Grey-headed swamphen

 

Grey-headed swamphen (Porphyrio poliocephalus) is a common inhabitant of marshy, vegetated freshwater bodies. The male has an elaborate courtship display, holding water weeds in his bill and bowing to the female with loud chuckles.

The Grey-headed Swamphens are generally seasonal breeders, but the season varies across their large range, correlating with peak rainfall in many places, or summer in more temperate climes. The Grey-headed Swamphen breeds in warm reed beds. In the western parts of the range the pattern of social behaviour tends to be monogamy, but cooperative breeding groups are more common in the eastern parts of the range. These groups may consist of multiple females and males sharing a nest or a male female pair with helpers drawn from previous clutches.

*The image was made at Mote Majra, Punjab in 2020.

 

Secret behind an excellent photograph!

 

What is the secret behind an excellent photograph or how to make an outstanding image?  It sounds like an interesting question, which generates curiosity in our minds and  makes us think of possible answers. There is no scientific method to answer this simple question. Also, the reply of a seasoned professional will differ from that of a photo-enthusiast. Peoples’ perception  varies from person to person because of many factors including socio-cultural outlook. So does the perception of jury may vary which can turn an award winning image into an ordinary one. But what is the secret behind an excellent image.

While discussing the “secret”, no ace photographer will ever talk about his photography  gear  because he knows its not that important. What do you think ? Does the gear matter the most? No. What matters the most is the insight  into what  one thinks  while composing the shot and pressing the shutter release button.

Its a fact that the most powerful sensor to record an outstanding image is not in any camera, but in yourself. You are to understand and explore it. Therefore, the secret lies in your ability to recognize what your sensor  can record better. If you are very keen to create your own visual signature, please look within yourself. Yes, within your-self.

There is a word of caution. One should not get misled by marketing gimmicks of camera manufacturers and the so called “wow” factor on social media where even the novice comment like a master.

The desire to make an outstanding photograph emanates even before buying a camera. But did you ever think that all great photographers have one thing in common. What is that which makes their works inspire the viewers and makes their images highly different from others. Its their ability to tell a story. Yes, a visual story with a difference.  Even the images of wild life having a story make lasting impact. Remember an image with a story, one that evokes emotions and curiosity will certainly over ride other images.

Some bird photographers are so much obsessed with the concept of story- telling that once  while reading some of the reviews of images of wildlife including those of birds at a website of nature photography, I found a few of the photographers who had clearly mentioned that before going out to photograph birds they had a story in their minds. This also underlines the significance of going out well prepared not only with the equipment, but also with thorough knowledge of behavior of the species that you may encounter.

Making only record  images of birds  or animals, when they are not in action or not showing any behavioral trait,  is a useless exercise. Look at images posted in social media sites and you will see a majority of these appear to be record shots because they do not have a story. One must try to understand  how a  “visual story” is scripted ? One must learn to observe the subject and surroundings. Yes, with patience.

Get the factors like desire and curiosity infused in yourself. Just think of great adventures, all these were conceived and planned  with ‘desire’ and ‘curiosity’. The way you view your subject impacts your style of photography. Therefore, one has to think like a visual story-teller, and not like a photographer. While making photographs, let desire and curiosity guide you. Lay emphasis on details and capture moments that most would let pass by. Do it with confidence, you may have a super zoom, but lack of confidence will get you a blurred or shaky image.

If you feel stagnation in your work flow, try to learn like a fresher. Remember, the limitations in your photography are within yourself. You have to  “unlearn  to learn” or say reboot the computer. Make a point not to follow the prevailing trends, but try to  pave your own way. It will make you realize that the secret to outstanding image is short  and easy to achieve.

Subhash Sapru

 

 

PSA-PJ IDG Group 02 General

 

When I joined the Photographic Society of America (PSA) in 1998, thanks to my brother Mr Brij M, Sapru and his wife Dr. Krishna Sapru, I also sought membership of its both Study Groups of Photojournalism and Human Interest. I did so because in those days my main interest in photography used to capture the element of human interest.

Thereafter began a series of my participation in world-wide exhibitions and in many exhibitions my PJ images bagged awards and appreciation for their high journalistic content. Then in 2003 I was assigned to author a book on photojournalism in Hindi language for the students of journalism in Hindi speaking states of India.

Later on, around 2015, I found myself motivated towards bird photography and did it with ease and pleasure. I was doing it , am still doing it in 2021, despite some health issues. It was in April 2021 that the Administrator of the PJ Study group of PSA sent an email to the members of the group that as he has been elevated in PSA, he will join the new position in October but the new group will commence in May,’21. To keep the group functional, the PJ Division of the PSA sought volunteers. A few days later I received a proposal from new Director of PJ Study Groups asking me if I shall volunteer to be the Administrator of the Group. I agreed for General PJ Group as I do not have much experience for Sports photography, the other group. The PSA has new PJ groups with new software.

It was in the last week of April ’21 that I got all the basic instructions and guidance from the new Director and the Webmaster to run the Study Group. I was a little hesitant in doing it because I am not much familiar with such softwares . Anyway I am getting good support and have started my work. Hope it will be a good experience and my fellow members will enjoy it.

Interestingly, the members of the group include two women. I am keen to see the women perspective in photojournalism. In our country I have neither seen many women photojournalists nor are their many women having photography as a hobby. But at present their number is gradually increasing and its very encouraging.

Avail of the Photographic Opportunity “Now”

 

By Subhash Sapru

 

The ace photographer Heneri Cartier-Bresson, popularly known as “The King of Now” had once said, “In photography, you’ve got to be quick, quick, quick, quick. Like an animal and a prey”. This golden advise of the legendary photographer is very inspiring and will continue to inspire not only the photojournalists, but also those who take interest in other branches of photography.

By ignoring a right moment or delaying an opportunity, one may miss the decisive moment of taking a stunning or awe-inspiring photograph, may that be of nature, photojournalism or any other category. Although most of us are aware of this vital aspect of photography yet at times it may become a little difficult to follow this advise and converge all our faculties  to capture the fleeting reality. Hence, one may miss the best photograph.

There is no doubt that the success achieved in quickly availing of the fleeting moment may result in such a photograph that would touch one’s heart. But while remembering the word “now” and being quick, there is a world of caution. One need not jostle or be nervous while taking the photograph at an opportune time. The excitement which one experiences while pressing the shutter at a decisive moment should not make one so nervous that it would result in camera shake or confuse in fixing the correct exposure.

The golden advice of being quick also implies for taking photographs during vagaries of a seasons. There are several areas in the world, which do not receive snow fall and most of the inhabitants  of such areas visit  snow bound areas as tourists to enjoy the nature’s wonder.

For years I have kept waiting to visit the nearby hill station, Shimla, when the snow would fall so that I take photographs of the different kind. Although I have been to this hill station, situated at a distance of about 115 kilometer from my place, several times yet never could I coincide my visit with snow fall thus missing photographs of snow covered areas. As it does not snow at my place, Chandigarh in India, the desire to visit this near by hill station and areas beyond it during snow fall kept growing stronger over the years.

It was during the winter of 2008 that the hill station of Shimla and areas beyond it received a massive snow fall in the first fortnight of February. It kept snowing intermittently for about six days. The golden advise of Heneri Cartier-Bresson to be quick and act like an animal and prey kept me alert for taking photographs of snow bound areas and I decided not to miss the opportunity this time. The snow fall was so intense that  it broke its record of last 15 years. As a result of it,  normal life was paralyzed, many roads were blocked, drinking water had frozen in pipes and so were frozen many water falls and brooks in the hills. When finally it stopped snowing, I tried to be amongst the first few to reach beyond the popular hill station of Shimla and capture some frozen moments before these melt and shatter my hopes for some unusual photographs.

          The picturesque Shimla, located at an altitude of 2130 metres, used to be the Summer Capital of India during the days of the British rule. Now it is the Capital of Himachal Pradesh State of India and is a popular hill station. My target was to cross Shimla and go upto next prominent hill station, Narkanda provided I get the National Highway-22, which is also known as Hindustan-Tibet road, open to traffic.

With the news channels breaking the news that snow fall has finally stopped in that area and my late night inquiries revealed that the National Highway-22, which leads to the hill station of Shimla and areas beyond it, has been reopened up to Shimla, I quickly left my place to avail of this photographic opportunity before the snow melts.

With the curiosity to avail of the opportunity to take photographs on this massive snow fall being always on my mind, I left for Shimla by road before the day could break and on reaching there, I sought the help of a local person, who had experience in driving in snow bound areas so that I may concentrate more on photography. As we crossed Shimla, there were a number of tourists at the next hill station “Kufri”. Although the snow had been removed from the road to pave the way for the vehicles, the road still being slippery, I found some vehicles skidding thus jamming traffic. Therefore, fearing accidents which could make vehicles skid deep in gorges thus proving fatal, most of the tourists opted to return their vehicles. But turning back was also not easy due to snow which had been pushed on both sides of the road while making passage for vehicles and a thin layer of hardened snow  on the road was making it more difficult for inexperienced drivers.

Generally, a drive on the Hindustan-Tibet road treats one to a spectacular bird’s eye view of apple orchards and valleys as the road turns from one spur to another, but during this winter the massive snow fall had made the area look like a white desert. There was snow and snow all around. On hills, in valleys, on house tops, in terraced fields and there were vehicles abandoned on road side and buried under the snow. I could see a white sheet of snow all around and machines of the Government engaged in cleaning roads and making way for vehicles. A few stretches of this strategic highway still had a thin layer of hardened snow and those maintaining the National Highway had put coarse sand on it to avoid skidding of vehicles. At a spot, a young boy walked deep into the thick layer of snow on a roadside thus enabling me to fathom the thickness of snow on ground.

As the day was sunny, the bright sun had made the snow start melting slowly thus making roads more slippery. Whenever I had to take a photograph, I had to step out of the car gently and  walk cautiously and slowly so that I may not slip. On one side of the highway there were hills and on the other valley. As about one to two feet deep snow was on both sides of the road, it had become more narrow. Whenever I had to come out of the car to take a  photograph, we would have to first move the car in the middle of the road to make space for opening the door. And while taking photographs, it is advisable not to walk in snow on sides of the road  as in such a situation one does not know what lies buried under the  snow, a pit or a stone.

There were areas where the machines were still busy cleaning the National Highway. The biting cold had made most of the people to remain inside their homes, but at Narkanda I could see some people either basking in Sun or walking on roads despite the biting cold. As the snow had started melting due to sunny day, the droplets falling from roof tops had made formations similar to stalactites. I also saw frozen water falls and brooks.

Apart from availing of this photographic opportunity, this visit also helped me in learning the skill of driving on slippery roads. Drive slowly, carefully and apply brakes, if required, very gently.

By the same evening we reached Narkanda, which is situated at an altitude of 2780 meters. The road being very slippery at a spot, our car skidded and for a moment my heart missed a beat. The gentleman, who was driving the car, did not apply brake as he felt that would  have made skidding faster. Instead, he quickly moved the steering wheel  to let  the car go towards the hills and the snow accumulated  by cleaning the road acted as a cushion.

Had he not acted quickly to divert the car towards the hills, it might have skidded on the other side hundreds of feet down in the valley. And had I not pounced upon the opportunity like “an animal and prey”, I would have missed such a life time opportunity.

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