Through the lens of a camera

Art is observed in various ways and photography being one of them brings out an individual’s creativity in the best possible way by projecting this on the final outcome. A simple object can be showcased brilliantly with the click of the camera button. How a picture is taken by the photographer always matters in order to get the best results. To bring out the best, extra elements such as lighting are often used to give the picture that different look, which comes as a plus point for the overall picture.

Wine glasses are something which has a simple, yet elegant look due to its shape. With the help of lighting it transforms and gives the wine glasses a different appearance.

Wine glasses
PC: Christine Cherian

Shadows are yet another element which plays an important role in making a picture look good. With the help of shadows it can bring out the mood and emotion showcased in a picture.

Silhouette
PC: Christine Cherian

Shadows created with the help of lighting
PC: Christine Cherian

Playing around with the focus also gives a lending hand in making a picture look artistic in its own unique way. Bokeh photography is one such way where the image is either completely out of focus or only certain areas are out of focus. The lights of sky-scrappers and street lights seen at distance which are completely out of focus (pictured below).

Sky Scrappers
PC: Christine Cherian

Celebrations, another aspect which is captured through the camera that brings out the joy and happiness of individuals during festivals. Through the art of photography cultures of different nations are captured as countries celebrate festivals differently, and capturing some of these moments on camera is probably the best way of presenting it.

Street lit up during the Shopping festival
PC: Christine Cherian

The Women’s dances of Armenia
PC: Christine Cherian

The art of photography is displayed by individuals in their own unique manner. These distinct features and emotions of people and various other festivities need to be captured in order to keep them alive, and this can lead to the building of a memory lane, with over the years.

The Essence of Celebration

Every religion has certain festivals which they celebrate together with family and friends. Each of these festivals has a specific meaning and story behind it. Children learn about these festivals and the importance of celebrating them over the years from their parents and grandparents.

Eid is the festival celebrated by Muslims. Eid – Ul – Adha or the “Festival of Sacrifice” or also known as the “Greater Eid” is celebrated in the remembrance of Prophet Ibrahim’s (A.S.) willingness to sacrifice his son to Allah. During this time we see Muslims sacrifice animals, such as goats. This ritual is done to honour Prophet Ibrahim’s (A.S.) obedience to Allah and how he was selfless before sacrificing his son, and towards the end moment Allah placed sheep to sacrifice.

A time of prayer

During this period Muslims enjoy delicious feast with family and friends. The goat is purchased and before the sacrifice, prayers are said and the sacrificed goat meat is cooked for the family members and distributed among others. Different delicious dishes are made during this time, such as mutton biriyani, mutton khadhi, seekh kabab, mutton pulao and many more. Along with this, mouth watering desserts are also made after having a good feast. Some of these are Rasmali, kheer, custard, vermaceli (seeviyan) and many more.

Mouth watering dishes

Eid – Ul – Adha is one of the many ways that fosters togetherness, and helps to bring cultural awareness and education for everyone. It is much needed in this time where everything has a commercial influence and religious festivities such as this are much needed for all of us.