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Twitter: twitter.com/betterphoto
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Website: betterphotography.in
Mahesh the issue of racism and prejudice in where we used to fret over photo critiques
Shantarams India. As a documentary photographer, with our professors, and they used to
work involves I found his use of personal and subjective simply tell us the issues with our images.
documentary photo series to study But Roy took it to the next level, by literally
a deep human complex systems, very interesting. punching holes and making those frames
interaction, Moreover, the style of shooting and useless. His method can be labelled as
and strikes a use of light painting not only adds to the cruel and merciless, but it did help in
12
perfect balance creative side of this project, it also adds to producing some of the iconic pictures of
the social and humanist point of view. For a the Great Depression, 1929.
between fine nation that was considered as warm and Urvashi Pandit, Ahmedabad
art and social welcoming, it is a shame that people are
documentation. ill treated and discriminated on the basis
of their caste, creed and colour. I hope his
project succeeds in breaking stereotypes
and portray the students and migrants a
part of our country.
Shrey Basu, Udaipur
A Brutal Punch,
A
Written by: fter serving in the US infantry in WWI, Roy Emerson Stryker studied economics
Sainethra Hariharan and followed the footsteps of his favourite economist Rexford Tugwell.
of Better Photography
Lange, Arthur Rothstein, Walker Evans and John Vachon, amongst others to portray the
extent of economic disaster. Though he had a clear vision, he was criticised for his heavy
decemBer 2016
Strykers ruthless way of
reminded me of my photo school days photo editing.
Story Behind the Picture_SH_Roy Stryker.indd 146 21-11-2016 13:06:45
BETTER PHOTOGRAPHY JA N UA RY 2 0 1 7
Snap Shots
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Kashmir Photographer Loses Eye to Pellet Gun
Fujilm X-a10
R
Better PhotograPhy ja n ua ry 2 0 1 7
s naPs hots
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Nature Photographer of the Year Winners Unveiled
OnePlus 3T
The phone sports a 5.5-inch display
and features a Qualcomm Snapdragon
N ational Geographic recently unveiled
the winners of its Nature Photographer
of the Year Contest 2016. Greg Lacoeur won
821 processor, 6GB RAM and 64GB of
internal storage. It has a 16MP front the grand prize and first place in the Action
and rear camera with f/2 aperture, category, for his photograph Sardine Run.
RAW shooting capabilities (only rear
camera), and can record 4k video. The image was shot underwater and shows
Varun Aditya
Its priced at Rs. 29,999. a shoal of sardines being intercepted by
predators.
Vivo Xplay 6 Varun Aditya won the first prize in the
It features a 5.5-inch display and is
powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon
Animal Portraits category, for his picture of a into the rainforest, he said. Vadim Balakin
820 processor. The phone features a green vine snake, Dragging You Deep into the placed first in the Environmental Issues
dual camera setup on its rear (12MP Woods. He also won a cash prize of USD 2500 category for his image Life and Death, and
and 5MP cameras), along with a dual (approx. Rs. 1.69 lakhs). I shot the image Jacob Kapetein placed first in the Landscape
LED flash and a 16MP front camera
with f/2 aperture. The phone has been
at Amboli, during a blissful morning stroll category for his photograph Struggle of life.
priced at CNY 4498 (approx. Rs. 44,000).
Rodney Smith
It retails for USD 3000 (approx. Rs. 2 lakhs).
beautiful and romantic. Smith rarely gave
The Karma Grip advance thought to the images he wanted
The Karma Grip is a handle with to make... Letting them take shape gradually.
gimbal stabiliser. The Grip is ready to
use with the Hero4 and Hero5, but a
harness retailing for USD 30 (approx.
Rs. 2000) is required for it. Since it
connects directly to the cameras A New Online Wedding Photography Course Announced
W
USB-C and Micro-HDMI ports on edding photographer Arjun Kartha, firm their footing in the wedding industry,
its side, the two are completely
integrated to give you control from recently announced the beginning as well as students and amateurs wanting to
the handle. There are buttons on of what is supposedly Indias first online learn about wedding photography.
the handle for power and to aid in changing the wedding photography course called the For Rs. 5000 (exclusive of taxes),
shooting modes. Also, the gimbal can be removed
AKP e-Bootcamp. participants will receive a Full HD video
for mounting on other Karma products. It retails
for USD 300 (approx. Rs. 20,000). The two-day intensive crash course is containing a comprehensive crash
aimed at photographers who are keen to course on wedding photography, a mix of
Better PhotograPhy ja n ua ry 2 0 1 7
e V e n Ts
P r O Ta l K
TIME Reveals its Instagram Photographer of 2016
Drawn from the archives
of Pablo Bartholomew,
Madan Mahatta,
scrim is a piece of
translucent fabric used
to diffuse and soften
B rooklyn-based
documentary
photographer Ruddy Roye,
Ketaki Sheth, Richard the light. It could be
Bartholomew, Ram a reflector with a was recently announced as
Rahman, Sadanand translucent panel. It is TIME magazines Instagram
Menon and Sooni usually held together Photographer of the
Taraporevala, the on some sort of frame
exhibition, spanning Year 2016.
that defuses the light
over 40 years, revolves Four years ago, struck
hitting the subject.
around remembrance
by the lack of visibility
and celebration... about
the blurred space of certain communities,
between life and art notably that of African
Ruddy Roye
artists photographing
other artists.
Americans, Ruddy set up
an Instagram account, in
10 December 2016-20 January
order to give a platform to
Time & Tide the several neglected voices. His poignant revealing story to tell... Before anything,
Tasveer art Gallery, Bengaluru
portraits of everyday people, as well as before language, we see. And if I can make
those living in the borderline of society you think about a particular subject matter
Karan Kapoor
have raised important issues pertaining before you even start to talk about it, then
to race, gender, politics, art and culture. thats my aim. My aim is to change your
Almost every photograph has a deep and thought process, he said.
The exhibition features
photographs from two
different bodies of work Call for entries
18 by Karan Kapoor. One of
them is from the 1980s, entry Fee: Free
of older Anglo-Indians, website: www.gopc.olympus-global.com
since the end of the Deadline: 10 January
British era. The other
set captures the last of
Portuguese Goa, and Istanbul Photo awards
brings alive the modern The Competition: Sponsored by Turkish Airlines and
culture of Goan Catholics supported by the Turkish Prime Ministrys Promotion
and other communities. Fund, the international news contest aims at bringing
in the most important stories and photographs from
12-14 January, 19-21 January around the world.
Photo Tour with Categories: News-Single, News-Story, Sports-Single,
Better Photography Sports-Story, Portrait-Single, Portrait-Story, Nature
Bharatpur, Varanasi and Environment-Single, Nature and Environment-
send in your entries national Photography awards Story
K Madhavan Pillai
to the Olympus Global The Competition: The awards, now in its sixth edition,
Prize: The grand prize winner will receive USD
Open Photo Contest, focuses on promoting Indias art, culture, heritage and
8000 (approx. Rs. 5.4 lakhs), while the second
and win cash prizes of society, through the medium of photography.
up to rs. 5.8 lakhs! and third prize winner will each receive USD 5000
Categories: Skilled India (professional photographers)
(approx. Rs. 3.3 lakhs) and USD 3000 (approx.
and Swacch Bharat (amateur photographers).
The three-day Prize: The recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award Rs. 2 lakhs), respectively.
photo tour will take entry Fee: Free
will receive a trophy and a cash prize of Rs. 3 lakh.
participants through website: www.istanbulphotoawards.com
the undiscovered lanes The Professional and Amateur Photographer of the
Year will receive Rs. 1 lakh and Rs. 75,000, respectively. Deadline: 31 January
and ghats of Varanasi,
where participants will entry Fee: Free
get to practice their website: www.photodivision.gov.in 2017 Zeiss Photography award
street photography Deadline: 10 January The Competition: The contest, run jointly by ZEISS and
skills. There will the World Photography Organisation, the competition
also be interactive Olympus Global Open Photo Contest 2016-17 is open to photographers from across the globe.
critique sessions and Theme: Seeing Beyond
The Competition: The contest aims at connecting
presentations at the Prize: The grand prize winner will receive Zeiss lenses
photographers worldwide. Each entrant may submit up
end of the day. The
to five photographs in each category. worth 12,000 Euros (approx. Rs. 8.6 lakhs), as well
cost of the tour ranges
from Rs. 23,000 to Categories: Power of Life, Connections to Cherish, as 3000 Euros (approx. Rs. 2.1 lakhs) to pursue a
Rs. 25,000. For more Places that Inspire, Perspectives Often Missed photography project of their choice.
details and to register, Prize: The grand prize winner will receive an Olympus entry Fee: Free
email at workshops@ OM-D E-M1 Mark II, M Zuiko Digital ED 1240mm f/2.8 website: www.zeiss.co.uk
betterphotography.in PRO and 1 million JPY (approx. Rs. 5.8 lakhs). Deadline: 7 February
Better PhotograPhy ja n ua ry 2 0 1 7
e V e n Ts
26-28 January
sky, earth and water
Gokarna
P r O Ta l K
Gobo is something
Iconic Photos of Muhammad Ali Up For Auction
Organised by Darter
Photography, the
landscape photography
that is used to block
unwanted or stray
light from falling onto a
N eil Leifer, renowned American
photographer and filmmaker, is
putting up his photography collection
workshop is a great way subject. It is a physical
to get an all-round 360 for sale. While a large portion of the
stencil or template
in-depth understanding of
that is placed inside or photographs are images that he has shot
photographing landscapes, over his lifetime, the others are those
in the front of a light
The three-day workshop
is priced at Rs. 18,850.
source, to control the acquired by him from other photographers.
For more details and to shape of the emitted Amongst the plethora of pictures up for
register, visit www.darter.in light. often, a reflector
(using the black side) sale is Leifers famous photographer of the
2 February-5 February can serve a dual heavyweight champion boxer Muhammad
Indian art Fair purpose and act as a Ali, where he is standing triumphantly
Neil Leifer
nsIC exhibition Complex, new Delhi gobo as well. over Sonny Liston. The bidding of the
photograph will begin at USD 160,000
(approx. Rs. 1 crore). However, the people winning bid to reach USD 600,000 (approx.
at Guernseys Auction are expecting the Rs. 4 crore).
Representing the
continents vast diversity,
Photographer David Hamilton Commits Suicide
the Indian Art Fair
features exquisite work
in photography, paintings,
P rominent
British fashion
photographer David
the most plausible reason of death to
be suicide.
Hamilton, who was known for his nude
sculptures and many
20 other visual art forms. Hamilton, was found images of underage girls, hit the headlines
Exhibiting alleries will be dead in his Paris recently after former child models said he
presenting their art works
to the entire art fraternity. apartment. He was had raped them. Prior to his death, he had
found unresponsive threatened to sue his accusers, saying that
27 February-4 March
in his home by a he had been cleared for abuse. Despite the
wild riches of the
neighbour who alerted the emergency questionable nature of his photographs, his
lower himalaya
Jim Corbett national Park, services. It was reported that a bottle of work has been widely published in fashion
Uttarakhand medication was found nearby, making magazines and displayed at galleries.
Sachin Rai
Better PhotograPhy ja n ua ry 2 0 1 7
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I n D U sT ry VO I C e
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te
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HOW WE TEST
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We first segregate products
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of equitability in testing.
The DSLR is divided into
entry-level, semi-professional
and professional categories.
For compacts, we distinguish
between advanced and basic
compact cameras. Similarly, we
also test consumer and pro
lenses, ashguns, printers, and
other photographic accessories
and gear.
The process
We primarily test for features,
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warranty and support. While this
remains constant, the weightage
we give to these parameter
differs from category to
category, because different
types of consumers have diverse
expectations from products.
Final ratings
Under each main parameter,
24 Sony RX1R II
we list out hundreds of individual
T
score, denoted as a percentage.
Additionally, based on the current he day I first used the Sony RX1R size of the camera, makes the RX1R II the
pricing of a product, a star II, my friend had bought the ultimate stealth camera.
rating for Value for Money is
considered. Value for Money does
iPhone 7 Plus. Pricey products The RX1R II is the worlds first camera
not affect the final percentage, both, but the first thing that to have an optional low-pass filter.
because prices for products I actually noticed was that the While some cameras do away with the
change constantly. full frame RX1R II was actually smaller (in LPF to maximise detail, the cost of that
our seals of approval width and height) than the phone! is visible moire while photographing
Any product that scores 80% intricate repeating patterns, something
or higher in individual tests gets
WEIgHTagE oF Features one may come across very frequently in
BP Recommendeda seal
paramETErs In fact, RX1R II is like a tiny version of fashion, for instance. This camera allows
of approval from our team.
In comparison tests, we also tag the already small A7R II. The same 42MP you three optionsOff, Weak and Strong,
products as BP Best Performer sensor (as compared to the predecessors to choose between varying levels of detail
5% 15%
and BP Best Value for Money.
15% 24MP) is complemented by a Zeiss Sonar versus moire. This is fantastic innovation.
Bp Excellence awards f/2 lens. The AF system is also borrowed
20% 45%
At the end of the calendar year, from the A7R II with a phase detect system Handling
the highest rated products in
that has as many as 399 points. The camera The RX1R II is incredibly tiny, and
each category automatically
win the Better Photography has a leaf shutter, which allows the even after using it for almost a month,
Features
Excellence Award. This is
Performance flash to sync at really fast shutterspeeds, I continued to marvel at how Sony has
Better Photographys recognition allowing you to use the external flashgun stacked in a full frame sensor in a body
Build Quality
of the very best products
ergonomics to completely overpower daylight for this compact. Significantly, over the
launched in the course of the
Warranty & portrait work. It also makes operation previous iteration, there are certain design
year, and the companies that
support
made them. completely silent, which, considering the changes that do facilitate the photographic
Better PhotograPhy Ja n Ua ry 2 0 1 7
test test
Fuji filmX-Pro2 Sony A6300 test
We review the rangefinder Small with blazing fast AF, Sonys
flagships second iteration top- of- the- line APS-C ILC tested
32 40
process. The camera now has a built-in camera you support with your left
2.36 million dot electronic viewfinder, as palm, below the lens. Though the size
compared to its predecessor, which was an of the camera may encourage you for
LCD-only camera and needed you to buy a the same, I just wouldnt recommend
separate viewfinder. one-handed operation while using the
This completely transforms the RX1R II. The body is rock solid, but is
photographic experience, and goes a not weathersealed. The top panel and
long way in appealing to the kind of lens design are excellent, manual dials
photographer whod aspire to use an RX with just the right amount of tension, and
series camera. The other big upgrade is the a lens with carefully built focusing and
fact that the LCD now tilts, which, coupled aperture rings. It is the back of the camera
with the much improved AF system and that is thus a little surprising, almost like
the EVF, makes it far more intuitive for a different designer worked on the same.
a photographer who wishes to compose The back buttons are quite flimsy, and one
from a waist level perspective. There is, can mistakenly press one button, while
however, no touchscreen. intending to use another. The focus mode
What the design additions mean switch at the front is problematic too, as it
The rX1r II is one
though is that there is no on-camera flash is a little too firm, and not easy to navigate of the best low light
anymore. While I personally use the with ones thumb. I often found myself cameras in the market.
onboard flash a lot, it was a tradeoff that unable to move it, or ended up moving it It deals with articial
light in an efcient,
is understandable, simply because of how by two steps instead of one. natural way and the
much the EVF and tilting LCD improve colour rendition, even
the cameras handling. performance. at super high Isos, is
There is barely any grip to speak The RX1R II is incredibly good... for one extremely consistent.
exposure: 1/100sec at f/2
of. Because of this, this is actually a hour. Thats usually when the battery (ISO 12,800) 25
Ja n Ua ry 2 0 1 7 Better PhotograPhy
test
27
ErgonomIcs
Front Top rear
EVF
control dial
shutter release button aperture ring
Hot shoe
The camera is almost shaped like a bar of soap, and the The dials of the camera are excellent, and provide the The lack of a thumb grip is disappointing. Sony makes an
lack of a proper grip is a little disappointing. The metal right amount of control for a serious photographer. attachable thumb grip which is not only expensive, but
body feels extremely solid though. The focus switch is a The menus are not well planned, which is why the also blocks essential functions. Almost every button can
little too tight and difficult to operate. amount of external control that is provided is invaluable. be customised to a large degree.
Better PhotograPhy ja n ua ry 2 0 1 7
test
s p Ec I F I caT I o n s
model name
mrP
Sony RX1R II
Rs 2,59,990
Noise Test
effective pixels 42.4MP, 7952 x 5304 pixels
sensor size, type 35.9 x 24.0mm, Exmor R CMOS it is tack sharp. There is no perceptible
recording formats Stills: RAW, JPEG fringing and flare control is excellent.
Movie: XAVC S, AVCHD format
Ver. 2.0 compatible, MP4
In low light, the RX1R II is one of the best
cameras I have ever used. Sure, it may not Iso 12800
Focusing system Fast Hybrid AF with 399 phase-
and modes detection AF points, Single-shot be f/1.4 and I would actually recommend
AF, Continuous AF, Direct a shutterspeed of at least 1/100sec to get a
Manual Focus, Manual Focus
sharp photo (and not 1/40sec, considering
metering 1200-zone evaluative, Multi the large megapixel count). Despite these
Pattern, Center Weighted, Spot
constraints, the image quality at ISO
Shutterspeed range Auto: 1/4000 to 30 sec., Manual:
1/4000 to 30 sec. (1/3 or 1/2EV 12,800 is stunning, and ISO 25,600, when
Iso 16000
steps), Bulb slightly downsized, gives fantastic prints
Colour space Adobe RGB, sRGB as well.
ISO Auto, 1001,02,400 Shot to shot time is quite acceptable if
Viewfinder 0.39-type EVF, 100% you are shooting compressed RAW, and
extremely swift while shooting JPEGs.
LCD 3-inch, 1228k dots, TIlt LCD
The JPEG engine is way superior to the
Other Features Enlarged display mode, Auto
Orientation, Slide Show, old RX1, and takes inspiration from the Iso 32000
Panorama scrolling, Auto A7R II, ensuring extremely high detail
Review, Wifi, PC Remote
retention without any oversharpening.
Control, Auto Object Framing
Wake up time after a considerable amount
White Balance Auto, Daylight, Shade, Cloudy,
Incandescent, Fluorescent: of inactivity is slow. The time the camera
warm, cool, daylight white takes to play back images, too, especially
Battery Lithium-ion while jumping to 100% view, is way too
Iso 64000
Dimension 113 x 65 x 72mm slow, even while shooting JPEGs.
30 Luminance noise is slightly visible at ISO 800, but the
Weight 507g file quality is incredibly good, all the way up to ISO
conclusion 12,800. The fact that this is coupled with a resolution
Sony usually brings its products rather as high as 42MP makes the RX1R II one of the best low
But the battery aside, this is a huge promptly to India, so one can only hope light cameras. The files respond rather well to pushing
as well, and an ISO 6400 shot shows the same amount
upgrade. With an AF system thats similar that the delay with this camera is a one-off of noise as an ISO 1600 shot thats been pushed by two
to the A7R II, focusing has become way aberration. That said, it still remains a stops. This is useful while dealing with overtly tricky
faster, and only slows down slightly when completely unique camera, especially as lighting where one may want to save the highlights and
shooting in really low light. The only thing its closest competitor, the Leica Q isnt process for the shadows.
system, but it remains extremely accurate, sensor today and an excellent lens. Build Quality 13/15
which is crucial for a camera of this Its battery continues to be its make- Not weathersealed but sturdy body
nature. Eye AF and Face Detection work break factor, as you need to ask yourself Ergonomics 17/20
Fiddly buttons at the back, excellent lend and
beautifully as well, and it is remarkable as if you are ready to invest in and carry
dial design
to how much progress Sony has made over around several extra batteries, at least
one generation. four or five on a holiday, and even more
Warranty & support 3/5
Two years warranty, wide service network
The sensor is excellent, arguably, the if on assignment. This, at a time when
best in the world. At 42MP and the option
of switching off the low-pass filter, the
amount of detail resolved by the Zeiss
airline regulations around the world are
getting tighter.
But if you are willing to work with
oVEraLL 87%
Who should buy it? Those who like the 35mm focal
lens is rather difficult to match. The lens this constraint, and are the kind of length and need the ultimate in image quality.
does show some weaknesses wide open, photographer who seeks a small, discreet Why? The size may suggest that this is a street camera, but
towards the corners, especially when camera that works magic in the toughest it isnt. It is more for a careful photographer who is willing to
take time and effort to gain the benefits of the sensor.
compared to the Leica Q or some of the of light conditions, the RX1R II is
high-end FE lenses, but in the centre, astonishingly good. Value for money
Better PhotograPhy ja n ua ry 2 0 1 7
tEst
it may take to pull it up and move it isnt the feature of including a small electronic
a problem. In digital, ISO is something feed within the optical viewfinder, to
one may change ever so slightly after confirm focus. When I wasnt using the OVF,
every frame, and the X-Pro2 slows down however, I missed the X-T1 (or now, its new
the process. update, the X-T2). The X-Pro2s EVF is a little
In fact, for quick shooting, I would smaller and has lesser eye relief (16mm), as
strongly recommend the use of Auto ISO, compared to the X-T2 (23mm). This may be
so that one can completely bypass the use an issue for those who wear glasses.
of this dial. The downside with Auto ISO Its the addition of a new joystick that
implementation is that since one can only completely elevates the experience of using
set one minimum shutterspeed, zoom this camera. Not only does it allow you to
The dynamic range
lens users may find that problematic. traverse through the large number of AF and exposure latitude
But interestingly, one can save three points extremely quickly, it also allows you in RAW files is as good
different Auto ISO preferences, and then to use the four buttons that would earlier as weve seen in the
use any of the Fn buttons to switch between be used to move the AF point to customise APS-C world. This was a
photo that was actually
them. This is rather useful, while quickly other camera functions. So now, there silhouetted, deliberately
shifting from outdoors to indoors, while are as many as six different customisable underexposed drastically
shooting a wedding for instance, or while functions, courtesy which, I rarely even to preserve the
highlights, and the
photographing a stationary subject and then entered the Q button Quick Menu.
shadow detail one could
quickly photographing a live street moment. retrieve took the tonality
The Hybrid (both optical and electronic) Performance and the moment to a
Viewfinder has always been the Pros The X-Pro1 had set the benchmark for whole new level.
Exposure: 1/125sec at f/13
strength over the T series, and it now gains what one can expect from an APS-C sensor (ISO 200)
f E b r ua ry 2 0 1 6
tEst
Better PhotograPhy ja n ua ry 2 0 1 7
tEst
S P EC i F i CAT i o n S
Having seen a host of gradual perfect yet, but it is a camera that feels right, Why? The X-Pro2 combines excellent analoguesque handling
with refined technology that is now a lot more reliable in
improvements in the AF of recent Fuji as it takes the sentimentality one has always
dealing with dynamic shooting situations.
models, the X-Pro2 actually surprised me by felt with the X cameras, and now, cloaks it
how much better it is! Focus acquisition is with purpose. Value for money
Better PhotograPhy ja n ua ry 2 0 1 7
test
D
MM ENDE
RECO
40
The Sony Alpha 6300 promises to be a strong contender. Conchita Fernandes puts it to
the test and finds out if it lives up to it.
S
ince its launch in 2014, the Sony The increase in the number of points gives
Alpha 6000 has been a favourite a wider coverage for the camera to track
in the companys APS-C lineup. subjects moving across the sensors range.
It provided great specs all- The cameras viewnder has also been
round, that too, at an affordable improved from a 1.44M-dot OLED to a
price point. However, earlier this year, 2.36M-dot OLED, giving a 1024 x 768 pixel
the company launched its much-awaited resolution, and features an ISO range of
successor, the Sony Alpha 6300, which 100-51,200an increase from the 25,600
WEigHTagE OF promised to be as spectacular as its older limit on the a6000. However, the a6300
PaRamETERS sibling. Lets nd out whats different in sports the same 3-inch 921k dot tilting LCD,
the camera. and continues to miss a touchscreen.
5% 30% In the video recording arena, the
15% Features a6300 can now shoot 4K video at 30p.
The a6300 features a 24MP APS-C CMOS Moreover, to help with manual focus in
20% 30% sensor and has a continuous shooting the video mode, the camera provides focus WHaTS in THE BOX
rate of 11fps, which was also present in its peaking, and users can also employ Auto
predecessor. However, where it signicantly ISO and exposure compensation in the sony Alpha 6300
Features 1650mm lens
Performance differs is in its whopping 425 Phase manual exposure mode. These features Battery
Build Quality Detection AF points, an increase from make the a6300 a very exible and dynamic UsB cable
ergonomics the 179 points in the a6000. In addition to camera to record videos and movies. Lens cap
Warranty & this, it also has 169 contrast-detect points, Sony has also added an external mic input, Body cap
support Camera strap
from the mere 25 points in the a6000. which was previously absent in the a6000.
BETTEr PHOTOGraPHy ja n ua ry 2 0 1 7
test
Additionally, Continuous AF is available in great that there are quite a few options
the video mode, and the ISO limit is set at that can be customised and tailored to
25,600. Theres also a built-in microphone your preferences.
socket. Additionally, the camera features The a6300 features quite a sensitive EVF,
WiFi with NFC, and comes with a 16-50mm and even a slight movement in front of it
f/3.5-5.6 kit lens. would result in the blanking out of the LCD
monitor. The EVF comes with a rubber
Handling padding around it, which kept most of the
The a6300 features a dust and moisture light out, especially when shooting during
resistant magnesium alloy body. The overall bright sunny days. However, for the most
design and layout of the cameras controls part, I resorted to using the EVF instead of
are very similar to the a6000. The top of the the camera screen, the latter being a little
camera features two dialsthe mode dial cumbersome to view on bright days.
and the primary command dial, which can The cameras screen tilts upwards and
be customised to control either aperture or downwards. However, the downward tilt
shutterspeed. There are also cutomisable extends beyond the bottom of the camera.
buttons located on the rear and the top This can be a little problematic when the
portion of the camera camera is mounted on certain tripods.
The cameras There is also a dial (customisable too) Moreover, the size of the camera and
tilting LCD allowed me located on the back of the camera which its kit lens made it the least intimidating
to be discreet while lets you change the shooting mode, the ISO device. In the past, whenever I would set aLSO LOOK FOR
photographing this scene
and Exposure. Considering that the a6300s out with a DLSR or a camera with a zoom
from a lower height. Canon eOs 750D
Exposure: 1/1000sec at f/11 features a similar exhaustive settings lens, I realised that people would be quite
Nikon D5500
(ISO 800) and control menu as its predecessor, its vary of my presence. But apart from the
41
ja n ua ry 2 0 1 7 Better PhotograPhy
te st
P Lu S few occasional looks and glances, the a6300 The one that I reached out for the most The cameras
allowed me to merge quite comfortably in was the Flexible Spot AF option, for added customisable buttons can
Fast AF be programmed for easy
Vibrant stills a crowd. precision. Then again, even if you leave it access to the frequently
42 4k video up to the camera to choose the AF point used settings of your
Performance for you, it will not disappoint. However, its choice. in my case, it was
minuS Exposure Compensation.
Although it is too minor of a difference speediness diminishes slightly in low light
Exposure: 1/3200sec at f/9
No touchscreen to be noticed, Sony claims that the a6300 conditions. The camera appears to take (ISO 1000)
exhaustive menu is faster by 0.05 seconds than the a6000. a second longer to lock on the subject.
Regardless, the cameras AF system But overall, it wasnt problematic.
continues with the tradition of being The a6300 also did a good job
very fast. The camera gives you a variety in maintaining the noise levels.
of AF control options to choose from. Although there is visible noise after
ERgOnOmiCS
Front Top Rear
iR receiver EVF
Strap eyelet mode dial
aF-assist lamp movie button
Custom button
Customisable
Handgrip Electronic button
Power zoom multi-interface shoe Control dial High resolution
viewfinder
kit lens tilting LCD screen
The camera body is lightweight, but sturdy. I was quite There is a mode dial, along with a customisable Like the rest of the camera, the rear is also quite
happy with its compact size, as it made it easy to dial beside it (for aperture and shutterspeed), identical to the a6300. The camera features an
travel around with. Moreover, the slightly pronounced and a custom button to perform several functions. improved 2.36M-dot OLED EVF, but retains the same
textured grip on the right made the camera extremely The multi-interface shoe can be used to attach an 3-inch tilting 921 dot, non-touchscreen LCD. The dial on
comfortable to hold. external flash unit or a microphone. the rear is customisable too.
Better PhotograPhy ja n ua ry 2 0 1 7
test
S P EC i F i CaT i O n S
Noise Test
Model name Sony Alpha 6300
MrP Rs. 74,990 with kit lens
effective pixels 24.2MP
sensor size, type 23.5 x 15.6 mm, APS-C ISO 3200, the images are still usable.
Processor Bionz X Moreover, the colours rendered by the
iSO 800
Focusing modes Automatic AF, Single-shot AF, camera are rich and vibrant. But the real
Continuous AF, Direct Manual star is the a6300s video recording option.
Focus, Manual Focus
You can make use of the cameras several
AF points 425
phase detection AF points, which ensures
Metering Multi-segment, Centre- that it very rarely has to hunt for subjects
weighted, Spot
in the frame, thus making for smooth
shutterspeed range 301/4000sec, Bulb
video recording. Also, you can use the iSO 1600
exp. compensation +/- 5EV(1/3 EV, 1/2 EV steps
continuous AF option in this mode.
selectable)
Colour space sRGB, Adobe RGB
Conclusion
IsO Auto, 10051,200
There is no doubt that the a6300 is at the
White balance Auto, Daylight, Shade, Cloudy,
front of its class with its fast AF speed,
Incandescent, Warm White,
Cool White, Day White, superior image and video recording
iSO 3200
Daylight, Flash, C.Temp./ capabilities. However, I have a few things
Filter, Custom to nitpick with the camera. There is a
Built-in flash Yes difference of over Rs. 20,000 between the
Flash modes Flash off, Autoflash, Fill-flash, a6000 and a6300. At Rs. 74,990, I would
Rear Sync., Slow Sync., Red-eye have expected the a6300 to feature a
reduction (On/Off selectable),
Hi-speed sync 3, Wireless 3
touchscreen (Sony has added it in the
a6500). It would have been nice to adjust iSO 6400
LCD size TFT LCD, 3-inch
my focus points via the screen, than using
LCD dots 9,21,600 dots The camera performs well through its ISO
the dial pad to move the points around.
Viewfinder Yes sensitivity range. The noise levels become quite 43
Moreover, a touchscreen would have made
visible after ISO 1600. Nevertheless, even at ISO
File format JPEG, RAW, MP4, AVCHD it so much easier, I think, to toggle through 3200, the photographs are usable. Of course, at
Live View Yes the cameras extensive menu option. At the ISO 6400, the noise levels are considerably high.
self-timer 2sec, 10sec, 5sec, continuous same time, browsing through the cameras But even then, the images at this ISO can be used
self-timer, bracketing self-timer for smaller prints.
menu can be tiresome, and a compression
storage types SD, SDHC, SDXC, Memory Stick of its menu options would be a welcome
Pro Duo/Pro-HG Duo
change. Moreover, the lens options
Battery NP-FW50 lithium-ion battery
and USB charger
available for the a6300 is still quite limited.
But if youre okay with using just the kit
FINALRATINGS
Dimensions, Weight 120 x 66.9 x 48.8 mm, 361g
lens, then this is as good as it gets. Features 27/30
Inbuilt WiFi, NFC, manual video control, high
res EVF, 425 phase detection points, 4k video
Performance 27/30
Stunning video, average battery life, excellent
AF performance and image quality
Ergonomics 13/15
High res EVF, over sensitive eye sensor, good
grip, exhaustive menu options
ja n ua ry 2 0 1 7 Better PhotograPhy
TEST
DED
ECOMMEN
R
Quintessential Workhorse
K Madhavan Pillai tests the full-frame HD Pentax-D FA 24-70mm f/2.8 ED SDM WR,
and find out if it is indeed the workhorse that Pentaxians need.
O
ver the past couple of years, Shift. The WR notation indicates that the
44 P LU S
manufacturers have clearly 24-70mm is heavily sealed against dust and
put their best foot forward, moisture, and can withstand splashes or Optical performance
releasing excellent lenses in light rain... again an exceptionally useful Handling
Price
this focal range. The Pentax K-1, feature, considering that the K1 is similarly
that I tested in the November 2016 issue, weatherproofed as well. MINUS
quite exceeded my expectations as Pentaxs The 24-70mm does not come with
very first full-frame DSLR. The new HD image stabilisation, unlike lenses from Size
Pentax-D FA 24-70mm f/2.8 ED SDM WR other manufacturers, and it does not
is intended to match up to it. In this regard, need it. Pentax DSLRs, including the K-1,
like the K-1, it is an important release that have very effectively stabilised sensors,
will go on to shape consumer expectations making absolutely any lens mounted on
from Pentax. it a stabilised lens. The filter thread of the
24-70mm is a rather large 82mm. A petal
Features shaped hood comes with the lens.
The optical assembly of the lens is rather The 24-70mm equates to 37-107mm
complex (as is wont to be in lenses in this on APS-C sensor cameras, and the lens
category), with 17 elements in 12 groups. compatible with previous APS-C sensor
WEIGHTAGE OF There are three aspherical, three extra Pentax DSLRs released across the last
PARAMETERS low dispersion and one Anomalous few years.
Dispersion glass element. The lens also
5% features a High Definition (HD) multi- S P E C I F I CAT I O N S
20%
15% coating, and a Super-Protect (SP) coating
Model name HD Pentax-D FA 24-70mm
35% on the front element to repel water, grease f/2.8 ED SDM WR
25% and dirt. The diaphragm has nine blades to MRP Rs. 93,000
improve bokeh. Lens construction 17 elements in 12 groups
AF is achieved with a Supersonic
Features Closest focusing distance 0.38m (0.20x magnication)
Performance Direct Motor (SDM), for fast, silent focus.
Diaphragm blades 9
Build Quality The closest focusing distance is a useful
Max. Aperture f/2.8
Ergonomics 0.38m (a magnification of 0.20x). The
Warranty & Filter diameter 82mm
lens is equipped with a useful full-time
Support Dimensions, Weight 88.5 x 109.5mm, 812g
MF override function called Quick
BETTER PHOTOGRAPHY JA N UA RY 2 0 1 7
K Madhavan Pillai
lenses, the absolutely silent focusing came and usefully sharp and very competitively
OVERALL 88%
as a pleasant surprise. A large part of the so. Thirdly, the lens comes with a level of
AF performance depends on the camera. weathersealing that other manufacturers do
With the K-1, AF is sufficiently quick and not offer, including its ability to withstand
does not hunt about. Though not the rain. And finally, at Rs. 93,000, it is the lowest Who should buy it? Any Pentaxian on an upgrade
fastest in its class, you wont miss your shot. priced among other proprietary lenses in path, looking for a go-to lens, especially with the K-1.
Optically, the lens does extremely well its class. If you own the K-1, or any APS-C
Why? Optically, the lens holds its own. The build and
too, even in comparison to other marquee DSLR from Pentax and are considering an handling are excellent. It comes with a three year warranty.
lenses. While it still does not compare to upgrade, you simply cant go wrong with the
the many primes Ive tested, it produce an Pentax 24-70mm f/2.8.
Value for Money
ja n ua ry 2 0 1 7 Better PhotograPhy
Cellphone
VIGNETTES OF INNOCENCE
Gwen Coyne takes us through her daughters kaleidoscopic
life, filled with assorted snippets evocative of her.
Editorial
At home, the How I Overcame My Indifference Towards Photography
camera was
given so much One of my most favourite photographs from when I was young, was a picture that my father
had shot. In it, I was sitting quite proudly in the midst of all my toys, which he had carefully
misplaced
arranged around me. My face had this playful grin, as my toy train choo-chooed on the track.
importance This was one of the very few instances where my father photographed me.
that only an In the Fernandes household, unfortunately, the camera was given so much misplaced
important importance, that it would only be unearthed from under a pile of clothes in the cupboard
occasion like during birthdays and festivals. After all, it was an expensive device, and not to be tampered with. Even thinking about
taking it out on holiday trips would illicit questions like What if it gets stolen, or damaged? After a while, the camera
Christmas or completely ceased to make an appearance from the cupboard, and that was the end of it.
a birthday Its a little disappointing to see the large gaps staring back at me, from what was supposed to be pictures of my
could justify its childhood. There were barely any photographs from when I was 10 to 17, with the exception of a few pictures from
removal from my 13th birthday. It was also disheartening that I couldnt recollect what I looked like at the time. I remember these
years as being particularly difficult, where I struggled with my appearance in the midst of a somewhat conservative
under a stack family. I noticed the odd absence of fathers in the family photos of my friends, and I realised that it was because the
of clothes in fathers were always behind the camera. In my case, my whole family was absent along with me. Yet, I couldnt help but
the cupboard. wonder if it was me who was hiding from the camera in my house, or my fathers lack of enthusiasm. While my friends
carried their cameras on school trips, I preferred to absorb with my eyes. It just didnt matter. It was when I began
working, that my forced indifference became prominent, and was often perceived as a lack of interest.
But I have found my path now. It appears that I had an opposite reaction to my parents indifference. Their lack of
interest opened my eyes to how important it is to have something physical to hold on to... A photograph representative
of a good time... Because memories do fade. A photograph is something I can hold on to.
49
Conchita Fernandes
Instagram: @schmoochita
Cover photograph by
Gwen Coyne
ja n ua ry 2 0 1 7 Better PhotograPhy
TEST
d
MM ende
Reco
Google pixel Xl
perfection
in pixels
With the much anticipated Google Pixel XL
in her hands, Natasha Desai finds out how
serious Google is about their photography.
W
hen you know theres a The primary camera has come out the
phone coming out from highest on DxOMarks bench test, and
Google, its bound to while the outcomes are usually different in
generate interest. What I the real world, this time, however, I think I
wasnt prepared for was how agree with DxO.
I would end up thinking about this new kid Getting right into it... This is probably the
50 on the premium block. fastest phone right now. There is the least
amount of lag when shooting or using the
Stunning Image Quality device, which makes shooting with it a joy.
Googles Pixel XL is a direct competitor to The JPEGs provide a great amount of
the Apple iPhone 7 Plus and the Samsung detail in the shadows and highlights with
Galaxy S7 Edge. It is a tad behind when it ease. Textures show up well and look rich. When viewed on the
The white balance comes to specs on paper... For instance, it The phone performs beautifully in all cellphone screen, the
of the phone tends to has a f/2 aperture as opposed to Apples kinds of lighting situations too. In harsh colours seemed a little
produce warmer images, oversaturated. But on a
f/1.8 and Samsungs f/1.7 offerings. All three light, there is enough of detail in the shadow
as compared to the computer screen, they
iPhones slightly washed have stuck to a modest 12MP, but have well and brightly lit areas of the image to bring looked rich and vibrant
out ones. proved their worth. out with ease. In difcult lighting situations in every picture.
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51
too, the phone does a pretty good job of own and iPhone 7 Plus is fantastic. When it The phone does a good
retaining details. Its low light performance, comes down to it, the image quality from job of handling flare, and
purple fringing is not
however, is probably not as good as the all three phones is so good that its really a
visible in most cases.
iPhone or Samsung. And, this is probably matter of preference. While you may feel With regards to AF, the
due to the lack of OIS. But, if you look at the you want a dual lens system, the lack of it Pixel excels. It locks on
images on their own, theyre still very good. is not a hindrance as such. At Rs. 67,000 for to the subject accurately
and shoots lightning fast.
With the lens blur feature on the Pixel, 32GB, the Google Pixel provides the best
I dont think I have ever
the Portrait Mode on the iPhone and performance. If youre feeling the lack of missed a moment that
Selective Focus on the Samsung, all three space, lets not forget that Google is offering I was trying to shoot
phones offer a way to blur the background full resolution photo and video backup with the phone, due to
AF lag.
behind your subject. At the moment, for as long as you have the phone. If youre
the iPhone seems to be winning in that looking to upgrade or get serious about
regard. With its dual lens, it is able to your photography, this phone is it.
handle the distance between the subject
AT A glAnce
and background far better than the Pixel
specifications 5.5-inch, 12.3MP f/2 rear camera, 8MP front camera, Snapdragon 821, 4GB
XL, which does have a little trouble if parts RAM, 32GB at Rs. 67,000.
of the subject are too close to any part of what we like Vibrant colours, good flare control, good low light performance
the background. The front camera on the what we dislike No RAW, no manual control
other hand, gives far better results than why buy it? A great premium phone with a fast camera, good hardware and excellent
the iPhone. Its a wider, brighter lens and image quality. Google Assistant is an added bonus.
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test
d
MMende
Reco
an elegant
Photograph by Conchita Fernandes
option...
Samsungs Galaxy S7 Edge is a formidable
contender in the premium cameraphone
segment, as Natasha Desai finds out.
T
he previous flagship from A Beautiful Phone
Samsung, the S6 and S6 Edge, was The best thing about the Samsung S7
met with much fondness here at Edge is how beautifully crafted it is. It is
Shot at night through BP. With the S7 Edge, Samsung truly a premium phone, the metal finish colour reproduction
the netting at a fair, has gone from a 16MP to a 12MP and curved glass looking even more was vibrant and rich,
I was very impressed and denitely better
phone, much like the Google Pixel XL and sophisticated and better than the S6 Edge.
with the colours and than the iPhone 7 Plus.
52 the iPhone 7 Plus, its direct competitors in Viewing photos and videos on its screen is a
details that the phone But, the google Pixels
was able to retain. this class. true joy. It did take me a while to get used to colours were better.
All photographs by Natasha Desai
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handling a curved screen. Cropping can be A Premium Buy I went straight to the
difficult if youre not careful. There wasnt too much to complain about camera from the lock
screen. Thanks to the
the S6 Edge and it is the same with the S7
speedy AF, I was able to
Some Improvements Edges camera. The cameraphone is the capture this moment as
The f/1.7 lens along with the Dual Pixel best that Samsung has made to date and at the truck passed by me.
sensor, makes for a brighter camera than the Rs. 50,900 for 32GB (expandable memory),
S6 Edge. Low light images are of a far better the phone is a titan in its own right, along
quality than the S6 Edge. With the S7 Edge, with the Google Pixel XL and the iPhone
the AF tracking is fast and there was very 7 Plus. As Id mentioned in the Pixels review,
little hunting in low light. There is some the image quality from all three phones is
amount of grain, but details are far better fantastic. While I think the Pixel is a better
than the previous iteration. Low light images buy over the Samsung, the S7 Edge is
are much better than the Google Pixel. undoubtedly a great phone to shoot with.
However, ISO is capped at 800, like the S6
AT A glAnce
Edge. A higher limit is definitely possible,
specifications 5.1-inch, 12MP f/1.7 rear camera, 5MP f/1.7 front camera, 4k video, 4GB
while maintaining details as well. RAM, 32GB expandable up to 256GB
The other area where the S7 Edge seems what we like Improved JPEG quality, good low light performance
to have improved to a certain extent is the what we dislike ISO capping at 800, soft-ish details in images
unnecessary softening that the S6 Edge why buy it? A beautifully crafted premium phone, with a fast camera and improved
would do. Details are good and images are image quality.
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TEST
ED
COMMEND
RE
Kenko REAL PRO 180 sheye, 0.4x superwide, 7x telephoto lens/monocular lenses
54
T
he previous issue of correctable. Of course, it offers the great
Better Photography saw us review opportunity to use that distortion in an
Kenkos wide and macro lens interesting way and experiment with the
unit with satisfying results. such a wide angle.
This month, we review the three Surprisingly, for a lens that is this
other cellphone lens offerings from wide, the vignetting remains at an almost
Kenko, a 7x telephoto lens, a fisheye lens negligible amount. What it does tend to
and a superwide one. All three, like the do is smudge the corners to some extent.
macro-wide lens are clipped on to the While it does exist, it gets exacerbated if
back of the cellphone. the lens is not clipped on or positioned
properly. This is a problem that all the
WEIGHTAGE OF A Superwide Sight lens clips face, despite the rubber grip
PARAMETERS The superwide lens presents a much being pretty solid. Hand movement or
wider view than what the iPhone 6s a slight knock can displace the lens and
native lens unit offers. I tried out the distort the view, if youre not careful.
30% lens on the sweeping vista by the sea,
40% where a wide angle lens would give me A Complete Warp
a sweeping view of the water and the The fisheye lens is probably one of
30%
shore. Apart from regular horizontal the most interesting lenses out there.
wide photographs, I tried the lens out in While there are some cellphone lenses
Features the portrait orientation to great effect. that give you fisheye-like results, Kenkos
Ease of Use
While straight lines are bound to get optics give you a great distorted frame
Performance
very curved with this lens, it is easily that can be great fun to shoot with.
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55
Straight lines like the horizon are going in low light, is when staying still becomes This is a cropped
to appear almost completely warped most important. Low light images on the version of the image
and curved. Working with curved lines fisheye dont always translate well, as taken with the superwide.
Distortion was easily
however make for fun pictures, as they dark skies dont look that good. To change correctable and I was
bend naturally with the curve that the things up a bit, I snapped on the fisheye able to get a good amount
optics bring to the photograph. lens on to the front camera, which gave of the foreground without
The fisheye makes for a great lens me some extremely fun-looking self- having to change my point
of view.
to shoot interesting portraits with. portraits. You do have to make sure that
Remaining steady is crucial... But for the you keep yourself positioned towards the
most part, images in good light turn out center of the frame and that the lens itself
to be crisp and clear. When indoors and is a little away from you for better results.
ja n ua ry 2 0 1 7 Better PhotograPhy
Close Encounters that Kenko has put out for cellphones. Top: The telephoto
From all the cellphone lenses that Ive used While India is starting to sit up and image can get skewed if
one is not careful about
so far, Kenkos telephoto is probably the take interest in cellphone photography,
how the lens is placed on
most cumbersome one to use. While it is accessories such as lenses still have a the cellphone camera.
understandably just out quite a bit, getting long way to go, in terms of awareness and Left: There is good
it fixed on properly is a task. The 7x tele acceptance as well. amount of detail visible
in the subjects when shot
view undoubtedly brings you close to the At Rs. 4990 for the superwide and fisheye with the fisheye lens.
action at hand. However, remaining steady and Rs. 5990 for the telephoto, the lenses
is crucial as even a slight shake, while are by any means affordable. The wide
normally acceptable, is exaggerated and and macro unit too is priced at Rs. 3990.
shots get blurry very easily. Overall, if one is considering buying the
I was able to shoot a variety of moving entire range for a variety of focal lengths,
objects with the lens. Kids on cycles I see very little use for the superwide
seemed to be a recurring theme of what lens and there is an adequately wide lens
I was photographing, and with great results. that you get along with a macro lens.
But all things considered, I was able to pan Apart from that, the telephoto affords the
and get the moving cyclist pretty sharp. opportunity for photographers to get so
The cool thing about this lens is that it
allows you to adjust the focus manually,
much closer to their subjects; something
that cellphone photographers often try to FINALRATINGS
resulting in pretty good bokeh at night do without spooking their subjects into Features 26/30
Different fields of view for your cellphone
for a cellphone camera and add-on lens. reacting weirdly.
The bokeh in the center is perfectly formed, At the time of writing, the Kenko lenses Ease of Use 26/30
Easy to carry but adjustment can be
while it does gets unevenly shaped as you were not available in Mumbai yet, but were a problem
move towards the edges of the frame. set to come out by the end of December.
Performance 35/40
I am definitely a fan of the lenses and Clear and crisp images with good detail
In Conclusion consider the entire set well worth the buy
Having experienced shooting with all five
lensesa telephoto, a fisheye, a superwide
and a wide-macro two-in-one lens, I find
and effort. Theyre also compatible with
a wide variety of phones, unlike the Zeiss
mobile lenses that are currently restricted
OVERALL 87%
myself impressed with the quality of lenses to the iPhones. Value for Money
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PRoFILe
58
Vignettes of Innocence
Conchita Fernandes takes a look at Gwen Coynes compelling narratives of
her daughter, that are filled with sparkling moments from her childhood.
O
ur memories age just as we do. Yet, our memories have tried to break
Gwen Coyne
She is a graphic designer With each passing year they away from the moulds of our thoughts,
and manages a digital lose their veracity, resulting in to pave the way for a more physical
marketing team. the loss of tiny slivers of details. representation of past encounters...
Her favourite movie and But soon, our senses take over, Poetry, music, painting, photography...
book is Andrei Rublev
by Andrei Tarkovsky and smoothening and embellishing, filling in Things that we can hold on to and feel.
Nausea by Jean-Paul the fractures. No wonder that, sometimes, Gwen Coyne takes us on one such visual
Sartre, respectively. our memories turn out to be better versions journey, to preserve a version of her
of reality. daughters incredible childhood.
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B e T T e R P H o T o g R A P H y decemBeR 2016
PROFILE
For Gwen, it has never colourless, yet dynamic glimpse into the fragile health. She has asthma and I never She hopes that over
been about documenting little girls life. We get to see the various know when a mild cold will turn into an time, the series of short
specifics. It is about qualities that lends Greta her lively and emergency. With my photographs, I want stories of her daughter
collecting unposed spirited personality, something that Gwen to record moments that will help me will form a more
snippets that capture comprehensive portrait
Greta as she is. is keen on recording and preserving. remember a space and time in between of her early years,
The photographs also have a healing and these periods of intensity, Gwen says. leaving room for her
invigorating aura around them, and was One of these photographs was made imagination and memory
to fill in the gaps. 61
a means for Gwen to cope with Gretas around the time when Greta first started
62
When it comes to walking, and remains to be one of Gwens interested in being photographed, which
sharing work online, most favourite images. Sunlight was I respect. But for the most part, she enjoys
Gwen alternates between illuminating her in the shape of a spotlight, the attention, she said.
being very selective and
wanting to share a daily throwing her father, who was walking
journal. She mentions beside her, into the shadows. She was Juggling Motherhood and a Career
how she tends to be frequently very ill in her early years, and Very often, Gwens hectic work schedule
self-critical, even running I find the image symbolic of her struggle and leaves very little time for herself and her
the danger of analysis
paralysis. In order to perseverance, Gwen recounts. family. Balancing work and family is not
get past a creative block, easy, and very often I find myself quite
it sometimes helps when Gretas Interaction with the Camera exhausted. Moreover, I cant help but
I post more liberally.
Since her birth, Gretas reaction to feel guilty sometimes, taking the time
But more often than not,
I prefer to remain silent the camera has continued to evolve. I need to pursue my personal interests,
until I figure out what From regarding the device as an extension she says. But Greta makes it all worth it. FInD GWen HeRe!
I want to say. of her mother, she is gradually becoming Fortunately, what gives me joy outside
more conscious of Gwens focus on of work is the time I get to spend with my Instagram:
@gwencoyne
her. She makes it clear when she is not family, she mentions. Whether its a trip to
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ja n ua Ry 2 0 1 7 BEttER PhOtOgRaPhy
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S P E C I A L F E AT U R E
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s p e c i a l f e at u r e
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A photograph never Cinema makes people lazy. They expect to be given all the
grows old. You and information. But for me, question marks are the
I change, people punctuation of life.
change all through the - Abbas Kiarostami
was a multi-award-winning Iranian director, screenwriter, photographer, and film producer. A delicate
months and years but fabulist of human nature, he said this with reference to his love for the still image and its effect on his cinema.
a photograph
always remains Photographers tend not to photograph what they cant
the same. How nice see, which is the very reason one should
to look at a photograph try to attempt it. Otherwise were going to
of mother or father go on forever just photographing more faces and
taken many years more rooms and more places. Photography has to
ago. You see them as transcend description. It has to go beyond description
to bring insight into the subject, or reveal the subject,
you remember them.
not as it looks, but how does it feel?
But as people live on,
- Duane Michals
they change is an American photographer known for his innovative use of photo-sequences and for often incorporating
completely. text to examine emotion and philosophy. 67
To me, photography
is an art of
observation.
Its about finding
something interesting
in an ordinary place
Ive found it has little to
do with the things you
see and everything to do
with the way you
see them.
- Elliott Erwitt
is a documentary photographer known for his - Eastman Kodaks Camera Poster, 1889
black and white candid shots of ironic situations In todays digital environment, the humourous irony is obvious in the line immediately below the
within everyday settings. famous Kodak slogan. Today, we press the button, do the rest, and mostly all by ourselves.
ja n ua ry 2 0 1 7 Better PhotograPhy
love putting up images and looking at them
sho ot Ing t eChnIQue
What is
prude dancing the pole now am facing those
recorded realities again but in the form of two
Photography
dimensional images and without a camera it is
like the sensation of being plunged like Alice try
70
Richard Koci
Hernandez
spent over 20
years working as a
photojournalist, and
is now an Assistant
Professor for New
Media at the Graduate
School of Journalism
at UC Berkeley.
He was one of the
earliest adopters and
proponents of the 71
cameraphone, where
he continues to explore
and experiment with
the fine line dividing
reality and the abstract.
Often, he finds creative
ways to merge the two.
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Q. Sakamaki
is a Japanese-born,
New York-based
photographer who has
photographed major
war zones, earthquakes
and everything in
between. He has been
the recipient of several
international awards,
which include winning
the first prize in the
World Press Photos
People in the News
category (2007), as well
as two Overseas Press
Club awards. He is a
member of the photo
agency Redux Pictures.
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Roger Ballen
has lived and worked
in South Africa for
over three decades.
Although he was
shooting for over 30
years, he was a geologist
before becoming a
photographer. His work
is often described as
dark and challenges
us to confront the
78 inner recesses of our
mind, while being in
a genre of its own.
He believes that the
best images leave you in
silent contemplation.
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something mysterious about whats out there, have done their job.
79
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Take Off, 2012, from will allow viewers to expand their knowledge Its taken me almost 50 years to arrive at the
the book Asylum of the of their core psyches. While some have tried point where I can say that photography can exist
Birds. In this series,
Ballen makes images to define what I do in terms of documentary outside of a formula. I go to a shoot with a quiet
in a house in a suburb practice, my work is fundamentally mind and leave with a quiet mind. I would like
of Johannesburg, with psychological and focuses on key aspects of to see myself like a sleeping cat that is awakened
its inhabitants and the the human conditionnamely our inability to by the passing of a mouse, once I arrive at my
omnipresent birds.
He has created each control chaos, the future, and to resolve our own destination I become alert.
frame in this theatre- identity. In part, my work has reflected on the Beyond the image though, there is the dark
like interior. relationships between human and animal which side which is the chamber of the brain where
I believe is fundamentally hostile. But, even the indefinable lurks. Photography, for me, is
that is the simplest of descriptions since I have the pursuit to answer the question: what is the
taken so many thousands of photographs in my mind? We dont have a clue. And the picture as
life, and each has multiple meanings. I often an entity contains the same enigma, the enigma
state, though, that, if you can actually explain a that is the mind. Linked to our curiosity about
picture by using words, with a more appropriate death, it is one of those concepts that cannot
Twirling Wires, 2001
from the book Shadow word other than enigma, then its probably a be realised. For me, it is photography that gives
Chamber. He explores the bad photograph. The goal is to create work that form and shape to the subconsciousyet the
interactions of people exists on the same plane as that enigma, and that result is an apparition, like a mirage. And that
with strange objects,
is when one achieves ones goal. is why I have called my most recent series The
animals in unsettling
rooms with etchings Recently, a journalist called the meaning Theatre of Apparitions in homage to the eternally
and drawings. behind my images an indefinable truth. absurd drama of illusion played out in the mind.
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Laura Letinsky
is best known for her
exquisitely composed
still life photographs,
fused with ambiguity
and seeking influence
from 17th century
Dutch Flemish
paintings. Her work
never shows the human
subject, yet the notion
of people is ever present
82 in Letinskys visual
narrative, which speaks
of temporality, fragility,
potential, and decay.
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84
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fr a me t he s ta r
Demanded? Revealed? A revelation?... possible through ubiquity and repetition Untitled 23, from the All photographs by Laura Letinsky
Facebook, Youtube, Instagram; trust me that, like words, when seen or said often series The Dog and the
Wolf, 2009. The delicacy
(can you?). enough, becomes believable, despite
of Lauras compositions
Poise, and counterpoise, photographys experience being to the contrary. is heightened by her
promiscuity making me a prude dancing Words are thought to be substitutes for careful creation and
the pole. Seduction, cuckoldry, and what is not present, making language the positioning of shadows,
to beget a sense of
proposition to question understandings marking of a rupture, the gap between
three dimensionality.
wrought through the senses and more. the thing and the pointing to the thing.
Experience now remembered, pictures Always pointing elsewhere in time and
Untitled 47, from the material and pictorial tensions whispering experience, words, like pictures, are
series Ill Form and Void of the pang between what was and what reminders of what is not there or here.
Full, 2013. Despite the is. My pictures mash-up, high to low, They are what remains, the This-has-
use of cutouts from her
previous photographs domestic to the public, personal to social, been, as Barthes wrote.
and elsewhere, Laura is, when photographed, rendered as Present, so near yet so far, an all-at-once
says, the term collage photograph, no more, no less than object trace of what was, both a disturbance
isnt applicable to this
and image, a still life. and a salve that so perfectly serves the
series as the pictures
are made in my studio, Photographys power pretends a circuitry of want never-sated. For pictures
and not as flat scenes. singularity, an authority that is only as for things.
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Jyoti Bhatt
is a painter, printmaker
and photographer who
lives in Gujarat. He has
studied at the Faculty
of Fine Arts in Baroda,
and at the Pratt
Institute in New York
where he was made a
Fulbright Fellow. While
he was a painter for a
major part of his life, he
86 turned to photography
and printmaking,
with which he began
preserving the
vanishing folk art of
rural India. His work is
held by 26 major public
collections like MoMA,
New York, British
Museum and more.
Untitled, 1969,
Vintage silver
gelatin print.
87
Photo-collage, 1972, Photography has so many different experiencing and perhaps understanding Gujarat, 1978, Vintage
Vintage silver uses and varieties of forms. But, as a a bit of the real Indian Culture, it also silver gelatin print
gelatin print. The bride from Rathwa
painter, I would like to employ itand gave me the satisfaction of having done my
(a tribal community)
have at times tried to use itin place of social responsibility. watched her family
my brushes and etching needle as the The great musician, late Pundit members dancing.
special kind of device for making images... Kumar Gandharva had once said that a
Images that are possible to create by using Raga died after he sang it. But, the same
the chemical attributes of light, as well as Raga was reborn, every time he sang it.
the optical and technical characteristics of Similarly, the actual visual realities that
a still camera and an enlarger. I had faced and recorded with my camera
However, photography also has the a few decades ago were in the three
unique potential for recording the dimensional spaces. Now, I am facing
visuality of the activity happening around those recorded realities again, but in the
us. So, for several, mainly pragmatic form of two dimensional images and,
reasons, most of my photographic work without a camera.
was focused on documenting the living So, I am now allowing the painter and
(but, unfortunately, also vanishing) printmaker in me to take over and use
traditions of making and living with editing software such as Photoshop for the
visual art forms, mainly in rural Indias purpose of recreating my documentation
villages and tribal regions. Though this photographs into a different form
gave me the immense pleasure of seeing, graphic visual images.
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Rajasthan, Silver
gelatin print, 1988.
Black Light,
Vintage silver gelatin
print, 1978.
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It is possible
to maintain the
visual characters
of photographic
prints, but
I allow my
painter and
printmaker self
to indulge freely
and keep away
from one more
label; namely
a purist.
89
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Karen Knorr
is an American who
was born in Germany,
and was raised in San
Juan Puerto Rico in
the 1960s. She has
taught and lectured
at The University
of Westminster,
Goldsmiths College,
Harvard and The
Art Institute of
90 Chicago. Karen Knorr
is Professor of
Photography at the
University for the
Creative Arts at
Farnham, Surrey.
Photography for me is art and a personal We are all a product of history and
journey... It is much like a voyage of its discontents. My work, India Song
discovery and a path of critical enquiry. references the Ramayana and Panchatantra
It is also an ethical position that one takes in order to highlight the eternal,
as a photographer, in relation to the world. irreconcilable conflicts between human
Photographers have a responsibility and non-human life... between nature
Since the 13th of to engage with audiences beyond their and civilisation. It aims to celebrate
December, Karen circumscribed communities of class, Indian cultural heritage, and not only the
Knorrs India Song
gender, and race. To be a photographer is buildings but the landscape, the flora and
has been on view at
the Collateral event, an ethical position that constantly strives the fauna of this extraordinary country.
hosted by Tasveer, to take into account the other. I believe Animal life is as important to me as is
as part of the Kochi that we as photographers, have a duty human life.
Biennale. A selection
of her work can be
to think critically with others, beyond In our lifetime, were all guardians of
seen at Passage personal expression or even art for the worlds heritage, which belongs to
Malabar, Fort Kochi, arts sake. Art is not a religion or dogma everyone. I have always tried to use what
until the 29th of with answers, but at its best, it explores the I learned from conceptual art to create a
March, 2017.
ambiguities of existence and being. new critical documentary style, using the
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allows me to understand and learn about the world that surrounds me.
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Rajesh Bedi
is one of Indias
foremost wildlife
photographer, whose
love for the animals
he photographs comes
from within a deep
need for conservation.
He was awarded the
Lifetime Achievement
Award in the Third
National Photo
94 Awards in 2012,
and the Wildlife
Photographer of the
of the Year awards in
1986 by the British
Natural History
Museum and BBC
Worldwide, amongst
other accolades.
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95
photography has been revolutionalised by misrepresent. As a professional, I feel A bathing tigress eyes
a honey bee passing
digital imaging, which has its own benefits. the genuineness of the images should by her.
With software, one can do wonders with be maintained, no matter what the cost.
their images. I believe that one should not To me, photography is the most trusted
take liberty with changing or modifying and authentic medium to document and
the content of the pictures to deceive and transform your personal vision.
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All photographs by Rajesh Bedi
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Wildlife
photography is my
first love. I enjoy it,
and it is something
I find peace in.
97
The elephants
trunk is a fascinating,
expressive, almost alien
feature, which offers
endless opportunities
for captivating pictures.
The fusion of the nose
and upper lip, the
elephants trunk is a
most versatile tool
used for breathing,
smelling, touching,
grasping and the
production of a wide
variety of sounds. It is
probably the most
extraordinary body part
in the animal kingdom.
ja n ua ry 2 0 1 7 Better PhotograPhy
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Vincent Peters
was born in Germany
in 1969. He is a
photographer and
filmmaker who began
shooting, while on a
trip to Thailand in
the 80s. As a fashion,
beauty and celebrity
photographer since
1990, he has been
featured in and
98 has contributed
to every major
fashion magazine.
Emma Watson
London, 2015
from the book
Personal Photo
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Charlize Theron
New York, 2008
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For me, its the only way to communicate around me a poetry. Every artist fears being
what I see. To show things I cant put in misunderstood, but the joy and need to
words or music, or gestures, or other ways share is something that we all see.
of communication. For me, what remains A photograph is never just a picture, its
is the light between us, the memory I can all the pictures youve seen, books youve
keep and share. It shows me a way to see read, movies and music you remember,
the world in a different, more articulate travel youve done, people youve met and
way, to see light and movement, faces, moments youve forgotten. You find all of it
textures, reflections after the rain... I see again, wanted or unwanted, in your pictures.
Penlope Cruz,
Madrid, 2015
from the book
Personal Photo.
101
All photographs by Vincent Peters which were a part of the exhibition In the Light at the IMMAGIS Gallery
Emma Watson
London, 2015.
ja n ua ry 2 0 1 7 Better PhotograPhy
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Anna Fox
is the Head of the
B.A. degree in
Photography at the
University College
of the Creative Arts,
Farnham. She co-wrote
with Dr Deepak John
Mathews, a Masters
level photography
course for the National
Institute of Design in
102 Ahmedabad. She first
gained attention with
her 1988 documentary
study of London office
life in the mid-1980s,
Work Stations: Office
Life in London and is
perhaps best known for
her Zwarte Piet series.
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I constantly
try to question
and rework my
approach to
documentary
storytelling,
and frequently
decide to take
on very different
approaches and
very different
styles or ways
of working.
105
ja n ua ry 2 0 1 7 Better PhotograPhy
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Sunil Gupta
By making deeply
personal, yet
provocative work, Sunil
Gupta has carefully
tread the treacherous
waters of what is
acceptable and not.
His contribution to the
Indian gay narrative is
something that all
future generations can
106 look at, examine and
compare, with their
personal stories.
Hauz Khas,
Exiles, 1986.
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109
documenting the consequences of wars colonialism in my later art education, Bikram from
or natural disasters. It has also been a tool in the early 1980s. Photography seemed Mr Malhotras Party
(2007-ongoing).
for social justice, whether it was recording a crucial medium to counter colonial
life in urban slums or the hidden private narratives. I became part of the black arts
spaces of families. movement in Britain, which lobbied for
For me, it has always been a tool for the right of Asians and blacks to have
making visible what mainstream society access to the arts, and to have a say in their
would rather not see. In that sense, Ive own definitions.
primarily been motivated by the potential For more than a century, colonisers
of cultural activism fostered by the had been using photography against
medium. As a migrant of Indian origin, their native subjects, it was time to
who came to live in Canada in 1969, wrest control of the medium back from
post Woodstock and Stonewall, I soon them. A cooperative agency was formed,
found my gay identity within nascent gay Autograph-ABP, which lives on to this day.
liberation movements that were springing My photography work became
up on campuses around North America. immersed in exploring my gay and Indian
I picked up the camera to document this identities, whilst trying to lobby for space
moment, and this primary motivation has within which queer and South Asian
been with me throughout my professional voices could be heardto counter the
Top to bottom:
life. Fine art came later. mainstream colonial narratives which live
Candolim-Goa, Miami, Goa
and Mexico City from Love The Indian part of my identity also on, even in our own countries, where to be
and Light (2004-2009). came later, when I encountered post- gay remains illegal.
ja n ua ry 2 0 1 7 Better PhotograPhy
sho ot ing t echnique
Arko Datta
is a renowned
photojournalist, who
has covered stories in
conflict regions like
Iraq, Afghanistan
and Kashmir, and
has also documented
the devastation of the
tsunami in 2004, for
which he was awarded
the World Press Photo
110 of the Year in 2005.
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what you are saying and why you are saying it.
111
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Eight-year-old
Praveen, died when a fire
swept through a school
in Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu.
His father drops a bar
of chocolate onto his
body at a burial ground.
Around 90 children died in
the fire.
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ShowCase
W P OY 2 0 16 -1 7 NOMINEE S
T
his year, the Canon Better Photography career and growth. This, for us, singularly, is the most
Wedding Photographer of the Year 2016- gratifying aspect of these awards, and it sees us select
17 awards received a staggering 24,785 our judging panel with care.
entries, from across 281 cities and towns While wedding photography is now a genre in its
in India. The contest was open for entries own right, it is composed of skills taken from a variety
from 30 June-14 October, and the submissions were of other genres of photography as well. Portraiture.
made online, via the Better Photography Wedding Photojournalism. Street. Still Life. We have on board
Photographer of the Year Awards website. panelists across these genres as well. Yet, if we ask
the questions Who sees these photographs first,
Our Diverse Judging Panel with a Surprise! and decides whether the most relevant moments
Our esteemed panel of 71 judges, some of whom have been captured or not? The answers are plain.
are from across the globe, comprise senior Of our 71 panelists on the jury, 30 judges are very
photographers, national photo editors as well as special to us. They are avid photographers, but with
particularly exceptional judges an important distinction. They are the mothers of
Better Photographys Chief Editor, K Madhavan Pillai, grooms and fathers of brides. They are to-be-married
114 shares his thoughts on our choice of keeping the or newly married couples, judging as a single unit,
judging panel diverse. More than the giving away he said. Without further ado, heres a look at those
of the awards and the final ceremonies, the awards who made it to the list of the top six nominees from presents
WEDDING
BRIDE & GROOM PORTRAITURE PHOTOGRAPHER
OF TH E Y E A R 2 0 16
Nominees:
AVINASH ROCHE
Udupi
GAURAV MADAN
Mumbai
KINJAL MAJITHIA
Mumbai
RISHIKA DAS
Kolkata
SHAMMIULLA SAYYED
Panaji
SOMBIT DEY
Kolkata
Gaurav Madan Avinash Roche
BETTER PHOTOGRAPHY JA N UA RY 2 0 1 7
PROFILE A VIGNETTE OF THOUGHTS
Michael Robinson Chvez The Need for a Visual Diary W P OY 2 0 16 -1 7 NOMINEE S
A journey to find his roots in Exploring what compels us to
the Peruvian landscape photograph our everyday
120 132
FAMILY AND FRIENDS
Nominees:
ANOOP KRISHNA
Thrissur
NITIN DANGWAL
Panchkula
RADHIKA PANDIT
Ahmedabad
RAJSHEKAR REDDY
Bengaluru
SATYA POOJARY
Mumbai
SRI MUTNURI
Hyderabad
115
presents
Rajshekar Reddy Nitin Dangwal
WEDDING
EMOTIONS PHOTOGRAPHER
OF TH E Y E A R 2 0 16
Nominees:
ANAND PAPANNA
Bengaluru
CHETNA SARIN
New Delhi
KARAN SIDHU
Gurgaon
PRAKASH PARMAR
Anand
SANDIP KUMAR MOJIDRA
Surat
VIVEK KRISHNAN
Bengaluru
Prakash Parmar Chetna Sarin
JA N UA RY 2 0 1 7 BETTER PHOTOGRAPHY
W P OY 2 0 16 -1 7 NOMINEE S
presents
WEDDING
BEHIND THE SCENES OR OFFBEAT PHOTOGRAPHER
OF TH E Y E A R 2 0 16
Nominees:
ATUL RAVAL
Rajkot
CHANDNI DUAA
Ahmedabad
CHETNA SARIN
New Delhi
KAUSTAV SARKAR
Chandannagar
RADHIKA PANDIT
Ahmedabad
SHRADDHA RATHI
Ahmedabad
116
WEDDING
FINER WEDDING DETAILS OR STILL LIFE PHOTOGRAPHER
OF TH E Y E A R 2 0 16
Nominees:
ABHIMANYU SHARMA
Gurgaon
ANILL PATIL
Nashik
BHAVEN JANI
New Delhi
JOHN MATHAI
Changanassery
MEHUL JOSHI
Jamnagar
PRAVEEN PADMANABAN
Chennai
Bhaven Jani
BETTER PHOTOGRAPHY JA N UA RY 2 0 1 7
W P OY 2 0 16 -1 7 NOMINEE S
presents
WEDDING
PHOTOSERIES ON A SINGLE WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER
OF TH E Y E A R 2 0 16
Nominees:
ABHIMANYU SHARMA
Gurgaon
ABHISHEK SCARIYA
Bengaluru
KARAN SIDHU
Gurgaon
PRABAKARAN K
Bengaluru
PRAMOD MITTA
Mumbai
PRAVEEN PADMANABAN
Chennai
117
Pramod Mitta
Praveen Padmanaban
JA N UA RY 2 0 1 7 BETTER PHOTOGRAPHY
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121
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Pr ofi le
C
hvez walked through the pedestrians took their lives in their hands,
airport doors at Lima and as they sprinted across the potholed streets.
stepped into the Third World Peru, in 1988, was a country on the brink;
of Peru. Traffic laws seemed the local currency had the value of confetti
a matter of opinion, hawkers and civil war was raging. For an 18-year-
barked their offers through scratchy old with Peruvian roots, who grew up in
speakers perched on fruit stands, and the manicured suburbs of California, it
Better PhotograPhy ja n ua ry 2 0 1 7
Profile
was beyond eye-opening. The trip was saw Chvez immerse himself in the art A vase of flowers is
planned to reconnect with his mothers of black-and-white film and darkroom all that remains on the
smoke-stained walls
family. Over the next three months, he printing, through a stint at photo school.
of the Samarahs living
would discover Peru steeped in culture and His love for photography became more room. Jenin, West
tradition, quite unlike his life back home. structured when his brother gifted him Bank, 2002.
Oddly though, he realised that he never Magnums In Our Time. While school taught
felt more at home than in Peru. The camera me the techniques, the book inspired me,
that Chvez had borrowed from a friend, in and strengthened my decision of becoming
hindsight, became a constant companion. a photojournalist, he says.
Every time I In a way I was making up for lost time. The next decade saw Chvez taking
I wandered around like a backpacker, up assignments with the Associated
photograph Peru, walking in rusty bylanes with my cousins, Press, The Boston Globe, the Los Angeles
I keep getting learning Spanish on the streets and getting Times, The Washington Post and so on.
attracted to the to know this side of me that I ignored for the Working with photo agencies and big
soul of the place. major part of my early years, says Chvez. metropolitan dailies gave him several
opportunities to shoot in different
Its like having a Finding a Visual Connect countries,thereby cementing his love
love affair with It was in fact the seduction of Peru and a for travel. Chvezs style of documenting
the country. deepening interest in photography that has always been an honest and a
ja n ua ry 2 0 1 7 Better PhotograPhy
Pr ofi le
On Photojournalistic Ethics
Chvez finds himself in the pursuit of
dignifying his subjects, as they manage to
survive with the bare minimum. He does all
this while being fair, honest and merciless
in his documentation. It is important
to me that I dont make a victim of my
subjects. In fact, having gone through so
much, they are not victims, but survivors.
They are stronger than all of us. But as a
photojournalist, it is my moral obligation
that they come to no harm because of my
need to produce a story, Chvez says.
He deeply feels that one should
constantly avoid looking at the broader
picture, and instead look at educating and
inspiring people through photographs.
I believe that photographers should aim
at documenting an honest story rather than
focusing on a single image, he says.
While covering the Californian drought,
124 for instance, he made sure that he did
not photograph the political scenario
in that area, as reporters were already
doing that. On the other hand, Chvez
aimed at making the story about the
individual farmers struggling to live
their lives and attain some normalcy.
The story, written by Pulitzer Prize winner,
Diana Marcum, along with Chvezs
photographs, generated a lot of awareness
amongst readers. They also received
several donations for the farmers and
their families.
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ja n ua ry 2 0 1 7 Better PhotograPhy
A resident looks out of the
window of the bus as he
waits to start his journey,
Cusco, Peru, 1997.
Pr ofi le
ja n ua ry 2 0 1 7
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about every year. The economy is booming I think my daughter will teach me how to see Members of Al Aqsa
and the old mantra of Peruvians being more things differently, Chvez says. Martyr Brigade march
through the streets
accustomed to catastrophe than success is When asked what advice hed like to impart
of Jabalya, one of
taking on water, he says. Chvez discovered to younger photographers, he mentioned the Gazas many refugee
his voice in Peru, which extended to his words of another renowned photojournalist, camps, 2004.
life in photography. His evolution as a Ron Haviv... You need to think of what
photojournalist has not ended. images are going to be important in the
The birth of Olivia changed things for longer run. What are our children going to
me. As a father, it is my responsibilty to be find when they look at the photographs that
there for her. Assignments in conflict zones we have made? As imagemakers, we are social
have taken on a distinct level of aversion. messengers and it is a responsibility we must
Luckily, I can choose my own assignments. not forget.
ja n ua ry 2 0 1 7 Better PhotograPhy
The wall separating the
West Bank from Israel
reaches a height of 8
meters and construction
of new Jewish settlements
at its base has begun.
Eastern Jerusalem, 2004
Better PhotograPhy ja n ua ry 2 0 1 7
Michael Robinson Chvez is a photographer at The Washington Post and a working photojournalist. He is two-time winner of the Robert F. Kennedy Award and has
covered assignments in around 60 countries like the Egyptian revolution and the US led invasion of Iraq. You can see his work on his website www.robinsonChvez.com.
ja n ua ry 2 0 1 7 Better PhotograPhy
A VIgneTTe of THougHTS
The Need for a Visual Diary
Natasha Desai wonders about the personal significance of a visual diary, as she navigates
through the Polaroids of Jamie Livingston, who made a picture every day, for 18 years.
J
amie Livingston discovered quite technique? Or was it just to hold on to Jamie made around
casually that he had shot Polaroids certain memories? 6500 images over
every single day for a few weeks in As a filmmaker, photographer and 18 years. While
1979. And then, just like that, he kept circus performer, Jamies photographs some are missing,
most of them are
at it for 18 years. Almost everyday, were made with a joie de vivre that is hard intact in four large
Jamie framed and shot photographs of his to miss... You can see the excitement and suitcases kept safely
rather fun life, immortalised as snapshots love for his life in New York, his work and by, Hugh Crawford.
The dates on the
Jamie Livingston from a Polaroid SX-70. his need to experience life. His carefully
images have been
I stumbled across his images quite composed shots ranged from little delights added for context
accidently and found myself lost almost and important sports wins, to portraits of and are not part of
immediately in the vast online archive; lovers and quiet moments alone, taken with the original prints.
carefully maintained by his friend Hugh a self-timer. And then there was the mystery
Crawford and helped by Betsy Reid, Jamies of certain frames, the significance of which
wife, in setting up. With each frame came only Jamie would have known. I soon came
the overwhelming realisation that I was to regard him as someone I knew with a
If he shot two or
viewing anothers life, the way he saw it, familiar intimacy.
three images, the first
most of which was well before my time. Along the way, I came across Jamies one would always be
What made Jamie document his life so photos of his trips to the hospital. He battled his Photo of the Day.
intensely and diligently? As a person who cancer in the midst of his life, documenting This held true even if he
Jamies photographs came across an exciting
feature friends, family finds it difficult to shoot continuously it just as he did any other day. He did not moment or subject, later
and from time to time, everyday, I wonderedabout what drove hide his illness, nor did he exaggerate it. in the day. He would
132 interesting personalities him. Was it a want or a need to leave a As I watched his hair get thinner, I also date the pictures with
too, like artist and sex an official looking stamp
educator Annie Sprinkle, legacy behind? Or was it something as watched him get married, in what seemed
that Hugh had gifted to
in the image below. simple as improving ones aesthetic or like a warm and quiet ceremony. him as a joke.
All photographs by Jamie Livingston, courtesy Hugh Crawford, www.photooftheday.hughcrawford.com
Better PhotograPhy Ja n ua ry 2 0 1 7
As a person who finds it diffcult to shoot
continuously everyday, I wondered about
what drove him.
natasha Desai
2 Apr, 1980
133
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s P e c i a l f e at u r e
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s P e c i a l f e at u r e
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s P e c i a l f e at u r e
21 Oct, 1997
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s P e c i a l f e at u r e
Jamie was like The last picture was made on the 25th of came across his photographs? Did he
a shepherd. October, 1997, the day that Jamie turned 41. think his frames would touch people so
As the numbness set in, almost as if I had intensely, long after his untimely demise?
He would gather experienced a personal loss, I looked for Probably not. All he did was pick a moment
his friends solace. Reading the comments that people that would be his ideal Photo of the Day.
together and had left under the photographs on the In these seemingly random singular acts,
throw orphan website, I realised that the lives he touched Jamie carved out a map of his life. A life that
were many, even 20 years after he was became a part of my own, one little white
parties for those
gone. A young man discovered Polaroids of frame at a time.
whose family lived himself as a baby and his mother, who died even in death, Jamie
wanted his Photo of the
far away. when he was a child. Countless people are On a journey to discover her personal, visual Day. The camera on its
Hugh Crawford brought comfort and happiness, by simply voice, Natasha Desai shares her inspiration tripod, was set up on a
viewing a picture made on their birthday. here, with you. You can find her photos at www. bookshelf. At his behest,
Did Jamie ever imagine he would instagram.com/curlsb4swine and you can write to the shutter was released
moments after he
leave such an impression on those who her at natasha.desai@betterphotography.in was gone.
23 Oct, 1997
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R
Image Source: obert Capas photograph (D-Day Invasion) of a floating soldier in Omaha Beach in
Wikimedia Commons Normandy, France, is probably one of the most important visuals to have come
Written by: out of World War II. The blurry image highlights the intensity of the moment,
Sainethra Hariharan where every soldier frantically held onto their lives amidst the frenzied shooting.
However, there would be another significant photograph to emerge out of the
event, one that would be very different from what Capa shot. This photograph was shot
by the Chief Petty Officer of the Coast Guard, Robert F Sargent, who later titled it Taxis to
Hell and Back. The frame eventually got to be popularly referred to as Into the Jaws of Death.
Sargent made the photograph from his landing craft, by borrowing a camera from a
photographer accompanying him. The image he shot paints a very different picture from
that of Capa. Taken minutes before the machine guns opened fire from German positions
on the beach, this visual is almost tranquil. Most of the soldiers in this photograph, just as
with the soldiers of dozens of other landing crafts on that day, would be cut down by the
enemy in one of the most bloody battles in the history of World War II.
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