Changing Lanes

Destroyed faces....

2012-02-02T01:31:00.000+04:00

I think enough time has passed for me to blog about this.

Two weeks back on my way to cricket at 6am, I spotted a dead cat on the road. I didn’t realise its face was smashed on one side till I picked it up. That’s one sight you don’t want to see up close. I placed it in the sand nearby and walked away as fast as I could. Alas that didn’t really help as the image of the destroyed face is embedded in my head and will linger there for a while. I drive past the spot every day....

I haven’t bought a shovel yet because I realised I’d end up in trouble if I were to be seen digging a hole in the ground. This is not going to end well. I almost stopped on Sheikh Zayed road a few days back when I spotted a kitten lying dead near the centre divider. I was at 120kph.... (-_-)

Colours...

2012-01-31T17:34:00.000+04:00

As a kid, I'd always been into dark colours when it came to clothing with black and dark blue being my favourite. This lasted till my first year in college which is when I met my CC and everything changed. I love colours now and I can honestly carry off anything...even fluorescent yellow or shocking pink. I'm not afraid of stepping out of the house wearing the oddest of mishmash. Even the shoes I own are of different colours now (I recently bought bright red shoes with white-blue polka dot laces). I don't particularly have a favourite colour anymore but I do tend to buy more yellow/orange clothes. Here’s a image of some of the shirts I own... (^_^)

Taking care of the dead

2011-12-27T15:18:00.000+04:00

I was in school, possibly in 11th. Talks of getting a pet cat were buzzing at home. We’ve all been wanting one since the time my older brother was a kid. He’s in his early 30s now.

On the day of 6th May, I got onto the school bus from home but then got off a few stops later as a friend had pointed towards a white kitten on the roadside. I grabbed it in the most awkward position, got bitten and dropped it while I was running back home. It was dead when I reached. I put it in a plastic bag and dumped it in the garbage. I think I scared it to death...

A few years later on a late-night drive back home from the movie theatre, my brother drove over a cat. He was speeding on a narrow street and was unable to react quickly enough when the cat jumped in front of the car. He dropped me home and I ran back to where the cat lay wounded, gasping for its last few breaths. I picked it up and laid it on the sand next to a construction site. It died a few minutes later.

Since then I’ve been driving a lot myself. I see dead cats every single day, squashed like a pancake or with guts spilled out. Once in a while you see a fresh kill that has yet to be run over by more cars. I was often tempted to stop and rescue the dead cat from being run over again, but I let it pass.

A week or so back, on my way home I spotted another fresh kill on the road. I parked nearby, grabbed a bag and ran to it. In the rush of getting it off the road, I used my bare hands to lift it and laid it on the pavement. There were no signs or marks on the cat that indicated it had been hit. It could have literally been sleeping. The only way to tell that it had died was the pool of blood that was near its mouth, on the road. I laid it next to the garbage box not knowing what else to do.

A few days back, while driving down the road behind Sheikh Zayed Road, I spotted another dead cat whose corpse was yet to be run over. I parked nearby, watched around 20 cars drive by hoping no one would run over it, ran to it in the first possible gap I could find in the traffic flow and got the cat’s corpse off the road. A cabbie honked at me as he came to an abrupt halt but didn’t create a scene as he saw what I was doing. Like the previous one, this one had no marks on it either, apart from blood near its mouth. I laid this one too, on a sandy plot nearby.

I don’t know how long I’ll continue to do this because it haunts me; messes up my head. I think I need to buy a shovel…

Postsecret....

2011-11-28T09:27:00.001+04:00

I've made it a routine to check PostSecret every Monday. I was introducedto it by my CC and I've been addicted to it since then. It's slightly unsettlingwhen once in a while you come across a secret that hits the nail on the head.You get lost in those words and the feelings it unravels. This is one those....(-_-)

2011 Dubai Motor show

2011-11-13T13:21:00.001+04:00

I'm not a petrol head. I don't watch motor sport (saw my first F1 a few weeks back because it was in India) and I don't grip over horse power numbers or turbo sizes. I like to keep a general knowhow of what kind of cars are available in the market and their specifications. What I do generally obsess about is the design of the car and lately its handling (thanks to my awesome Mondeo).

With my foray into photography over the past 4 years, this obsession has quadrupled thanks to my constant visual play with light on sheet metal. So when you put a few hundred cars under one roof i.e. the Dubai Motor Show, I go a little crazy (Read: me standing in awkward positions to absorb the aesthetics of the car). Oddly this year I didn’t go crazy even though I spent a whopping 8 hours at the show shooting videos and photos while listening to the boring and rather long press conferences. I had access to some of the most exotic cars available i.e. from a McLaren MP4 12C to a freaking Lamborghini Aventador to a customised special edition Rolls Royce Phantom convertible but simply put I was bored.

I remember the days I used to cycle down to a car showroom called ‘Classic Cars’ on Salahuddin Road where I’d spent most of my time wiping my drool off my face. I was around 10 years old as I’d watched my friend hug a Lamborghini Diablo while I stared dreamily at the under body of a Ferrari 348. And then there was the Ferrari F40 and I was sold.

Like every other person I have a few dream cars. A Porsche Boxter S being the more attainable one whiles a 1969 Corvette Stingray being the not so attainable one. And then there is the one I don’t talk about much i.e. the Ferrari 250 GTO. Quoting Jeremy when he had a 250 GTO parked at the Top Gear track; "I wish, almost more than anything, I could get into this now, and take it for a drive. But, even though Top Gear is made by one of the largest and richest broadcasting organizations, we simply cannot afford the insurance." Do I really have to say how much a 250 GTO costs?

I have a matchbox car model stashed somewhere that I’ve own for the past 15 years. I love it to bits and got extremely possessive when my niece tried to lay claim on it.

Anyway here are a few pictures from the 2011 Dubai Motor show.

Somebody else’s words...

2011-10-29T01:46:00.000+04:00

...sometimes becomes your own...

19.04.2006
19:57

No matter how hard I try
No matter how much I want it
I can't move away from you
I can't detach myself from you
Your image is burnt in my mind
Your voice echoes through my head
You've taken a hold on me
That I wish you'd relinquish
Because I think I'm addicted to you
And I need to get over you
I need to move away from you
I need to detach myself from you

- D

The way of the wild..

2011-10-21T01:40:00.000+04:00

Random poem wrote while being bored at Gitex...

10.12.2011
09:19pm

It's not the way of the wild
Lost in the fleeting madness
Draped for an error
Not in an instant
Maybe an illusion
Tripping over the edges

With your secret incense
Going down the sacred stature
Mesmerized instants
Going going gone
Lost in frames
Slipping away at the edges

Maybe the way of the wild
Is the only path around
You fit into the frame
Define within the borders
Goes the saying
Or so it seems...

- Stained

Screaming silence

2011-10-13T01:00:00.001+04:00

Warning: Angry Rant ahead

I adore the car I drive. Love the way it handles corners, the way it feels in control. But why the fuck does it have to fail on me so many times. The number of problems I've had with the car, you'd wonder how it's still running and it's just 20 months old. And it's not like it's wear and tear or abuse (which I don't do anyways). The weather today is wonderful with clear skies; you can see the stars in the city. So I open my sun roof to enjoy the view at a signal. I lower my seat cause I sit quite high and looking up from my default position strains my neck. Guess what, the seat button stopped working and now the seat is stuck in a position I can't drive in. Fucking brilliant and I have work for the next two days. This is the second time the seat buttons/motor has stopped working. If the car wasn't under warranty, I'd have lost a fortune trying to fix it not that I haven't already with the insurance, parking card and tires. Argh...

My best friend for the past 9 years is getting married this month and I can't go to his wedding in India because I don't have the money nor can I afford to absorb the opportunity cost. I don't have work as usual which is quite obvious from the several previous rants. Desperate times means desperate measures and so I'm working at Gitex shoppers doing promotions. I feel like a failure especially when conveniently the people strutting around as managers are people I knew in college...my juniors. And then you have the ones that flunked out of college roaming around as business men shrugging off my photography cause here I was promoting a camera that I would never buy hired by the company because I'm a photographer. And I unfortunately bumped into my best friend who wasn't too happy with the fact that I wasn't coming for his wedding...I felt horrible. No eye contact was made...

And then the fucking fact that among all the kids doing sales and promotions, I perfectly blend it. I'm 25 even if I may look like a teenager and that isn't a compliment when you're trying fucking hard for people to take you seriously. I'm tired of fighting the battle of being taken as a adult. I get enough of being the kid at home stuff as I am the youngest but when people ask me which school/college I'm going to; I feel like fucking killing someone. Best part is even the people who I work with and who know my age don't take me seriously cause of the way I look.

I know I should stop ranting but it's better to let it out here than on someone you care about....I miss my CC...more than ever....

Ego won't stop fighting...

2011-09-17T13:26:00.000+04:00

I'm an arrogant person with a colossal ego. I don't accept defeat easily....oh wait! I never accept defeat; I just burble something and act as if it never happened. Anyway as quite apparent from my unvarying work related blog rants, I’m not making a lot of money *points at the lack of cash inflow in the past 60 days*. Irrespective, I have lifestyle and work related expenses I’ve got to sustain on a daily basis which doesn’t go down well with my father who keeps a tap on my depleting bank balance. This has led me to depend financially on friends who frequently lend me money that I have a tendency to pay off by helping them with work and/or hard cash (if needed). Unfortunately for me, the amount of money I owe everyone now due to certain incidents (lost and then found my wallet that someone conveniently emptied, online purchases etc) is weighing down on my ego. My arrogance is in denial but I need to face the fact; I don’t have any money. I’ve been literally living off friends for the past 45 days or so and it feels horrible even though no one shows even the slightest inclination or pretence that they're doing me a huge favour. I’ve lost this battle and it does make sense to accept defeat before there is nothing left to salvage. I need a job and give up on this freelancer facade I’m hiding behind but I’m refusing to stop fighting; I don’t know why....

Ramadan: The beginning

2011-08-02T11:57:00.000+04:00

Keeping it short: I’ve not managed to pray 5 times a day forget praying at the mosque …. Breathless due to a cold-wheezing-asthma fit …. Still managed to fast (fasting right now) …. Burning up with fever and what feels like a migraine …. Coughing out blood due to an irritated throat ….
So here’s hoping things get better (-_-)

And Ramadan Mubarak everyone...

Season end...

2011-07-31T09:55:00.004+04:00

A battered knee, a strained ankle, a lens kaput and a new group of friends later; Friday cricket season has finally ended, 2 months past the initial date we had deliberated to end it as (shockingly) everyone still wanted to play even with temperatures soaring to 43'C by the time we ended our match. Astonishing was the passion showed by the comparatively newbie’s to our group that inspired us oldies (not age wise) to push ourselves. A month long break to recuperate from our injuries and to allow the fasting Muslims (Ramadan is tomorrow) not to miss any of the action. We might have ended on a slightly downbeat note with two members being asked to leave due to impertinent behavior but that won't stop us from returning with a bang. Looking forward to a proper 4 innings test match...

Bad things...

2011-07-28T22:23:00.001+04:00

Bad things happen to bad people or so they say. I'm a ruthless horrible person so life is brilliant right now in a not so good way. Whoppeee!!! What fun....
Another day another broken heart...

Dearth of sand

2011-07-26T17:48:00.000+04:00

26.07.2011
17:45

Dissolution of the musical essence of silence
Motion sickness from rocking on heels
Numinous shadows sealed to ones soul
Historical wisdom accrue the seers
Darkness within the eye lips
Spoken the fleeting moment away
Fallen before the dearth of sand
Thoughts of corpses encircle beyond
Sleets of numbers frozen midair
Counting down the crackle beneath
Stops the mist one designs
Fashion the smile all over again

- Stained

Rent payments

2011-07-19T16:50:00.000+04:00

Last November, we moved into a larger house (read: 3 bedrooms) as my sister was back with us post divorce (wife beating abusing reasons). The rent till now was paid by my dad’s company but this being a larger house (we've always stayed in a 2 bedroom flat), the rent is higher and therefore the company has refused to pay the complete amount leaving us with around AED15,000 to fill in. I have an older brother and two older sisters with stable (if not well paying) jobs but knowing my dad, he'll not ask for any money from them and doubt any of them will put their foot down and give him the cash. This year has been financially a good year for me (compared to the disaster it's been before) even though my savings haven't really increased due to car and other miscellaneous expenses but I'm expecting payments (pending since last year) worth AED15,000 next month so plan to hand it over to dad or deposit it directly into his account. Let's see how this works out...

Mere Bina

2011-07-13T01:46:00.001+04:00

Currently the song that plays on repeat in my head and the borrowed (more like stolen from SJ) freebie mp4 player....

Mere Bina
Rehne laga hun
Teri hawaon me
Behne laga hun

Jaane main kaise
tera hua hu
Mujhe to lagta hai main shayad tere
Dil ki dua hu

Tujhko jo paaya ahan
To jeena aaya
Ab ye lamha theher jaye tham jaye bas jaye hum Dono ke darmiyaaaaan

Shying away from those eyes

2011-07-08T01:40:00.001+04:00

08.07.2011
01:25am

Shying away from those eyes
The belief...
Approval and care
Coupled before rationale
Amused - bemused
Familiar ground
Uncertain forever
Misdeeds to shatter
Drops of spice...
Left for pretense
Regret and disgust
Shying away from those eyes
The loss of a child...
Squabbling left over
Salty water

-Stained

Hair Cut...

2011-06-26T15:12:00.001+04:00

Surprises and all that...

2011-06-25T18:12:00.002+04:00

My CC had once tried to surprise me on my birthday. The idea failed miserably due to the failure on the part of our (then) common friend Ash and a sloppy execution. Then last year Begg and Biela tried to surprise me a day before my birthday and failed because it was obvious to me what they were up to. I’m not easy to surprise or so I thought.

After a not so exciting birthday, I drudged along to pick up NA a day after for a meeting. We drove to Capri Italian Grill (located near the Trade Centre metro station) to discuss details regarding my photography brand over dinner. On entering the restaurant I asked the waiter for a table for two but NA jumped in and said we didn’t need one as we made our way to a table hidden in a corner that had three people already seated i.e. SJ, Dots and Nizam. As SJ later pointed out, the look on my face was priceless; a mix of embarrassment and surprise. A decent meal followed by a birthday cake that was devoured by me. A dark chocolate mousse from Pascal Tepper that would melt away in your mouth leaving an after taste that would last for several minutes. Delicious...

In my defense, I blame the extremely stressed/lack of sleep state I've been in for my downfall... (>_<)On a side note: I’m glad the waiter/s didn’t break into a birthday song when they placed the cake on our table. That would be highly embarrassing...

Camera Model : Canon EOS 7D
Shooting Date/Time : --/06/2011 21:52:06
Tv(Shutter Speed) : 1/20
Av(Aperture Value) : f2.8
Metering Mode : Pattern
ISO Speed : 3200
Lens : EF 16-35mm f2.8 L IS
Focal Length : 35mm

Lunar Eclipse

2011-06-17T10:16:00.000+04:00

A teaser from the eventual time-lapse me and SJ are working on.

Camera Model : Canon EOS 7D
Shooting Date/Time : 15/06/2011 22:39
Tv(Shutter Speed) : 1/200
Av(Aperture Value) : f5.6
Metering Mode : Pattern
ISO Speed : 100
Lens : EF 600mm f4 L IS
Focal Length : 600mm

Beaten Down

2011-06-16T15:48:00.000+04:00

Dear World,

Thank you once again for reminding me that talent and dedication counts for zilch when you don’t own one of those fancy passports. Right now I am at the bottom of the pile but I’ll allow it as I need the money but someday I'll whoop all the charlatans and have the last laugh.

Regards,

Beaten down photographer

Friday Cricket

2011-06-13T10:10:00.001+04:00

As summer barbeques its way into our lives, we believed that our Friday cricket days were over. But that hasn’t been the case due to the passion some of us have towards the sport. With some smart changes to the rules, we’ve been able to shorten the number of hours we spend under the sun which has greatly helped the less passionate to convince themselves to turn up. Unfortunately sooner or later the heat will become unbearable and we will end the season (to restart a new one in September) but before that we are headed to the Zabeel Park cricket field; think concrete pitch and grass. It will be the perfect end to what has been a brilliant season with over 40 people being involved at some point or another. Skadoosh!

Camera Model : Canon EOS 60D
Shooting Date/Time : 10/06/2011 07:03:12
Tv(Shutter Speed) : 1/800
Av(Aperture Value) : f6.3
Metering Mode : Pattern
ISO Speed : 200
Lens : EF-S 18-135mm f3.5-5.6 IS
Focal Length : 18mm

Lego DVD

2011-06-01T02:26:00.000+04:00

After just two months the Lego collection has been put on hold due to lack of funds. As recommended by SJ, I’ve decided to put aside a percentage of my earning every month to fund this hobby; that percentage stands at 5% starting next month. I plan to save up for the next six months and splurge it all on a bulk purchase online instead of buying locally as everything is a lot cheaper assuming the courier charges isn’t too high. This also means the Lego photo series is on hold… *sulks*

On a brighter side I can now use printable DVDs when delivering images to clients. Got a new printer shipped from Canada (via SJs little sisters luggage) that I made sure does everything I need (more details on awesome printer later). Even though my photography brand is still under construction, this is a positive move in the right direction to make things look more professional.

Camera Model : Canon EOS 7D
Shooting Date/Time : 01/06/2011 00:40:09
Tv(Shutter Speed) : 1/50
Av(Aperture Value) : f4
Metering Mode : Pattern
ISO Speed : 6400
Lens : 50mm f2.8 L
Focal Length : 50mm

Architectural photography

2011-05-29T23:32:00.001+04:00

I am awful at conversing with people (anti social as my CC used to put it) which has affected the kind of photography I want to focus on i.e. corporate and industrial photography. I would have added architectural photography but sadly I suck at it due to either the lack of 'the eye' for it or the experience.

Now recently I had to shoot the interiors of a hotel that was hosting a small exhibition for a select few Oil & Gas companies that were in the employment market looking to hire. I was honestly freaked out having no idea what was required of me and what I was going to do. I went for the shoot expecting an art exhibition based on which I had done a bit of google image research. There was nothing artsy about the exhibition throwing any ideas I had in my head out of the window. And then I saw the lights hanging from the ceiling and then I knew what I had to do. And as they say….the rest is history.

Camera Model : Canon EOS 7D
Shooting Date/Time : 23/05/2011 17:58:17
Tv(Shutter Speed) : 1/4 | 1/15 | 1/60
Av(Aperture Value) : f5
Metering Mode : Pattern
ISO Speed : 400
Lens : EF 16-35mm f2.8 L
Focal Length : 35mm

I showed SJ one of the pictures today and she seemed quite proud of my effort which I think is a good thing cause she's the architectural photography wiz... (^_^)

Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides

2011-05-19T23:34:00.001+04:00

Disney chooses to scale it down. How much bigger can the series get they said. A complete reboot…back to basics. And that’s what I like about this movie. A lot simpler but entertaining at the same time like how the original ‘The Curse of the Black Pearl’ was which I adore more than the other two installments.

Johnny Depp returns as Jack Sparrow (There Should Be A "Captain" In There Somewhere); the swashbuckling pirate nailing the role once again with Ian McShane making his Pirates debut as Blackbeard; the villain in this installment who even though does justice to the role but isn’t able to fill the mighty shoes of Bill Nighy (who played Davy Jones in the previous installments). Kevin McNally plays the ever faithful and equally funny sidekick Gibbs and Geoffrey Rush does a fantastic job yet again as Captain Barbossa though this time with a wig. Penélope Cruz as Angelica is rather impressive; a little feisty but easier on the eyes though with her rather underdeveloped character, she lacks the screen presence that Keira Knightley had. Honestly all the new characters seemed that way which was disappointing. Sam Claflin as Philip could have been utilized better while Astrid Berges-Frisbey as the Mermaid Syrena was awkward to say the least because she hardly had anything to do and the fact that she was artistically naked seemed to excite some people in the theatre. More could have been done with both those characters and the same could be said about Blackbeard who seemed a little forced and cliché. In fact quite a few scenes in the beginning of the movie were predictable, something you wouldn’t expect from Captain Jack Sparrow.

The rather uncomplicated story starts off a little slowly picking up pace somewhere in the middle taking the viewers on a vivacious fun ride. The mermaid scene is by far the highlight of the movie for me…mermaid sharks/vampires as my sister put it. The cinematography, graphics, sets and costumes are immaculate while the action sequences are exhilarating. The background score is a little unoriginal and loud in some scenes though did add to the complete pirated package. The supporting small characters were nonexistent unlike the other installments which was a rather big disappointment while Orlando Bloom (who played Will Turner) interestingly wasn’t missed at all.

Rob Marshal has done a better than expected job as a first time Pirates director making a flawed but still fun movie. Even though this is claimed to be a reboot of the series, comparisons do crop up and this may not be the best installment but it is surely not the worst.

Speak your mind...

2011-05-19T03:24:00.001+04:00

She sits on the driver seat staring at her mobile pretending to read something...anything to ignore the fool. She doesn't know why he's got that tone of his...why does he have to be a cranky old fart? Wish things weren't so complicated...this doesn't feel the same. It just feels like a repetition of everything that was ever wrong. Being alone while being with someone can make your feel so insecure. This is not how it was meant to be...but who am I to complain. Always a bad decision...that's all she has become.

May-day

2011-05-14T17:38:00.000+04:00

Had planned to make a detailed post about what I've been up to lately but can't be bothered anymore. I've been sick for the past 5 or so days. I’ve been diagnosed with Asthma after getting three attacks in a day. Lack of sleep, messed up diet and a stressful life...this is what happens when you stop taking care of yourself. I’ve been stuffing myself up with various medicines (one of tablets supposedly being steroids) and been having Nebulizer sessions every day at home which seem to make little difference. Another trip to the doctor I suppose...oh what fun!!

And on the other hand…I managed to scratch SJ’s Sony Ericsson Xperia Arc screen even before she started using it, I dented the iPad, the Ford Mondeo had a hit and run incident, had to cancel an assisting job that was the only work I had for the first half of this month due to illness and I just spent twice the amount of money I’m going to earn this month on a tripod and memory card. Yep…this is going well.

iLight

2011-05-10T09:43:00.000+04:00

Lighting a subject with LCD screens. That's how the below shot was taking i.e. the purple light is from the computer screen while the blueish one is from the iPad. By far the best use of the iPad... (^_^)

Camera Model : HTC Desire
Shooting Date/Time : 07/05/2011 03:36
Tv(Shutter Speed) : Unknown
Av(Aperture Value) : Unknown
Metering Mode : Center Weighted
ISO Speed : 227
Lens : N/A
Focal Length : 4mm

Jar of hearts

2011-05-09T13:10:00.001+04:00

A Sam Tsui cover of a song originally sung by Christina Perri. Click here to hear the original.

And who do you think you are?
Runnin' 'round leaving scars
Collecting your jar of hearts
And tearing love apart

You're gonna catch a cold
From the ice inside your soul
Don't come back for me
Don't come back at all

Who do you think you are?

Who do you think you are?

Who do you think you are?

For complete lyrics click here.

Dead beach

2011-05-06T21:19:00.000+04:00

A person in a Mercedes G class tells his friend (driving a Honda MRV) to watch him drift in the sand while the friend is busy thanking him for everything...whatever that means. A white tinted Altima sits in the middle of the sand with its lights on but unmoved for the past 15 minutes...make out session?? A cluster of cars parked near the fence unmoved as well while a Lexus ES300 crawls by and joins them. A Toyota Corolla trying hard to drift playing ostentatious music leaves and a VW Touareg enters perhaps honking at me deliberating what I'm up to. They drive by again closer this time taking a careful look at me followed by an almost chickened out deep sand session; they managed to not get stuck. A speedboat rumbles in the darkness that seamlessly transfers from the water to the night sky. The only sign of a horizon are those blinky lights doing what they do best. The Burj Khalifa flashes a light as a rally blue Subaru Impreza makes an unflattering entry as the Filipino lady driver wonders what I am. Arabic music plays somewhere in background with the wind whispering in my ears. Somewhere on the palm a car hits a dead end while a Suzuki Vitara that suspiciously looks like an unmarked cop car makes a second round. There's a southwesterly breeze that's managed to give me Goosebumps with the right amount of cold. It's the month of May but this is pleasant almost in an uncanny kind of way. A plastic bag rolls by illuminated by the Altima lights. Somewhere a kid has a conversation with her father and bikers go rumbling by superseded by the growl of a truck. I am thankful that I picked this over the meadow windows even though the outcome is the same. Dead beach...that's what we used to call it in college but that now seems like another life. An Infiniti EX35 floats by fulfilled and here I am using an iPad like my little best friend.

Fisheyed Ferrari

2011-05-05T02:42:00.003+04:00

This is what happened.....

"Al Tayer Motors, the Ferrari and Maserati dealer for the UAE, has re-opened their Dubai showroom after an extensive refurbishment and expansion. It was unveiled during a media event last week."

- DriveArabia

And this is what I was doing...... ^_^

Camera Model : Canon EOS 7D
Shooting Date/Time : 27/04/2011 12:18:28 | 12:19:06 | 12:19:52
Tv(Shutter Speed) : 1/200 | 1/100 | 1/160
Av(Aperture Value) : f8
Metering Mode : Center-weighted
ISO Speed : 400
Lens : Samyang 8mm f3.5 fisheye
Focal Length : 8mm

iBirthday

2011-05-03T18:12:00.004+04:00

I’ve never been a huge fan of birthdays. Never saw the reason behind the "let’s celebrate you for one day and forget about you for the rest of the year" concept that to me seemed quite similar to "you live so we don’t care but you die and we come weep" concept. Quite a contrast but I am talking from special know-how. Now when you talk about birthdays you think about gifts.I got my first real birthday gift in my first year of college from a girl I had a crush (read: was in love with) on and her boyfriend. Talk about massive ouch. Two shirts bought in an offer from Lamcy. Shirts in fact have been the most common gift I’ve gotten because it is honestly the easiest gift to buy for a picky snobbish me. My favorite birthday gift was a pair of gloves given to me by my CC because those were something I really wanted. Alas I’ve managed to misplace one (O_O). The worst gift/s I’ve got are books, a photography book and a self help religious book. Both I haven’t managed to misplace yet… (-_-).The last birthday gift I got were a bunch of speedlite modifiers from SJ. She tends to look down upon me like she does to her kid sister because quoting her ‘You’re just a baby’ as I am a few years younger to her. This leads to her predisposition to pamper me which is all cool cause being the youngest child in my house, I’m used to it. But then she went and bought me an iPad….as an early birthday gift. I’ve decided to keep it (because she won’t take it back) but I will use it to get more work for her and for myself. It will be our digital portfolio, our notepad, our sketch book…

Camera Model : Canon EOS 7D
Shooting Date/Time : 03/05/2011 16:52:08 | 16:59:24
Tv(Shutter Speed) : 1/125 | 1/80
Av(Aperture Value) : f2.8 | f3.2
Metering Mode : Center-weighted
ISO Speed : 500 | 1600
Lens : Sigma 105mm f2.8 Macro
Focal Length : 105mm

People in general love birthdays. They love feeling extra special on that single day and I’ve had an inclination to make an effort to make sure that happens. Cakes, birthday presents, surprises…been there done that. Oddly I haven’t done that in a while but for SJ I will… (^_^)

Firefly

2011-04-27T17:38:00.000+04:00

Firefly to me and a few other million people is the name of a television series created by writer/director Joss Whedon who I first came across while watching ‘Buffy the Vampire Slayer’ and ‘Angel’ on TV ages ago (I was in school then). I got hold of the series for my sister about 2 years back because she’s a huge sci-fi fan. Being a bit of a sci-fi fan myself, I’ve seen the series a couple of times and the movie called ‘Serenity’ that is based on the series numerous numbers of times. Love the characters, the concept, dialogues, the ship…basically the whole execution. The series didn’t last beyond its first season due to low rating and poor decisions.

Anyway back to the reason of this blog post, here is Firefly….an energy drink sold at Starbucks…. (O_O)

Camera Model : Canon EOS 7D
Shooting Date/Time : 24/04/2011 20:42:00
Tv(Shutter Speed) : 1/60
Av(Aperture Value) : f1.8
Metering Mode : Center-weighted
ISO Speed : 1800
Lens : Sigma 24mm f1.8
Focal Length : 24mm

Maybe...

2011-04-24T03:07:00.001+04:00

Maybe I'm a dreamer

Maybe I'm misunderstood

Maybe you're not seeing the side of me you should

Maybe I'm crazy (Maybe I'm crazy)

Maybe I'm the only one

(Maybe I'm the only one)

Maybe I'm just out of touch

Maybe I've just had enoughCause nothing stays the same

Maybe it's time to change

And maybe it's time to change

And leave it all behind

I've never been one to walk alone

I've always been scared to try

And maybe it's time to change

And leave it all behind

I've never been one to walk alone

Sleep talking...

2011-04-23T00:10:00.000+04:00

I’ve taken sleep deprivation to an all new level. During my school/college years getting 8 hours of sleep if not 10 was a norm without which you’d meet a cranky moody me (not that I need less sleep to be like that). Things have changed since then because currently 4 hours of sleep is a blessing, anything more is an endangered occurrence. In the past 7 days or so, I’ve managed a meager 20 hours of sleep. The tired look is what I now permanently fashion which meant I do (at last) look my age unlike the supposed school boy looks I had a year or so back. All I need now is some facial hair and I might just look 35 years old not that I’m aiming for that or maybe I am. Just take today for instance...woke up at 5:30am, played cricket from 6:30am to 10:30am in this heat, then went for prayers and had lunch, then went mall hopping till 7, got dinner for family and watched some IPL while it’s midnight right now and I’m still awake blogging about sleep. My step counter stands at over 16,000 right now. I am extremely tired but I can’t sleep. I’m assuming this is what insomnia feels like so maybe it’s time for some pills or whatever it takes to get some sleep...

On a different note, I’m broke. I haven’t been paid for over 5 months by various clients which means I’ve depleted most of my cash savings. I really don’t understand the funda behind the delay. I just hope I don’t have to incur some more bad debts because the amounts due this time are quite large and I can’t afford another blow to my limping career and bruised confidence.

Solo walkabout...

2011-04-14T19:45:00.004+04:00

I can’t remember the last time I took a walk to get to a destination. I’ve been spoiled by effortless access to the metro and the public transport whenever a family car wasn’t around. Since shifting homes, that access is none existing which more often than not makes me want to not get out at all.

On the 12th of this month, there was a tweetup to get to and my primary car was at the service center. Now I either had the choice to grab a taxi (and spend AED25 or so) or walk to the closest metro station which happens to be about 3.6kms away. Instead I walked all the way to the destination which was near Lamcy which according to Google Maps is 7.16kms away from my house. It took me a hour and 45mins to get there which honestly is quite long but then I kept stopping to take pictures.

I was half expecting to end up with cramps by the end of it but surprisingly I felt perfectly fine. I even wanted to walk back but due to other commitments via SJ, had to hitch a ride with her. I might weigh more but I am indeed as fit as I was before if not fitter. This feels good. ^_^

Multiple strikes...

2011-04-13T16:20:00.000+04:00

I broke my lens. The fishy eyed one. It has been improved upon. SJ wants to buy it. I think I'll make a profit. So I’m happy. Plus I got this shot to boot so I’m not complaining!! (^_^)

Camera Model : Canon EOS 7D
Shooting Date/Time : 10/04/2011
Tv(Shutter Speed) : 1min
Av(Aperture Value) : f8
Metering Mode : Spot
ISO Speed : 100
Lens : Samyang 8mm fisheye
Focal Length : 8mm

Get It Right

2011-04-05T01:06:00.000+04:00

Can I start again with my faith shaken?
'Cause I can't go back and undo this
I just have to stay and face my mistakes
But if I get stronger and wiser
I'll get through thisWhat can you do when your good isn't good enough?
And all that you touch tumbles down?
Ohh, my best intentions keep making a mess of things
I just wanna fix it somehow
But how many it times will it take
Oh, how many times will it take for me
To get it right?
To get it right?

For complete lyrics click here

The bragging game of cricket...

2011-03-31T12:46:00.001+04:00

India vs Pakistan meet in the semi final of the world cup. Nothing could be bigger than this (apart from them meeting in the final obviously), a cricket freaks wet dream coming true which meant people from India and Pakistan had lost it. Both the countries came to a halt at around 9am GMT with plenty of other countries including UAE affected with their huge sub continent contingent.

I was thrown out of my house by my beloved sister as her friends were coming over to watch the match. I ended up watching the match at ‘Fruit shop at Greams road’ to find some peace (which luckily I did) from all the madness that ensued around me that I mildly witnessed when I did drop by at B&B sports (non-alcoholic) bar nearby where the Pakistani crowd were busy doing their usual chants with ‘Allahu akbar’ thrown into the mix because they can and because they’re idiots (I have a certain dislike towards people who mix religion and sports). Pakistani people can be quite patriotic, but that’s usually booked for matches with arch rivals India and nothing else seeing what state the country is in today. Indians usually (from my experience) are a little subdued (must be the lack of meat in their diets) in comparison unless they’re drunk, then they’d give hooligans a run for their money which is what happened last night after India won that meant someone today in the municipality had a really bad morning cleaning up the mess.

Sports were created to keep the Men busy from killing each other because they always need to vent out their aggression either on their spouse or on each other due to their obvious need to be the Alpha male; we are animals in the end however civilized we may pretend to be. Yesterday was an explicit display of this trait but not by the 22 or so men on the field competing who honestly won a few praises for their sportsmanship but by the millions around the world who will brag about doing nothing because their country won?

Somewhere last night; a father must have beaten his kids, a kid abused by some teenagers, a drunken driving accidents, a suicide, a rape…in the name of jubilation or sorrow. I know it’s been statistically stated that all of these things happen on a daily basis but I wonder if there is a slight spike in it after such epic (?) events. And I am not just talking about people doing stupid things in the moment of it because the next day and possibly the whole next week, thousands of people will be subject to taunts bordering onto abuse in schools, work places and anywhere else that they might meet irrespective of their social or educational background. ‘Its fun’ would be the perfect justification but how often is it fun when you’re on the receiving end…it breaks your heart, doesn’t it?

In the end, it’s not about the sport; it’s about the bragging right which in this case is by pretending to be patriotic. And yes I am being judgmental because that is what I saw, in person or online and WYSIWYG. There might be a few exceptions, but I failed to see any yesterday.

I love cricket, but this is why I prefer playing it and not watching it….

Cricket World Cup 2011

2011-03-23T20:12:00.001+04:00

Like most Indians, my Dad is a colossal cricket fan. He loved playing the game (when younger) and loves watching it especially if it has anything to do with the Indian national cricket team. As some of you may not know, the Cricket World cup started last month with a lot of publicity with some nail bitingly close initial matches that made my dad’s heart beat and interest skyrocket (not that it wasn’t already up there somewhere).

Then in the beginning of this month, my parents decided to take a trip to India for a month where we don’t have a TV which meant missing out on the World Cup. Now you need to remember that my dad’s very passionate about cricket; so much that he bought a Sony bravia LCD to take with him. He got a cable connection in 3 days and now is apparently spending most of his lazy hours in front of the box while I’m here watching the matches on our ancient (read: 9 years old) unknown brand Flat Screen CRT TV. So not fair.... -_-

To add to my annoyance, my dad tried to get tickets to the final as he’d be in the same city (read: Bombay) as the venue for the final but the mighty useless BCCI failed him by only selling 4,000 tickets to the general public which seem to be sold out or in access to people with sufficient contacts. Putting all that aside, I think this might possibly be my dad’s favorite India trip and for that I’m glad.... ^_^

Talking about the World Cup, we have now reached the Quarter Final stage with Pakistan thrashing West Indies in the first one today. Pakistan propelled by the success of their bowlers (specifically Shahid Afridi) has become one of the favorites to lift the cup. To commemorate that, here’s Humungousaur doing the Afridi pose after he takes a wicket.

Camera Model : Canon EOS 7D
Shooting Date/Time : 23/03/2011 04:47:42 PM
Tv(Shutter Speed) : 1/250
Av(Aperture Value) : f13
Metering Mode : Spot
ISO Speed : 100
Lens : Sigma 24mm f1.8
Focal Length : 24mm

For the people unfamiliar, Humungousaur is a Ben 10: Alien force character. This is my first major Lego purchase to basically make my niece happy because she adores the Ben 10 cartoon a lot. Being the bullying niece she is, she wants the whole range now which is going to burn a huge hole in my pocket cause the local prices for Lego toys is three times the prices in the US. I’m trying to get the toys shipped now, let’s see how that works out for me. -_-

Super full moon....not!!

2011-03-23T00:42:00.004+04:00

Quoting NASA

On March 19th, a full Moon of rare size and beauty will rise in the east at sunset. It's a super "perigee moon", the biggest in almost 20 years....

(click here to read more)

An opportunity not to be missed but with the weight of work, a photo trip on the 19^th seemed unlikely so instead me and SJ headed out on the 20^th. Even though it wouldn't be a full moon and possibly not super sized either didn't bother us because we were armed with a Canon EF 600mm f4 L IS lens to play with.

Now envisage a guy trying to mount a 5.26kgs heavy lens on an almost broken tripod. It was beyond scary cause this beauty of a lens costs a monstrous.......wait for it.......AED32,000. Something I can certainly not afford.

In the end, love the images we captured with it and undoubtedly we’ll be shooting the moon again but instead with my camera (read : 1.6x crop factor * 600mm lens = 960mm of awe). My wish list just got an extension; a costly one that is… ^_^
Camera Model : Canon EOS 5D MKII
Shooting Date/Time : 20/03/2011 11:22:35
Tv(Shutter Speed) : 1/250
Av(Aperture Value) : f8
Metering Mode : Spot
ISO Speed : 200
Lens : EF 600mm F4 IS L
Focal Length : 600mm

Weight issues...

2011-03-20T01:27:00.000+04:00

Roughly one year back, I weighed ten kilograms less. I’m shocked not because of the numerical increase in my weight but the lack of visual (appearance) difference. In fact my size is precisely the same apart from being slightly more muscular now. But the muscle mass has surely not increased by such a large numerical figure. The only major difference in me visually is my longish hair (haven’t had a hair cut this year) which also can’t validate the numerical increase either. I’m completely bowled over and quite anxious. I’ve procrastinated enough and it’s time to take control of my weight issue which is paradoxical cause people all around me think I’m…….wait for it………thin. {O_O}

Mowgli...

2011-03-18T01:01:00.002+04:00

Today a new chapter of my life begins; we shall call it “The Lego”. High hopes for a celebratory beginning is dashed when I end up with “Gorilla suit Guy” as my first ever Lego. Not the prettiest one though rather ironic cause I’m called Mowgli by my best friend for my hyper monkey (read: parkour) behavior. If you didn’t know, Mowgli is a human child character that first made its appearance in Rudyard Kipling’s short story “In the Rukh” but made famous by Disney’s animated film “The jungle book”.

Oh and to add more to it, I’m also called “Bandar” by a few other friends which in monkey in Hindi. So seeing that it just makes perfect sense; this Lego minifigure shall be called Mowgli. Time to hand him over to my niece to fiddle with before she gets her hands on the real Lego toy…. ^_^

Camera Model : Canon EOS 5D MKII
Shooting Date/Time : 18/03/2011 00:17:15
Tv(Shutter Speed) : 1/100
Av(Aperture Value) : f2.8
Metering Mode : Spot
ISO Speed : 800
Lens : Sigma 105mm macro
Focal Length : 105mm

The Next Step...

2011-03-17T00:01:00.003+04:00

The modeling light shining on the models face; a fine profile shot. With the borrowed Canon 70-200mm f2.8 IS II L mounted on my camera, I decided to snap up a shot just to see what the image looked like through the camera with its smaller dynamic range.

Camera Model : Canon EOS 7D

Shooting Date/Time : 08/03/2011 14:12:55 PM

Tv(Shutter Speed) : 1/250

Av(Aperture Value) : f2.8

Metering Mode : Spot

ISO Speed : 1600

Lens : EF 70-200mm f2.8 II IS L

Focal Length : 125mm

The light source was from a beauty dish about 45cms away at a 60’ angle on the left of the model. This angle is the reason for this rather harsh light fall off (transition from light to dark) when viewed from this angle while the quality of light the beauty dish creates results in this rather contrasty look to the image. Love it.

A shot of the setup with Gregory Heisler taking a light reading with a light meter which comes to why the title of this blog post is 'The Next Step' which is what his workshop at GPP2011 (organized by Gulf Photo Plus) is called. I was assisting at the event yet again (blog post long over due) and somewhere in the middle I managed to sneak into Gregory Heisler's class. More on that later.

Honda Civic Type-R video

2011-03-16T00:33:00.000+04:00

Something I shot for DriveArabia almost a year back (April 10th 2010 to be exact). Most of the footage and editing is mine apart from the initial camel section. Not the best of efforts but this was officially my first try at shooting a car video and I kinda like it because I had to do a lot of audio manipulation and video synchronization.

Perfect...

2011-03-13T22:01:00.000+04:00

Mistreated, misplaced, misunderstood
Miss 'No way, it's all good', it didn't slow me down
Mistaken, always second guessing, underestimated
Look, I'm still around

Filled with so much hatred...such a tired game
It's enough! I've done all I can think of
Chased down all my demons, I've seen you do the same

Oh, pretty pretty please, don't you ever ever feel
Like you're less than less than perfect
Pretty pretty please, if you ever ever feel like you're nothing
You're perfect to me!

D-touring through the north...

2011-03-07T01:15:00.001+04:00

The day started at 7:45am as me and SJ made our way to the other side of town i.e. Barsha to pick up WS, sad and wifey (faz). WS was asleep while the couple was delayed (they were coming from Al Ain) so we detoured to a car wash to clean the dusty X-trail that we’d borrowed from SJ’s uncle the previous night from Abu Dhabi. We headed out at 9am to the Ras Al Khaimah – Musandam border via Emirates road. We got there at 11am after a tedious drive on the supposedly new highway through the desert without getting lost even though we didn’t have a map.

At the UAE side of the border, we were informed that SJ couldn’t travel into Oman because she wasn’t with her sponsor i.e. her dad even though we had a NOC letter just in case such a situation popped up. Slightly dejected, we decided to check out the breakwater near the border because we’d seen relatively large (compared to Dubai) waves crashing into it. We snapped pictures, got wet, relaxed and basically had a nice time on the rocks enjoying the beautiful weather and view.

We left at 1pm after SJ was done chasing a cow and a goat and entered RAK to have lunch i.e. KFC as demanded by everyone because once upon a time my parents used to drive all the way to RAK to have KFC because it was the only one in the UAE or something like that. Unhealthy lunch done with, after a vote between mountains or water with water winning, we drove back towards Dubai via the old more scenic highway looking for a patch of beach to chill on. Instead I decided to look for Jazirat Al Hamra (click here for more information) which I conveniently found. This is supposedly a photographer’s paradise which obviously led to me and SJ going a little mad.

Spent an hour or so there as the others got a little tired of walking around. Back on the highway in search of water, we ended up on the beach right at the border between RAK and Umm Al Quwain. Saved two starfish (hopefully), squished squishy looking watery things, SJ got very wet, took funny pictures, walked some more and made a happy face.

On to the marsh land somewhere near Ajman where a draft of cold wind made it uncomfortable for everyone else (I had my trusted sweater) which left me disappointed as I wanted to stick around there for sunset. Then into Ajman city where being the tourist guide I am, I took the winding city route via the corniche where on the Sharjah side we saw the boats (click here for more information). Weaving through Sharjah traffic on a squealing happy X-trail was a bit of a challenge but we managed to get back to the other side of town to drop the others without much car drama. It was 8pm by then which was earlier then we’d expected so SJ and I decided to drive to Abu Dhabi to give the X-trail back. We got back home at 12pm with me snoozing in the passenger seat. ^_^

Sometimes...

2011-03-05T15:00:00.001+04:00

Sometimes it's scary to recognize that someone is perhaps living because of you...
Sometimes you're breathing because of that person...
Sometimes is more than just a love story...
Sometimes me and you...

One hop around a fire ball; a faithful leap over the edge. An eternity to hit the end but for now I feel like I can soar.

File# 85240 : Lost

2011-03-02T15:01:00.002+04:00

*Static*
.
.
Log 85240, Gregorian date 020311

It haz been lost. It walkz out of the shields into the universe beyond, unchartered, cold and megalomaniac. The disease ensues, they callz it tension. Frantic search - shrill voices…Panic.
.
.
.
*Static*
.
It’s been 3 hours. Efforts to make contact have been fruitless. Back up has arrived.
.
.
*Static*
.
*Somewhere a heart breaks*
.
*A tear rolls down a cheek*
.
.
*Static*
.
.
Something dazzles in the night; a reflection from the beam of light. Hope.
.
Bells of celebration are ringing. Back up was spot on. A crowning jewel…an adventure; a story to be told.
.
.
.
This……
*Static*
.
is a special *static*
.
Wish you were...
*Connection lost*
.
.
*Static*

-end of transmission-

Fishy eyed...

2011-02-24T17:44:00.001+04:00

The widest lens I’ve been shooting with lately after losing my Ultra wide angle (UWA) (i.e. Canon EF-S 10-22mm f3.5-4.5) has been the Canon EF 16-35mm f2.8 L. Even though that is UWA territory even for a crop sensor camera like the Canon EOS 7D; it just isn’t wide enough for quite a few situations (read: corporate group shots, interiors, branding etc). Furthermore this lens belongs to SJ and therefore isn’t at my disposal every single time. Keeping this in mind, somewhere down the line I’d decided to buy myself a decent zoom lens that was wide enough for most jobs. Now I do own an Sigma 18-200mm f3.5-6.3 OS but honestly it’s ineffective on my camera as it’s unable to resolve the high megapixel count the camera sports. The widest lens after that was either the Sigma 50mm f2.8 macro or the Canon EF 50mm f1.8. Neither of them good enough because they’re just too long on a crop sensor (80mm to be exact) and you don’t have the ability to zoom. So there was a need for a lens and that’s where the problems began.

Canon makes a normal zoom lens for crop sensors in the form of an EF-S 17-55mm f2.8 IS. Perfect aperture but not enough zoom cause by then I’d gotten used to a Canon EF 24-105mm f4 IS L (borrowed from SJ) which seemed like the perfect lens with plenty of zoom though a little short on the wider side. Priced at around a thousand dollars, it was cheaper than the 17-55mm and was full frame compatible. It made total sense but then I tried the Canon EF 24-70mm f2.8 L(borrowed) and loved it. Priced beyond my budget, I was settling down for the 24-105mm. But then I did this...

I seemed to have then eliminated the need for a zoom because I could borrow a zoom lens from SJ for events and use my prime lenses for anything else. It made perfect sense. I was still lacking a UWA and a second hand 10-22mm on the market for around five hundred dollars was tempting. Instead I bought this...

A Samyang 8mm f3.5 fisheye manual lens (manual focus and aperture). I’d heard good things about the lens from local forum members and international review sites (photozone.de). At last I have a UWA and even though it produces too much distortion for professional work it’s going to be fun and for the price it’s a no brainer.

I still would need a zoom lens sooner or later, but for now I’m content except that I’m eyeing a Canon EF 400mm f5.6... ^_^

Helplessness...

2011-02-22T00:04:00.000+04:00

Quoting a tweep (known as Po on The Ego's blog).

It's that feeling of watching everything burn around you and the only bottle of water is in your hand. Empty.

An apt sentence for life at this moment of time as pointed out by SJ. The feeling of helplessness...kills you from the inside... -_-

Moving on, most people know I'm a sucker for shallow dept of field and bokeh. I try to slip it in even when I'm shooting for a client just to make life a little more likable.

Last weekend I was asked to photograph half a dozen musicians on Al Seef Street in Bur Dubai. With no crowd in sight and a lack of any substantial branding, most of my time was spent photographing only the musicians. After the initial experimenting with bounce light, I started looking for creative ways to do my job. I started by focusing on the instrument or the hands instead of the face which is a cliché way to do things but it was progress. In the process of doing that, I realized I could use the lights hanging from the shade to add colour to my pictures and to make my bokeh a lot more interesting...

Camera Model : Canon 5D MKII
Shooting Date/Time : 16/2/2011 19:04/20:55 PM
Tv(Shutter Speed) : 1/100
Av(Aperture Value) : f2.8
Metering Mode : Evaluative
ISO Speed : 1600
Lens : Sigma 70-200mm f2.8
Focal Length : 200/159mm

Love the results as it makes the picture more than just a point and shoot effort. I had to get down on the floor and shoot up which was a piece of cake though I ended up attracting more attention than the musicians themselves which was kind of sad but this is how Dubai works oddly. In the end, I’m proud of myself for taking it further... *pats self on the back* ^_^

Atif Aslam

2011-02-18T01:50:00.001+04:00

A two hour delay, edgy security men, annoying RJ, non-existing organizers, screaming girls, screaming guys o_O, plenty of madness and a decent singer. Not the best way to spend an evening especially when I wanted to be somewhere else (read: Jazz fest). Anyway I got some decent shots and managed to survive without a flash as my rechargeables bailed on me.

About the singer, I'll just summarize it in one line....

"There's something called too much make-up...it's also called Atif Aslam..."

Camera Model : Canon 5D MKII
Shooting Date/Time : 18/2/2011 18:55:31 - 00:12:52 AM
Tv(Shutter Speed) : 1/200
Av(Aperture Value) : f2.8
Metering Mode : Evaluative
ISO Speed : 1000
Lens : Sigma 70-200mm f2.8
Focal Length : 175mm

One a side note, I wonder what was up with the east european/russion companion. At least that's what it looked like...though I may be mistaken (not!!).

Neil Cowley Trio

2011-02-15T08:20:00.001+04:00

Jazz World at Jumeirah Beach residence ‘The Walk’ and Jazz Garden at Dubai Media City that are part of the Skywards Dubai International Jazz Festival 2011 are two events I’ve had the opportunity to photograph. It’s been a pretty boring experience to say the least bar one i.e. Neil Cowley Trio, who not only got a standing ovation at the end of their act by their sheer brilliance in what they do but also got me to stand up and notice as I watched them having a great time doing it all. In other words, it was the joy on their faces that was the main reason I enjoyed their music comparatively more plus the fact that the compositions by Neil Cowley (pictured below right) was foot tapping good and soul soothing brilliant. Neil Cowley is also the pianist in the group while Richard Sandler (pictured right) plays double bass and Even Jenkins (pictured below left) drums away. Who would have thought I’d like some Jazz music... ^_^

Waiting for the end...

2011-02-14T14:11:00.000+04:00

The new Linkin Park album (A Thousand Suns) is quite disappointing compared to the content they've produced in their previous albums. This for now is the only song I like from it. Obviously due to the lyrics more then the music...

Sitting in an empty room
Trying to forget the past
This was never meant to last
I wish it wasn't so

I know what it takes to move on
I know how it feels to lie
All I want to do
Is trade this life for something new
Holding on to what I haven't got

At the top

2011-02-13T12:26:00.001+04:00

124 floors high yet again on a clearer day unlike the haze that was last time. Stayed there for around 3 hours just chilling out (literally) as my cameras were busy snapping up a timelapse (will post later). Here’s an unintentional panorama of three different panoramas that surprisingly stitched together quite well (38 pictures in total). A bit of a fluke… ^_^

Camera Model : Canon 5D MKII
Shooting Date/Time : 08/2/2011 18:55:31 - 18:57:03 PM
Tv(Shutter Speed) : 1/15-20
Av(Aperture Value) : f2.8
Metering Mode : Evaluative
ISO Speed : 1600
Lens : Canon EF 24-70mm L
Focal Length : 24mm

File# 3251 : The Meow creature

2011-02-10T13:14:00.004+04:00

*Static*

Log 3251, Gregorian date 100211

Eight hours of sleep necessity if not ten lack of which leads to preposterous crankiness. Anything less is by choice but adequately compensated down the road. This obviously is history for several months. If lucky, 4 hours of sleep is all that is found made difficult by this creature... (photo attached)

The weather has taken a dip and the demand for warm blankets have spiked. In possession of the warmest blanket leads to unnecessary attention from these sharp clawed creatures in turn resulting in more sleepless nights. The fight has been ferocious with bites and pushes being encountered. The deathly weapon i.e. the “I’m so adorable, please don’t hurt me” look has been engaged numerous times working it’s (confundus) charm around thwarting every possible counter attack. The blanky battle might have been lost but the war isn’t over yet...

*Static*

*locks the door to the cat litter*

*evil laugh*

Damn it...thwarted by those cries (they seem to call them meows) to higher powers. They haz made the Mom open the door.

*Static*

The food supply has been cut off.

*Static*

*Purrr...*

Oh no!!!

*Purrrrrrrr...*

I shall not give in...

*Purrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr...*

You shall not take me alive...

*Purrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr...*

*Cough* aaaaahhhh....it wraps around my feet...

*Purrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr...*

Awwww.... ^_^

*Meow*

.
.

*Static*

-end of transmission-

Birthday Gift

2011-02-06T13:40:00.001+04:00

8 months late, I get birthday gifts in the form of 3 speedlite modifiers and a mount from SJ. Talk about being late but the wait was worth it. She got me an Interfit Strobies Beauty Dish, Snoot, HoneyComb and a Flex mount. Did a few quick test shots with the Beauty Dish and I’m loving it. Nice soft light with plenty of contrast to boot.

This is what the Beauty Dish looks like

The light source from it (love the reflections created on the lens)

And the result (straight out of the camera)

One of the better birthday gifts I’ve got. A HUGE thank you to SJ....love ya!!! ^_^

120 something....

2011-02-04T15:39:00.000+04:00

Currently covered by a bunch of swelled up mosquito bites. This is what happens when you loaf around in a sewer pipe. Just one of those wild things I end up doing with SJ. Talking about SJ, ended up going for ‘Dhobi Ghat’ with her a week back when both of us were too tired to do any work. Decent movie though could have done more with it as SJ pointed out (being the Bombay person she is). Need to do a short write up/review on that for my IMDB account. Another write up I need to do is for the movie ‘127 hours’. Saw it in Abu Dhabi yesterday on my own (my first) as I waited for SJ to come from Dubai after work. A well made movie that is a little gruesome in the end. No wonder it had the 18+ rating which as usual led to me being asked for an ID... ^_^

Last Monday was one of those typical winter hazy days with sand thrown into the mixture, not the ideal weather to end up 124 floors high. This was the view towards Sheikh Zayed road.

Not the prettiest of picture you might have seen from the observation deck. With a bit of post processing, I can manage to get some detail out of it....

....but I like the hazy version more because of WYSIWYG.

Now you might think that was AED100 (entry ticket cost) wasted. Well not really because my ticket was one of those immediate entry ones which cost AED400. That’s literally a 50mm f1.8 down the drain but frankly it was a freebie because it was for a client (government agency) and most likely they’d be sending me up there again to get a clearer shot... ^_^

Kyun Main Jaagoon....

2011-02-03T00:58:00.001+04:00

This beautiful rainy weather and this song.... <3

Raahein aisi jinki manzil hi nahin
Dhoondho mujhe ab main rehta hoon wahin
Dil hai kahin aur dhadkan hai kahin
Saansein hai magar kyun zinda main nahin
Kyun main jaagoon, aur woh sapne bo raha hai
Kyun mera rab yun, aankhien khole so raha hai
Kyun main jaagoon...

For the complete lyrics click here.

Smile

2011-01-31T01:03:00.001+04:00

30.01.2011
11:45pm

The fascinating tang of food
Inept to savor, still I gorge away
Enveloped by warmth at night
Yet I stay awake, an infinite quiver
So much to do so little time
A pause or a hiccup, seconds last forever
Aching reminder gnashing your teeth
Sheets of cover, a shadow of a smile
Pretentious exposure anonymity
Words to say, no one see...

-Stained

Responsibility – strength – professionalism – stability...perfection. Emotions...left alone - unwanted – unnecessary – pretend. Make those eyes smile...persuade – balance – naive – simple. No more questions...no more lies. Just smile and wave...smile and wave.

Ferris wheel

2011-01-27T11:25:00.001+04:00

27.01.2011

11am

Blissful face
Quaking hands
Arbitrary hugs
A shove or a pull
Darkening auras
Fistful of film
Puzzling fold
Graze the torso
Sneak peak
Hammering gavel
Huff and puff
.....Silencio

-Stained

Imaginary characters; whispering through life among the alive. You whisper back. Whispers turn into loud debates, guidance...concealment. The aroma is enticing; a contrast to reality. You get drawn in deeper; you cannot stop...you don’t want to. Going round in circles leaving the alive behind.

Why 3D doesn't work and never will. Case Closed

2011-01-25T12:54:00.001+04:00

An interesting read which does get technical in places but makes complete sense especially the headaches 3D movie viewing causes to a lot of people.

--------------------------------------------------------------

By Roger Ebert on January 23, 2011 7:57 PM

I received a letter that ends, as far as I am concerned, the discussion about 3D. It doesn't work with our brains and it never will.

The notion that we are asked to pay a premium to witness an inferior and inherently brain-confusing image is outrageous. The case is closed.

This letter is from Walter Murch, seen at left, the most respected film editor and sound designer in the modern cinema. As a editor, he must be intimately expert with how an image interacts with the audience's eyes. He won an Academy Award in 1979 for his work on "Apocalypse Now," whose sound was a crucial aspect of its effect.

Wikipedia writes: "Murch is widely acknowledged as the person who coined the term Sound Designer, and along with colleagues developed the current standard film sound format, the 5.1 channel array, helping to elevate the art and impact of film sound to a new level. "Apocalypse Now" was the first multi-channel film to be mixed using a computerized mixing board." He won two more Oscars for the editing and sound mixing of "The English Patient."

"He is perhaps the only film editor in history," the Wikipedia entry observes, "to have received Academy nominations for films edited on four different systems:

• "Julia" (1977) using upright Moviola

• "Apocalypse Now" (1979), "Ghost" (1990), and "The Godfather, Part III" (1990) using KEM flatbed

• "The English Patient" (1996) using Avid.

• "Cold Mountain" (2003) using Final Cut Pro on an off-the shelf PowerMac G4.

Now read what Walter Murch says about 3D:

Hello Roger,

I read your review of "Green Hornet" and though I haven't seen the film, I agree with your comments about 3D.

The 3D image is dark, as you mentioned (about a camera stop darker) and small. Somehow the glasses "gather in" the image -- even on a huge Imax screen -- and make it seem half the scope of the same image when looked at without the glasses.

I edited one 3D film back in the 1980's -- "Captain Eo" -- and also noticed that horizontal movement will strobe much sooner in 3D than it does in 2D. This was true then, and it is still true now. It has something to do with the amount of brain power dedicated to studying the edges of things. The more conscious we are of edges, the earlier strobing kicks in.

The biggest problem with 3D, though, is the "convergence/focus" issue. A couple of the other issues -- darkness and "smallness" -- are at least theoretically solvable. But the deeper problem is that the audience must focus their eyes at the plane of the screen -- say it is 80 feet away. This is constant no matter what.

But their eyes must converge at perhaps 10 feet away, then 60 feet, then 120 feet, and so on, depending on what the illusion is. So 3D films require us to focus at one distance and converge at another. And 600 million years of evolution has never presented this problem before. All living things with eyes have always focussed and converged at the same point.

If we look at the salt shaker on the table, close to us, we focus at six feet and our eyeballs converge (tilt in) at six feet. Imagine the base of a triangle between your eyes and the apex of the triangle resting on the thing you are looking at. But then look out the window and you focus at sixty feet and converge also at sixty feet. That imaginary triangle has now "opened up" so that your lines of sight are almost -- almost -- parallel to each other.

We can do this. 3D films would not work if we couldn't. But it is like tapping your head and rubbing your stomach at the same time, difficult. So the "CPU" of our perceptual brain has to work extra hard, which is why after 20 minutes or so many people get headaches. They are doing something that 600 million years of evolution never prepared them for. This is a deep problem, which no amount of technical tweaking can fix. Nothing will fix it short of producing true "holographic" images.

Consequently, the editing of 3D films cannot be as rapid as for 2D films, because of this shifting of convergence: it takes a number of milliseconds for the brain/eye to "get" what the space of each shot is and adjust.

And lastly, the question of immersion. 3D films remind the audience that they are in a certain "perspective" relationship to the image. It is almost a Brechtian trick. Whereas if the film story has really gripped an audience they are "in" the picture in a kind of dreamlike "spaceless" space. So a good story will give you more dimensionality than you can ever cope with.

So: dark, small, stroby, headache inducing, alienating. And expensive. The question is: how long will it take people to realize and get fed up?

All best wishes,

Walter Murch

--------------------------------------------------------------

Source: suntimes.com (via twitter)

Dubai Shopping Festival 2011

2011-01-20T12:49:00.003+04:00

Every evening for the next 31 days, I will be running around town covering as many events as possible for the Dubai shopping festival 2011 while going a little mad directionally and resourcefully. Not looking forward to it irrespective that the money is kind of decent though peanuts in comparison to the load of work and the team (more like one annoying videographer) I’ll have.

In addition, I’ll have some odd photography jobs here and there with plenty of personal commitments (family or friends) which basically means no time for myself. So it’s that time of the year to do a vanishing act from social media as I can't afford distractions. I'll try blogging once in a while just to let some steam out but that’s about it. Later all...

Shooting the Rain at night

2011-01-18T16:21:00.001+04:00

Still persisting with the Sigma 24mm f1.8 as my main walk around lens, I managed to snap up this photo of the view from my balcony while it was raining heavily last night. It took me 3 tries to get it right as I wanted to get a proper exposure of the complete scene while capturing the rain in the air.

I chose a slow shutter speed of 1/40 to capture the rain with some motion blur, combined that with the lowest possible f number (large aperture) of f1.8 to allow maximum amount of light to enter the camera and increased the sensitivity of the sensor by bumping up the ISO to 1600 to achieve a proper exposure (though I think I've over exposed the shot a little).

The lens flare wasn’t added in post processing but done in camera as this lens tends to flare a lot which I took advantage of with some careful positioning of the light source. If you look carefully at the bright white lights in the background, you’ll see a bit of purple fringing. This is the only (for now) drawback of the lens when shooting wide open (small f number) which might get distracting in some cases. It can be removed in Photoshop but it doesn’t bother me here.

Camera Model : Canon 7D
Shooting Date/Time : 01/17/2011 18:37:30 PM
Tv(Shutter Speed) : 1/40
Av(Aperture Value) : f1.8
Metering Mode : Center weighted average
ISO Speed : 1600
Lens : Sigma 24mm f1.8 macro
Focal Length : 24mm

Obsessive Compulsive Impulsive Disorder

2011-01-17T14:23:00.000+04:00

I have a tendency to OCD (Obsessive compulsive Disorder) over the people I get along with which is mainly because I don’t get along with a lot of people. I’m rude when social and introverted when anti social, not the best two sides of a coin especially for a photographer. So when it comes to people I do get along, I tend to exaggerate the ‘Let me take care of you and solve your problems’ thing. I’ve started calling it OCID which is OCD with impulsive (ness).

Now this kind of OCID cannot be exercised with guys because a) Most guys don’t share their problems with other guys; b) Most guys have an emotional span of a teaspoon; c) Being OCID in that way is just weird (in the gay sense of way). That doesn’t mean I haven’t OCID’d over a guy (that just sounds weird), I have plenty of close guy friends whose emotional problems I have help sort out. But this is a rarity in the rarest sense of ways as I mostly don’t get along with guys due to my lack of a) perverted sense of humor; b) ogling over women; c) lack of stupidity in the common sense of ways; d) my often lack of practical (read: unemotional) behavior; e) my childish outlook to life.

Coming to girls, being OCID has two sides to it; it either boomerangs to ‘just acquaintances’ status or you hit the bullseye. By bullseye I mean finding yourself in a position where you manage to be the backbone of some ones effort to prevail over the problems in their lives. In the past 2 years or so, I’ve often found myself as the backbone; something that feels good. I have also often found myself as the centre of their affection; something that I’m not too fond of.

As pointed out to me yesterday this is completely due to the convenience factor i.e. he understands me, he takes care of me, he wipes away my tears, he’s a good listener, he’s always there etc. This supposedly makes me more dangerous when compared to a flirt because I unintentionally may have the power to manipulate the situation/person to fit my needs and I’m not really sure how that makes me feel. My intentions to OCID were also questioned, what do I gain from this? Does the whole affection attention boast my confidence? Does it make me feel larger than life or something like that? These are just some questions that arose from the long conversation I had with Begg on our way back from Abu Dhabi. An interesting way to look at it and I honestly don’t know what to say. I’m sure I won’t stop being OCID but I can’t stop thinking (OCD again) and being a little hesitant now. This is haunting me right now....

All my life I've tried to help people...but now that I look back, all I see is pain...

East Coast trip...

2011-01-11T22:12:00.006+04:00

Woke up at 3am, got dressed in 20mins and got picked up by SJ at 3:30am. After a 20mins wait for Begg and Beila to join us and a long stop over at a petrol pump to fill wheezing me up with hot tea, we made our way on to Emirates Road (it was 4:30am by then). We took the University road exit that would take us straight to Kalba. Half way through our journey, thick fog enveloped us reducing visibility to around 10metres in some places. Slowly we crawled into the mountains leaving the fog behind. A quick Fajr prayer stop in a deserted town near Wadi Al Hilo freaked out Begg and Beila. At around 6am, we were standing at the mouth of the Wadi-Al Hilo tunnel (also known as Kalba tunnel), one of the longest tunnels in the UAE. A calculated risk and we managed to snap up this almost perfect symmetry shot.

We then headed off to Khor Kalba and the beach beyond to watch the sun rise over the Arabian Sea. Using the short depth of field and macro capabilities of the Sigma 24mm f1.8, I tried to snap up some creative shots. We spent around two hours there that including vandalizing (more like photographing) an abandoned Toyota Land Cruiser FJ40 truck, checking out some dead sea-creatures and other random stuff.

We then headed into Fujairah to grab some Breakfast. Choices were scarce as most of the restaurants were closed, so we had to settle for a typical Indian fast food cafeteria called Green Valley restaurant. I ordered a Pizza while the rest choose eggs. The food was quite bad though edible.

Back to Kalba, we went into adventure mode and decided to check out the mostly deserted farm lands. The poor Yaris had to face a lot of abuse on these dirt roads courtesy tree branches, rocks and fences. It even had one of its bumper partially pulled off by a barb wire and had to be put together with tape. Thankfully it’s a rent a car and therefore no huge repair bills to worry about. In the 3 hours we were in there, we did a shoot for an abandoned truck (with strobe lights and stuff), saw animal remains (read: goat skulls and bones), backtracked from a stinking toilet, went into spooky farms and generally went a little mad photographically speaking.

Lunch time and we found ourselves at New Sheetal seafood restaurant in Fujairah recommended by Begg. We let her do most of the ordering which was a good thing cause she ended up paying the bill as well because the food was beyond bad i.e. inedible and she felt bad about it. In addition to the bad food, the service and food presentation was one of the worst I’ve seen for a very long time.

Putting the unsatisfactory lunch behind us, we went to Hail where we drove past the fancy heritage castle/tower into Wadi Al Hail. We decided to trek as much as we could because the Yaris was incapable of handling the steep dirt road. Standing in the middle of the mountains with a strong breeze, it felt divine. The silence was a welcome change from the hustle and bustle life we live in Dubai. We got out of their just before sunset to avoid any unwanted issues (the car was really struggling plus safety) and headed home. On the way, we stopped at a sweets shop in Al Dhaid that serves delicious Punjabi samosa that were introduced to me by my parents who had discovered it 31 years back.

15 hours of awesomeness, we got home at 8pm.

Taking it further...

2011-01-10T21:02:00.006+04:00

I am a huge critic of people who don’t take their photography that one step further when given an opportunity on a platter. I’ve assisted at over two dozen workshops for Gulf Photo Plus and every single time I’m disappointed by how easily the people get delighted with a rather ordinary picture they’ve taken. Now I understand if a beginner gets satisfied easily, that’s acceptable to a certain level. But if the same applies to the wannabe crowd who are going around doing shoots for clients and shooting half naked women portfolios (the wanker crowd as I fondly call them) professionally, then that is a complete disgrace to the creative err… process that photography is (I almost called it an art *facepalm*). Now I’d go on ranting about the trash some of these wankers are doing in the name of photography, but that’s meant for another post.

From what I’ve seen, people tend to approach a day of photography with a single concept cemented in their head i.e. I assume that before stepping out of the house they tell themselves ‘Today I shall shoot blurry water (for example) and that’s it’. As I had once stated on a local photography forum, limiting yourself creatively is the worst way to learn even if you’re trying to perfect that specific skill. That statement and some similar critique caused a racket and I think I was told to grow up or something along that line which is usually how they end an argument with me (my young age annoys some people).

What I believe is that instead you should limit yourself with the equipment you use. I personally own an array of lenses and also have access to some of the best Canon lenses available in the market. I instead choose to limit myself to just one lens especially on a day I’m feeling rather creative. This lens is usually a prime lens or a zoom with a specific zoom range i.e. ultra wide or telephoto. The advantage to limiting yourself with equipment is that you take that extra effort to compose your picture because you don’t have the ability to change lenses depending on the subject. This makes you rethink your composition, move around, stop and stare, experiment and get frustrated till you either give up or get that perfect shot (in your opinion obviously). Anyone who does this, irrespective of their skill level, will see a HUGE improvement in the way they shoot. This will give you the ability to work on the edge even when you’re not limited by equipment. This is something many other pro level photographers promote as well.

Let me throw an example at you.

The left image is the typical picture most photographers I’ve come across would capture at this given situation. In fact, two people with me took a similar if not the same picture as this one. It isn’t a bad picture by a long stretch; it is a pleasing and a perfect representation of what the tree really looks like though in my opinion it fails to stand out. It’s just another tree in the middle of the road shot if you know what I mean though I do love the shadows on the ground.

Moving to the second image, this is my interpretation of the same scene. On this particular day, I had decided to only use my Sigma 24mm f1.8; a lens that allows me to achieve a short depth of field while being able to get very close to my subject. To me personally it makes the tree look creepy. The feedback I’ve received regarding this picture has been more then positive which I suppose means I’ve done a good job. It’s a different shot that makes people notice it, it’s not just another shot of a tree….

In the end this is a my point of view, people may or may not agree with it but due to personal experience and advice to others, I’ve learned that this limiting factor does in fact allow you to take your photography a step forward.

Lens Tyre Jo

2011-01-06T21:17:00.002+04:00

I’ve become a bit of a sucker for prime lens. My dream collection would be a 35mm f1.4, 50mm f1.8, 85mm f1.8, 135mm f2, 200mm f2.8 and 400mm f5.6. I already own the 50 and 85 while I’ve been eyeing the Sigma variant of the 35mm (more like the 30mm f1.4) for some time. Instead I’ve landed up with a Sigma 24mm f1.8 for AED1,000, second hand. SJ picked it up for me a few hours back so I still haven’t used it but I’m excited. Next is to bribe myself with the dreamy 135mm… ^_^

Four months and around 10,000 kilometers after my suicidal intention blog post, today I managed to change the faulty tyre. Why it took me so long is completely because the tyres my car rides on (Pirelli P Zero Rosso 235/40ZR 18 95Y) are never in stock. I chose not to go for any other branded tyre cause I didn’t want to change all my tyres due to the cost (eg. Pirelli cost AED1,200 per tyre) and I didn’t want to change just one tyre due to different tread design and performance. In the end I decided to change just one tyre (bought a Michelin Pilot Sport PS2 for AED1,350) cause the faulty one was falling apart and I still couldn't afford to change them all. As the Michelin goes in the rear, I should be fine for now as there is no noticeable change in driving ergonomics. I do plan to change the other 3 tyres in another 10,000 kilometers to Michelin (hopefully the Pilot Sport 3) as a quick google search claims they are a lot better then the Pirelli tyres..

I photographed Jo while assisting Bobby Lane in a portraiture workshop in Abu Dhabi in November. While looking for some other image, I came across this one which was screaming to be processed into monochrome. Simple Adobe Lightroom split tone processing with plenty of contrast and clarity to make the blacks darker and the whites brighter. Also increased exposure for the eyes to make them pop.

Camera Model : Canon 7D
Shooting Date/Time : 11/09/2010 17:36:02 PM
Tv(Shutter Speed) : 1/160
Av(Aperture Value) : f4
Metering Mode : Center weighted average
ISO Speed : 100
Lens : Sigma 105mm Macro
Focal Length : 105mm

Solar Eclipse

2011-01-04T17:30:00.001+04:00

Had completely forgotten about the Solar Eclipse today so with a last minute reminder from SJ, I managed to capture this. Luckily it was cloudy which made my shot more interesting and easier to take. Shot this through two tinted windows of my house to reduce light along with a circular polarizer to reduce light further by a stop and to reduce reflections/doubles (slightly visible) created by the windows.

Camera Model : Canon 7D
Shooting Date/Time : 01/04/2011 13:27:14 PM
Tv(Shutter Speed) : 1/8000
Av(Aperture Value) : f6.3
Metering Mode : Center weighted average
ISO Speed : 100
Lens : Sigma 18-200mm OS
Focal Length : 200mm

Embrace...

2011-01-04T11:16:00.000+04:00

02.01.2011

01:12am

She plunks at the very same blemish

Every single moment he’s around

His apathy was deafening

It’s still resonant in her mind

A cuddle later

An allusion of air

The blankness around him

Is bleeding within her

He walks back to her car

Manufacturing just right sentences

Gnawing a gum

Shinning like a booming star

Thrice the love

Once upon a time

Glistening ambiance

Down the unconscious path

The affection, cold counter

Ruffled hair, untouchable

Everything, still not the same

An embrace later

Thin air, just her…

- Stained

Reflection...

2011-01-02T12:37:00.000+04:00

Perhaps the best sunset picture I took in 2010. The reflection adds a whole new dimension to this scene, something I've shot a million times before. A custom white balance to get the purple tone with a bucket full of contrast to get the silhouettes.

Camera Model : Canon 5D
Shooting Date/Time : 12/27/2010 17:38:48 PM
Tv(Shutter Speed) : 1/80
Av(Aperture Value) : f6.3
Metering Mode : Center weighted average
ISO Speed : 100
Lens : Sigma 50mm f2.8 macro
Focal Length : 50mm

Happy New Year

2011-01-01T19:24:00.003+04:00

New Years Eve is beyond over rated. Just because the last digit/s in the date changes, doesn't really mean you need to go around celebrating it like a lunatic. Yes I do go shoot the firework display, but then I'm a fireworks freak which is quite evident from the number of times I've shot them. There were a total of 7 firework displays in Dubai visible yesterday from the spot I was standing. That's a lot for a pretty small city like Dubai. The amount of money blown on it all must have been enough to fund a few villages back home for a year if not more. Was there really a need for it is questionable though I did wish the hyped Burj Khalifa display was better especially for the thousands of people who got stuck in traffic because of it.

And then to talk about the whole party harder concept. I know people just need a reason to get drunk/drink but from what some people have told me over the years about these parties, it's plain disgusting. I wonder how many men and women ended up in random beds without any idea how they ended up their. How it all works baffles me...

The new year has ushered in higher prices for various things I personally buy/use but there are also some rule changes that seem promising if implemented properly. In the end uncertainty is still the same, today feels just like yesterday. But at least a new year gives you an opportunity to close the books, financial and emotional or so it seems. Will life change..I doubt it. Do I want it to change...nope. It all boils down to taking it one day at a time...even if you're just trying to stay afloat.

Happy New year...or something like that....

TRON : Legacy

2010-12-29T22:28:00.003+04:00

A wafer thin storyline with glitzy special effects constructed over a brilliant concept. It was Avatar all over again without the love story.

Kevin Flynn's (played by Jeff Bridges) mysterious disappearance leaves his son Sam Flynn (played by Garret Hedlund) a little lost in life. For 20 years, he lives in the shadow of a question; why did his father not come back. After a pager from his dads old arcade, he stumbles onto a secret room and manages to get himself into the digital world of ‘The Grid’ where he finds his trapped father. Throw in an evil clone nemesis with a killer instinct(rogue) side kick, a beautiful but deadly ally (Played by Olivia Wilde), visually stunning action scenes and an army of reprogrammed programs to destroy the real world and we have all the ingredients for a cliché plot with plenty of cliché subplots.

This may seem to be yet another 3D movie but this is the one that does it right. A perfect blend of 2D and 3D worlds created nicely by Joseph Kosinski. It’s a visual feast and an acoustic delight keeping you absorbed throughout the movie that you even ignore the rather weak storyline.

Garret Hedlund and Jeff Bridges as the main characters were always riding in the back seat with these visuals to boot. Jeff Bridges manages to hold his own though some dialogues like 'Radical, man' coming out of an old man were a little odd while the younger graphical him seemed too cartoonish sometimes, bit of a distraction. Garret Hedlund does a decent job to play a convincing Sam Flynn while Olivia Wilde’s puzzled/innocent curiosity was engaging. Michael Sheen as Castor/Zuse was wacky in a good way while James Frain as Jarvis had a meager role.

This is not an all out action movie nor an in your face 3D effects bonanza. It’s just a brilliant doorway to a world many of us haven’t seen before. I’m looking forward to a third movie (if it ever happens) with a better storyline and an extraordinary visual ride.

Mangroves...

2010-12-28T14:55:00.001+04:00

Location number one from my gruesome trip. These are mangroves somewhere near Madinat Zayed in the western region of Abu Dhabi. Now I have two shots of the same mangrove and I can't decide which one I like best so would appreciate some feedback. FYI both shots are HDRs.

Fruit shop on Greams road

2010-12-27T10:43:00.001+04:00

About a year ago, Kaz introduced a few of us to ‘Fruit shop on Greams road’ near Lamcy Plaza in Oud Mehta. After a wonderful first experience, I never got around going there again. Then SJ walked into my life and being a juicaholic, it seemed coherent to pass on this knowledge. Since then (i.e. the past 3 months), we’ve tried around 60% of the juice variety they offer and even though it usually may seem like it, that isn’t a small number. They have the widest assortment of juices (check their online menu) I’ve ever seen in the UAE and our inquisitiveness to try them all has led us to order small size juice glasses instead of large ones just to be able to try more. Till now, apart from maybe two, we’ve loved all the concoctions we’ve ordered. To add to the fun, they have 'Dr Wood' puzzles that usually blend our brains into frustration and puzzlement, of the cheerful kind obviously. They even have a loyalty card which gives you a free juice for every AED105 you spend i.e. seven stamps which is great for addicts like us. This place demands a visit from anyone and everyone because it just makes unconditional sense, of the fruity kind obviously.

Fallen date...

2010-12-25T23:06:00.001+04:00

I don't know how long I'll manage to keep my blood shot eyes open. I've spent 17 hours covering over 800 kilometers today with SJ taking around 1,200 pictures in total; from panoramas to 9 shot HDRs. I am beyond tired but I'm stone cold high (read: freaking excited) over the pictures we took and the places we went. This has been by far the most gruesome outing I've had with SJ. We literally sleep-drove ourselves back home.....Teaser - below - see - elaborate - later!! ZZZzzzzzzzzzz.......

Camera Model : Canon 5D MKII
Shooting Date/Time : 12/25/2010 12:29:46 PM
Tv(Shutter Speed) : 1/1600
Av(Aperture Value) : f2.8
Metering Mode : Center weighted average
ISO Speed : 100
Lens : EF 16-35mm f2.8 L
Focal Length : 34mm

Say it out loud...

2010-12-23T00:00:00.003+04:00

As ranted earlier; according to the bill my camera is out of warranty. But surprisingly (and unquestionably) according to the Canon online records, it is still under warranty. So the service centre has to fix or replace my camera for no extra charges. It’s going to take them 8-10 days to get back to me on this and I suppose another few weeks for them to hand mine back or a new camera over to me. This is me being optimistic because last time I had something fixed from them; it had taken them 3 months to give the item back and I’m not the only one who’s had such an experience. The evident incompetence on the service centre’s part is highly unprofessional and harmful to brand Canon. Unfortunately even with consumer rights, we have no rights so like every other person who is at their mercy, I shall wait for the buffoons to work out what’s wrong with the camera and then take some more time to figure out how to fix or replace it. Sigh!!

Anyway till then, I’ll be shooting with the ancient 5D that belongs to SJ as she recently bought a new camera i.e. the 5D MKII; being the full frame snob she is and therefore doesn’t need this camera. I’ve always been part of the ‘full frame is over rated’ crowd because of the hype that surrounds it though unlike wannabe experts my reasoning is totally in line to what the facts are being the photography geek I am (Oh the modesty!!). That doesn’t mean I’m a full frame hater because to me, it does have its advantages like for example the shallow dept of field. Love the bokeh you’re able to achieve with such a sensor and being the bokeh addict I am, I’m loving it!!

Camera Model : Canon 5D
Shooting Date/Time : 12/22/2010 15:08:51 PM
Tv(Shutter Speed) : 1/50
Av(Aperture Value) : f2.8
Metering Mode : Pattern
ISO Speed : 1600
Lens : EF 16-35mm f2.8 L
Focal Length : 35mm

It's still us...

2010-12-21T12:08:00.001+04:00

Beautiful song. #nuffsaid (via Neel the DarkRanger)
Suns out, but it feels like rain
So I will, illuminate your day
I'm afraid I'm losing it, what's it gonna take for me to get
Throught this?
We'll get through this
Even the brave may depend on someone
The moon only shines with the help of the sun
And it's not as safe when your walking alone

I'll walk you home

I'll walk you home

Life as I know it...

2010-12-19T16:44:00.000+04:00

8,851 is the number of days I've lived in the United Arab Emirates; the country I was born in, possibly one-third of my life according to some statisticians *points at World Bank*. Today, if I plan to carry on living in this country and chase my dream, I have to spend roughly AED19,000 per annum. This may not seem like a large amount to many, but that's the amount of money I've earned since my last birthday. The next 30days will shatter, relocate or give the dream one last life line. The stress is so awesome that I’ve aged a few years over the past few weeks.

Talking about aging, my 1 year and 20 days old camera has conveniently bailed on me and I’m looking forward to a hefty bill from the rip-off of a service centre which shall obliterate whatever photography budget I had left after I managed to lose (more like left it at an event and someone decided to borrow it, permanently) my costliest/favorite lens. On the other hand, my car (more like the car my sister bought that I maintain) is dying on me as well and it’s just 10 months old (should have bought a Camry.. *yawn*). The electronics are going round the bend while the brakes are a squeak and the incompetent service centre is well useless. I should ask for a replacement since I do have consumer rights. *coughmiragecough*

At least all is not gloomy (I think), the mobile that I managed to buy with the help of my brother and some vouchers is perfect for my needs though it does seem a little pricy now with the other costs sprouting like a bean stalk.

Talking about stalk-ers, there is a specific gentleman (read: pervert) who needs to be introduced to my hand though the angry face keeps telling me to control my emoticons. Listen I shall…

Oh and for the record, I’ve been alive for 8948days. I feel old… *grabs anti ageing cream*

Dinner at Shahishta

2010-12-17T23:38:00.007+04:00

Situated in Garhoud, Shahista is perhaps the only Afghani restaurant I've seen that aims to serve the upscale crowd with an opulent décor and a pricy menu. Being yet another restaurant SJ had shot in; it was in our ‘Must try’ list.

Bill
1 Tabbouleh : AED20
1 Loqma Kebab : AED50
1 Zarishk Pallaw : AED40
1 Orange Juice : AED20
1 Steam Milk : AED10
1 Ice cream scoop : AED20
--------------------
Total AED160

We were welcomed by a door man who suspiciously looked like a pathan from Pakistan in an elaborate Afghani Shalwar kameez with a huge Keffiyeh. The interior seemed a little over the top in some sections i.e. trying too hard to look expensive but failing miserably. As usual, the authentic feel is murdered by having waitresses of a different nationality who have no idea about the traditional cuisine nor have the ability to make recommendations. This left us picking main dishes with names we’d never heard of.

To start off, we ordered a Tabbouleh salad (pictured right) with an orange juice (pictured top right) for me and steam milk (pictured left) for SJ. We instead got served a Tandoori Naan (picture top left) topped with sesame seeds and nigella seeds with a yogurt based sauce as a starter followed by our original starter order. The naan was hot, soft and delicious. It had a slight sweet flavor to it which combined with the sauce tasted divine. The Tabbouleh was disappointing with the lack of that sharp taste to it. The orange juice was perfect while the steam milk was well just hot milk, you can’t go wrong with that.

For the main course we ordered the Zarishk Pallaw (pictured top left) because the name sounded unusual though later on I found out that it’s an Iranian dish. Anyway it’s a basmati or long grain saffron colored rice mixed with barberries served with chicken (pictured top right). The Pallaw with the sweet taste of barberries tasted nice on its own as the chicken was slightly on the dry side.

We also ordered a plate of Loqma Kebab (picture right) served with French fries for the same reason given above. Loqma or Luqma literally means morsel in Urdu. The chicken was tender and well done though I couldn’t figure out the flavors as such. The taste was nice and SJ loved it.

For dessert, we ordered ice cream (pictured left) made by the restaurant itself which was nice but a little too sweet for our taste buds.

An average experience with further room for improvement (read: experimenting) that is possibly worth a second visit…

Stay

2010-12-16T10:37:00.005+04:00

Heard this song yesterday on Campus Radio Middle East, liked the lyrics and so posting it here.
And I wonder if you know
How it feels to let you go?

Say goodbye in the pouring rain
And I break down as you walk away.
Stay, stay.
'Cause all my life I felt this way
But I could never find the words to say
Stay, stay.

Stay with me, stay with me,
Stay with me, stay with me,
Stay, stay, stay, stay with me.

Lexus IS-F

2010-12-15T10:49:00.001+04:00

Even though I don't like the way this car looks, it sounds like a beast which put a huge grin on my face. This might possibly be the only Lexus model I like even though I still dislike the normal IS.

Camera Model : Canon 7D
Shooting Date/Time : 12/21/2010 17:31:22 PM
Tv(Shutter Speed) : 1/200
Av(Aperture Value) : f4
Metering Mode : Pattern
ISO Speed : 400
Lens : EF 50mm f1.8 II
Focal Length : 50mm

Cadillac CTS-V coupe

2010-12-14T13:36:00.000+04:00

After a very long time, I spent over 2 hours editing a single car shot. Could have spent more time fine tuning it but couldn't be bothered cause it isn't a very exciting car for me at least even though I ended up with a 600MB photoshop file which is huge.

Camera Model : Canon 7D
Shooting Date/Time : 11/21/2010 17:32:13 PM
Tv(Shutter Speed) : 1/20
Av(Aperture Value) : f4
Metering Mode : Pattern
ISO Speed : 200
Lens : EF 24-105mm f4 L
Focal Length : 58mm

Downtown Classic Car show 2010

2010-12-13T10:59:00.001+04:00

Shot these with a 70-200mm @ f2.8 with a mono-pod at sunset/night with ISO ranging from 800-1600 to give myself a bit of a challenge. Spent 5 hours taking 112 pictures of 90 or so cars in an effort to be different from the rest of the shooters. It was a hard job as I clearly was struggling in the end(read: loss of ideas) though the results I ended up with are surely something I am proud of.

Any feedback or critique for these pictures or my style of shooting is welcome.

Empty pockets

2010-12-09T13:17:00.000+04:00

You can't make dreams come true with empty pockets.... *looks forward to an uncertain future*

Again..

2010-12-05T23:35:00.000+04:00

05.12.2010
23:32

A different character;
A comedian or a liar...
Visionary procedure
Interpreting the past.
Statements;
The cessation move...
Mainstream warfare;
Just hidden bones.
Do you see what I see in you...?
Always the smile
Always the disguise.
I look for her behind the scenes
The curtains fold for you
Once again...
Applause,
Whistles
Hats thrown in the air
Empty hands...
Close a door somewhere
Brick walls
And exits
Contrasting elements
What do you see
All black again
Waving stature
Spotlight
Silhouettes
They're all the same
Take a bow
You're out again...

- Stained

Cold and Alone...

2010-12-01T00:10:00.001+04:00

Spotted this little critter at the 'Mamzar Cultural And Scientific Association'. There were three of them along with their mother but I managed to get a picture of only one of them so technically it wasn't alone though they were feeling quite cold. They were adorable and very soft to hold, wish I could have taken them home. Anyway talking about cold, winter is here at last. Time to find time to head to the beach with some friends.

Camera Model : Canon 7D
Shooting Date/Time : 11/22/2010 20:05:52 PM
Tv(Shutter Speed) : 1/50
Av(Aperture Value) : f1.8
Metering Mode : Pattern
ISO Speed : 1600
Lens : EF 50mm f1.8 II
Focal Length : 50mm

Breakfast at Le Pain Quotiden…

2010-11-29T15:44:00.008+04:00

Disclaimer: This blog is not turning into a food blog cause if it was, I'd blog about every new thing I ate. I'm just blogging about food I've enjoyed eating outside and would recommend to others.

Bill

1 Lebanese Style Eggs (w/o potatoes) : AED33
1 Spanish Omelette (w/o potatoes) : AED29
1 Belgian Waffle with Maple syrup : AED16
1 Red Fruit Tea : AED12.50
1 Hot Chocolate (Double) : AED 17
--------------------
Total AED 107.50

With a frame of mind of having some sandwiches for breakfast, me and SJ entered Dubai Mall. We ended up having some eggs.

Being the lazy combo we've been lately, we decided to try PQ aka 'Le Pain Quotiden' as it was right next to the parking entrance to where our cars were parked. The restaurants decent decor helped sway our decision to eat there.

SJ ordered the Red Fruit Tea (pictured above) and the Spanish Omelette (pictured left). The tea was nothing special in my opinion even though SJ gulped it all exclaiming that it felt like drinking blood (not because of the taste but the colour obviously). The Omelette was ridiculously luscious with a divine mixture of olives, mushrooms, onions, tomatoes and capsicum. Even though SJ claims to have the ability to make a better version of it, I doubt she could have bettered this.

I ordered Hot chocolate and the Lebanese style eggs (pictured right). The hot chocolate was simple and nice, just the way I like it. The eggs on the other hand was nothing as I expected ( I should have read the description carefully). Curiosity was the reason behind my order and honestly I was a little disappointed even though there was nothing wrong with the taste. The mint leaves was a nice touch but those beef sausages (tiny ones) were too salty and tasted a little odd.

To top off the meal with some dessert, we ordered the Belgian waffle with maple syrup as recommended by SN on twitter. The maple syrup was a little extra sweet and the waffle could have been crispier but when put together, it was just perfect. If we had any space in our tummy, we'd have ordered more but we couldn't so we plan to go back for more.

Pier....

2010-11-28T10:13:00.003+04:00

With a full moon shinning upon us, me and SJ made our way once again to Jadaf; our little escape in the big city. She went off to do her daylight exposures with the film camera while I tried my hand at some light painting again. After some trial and error that led to some amateurish results, I decided to try some daylight exposures of my own.

Digital cameras can't handle very long exposures so to compensate I decided to shoot at f2.8. Some more trial and error brought me to this Pier that I initially shot for a daylight exposure but then brought it down by 2 stops to get this. This in fact is a composite of two images, a technique called focus stacking where I've focused on the horizon in one shot while focusing on the pier in the second shot and they've been put together in photoshop with some layer gradient masking. This allows me to achieve a larger depth of field even though I was shooting at f2.8 giving me the same result that a 30sec shot would have given at a higher aperture but without the noise. Simple but effective.

Camera Model : Canon 7D
Shooting Date/Time : 11/21/2010 22:53:27 PM
Tv(Shutter Speed) : 6secs
Av(Aperture Value) : f2.8
Metering Mode : Pattern
ISO Speed : 200
Lens : EF 16-35mm f2.8 L
Focal Length : 35mm

Dhoom Dubai

2010-11-25T00:39:00.001+04:00

My first concert. I was asked to cover it as part of Eid in Dubai 2010. I found it easier then I expected but then it was a well lit concert. Had a media pass so I could literally stand next to the stage which was great to get some close up shots of the performers. My 70-200mm lens performed better then I expected and I'm very pleased with a lot of my shots. Took over 500 pictures in a mere 2 hours. Below are some of my favorite shots...

If You Could Only See

2010-11-24T12:35:00.000+04:00

If you could only see the way she loves me
Then maybe you would understand
Why I feel this way about our love
And what I must do
If you could only see how blue her eyes can be when she says
When she says she loves meSayin' you love but you don't
You give your love but you won't
You're stretching out your arms to something that's just not there
sayin you love where you stand
Give you heart when you can

Cliché sunset shot...

2010-11-23T08:40:00.000+04:00

Camera Model : Canon 7D
Shooting Date/Time : 11/19/2010 17:16:52 PM
Tv(Shutter Speed) : 1/1250
Av(Aperture Value) : f5.6
Metering Mode : Pattern
ISO Speed : 100
Lens : EF 16-35mm f2.8 L
Focal Length : 35mm

Future...

2010-11-22T09:05:00.003+04:00

Don't you just love it when you come back from a shoot and are proud of a shot you've taken. Well that happened to me but in this case I'm proud of quite a few shots. I'm not going to upload all of them, but here's one I liked the most.

Camera Model : Canon 7D
Shooting Date/Time : 11/20/2010 18:46:42 PM
Tv(Shutter Speed) : 1/200
Av(Aperture Value) : f6.3
Metering Mode : Pattern
ISO Speed : 200
Lens : EF 24-105mm f4 L
Focal Length : 105mm

I love you...

2010-11-18T23:55:00.000+04:00

13.22.2010
7:40pm

I love you...
Beyond doubt
Without reason
This is where
I choose to be
This is why
You're everything to me
I love you...a lot
But a lot isn't enough
Being enough isn't the point
Far beyond that
Surpassing anything
But who needs to measure
This seamless emotion
So I just want to say
I love you
And nothing else matters
Anymore

- Stained

I don't think I've ever written a poem that isn't depressing; this feels odd. Anyway the poems a little corny to say the least, quite basic and a little messed up but I like it...so that

Eid in Dubai, Zafran and Social Network

2010-11-17T14:37:00.001+04:00

Eid in Dubai started yesterday on the occasion of Eid al Adha. Every evening they have various events at various malls and some of these events are being covered by me for the organizers itself. Boring but easy work so I don't mind it even though the pay isn't really that high.

Yesterday I was at Mirdiff City Centre, covering 5 bands (Emirati, Moroccon, Indian, Lebanese and Egyptian) that played every 15 minutes apart from breaking for prayers that is. They had an outdoor and indoor stage which made life hell cause past sunset, shooting outdoor was close to impossible. This prompted me to make SJ a voice activated light stand which worked out better then I anticipated. Started shooting at 4:30pm and got done at 8pm as I had to photograph all the bands twice.

Then we headed off to have dinner at Zafran, an Indian/Pakistani fusion restaurant at Mirdiff City Centre, recommended by SJ as she'd photographed there for her magazine earlier. The manager recognized her and gave us a 20% discount on the total bill which we balanced out by tipping most of the discount off.

Bill

1 Tawa Murgh : AED 35

1 Lamb Biryani : AED 55

1 Mango Panna : AED 19

1 Mango & Cardaman Lassi : AED 19

1 Fruit Ice Tea : AED 19

-----------------

Total AED 147

We started off with the Tawa Murgh (pictured below) as our starter, four pieces of chicken patties that reminded me of something my aunt used to make. I liked the texture and the taste of it but found the fact that they crumbled easily a little annoying. SJ on the other hand didn't like them at all. At the same time both of us were busy slurping away our drinks. SJ ordered Mango Panna (pictured left) that she hated cause she was busy comparing it to something she had in India which in my opinion was a little unfair. The taste was a little too strong while the juice itself was quite thick. I ordered the Mango & Cardaman Lassi (pictured above) that was nice in it's own way even though it wasn't rich enough for my taste.

For the main course we ordered the Lamb Biryani which was delicious. Both of us liked the lack of oil and the large quantity of lamb pieces to divulge into though the quantity of rice in comparison was a little less. Having finished my first drink, I ordered a Fruit ice tea which was brain freezing good (literally). The combination of tea and tangy fruitiness to the drink was spot on.

Throughout the meal, the manager and waiters made sure we were happy with the meal and even offered to exchange the mango panna for something else. Great ambiance, decent food and friendly staff, Zafran is worth a second visit for sure.

We topped off the evening with The Social Network. Based on the book 'The Accidental Billionaire' written by Ben Mezrich about the founding of facebook. The story revolves around how Mark Zuckerberg and Eduardo Saverin launched thefacbook.com that was later renamed to facebook.com. About the lawsuit between them and another lawsuit with Cameron & Tyler Winklevoss and Divya Narendra.

Jesse Eisenberg (playing Mark Zuckerberg) and Andrew Garfield (playing Eduardu Saverin) do a fantastic job making the lead characters believable in ever possible way. They complimented each other and the chemistry they oozed on the big screen was enjoyable to watch. Supporting cast in the form of Armie Hammer (playing Cameron Winklevoss / Tyler Winklevoss), Josh Pence (playing Tyler Winklevoss), Max Minghella (playing Divya Narendra), Justin Timberlake (playing Sean Parker) and the various lawyers were well written and performed faultlessly. Justin Timberlake once again proved that he can in fact act and the combination of Armie Hammer and Josh Pence playing the twins was like watching a tennis match between the same player even though it was technically played by the same actor. Very well done in my opinion.

When I first heard about the Facebook film, I was quite skeptical. But honestly, David Fincher (director) has done a fabulous job making this film entertaining and serious at the same time. The screenplay written by Aaron Sorkin might be slightly dramatic but brilliant in a clever sense of way as he has managed to add enough friction to the story to make it a true entertainer while staying true to the basic storyline based on the main characters real life experiences.

No one really knows how exaggerated the book originally was as Ben Mezrich was never able to speak to Mark Zuckerberg while writing the book. His main source of information was co-founder Eduardo Savrin and court documents released to him. So irrespective of how genuine the story is, it makes one good film, worthy a watch in the theater. The added fact that Facebook is in fact a real website, something I used to be addicted to gives the film that added edge making it further interesting to viewers like me.

Plants cars and getting wet

2010-11-17T00:30:00.000+04:00

After the vada pav at Urban Tadka, this is what me and SJ were upto.

Basically I had to shift the remaining stuff i.e. plants, pots, stools, odd leftovers etc to my new house. Coincidently SJ was around so I decided to take her help. We got sweaty, dirty and wet in the process which also left my car quite messy on the inside to compliment the filthy outside. But it was fun in the end...as usual. Anyway shifting has been completed, and we're trying to settle into our new home. This should be fun...I think.

Eid Mubarak

2010-11-16T08:33:00.000+04:00

Camera Model : Canon 7D
Shooting Date/Time : 11/10/2010 17:41:14 PM
Tv(Shutter Speed) : 1/100
Av(Aperture Value) : f3.2
Metering Mode : Pattern
ISO Speed : 200
Lens : EF 16-35mm f2.8 L
Focal Length : 35mm

Urban Tadka

2010-11-15T00:14:00.005+04:00

Winter is still busy being somewhere else which means Dubai is still hot and hazy. This inevitably forces me and SJ to shoot cityscapes early in the morning to get decent results. Early morning means breakfast which unfortunately isn't well catered to in Dubai especially on Friday mornings. Our choices are pretty limited to Ravi, Karachi darbar or something similar. Not the healthiest of choices but worth an indulge once in a while. And then SJ swooped in and recommended Urban Tadka. Situated in Karama(location map), it serves the best vada pav I've had in the UAE or the middle east by a far shot. I've ordered it every single time I've been there i.e. I've yet to taste anything else on their menu. Best part is, it's value for money which puts this on our highly recommended list (at least for their vada pav for now). I even dragged Sagaris there though they were unfortunately closed then. Oddly they've stopped serving vada pao for breakfast recently but we still managed to order 4 as SJ can be quite persuasive.

Bill

4 Vada Pav : AED 20
2 Masala Chai (tea) : AED 4
2 Small bottle of water : AED 2
---------------
Total AED 26

Food...

2010-11-11T10:33:00.003+04:00

I usually don’t blog about food as much as I should or could. I’m not a foodie nor claim to be one (cause everyone else in Dubai seems to be one nowadays); I’m just someone who is quite picky about what goes in his mouth; a little too picky as some people close to me would know. Basically if it smells or looks bad, I don’t care if it’s the most delicious thing in the world, I won’t eat it. On the contrary, if something looks too good, I’m usually not too keen on eating it either. Also if it has a name I do not understand, I skip it (even though it’s my lack of understanding of different cuisines at fault). My only claim to fame (or annoyance for the people around) is my different or weird taste buds that usually disagree with everyone else around. To put it all together, I’m not very adventurous when it comes to food; I prefer sticking with food I like instead of having something that I possibly might not like.

It all comes down to the fact that I’m quite hard to please; being the pessimist I am. This with my certain pungent to be a little too honest (read: harsh) about everything and anything that exists makes a bad combination for the people who try to cook for me. I am usually hardest on the people closest to me; one reason my mom calls me her biggest critic as I’m able to pickle out the smallest of mistakes or changes she might have made in the recipe.

My past inability to have spicy food has always been an obstacle for me to enjoy certain kind of dishes but with some practice, this is being triumphed over. I’ve also become a bit of a risk taker in the sense that lately I’ve been eating out a lot due to certain circumstances (read: SJ). With her assured urge to keep trying out unusual restaurants, I’ve eaten food at places I’ve never heard of. I’ve eaten some of the most delicious sandwiches to some very bad pasta courtesy her brilliant decision skills and my (sometimes bitter) stand to avoid wasting any food. My taste buds are certainly enjoying this rollercoaster ride even though my stomach seems to hate the front row seat.

A change in my food habits and possibly becoming a part of the foodie clan (*shudders*) are certain possibilities in the recipe. Time to mix and match the spices….

Missing playmates

2010-11-04T18:26:00.000+04:00

After scaring off a few couples sitting in cars with our super powerful torchlights, me and SJ decided to have some fun. She was busy doing some day time exposures with her Canon film camera, I did some light painting shots with my 7D that unfortunately sucks at day time exposure due to high noise at any shutter speed over 30 seconds with digital cameras. So while she sat next to her camera, I decided to light her up and bits of the sand with my torchlight to imitate spotlights.

I really didn't know what to caption this picture so I asked on facebook if anyone had any ideas. Feroz came up with this title which I kinda like though SJ finds it kinda funny...

Camera Model : Canon 7D
Shooting Date/Time : 10/23/2010 23:00:04 PM
Tv(Shutter Speed) : 30secs
Av(Aperture Value) : f10
Metering Mode : Pattern
ISO Speed : 100
Lens : EF 16-35mm f2.8 L
Focal Length : 22mm

Guide...

2010-11-03T19:57:00.005+04:00

In march 2004, I joined a car forum. I was 17 years old, used to communicate online in SMS language, my English was dreadful (still is in some ways), made a few friends, quite a few enemies and made a fool of myself trying to argue with some people who were making fun of Islam. In the end I got banned.

Yesterday I met Sagaris, a friend I'd made on the forum who's here on vacation with his parents. It was good to at last meet him as I was unable to meet him when I was in the UK last year as he was busy driving across America in a mustang. Anyway decided to play a guide to him and Sanj (SJ's cousin brother) yesterday.

Was woken up by SJ at 5:45am as we had to leave by 6am. Managed to get out by 6:10am and headed off to Sheraton Deira to pick up Sagaris. Then picked up SJ and Sanj.

Sj wanted to take Sanj to the beach so we headed straight to Jumeirah beach residence.

After several boring minutes, I managed to drag them off to the Arenco building in Dubai Media City to enthrall both the tourists with a view from the 31st floor. After spending an hour or so there (that included 10mins of contradicting the receptionist who was comparing the London tube and the Dubai metro), we made our way to Al Reef Lebanese Bakery to munch on some cheese manakeesh. Sagaris wasn't feeling adventurous so he skipped it. Then we headed off to the the Textile market in Bur Dubai to show them the Dubai creek and Al Bastakiya area.

We then took an Abra ride to Deira, walked to the next abra station looking with awe at the men loading boxes bigger then themselves onto boats

Took the Abra back to Bur Dubai and briskly made our way to some air conditioning i.e. the Dubai Museum. This was my first time there after it was refurbished/upgraded. It wasn't very exciting and we got done with it in a mere 30 minutes.

We made our way next to the Al Aweer used car market being the car freaks me and Sagaris were. It was 38'C which meant it was quite hot for my fair skinned friend, but we still walked around for around half an hour making fun of a few Aston Martins, staring dreamily at a Red Ferrari 328 and getting tempted by some cheap mustangs.

After a quick stop over at a petrol pump to replenish ourself, we randomly drove into the industrial area of Sharjah where I pointed out some garages that sell pieces of cars and explained about the shady business where parts of different cars are put together. Something Sagaris found interesting and weird at the same time.

We made our way then to Khalid lagoon where Sagaris found the Blue souk (also known as Central market souq) quite interesting. We had even decided to stop and check it from the inside but a quick plan change had us driving down at the legal speed limit on the university road as we tried to figure out where the Old Car museum was. We managed to find it and started gawking at the huge collection of vintage cars. With a entrance fee of just AED3, it's a must for any car affectionate. Sagaris and me had a ball of a time checking and commenting on the cars.

Then it was time to head home. 7 hours and 200+kms of fun. Hopefully the next time I'll meet Sagaris, we'll be hurtling down in a mustang on some British country road...