ZK

Glamour shots

2009-12-11T22:34:00.002-05:00

My lovely model Mariam (Nina) Siddique who convinced me she had no idea how to pose; yet astounded me aswell as herself. Thanks Nina for letting me photograph and direct you, it was easier than you led me to believe. My lighting set up was Glamour lighting, also known as stacked lighting . Two soft boxes stacked one on top of the other. The lower soft box angling up 45 degrees and the top soft box angling down 45 degrees. It lights up the subject entirely from head to toe giving a soft, even glow on the skin while still allowing me to play with shadows and lighting patterns on the face. YAY!

Model: Mariam Siddique

Boston Common Tree Lighting

2009-12-06T22:30:00.002-05:00

As a Haligonian (a person from Halifax, NS, Canada) I was very proud to attend the Tree Lighting ceremony on Thursday, Dec 3rd. It is the 38th year that Nova Scotia has given a tree to the people of Boston as thanks for relief efforts following the December 6, 1917, explosion of a munitions ship in Halifax Harbour. Within 24 hours of the disaster a train loaded with supplies and emergency personnel was making its way from Boston to Nova Scotia. 2009 marks the 92nd Anniversary of the Halifax Explosion.

Happy Holidays Boston!!

The Tree Lighting followed by fireworks

Glowsticks were popular with the crowd at Boston Commons

The Tree Lighting was a family event

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!!!

Low Key Lighting

2009-11-27T19:44:00.002-05:00

Low key Lighting brings flare and drama to an image. The shadows create a dark, mysterious mood. I liked how my subjects' clothes melted away into the background and how their skin glowed with the light of the soft box. My set up was a black backdrop and one softbox at a 45 degree angle.

High Key Lighting

2009-11-27T19:24:00.004-05:00

I had a ball shooting my high key lighting assignment. The bright backgrounds made my subjects stands out and the lighting gave way for a feeling of lightness and happiness. I lit two umbrellas on the background to blow out out the background in my photographs. Then lit my subject with two softboxes. No shadow, even light on the face and a fun way to freeze motion. Thanks to my lovely models Salma Pothiawala, Zamzam Syed and Amina Altaf. You ladies were easy to shoot because you were willing to have fun!

MODEL: AMINA ALTAF

MODEL: SALMA POTHIAWALA

MODEL: ZAMZAM SYED

Open Mike Bash

2009-11-15T21:49:00.000-05:00

There are 3 weeks left till the Primary Elections and campaigning is in full force. I attended 'Open Mike Bash' which was hosted by Mike Capuano. Mike Capuano is a Democrat running for Senate. The event offered an insight to the candidate. There was a Q/A session which allowed people who were on the fence about Capuano to choose for him or not. A nice highlight to the evening was the appearance of Capuano's famous actor nephew, Chris Evans, who endorsed his uncle. Katherine Dukakis and House Sopeaker Nancy Pelosi have endorsed Mike Capuano aswell.

Mike Capuano's two sons and nephew

(L-R: Joseph Capuano, Chris Evans, Michael Capuano)

Barbara Capuano and Katherine Dukakis join Mike Capuano onstage

Q/A Session

Mike Capuano being interviewed by Channel 7 News

Katherine Dukakis

Mayoral Elections 2009

2009-11-04T23:45:00.002-05:00

I went out to vote this Tuesday at Cathedral High School and was able to take pictures of what was happening inside as well as outside.

Supporters of the candidates, and each others rivals, outside Cathedral High School

Happy to be volunteering for the city of Boston

Outdoor reflector

2009-11-01T21:23:00.003-05:00

I took headshots of my mum outdoors in the courtyard of my apartment building. I used a light form panel infront of the light of the sun. This threw a soft light on my mum's face. I then tried adding a fill flash which helped fill in the shadows. I am pleased with the results below:-

Boston Book Festival

2009-10-25T19:32:00.001-04:00

Boston Book Festival took place on Saturday, Oct. 24th in Copley Square. As the afternoon rain came pouring down, the square was filled with music, publishers, booksellers, famous authors and avid readers.

Tufts 10K Marathon

2009-10-19T11:44:00.001-04:00

VJ Critique

2009-10-19T07:48:00.000-04:00

NOLA

2009-10-06T21:31:00.000-04:00

Check out the Architecture I was able to capture in NOLA. A mix of Spanish and French Revolution in America.

Wedding on a Budget- Top 10 Ideas

2009-09-05T21:06:00.000-04:00

Who do we get married for? For ourselves or for the hundreds of guests we are obliged to invite?

Why do we throw lavish weddings? To portray our personalities or to impress our guests?

Well listed below are a few ideas that will allow you to impress your guests, let your personality show and make you Wedding AFFORDABLE!!!!

# 1. Cut down your Guest list:

The more guests you invite, the more your costs will increase. From catering costs, centerpieces, favours and rentals. Specify to single friends they can't bring a date and tell friends with children not to bring the little tykes. I know it seems harsh but look at it this way, you may FINALLY be able to introduce your single friend to the Groom's single best man; and your married friends need a break from parenting once in a while.

# 2. Save on Postage:

Forget the olden days of writing your return address and then licking the sickeningly sweet postage glue for every envelope. Waste of money and precious time. Ask your guests to reply online or by telephone. Not only is it convenient for the guests but a saving grace for you.

# 3. Sample shopping for Wedding Dress and Accessories:

Sample sales generally happen once a year (twice a year if you live in Boston ). You'll get to shop for designer gowns at rock-bottom prices.

Also look into renting your Wedding dress and Accessories. You will only wear it once and then the dress will be packed and stored away. Renting will save you HUNDREDS of dollars.

# 4. Get hitched during the week:

Get married on a weekday or on a Sunday. Friday and Saturday weddings have to be booked well in advance, putting more pressure on the couple to find the location of their dreams before another couple swipes it. There is less demand for weekdays Weddings which in turn would allow more favourable vendor rates.

# 5. Save on Decorations:

Getting married on a major holiday will mean your church is likely to be decorated. This will save you buying flowers for the Church. Also consider a candlelit ceremony, what a great ambiance this creates. Romantic, gorgeous and totally inexpensive.

# 6. Ask for help from Family and Friends:

Pool your family's and friends' resources to cut back on some expenses. Ask your musician cousins who played at the Christmas family dinner last year or what about one of your siblings as the MC (don't exclude them from the Wedding party though). What about asking your friend who is in photography school who will give you a great low rate and some fun freebies. Look into contacting a photography school and find someone whose work you can check out and tell them your budget. You will be surprised what you may find.

# 7. Crafty creations:

Gather your family and friends for a creative afternoon. Everyone wants to be a part of your big day but don't hold it against anyone who can't help out. Figure out how you want to make your centerpieces, favours and invitations first BEFORE inviting everyone over. Too many ideas and suggestions will only confuse you. So get your "creative team" together for an afternoon and set up the assembly line. Make sure you put out snacks and some fun tunes so that it feels like a party and not like work.

# 8. Food and Drink:

Be upfront with your caterer about your budget. Buffets are cheaper than a four-course meal plus it allows for more culinary variety. Ask if you can get an outside vendor for the liquor or if just serving wine and beer is cost-effective and fits your budget. You also have the option of having an open bar only during the cocktail hour then turning it into a cash bar. Don't feel obligated to serve alcohol especially if you and your Groom do not drink, so go dry!

# 9. Online shopping:

With the internet at our fingertips we have so much power. Check out eBay or Craigslist for dresses, accessories, favours, cake-toppers, ring pillows and much, much more. Definitely be aware of shipping times that should not exceed two weeks. If you are able to go look at the items before purchasing then do so. If not, call up the vendor and describe what you're looking for and ask if they either have it or whether their online description matches your own.

# 10. Wedding Invitations:

Forget personal engravings, what about designing and printing your own invitations in the comfort of your home? The Internet can offer many wedding invitation templates or even packs of blank invitations to print yourself. You can also buy packs of printable cards from Staples with lovely designs.

So there were 10 suggestions to get you on your way to saving big money on your Wedding.

Have fun planning your Wedding and remember, it's your day so enjoy every step in creating a memorable day!!

Lady in the Sun

2009-08-27T19:42:00.000-04:00

I have so many favourites from this shoot at Wellesley College (Aug.15) but one must edit down. Here is another image I liked.

Lady in the Sun

2009-08-27T19:39:00.000-04:00

I love this photograph because of how blue I was able to get the sky without any editing afterwards and for the reflector that lit up my model's face. And ofcourse for the hat which brings it's own charm into the image and upon my model. What feelings does this image evoke?

The right time to take a picture

2009-08-22T10:32:00.000-04:00

I'm always planning when to take my pictures. What time of what day, what the weather will be, what the location should be. In reality a photograph can, and should, be made at any time and any place.

The weather, the time of day and the location make the image. As a photographer you control the frame so any situation will do.

When I came to this realization it gave me a sense of freedom.

All I had to do was put on my sneakers and step out of my apartment armed with my camera and my tripod. All else will fall into place according to my eye.

*deep breath*

So go out today and shoot, no matter whether Hurricane Bill makes an appearance or not.

Studio Lighting

2009-06-01T08:50:00.000-04:00

It's 8:50am, I'm in behind on lab hours, class starts in 10 minutes. Today we're photographing 'mundane objects' so Nick , my teacher, is bringing in the objects. I am psyched for critique today because the creative shot of Khurram's cologne bottle turned out really nice. I have a new found love for gels.