Photography is the way

Photography is the way of feeling, of touching, of loving. What you have caught on film is captured forever…it remembers little things, long after you have forgotten everything, – Aaron Siskind

After yo get a call to go to a story think of a picture you want to take. We need to be visually attracting our readers. There are five most important things you need to bear in mind when taking a picture, viz: exposure, exposure meter, aperture, shutter speed and ISO.

The smaller the f-stop number the bigger the depth of field –  this means the large aperture. For detailed picture (everything in focus) you need to increase the f-stop number (f=11 and upwards).

Things to remember

• When you go out make sure your camera is in right settings
• Check ISO and exposure
• Don’t use flash on MACRO settings
• To get that warmth, take house photos between 4pm and 6pm
• Tripod will always give you great pictures, they are stable
• When taking pictures on Manual: if you want motion in your picture  (1 – 1/250) and to to freeze motion (1/250 – 1/200).
• When you battle with light either under or over-exposed
• Do not use pop-flash with the hood simultaneously

Taking great pictures

• Compose the picture
• Background and foreground are important
• Where do you put your subject
• Shapes and patterns, moods and contrasts
• The edges of the picture
• Judging the moment
• Giving your pictures a sense of depth
• Getting the most from colour, black and white
• Try the abstract approach

Have a great time taking those photographs.

For more photos and news by me visit Southern COURIER website

 

 

Lucky Theo Thusi, News Editor at Caxton South, soccer fanatic. Dynamic photographer. Was a professional dancer for Umoja.

LeadSA honours rhino heroine

THE LeadSA Youth Hero of the Month (February) certificate was awarded to Robertsham Primary School grade 3 learner, Afeefah Patel.

This nine-year-old together with her sister, Aaminah (11), who is also at the school, have taken the fight against rhino poaching to another level. Two years ago Afeefah wrote a letter to President Zuma, pleading with him to do something about saving the rhinos. The letter was published by The Times and reads: “Please tell President Zuma to please look after our rhinos.”

Her father, Shiraaz, said besides recei-ving these accolades; Afeefah has addressed officials including the USA and British High Commissioners in Pretoria. “With her sister Afeefah organised marches in Soshanguve, advocating to stop the slaughter of rhinos and to report poaching. In these marches she delivered speeches in English and Sesotho, calling on the President to meet with them and honour his promise, Tshepiso ke tshepiso (A promise is a promise). She is very happy to receive the award and is the youngest recipient. On Thursday February 27 she spoke on 702 Radio with Xolani Gwala, urging South Africans to save rhinos. “The bleeding must stop,” explained Mr Patel.

Afeefah and Aaminah are now SanPark Junior Rangers, a part of the Eastrand Junior Ranger Programme. “Besides helping the rhinos, I want to be a doctor and help people,” Afeefah said.

Their parents, Shiraaz and Saajida, indicated that their children’s next step is to visit Asia, particularly China and Vietnam, to raise awareness on the misunderstood medicinal value of rhino horns. They want to tell the world that rhino horn is not a medicine. Robertsham Primary School principal Mrs Lynch said they were proud of Afeefaha and Aaminah about the awareness they were creating about rhino poaching. They encourage other learners.

“It started with the letter to the President. I think their statements will have great impact as they come from young voices. The world needs to notice them and stop rhino poaching,” she noted.

Afeefah’s initiative has made her popular, and includes:

• At the South African National Parks (Sanparks) eighth annual Kudu Awards, held at Gallagher Estates on November 30, 2012, her letter won the Corporate Contribution to Conservation Award. This earned her R20 000 and a trophy, becoming the youngest recipient of this prestigious award.
• On January 18 last year Afeefah donated R5 000 of her reward money to the Unite Against Poaching Trust at the Glen Volkswagen. The Glen Volkswagen has donated over R5,7-million to Unite Against Poaching (Save The Rhino).

This year alone 148 rhinos have been killed and dehorned.