Dices

Dice can generate random numbers. But, I set some numbers in aperture, shutter and ISO to get dices. The image could imitate as black and white photo except the red and blue dots. I have placed the dices in a black plastic folder. The folder was mixed of mate and glossy. Therefore, you can see small dust-like spots, and it could be negative impact to the image.

The aperture size was f/8 to reduce depth of field (DoF). Even though, there is simple DoF which I intentionally created. However, I feel a clean background and aperture size like f/16 would be ideal. BTW, I would like to share a quote from Navjot Singh Sidhu, "One who doesn't throw the dice can never expect to score a six."

Camera settings:

• Aperture size: f/8
• Shutter Speed: 1/200 sec.
• ISO: 100
• Focal length: 55mm
• Flash: On

David and Goliath

I am going to talk about Biblical story or theological concept on David and Goliath. But, I am going to share some ideas of imagination and how we could turn the camera lens into our imagination. The following image was taken on a hilly area where I was about to find uneven surface.

David and Goliath

Both of them were similar height. However, I call the person who in far distance as David and other one as Goliath. David was standing on low ground while Goliath was on high ground, and I was in low ground. It made perfect angle and cloudy sky which gave clear background.

It was clear sky and I was able to control the aperture. The aperture setting was f/11 on 21 mm focal length. These both settings were help to reduce depth of field that resulted to focus on both far and near objects or so called David and Goliath.

Camera settings:
Aperture size: f/11
Shutter Speed: 1/320
ISO: 200
Focal length: 21 mm

Location: Sri Lanka

Rose Color

Flowers are always beautiful. Almost everyone likes them. Rose is queen among thousands of flowers. It has so many colors, size, shape, odor, etc. When it comes to pink color, it is most female’s favorite color. Pink rose is ideal for women. Sometimes, people use the name rose for indicating the color pink. Simply you could hear “rose color”. So, you could image the connection between rose flower and pink color.

Rose color aka pink color

The image is captured in daylight. Pink, off white, green and black are most highlighted colors in the picture. The black background came from shadow while the object was in direct sunlight. Therefore, I was able to use natural background.

Camera settings:
Aperture size: f/5.6
Shutter Speed: 1/60
ISO: 200
Focal length: 250 mm
Flash: No

Main four colors in this image:

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Candle in the wind

Do you recognize this title? Of course, many of you could remember. This is title of a famous song that sung by Elton John. The song lyrics were altered by Elton John and Bernie Taupin to honor Princess Diana with the famous line Goodbye England’s rose. But it was originally written in 1973 to honor of Marilyn Monroe. Time to time, the lyrics and music were flavored by various artists.  This is a story of the original title.

Candle in the wind

Candle with flame is always beautiful. Many photographers have taken beautiful shots and you could find plenty of images in the internet. I wanted to try candle with flame, but I wanted to bring the flame that should reflect the wind. If I say in simple words, I wanted to capture “candle in the wind”.


Therefore, I made a setup. I placed the candle in an open space where I was careful with background that flash should not reach background object. If so, I could turn background as black, and I don’t need to find black screen. By the way, it was night. There was slow wind and it was ok for flame to bend a little. I used flash in order to bring the candle visible, but limited aperture, shutter speed and ISO as given below. I took several shots (as always) until I got nice flame that reflected the wind. In this image, I was concern about rule of thirds and lead room.

I am happy with the result. However, I would say a suggestion if you try same shot. It is better to use a color candle instead of white. Black background and white candle give a black and white image feeling, except the flame. I tried coloring the candle in Photoshop through selective color techniques, and it was quite nice. Green, purple, red colors were returned nice image.

Camera settings:

• Aperture size: f/5.6
• Shutter Speed: 1/60
• ISO: 400
• Focal length: 55mm
• Flash: Yes

Black hole or whirl

As a photographer or photography lover, you see an image, object or scenery and admire on it. It could be turn as photo. This is happen to those who hold a camera or at least a smart phone. Some others try little further to create unusual photos. Some of them take risk and do adventure to make an amazing outcome. Others try some techniques such as light painting, micro level photography, panning, zoom burst, HDR, etc.

I tried a different method. It was not adventure, very technique or costly. The result is given below as an image.

An object could be black hole?

I took this image and asked friend to tell what it is. Some said it looks like black hole or some kind of whirl. Some others said it looks like UFO (Unidentified Flying Object) / flying sauce. Actually, it is an USB powered mini fan with blue LED. It uses for laptop to reduce heat. I kept it in a place where I can get enough light to control background as black. I did several clicks with different angle.

Camera settings:
Aperture size: f/5.6
Shutter Speed: 1 sec.
ISO: 100
Focal length: 146mm
Flash: No

Main colors used in this image:

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Note: Full resolution image is available at Wikimedia Commons under CC 4.0 license. It has passed Quality image review.

Bug on a flower

Actually, I tried to photograph the flower. The bug is a bonus. We plan something, but we get something else. It might be good or bad result. When I was focusing the flower, suddenly a bug landed on the flower. I did not a take time to think or see. I just clicked. If I was thinking, I might miss the bug.

Bug on a flower

Do you know after the rain atmosphere come more bright and clear?  It was a sunny day after rain. Even though, sky was not clear. Therefore, I was not able to control aperture and shutter speed. Due to 250mm focal length, I should have at least increased the shutter speed. The background was a maize field. Tele zoom lens is ideal for turning background into gradient or solid color. I was considering the rule of thirds and negative space. Therefore, I made space on left side.

Camera settings:

• Aperture size: f/5.6
• Shutter Speed: 1/60 sec.
• ISO: 200
• Focal length: 250mm

Main color scheme in this image

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Selective Color

Selective Color effect has nothing in photography as it comes under digital editing. Mostly it is done though Adobe Photoshop. Actually, it is not photography, and it does not deal with camera. But selective color is welcome my many user. If you are a traditional or orthodox photography lover, I am sure you will reject the idea. A user who is good at Photoshop or any other software can perform wonderful results.

I do enjoy the idea. I feel that it give much focus to the subject. It is like highlighting by a highlighter pen when you read a book or note.

Selective Color | Red Rose

The image has three main color such as red, green and white. My main idea is to focus the red rose. I do not want to highlight white background or green leaves. Therefore, I made those unwanted area by black and white / mono color. I wanted highlight the red rose only. Also, note that those leafs are not fully focused.