@norman_wo

Norman Wo - Cologne | Model: @alex_m_official -----------------…

Setting the Scene
Let’s dive right into the setup that I used to recreate this captivating photograph. The key lighting component in my setup is a beauty dish, which is positioned on the left side of the camera. It’s paired with a Godox MS 300, set to one by 32 power. As for the rim light, it’s placed slightly behind to accentuate the side of the face, featuring a simple reflector and adjusted to one by 16 power.

My Gear
As for my trusty gear, I used my reliable Sony A7C camera with my kit lens, which I have grown fond of over the years. It’s tethered to Capture One for smooth operation and real-time adjustments.

Post-Processing Magic
Straight out of the camera, I knew some post-processing would be essential to achieve the final result I envisioned. I started by creating a mask for the background, which helped in reducing its exposure carefully. Another mask for the subject allowed me to fine-tune the white balance to my liking. Capture One’s advanced retouching features were indispensable in this process. I used them to contour my face and smooth out the skin, achieving a polished and professional look.

Final Touches

The final step involved my colour grading settings, infusing the image with a particular mood that complements its intense lighting. Once everything was set, I stepped back to evaluate the final image. I must say, I’m quite pleased with how it turned out. What do you think?

Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments below. I love hearing your feedback! Stay tuned for the next recreation adventure. Thank you for being a part of this journey. See you soon!

Subscribe now

2025 has been a bit of a washout photographically! Sort of lost my mojo halfway through. Hardly any photography podcasts or any personal work. I was very focused on practising product photography and did not do any individual projects. So, in a bid to get the creative juices flowing, I forced myself to make the trek to Kariotahi Beach. It's a beautiful black sand beach in South Auckland. I had been here a few months ago in an attempt to capture the Aurora. During low tide, when the beach is wet, it becomes a mirror reflecting the sky. I could not make it to low tide, but I made it for the Sunset. Did you know that the beach is a designated road?

Even though there were lots of clouds in the sky, I couldn't see much colours in the sky. So, I edited a couple of them using a split-tone effect.

Now, as a habit, I am gonna force myself to get out there every weekend to practice. There's no other way to improve my craft, I suppose.

Anyway, here are a few of the shots. I did a bunch of HDR shots as well. All in all, a good exercise for the photographic muscles.

Leave a comment

The year was 2017, the first time I had a real camera in my hands. In fact, it was the first camera that I had ever owned. It was the Pentax K-01, a quirky, mirrorless camera from Pentax. Interestingly, it was the only mirrorless camera ever produced by Pentax. I had bought it for $200 from Auckland Camera, I think.

I had the most fun with that camera, learning, experimenting and discovering photography for the first time. We’ve all heard of the cliche, “Gear Does Not Matter” ~ To create art, I think it shouldn’t. Your gear choices evolve as your skill improves. What is wrong is assuming that better gear will naturally lead to better skill. It just results in a poorer bank balance!

The joy I felt holding that Pentax for the first time, I think, has somehow diminished when the art becomes a 9-to-5 thing.

Yes, you are hired for your skill, but I think it’s crucial to keep that pure, unfiltered joy alive when you are doing art for art’s sake and not for anything else. And that will undoubtedly reflect in the work you do.

So, for 2026, my goal is to go back to that time when I felt like a kid in a candy shop holding that Pentax K-01 in my hands. In the meantime, enjoy these gems from the archives, re-edited in Capture One for your viewing pleasure.

Leave a comment

June, 2023

Sholavandhan, is a sleepy little village on the banks of the River Vaigai, near my home town of Madurai in Tamilnadu state. It is known for its fertile land and acres of green fields. It has a long history going back 1000s of years.

Every June, the village comes alive to the sights and sounds of Janakai Mariamman Festival. This festival goes on for 17 days and on the 8th day of the festival, men and women carry fire pots to the temple, where they fill the fire pit on which the devotees walk the next day.

I was in Madurai for a wedding in the family at that time. It was the middle of a really hot summer and a local blogger & photographer, Rexstane Nissi, pulled me along for this festival.

I took my Sony A7R and a Samyang 135mm f2.0 and we landed in Sholavandhan. It was a challenge shooting at close quarters with a long focal length and it was manual as well! But it was a spectacular experience.

rajeevnz

A post shared by @rajeevnz

It was such an amazing experience to capture and document a part of my culture in such a vivid manner. I am truly lucky to call myself a photographer!

Hope you liked these images! Do share this across your network with people who might enjoy these images. Thanks for dropping by!

As the first rays of sunlight caress the magnificent Brihadeeswarar Temple, I begin my photographic journey through this architectural marvel. The temple, also known as the Big Temple, stands as a testament to the Chola dynasty's architectural brilliance, its towering 216-foot vimana (temple tower) dominating the Thanjavur landscape.

Morning Arrival and First Impressions

The early morning brings a unique energy to the temple complex. Devotees begin to arrive, their movements creating a rhythmic dance of spiritual devotion. The massive fort-like walls surrounding the temple create an imposing yet welcoming atmosphere.

As the Sun was rising, the sky turned yellow and blue. It was absolutely a great time to shoot silhouettes of the grand structure. I hope I did justice to it.

The temple's architectural marvel becomes even more apparent as the sunlight reveals its extraordinary craftsmanship. Built between 1003 and 1010 CE by Rajaraja Chola I, the temple is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that showcases the pinnacle of Chola architectural achievement.

The temple's design is remarkable - constructed without mortar, it stands as a testament to the engineering skills of its time. The morning light plays beautifully across the stone surfaces, creating a photographer's paradise.

I had visited the Big Temple, a couple of years ago, with my parents. At that time, I did explore the details so much and I was too focussed on the structure. This time, I did not make that mistake and explored the sculptures on the walls.

The Nandi (sacred bull) at the Brihadeeswarar Temple in Thanjavur is a remarkable architectural marvel with several distinctive features:

• Carved out of a single rock

• Measures approximately 16 feet long and 13 feet high

• Weighs about 25 tonnes

• Dimensions: 2 m in height, 6 m in length, and 2.5 m in width

As the Sun got higher in the sky, the temple complex came alive. It was thronging with devotees of all types - Sabarimala, Melmaruvathoor, tourists from all corners of India.

As I walked the corridor surrounding the temple, I came across several ancient frescoes, crumbling in the face of time.

As I wound down my visit, I could feel the connection with Raja Raja Cholan. The fact that this temple has stood the test of time is truly remarkable. The temple stands as a testament to the extraordinary engineering, artistic, and cultural capabilities of the Chola dynasty in the 11th century.

Thanks for reading this photo essay and accompanying my on this extraordinary journey across the Chola empire. Please do subscribe to my channel and share this post to someone who will like this.

As we wrapped up our journey in Kumbakonam, our last day was filled with excitement as we set off early in the morning to explore two remarkable temples: Konerirajapuram and Pazhayarai. Each temple holds a unique place in Tamil Nadu's cultural and spiritual landscape, showcasing the architectural brilliance and historical significance of the Chola dynasty.

Konerirajapuram: A Glimpse into Chola History

Our first stop was the Uma Maheswarar Temple at Konerirajapuram, a site steeped in history. This temple is believed to have been constructed in the 10th century by Sembiyan Mahadevi, the grand aunt of Raja Raja Chola I, making it one of the few temples built by a woman in Chola royalty.

As we arrived, we were greeted by the sight of lush paddy fields, setting a serene backdrop for our visit.The temple features a stunning pond opposite its entrance, and on this day, preparations were underway for an upcoming festival.

One of the most significant aspects of this temple is its Nataraja bronze, reputed to be the largest of its kind. The poojari, a skilled storyteller, shared captivating legends about this idol made from panchaloka alloys—a blend of gold, silver, copper, iron, and zinc. According to lore, Lord Shiva consumed this metal concoction and transformed into a living idol before the sculptor's eyes. The intricate details of the Nataraja statue left us in awe, although photography was restricted within the sanctum.

The temple's walls are adorned with beautiful paintings and miniature sculptures, though it was evident that some areas were in need of restoration. I managed to capture a few images of the paintings on my phone.

Pazhayårai: The Mythical Capital

Next, we ventured towards Pazhayarai, known as Ayiratalli or "the land of a thousand temples." Our journey took us on a bit of a detour thanks to Google Maps, but we eventually arrived at the Pazhayarai Somanathaswami Temple. Surprisingly, we encountered cattle roaming freely in the courtyard—a reminder of the temple's rural setting.

This temple boasts a rich history dating back to the 7th century during the Chola dynasty and contains inscriptions detailing donations made by Kundavai Nachiyar, sister to Raja Raja Chola I.

Upon approaching the temple, we were enveloped by the resonant chants of "Om Namachivaya," creating an atmosphere charged with spirituality.

Hidden behind its walls was an expansive temple complex that echoed centuries of devotion.This temple is also mentioned in the Tevaram, hymns composed by Tamil saints like Appar and Thirugnana Sampanthar, further highlighting its significance.

My interest in visiting this site was piqued after watching Ponniyin Selvan, and stepping into this historical space felt like fulfilling a personal wish.

The architectural beauty of Somanathaswami Temple is remarkable, showcasing intricate carvings and inscriptions that reflect the artistic prowess of its creators during the Chola period.

A Testament to Cultural Heritage

Both Konerirajapuram and Pazhayarai serve as enduring testaments to Tamil Nadu's rich cultural heritage and the legacy of the Chola dynasty. While our time was limited—preventing us from exploring more temples in this historically rich region—we cherished every moment spent at these sacred sites.

As we concluded our visits in Kumbakonam, I felt grateful for the opportunity to connect with such profound history and spirituality. Each temple not only tells stories from centuries past but also continues to inspire devotion among countless visitors today.

It’s been a hectic week, and as I sit down to reflect on my travels, I realize this is the last weekend before we head back to Auckland. This trip has been nothing short of fantastic. I've visited amazing locations, forged wonderful memories with my parents, and reconnected with friends and family. And the icing on the cake? Capturing it all through my lens.

In this blog post, I want to share my experience visiting the Kampaheswarar Temple in Thirubhuvanam, a sleepy little village near Kumbakonam, Tamil Nadu.

A Scenic Drive

The journey to Thirubhuvanam was a scenic delight. As we drove through the countryside, we passed by verdant paddy fields, lush and vibrant, ready for harvest. The golden hues of the ripening rice contrasted beautifully with the deep green of the leaves, creating a stunning landscape that felt almost surreal.

This route not only provided a feast for the eyes but also set a tranquil tone for our visit to the temple. The gentle sway of the fields in the breeze seemed to whisper stories of the land and its people.

The Temple's Historical Significance

Upon reaching the Kampaheswarar Temple, I was immediately struck by its grandeur. Built by Kulothunga Chola III in the early 13th century, this temple is considered one of the last masterpieces of the great Chola dynasty. It was constructed to commemorate one of Kulothunga's military victories and stands as a testament to the architectural brilliance of that era.

While some renovations have taken place over the years, remnants of the original structure still remain. Notably, I was captivated by two twin figurines depicting a pregnant woman and a mother. The level of detail in these micro sculptures is astounding, showcasing the exceptional craftsmanship of ancient artisans.

Architectural Marvels

As I explored further into the temple complex, I was mesmerized by the intricately carved pillars that lined the halls. Each pillar tells its own story through detailed carvings that depict various deities and mythological scenes. The artistry here is not just decoration; it reflects a deep spiritual significance and reverence for tradition.

The temple follows Dravidian architectural style, characterized by its towering vimana (sanctum tower) that rises above everything else. The gopuram (entrance tower) is equally impressive, drawing visitors into this sacred space with its majestic presence.

Capturing Moments

Throughout my visit, I made sure to capture every moment with my camera. From wide-angle shots of the temple's exterior against the backdrop of clear blue skies to close-ups of those mesmerizing sculptures, each photograph tells a part of this temple's story.

As I wrap up this exploration of Thirubhuvanam’s Kampaheswarar Temple, I invite you to check out my blog where you can see these images in full resolution.

Thank you for joining me on this journey! If you enjoyed reading about my experience, please leave a like or share it with someone who would appreciate it too.

This is Rajeev signing off until our next adventure!

• Shot on Sony A7C and Viltrox 20mm f2.8

• Edited on Capture One

The Airavateswara Temple, located in Darasuram near Kumbakonam, Tamil Nadu, is a stunning example of Chola architecture and artistry, built in the 12th century by King Rajaraja Chola II. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is renowned for its intricate sculptures and detailed carvings, making it a significant cultural treasure.

The temple is constructed in the Dravidian architectural style, resembling a grand chariot being pulled by elephants and horses. Its impressive five-tiered vimana (tower) rises to 24 meters, showcasing the temple's grandeur despite its smaller size compared to other Chola temples like those in Thanjavur and Gangaikondacholapuram. The use of a traditional interlocking stone system has allowed this architectural wonder to withstand the test of time, earning it the description of "poetry in stone" due to the stories intricately carved into its façade.

One of the temple's most captivating features is its micro carvings, which are remarkably detailed despite measuring only 1-2 inches in height. These tiny sculptures depict various deities and mythological scenes, showcasing the exceptional skill of Chola artisans. The ceilings are adorned with carvings representing dance poses and mudras, while every corner of the temple complex reveals more artistic expressions, from life-sized figures to elaborate reliefs.

The temple’s design incorporates elements that reflect themes of devotion and spirituality, making it not just an architectural marvel but also a place of worship deeply embedded in religious lore. The Airavateswara Temple in Darasuram stands as a testament to the artistic brilliance of the Chola dynasty. Its intricate sculptures, unique architectural features, and rich history make it an essential destination for anyone interested in Indian art and culture. A visit to this temple is not merely an exploration of architecture; it is an immersion into a world where stone tells stories and art transcends time.

How does it compare with the Big Temple and Gangai Konda Cholapuram? I feel this temple is epitome of Chola artistry. They reached a peak with the construction of this temple. Having visited all 3, I can whole heartedly say that Darasuram is at the top of my list. I had a great time documenting the temple and the photos don’t do enough justice, in my opinion, to the grandeur and artistry of this magnificent edifice in stone.

Share

The Thirumohoor Kalamegaperumal Temple, located near Melur in the Madurai district of Tamil Nadu, is a significant Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu, revered here as Kalamega Perumal. This temple is one of the 108 Divya Desams, which are considered the holiest abodes of Vishnu, and it plays a crucial role in the spiritual and cultural landscape of the region.

I headed out there to meet an old friend and relative of mine. We reconnected after losing contact many years ago. It was a quaint place for a reunion I should say.

The temple is believed to have been constructed in the 7th century CE by the Pandya kings, with later enhancements made during the rule of the Madurai Nayaks. It is renowned for its rich architectural style, exemplifying Dravidian architecture with intricate carvings and towering gopurams (gateway towers) that are characteristic of South Indian temples.

We will look at some of the sculptures that I was drawn to at this temple.

My friend pointed out that one of the sculptures looked like a character from Hellboy! I definitely think so. I leave it to your imagination as to which one it is. :-)

I edited them on Capture One - my raw editor of choice. Its AI based masking tools are amazing. I was quickly able to isolate the sculptures and dodge the background to black. Amazing tool really!

The temple complex is encircled by a granite wall and features a prominent five-tiered rajagopuram. But what I was more enamoured by was the sculptures.

This one was spectacular in detail and it was amazing to see the work of the unknown artist who did this poetry in stone. So intricate!

I close this photo essay with this beautiful sculpture of a lady. Just look at the alluring posture!

If you have read this far, I have a request: give a listen to my Photo Country Podcast available on Substack or on Spotify. Its been featured on Feedspot’s Top 100 Photography Podcasts.

I certainly enjoyed capturing these lovely sculptures. I hope you enjoyed them too!

On to the next photography adventure!

Nestled in the heart of Madurai, the Thirumalai Nayakar Mahal stands as a remarkable example of architectural brilliance from the 17th century. Built by King Thirumalai Nayak in 1636, this palace is a stunning fusion of Dravidian, Islamic, and Rajput architectural styles, with notable European influences. Its intricate design and monumental pillars not only reflect the grandeur of its time but also tell the story of a rich cultural heritage.

I headed out there with a friends and family as the first stop in our visit back to my hometown. I had my Viltrox 20mm f2.8 affixed on the Sony A7C. I had bought this lens primarily for my India trip and this was my first outing with it.

The Nayakar Mahal with its huge pillars and grand vistas got my imagination rolling. I realised that it was a great place to try out black and whites and silhouettes.

The Pillars: Guardians of History

One of the most striking features of the Thirumalai Nayakar Mahal is its massive pillars. These pillars are not merely structural elements; they are monumental sculptures that embody the artistry and engineering prowess of the Nayak Dynasty. Standing approximately 80 feet tall and 20 feet wide, these pillars create an imposing presence that leaves visitors in awe. The sheer scale of these columns is such that it takes several adults to encircle just one pillar, emphasizing their grandeur and strength.

The palace originally boasted around 200 pillars, many of which line the expansive corridors connecting various sections of the palace. Each pillar is adorned with intricate carvings that showcase traditional motifs and designs, reflecting a blend of local craftsmanship and foreign influences brought in by European architects.

One thing I did notice was that the lens kept hunting for focus. I do realise that I have not updated the firmware on the lens and hopefully that will fix the issue. Nevertheless for the price point, the image quality that this tiny lens produces is nothing less than outstanding.

It was really sunny outside and the next thing I tried was a high key style photo. This image was intentionally overexposed for the hightlights, creating this burst of light in the centre offset by a visitor sitting in the corner. I really loved the way Capture One has rendered this image. With Capture One I have intentionally turned down the amount of editing that I do on an image and keep it as natural as possible.

Architectural Style: A Blend of Cultures

The architectural style of Thirumalai Nayakar Mahal is often described as Indo-Saracenic, characterized by its grand arches, domes, and intricate stuccowork. The central courtyard, measuring an impressive 42,000 square feet, is surrounded by high decorated arches that further enhance the palace's majestic appearance.

The influence of Islamic architecture is evident in the scalloped arches and ornate ceilings, while the robust structure reflects traditional Dravidian elements.The Sorgavilasam(Celestial Pavilion) within the palace is particularly noteworthy. It showcases a vast hall constructed entirely without rafters or girders, demonstrating advanced engineering techniques for its time. This pavilion serves as a focal point for visitors, drawing them into its historical significance and architectural beauty.

I particularly loved how Capture One’s Match Look works perfectly with recreating the same look across all my images. Worked perfectly every time! I did take a lot of images of the huge courtyard and the frescos on the ceiling. But that is not the focus of this essay. This is purely B&W and silhouettes.

Overall, a satisfactory first outing with my Viltrox lens. It has not left my camera at all, since the day it was mounted on it. Viltrox has a winner!

In Conclusion:

Today, Thirumalai Nayakar Mahal remains a symbol of Madurai's rich history and architectural heritage. Despite facing challenges over centuries—including partial demolitions by later rulers—the palace has been partially restored to preserve its grandeur for future generations.

As you explore this magnificent palace through black and white photography, each image captures not just the architectural details but also the essence of a bygone era. The interplay of light and shadow on the grand pillars and arches creates a timeless narrative that invites viewers to reflect on the artistry and history encapsulated within these walls.

Thirumalai Nayakar Mahal is more than just a historical site; it is a living testament to the artistic achievements and cultural amalgamation that define Madurai. Its majestic pillars stand as silent witnesses to centuries of history, inviting all who visit to appreciate their beauty and significance.

I hope you enjoyed this photo essay. Follow me on Instagram and make sure to follow me on Substack as well for my latest and greatest podcast episodes.

Subscribe now

One such set are landscape shots captured around the country. Especially, from the South Island. In my opinion, South Island has lots to give to the landscape photographer.

https://store.photocountry.co/albums/288733-landscapes-of-new-zealand

https://store.photocountry.co/images/021526398-southern-alps-mountain-range-near-glenorchy-new-zealand

Image on the left | Image on the right

Once at Lake Tekapo, we headed out on a drive early morning to see the fall views. We encountered some surreal landscapes straight out of the movies. The fall colours on the desolate landscape was breathtaking.

https://store.photocountry.co/images/021540182-lake-tekapo-new-zealand

Lake Tekapo, known in Māori as Takapō, is a stunning highland lake located in the Mackenzie Basin of New Zealand's South Island. It is renowned for its striking turquoise colour, which results from glacial silt suspended in the water, and is part of a UNESCO Dark Sky Reserve, making it an exceptional destination for stargazing.

We did not have much luck with stargazing, but we did catch this group of friends enjoying the crisp fall sunrise that morning.

https://store.photocountry.co/images/021540185-lake-pukaki-canterbury-district-new-zealand

Lake Pukaki is a stunning alpine lake located in the Mackenzie Basin on New Zealand's South Island. It is renowned for its vibrant turquoise blue color, which is attributed to glacial flour—extremely fine rock particles suspended in the water, resulting from glacial activity. This lake is the largest of three parallel lakes in the area, the others being Lakes Tekapo and Ōhau, all formed by glacial moraines blocking their respective valleys.

This was one of the best shots that I got out of that trip. We stopped by the roadside and captured this panoramic view of the majestic Pukaki.

Image on the left | Image on the right

We took a detour and went to the Omarama Clay Cliffs. These cliffs are a striking geological formation located near the town of Omarama. These cliffs are renowned for their tall pinnacles and narrow ravines, which have been shaped by natural processes over millions of years.

https://store.photocountry.co/albums/288733-landscapes-of-new-zealand

I close this photo essay, with a shot of this small pond that we encountered on the way to Queenstown. This is just outside the town of Cromwell. It was a picturesque site with this pond ringed by these trees in beautiful shades of yellow and green.

All of these beautiful memories can be found on my store / portfolio. The best way to support my photography as I continue to try and capture images around the world is to buy one of my prints!

Thanks for reading this Photo Essay. I look forward to your feedback. You can subscribe to Photocountry and get on the chat to share your views.

We headed out to Sunset Beach this weekend. It had been a while that Niloyd and I had gone out on a photo walk. So, it was a good to get back on the photo trail.

Sunset beach is located at Port Waikato. And this location has quite a bit of history attached to it. The area was first settled by Māori from the Tainui waka 700-800 years ago, who used the river for transportation, trade, and as a source of sustenance.

In the 19th century, Port Waikato gained importance during the New Zealand Wars. It was established as one of the first colonial settlements after the wars, starting in 1863. The port served as a crucial link for coastal trade, with ships traveling between Auckland's Manukau Harbour and Waikato Heads for nearly a century from the 1860s.

Today, the beach has been majorly affected by erosion and many houses are on the verge of collapsing into the sands below the sand dunes. Its desolate, windswept and ideal location if you are a photographer looking for a classic, windswept kiwi beach look.

For me, it was a chance to practice my long exposure using the ancient volcanic rocks on the beach.

It was so windy that it knocked over my tripod with the camera on it, while I was struggling to get the ND filters out. Phew! it was a close call, I tell you.

After many attempts this was the best composition that I could come up with.

• 30 second exposure

• K & F 3 stop ND filter

• F11 on Cosina 19-35 / Sony A7C

Meanwhile, Niloyd had disappeared to the other end of the beach, right at the river head where the mighty Waikato meets the sea.

The desolation of this place has to be seen to be believed. It is just amazing. Here is one shot that took my breathe away. I processed this on Capture One with a bit of split tone effect on it.

As I started walking towards the northern point of the beach, I saw a man and his dog walking towards me in the distance. I am a sucker for negative space. So, I had to take this shot.

So, talking about erosion, I stumbled upon a house that is in danger of losing the land that it is standing on to erosion.

My favourite shot of the lot was of a section of the sand dune. I processed it as a fine art black and white photographer and I just love it!

I decided to clamber up on to the sand dunes. The sand was so soft that my feet kept sinking it and I was making no progress at all. Finally managed to reach the top and the view was spectacular. The yellowish grass holding the dune together against the blackish sand, set against an overcast sky was jaw droppingly amazing.

All in all, it paid to get up at 3.30 am to get to this location! Would definitely be coming again for sure!

These are available as prints or digital downloads on my online store -

https://store.photocountry.co/

Make sure to visit my store and get some prints. Your support is greatly appreciated.

Share

If you're a photographer, you've probably felt it at some point: the feeling that no one cares about your work. You spend hours taking photos, editing them, and sharing them online, but you only get a handful of likes and comments. It's enough to make you want to give up altogether.

But don't worry, you're not alone. Many photographers feel the same way every day. And there are a few reasons for that.

I was inspired to write this article after seeing this video from Sean Tucker.

In this video, he puts forward an interesting hypothesis. He posits that most of the photographers who react to photos on social media are beginners. So, sometimes photos that you might consider simple will get loads of attention and photos that are more nuanced might not gather any attention at all. This is not to say your photos are bad. They simply might be too grown up for beginner photographers.

So, just because your photos don't get any likes or comments, it doesn't mean that they are bad! Another photographer, Simon Baxter, who specializes in woodland photography agrees. It is a reflection of your growth as a photographer.

Couple of things that have worked for me lately:

Take photos for you and for no one else:

I have long felt like an imposter and always felt the need for external validation, constantly checking on the likes and follow. Social media is a trap, forcing your work into a pattern. So, I realised, I need to create art that I wanted to do. If folks like it, so be it. If they don’t, it’s fine as well! Eventually, there will be someone who will like it.

rajeevnz

A post shared by @rajeevnz

Expand your horizons:

Initially, I started off like everyone else, photographing sunrises and sunsets on the beaches of Auckland. Don’t get me wrong, there is nothing wrong with it! I still do the occasional sunrise or sunset. But I wanted to do more, and get into other genres as well.

rajeevnz

A post shared by @rajeevnz

Shoot with Intent

Currently, I am on a mission to learn table top photography - everything that I can learn about shooting still life and products. What I find is works, take a simple subject, and experiment with camera angles, light position and intensity, blocking and reflecting light. Essentially tweak everything that is under your control and see how it affects the end result. It has been really interesting to see just small changes can result in transformative changes in the end result.

Photography is a personal journey and more often than not it is a solitary exercise. Sometimes it is very therapeutic just doing the exercise of shooting a couple of tomatoes!

You can only connect the dots in hindsight. Photography has been an unexpected accident in my life and it has give me so much. It was what lead me into podcasting and has opened up so many other opportunities as well.

And that my friends, is why I should care about my photography. :)