If you’re planning a trip to Muscat and wondering how to capture its charm beyond selfies, you’re not alone. For years, I’ve had the honor of photographing couples, families, solo travelers, and creatives who visit Oman — and one common request kept coming up:
“Can you help us get beautiful photos while we explore?”
And so, I listened.
🌟 Meet MuscatPortraits.com – A Dedicated Space for Vacation Shoots & Photo Tours in Oman
After running ImranZahidVisuals.com as my main photography portfolio, I realized it was time to create something focused — something made just for visitors to Muscat who want authentic, relaxed, and professional photos in stunning locations.
✨ Vacation photoshoots at iconic and hidden locations in Muscat
📍 Guided photo walks for travelers & hobbyists
📷 Private photography classes for those who want to learn on the go
🏝️ Who Is This For?
Whether you’re:
A solo traveler exploring Oman
A couple on a honeymoon or anniversary
A family on vacation
A hobbyist photographer looking for tips and great light — this new site is built for you.
Every session is tailored, relaxed, and filled with moments that go beyond “stand and smile.” We’ll walk, talk, and shoot — turning your time in Muscat into timeless memories.
📍 Why Muscat Deserves Its Own Photography Space
Muscat is visually rich — from the golden domes of the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque to the textured alleys of Muttrah Souq, the turquoise water of the coast, and the dramatic cliffs at sunset.
Instead of squeezing this under a general portfolio site, I wanted a platform that reflects the emotional connection people feel while traveling — one that’s easy to navigate, book from, and trust.
And of course — my signature style of natural, cinematic photography.
❤️ Thank You for Supporting My Journey
Launching a second site felt risky, but I knew it was the right step to serve my clients better. I still shoot for brands, weddings, and personal projects under Imran Zahid Visuals — but now, Muscat Portraits has a life of its own.
If you know someone visiting Oman soon, please share this with them. Word of mouth is how most of my best work happens. 🙏
In the ever-evolving world of digital photography, having a reliable and feature-packed camera is essential to capture those precious moments. The Canon G7 X Mark II has been a popular choice among photographers and vloggers for its impressive capabilities. However, with technological advancements, it’s natural to wonder if the G7 X Mark II is still a worthy investment in 2023. In this article, we will delve into the features, advantages, limitations, lots of sample images ( at the end) and user reviews of the Canon G7 X Mark II to help you make an informed decision.
Overview of the Canon G7 X Mark II
The Canon G7 X Mark II is a high-end compact digital camera that packs a punch in a small form factor. It features a 1.0-inch, 20.1 megapixel CMOS sensor and a powerful DIGIC 7 image processor, enabling it to deliver stunning image quality. Additionally, the camera offers a versatile 4.2x optical zoom lens with a focal range equivalent to 24-100mm in 35mm format, making it ideal for various shooting scenarios.
Advantages of the Canon G7 X Mark II
High-Quality Image and Video Output
One of the standout features of the Canon G7 X Mark II is its ability to produce high-quality images and videos. The large sensor and powerful processor work together to capture sharp, detailed, and vibrant visuals even in challenging lighting conditions. Whether you’re capturing landscapes, portraits, or fast-moving subjects, the G7 X Mark II delivers impressive results.
Compact and Portable Design
The G7 X Mark II’s compact and lightweight design makes it a perfect companion for travel and everyday shooting. Its pocketable size allows you to slip it into your bag or pocket effortlessly, ensuring that you never miss a photo opportunity. Despite its small size, the camera is ergonomically designed, providing a comfortable grip for extended shooting sessions.
User-Friendly Interface
Canon has designed the G7 X Mark II with an intuitive user interface, making it accessible to both beginners and experienced photographers. The camera’s touchscreen display allows for easy menu navigation and quick adjustments to settings. Additionally, the inclusion of physical control dials gives users more control over their shooting experience.
Limitations of the Canon G7 X Mark II
Limited Zoom Range
While the G7 X Mark II’s 4.2x optical zoom is adequate for most situations, some users might find it limiting, especially when compared to other cameras on the market. If you frequently shoot subjects at a distance, you might want to consider a camera with a more extensive zoom range.
No External Mic Input
Vloggers and content creators who rely heavily on audio quality may find the absence of an external microphone input disappointing. While the camera’s built-in microphone performs reasonably well, an external mic can significantly improve audio clarity and reduce background noise.
Comparison with Other Cameras in 2023
In 2023, the camera market is flooded with options, and it’s essential to consider how the Canon G7 X Mark II stacks up against its competitors.
Canon G7 X Mark III
The Canon G7 X Mark III is the successor to the Mark II and comes with some notable upgrades. It features a live streaming function, vertical video support, and a higher-resolution LCD screen. However, the Mark II still holds its ground in terms of image quality and overall performance.
Sony RX100 VII
Sony’s RX100 VII is another strong contender in the premium compact camera segment. It boasts a more extended zoom range, a superior autofocus system, and impressive video capabilities. However, the RX100 VII also comes with a higher price tag compared to the Canon G7 X Mark II.
User Reviews and Testimonials
Before making any purchase, it’s crucial to hear from users who have hands-on experience with the product. The Canon G7 X Mark II has garnered positive reviews for its image quality, portability, and ease of use. Users have praised its performance in various shooting conditions, making it a reliable choice for both amateurs and professionals.
However, there have been some complaints about the limited zoom range and occasional overheating during prolonged video recording sessions. It’s essential to weigh these reviews against your specific needs and shooting preferences.
Price and Value for Money
The price of the Canon G7 X Mark II may vary depending on the retailer and any ongoing promotions. While it might not be the newest model on the market, it still provides excellent value for money, especially for photographers who prioritize portability without compromising image quality.
Sample Images
Who Should Buy the Canon G7 X Mark II in 2023?
The Canon G7 X Mark II remains an excellent choice for:
Travel photographers who need a compact and versatile camera for their adventures.
Vloggers and content creators who prioritize video quality and want a camera that can be easily carried around.
Enthusiasts and professionals who want a secondary camera for specific shooting situations.
Tips for Making the Most of the Canon G7 X Mark II
Mastering Manual Settings
Although the G7 X Mark II offers fantastic automatic shooting modes, taking control of manual settings allows you to unleash its full potential. Experiment with aperture, shutter speed, and ISO to achieve creative and personalized results.
Utilizing Creative Shooting Modes
The camera comes with various creative filters and shooting modes that can add a unique touch to your photographs. Explore features like the Panorama mode, Time-lapse, and HDR to capture stunning images in different styles.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can the Canon G7 X Mark II shoot in RAW format?
A: Yes, the G7 X Mark II supports RAW image capture, providing more flexibility in post-processing.
Q: Does the camera have built-in Wi-Fi for easy sharing?
A: Yes, the G7 X Mark II has built-in Wi-Fi and NFC, making it convenient to transfer images wirelessly to your devices.
Q: How does the camera perform in low-light conditions?
A: The G7 X Mark II performs admirably in low light, thanks to its large sensor and advanced image processing capabilities.
Q: What is the battery life of the Canon G7 X Mark II?
A: The battery life is decent, allowing for approximately 265 shots on a single charge.
Q: Is the Canon G7 X Mark II suitable for vlogging?
A: Yes, the G7 X Mark II is a popular choice for vlogging due to its compact size and excellent video quality.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Canon G7 X Mark II remains a compelling option for photographers and vloggers in 2023. Its blend of excellent image quality, portability, and user-friendly interface make it a versatile tool for capturing memories and creating engaging content. While newer models may offer some advancements, the G7 X Mark II still holds its ground as a reliable and capable camera. Whether you’re an aspiring photographer or a seasoned professional, this camera could be a valuable addition to your gear collection.
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In the world of photography, Nikon has established itself as a renowned brand known for producing high-quality cameras. One such model that gained popularity among photography enthusiasts is the Nikon D750. Launched in 2014, the D750 became a favorite among professionals and amateurs alike due to its exceptional features and performance. However, with the rapid advancement in camera technology, one might question whether the used Nikon D750 is still a viable option in 2023 (sample images from nikon d750 at the end). In this article, we will delve into the various aspects of the D750 and determine its relevance in the current photography landscape.
Table of Contents
Introduction
Performance and Image Quality
ISO Sensitivity
Autofocus System
Continuous Shooting and Buffer Capacity
Video Capabilities
Connectivity and Features
Ergonomics and Build Quality
Lens Compatibility
Price and Value
Availability and Support
Sample Images
Conclusion
FAQs
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Performance and Image Quality
When it comes to performance, the Nikon D750 still holds its ground admirably. Equipped with a 24.3-megapixel full-frame sensor and an Expeed 4 image processor, this camera delivers exceptional image quality, sharpness, and dynamic range. The D750 performs admirably in various lighting conditions, ensuring stunning results in both well-lit and challenging situations. Its low-light capabilities are particularly impressive, with a wide ISO range of 100-12800 (expandable to 50-51200).
ISO Sensitivity
The D750’s ISO sensitivity range allows photographers to capture detailed and noise-free images even in dimly lit environments. The camera’s impressive noise reduction capabilities ensure that high ISO settings can be used without significant loss of image quality. This makes the D750 a reliable choice for low-light photography, such as weddings, events, and astrophotography.
Image at 6400 from Nikon d750. Its a JPG processed directly in Lightrom Mobile. Even then high ISO performance is very good. Raw will be muhc better than this.
Autofocus System
The D750 features a 51-point autofocus system with 15 cross-type sensors. This advanced autofocus system ensures accurate subject tracking and quick focus acquisition, even in challenging shooting scenarios. The camera’s ability to focus in low-light conditions is commendable, thanks to its -3 EV sensitivity.
Its not the fasttest, buit for this price point and class, it is very good.
Continuous Shooting and Buffer Capacity
For capturing fast-paced action, the D750 offers a continuous shooting speed of 6.5 frames per second. This allows photographers to seize decisive moments and capture a series of images with ease. The camera’s buffer capacity is also impressive, allowing for extended burst shooting without significant slowdown.
Its not the fastest speed as compared to some other models, but for playing children and pets, its more than enough.
Video Capabilities
In addition to its prowess in still photography, the Nikon D750 offers excellent video capabilities. It supports full HD 1080p video recording at various frame rates, including 60fps. The camera provides manual control over exposure settings, enabling videographers to achieve their desired creative vision.
These video specs are not the best in the world but if you are into interview or documentary style videos, it will serve you better as B Cam.The D750’s articulating LCD screen further facilitates capturing videos from different angles.
Connectivity and Features
The D750 incorporates built-in Wi-Fi capabilities, enabling seamless transfer of images to smartphones and tablets. This feature allows photographers to share their work instantly on social media platforms or transfer files to clients on the go. Additionally, the camera includes a built-in intervalometer, making it suitable for time-lapse photography.
You can find this app ( WirelessMobileUtility ) here.
Ergonomics and Build Quality
Nikon has always prioritized user comfort and ergonomics, and the D750 is no exception. The camera features a well-designed grip and intuitive button layout, providing a comfortable shooting experience. The body is constructed from a durable magnesium alloy, ensuring robustness and longevity.
Lens Compatibility
The Nikon D750 is compatible with a wide range of lenses, including both FX and DX formats. This versatility allows photographers to choose from a vast selection of Nikon lenses to suit their specific needs and shooting styles.
Price and Value
One of the significant advantages of considering a used Nikon D750 is its affordability compared to newer camera models. In 2023, the D750 offers an excellent value proposition for photographers seeking a full-frame camera with advanced features but are constrained by budget limitations.
Availability and Support
Despite being released several years ago, the Nikon D750 continues to enjoy strong support from Nikon and third-party manufacturers. This means that users can easily find accessories, spare parts, and lenses for the D750, ensuring a seamless photography experience.
Sample Images
Conclusion
In conclusion, the used Nikon D750 remains a solid choice for photographers in 2023. With its exceptional image quality, impressive low-light performance, advanced autofocus system, and robust build quality, the D750 continues to be a reliable workhorse for various genres of photography. Its affordability and availability further contribute to its appeal, especially for those on a budget. However, for photographers seeking the latest cutting-edge features and advancements, exploring newer camera models may be worthwhile.
FAQs
1. Can I use my existing lenses with the Nikon D750? Absolutely! The D750 is compatible with a wide range of Nikon lenses, providing flexibility and options for photographers.
2. Is the Nikon D750 suitable for professional photography? Yes, the D750 is well-suited for professional photography. Its excellent image quality, low-light capabilities, and robust build make it a reliable choice for professionals.
3. Does the Nikon D750 have built-in image stabilization? No, the D750 does not have in-body image stabilization. However, many Nikon lenses feature built-in image stabilization, providing stabilization capabilities when paired with the camera.
4. Is the Nikon D750 weather-sealed? Yes, the D750 features weather-sealing, providing some level of protection against dust and moisture.
5. Where can I get access to a used Nikon D750? For access to a used Nikon D750 and other camera equipment, you can visit reputable online marketplaces or camera stores specializing in used gear.
I have been a victim of Gadget addiction syndrome (GAS) for a long time. The bad news is, I am still suffering from it 🙂 If you are a photography enthusiast and you are just moved to Oman ( or planning to ), this post is for you. Follow below for a complete list of shops dealing in photography equipment in Oman.
Below is a brief list of places in no particular where you can buy or rent new or used photography equipment in Oman . Off course OLX Muscat is also a great place to buy used gear too. The list contains all major camera shops that deals in major camera manufactures like Canon, Nikon, Sony, Fujifilm, Sigma, Tokina, manfrotto and all other accessory manufacturers.
Photo Center
Probably the one of the most reputed camera shop in Muscat. Official dealers of Fujifilm, Sigma, Manfrotto, Hassleblad, Epson etc. They have a bunch of other services like printing,framing, image restoration, time-lapse and photography services. They have a very functional, well updated website, so you can find everything there.
Another one stop shop for photography equipment in Muscat. They have a very good service and almost all brands are available here. They have a very functional facebook page with up-to-date discount deals coming all the time.
Official Dealer of Sony in Oman. Deals in other electronic equipment as well.
Contact: 24814851
Go 4 rent
One of the very first photography equipment rental store in Oman. They have a very good and functional Instagram account. Check out their latest deals and available equipment online anytime.
P.S. Most of the shops mentioned here are in Muscat (capital city) as I spent most of my time here. If you know any good places here or outside Muscat do mention in comments so I will update this post.
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This post is second part of the series ‘Photography composition essentials‘. You can find other parts here.
If your photograph engages a viewer more than 5 seconds, it means it has something for the viewer to look into. If we keep aside the story part and strictly look into the aesthetic aspects of a photograph, what composition rule or principle actually responsible for all that viewer’s attention? It is Depth or Perspective in a photograph.
As we all know, a photograph is a two dimensional plane and normally it doesn’t fully recreates the actual emotions of what we saw at that time ( and it never will. That’s why we should enjoy the process of taking photographs whether we get a shot or not). If anything that can help viewer to feel a little bit of reality in a photograph, then it is DEPTH. It is the THIRD dimension of a photograph and one of the key composition rule in photography.
What Depth really offers to the viewer is an artist’s preferred way to look into the picture. The user starts from foreground, moves towards the subject and then the rest of the information is filled in by the background. The only thing that is important is actually the relation of all these elements to fill in all the missing parts.
I actually didn’t notice that much about depth before I decided to write a post on it. I was merely using it for the aesthetic aspect of my photographs. But when I actually start thinking in more detail, I started to embrace its value even more. It prepares a ground for every picture and convince the viewer that this picture is a piece of artwork and not just another snap. It separates a good luck artist from a photographer that is consistently producing good pictures.
I am a landscape lover and I do agree that a lot of the time I get good photographs by chance 🙂 and instead of taking consistently good pictures by doing my homework, I am used to increase my chances by taking MORE pictures. That’s how I used to cheat my luck because it gives me the same net results. But this approach actually hurts you when you try to go PRO because you can’t come again and again to same location and try your luck when you do professional work. That’s why people willing to hire professionals because they give them sure results the first time they get a chance.
So if you want to be a PRO then start taking it more seriously and try to conceptualize the photograph before lifting your camera to your eye. Check whether you got enough DEPTH in your photograph that can engage viewers and if not, move towards some different angle or location until you find a decent spot to convey a reasonable DEPTH.
SO now I am going to show you some of my images that in my opinion have decent depth aspect. Keep in mind that I am not a PRO and I am still working on my stills.
1. Muttrah Corniche Sunrise , Oman
Muttrah Corniche by Imran Zahid
It starts with a boat (foreground) moving through the restrooms / parking (middle ground), all the way to the distant trees mountains and beautiful clouds (Background). All these things are related and complement each other. They depict the typical setting of a beach-side resort. The shoreline here is connecting all these levels together making it one complete picture.
Here the road is leading towards the main subject i.e. Sunrise (Background) but instead of just a plain sunrise it leads towards it through a person standing (foreground) and town houses (middle ground). So it conveys enough details for viewer to observe. The on-going street light gives a sense of distance between all these levels.
This is sidaab street in Oman that leads to the Royal Palace. The main subject of this picture is actually the road and the journey (middle ground) but to create enough interest I put a car tire (foreground) and mountains and clouds (background). The street lights provides a sense of distance among foreground/middle ground and background.
I guess by now you know that I am obsessed with roads and I accept that I love roads and I found them to be a very attractive subject when it comes to depth and perspective. Here off-course that car with a smiley spare wheel is the subject (middle ground) along with the road in front (foreground) leads towards the subject and all the way to the mountains (background).
OK, enough of landscapes and roads. Now I am going to show you some examples from street/people photography too.
5. The fisherman , Sifah beach , Oman
The Fisherman by Imran Zahid
Here there are no leading lines but from the proportion it is clear that fisherman on left is our subject(foreground) which is complemented by the boats (middle ground) and it goes towards the sea where he used to do fishing. All levels are perfectly related and gel together.
The people here are either fishermen who came from fishing trips or the buyers who wants fish. The composition is simple. It starts with harbor (foreground) towards subject( which are fishermen in middle ground) all the way to water and their ships (background). No need to explain further.
Conclusion
I hope I made my point pretty clear now that when I am talking about DEPTH or perspective in a photograph, I am referring to all these levels (fore/middle/background) and their relationship with the entire picture. That makes a photograph complete and it makes people believe what they are witnessing. It makes it more interesting and entices them to look into each and every detail of a photograph.
You have some good examples of depth in a photograph? Do share with me 🙂
Note: For customized photography tour in Oman, please check out my post ‘Photography tour in Oman‘
If you just moved to Oman or planning to move here and you are addicted to photography as well then chances are that you are looking for places where you could satisfy your appetite for photography.
The good news is, Oman is an ideal place for photographers. Whether you are interested in Landscapes, street, culture or portraits. You will find ample amount of photographic opportunities in here. The locals here are quite friendly and you will not find any difficulty while interacting with them provided you respect their traditions and cultural values. You don’t have to worry about any Law and order insecurities as well.
I have been working here for quite some time but I started photography a little more than a year ago. During my time here I happen to visit quite a few places and I do visit them regularly to keep my photo stream up and running. For long time ,I have been thinking about making a list of places that are good for photography tours. After a lot of brainstorming I decided to categorize my list according to type of photography and write City names against it. That list will guide anyone who is new to Oman to plan their trip in advance. Off course if you have a good eye you can get any type of images anywhere but this list is just a quick start guide for photographers who are new to Oman.It is a work in progress and I hope a lot of my friends in Oman could correct me and guide me to make this list even better and more useful.
P.S This post contains mine as well as lot of other photographer’s images . All the images have copyrights to their respective owners. I have tried to give due credit to each one of them by linking back their respective business / Facebook pages. If you don’t want your image to be included here for any reason or want to change something about it,PM me or drop a comment and I will do the necessary.
Beaches / Corniches
Oman has some of the most stunning and breathtaking beaches in the world with its coastline stretches to more than 3000 km.They are known for their purity of sand,scenic nature and sturdy surrounding rocks.If you are into seascapes, there is no better place than Oman for you 🙂 I am listing just a few well-known beaches here.
After seasides and beaches , if there is one thing that definitely draws your attention are the beautiful Wadis (valleys) and majestic mountains in Oman. You will find these almost everywhere in Oman. Some of them are totally developed into tourist attractions while others remain quite untouched in their natural state.
Oman has given special attention to preserve its ancient and traditional values when it comes to preserving its architecture. You will observe this vary principle while visiting various mosques , forts and markets. Along with its oriental nature , you will notice that they are against high rise buildings and that is one interesting thing that sets Omani architecture apart from other Gulf states and creates its own charm.
Being Traditionalist in practice, Oman is rich in culture and heritage. It has a number of sites listed in UNESCO world Cultural and heritage sites including some of the oldest souqs (markets) which includes.
So up till now we have been looking for natural beauty in beaches , mountains, wadis and all that architecture and cultural heritage .But if you are that exotic type of person who likes to get comfortable in big resorts, Oman has a lot to offer.Below are some of the best resorts in Oman.
No middle eastern country is completed without its Deserts and Oman has its fair share of Deserts too.You will find some of the exotic desert safari locations in these sand driven areas.Some of the major deserts are.
If you have any correction or you went to some place in Oman and have amazing pics.Do send me your images and location name and I will accommodate it here.
I love black and white ( monochrome ) photography a lot. I can’t help it. Whenever I start post processing any of my photograph I always first try to convert it to black and white and see if it looks good or not. I was wondering lately, why I like some pictures more in black and white than in color. This question is very important because it gives the answer for which type of photographs we should convert to black and white and why. So I came up with some of the reasoning that I hope you will find useful and insightful. Feel free to play around with these ideas.
1. It reduces distraction.
The Aim by Imran Zahid.You see how it reduces the distraction of different color clothes of all these people and help you focus of the subject.
Ever wonder why most of the street photography is in black and white? Because in street photography we have very less control on environment. You can’t control the annoying and distracting bill boards and ads all around street. You can’t control the colorful cars and other stuff that grabs all the attention instead of your subject. Yes you can control these things by changing your viewpoint and angle and all that but still most of the time you don’t have that much time and you want to grab the moment quickly. So it helps in saving some of your shots that otherwise don’t work in color. But don’t make it an excuse to not think before shoot in street photography.
2. It helps you emphasize more on story than visual
Contemplation by Imran Zahid.
In black and white photograph, visual candy is not there so viewer can concentrate more on the story and emotion behind the photograph rather than aesthetics. This where composition became so much important because it’s the only way to tell viewers about the main subject and story.
3. It brings a world unknown to us
Down the memory lane by Imran Zahid
The Journey by Imran Zahid
We as human beings are bound to see things in colors by default. Black and white brings a whole new world in front of us that we are unaware of. It makes it more uncertain and exciting for us to see things in entirely different way. It brings that antique and classic look into the pictures which make them timeless and precious. That’s how our mind works when we see any black and white photograph.
So these are the main reasons why we like black and white photographs. The photographs that tell story bound to have these characteristics and are best suited for monochrome treatment. Now here is the list of techniques that you can employ to create really stunning black and white photographs
1. Composition
The Road by Imran Zahid
Composition is everything in any type of photography and in black and white, it is literally everything because you don’t have colors to complement it. All you have is composition. Through proper composition you can direct the viewer to observe certain parts as subject and remaining as background. Placing a subject to the strongest part in frame and arranging other elements is really important and it makes or breaks any image. Rules of composition like rule of thirds, leading lines and negative space are the key to black and white photograph.
2. Contrast
Tea making by Imran Zahid
Black and white photography is all about contrast. The more the better. A lot of shades of grey will not make a dramatic black and white photo. Drama starts where there is more contrast, more blown out and darker areas. These imperfections are actually the one that creates emotions in black and white photography. Always look for contrast in a photo. One tip regarding exposure. Expose for lighter areas as you can recover details in darker areas more easily in RAW files as compare to recovering highlights. Another tip is to shoot in RAW format and set built in black and white option. That way you can see the result immediately and even if you want color RAW file always contains color information. One final tip regarding conversion to B&W is to use separate color sliders after conversion to adjust certain parts of image like blue color to adjust sky. Also you can use luminescence sliders to adjust areas by their brightness.
3. Convey an emotion or story
Wisdom by Imran Zahid
Since a black and white photograph doesn’t have colors so you cannot just purely depend on visuals. You need to convey some story or some emotion else your photograph will fall flat. It doesn’t have to be a photo journalistic in nature. A simple smile or some interesting character in its surrounding is more than enough but make sure it conveys enough details.
4. Look for strong shapes and texture
The Cave by Imran Zahid
Strong shapes and lines and curves always makes a photo more interesting. In black and white it is much more prominent as these strong lines and curves actually defines edges and separates one object from another. So try to integrate some strong lines and shapes for better definition and detail. Texture is also more observable in black and white photograph than in color.
5. Look for some interesting light
Walking Shadows by Imran Zahid
Try to look for dramatic/directional lighting source in your photograph. Directional light defines edges more clearly and hence bring details and definition in your objects. It can bring contrast in your photograph. Also dodging and burning is one classic technique that a lot of black and white photographers use to highlight the areas in image that they want their viewers to concentrate more on.
So here it is . Everything I know and discovered about black and white photography over the time. If you didn’t tried it. Do it. Its worth it. Its a bit difficult in some respects but its timeless.Its creative and worth giving a shot. Feel free tp pitch your ideas in comments sections.
I am a big fan of composition articles on internet as I consider composition as one of the most important topic in photography. If there is only one thing that can create the biggest impact on your photography m then it is composition. It is the key to successful photographs. I do agree that lenses, camera bodies and other accessories do affect your photography to a certain level. But if you don’t want to spare a dime and still want to make huge difference than start concentrating on your compositions from now on.
In fact , it’s a good exercise and challenge for all of us who are suffering from GAS (Gadget addiction syndrome) is to stop looking for good and cheap deals for camera bodies and lenses and start giving more attention to our COMPOSITIONS. Just make a promise to yourself that for the next six months I will not buy any new equipment and just experiment with composition techniques to make my photographs stronger than before. After this , you will be amazed how much this will affect your photography in the long run.
So to start with myself, I am starting a series of posts on composition techniques of photography. I will try to write one post every week for each technique and attach some of my own photographs for samples. You guys can post your stuff in comments and I will add them here as well. Since I am a big fan of minimalism, I will start off with NEGATIVE SPACE.
Negative Space:
Negative space is actually a breathing space in photograph. It is a place where viewer’s eyes can rest after observing other details in photograph. It will actually calm down your eyes and ease your mind. It brings a sense of serenity to image. The viewer will feel more comfortable and can concentrate more on the subject rather than wondering around distractions. Check out some of my samples and observe the use of negative space in composition and do submit your so that I can attach them too for better understanding.
Street photography is one of the most feared and uncertain type of photography in which almost nothing is in your control and almost everything is based on luck. A lot of new photographers who like street photography because it’s classy/candid look and feel are very nervous because it demands too much time and luck.
Also the success rate of these types of shots is also very low as you get a lot of crappy shots when you come back home and try to edit them. A lot of factors are there that can go wrong very easily like improper focus, background distractions, photo bombing etc not to mention a lot of time you need to face people’s anger and sometime security issues. But guess what? That is the reason that makes street photography so much satisfying and fulfilling because after so much frustration when you get proper shot it worth a lot. You can easily compete with any professional photographer if you have a decisive street photography shot.
Like any field, if you carefully analyze the problems, you can come up with some workflow that will produce maximum results with very low chances of getting things wrong. I am by no means a pro street photographer but over the time I have come up with a workflow that works for me most of the time.
Look for interesting faces / Emotions.
This is by far the easiest step in getting interesting photos. Look for older people or children. Their faces are very expressive. Also people with unique clothes and emotional state make your photos pop because of their unusual settings.
Look for related or contrasting background and foreground interest.
Street photography is all about complete environment. You should try to guide viewers from subject to background. And to do it seamlessly your background should be related. Highlight your subject but try to put some meaningful and unobtrusive background as well. Don’t try to completely remove it or use too simple background, as it kills the purpose of street photography. Also sometimes a very contrasting background makes a strong visual statement as well. Play carefully within limits.
Look for some truly beautiful geometric composition.
This is where street photography gets visually very interesting. But it’s also very difficult and if you nailed down this aspect you will get a master piece. Composition is always the key.
Look for some tried and tested conditions.
Look for some unique shadows or nice reflections on glass or stagnant water on streets. Contrasting lighting conditions both during day and night is also very dramatic. Symmetry and repetition is also very pleasing to eyes.
Shoot in both Color and black and white
Its very tempting to always shoot in black and white because it looks classic and it suppresses a lot of background distractions. But a part of these two reasons, try to learn other aspects of B&W also like shadows, textures and contrast. B&W tends to look a little more sharp as well. But color has its advantages too. Sometimes a photo with color is more interesting than B&W as its more natural cause we used to see in colors.
Always wait for the DECISIVE MOMENT.
This is by far the most important point of street photography and the whole topic revolves around it and that is why I make it a separate heading and not a pointer .Before clicking just think is it the right time to take it. How it will work if I wait a little longer or If I click a little earlier. If it makes a difference, do it accordingly. This is the point that actually creates a story.
Below are some of the side thoughts that you should keep in mind and that will come handy all the time.
1. Be courteous to your subjects at all times. Don’t try to exploit them. If they don’t want to be photographed, leave them alone. You will get a million other opportunities. Be ready to say sorry and smile and never confront with local people.
2. Make yourself familiar with that place. A little planning will never hurt. Try to come to same place again sometime. You will be already familiarized with locations and its settings. That will help you to plan your shot in advance.
3. Talk to people after you photographed them. Give them your business card. Ask them if they want these photos and send them later through email as a courtesy. Make them friends. It will be much more fun and less daunting.
Conclusion
Don’t expect that every time you go out for street photography, you will get some master pieces. It’s very difficult, so be patient and try to enjoy the whole process of getting shots and not just the final shots. Try to improvise as you learn. These are just few pointers that I compiled because they worked for me. Try to come up with your own tips and tricks. I am working in Middle East where people are generally not very friendly and they are suspicious of camera as well. But if you have a nice friendly smile on your face and you are not intruding their personal space aggressively than its very a enjoyable process and not to mention that final result is much more satisfying.
Sigma-17-50mm f2.8 EX DC OS HSM lens is one of the most successful sigma general purpose lens for any crop sensor camera produced by sigma ever. I bought this lens 6 months ago and since then it is most widely used lens on my canon 600d. Its razor sharp . It has good Optical stabilization. Very good build quality and a bit heavy but any good lens with these qualities normally has some weight because of all the internal mechanisms. It is definitely the best lens if you are moving from kit lens. Although the focal range is pretty much the same as kit lens so a lot of new comers hesitates to buy this as they are looking for some different focal length and hoping that the different focal length will improve their shots . But believe me this lens can take your photography to new level altogether. The amount of sharpness and saturation that you will get with this is simply amazing.
Below is the complete nomenclature of this lens as appeared on Sigma’s website.
DC:These are special lenses designed for APS-C size sensors so that the image circle matches the smaller size of the image sensor of most digital SLR cameras. Their specialized design gives these lenses the ideal properties for digital cameras, the compact and lightweight construction is an added bonus!
EX:The exterior of this lens is EX-finished to denote the superior build and optical quality, and to enhance its appearance.
HSM:This lens uses a motor driven by ultrasonic waves to provide a quiet, high-speed AF.
IF:To ensure stability in focusing, this lens moves the inner lens group(s) without changing the lens’ physical length.
OS:This function utilizes a built-in mechanism that compensates for camera shake. It dramatically expands photographic possibilities by alleviating camera movement when shooting by hand held camera.
I am not going to give a lot of comparison details as I find it useless but I will show you some of my shots taken from this lens and even after that if you are not satisfied, I will share some links to very detailed reviews that you may find helpful.All these photos are taken by me on Canon 600d with this lens.
imran.zahid 
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