A city’s essence is composed of its architecture, culture, inhabitants, and ambience. To capture this spirit in a photograph, one needs keen attention to detail, a knack for storytelling, and the ability to seize a fleeting moment. Vivek Mathew, a photographer based in Bengaluru, began his photography journey with a simple goal – to immortalize special moments through his camera lens. His portfolio showcases various cities he has explored, blending human interactions, architectural marvels, and the expansive sky as a silent performer in his visual narratives.
Highlighting a building's unique character
Approach: Aim to portray the grace of a monument
Technique: When photographing monuments like the illuminated Vidhana Soudha during Independence Day or St Mary’s Basilica on Christmas, focus on creating well-balanced compositions and capturing the structures during sunset. This approach accentuates the distinctive features of the buildings.
Successful Tactics: These images portray intricate details that are accentuated by the presence of ambient light. Balancing natural daylight with artificial lighting is essential for achieving a visually pleasing image.
Adding life with people and vehicles
Approach: Convey the vibrancy of a bustling street
Technique: Introduce elements such as people and vehicles into street photography to add depth to the scene. Pay attention to the balance between the sky and streetlights to achieve a harmonious composition.
Success Story: These street scenes were captured during dusk, requiring patience to find the right equilibrium between the diminishing light and artificial illumination. By keenly observing the surroundings and being willing to make adjustments, the perfect moment was captured.
Tips to enhance your photography skills
1. Conduct thorough research: Understanding your subject is crucial before taking a photograph.Engage in research to achieve optimal results. Conduct a reconnaissance of the location you plan to photograph for better preparation. Persistence is key; multiple attempts may be necessary to capture the envisioned shot, so do not be discouraged. Practice is essential for improvement. Consider investing in a quality SLR camera for better photographic results compared to using a phone. It does not have to be a pricey purchase, find one that suits your budget. Understand the sunset timings for better natural lighting in your photos. Take note of the varying daylight hours in different seasons when planning your shoots. Pay attention to your surroundings as each visit to a location can yield unique photo opportunities. Analyzing your environment before snapping the picture will help in capturing distinctive elements in your composition.
