It’s world photography day today, and for the most part the photographers here at Absolute Geeks, namely Kinan and myself have a special consideration for this day. For us photography has a purpose to drive us to click better pictures. It’s an art form we highly regard and we try to keep that practice here with the way we do our reviews. So what is this post about ? It’s simple really; we’re here to celebrate it, a love letter to the craft and explain why it drives a lot of people to pick it up. Yes, the act of visually documenting reality is something that everyone today can do – and that’s a brilliant thing in my opinion.
For those of us who chose to make photography or any creative a medium a career, it’s a long and unforgiving journey especially in an age where creatives are labouring for diminishing returns.
Your favourite Olympic moments, stories from the news, all taken by people who love what they do. In 2016, that ability is given to us all and we are now in full control of sharing memories and deciding who sees them; it’s a technological renaissance that I marvel every time I think about it. Digital imaging has made the process so simple, that all people have to do now is focus on creating stories rather than worry about technicalities. The danger that comes from this is that there’s no end to stories being generated.
We have a diminishing quality of narrative.
I’ve had people come up and ask why I prefer this sort of filter. I’m all for everyone having access to do this; however, if you’re looking to be an artist, prepare to find yourself being seen among the crowd which you’ll stand out in time. There are many images, but how many stand as memorable ?
Instagram and Snapchat have literally revolutionized photography. People use them to celebrate, to educate and capture moments that social media so much urges on to see. It doesn’t matter what journey you take; everyone’s a photographer and everyone’s documenting their lives as I write this. So even if you love photography and tell the other person that you shoot in RAW – and as respectable as it is that you’re on an endeavour in mastering photography – the playing field is now even between amateurs and enthusiasts. If you do have a friend who’s a professional or good enough that they are taking themselves seriously, asking them for free shoots or giving them exposure are things that creative people are tired of hearing. If you love their work, they deserve their money’s worth in time.
Feeling the itch to press the shutter? Here’s where you can learn.
For me, personally, my favourite area lies in street photography, and luckily here in Dubai, there are avenues to pursue. To my knowledge, there are plenty of photographers who are active in the scene, snapping some amazing shots of Dubai’s skyline; veterans such as Daniel Cheong and Beno Saradzic are some that I can name and the community in general is welcoming to newcomers – you can reach out to them here. There’s also a great astrophotography scene here in the UAE.
Alongside, Kinan who’s a fellow travel buff also weighs in on what makes him click.
“Street photography for me is capturing life as it passes us by. Basically we all walk around with determination to reach point B. Street photography is when you stop and absorb what’s around you rather than be focused on a destination. It is what happens when you’re distracted” – Kinan Jarjous
https://www.instagram.com/p/_E9iANup8I/
https://www.instagram.com/p/7-g27uOp3H/
https://www.instagram.com/p/8UwVWLOpzR/
https://www.instagram.com/p/8SKX7qup0y/
https://www.instagram.com/p/69WJTqup57/
Some time back, on assignment to Milan to cover their expo, Nikon Middle East wanted to know my opinion on street photography and I figured that the best cases for street photography are when you’re seeing a place for the first time. It was my first trip to the Italian City that was filled with history, culture and beautiful places and people to frame. I took the Nikon D810 outfitted with the 24-70mm lens and 18-105mm lens. Milan’s great to shoot for so many reasons. All the pictures have been edited on Lightroom since, this isn’t a review of the D810 but rather a showcase of what I could do with it. The D810’s a versatile camera and a true joy to use.
These are just some of the many pictures I shot on my short but fantastic journey through the streets of Italy. For any aspiring photographer and I say this specifically for anyone who wants to pursue it professionally, know your tools and how you can take them to the full potential. You don’t have to get the most expensive kit to start off with. In time, with some dedication and practice, you’ll get there.
Have any pictures to share ? Tweet at us, drop a line on our facebook comments, we’d love to see them and here’s wishing you a Happy World Photography Day!
