Photography etiquette for enthusiastic travelers

Hello, Ram Chary here. I'm a freelance photographer and graphic artist. To hone my skills as a photographer, I explore new places. Sadly, when I travel, I often see people who seem to just point and shoot without being conscious of the culture and surroundings. To make sure that we're not disrespecting people and places when we're out of our comfort zone, let me share with you some travel photography etiquette:

Image source: Pexels.com

Seek permission before taking a photo

While this might seem counterproductive, this is actually the right thing to do especially when visiting conservative communities and countries. Instead of just pointing and shooting at everything you see, ask permission from your host or the people you're going to photograph. In many religions, photographing private prayer areas is prohibited to allow people to meditate without distractions. When photographing children, always ask permission from their guardian or parents. In some cases, I introduce myself as photographer Ram Chary and show them some of my work to ease their doubts.

Image source: Pexels.com

Give space to other photographers
Even if you're the only pro photographer in the area, you still have to give your fellow shutterbugs a chance to get a good photo. When visiting a tourist site that you know will be crowded, it's better to leave your fancy equipment at home. This will prevent loss and damage on your part. When it comes to taking photos, don't stay in one place. Let others take your spot after a few shots and then move to another one. This is especially true for those who want to take have their photos taken with the landmark.

By knowing our boundaries, we show our respect to the people and culture of the foreign place we're visiting. As we explore their lifestyle, we also want to show their best side without overwhelming them.

Hello, I’m Ram Chary from Boston, Massachusetts. I am a freelance photographer and graphic designer who loves to explore new places. For more reads on photography and design, visit this blog.

The best places in Boston to practice your photography skills

There are so many places to explore while in Boston. In my city, you’ll find historical sites and modern centers that will inspire your artsy side. Aside from the usual touristy fare, if you're visiting for the first time and you'd like to go on a photo walk, here are some of the best spots in the city for artsy shots:

Image source: Time.com

Old South Church: Architecture fans shouldn't miss out on this US National Historic Landmark when in Boston. This 19th century Gothic Revival structure at 645 Boylston St. serves as an icon of our rights to free assembly and speech. You can also go on a tour to see the historical exhibitions.

Image source: Britannica.com

Modica Way: If you think you're just passing by an alley, you'll be surprised. When in Cambridge, be sure to stop by this street art exhibition that showcases the artistry of Boston's people. This open-air gallery is a welcome sight that brings a pop of color to Boston's urban context.

Beacon Hill: Go on a walking tour of this iconic neighborhood that housed famous personalities. Check out the charming architecture that can be seen in the federal-style row houses. Take a walk in the cobblestone streets and explore the remnants of the old days in Boston. There's a lot to explore in this area, so I'm sure you'll find many photo spots.

I don't think you can fully enjoy Boston in a day even if you start early in the morning. On your visit, bring your nicest cameras and take your time to immerse in the city's most picturesque places.

Hello, I'm Ram Chary, a freelance photographer and a Boston University alumnus. For more on my hobbies and interests, visit this page.

All you need to know to get started in product photography

Most—if not all—photographers have been using the iPhone since its release more than a decade ago. Other smartphone developers are trying to replicate what the iPhone can give to its consumers with regard to photography. The iPhone just flawlessly delivers photography-wise.

Image source: thisisglow.com

If you’re new to photography and have nothing to spare for a professional camera, you can get started with an iPhone. Explore different modes in your iPhone’s camera app, and just get used to switching through the modes. Once you do this with ease, you can play around with your shots. The iPhone is a simple device; keep your photos simple. Don’t over-edit your photos. There’s a reason the pictures your iPhone takes don’t look fabricated.

Capture close-up detail, and see the intricacy of your subject. Zoom with your feet, and avoid using your iPhone’s built-in zoom. Get close with your subject and see it in detail by tapping on the yellow box on your screen. Take silhouette photos by shooting towards the light. Shoot through objects to provide your subject with a frame. This also allows your iPhone to focus more on the subject.

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Be on the lookout for reflections. Not only does this make for good composition, it can also teach you a symmetry and visual impact. Use diagonal alignment for a more balanced composition. Creating photos such as this also encourages the viewer’s eye to flow effortlessly through the scene. While using editing apps can enhance the photos you’ve taken, using the iPhone itself with intent to learn enhances your skill.

Ram Chary Everi is a 25-year-old freelance photographer and graphic designer from Orlando, Florida. For more photography tips from Ram Chary Everi, subscribe to this blog.

Top landscape photography mistakes to avoid

Image source: Pixabay.com 

There are common, everyday photography mistakes that can spoil a landscape image.  It’s high time to identify and avoid them, and work toward improving one’s images with a little more know-how.  Here are some of these common mistakes to avoid.

Image source: Pixabay.com 

Lack of stability

While creative images can actually benefit from some blurriness, landscape images need to be sharp and crisp all the way.  In order to ensure that one’s images stay sharp, use a tripod.  If shooting in low light, this is an absolute must.

Neglecting foreground interest

It’s easy to get caught up in the allure of one’s main subject, like a regal-looking mountain range.  But this alone won’t make for a beautiful image, as the viewer’s eye will typically look at the foreground first for something interesting.

Lazy field work

One cannot simply rely on too much post-processing.  Take time to determine the best location as well as camera settings before shooting, and strive to get the best photos when out in the field.

Shooting in landscape format alone

It’s not always a must to shoot in horizontal format. In some cases, a portrait or vertical orientation can work marvelously, such as in a forest or mountain scene where the subject is more vertical than horizontal.

Including excess clutter

Some unnecessary elements in an image cam stick out like a sore thumb, so learn to spot these issues before they ruin the end product.

Ram Chary Everi is a 25-year-old freelance photographer and graphic designer from Orlando, Florida, who enjoys tuna fishing. Learn more on this page.

Capturing The Heart Of a Journey Through a Camera Lens

Traveling is one of the favorite perks of many photographers. They get to go to places they’ve never been to and see things they’ve never seen. Traveling isn’t only a perk for travel photographers. In fact, any kind of photographer can do his fair share of travel, depending on the subject. One big tip we can give to photographers who do go on trips is to take it to heart.

Image source: cntraveler.com

Each trip gives off a different experience, and each experience has a heart of its own. Many photographs often take this for granted in hopes of getting their shot. There’s nothing wrong with prioritizing the shoot since that’s the purpose of the trip anyway. But too often do photographers ignore the culture and history surrounding the shoot.

There is beauty in everything. Perhaps if photographers can spare more time, film, and digital space on the things that surround their subjects, they may find that beauty. Who knows? They may even end up enhancing and giving depth to their subject.

Everything about a journey from the foreign people, to the sunrises and sunsets, to the strange customs, to the exclusivity of the natural beauty, to never-before-seen cultures, supplement both the travel and the subjects. Photographers should take advantage of that.

Image source: yomadic.com

Hi, I’m Ram Chary Everi from Boston. I’m a freelance photographer and graphic artist. Visit this Twitter page to know more about photography in general.

Some Graphic Design Tips For Beginners

Often the more prevalent issue with beginning graphic designers is not the inability to draw well, but the unfamiliarity with and application of design theories that make the work stand out. Being talented is good, but being a trained, talented one is even better. Here are some aspects of design to focus on in your designing endeavors.

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Use grids: Symmetry, balance, and structure are essential aspects of graphic design, and applying a grid-based approach is important for discipline and crafting. It’s fine to be adventurous, but more restraint and focus are needed at the beginning of one’s career. Know the rules before breaking them.

Get the balance of text and art right: Balance is key, both for better readability and eye-catching compositions. Leading the viewer’s eyes should be the priority; work on ensuring the size of the text does not drown the surrounding design and vice versa.

Know your typography: Choosing the most fitting font types to match the design intention or campaign is key. For the graphics to reach the target market, they must be visually appealing: minimalist when needed, loud when required.

Brush up on color theory: Manipulating color graphics to create attitude and set mood is part of the graphics designer’s job. Without familiarity of and sufficient study of various color schemes, the graphics output will be severely limited.

Image source:yellowbarnmedia.com

Don’t hesitate to revise: While the first rule is to simply start working on the design, the editing part is equally important and often more crucial. Don’t brush off criticism. On your own, develop an attitude of always looking twice at your work and tweaking little details if needed before submitting it.

Ram Chary Everi here. I’m a graphics design graduate and my services include logo design, marketing ads, magazine design, business cards, and graphic art. For more on my work and interests, subscribe to my Twitterpage.

Want to Learn Graphic Design on Your Own? Here are Three Tips

In a highly competitive industry, many novice graphic designers may feel compelled to get themselves into debt to pay for an expensive education. It is true that graduating from an esteemed university can give beginners a leg up, but it is not essential to starting a brilliant career. There are so many stories of young, talented, and dedicated graphic designers who have made it without going to school. Below are three tips that will prove useful for any aspiring graphic designers.

Image Source: lynda.com

Learn the basics: The biggest mistake novices can make is jumping the gun. Just because someone is naturally talented does not mean that they can instantly earn thousands of dollars. Similar to pursuing a university degree, novices should start from scratch. This entails learning how to draw, researching on graphic design history, and most importantly understanding that their first artworks will not be good. Graphic designers should always know how to criticize their own work -- in a healthy manner, of course. Only the artist themselves can know exactly how much effort was placed in the work, along with its intended message. Learning how to self-criticize is a great skill to learn when studying the art on your own.

Master the software: As much as many people will say they prefer the olden days of hand manipulation, the truth is, you cannot escape photoediting software. The technology becomes especially important when starting out on your own. Remember that you are competing against those who have received hundreds of hours of training for this, so it is crucial to know and master the basic photoediting software.

Finding your specialty: New graphic designers are often asked to experiment with different branches of the art to determine their real passion and talent. Finding your specialty is crucial to building a great career. It not only reduces the amount of competition but helps the novice feel happier about their work.

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The most important consideration when starting a graphic design career on your own is to take the first step. It is understandably scary, but nothing will be gained if no risk is ever taken.
Freelance photographer and graphic designer Ram Chary Everi loves sharing tips about his work on Twitter.