Capt Suresh Sharma » heritage

Nature Photography

Capt Suresh Sharma — Tue, 30 Aug 2011 17:36:12 +0000

Wildlife photography entices all those who hang cameras around their neck. And with the advent of digital cameras, they have grown multi folds in last few years. Almost every photographer’s dream is to do wildlife photography, even if his primary profession is other branches of photography or a completely different profession. Why not? For it has glamour of its own! It surely has steep challenges, which many people love negotiating in life and that is what earns it all that glamour. Those who do not participate, they become ardent admirers of those who perform and achieve. This makes people drone all the time around wildlife photography. Also, nature has always been enticing most of us into its lap, where it has many wonders to unfold to those who dare. This bread of photographers, unfold the sensational mysteries of natural history as well, in fact makes wildlife photographers as ambassadors of wildlife conservation in true sense. Wildlife photography is like wooing a beautiful woman! Not all will be lucky to get her, in spite of the best chase.My purpose of writing here is, that most of us do not realize what makes a good wildlife photographer and that’s why very few are on top of the pyramid of wildlife photography. The first and foremost thing is one has to assess one’s own potential first i.e. one has to have access to wildlife, natural history knowledge, minimum average physical fitness, not to mention suitable camera equipment, etc. In spite of all this all are not lucky to make good wildlife photographs. Many get stuck with the compulsions of life (jobs and family). Then some are born with an eye of a good artist and have good discipline, are in the habit of getting up early, the ones who don’t love sleep much. So, that is how one makes it to one’s own niche. And have admirers too. Who doesn’t like?

Most of us, at infancy stage, think wildlife photography can only be done if one goes inside national parks and wildlife sanctuaries. Though, I do not deny this fact that most of the wildlife today is there only in the parks and sanctuaries, but one has to know what all it involves to do wildlife photography of high quality. First of all, plenty of time and patience. Then comes good money to buy you a good set of camera equipment i.e. two camera bodies with high speed of `fps’ and higher mega pixels, professional lenses which are in the range of US$ 10,000 each, the best tripods (legs only will cost US$ 1000 and above) ball heads (US$ 1000 and above), not to mention numerous expensive accessories one need all the time. Next comes, expensive traveling by train or road to reach (long distances) the well protected wildlife areas having good wildlife to photograph. One needs advance bookings to check into a good lodge on arrival, which is safe for your equipment and looks after you well to ensure your comfort (you need that after hard work), costing Rs 2500 and above per day. While you start unpacking your camera boxes, someone has to check your vehicle for the jungle safari, which will cost you Rs 2000 per day only for the morning and evening jungle safaris. If you are serious about wildlife photography and have suitable camera gear, then there should be only one person in one vehicle, with one assistant. O, I forgot to mention the entry fees for the vehicle, yourself, driver, camera equipment (this can vary park to park), hire a guide for each trip, etc. All this adds up to minimum Rs 5000 plus, to do wildlife photography per day in any Indian parks and sanctuaries, including your lodge. Not to forget all the `red-tape’ and local skirmishes of the staff and locals, you will face in the field.

I am sure, you all will ask one question that if wildlife photography is so tough and then rewards are meager and that too not many, then why there are still some wildlife photographers who invest so much of money and efforts for this. You must see what all has gone into making them as big wildlife photographers of name, things `behind curtains’. Some of them are lucky to have their well paying businesses and having time too, some have been lucky to be around wildlife areas, some own lodges, some are paid to become one. Nothing has come into being overnight and so easily we all think, they all have worked very hard to their way up the ladder. Always, one must do that first which is within one’s reach, which means select a subject that is not far from your base (this way you cut cost of logistics, travel and no leave required from your job), your basic equipment can deliver good photos, etc. Everyone, makes a humble start and makes it way up as per its own capabilities and efforts.

Some are lucky to be working in and around the jungle lodges and resorts, next to national parks and wildlife areas, easy access to wildlife areas; most costs are reduced this way. Others have climbed the ladder slowly, through the standard grind of this profession. They all have worked very hard to reach where you see them shining like a star or sun. Not realizing, what made them shine, trying to emulate aimlessly. One of the important things, one must have knowledge of natural history, most important assets one needs to have, to make a significant dent in this field.

Now, if you are a basic photographer like me (with limited resources), then turn around and peep into your backyard, balconies, city gardens, bushes, agricultural fields, there is plenty of wildlife, i.e. birds, insects, lizards, vegetation, etc. Let me remind you, this way, you will need equipment, which will cost you only one twentieth of that which is mentioned in the above paragraphs; even if you buy pro equipment (professional macro lens, 300mm lens with 2X, suitable tripod with ballhead, a flash, two camera bodies, etc.). If you are worth your salt, which all can not be, you will crawl up and the speed will commensurate to the size of your sincere efforts only.

At the end of the day, we all love to be rewarded which could be in terms of money (to support your expensive equipment and on-going upgradation all the time), publications for name, stock photo sales, etc. In case of wildlife photography, I find that the sale is too less when we compare it to other branches of photography i.e. life style, travel, fashion, etc. The demand is less and supply is more.

My aim here is not to discourage you, its to throw some light on the path which most of wish to tread in the years to come. You need an external support to sustain, if you wish to start working as wildlife photographer right from the beginning and nothing else. There are numerous examples, whose `first love’ is wildlife photography, but are fashion photographers which is so paying that it can buy them good equipment and can afford access to wildlife areas and can afford to take time off their primary profession. They do get rewarded well, as they have all that which helps them get good wildlife photos.

Life is too short to do experiments, but some love experimenting like me. But then I am very clear what I want in life, happiness, not by achieving big goals, but by doing what I like doing the most. I drifted into travel photography, as its so easy, take one wide angle lens and walk in the streets or a fair or cultural event, go around a monument, etc. I do nature which you can see as cactus photography, flower photography, snake photography, etc. on my website.

You are most welcome to write to me and I will try to answer your questions, if I am at my base and sitting `online’ then it happens very quick.

Basics of Snake Photography

Capt Suresh Sharma — Wed, 17 Sep 2008 17:32:21 +0000

Snakes are one of the most fascinating subjects for all nature photographers on this beautiful planet. But getting esthetically pleasing photographs of wild snakes is often exceedingly difficult, basically for want of knowledge about snakes, therefore fear keeps them away from these beautiful creatures. Like most wildlife photography, snake photography also can’t be done without knowing the animal adequately. Thus, most of the photography of snakes is an organised effort under controlled conditions; with knowledge, lots of patience and precaution.

Unless you’re really dedicated to snakes and have understood them adequately, snake photography is not recommended because it is dangerous and sometimes can involve personal risk to others. Most snake shots are carefully planned and set up ahead of time, as wild conditions may not provide right set up for good shots i.e. light, background, safety, etc.

SAFETY CAUTION:

1. Never ever compromise with your and others safety while dealing with snakes for any purpose.
2. The first and foremost rule, even for expert snake-handlers, while handling snakes and photographing them is: if you are not sure what species the snake is, leave him alone and let go.
3. Never drink liquor on outdoors, especially, while handling snakes, most people get bitten by snakes when they are drunk.
4. Generally, snake’s striking reach is equal to one third of it’s total body length. Its is hard to guess about the striking range when snake is coiled up i.e. saw scaled viper, Russell’s viper, etc.
5. Carry a snake-bite first aid kit.
6. Have a transport with you and mobile phone for emergency.
7. Carry few copies of the list of doctors with phone numbers (printed) who can handle snakebite cases for treatment.
8. One must avoid bites even from non-venomous snakes, as bacteria in their mouth can cause serious infection.

POINTS TO BEAR IN MIND FOR THE PHOTOGRAPHY OF SNAKES:

1. One must have someone who can handle snakes, for you to concentrate on photography only. Many people have been bitten while photographing snakes alone i.e. while you are busy looking through the camera you either get so engrossed that you lose track of safe distance from a snake, misjudge the distance between yourself and snake or while changing equipment/ film sitting closer to snake (you think snake is sitting quiet, but decides to move all of a sudden of which you are not aware. At this, all of a sudden you see him very very close and panic), etc.

2. Must carry proper snake handling equipment i.e. tongs, hooks, etc. To catch even non-poisonous snakes, one should use an L-shaped snake-hook made from a broken golf club or buy one specially sold in the market. Use snake-tongs for poisonous snakes. Lack of experience will be your biggest hurdle to get any images or good one at least.

3. Snake photography often requires some manipulation of the animal, which must be done with great care and utmost concern for safety of snake and your own. An assistant is a must when photographing active snakes.

4. Must know what to do and where to rush in case of a snakebite.
5. Select an area where you expect least on-lookers, I suggest NO onlookers at all, when you take out snakes to photograph. These onlookers often distract you.
6. Like all other wildlife photography, do not make sudden movements in front of the snake you are photographing, snake will get alert, nervous and panic and may bite, if you are within its striking range.
7. Snakes always look their best just after shedding their old skin, and this is the time to photograph them.
8. As the day temperature rises, the warmer a snake becomes, the faster it moves. Keep in mind also that snakes are relatively delicate animals, with thin, fragile ribs and nearly non-existent protective cranial bones, so you must handle them with great care. Most snakes are also quite temperature sensitive, and do not tolerate temperatures above 85-90 degrees F well, so never allow them to sit in direct sun on a warm day for more than a minute or two, especially in summers.
9. Early morning in spring or early summer is the best time to photograph snakes, because of good light and comfortable temperatures. Usually, experts place a snake in a refrigerator for a very short period to make it less active, before photography session, after securing it in a bag. Never try this technique, unless you have learned about it, as you may kill the snake by giving over exposure to cold. One needs to assess how much cooling time a particular snake species or individual may need i.e. body size, health state, species, ambient temperature, etc. Move as slow as possible. Keep looking at the snake being photographed.
10. Above all, treat snakes with respect and be very gentle with them.
11. Setting up a tripod and careful composition are a luxury with most species.

PREPARATION: You need to prepare yourself for a snake photography session, following are a few suggestions and may vary from person to person and depending on the hardware available to you.

1. One should always have a computer printed `check-list’ of items, one needs for such shoots. In case, you miss any important item it may cost you a good shoot or life.

2. Carry a basket, having inner-lining of black cloth, of minimum 2 feet radius to cover the snake during intervals, while you are photographing.

3. Carry a dark piece of cloth measuring 2×2 meters; basically to place it over snake after trying some shots. Snakes like dark place to rest. Also, while your are changing equipment i.e. changing lens, camera battery, memory card, etc., first place the snake under cover for your safety and to give rest to the snake to cool down.

4. Carry enough water to drink and few liters for the snake to cool. Remember, you may drink any kind of water, but you must carry a proper RO filter water or a few bottles of mineral water. The chlorinated water of your government water supply kills snakes often.

5. A hand pressure spray bottle, in case you need to spray on the snake to clean a piece of dust or to add droplets of water for a good photo.

6. Wear ankleted trousers like the army soldiers or leather anklet shoes, for safety.

TECHNIQUE:
A stretched out snake, while moving is like a long rope; usually makes an uninspiring photograph, as it looks like a long narrow object filling up small area of the total frame. A closeup of head portion with tongue flickering, whole body coiled in a symmetrical shape results in an attractive photo. But there are a few things where one has to put in effort to get good photos and you need to do planned preparation for snake photography session.

In terms of equipment and techniques used, I have resorted to using several methods with varying degrees of success. A commonly used technique by many snake photographers is the plastic “flowerpot” or “dustbin” technique – these should have a loop (made of hard material, not a thread, so it can stay erect) in the center of its bottom, so when upside down it can be lifted with snake-hook and placed over snake from a safe distance gently. Placing a hand-held pot over poisonous snake is quite risky and should be avoided.

Lift the pot with snake-hook inserted in the loop in its bottom, move it in air vertically and place it over snake very gently, no sudden movements. If the snake is stretched out, just cover part of the body length under the pot and snake will move on its own into the pot. In case, it doesn’t move, one could coax the snake with snake hook and will crawl into the pot. Once the snake has entered the shelter (which most do quite readily, given the chance), the photographer waits a few minutes to allow the animal to acclimatise. The shelter is then very slowly removed by lifting straight up in air, and often, the snake remains underneath in a beautiful, symmetrical coil, and will stay coiled for a short while (depending on few factors i,e, ambient temperature, snake’s temperament, species of the snake, etc.), the photographer slowly takes the shots. Avoid any sudden and quick movements, which will usually scare the snake being photographed. Keep in mind that most snakes habitually seek shelter when threatened. Simply leaving the animal alone and foregoing photography for a while, allowing it a few minutes to calm down under a shelter probably reduces the amount of stress on the snake more than anything else you could do. And you may resume your photo session with your `model’ snake. Move your equipment as little as possible, if situation permits, aim and focus your camera in advance. Use a cable release, if possible, so you don’t have to move your hand up to the camera.

In wildlife photography, the difference between success and failure is knowing your subject. Many of the best wildlife photographers have backgrounds as hunters or wildlife biologists. With most wild animals, you cannot approach them directly. A frightened animal will show its abnormal behaviour in your photograph. Don’t be pushy; slow down and relax. Sit down for a while. Be still. Do not make sudden movements to avoid being perceived as a threat. Let snake accept your presence.

CAMERA EQUIPMENT FOR SNAKE PHOTOGRAPHY:

Based on my own experience, ideal camera equipment for Snake Photography, in modern times, is given below:

1. Digital SLR camera body, having good `writing speed’ and capable of clicking more than 5 frames per second and about 10 mega pixels, so you can crop your image.

2. Macro Lens: One needs to be extra careful with snakes at these close distances in order to prevent being bitten. Usually, with 100mm macro lens, means that your hands on the lens could be within striking range of the snake being photographed. Macro lenses of 180mm or 200mm will allow a safe working distance. You may use extenders (modern extenders are of good quality), if your lens and camera accepts one.

3. Macro/ ring flash. But be careful about its own reflection of its tubes in the eyes of snakes.

4. Have one 28-120mm lens for variable shots.

5. Tripod with ball head.

6. Monopod with ball head.

7. Angle Finder: For those intimate high impact images of the Russell’s Viper or it’s head and distinctive golden eye with black vertical pupil, I resort to using a beanbag and angle finder. An angle-finder fitted to the viewfinder saves cricking your neck. It is a periscope accessory to be fitted on SLR camera body eyepiece; some camera manufacturers call it `Anglefinder’, `Right Angle Finder’ etc., for very low angle shots. Its an amazing accessory, usually, considered as a waste of money by many, even most pros. I am quite amazed that most have no idea about its existence. Once you discover it’s utility, you will never take your camera out without it. I never go out without my Anglefinder! You must carry a `bean bag’ for this work, to place camera on ground and have it steady, its like having a tripod. Note: One must check the diopter settings of angle finder before you start your photo session.

8. If situation permits me, I use a cable release or remote with modern cameras and engage the `mirror-lock’ function (Canon has `Mirror Lock’ as part of its custom functions) to ensure sharp images when working at what are normally slow shutter speeds and small apertures. If one can afford then this is should be practice, this technique gets you very sharp images.

9. As for film choice, I prefer to use mostly Fuji Provia 100, or Fuji Velvia whenever possible.

10. Carry enough memory cards in one pouch (preferably in waterproof pouch), which have fast writing/ reading speed. Also, you may consider carrying a `stand alone hard drive’, available with many different brands in the market nowadays.

I find Russel’s Viper and Cobra as some of India’s most strikingly beautiful snakes and I am never tired of photographing them at any given opportunity.

Snakes have suffered a great deal at the hands of humans and most species are on decline in India. So, deal with them with great care and respect.

Remember, snakes are shy creatures and only bite if you trouble them. Keep a safe distance and enjoy photography sessions with them!

Best of luck! HAPPY SHOOTING !

Rajasthan – Colours of India !

Capt Suresh Sharma — Wed, 17 Sep 2008 08:15:36 +0000

Rajasthan – the desert state of India – the land of Rajputs `sons of Rajas’ the people famous for extraordinary chivalry, sacrifice and heroism. A land of battle scarred forts and palaces shimmering on idyllic lakes, temples of stunning artistry and sublime architecture carved from white marble or red sand stone. A land of colourful fairs and festivals, with streets painted where pageantry and colours walk out of life size frescos, pre-historic sites, historic battlefields and ravaged cities, where camels plod.

The Thar desert with its rolling sand dunes and blinding blaze of summer heat, logically one expects to be driest and vegetable wise most barren state of the country, devoid of great forests or mighty rivers, to be noticeably poor in its wild flora and fauna – the reverse is proved true by Rajasthan having two tiger reserves (under Project Tiger – Asia’s most successful conservation story) and the most famous water-bird sanctuary in Asia. This rocky and rugged arid land divided into two by the world’s oldest hill range Arravali – with its unique and scanty vegetation hosts variety of the desert animal life – tiger, panther, hyena, chowsingha, neelgai, sloth bear, sambhar, desert cat, chital, chinkara, black buck, water fowl, jungle fowl and many species of migratory birds too.

Rajputana – as Rajasthan was known, with its ancestry dating beyond B.C. – once inhabited by the local Bhil and Meena tribes and Gujjars – is the most colourful state of India – producing crowds of men with brightly coloured turbans and proud moustaches, women in their traditionally colourful and embroidered skirts with mirror work done, wearing silver ornaments and bangles. Soul stirring folk dance – Ghoomar and the folk music Maand – make the golden sands come alive and live vibrates to the sound of music and sways in the profusion of colours – and unforgettably emotional and overwhelmingly sensory experience. Nomadic tribes and traditional entertainers – minstrels, jugglers, puppeteers and performers come together at the colourful fairs seeking livelihood and to preserve artistic and cultural traditions in their folklore and handicrafts.

Rajasthan is a treasure trove for travel photographers, as it renders wide spectrum of opportunities with the colourful dresses of folks and folk art, fairs & festivals, handsome people with superb features for portraits, amazing buildings (forts, havelis, palaces, villages), mesmerising landscape, rich culture, etc. I have met many international photographers and travellers who love to visit Rajasthan every year, they have fallen in love with Rajasthan. I have been lucky to have got posted in Rajasthan for one year in 1989, while I was in service.

Now, I love travelling in my caravan (named as Kingcobra) in Rajasthan, the best way to travel in this region. Trust me, no other means of travelling has match to a caravan in these plains, where people and terrain is good for safe travel.

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Egypt – Treasure Trove for Photographers !

Capt Suresh Sharma — Wed, 17 Sep 2008 07:40:26 +0000

Egypt is famous for its ancient and the most developed civilizations, some of the world’s most famous monuments, including the Giza pyramid complex and its Great Sphinx. The southern city of Luxor contains numerous ancient artifacts, such as the Karnak Temple and the Valley of the Kings. Egypt is widely regarded as an important political and cultural nation of the Middle East. Egypt has always fascinated travelers and photographers alike, a tourist paradise.

Nile is a dream river for every visitor and photographers love to photograph everything around this great river. Egypt presents the visitor with many striking contrasts, particularly in its landscape and in the ancient, Christian and Islamic elements of its heritage. Signs of Westernization and tradition are sometimes found in startlingly incongruous juxtaposition, bur more usually the new is adapted to blend harmoniously with the old.

Nile – the great river which flows down its entire length has united Egypt, and which indeed is the creator of the country. Without the Nile, Egypt would not exist. The great majority of its estimated 80 million live along the banks of the Nile River, in an area of about 40,000 square kilometers (15,000 sq mi), where the only arable agricultural land is found. And cultivate the land as their ancestors have done for thousands of year. This narrow, fertile valley is flanked by the desert- a desert which is always threatening to take over the cultivation. Today, controlled by dams and barrages, the Nile no longer floods the country every year. The building of the High Dam at Aswan flooded the whole of the Nile valley between Aswan and the frontier with Sudan, creating Lake Nasser. Preserved from the threat of devastating floods, Egypt is now protected from the dangers of famine by the regulation of the water.

Egypt has a landscape which is surprisingly varied, but all of the terrain derives from a combination of water and sky, cultivation and desert.

Dervish Dance/ Sufi Dance Video

MORE INFO ABOUT EGYPT

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