In Camera Cropping.

Lenses, opinons, thoughts, photography, pictures, street, Travel

In-camera cropping is a term that refers to composing your photos with your camera, rather than cropping them later on a computer. Some photographers prefer this method, as it allows them to create more interesting compositions, achieve better background blur, and preserve the image quality and file size. However, in-camera cropping also requires more skill and confidence, as you have to decide on the final framing before you take the shot.

Other photographers like to crop their photos during post-production, as it gives them more flexibility and room for experimentation. Cropping on a computer can help you improve a poor composition, remove distracting elements, or alter the aspect ratio of your photo. You can also try different crops and see which one works best for your image. However, cropping on a computer also has some drawbacks, such as reducing the number of pixels in your image, affecting its clarity and printability.

So, is in-camera cropping right or wrong? There is no definitive answer to this question, as different photographers have different opinions and preferences. Some may argue that in-camera cropping is more authentic and artistic, while others may say that cropping on a computer is more practical and creative. Ultimately, it depends on your personal style, vision, and goals. The best way to find out what works for you is to experiment with both methods and see how they affect your photos.

Is it acceptable to use a telephoto lens for street photography?

Lenses, opinons, thoughts, photography, street

Street photography is a genre of photography that captures candid moments of people and places in public spaces. It is often associated with wide-angle lenses, which allow the photographer to get close to the subject and capture more of the surrounding context. However, some street photographers prefer to use telephoto lenses, which have a longer focal length and can create a different perspective and effect.

Telephoto lenses have some advantages and disadvantages for street photography. On the positive side, they can help the photographer to isolate the subject from the background, creating a shallow depth of field and a more dramatic composition. They can also allow the photographer to shoot from a distance, without being noticed or disturbing the scene. This can be useful for capturing candid expressions and emotions, or for photographing in places where it might be unsafe or inappropriate to get too close.

On the negative side, telephoto lenses can also pose some challenges for street photography. They are usually heavier and bulkier than wide-angle lenses, which can make them more difficult to carry around and handle. They also require a faster shutter speed to avoid camera shake, which can limit the creative possibilities of using motion blur or low-light conditions. Moreover, they can create a more detached and voyeuristic feeling, which might not suit the style or intention of some street photographers who want to engage with their subjects and environment.

Ultimately, the choice of lens for street photography depends on the personal preference and vision of the photographer. There is no right or wrong answer, as long as the lens serves the purpose and message of the image. Some street photographers might stick to one lens for consistency and simplicity, while others might switch between different lenses depending on the situation and opportunity. The most important thing is to experiment and have fun with street photography, and to find your own voice and style.

Using a wide angle lens for street photography

cameras, Lenses, opinons, thoughts, photography, street

Street photography is a genre of photography that captures candid moments of people and places in public spaces. It can be challenging, rewarding and fun, but also requires some skills and techniques to get the best results. One of the most important decisions you have to make as a street photographer is what lens to use. In this blog post, we will explore the advantages and disadvantages of using a wide-angle lens for street photography, and give you some tips on how to use it effectively.

A wide-angle lens is a lens that has a focal length shorter than 35mm on a full-frame camera, or 24mm on a crop-sensor camera. This means that it can capture a wider field of view than a normal or telephoto lens, allowing you to include more of the scene in your frame. A wide-angle lens can also create some interesting effects, such as distortion, perspective and depth of field, that can enhance your street photography.

Some of the advantages of using a wide-angle lens for street photography are:

You can get closer to your subject without being intrusive or noticeable. A wide-angle lens allows you to fill the frame with your subject even when you are only a few feet away from them. This can help you capture more intimate and authentic expressions and emotions, as well as more details and textures.
You can capture more of the context and environment around your subject. A wide-angle lens can show more of the background and foreground of your scene, giving your viewers a better sense of the place and time where your photo was taken. This can help you tell a story with your photo, or create a contrast or connection between your subject and their surroundings.
You can create dynamic and dramatic compositions. A wide-angle lens can exaggerate the perspective and distortion of your scene, making it look more spacious or distorted. This can create a sense of movement, energy and tension in your photo, or draw attention to certain elements or lines in your frame.

Some of the disadvantages of using a wide-angle lens for street photography are:

You may have unwanted elements or distractions in your frame. A wide-angle lens can capture more than you intend to, especially if you are not careful with your framing and positioning. You may end up with unwanted people, objects or light sources in your photo that can ruin your composition or mood.
You may lose some details or sharpness in your photo. A wide-angle lens can make your subject look smaller or farther away than they actually are, especially if they are not close to the centre of your frame. This can reduce the impact and clarity of your photo, or make it look too busy or cluttered.
You may have some distortion or vignetting in your photo. A wide-angle lens can bend or stretch the edges of your frame, making straight lines look curved or distorted. This can create some interesting effects, but also some unwanted ones, such as making people look distorted or unnatural. A wide-angle lens can also cause some darkening or loss of contrast at the corners of your frame, known as vignetting. This can affect the exposure and colour balance of your photo.

Some tips on how to use a wide-angle lens for street photography are:

Get close to your subject. A wide-angle lens works best when you are close to your subject, as this will make them stand out more and create a stronger connection with them. Try to fill the frame with your subject, or leave some space around them to show their context.
Pay attention to your background and foreground. A wide-angle lens can show more of what is behind and in front of your subject, so make sure they are not distracting or conflicting with them. Look for interesting or complementary elements that can add depth, contrast or harmony to your photo.
Use lines and shapes to guide the eye. A wide-angle lens can create some powerful lines and shapes in your frame that can lead the viewer’s eye to your subject or create a sense of direction or movement. Look for diagonal, curved or converging lines that can create dynamism and drama in your photo.
Experiment with different angles and perspectives. A wide-angle lens can give you more creative freedom to try different angles and perspectives that can change the mood and meaning of your photo. Try shooting from low or high angles, from the side or behind your subject, or tilting or rotating your camera to create some interesting effects.

Using a wide-angle lens for street photography can be a great way to capture more of the scene and create some stunning photos. However, it also requires some skill and practice to use it effectively and avoid some common pitfalls. The key is to know the strengths and weaknesses of your lens, and how to use them to your advantage.

What is Street Photography ?

opinons, thoughts, photography, street

Street photography is a genre of photography that captures candid moments of people and scenes in public places. Street photography is not about taking pictures of streets, but rather about documenting the everyday life and culture of a city or a community.

Street photography can be challenging, but also rewarding, as it requires a keen eye, a fast reflex, and a sense of curiosity. Street photographers often look for interesting subjects, expressions, gestures, interactions, contrasts, or stories that happen in the urban environment.

Some of the benefits of street photography are:

It can improve your skills as a photographer, such as composition, lighting, focus, and timing.
It can help you discover new places and perspectives that you might otherwise overlook.
It can make you more aware and appreciative of the beauty and diversity of human beings and their surroundings.

Street photography is a creative and fun way to explore the world around you. It can also be a powerful way to communicate your vision and voice as a photographer. If you are interested in street photography, why not give it a try?

Angkor Wat: A Wonder of the World

angkor, cambodia, opinons, thoughts, photography, Travel

Have you ever dreamed of visiting a place that is both ancient and majestic, where you can marvel at the beauty and craftsmanship of a bygone civilization? If so, then you should definitely add Angkor Wat to your bucket list. Angkor Wat is the largest and most famous temple complex in Cambodia, and one of the most impressive monuments in the world. In this blog post, I will tell you why you should visit Angkor Wat, what to expect when you get there, and some tips to make your trip unforgettable.

Angkor Wat was built in the 12th century by King Suryavarman II as a Hindu temple dedicated to Vishnu, the supreme god of the universe. It was later converted into a Buddhist temple in the 16th century, and remains an active place of worship today. The temple covers an area of about 200 hectares, and consists of five towers arranged in a quincunx pattern, surrounded by a moat and three concentric galleries. The temple is richly decorated with carvings, sculptures, and bas-reliefs depicting scenes from Hindu mythology, history, and culture.

One of the most amazing features of Angkor Wat is its alignment with the sun. The temple is oriented to the west, which is unusual for Hindu temples, and has been interpreted as a symbol of death and rebirth. On certain days of the year, such as the spring and autumn equinoxes, the sun rises directly behind the central tower, creating a stunning spectacle of light and shadow. Many visitors flock to Angkor Wat early in the morning to witness this phenomenon and capture it on camera.

Another reason to visit Angkor Wat is to explore its surroundings. Angkor Wat is part of a larger complex called Angkor Archaeological Park, which covers an area of about 400 square kilometers and contains hundreds of other temples, palaces, and monuments from different periods and styles. Some of the most notable ones are Bayon, with its giant stone faces; Ta Prohm, with its trees growing over the ruins; and Banteay Srei, with its delicate carvings. You can spend days wandering around these ancient wonders and discovering their secrets.

To make your trip to Angkor Wat more enjoyable and memorable, here are some tips to keep in mind:

Plan your visit ahead. Angkor Wat is very popular among tourists, so it can get crowded and hot during peak hours. To avoid the crowds and enjoy the best views, try to visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon. You can also buy your tickets online or at one of the official ticket offices to save time.

Dress appropriately. Angkor Wat is a sacred site, so you should respect its rules and customs. You should wear clothes that cover your shoulders and knees, and avoid wearing hats or sunglasses inside the temple. You should also remove your shoes before entering any building or chamber.
Hire a guide. Angkor Wat has a lot of history and symbolism that can be hard to understand without some explanation. You can hire a guide at the entrance or book one online to learn more about the temple and its stories. A guide can also help you navigate the complex and find the best spots for photos.
Respect the environment. Angkor Wat is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which means it is protected by international law and regulations. You should not touch, climb, or damage any part of the temple or its artifacts. You should also not litter or feed any animals that live in the area. You should be mindful of your impact on this precious area.

Phnom Penh

cambodia, opinons, thoughts, photography, Travel

If you are looking for a vibrant and diverse destination in Southeast Asia, you should definitely consider visiting Phnom Penh, the capital and largest city of Cambodia. Phnom Penh is a city that combines ancient history, colonial charm, and modern development. Here are some of the reasons why you should add Phnom Penh to your travel bucket list.

Phnom Penh has a rich and complex history that spans centuries. The city was founded in 1372 by a woman named Lady Penh, who discovered a sacred statue of Buddha on the banks of the Mekong River. The city became the royal capital of the Khmer Empire in 1434 and remained so until 1497. During the French colonial era, Phnom Penh was known as the “Pearl of Asia” for its beautiful architecture and cultural attractions. However, the city also witnessed some of the darkest chapters of Cambodia’s history, such as the Khmer Rouge regime and the genocide that killed millions of people in the 1970s. Today, Phnom Penh is a thriving metropolis that is undergoing rapid economic and social transformation.

Phnom Penh has a lot to offer to travelers who are interested in culture, art, and religion. The city is home to some of the most impressive temples, palaces, and museums in Cambodia. You can visit the Royal Palace, which is still the residence of the king and the queen, and admire its golden roofs and ornate decorations. You can also see the Silver Pagoda, which houses a stunning collection of Buddha statues made of gold, silver, jade, and crystal. Another must-see attraction is the National Museum, which displays thousands of artifacts from the Angkorian and pre-Angkorian periods. If you want to learn more about Cambodia’s recent history, you can visit the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum and the Choeung Ek Killing Fields, which are both sobering reminders of the atrocities committed by the Khmer Rouge.

Phnom Penh is also a great place to enjoy some of the best food, shopping, and nightlife in Cambodia. The city has a diverse culinary scene that reflects its multicultural influences. You can sample some of the local specialties, such as amok (fish curry steamed in banana leaves), lok lak (stir-fried beef with lime sauce), and kuy teav (noodle soup with pork and seafood). You can also try some of the international cuisines, such as French, Chinese, Indian, Thai, and Vietnamese. For shopping, you can head to the Central Market or the Russian Market, where you can find everything from souvenirs, handicrafts, clothes, jewelry, antiques, and electronics. For nightlife, you can explore the many bars, clubs, pubs, and karaoke venues that line the streets of Phnom Penh.

Phnom Penh is a city that will surprise you with its diversity, vitality, and charm. It is a city that will make you feel welcome with its friendly people and warm hospitality. It is a city that will inspire you with its resilience and optimism. It is a city that will make you fall in love with Cambodia.

Khmer Sight Foundation 01/04/23 trip to Kampot

opinons, thoughts, photography, pictures, voluntary

The Khmer Sight Foundation’s Saturday pre-assessment trip to Kampot was a huge success. Travelling early in the morning to a location 175 kilometres from Phnom Penh and setting up, assisted by local health personnel, to see over 100 people with suspected eye issues.
Each client had a basic eye exam before being evaluated by the attending doctor to discover any underlying eye disorders.
Any patient who has a detected eye condition will be invited to the clinic in Phnom Penh to have the necessary surgery at no cost in the near future.

http://khmersight.com/

The Khmer Sight Foundation is a non-profit organization that aims to eliminate avoidable blindness in Cambodia by training local eye care professionals and providing free eye surgeries to the poor. Founded in 2015 by His Excellency Sean Ngu and the late Dr Kim Frumar, the foundation works with international partners and volunteers to improve the quality and accessibility of eye care services in Cambodia.

According to the foundation’s website, over 180,000 Cambodians are blind, and 90% of blindness is avoidable. The main causes of blindness are cataracts, uncorrected vision, glaucoma, corneal scarring and pterygium. Cambodia has one of the lowest numbers of eye specialist doctors per capita in the world, and most of the poor live in rural areas where there is little or no eye care available.

The Khmer Sight Foundation’s mission is to train the next generation of eye care health professionals in Cambodia so that the country can become self-reliant in the provision of high-quality, safe and effective eye care. The foundation selects local graduates to study internationally on scholarships to further their education in ophthalmology and pass on their training. It also develops surgical and diagnostic skills and provides scholarships abroad to train in sub-specialities that are lacking in Cambodia, such as corneal and retinal issues and paediatric conditions.

The foundation also runs a charitable mission offering free cataract surgery based at multiple charitable hospitals in Phnom Penh. The foundation’s volunteer health workers visit remote rural communities to conduct eye screenings and provide basic instructions on eye hygiene. International specialists help by not only providing training but also conducting free surgery for the poorest people in Cambodia. These surgeries are life-changing and make a tangible difference to local communities.

The Khmer Sight Foundation is a remarkable example of how local and international collaboration can help address a major health issue in a developing country. By empowering local eye care professionals and providing free eye care services to the needy, the foundation is helping to restore the gift of sight to many thousands of Cambodians.

Volunteers – Khmer Sight Foundation.

cambodia, opinons, thoughts, photography, voluntary

What a challenging but excellent week helping the volunteers with Khmer Sight Foundation complete 116 surgeries over 4 days. Hard work and very busy but still managed to make a few pictures for the team.

The first day was pretty hectic, with new people getting to know each other, learning where everything was and who was doing what. Dr Gupta, the team leader with the help of the permanent staff at the clinic got things running like a well-oiled machine, the staff helping each other and getting do something in the most efficient way possible to enable as many patients to be seen.

The patience and gratitude shown by the Cambodian people waiting to be seen was heartwarming and enabled the doctors to see and treat many more people.

People working together to help others who cannot help themselves are always great to witness, and the potential change in the lives of those treated cannot be measured in money. Imagine being almost blind and then, because of the hard work of KSF, being able to see again, like a miracle.

Overcoming fear and apprehension, the staff showed understanding and kindness. People fear the unknown and things they don’t understand and need support throughout the process and the Khmer volunteers achieved this admirable. Seeing the happiness and relief on people’s faces when this ordeal was done made all the hard work worthwhile.

Personally, I did very little in comparison to the work the team achieved, I helped where I could and just hope that my pictures will add something to the team’s trip. Memories are made in pictures.

A celebratory dinner, after a long day, when people could let their hair down a little, and many friends made.

What to know more about KSF

http://khmersight.com/

Khmer Sight Foundation. Assessment trip to Kampot Area 2023

cambodia, opinons, thoughts, photography, pictures, voluntary

What a busy two days spent working hard, by the team, to identify the people with the greatest need for further treament. The team assessed over 350 people over the 2 days with over 100 people needing further treatment.

The team was supported by the local administration which provided support staff from various clinics in the area.

10,000 Cambodians suffer avoidable blindness each year. 90% of blindness is avoidable with the right care and skilled doctors to provide it. Sadly Cambodia has one of the lowest numbers of eye specialist doctors per capita in the world. Many people living in rural areas have no access to eye care, meaning their Cataracts, uncorrected vision, glaucoma, corneal scarring and pterygium go untreated.

All the people from KSF are volunteers and provide their skills and expertise without charge. They work hard and long in difficult conditions without complaint to try and provide this much-needed service to the Cambodian people.