Just use any camera available

It’s almost impossible for us to be without a camera. Whilst some of us would insist on taking pictures with a dSLR and no trust anything else, we should remember that that it no longer required.

I recently write on my Facebook page about,

‘What’s the ideal camera for you? It’s the one you already have. Whether tacebook pait’s in a phone or a small digital compact or even the old film camera you left in a box somewhere. Master that one first before you start thinking of buying a new one. Cultivate your vision and imagination first then find the equipment to bring your vision to reality’….

If you enjoy photography, there is no need to go gear crazy. Just use whatever you have.

This picture was taken with the iPhone 3GS. Effects supplied by the Chase Jarvis’ iPhone apps Bestcamera which is a great little app…

 

The Leica Man

After a long hiatus from writing, I’m finally back and am determined to maintain a semblance of commitment to writing.

Life is a little bit more exciting since my latest acquisition. After months of deliberating and anxiety I finally went ahead and got my Leica digital rangefinder, a silver M8.2 and a very nice Leica 35mm f/2.0 pre asphalt Summicron. I knew from the first few pictures I took that I should have done this a long time ago.

I also bought the Voigtlander 15mm f/4.5 Super Wide Heliar and the 50mm f/1.2 Notkon (which is still way less than what I paid for the 35mm Summicron). These 3 lenses satisfied 90% of my lens requirements though I am tempted to fill in the other 10% with a longer lens probably a 90mm Summicron.

I took the M8.2 out for a spin to take pictures during my cousins wedding. What a difference it makes. I can immediately see that my whole photography has changed and the picture taking experience is so much more satisfying. Though metering is still a bit tough for me (I’m pampered by the whole slew of metering from the Canon EOSes I’ve been using), after awhile I am sure it will come naturally and I can’t wait to use it for an actual assignment.

Below is a portrait of my cousin taken during the wedding.

Leica M8.2
Voigtlander 50mm f/1.1 Nokton
Processed in Aperture
Black and white conversion in Adobe Photoshop CS4

 

My new toy

I just bought myself a Lomo Oktomat. It’s completely unpredictable but way fun……. Sometimes the best things in life are free (or nearly free). My Oktomat cost me RM 165. More fun than my digital bodies (yawn)……

 

Reza Ali Photography – Portrait Portfolio

I love taking portraits of people. There’s nothing like that feeling you get when someone see a print of their portrait for the first time. The big smile, the sparkle in the eye. Whatever inhibition or shyness they have disappears when they see a beautiful portrait of themselves.

These are a selection of portraits I have taken. I have chosen portraits to show a variety of styles that I have pursued. Taking a picture is really easy but taking a portrait that shows the essence of a person requires more than technical knowledge. The most difficult (and on the other hand, the easiest) aspect I find is to get a connection with the person I am taking a portrait of. A portrait is not only an image of a person but is a reflection of who the person is.
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Reza Ali is a photographer in Malaysia specialising in portrait photography.

 

For Reza Ali Training and Consulting, please click here….

Thanks for coming by. I haven’t written any post in awhile as I focussing on a new personal project. Come read about it below. I also have a new website.  Come visit the new Reza Ali ReActivated Website.

About Reza Ali

Reza Ali Reactivated tells of the journey of Reza Ali as he embarks on transforming himself from a 120kg (35kg overweight) 46 inch waist unhealthy and unfit person to someone who can compete in a triathlon. Don’t be afraid to dream. Take action. Correct your mistakes. Learn from failures. Bit by bit, you will get closer to your dream.

If I Can Do It, So Can You…..

You can also come and support Reza by joining the Reza Ali ReActivated facebook fan page.

 

Developing black and white film….

I’m finally going to do it. Develop my own black and white film. I have all the stuff that I need and I am about to attempt it for the first time.

 

My Journey in Mastering Portrait Photography

I wanted to show the changes and evolution I have gone though in my portrait work. Right from the very first portraits I took nearly 2 1/2 years ago until the very recent. What a journey. Lots of mistakes. Lots of learnings. Lots of fun. Lots of pain and anxiety.

So ladies and Gentlemen, I present you ‘My Journey in Masteting Portrait Photography’.

 

Taking pictures at the Olympics have started….

The 2008 Beijing Olympics started with a huge bang I find myself being glued both to the TV as well as my Mac. Lots of blogs to read regarding the Olympics. One great one is Vincent Laforet’s blogging for Newsweek. Vincent is a photographer covering the Beijing Olympics who takes the time to write down his experiences for the 2008 Olympics. You can read his blog here…

 

DIY Softbox

I’ve been busy again, this time making a small softbox for the speedlite. Have a look. Obviously the one below and on top are softboxes lit by Speedlites 580EX and 580 EXII. The one in the middle is a home made snoot with grid lit by a Nikon SB-16 which was given to me by my late uncle a long time ago. Didn’t have a use for it until now.

This is a picture of them in action.

Am gonna test them soon with a subject and I’ll giver a heads up on what they are capable of. If it works, I’m gonna make bigger softboxes.

 

Flash Diffuser

I made this flash diffuser after reading Chuck Gardner’s instructions on how he builds his flash diffuser and I added some modifications of my own.. It’s very power efficient and directs the light anywhere you want it. The other great thing is that it becomes flat when dismantled.

See more and read on to find out how to make your own.

 

Featured Photojournalism – Jama Masjid, New Delhi 2008

I took this image during my 2008 Tour of India’s ‘Triangle’ of New Delhi, Agra and Jaipur. This one was taken at Jama Masjid in New Delhi. It was mid-afternoon and the sunlight was very nicely diffused making it perfect for these kind of images. The challenge in getting these kind of images is to establish a rapport as soon as possible. I looked this man right in the eye, pointed at my camera (asking for permission to take the photo), he nodded and I clicked. Be polite, be quick and be thankful….

Canon EOS 1D Mark III
EF 24-70mm f/2.8 L

f/2.8 1/160th ISO 200 Aperture Priority