Shoot on sight
The effects of the influx of technology are evident in most professions. Pradeep Mahajan, a Chandigarh-based photographer, voices his concern about the cons of a digital world and ways to improve one’s professional reflexes.
The effects of the influx of technology are evident in most professions. Pradeep Mahajan, a Chandigarh-based photographer, voices his concern about the cons of a digital world and ways to improve one’s professional reflexes.
With digital technology taking over, anyone who can afford a DSLR (Digital single-lens reflex) camera is deemed fit to be a photographer, opine many. Pradeep agrees, saying, “If a good tool is handed over to a craftsman who doesn’t have much knowledge about his subject, he won’t be able to produce a good picture. But, if an average tool is given to a good photographer, he could create a masterpiece.”
Pradeep, who has been a professional photographer since 1978, feels the methods of learning have altered with changing times. “I have been a part of the world of photography for the past 35 years, and have been trained in a very disciplined way. In our times, there was no technology and so, we were taught to master the camera. Today, we have become slaves to equipment,” offers Pradeep, who was at International School of Media, Sector 38, on Saturday to hold a workshop on improving a picture’s quality and to throw light on the numerous career opportunities in the field of digital photography.
Having worked for advertising, corporate and editorial clients, Pradeep talks about his wide array of works, “I take pride in the diversity of my projects, with subjects ranging from people and products to architecture. From jewellery photography to product shots and industrial photography, I have tried all genres. But of all my works, the most pertinent have been architecture and product photography, in which the latter is the most challenging.”
On the youngsters’ love for camera, Pradeep exclaims, “Life these days is fast and so are the youngsters, who believe in instant recognition. Photography, for some of them, is just about capturing images and then uploading them on social networking sites for their friends to comment on. They create Facebook pages and upload images without having clear fundamentals on photography.”
Guidelines for quality clicks
In your mind’s map, the subject matter should be clear so that you draw your attention towards the subject.
Make the subject look bright, or in technical terminology, focus well on the subject.
Simplify the frame – most impressive frames are the simple ones.
Eliminate all distractions from the frame.
Fill the frame entirely with the subject matter and check the edges well before editing the picture.