached there around 3:30 , Weather was perfect and at the ticket section we were informed that closing time is 5:15 pm.

Based on my experience my expectation were different. I was expecting one or two observation decks in the area for bird watching. But to my surprise this facility is divided into 2 sections. One is a small golf carts safari through the reserve and other being the Aviaries just incase you don’t see much through safari ( which is usually the case with me )

From drive thru ticket counter you get to parking lot. Parking area was small but considering the frequency of visitor I believe was ok as we got parking easily on a weekend. At parking area golf carts were available to take us around the wetlands. Throughout the wetlands there were nicely hidden observation decks where you could stop for bird watching. Our guide was a friendly person from Attock Pakistan, who patiently answered all my Moms questions and requests to stop at different points for pictures. He told us that there are Deers in the area as well but this was the first trip since morning where he hasn’t spotted any Deers. May be it had to do with the timings we went there or my luck as I usually never find animals on safaris. It was a very pleasant 20 mins drive through the area. we made only 1 stop on the main observation deck at the lake.

To our disappointed apart from couple of flamingoes going through mud and at the lake we did not spot much of the birds. Someone rightly said, 'Birding is a lottery, some days you see nothing but others are magic’.

Overall a very pleasant ride through relatively greener patches of wetlands.

After Safari we moved to the Aviaries. Again the facility exceeded my expectation. These Aviaries were designed to perfection. The complex was partially underground and that made the bird watching experience easy as most of the birds were roaming at your sight level.

There were four covered aviaries and an open lagoon. Each section had couple of different birds group together to give a more natural feel . It was a small facility but very informative. I enjoyed going through the information given throughout the facility in form of charts /pictures on the wall and also in form of fun interactive kids games . I especially loved the big UAE Map with all bird and animal sanctuaries/nature reserves highlighted. Never knew this Middle East desert has such a rich mix of Fauna throughout. The look and feel was very modern and temperature inside was perfectly controlled, something I personally struggle with closed facilities like this. The design of the center made bird watching fun and a treat for aspiring photographers like me. One cannot tell through the photographs that these birds are enclosed in Aviaries, thanks to the unusual approach of using tent and net rather than cages for the enclosures and creative landscaping to create a more natural environment with in the enclosures.

There was also a small cafeteria with the view of lagoon . Trust me watching pelicans go around the lagoon while having coffee at the cafeteria works like therapy.

I would also like to mention that I haven’t seen such a rich mix of interesting birds in my life in one place.

It took us around 1 and half hour through the whole center.

There were couple of interesting elements that I believe will be available soon like

Aviary walk: There were gate with sign saying Aviary Walk opening into the enclosures making it possible to actually see the birds through partially underground walk ways.

On foot safari: I believe one can roam through the main reserve area of approx. 4 km on foot as well but this was not allowed at the moment.

There was a gift shop with opening soon sign as well.

Overall a very interesting and fun trip considering that my 1 and half year old son and my 55+ mom both enjoyed it equally and for the price of just 15 dirhams it felt almost free. Highly recommended if you like the look of excitement on your family and have a passion to see or in my case photograph rare birds.

Sharjah Aquarium - Review

2016-07-25T01:52:00.004-07:00

Last weekend we wanted to do something different, with in budget, in doors and with less driving involved. Usually one can only think of movies or bowling when it comes to above mentioned conditions but with not having any interesting films and too much of bowling, my search on trip advisor landed me on Sharjah Aquarium.

Been to Dubai Mall and Aquarium in Atlantis Palm Jumeirah we were reluctant at first, thinking what new can this place offer?

With only 30 minutes drive from Ajman and affordable ticket price of 25 dirham coupled with additional access to maritime museum we agreed to visit. I must say we were surprised.

Considering Sharjah traffic I wasn’t sure when to leave but as facility only opens from 4 to 9 so we left from home at around 6. To our relief we did not find any traffic. Parking area was small but I guess considering the visitors frequency is enough as we easily found parking close to the entrance.

The complex was modern and had maritime museum and aquarium both on the location. Due to hot weather we couldn’t explore the open area of the complex which had some interesting wooden boats/dhows at display and we head straight to the Aquarium entrance.

Considering Friday evening I was surprised to find no line at the ticket counter. Entrance to Aquarium was nicely designed with life size models of ocean life suspended from the roof, including a whale shark model, such attention-grabbing elements are really important for such facilities as they set the mood of the tour and also ensure that visitors have enough to discuss while touring and talk about later.

Flow of the facility was unique in a way that it lets you view the same fish display setup in two different ways, one from the surface of the water and second through tunnels. Over all interior decoration and ambience were designed using local elements like watch towers, wooden boats etc. giving it a very Emirati feel. Lighting was dim and appropriate through out the tunnels and then very well lit with walls adorned with beautiful painting on the surface area of the water. Smaller displays were also named after famous dive sights making one wonder if they actually tried to create the actual sight or it’s just a smart way to educate guests. Another effort to engage guests was “did you know” notes on the walls and touch screen information panels randomly placed through out.

Tour starts with the water surface view of sharks display from there one descent down towards the tunnel, passing by smaller displays of sea stars, sea horses and smaller fish. First stop is again the glass view of the sharks and then from there you get to tunnel that goes through the main aquarium section which house all the main species apart from sharks. Main section has all the usual fish species along with rays, groupers etc. From here you walk through smaller displays having species like eels, lobsters etc. and get to first floor again. Here you get to the surface view area of the main aquarium display section which is also the last attraction of the tour. Whole tour takes up to 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes. Unfortunately Maritime museum was closed for renovation so we couldn’t visit that but I guess once its open the tour time will go up by another 1 hours.

Ocean Pollution awareness display

I never realized that watching sea life through surface of the water could be this interesting as well; best moment was to see a big sea turtle surfacing to breath and then disappearing back in to the water (I wish I had my Nikon with me). One tends to miss out on these details as surface viewing is not available in aquariums usually.

I also liked the education aspect of the facility, for example at the end of the tour there was a display depicting sea pollutions caused by humans. The display was a regular fish aquarium but instead of fish it had pollutants such as empty soda bottles, ropes etc.

Gift Shop- My son liked couple of things

Apart from above there was a smaller glass walk way over the surface of main display, standard group photo facility at the entrance which can be bought at the exit (priced at 50 Dirham), a decent café and very well priced gift shop, making it a complete experience.

Considering price, species diversity, accessibility and facility flow this Aquarium has taken top rank in our list of Aquariums with in UAE and is highly recommended especially for photographers and families.

:-) Sorry for bad quality of pictures, next time will take my equipment with me.

Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque - Review

2016-05-15T06:33:00.000-07:00

Today I am going to review Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque , one of my favorite place in Abu Dhabi.

Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in first look seems like a modern fusion of Taj Mahal Agra with Badshahi Mosque Lahore, both built by Mughal rulers.

I have been to the Grand Mosque couple of times, both in the day time and in the evening. Drive from Dubai is decent not very long, but if you are planning to visit from northern emirates then I will suggest to plan a stopover in between, still the drive is not bad.

As soon as Abu Dhabi starts one can’t help but notice increased frequency of mosques on both sides of the road and all of them seemed to be inspired in one way or the other from the Grand mosque. This seems like visitors are being prepared for the Grand Mosque visit as some sort of grand finale.

Getting to the Grand Mosque complex is easy and the pin is available on Google maps. The drive in fact can be enjoyable (if fun for you consists of picking up dates while parked on hard shoulder or having tea from a gas station)

Grand Mosque complex consists of mosque in the center surrounded by very geometrical gardens, Domes layout and floor plan is inspired by Badshahi mosque with three main prominent domes on top of prayer hall, four classic Arab design oriented minarets on each corner of the mosque, Moorish style arcades on three sides of the mosque connected to prayer hall on the fourth side. There are pools along the arcades which reflect mosque spectacular columns. There is also a library, underground car parking and ablution facility. The white exterior of Mosque gives the impression of Taj Mahal Agra.

At the Grand Mosque complex there is ample parking. If you are visiting in winter then visiting in day time is fine otherwise I will suggest you to visit in the evenings, as walk from the parking to the mosque gate and then to the prayer hall is pretty much with out any shade. Well that’s the only drawback in design from tourist perspective because if they put temporary shades then it will affect the esthetics of the place and there is no space in design kept for trees etc. but its not a major issue if you really have to visit in summer day time then simply get a cap or an umbrella and a small bottle of water should be ok.

There is a strict dress code so no shorts or sleeveless tops even for men but don’t worry , the temp veils or Arabic long attires are available on the spot. Posing for pictures in the mosque is strictly monitored and required to be decent inline with the respect a mosque deserves. This reminds me you should check out why Rihanna was politely asked to leave the mosque.

There are timing for visit and guided tours are also available, for which it is suggested to check website for schedule as it changes frequently.

Personally I will prefer night time as the mosque displays another side with lighting and pool reflections.

Now coming back to the Mosque, columns in the arcade are quite unique with top comprising of golden date leaf top with lower part of white with floral patterns made with colorful stones. Domes in the arcade and main gate at night are beautifully lit from inside with blue color further glorifying the patterns/calligraphy inside; don’t miss to check those out.

From main gate you step right in to big courtyard in the center of the mosque where whole floor has also been design with the same floral patterns made of stone.

There are three prayer halls, two reserved at all times for prayer(1 for male and other for female) and are simple compared to the main hall. Main hall is in the center and is main attraction/reserved for tours.

Basically the whole tour is designed in a way that from main gate you get to the main prayer while walking through the court yard and you leave your shoes on the shoe stands outside the main prayer hall. From there you enter through classic arched electric glass doors(first ever I have seen in a Mosque) in to a small hall which is without carpet and is all white with walls fully covered with same stone floral designs. There is a very fancy crystal chandelier here, you walk through here following a path defined by temporary airport type fence and enter the main prayer hall.

Main Prayer hall is a work of art, it feels like some one has doodle floral pattern throughout. You are welcomed by a grand crystal chandelier which seems and later on I found out is one of the biggest in the world , It is right under the center big Dome . Wall behind chandelier has Imams wooden sermon seat with 99 names of Allah written all over the wall, where addition of light among the pattern adds to beauty. The Carpet is set be the largest in the world. Each of the three main domes is supported by eight columns which are formed by four pillars each. Look for surprise design between each set of four pillars. Then you walk through the Main prayer hall to another smaller exhibition sort of hall which is similar in design with entrance room. During my last visit there was some vintage Islamic coin exhibition was going on (again please check website for such schedules).

You follow a similar pathway for exit as well. The whole tour will take 30 to 40 mins only provided you are not a photographer. This place is a photographer’s heaven, I spent almost 3 to 4 hours and was still not done.

If you are visiting from outside Abu Dhabi then I would suggest you club your tour with some other attraction like emirates zoo park to make most of the day and your drive.

For me it is a must visit if you are looking for some cultural experience which is absolutely free and comes with a road trip.

I am still editing the pictures and will do a separate post but here are few pictures:

Family Shoots

2016-04-20T02:45:00.000-07:00

Your family is the most important thing in your life. Spoil them with a family photoshoot and receive beautiful images that you can put up in your house or send to relatives on special occasions.

Here are few pictures of Rohaan Yusuf's shoot with his Mom and Aunts.
For bookings please email on hamza.mirza21@gmail.com.

Dubai Butterfly Garden Review

2016-04-03T11:17:00.004-07:00

This weekend I wanted to do something easy with less drive and hastle, so we decided to visit Dubai butterfly Garden. We have been to Miracle garden and Houston Cockrell Butterfly center before, so I assumed it to be mix of both. I was also hoping to see some amazing indoor landscaping and very colorful butterflies to do some macro photography there.

Facility:

The whole facility is much smaller to what I expected. It consists of a museum( I will not call it a museum though more like artistic display) in the entrance where there multiple species of butterflies are framed beautifully.

From the entrance museum one get to one of the three domes which house the butterflies. I liked the flow of facility. Also I really liked the idea of small domes or gazebo inside the bigger domes to get even closer to the butterflies.

Temperature inside was not managed well as I was sweating heavily. Indoor landscaping was also Okish, I was expecting a lot more flowers and greenery.

It took us approx 2 hours to go through the area. I think the whole area is good enough for 1 hour to 1 hour and 30 minutes. It took me 2 hours as I was trying to do macro photography.

Butterfly Species:

Butterflies were in abundance and literally every where but I was sort of disappointed to see very few species of butterflies, The whole facility was full of mainly 3 to 4 species which were every where. Out of 10 butterflies , 8 were from 1 moth like Butterfly kind which was rather scary.

I still enjoyed the over all experience with whatever species were there as no matter what, butterflies are still pretty and fun to photograph.

Entry Ticket:

Entry ticket is priced at 50 dirhams per person.

Conclusion:

I enjoyed the overall experiemce, good fun for family specially with

kids. But with the entry price of 50 dirhams I will not recomend. With entry ticket between 20 to 30 this place would be ideal hangout for family fun but if entry ticket is not an issue for you then do visit and let me know if you agree to my review or not.

Emirates Park Zoo and Resort- Review

2016-01-03T00:38:00.005-08:00

I enjoy photographing animals and unless you work for nat geo or live in a jungle you can only find Interesting animals in zoo. Emirates Zoo Park even though small yet one of the best Zoo I have been to. The only Zoo that offers very close encounters with Animals.

There is a whole section where you can feed animals like Deer, Giraffe and Zebra. There are Random Zoo worker stand on the walk ways with Small animals like Snakes and Birds for you to hold and take pictures.

Another good thing about the facility was the number of Cafes that are there which is usually not the case generally. Also there is a resort where you can rent a room and enjoy special experience mostly with herbivore animals.

Entry Fee is normal which is 30Dhms and with additional 10 to 20 dirhams for the food that you can purchase inside and is optional.

We went there on a Rainy day so Sun was not an Issue but with the amount of Shade that's available I believe on regular days it should not be an issue as well.

As far as Animals are concern so they have wide range of animals from Farm Donkeys to Exotic White Tigers. To name few we saw :

Regular Farm animals like Goat, Sheep, Donkey, Cow, Pigs
Herbivores like Deer, Gazelle, Antler
Predators like Crocs, Lion, Jaguar, Cheetah, White and Regular Tigers
Quite some Range of Monkeys and Baboons
Reptile house had impressive collection of Snake including Anaconda
Aquarium was a bit of disappointment as it housed regular home aquarium fish only except one Sting Ray.
Seal and I was informed there are regular Seal shows as well unfortunately It was also closed most probably b'coz of rain.
Numerous interesting birds like Ground Crane, Flamingos, Crowned Pigeon
Elephant section was closed due to some renovation so we couldn't see one.

Birds and Monkeys were in regular cages and Reptiles/Predators were in closed facilities with view only possible through Glass windows. Rest of the animals were pretty much in open facility and very accessible. People Living in the Resort had much better view and access to the animals though I yet to have experience that.Great fun for kids and photographers I must say.
Few of the snaps I took there

Coffee Book

2015-09-27T01:50:00.000-07:00

Since 2012 I have not been able to update my blog but its so refreshing to see that every day I get a new visit on the old posts that are there. Photography has been on back burner when it comes to all the other things I have been doing since 2012 on personal front.

Since 2009 I have been involved with photography and been able to capture some interesting moments /stories/frames.

As I am now settled in personal front so this photography instinct is surfacing again, I believe it's a good idea to convert all my work in to one coffee book.

Will share the details a bit later when the format/content of the books are finalized.

Dubai

2012-07-04T05:01:00.000-07:00

Well more pics from my recent Dubai trip....

Portraits

2012-03-13T01:55:00.000-07:00

When ever i find an interesting face i try to save it , please find below some random portraits

Taken in Sialkot Pakistan

Taken in Saudi Arabia

Taken in New York

Taken in Saudi Arabia

Dubai

2012-03-11T07:37:00.001-07:00

I recently visited Dubai for work and i fell in love with the city . I wasn't seriously expecting such an amazing city. Its really amazing how Emirate Shaikh transformed desert into a most modern and futuristic city. I in fact found it better than New York. I was not able to capture the city like i wanted, as i was there for work and had very little time but i am going back to Dubai this week again for work hope fully i will be able to capture it in a better way.

For the moment enjoy Dubai 's Concrete jungle :P

Dubai Marina in morning

Amazing view of Dubai Skyline from Deira Shopping Center

Taken while riding Dubai metro ...ideal place to shoot Spider Man movie

Dubai looks different from every angle

one of the sky lines :)

Pic taken while in metro

Dubai Marina an amazing place to stay

The new identity of Man's progress and world's tallest structure Burj Khalifa

The identity of modern Dubai Burj Arab

Houston Zoo

2012-02-06T06:51:00.001-08:00

It was really fun shooting all these animals at Houston Zoo. i went there with my nephew and niece. It was really hot and zoo was huge plus when i am taking pics i stop a lot . I may spend 30 min in one spot, so that on top of the heat made kids really tired. so i couldn't finish the whole zoo but still the reptilian center it self was worth an experience. I wish one day i can open a small Animal shelter :)

Mohammad Ali Jinnah

2011-04-06T05:52:00.000-07:00

Mizar-e-Quaid- the final resting place of a great man Mohammad Ali Jinnah

Muhammad Ali Jinnah was a 20th century lawyer, politician, statesman and the founder of Pakistan. He is popularly and officially known in Pakistan as Quaid-e-Azam (Urdu: قائد اعظم — "Great Leader") and Baba-e-Qaum (بابائے قوم) ("Father of the Nation").

Mohammad Ali Jinnah

As the first Governor-General of Pakistan, Jinnah led efforts to lay the foundations of the new state of Pakistan, frame national policies and rehabilitate millions of Muslim refugees who had migrated from India.

Jinnah died aged 71 in September 1948, just over a year after Pakistan gained independence from the British Empire.

He was from Karachi, and his final resting place is also in Karachi. So being a Pakistani it is wrong if i go to karachi and dont pay a visit on his tomb, i know its not important from religious point of view but being a pakistani i should pay him respect by atleast going there and saying fateha for him. Plus there are so many more places associated with him which one should visit in order to connect to ones roots

so below pictures are related to Jinnah.

Me at Jinnah's Tomb known as "Mizar-e-Quaid"- Thanks khala for taking this picture

Mr. Jinnah's Birth Place known as "Wazeer Mansion"- now a Quaid-e-Azam Museum

A gaurd at Mr. Jinnah's Tomb

Same picture but in Colour

Mr. Jinnah's Grave is under this point , the door behind the gaurd you see leads to his actual grave not accessible to general public

Makli Hill Necropolis

2011-04-05T23:43:00.000-07:00

My trip to Pakistan wouldnt be complete with out visiting an archaelogical site. So here it is Makli Hill Necropolis. Its a huge grave yard full of tombs of ancient kings and Saints. Its said that around 125,000 sufi saints are buried here. Some of the structures(the one in below pics) are around 700 year old, the amount and quality of the work is really impressive .All in all an amazing place to be if you love history and Archaelogy like me.

Some info from Wikipedia....One of the largest necropolises in the world, with a diameter of approximately 8 kilometers, Makli Hill is supposed to be the burial place of some 125,000 Sufi saints. It is located on the outskirts of Thatta, the capital of lower Sind until the seventeenth century, in what is the southeastern province of present-day Pakistan. It was inscribed on the World Heritage List in 1981under the name, Historical Monuments of Thatta.

Animals of Pakistan

2011-04-03T07:09:00.000-07:00

lolz , i guess after people of pakistan , i should put pics of the animals i encountered during my 15 days trip to Pakistan, these are few only there are more to come.

People of Pakistan

2011-04-03T02:00:00.000-07:00

Sorry guys for not posting for a long time, but now things have changed , i have a laptop and thousands of pictures to edit and upload so i am back.

As the name says People of Pakistan, so please find below some pics of randome Pakistani, saying a lot about a majority of Pakistanis.

A man selling Guavas with spices at kanjeer lake thatha.

Madari as we call this guy, he can make monkey to do funny stuff and get paid, out side Lok Virsa museum Islamabad.

A gaurd at the tomb of Jinnah the founder of Pakistan

Camel Ride at Hawks Bay beach Karachi

Care taker of the Holy crocs at the shrine of Mangho Peer.

a random man adjusting his pants back of a moving truck on a highway, talk about privacy

Guide at Makli Hill 800 years old nacropolises

Folk Punjabi singers at Lok virsa Museum Islamabad

Snake charmer called "Spaira" in urdu at Makli Hill thatha

Random People on National Highway

African cultural exchange

2010-11-30T03:54:00.000-08:00

Sorry for not posting for a long time but my computer is broken and i am thinking of buying a new one. i have tons of new pictures to share from my Makkah, Madina and Hajj trips. For the time being enjoy pictures taken from my cell phone Nokia E72 and edited in foto flexer online. Beauty of Hajj is that you get to see and meet people from across the globe. And offcourse when you talk about cultural exchange between the whole world you may see some odd stuff too. Below find some pics of men wearing some really bright colored and uniquely printed clothing from Africa. I mean i swear men apart our women may never wear such combination.I think they got their inspiration from the animals and birds they see around.

E72andMe

2010-10-31T02:57:00.000-07:00

Check out my new blog guys, its about my Nokia E72 and the stuff i capture through it

http://e72andme.blogspot.com/

Dura Aroos

2010-10-17T03:51:00.000-07:00

Dura Aroos is a beach resort where i spent my last weekend so enjoy some of the pics related to beach below, detailed post will be done later

Pakistan Youth Alliance

2010-10-11T05:06:00.000-07:00

There has been a huge flood in Pakistan recently the area under water was the size of england and the total affected people were around 20 million. I being a Pakistani wanted to do something for the people affected. As there is no food, shelter and clean drinking water available for approx 20 million prople. Pakistan Youth Alliance Jeddah chapter comes up with an idea of a family food package where it was decided to pack some food items in a box and send it through PIA to Pakistan where they can be distributed among the flood affectees through their Pakistan Chapter.

A very nice and organized effort by the over seas Pakistani youth, donations were raised , got many young volunteers and the place was provided by the Pakistan Embassy School.

I took my camera there and did some clicks. check out below

The supervisor and inventory manager (yes it was a very professional environment)
Assembly line
Brouchures to get donations

Initial Assembly line

Food Items being placed in school corridors

we packed in total 3000 boxes

Breifing regarding the target and the action plan

Later on more organized assembly line

Men at work

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2010_Pakistan_floods

Nokia E72 rocks

2010-10-06T01:17:00.000-07:00

I got a Nokia E72 as a gift. I am not a tech savvy person but i am really enjoying its 5 mega pixel camera. Now i can take pictures anytime anywhere of good quality and upload them directly. here are few i took in past two days.

A beggar feeding her child on a footpath.I am back on diet control and my lunch looks like this now
Patriotism overseas

My work desk.

Northern Areas of Pakistan-bye Mobeen Ansari

2010-09-30T00:55:00.000-07:00

Below find amazing scenic captures of northern areas of pakistan. One of the most beautiful heavens on earth. These pictures were taken by a friend of mine and i found them worth sharing.

Gold Update

2010-09-27T22:52:00.001-07:00

Women of subcontinent love jewellery especially gold jewellery. And i have always been impressed by the designers who put so much details and creativity in to their designs . I am planning to do a whole project on the gold jewellery owned by my mom but for the time being find below picture i took of a gold ring(Made in India)

Eshal

2010-09-19T05:31:00.001-07:00

This cute girl is Eshal , she is visiting her grandmom from UK and its not a scheduled shoot its just randomly i had camera and we were out. I hope one day i will be kids photographer :P

More of Muzzamil

2010-09-19T05:25:00.000-07:00

I have started to enjoy taking pictures of Kids, mainly because you dont have to work much to make them look cute , innocent or beautiful like elders.

2010-08-01T07:46:00.000-07:00