MONUMENTS... MONUMENTS... MONUMENTS...
India, a country known for its rich cultures and traditions have a large number of archaeological monuments and palaces located all over the country. Each of them has a heritage and attracts a large number of visitors from all over the world. These monuments stand testimony to India's centuries old traditions & cultures and most of them mark the presence and influences such as the Mughal dynasty, the Rajput empire, Dravidian civilization and the Bengali kingdoms of Pal, Sen et al, and of the Nizam rulers of Hyderabad beside various regional kings. It is quite natural, therefore, the Indian monuments would attract photographer's attention from all over the world.
While visiting these structures for the purpose of taking photographs, it is always advisable to abide by the rules and regulations framed by the relevant authorities for each individual monument. Now that the digital cameras are available with you, it does not mean that you'll just aim and shoot. It is always advisable to have a look into restrictions first (if any) before taking any photograph. Read the rules written on a notice board near the entrance/ticket counter carefully (or ask the authorities if you have any question), pay requisite fees (if any), and then look through the viewfinder for composition, dramatic angles etc. Study the monument first to discover which characteristics define the structure best and then click the shutter.
As a rule, the early morning as well as the late afternoon soft light will give desired 'modelling effect' to the majestic monuments and the pictures will look pleasing to the eyes, whereas the harsh daylight will produce maximum contrast in the picture. If & whenever possible, try to include a few 'drama elements' to enhance the beauty of the archaeological structures.
While taking the photograph, always try to avoid back-lighting (i.e., light coming from the back side of the structure) to eliminate the possibility of producing 'silhouettes' without much detail and also, as far as possible, avoid direct front-lighting (i.e., light coming from behind you) in order to eliminate the possibility of flat pictures. Instead try to use side-lighting for better 'modelling effects' and emphasizing shapes. While shooting monuments, it is always advisable to use 'small apertures', combined with an appropriate shutter speed for correct exposures in order to attain the maximum depth-of-field. Now that you are ready, it's time you go ahead and shoot the royal monuments in India.
All photographs below were taken by me during different occasions in the past, except the picture of Varanasi at the end. The Varanasi picture was collected from the internet and is being used for reference purpose only and not for commercial purpose. I am grateful to the photographer and the full credit of the photograph goes to him only. Happy viewing...
India, a country known for its rich cultures and traditions have a large number of archaeological monuments and palaces located all over the country. Each of them has a heritage and attracts a large number of visitors from all over the world. These monuments stand testimony to India's centuries old traditions & cultures and most of them mark the presence and influences such as the Mughal dynasty, the Rajput empire, Dravidian civilization and the Bengali kingdoms of Pal, Sen et al, and of the Nizam rulers of Hyderabad beside various regional kings. It is quite natural, therefore, the Indian monuments would attract photographer's attention from all over the world.
While visiting these structures for the purpose of taking photographs, it is always advisable to abide by the rules and regulations framed by the relevant authorities for each individual monument. Now that the digital cameras are available with you, it does not mean that you'll just aim and shoot. It is always advisable to have a look into restrictions first (if any) before taking any photograph. Read the rules written on a notice board near the entrance/ticket counter carefully (or ask the authorities if you have any question), pay requisite fees (if any), and then look through the viewfinder for composition, dramatic angles etc. Study the monument first to discover which characteristics define the structure best and then click the shutter.
As a rule, the early morning as well as the late afternoon soft light will give desired 'modelling effect' to the majestic monuments and the pictures will look pleasing to the eyes, whereas the harsh daylight will produce maximum contrast in the picture. If & whenever possible, try to include a few 'drama elements' to enhance the beauty of the archaeological structures.
While taking the photograph, always try to avoid back-lighting (i.e., light coming from the back side of the structure) to eliminate the possibility of producing 'silhouettes' without much detail and also, as far as possible, avoid direct front-lighting (i.e., light coming from behind you) in order to eliminate the possibility of flat pictures. Instead try to use side-lighting for better 'modelling effects' and emphasizing shapes. While shooting monuments, it is always advisable to use 'small apertures', combined with an appropriate shutter speed for correct exposures in order to attain the maximum depth-of-field. Now that you are ready, it's time you go ahead and shoot the royal monuments in India.
All photographs below were taken by me during different occasions in the past, except the picture of Varanasi at the end. The Varanasi picture was collected from the internet and is being used for reference purpose only and not for commercial purpose. I am grateful to the photographer and the full credit of the photograph goes to him only. Happy viewing...
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| Taj Mahal, Agra |
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| Taj Mahal, Agra |
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| Gateway of India, Mumbai |
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| Victoria Memorial Hall, Kolkata |
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| Nimrana Fort on Delhi Jaipur Highway, Rajasthan |
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| Qutabsahi, Delhi |
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| Qutab Minar, Delhi |
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| Qutab Minar, Delhi |
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| Humayan's Tomb, Delhi |
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| Jantar Mantar, New Delhi |
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| Jama Masjid Tomb, Delhi |
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| Red Fort (Lal Quila), Delhi |
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| Lotus Temple, Delhi |
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| Tughlaquabad Fort, Delhi |
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| Paanch Mahal, Fatehpur Sikri, Uttar Pradesh |
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| Terracota Temple, Vishnupur, West Bengal |
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| Terracota Temple, Vishnupur, West Bengal |
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| Terracota Temple Pillar, Vishnupur, West Bengal |
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| Udaigiri Khandagiri Complex, Odisha |
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| Varanasi by Ganges, Uttar Pradesh |
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| Sun Temple, Konark, Odisha |
lovely pictures with a nice guidance of how to click properly
ReplyDeleteThanks, Kausik. You know, your comments mean much to me. Thanks again.
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