Why I photograph birds ?

Ever since I have taken to photography, I never questioned myself about my growing passion for this form of expression, but now the more I go out to make images of birds the more I question myself for trying to be more with birds to observe their behavior and body language. Although still I can’t identify most of the birds from their respective call and body shape, as most birders do, yet their chirps and actions fascinate me, make me follow them, admire and capture their beauty with my camera. I wish if I could respond to their calls and understand their communication skills and get reply to my simple question, why I photograph them.

When I put the same question to a few birders, who also photograph birds, a few of them too had same question lurking in their unconscious minds, but the reply was like “the show must go on”. Perhaps, like me most of them too had have no conscious intention. They simply enjoy the thrill of watching and photographing birds.

My question becomes more relevant when I look back to the days when I took to photography seriously and my images began to make a mark at international level. However at times I do compare bird photography with another challenging genre of photojournalism, my favourite. When I took up journalism as my career, those were the days when bosses in media houses used to assign crime beat  to the new comers because that enables them to be more alert and quick, inquisitive  and work in inhospitable conditions, test their own potential, learn investigation skills and more about different aspects of their profession. When I took to bird photography a bit seriously, in my early sixties and that too after suffering a stroke, it was evidently clear to me that I would be stepping in a challenging arena where I would have to grasp in dark and may find it difficult to satisfy my desire to keep moving and exploring this new world of birds. Soon I realized that bird photography is not easy, especially if you go beyond making only record shots to get the  species identified.  It is best learned over time, slowly and in stages. Indeed, there’s no substitute for starting out as a dedicated birder, learn to find pleasure from being in the company of birds. I was aware that I would have to follow a two pronged strategy aimed at acquiring information about a variety of birds, their species and behavior on one hand and on the other emphasis would have to be laid on upgrading my photography equipment and skill. Thanks to the Chandigarh Bird Club (CBC) for helping me in realising my aspirations despite my initial inhibition and limitations. In my heart of hearts I am more thankful to the one who introduced me to bird photography and more so to the guiding spirit who kept motivating me to dispel my inhibitions and continue to be a part of the CBC. Its like getting wings and learn in the company of some of the seasoned  birders.

I strongly believe that we all learn from each other and we must share our knowledge. To me, like photography, birding is also a stress buster, enhances alertness and the sense of patience. It’s a known fact that birds have inspired many scientists to gift remarkable inventions to the humanity. But the reply to my question does not lie wholly in the scientific aspects of birds.

I am aware that bird photography has many technical challenges. Its necessary to understand the equipment, make the complex calculations  promptly to adjust the critical parameters, anticipate behavior of birds and be prepared for surprises which may either be rewarding or disgusting.

Those bird photographers who, like me, live in urban areas, would agree that we pay the price as we  have to go outskirts to see and photograph birds. But still we are lucky for being able to visit some of the near  by birding hot spots and be a part of the universally accepted birding activities. Such activities may these be in a group or for an individual, can’t yield desired results if we are in a hurry. I have observed that we must acknowledge the priorities of birds, their rules and ways of going about things. Like a photojournalist or a sports photographer, we must do home-work before encountering a particular situation or an assignment. I have learnt to go well prepared not only with the equipment, but also with adequate knowledge of how these species behave and what are their likes and dislikes. Moving with care and sensitivity is something that many birders enjoy. Also, it forces us out of our usual habits and routines.

Many non-birders assume that bird photography requires a lot of patience. In my opinion spending time with birds is an inherently rich and rewarding experience, but at times it can get uncomfortable. What non-birders don’t seem to get is that when our senses are attuned to birds and the natural environment there are few dull and monotonous  moments. At times we are fully engrossed in following, tracking and monitoring what’s happening around. In case, after making a few trips to photograph birds, I begin to feel some pressure and need respite from monotonous routine, I give a break to myself  so that I continue to photograph birds with an added zeal. This period of break enables me to introspect  and understand what good or bad I had committed in my birding trips.

While photographing birds, at times, I try to interact with them, especially when I find one posing for a photograph or giving me enough time to be photographed. Its similar to the  interaction we are advised to make with a human being while making a portrait. Such  one-to-one interaction, a bit of murmur,  gives time to observe, admire beauty and refine technical adjustments. Its also about the profound respect that I have for these beautiful   creatures. It makes me optimistic   that they will not disappoint me.

To me, bird photography is not really about the subjects at all, rather, it’s ‘all about how I make images of birds, my intent and yearning for bird photography. I avoid to envy even those who while shooting in a group try to keep me at a distance fearing my image would be similar to theirs. My  primary focus is on accumulation  of tokens of self-worth and this seems the reply to my question.

-Subhash Sapru

Hon. EUSPA., APSA,PPSA,AIIPC

Stroke, Slump and Revival

Slump in a photographer's life is not an unusual phenomena. Many photographers face the slump, which pulls their inspiration down to the lowest ebb, but hope persists and either it puts them back to their passion or they make a new beginning. Not only the reasons for a slump vary,  but also the way such a situation is handled.

I had taken up photography as a hobby over four decades ago  and it turned out to be a rewarding passion. During last few years  I disliked holding my camera, with which I had made hundreds of images. Never before I had virtually left active photography. Just to understand this situation, I read a number of blogs and other related material and finally reached a conclusion that it's a fall out of my hemorrhagic stroke which I had suffered in the end of year 2014. But that was not only a stroke, it was more than that. One fine morning while driving alone within the city, I  suddenly fell unconscious and my car hit a round-about with a big bang. I remember having heard a thud. As I was not conscious shortly before the collision, my right foot must have pressed the accelerator with immense pressure which resulted in collision and a near fatal accident. I have a fainted memory as if someone on road asking me what happened and I replied perhaps I fell asleep. Thereafter, when I regained some consciousness, I felt I was in an ambulance and being taken somewhere. I heard two of my cousins talking to me as they were accompanying  me. But what followed thereafter and what eyewitnesses told me is very shocking and disturbing.

As a result of this collision, my seat belt was further tightened  and because of its diagonal pressure  my ribs and sternum were fractured, spleen, pancreas and liver were ruptured and my right eyeball was dislocated. Also, my right collarbone got twisted thus locking my right shoulder. The impact of collision was so much that my face collided against the steering of the car which had no airbag. Later I learnt that some well wisher had called the Police  who took me to the Government Multi-specialty hospital where they take all accident victims.Not satisfied with their initial treatment, my wife sought help from one of her friends and rushed me to the Post-graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research where I remained admitted for a fortnight.

I cannot forget the kind gesture of a photo-journalist who happened to pass that way and recognized me. He immediately informed one of my senior colleagues who sent a message and a conveyance to my wife so that she reaches me fast.

After five days of treatment, I remember, the doctor had declared me out of danger, but my body below the waist was paralyzed, thus rendering me unable to sit or walk of my own. I had also developed some eye problem. Not only the right eyeball was dislocated, but also the vision became defective. Things kept in the hospital room appeared as if these were touching ceiling of the room. As internal bleeding stopped,  I was discharged from the hospital after a fortnight, but I was neither able to stand or sit of my own nor did I have proper vision. Much shocking is the fact that the doctors relied on CT scan conducted by the earlier hospital which did not reveal anything bad. Therefore, even after a fortnight of the ill-fated day, I was not diagnosed for a stroke. For them mine was a simple case of road accident which happened due to my sleep.

            While I was at home, my wife attended me with good care. It took me about a month to stand of my own. However, without telling anyone, I made a self commitment to stand and walk of my own within about two months. And I could achieve my goal.

Those around me had their own opinion  about my behaviour, physical appearance and way of talking. What was going on in my head and heart is not to be explained here. In those days I was a Mentor with Nikon School and used to conduct workshops within my native city and neighbouring states. I felt loss of strength in my arms. I thought it might be because  the right collarbone got twisted.

But life was never as was before. It became difficult to hold my Nikon D800 for a considerable time. It was a year later in 2015 that I went to the USA to receive the international honour of Proficiency in Photography (PPSA) bestowed upon me by the Photographic Society of America. My wife accompanied me to the USA,  but I left India only after the Neurologist permitted me to travel. My brother, who is settled in the USA,  arranged all our travel schedule thus making it a memorable trip. 

My right shoulder was locked which I thought might be due to the impact of the accident, but the doctor termed it due to the stroke. Since then, as I am observing,now my arms are not that strong thus making it very difficult for me to hold camera and long lens weighing about three kg. for a considerable time. It is unfortunate that the doctors in both the hospitals could not detect that accident was the result of a brain stroke.It was almost a month now and some friends were already accusing me of sleeping while driving which resulted in an accident. Among those who visited us in those days was one of our relations who is an experienced doctor. He was the one who emphatically said that I did not sleep while driving, but something else happened. On his advise my wife first took me to  an ophthalmologist so as to cure my visibility. After intensive diagnosis I was told that all appears to be normal with the eyes, therefore, this might be a neurological disorder. They referred me to the Neurology Department of the institute where the doctor asked for an immediate MRI. As I had walked to him, he said half of the battle has already been won, MRI will reveal exact situation. And the MRI showed a bleed in cerebral region. This diagnosis gave clue to the reason of accident. While driving alone I had suffered a haemmoregic stroke which resulted in the near fatal accident. And then started treatment for stroke, delayed by a month. When someone suffers a stroke, every second becomes precious to save a life.

That was about five years ago, but some neurological problems still draw my attention. I know, in this situation, recovery is slow and a natural process begins to cure. Unfortunately, there is not much awareness about brain strokes. I had have some questions about such problems and its not possible to visit the neurologist frequently. Therefore, I joined an international Stroke Survivors Group to understand cause  of my new  health problems and all that’s going on in my mind, my changing behavior  and even the taste buds.I discussed my various health issues thread bare with fellow members as well as care givers. It was there that I realised that after a stroke, in most cases, the body gets a  “factory reset”. There were those who, due to a stroke, were disowned by even their own family members and friends. There I got answers to my several questions and above all, I got a feeling that I am not the only victim. I had several others hailing from different parts of the world who encouraged each other and tried to redress common problems.

There were many who responded to my questions with immense care and with logic, perhaps because they had themselves either faced a similar situation or were care givers. Among the members  there was one who used to respond to various health issues with confidence. My curiosity led me to ask her whether she is a doctor or from nursing profession. She made a very surprising revelation saying, “ None of the two, I am a care giver to my husband who had suffered a stroke, but still under treatment”.  She is Mrs Marie Fe V. Maximo who turned out to be a home tutorial teacher from Philippines , but had once aspired to join the nursing profession.

A majority of  stroke survivors get their body like a factory reset. In many cases they are not understood properly even by their spouses or family members. Therefore, for them the Stroke Survivors Group is like a common platform where the members share their health issues and  do not feel loneliness.

One of my major worries was lack of interest in photography. I discussed even this issue with fellow members of this group of survivors. I tried some means to overcome the slump in my creative photography. Interestingly, I noticed that only a couple of stroke survivors who themselves are photographers responded to my issues on slump. I have always described photography as a stress buster. This may be true because in my opinion not many photographers might have suffered a stroke. Now after about five years of suffering a stroke, its clear to me that the cause of slump in photography is ill effects of stroke. The best remedy is to accept the present situation and fight it bravely. My efforts have started yielding encouraging results and now I see revival.

Let’s Shoot Against Light !

Capturing backlit subjects, especially those with rim light  always fascinate photo-enthusiasts, but  at times photographs of subjects  like birds requiring details disappoint photographers because despite their best camera settings they get  objects like dark patches against bright background.  Similar is the case of shooting birds in flight or against bright sky. Some photographers try to resolve these challenging issues by altering their camera settings. They either change ISO sensitivity, shutter speed or aperture and there are others who blame their equipment for poor performance. There are many others who do not find it necessary to go through the camera manual.

Although exposure is an issue of personal choice yet the bird photographers are advised to shoot birds with sun to their back. This is a good suggestion, but the fascination for backlit subjects inspires them to continue experimentation with their gear. The solution to this challenging situation of shooting against bright light lies within their camera. When we set exposure (a combination of Aperture, Shutter Speed and ISO Sensitivity), camera  evaluates whole of the frame and we get its average. In fact, we do not always need metering for whole frame. That’s why the camera manufacturers have devised different settings for metering. Therefore, often spot metering is recommended to shoot birds against bright light and centre weighted metering for birds in flight. Also, Auto Exposure Lock (AEL) can help in controlling the variation in exposure, especially when we have to shoot birds against bright sky. The AEL  can be used while reframing the image and prevent the current exposure from changing. Each metering mode has its specific functions.The choice for any of the above mentioned measures  depends on one’s liking and intensity of available light.

Apart from this, the challenging situation can easily be dealt with a small button bearing  EV +/- (Exposure Value ) and generally designed on top or the camera. Its commonly known as Exposure Compensation. This small feature has the ability to override the camera settings of semi-auto exposure modes, like Aperture Priority, Shutter Priority or Programme. In simple words, EV +/- is used to alter exposure  so as to make photographs brighter or darker. Its not necessary that by setting exposure we shall get desired result. Therefore, exposure compensation plays a vital role in further guiding the camera in meeting requirement of a photographer.

In case of Aperture Priority mode we select aperture of our choice, but camera automatically sets shutter speed. When we change  exposure value in this mode, it automatically changes shutter speed. Similarly, in Shutter Priority mode, we set shutter speed of our choice and exposure compensation automatically changes aperture. In manual mode its entirely up to the photographer  to set exposure and in Auto Mode exposure is set by camera itself. The EV does not function in full Auto and Manual shooting modes. In Programme mode, it depends on camera to either change aperture or shutter speed so as to give us desired result. Therefore, the significance of exposure compensation cannot be ignored and it should be used wherever required to get exposure of our choice.

Those who take photographs with Digital Single Lens Reflex (DSLR)  cameras,  can immediately check the results in camera  monitor  after  taking a test shot  and set  the exposure  value, if required. On the other hand, those who shoot  with mirror less cameras, have the distinct advantage to directly set the desired exposure value without reviewing any test shot in the monitor. As we compose the image and increase or decrease the  exposure value, the preview in the monitor enables us to see the changing brightness or darkness and how would be the final  image.

--Subhash Sapru

Hon Excellence USPA, APSA, PPSA, AIIPC