the reflection
Kollam, a district like any other in Kerala is but famous for its rivers and lakes, and especially Munroethuruthe, a group islands said to be made by Munroe dur...
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Kollam, a district like any other in Kerala is but famous for its rivers and lakes, and especially Munroethuruthe, a group islands said to be made by Munroe during British rule. The narrow straits of water are famous for their scenic beauty, environmental significance and also the abundance of clams, shrimps and fish. This is a picture of the place, taken from a canoe that takes us around the canals into Ashtamaudi Lake.
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Mar, 2016Views
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Behind The Lens
Location
I would like to first thank Viewbug for giving me this opportunity to be featured in it. I am a self-taught photographer based in India. I took this photo while on a wooden canoe during a one-day trip through the canals of Munroe Island in Kerala- famous for its colonial history, scenic landscapes, large diversity of birds and the relatively unique lifestyle of its population. Though it was an unlikely shoot (as I will explain shortly), this is one of the favourite photos I've taken because of the richness of the moment and mystery of the place.Time
It was past ten in the morning when I took this photo- an untimely hour to capture a good photo probably, but I've been noticing the amazing reflections of the thick foliage in the still water and the spectacular patterns of light falling on them all along the trip. Then, at a turn of the canoe, I found this nice cover of greenery with over-arching trees at either side of the canal and a creeper that over-grew a tree stump or so, and I decided to try my luck. I took this photo on April 20, 2015.Lighting
I was particular about getting the reflection of the greenery in the water and also the sheen of the light that fell on the drooping creeper in the middle, keeping well in mind the different intensities of light coming into the frame. I also tried to capture the dark shade of the tree trunks against the green of the leaves that leaned into the water canal.Equipment
The camera I used was Canon 600D with 18-55mm, f/ 3.5-5.6 IS lens. No other equipment used.Inspiration
It was not a properly planned shot in the sense that the trip in which I took this photo wasn't an exclusive photography trip but a fun family one. My father had arranged a few hours trip to Munroe Island for my newly wed sister and her husband and they let me tag along, probably because I was the one most enthusiastic about it. However unprofessional and weird that seemed like, it was an opportunity for me to take some photos at that point of time; my multiple health-problems disallowing me to go out on an escorted exclusive photography trip otherwise. Frankly, I was surrounded by a lot of fun-making and ridicule, making me rather ashamed to take out my camera and shoot with confidence. Yet I did, trying to shoot some birds and landscapes until at the turn of the canoe I saw the mysterious and beautiful scene that I really didn't want to miss photographing. So I tried the best I could to shoot it well.Editing
No, no post-processing done. In fact, I am not a big fan of the idea of post-processing whatsoever, with exception of some elementary cropping and adjustments in white-balance. Because, I like to present to the viewer the scene or the subject as it was presented to me, without much tampering. I also like to keep the imperfections, if any, as they are, given that the imperfections don't affect the purpose of the photo. This I've followed in most of the genres of photography I've tried- especially landscape and street photography.In my camera bag
My camera- Canon 600D, lenses-18-55 mm f/3.5-5.6 IS and 55-250 f/4.5-5.6 IS, filters, a polythene cover to protect my camera from rain, and very importantly, a bottle of water, sun shades and an umbrella.Feedback
Regarding the more technical and gear-related part, I do not have much to say, I myself looking into articles and online blogs for better insights about them many a times. But having to photograph in a place where people frown at a girl roaming with a camera and become skeptical about the whole idea of freelance photography, especially when it is a young female doing it, one of the most important lessons I learnt is this: There are a lot of negative and derogatory criticisms one will have to face for just being out there, irrespective of how sincere or great a photograph you are, and as important as it is to find a nurturing support system, one must also learn to steer clear of such demeaning comments and discouragements; more importantly, learn how to prevent them from corrupting your confidence and talent. Let your creativity run wild and always test your limits!
