Photography!!!!

Photographing is seriously an awesome habit than a hobby. There are about a zillion reasons why, but I’ve compiled some of them.

Kids are God's presence on earth.

They gift a smile on your face 

regardless of the situation, 

pressure or mess you are in..

I think everyone should get into photography. We don’t ever have to do it professionally. That’s not what being a photographer means. Being a photographer just means we really love photography. It can give us more than we ever imagined. With a photo we can capture a moment, and have it forever. 

Photography changes the way we see things. It’s actually quite an incredible transformation to experience. Suddenly we notice light, shapes, colors, textures, people, buildings, trees, flowers…Everything around us looks different when we start to see the world as a photographer. 

Once we start noticing details, we inevitably start to see how much beauty is all around us. Every day is filled with it—in the most ordinary or unexpected places. Photography is something we get immersed in. We lose yourself in shooting, and all our worries and daily stresses just melt away. 

Photographing the “moment” photographed

Now, there is actually a lot more to photography than just pointing the camera at something and pressing the button. That’s where we start. But learning to become a great photographer is a serious challenge. We’ll always be learning something new, have new directions to explore, and new challenges to face. And that’s a good thing! This is a pursuit that we will never be bored with. Everyone sees things differently. Put 100 photographers in a room and you’ll get 100 different photos. The way we see the world is unique, and photography lets us share that perspective with others.  

That orb of fire is not the Sun.

It is that Big-Bang of Thrissur that detonate a 

busy Thrissur Round to the whoop of its 

own Thrissur Pooram 

Photography also lets us express yourself—our opinions, tastes and beliefs. This part of photography is absolutely fascinating as a viewer, and fulfilling as a shooter. Photos make us feel. They can produce every emotion, from happiness, to sadness, fear and excitement. There is so much contained in one small frame—learning to produce them, and read them certainly opens us up to feeling. Our photos can make people happy. They can make people nostalgic. Through simply showing our images we can evoke an emotion in someone else. With the internet we can affect so many people at once. Photography really connects people in that way.

With our images we can also make people stop and think. Just a glance at a powerful image can stop people in their tracks. Some images can change the way we view the world for the rest of our life. Strong stuff!! After someone has passed, photos of them become treasured items. Without getting too morbid, everyone will die, and photos are potentially the best way to preserve the image and spirit of a person. 

Life is filled with “big moments”. Births, weddings, first steps—these are all moments that need to be documented for family history. And a lot of the big moments aren’t times when we’d hire a professional photographer. 

Imagine we’re sitting around a big box of photos with friends and family. There would be a lot of talking, laughs, stories, jokes, and maybe even a tear or two. It’s an amazing way to connect. Photographs can show more than just how something looked. They can capture how something felt. Especially if the photographer felt it him selves.  

People are incredibly interesting. And emotion is a part of that. Seeing how the face changes during a laugh, or how body language reflects mood are all fascinating studies and photography helps you capture that. Photos have the incredible ability to freeze movement. Photos show us the world in a way our eyes can’t see. 

When we shoot a lot we’ll always surprise and amaze ourselves. As long as we are always pushing ourselves, we can be sure that photography won’t ever get dull! We’ll upload our photos and suddenly say “Wow! I can’t believe I took that!”. It’s really cool. 

Anyone can become a photographer. It doesn’t matter if we’re young or old, what country we live in, or what language we speak. Just get our hands on a camera–any camera–and start shooting. Practice, think about our work, and open ourselves up to our experiences. Keep at it and you’ll see firsthand why being a photographer is so gosh darn awesome!!

Jagathy Sreekumar

Jagathy Sreekumar….Our Jagathy!!! He is the ultimate artist who could make a Malayali move with his expressions, dialogues and even those subtle gestures. For more than three decades he ignited tales of laughter, thoughts and also tears sometimes. He is an actor whom the judging panel always failed to recognize. But, those never used to be something that shakes that man. A real rock-steady man. He never hesitated to speak out what there in his mind. He always had opinions that were often controversies. He was always raw. Like the Ranjini Haridas issue.

That news came in like a shockwave on March 9th when I was being shifted to a room from the casualty of West-Fort hospital following an accident; that Jagathy met an accident around Calicut. It was around midnight then.

Having done more than 1500+ Malayalam films, this man compares himself to a woman of the street saying that he too goes with anyone brings him a chance to act. But whatever he drew out from him before the camera used to have that beautiful signature of versatility in it regardless of the quality of the overall movie. Jagathy never wears out. In fact, is not him who should be called an “EverGreen Artist”?

Now after 4 months of this mishap, he is still bedridden. But news are there saying he started to recover in a steady pace. How cannot he come back to that silver screen when there is not at least one Malayali who haven’t prayed for his comeback at least once? In fact is not this the ultimate award that can boost him to come back and continue his journey again.

May be, this was God’s desire to give him some rest pulling him out of his busy schedule. But He could have chosen a better way. Like what Anjali Menon said, for a man who has given all he has to the industry, arent all of us his family members? It was clear that the audience too is a part of that family – when the doctors requested for blood, there were so many people, willing to offer it for him.

That’s when someone at the hospital said – “Jagathy Sreekumar belongs to everyone – He is a public asset.“

Prayers that you get well soon Sir.

From your family.

He will come back!!! My prayers too...

500 Likes!! :)

I’m an amateur photographer. I know no aperture, I have no big lens, and I have no degrees. But still I believe there are no rules in the warfront. With my Canon I shoot brutally all those in which I find a spark of beauty. The limitations I feel in my skill pushes me further. Each step is an experiment.

Today my photography page on Facebook hit 500 Likes (http://www.facebook.com/VarunzBeautBokeh). May not be a big deal. But it gave me a cute little smile within me. All thanks to my 3 most beautiful ladies, Mol, DivyaChechy and Tishum (Vandana, Sreedivya and Titiksha) who were the root beneath the soil for my Beaut Bokeh. J

A professional photographer is an amateur who didn't quit. I never wanted to be a professional. But I won’t quit. I can’t…

101 Lessons

When I was young I wanted to live to 100. To my mind it might as well have been infinity. Then I got older and I didn’t want to live to anything.
Now I want to live to 100 again. Actually, I’d like to live to infinity. From an angle earth is still a virgin to live in.

Anyway, 27 is still young, and I don’t claim to know it all. What I do know is what I know, you know? ;)

I’ve had this post ready for a long time. I was a little bit afraid to post it, but it may be The Ultimate Filter. Maybe tomorrow I start with a blank slate.
Probably not!

This list was originally 99. Then I edited some out. Then I added some. Then I edited some out. Truth be told I think I could easily hit 1,000. But right now it’s 101. A nice, easy number we’ll also call Infinity + 1.

Infinity + 1 Lessons Varun Has Learned In 27 Years:

1.      Friends really do come and go. Some come back. Some don’t. That’s OK.
2.      Nobody cares about you as much as they care about themselves.
3.      Drive carefully. Roads are full of idiots.
4.      It’s OK to be different.
5.      Most people won’t agree with you.
6.      The people who really care will still care whether they agree with you or not.
7.      You don’t need anybody’s support to make things happen.
8.      Arguments are pointless. You can’t change anyone, don’t try.
9.      People will rationalize and justify anything and everything to be “right.” Let them.
10.   You can never change a situation u enter into. You are the situation. You are the circumstance. Be the situation!!!
11.   “Some day” never comes.
12.   Even your infinite life is not long enough to save all songs that melts or wakes you into the HDD of your laptop. Listen to songs. Be very much in that moment.
13.  You’re not as different as you think.
14.  You can have anything you want. Objects seen in dreams are closer than they appear.
15.  You never have to settle. Not in a relationship, not in a job, not ever. Nirvana is the state you settle. Salvation. Redemption. You can’t say it’s an unattainable state on Mother Earth.
16.  Somebody will always tell you your ideas suck. Take action anyway.
17.  You might think you’re not good enough, but you’ll surprise yourself when you try.
18.  Unconditional love or affection has got nothing to do with blood relation. It’s sometimes just an added feature of blood relations. But it’s a treasure. Unconditional love infects you with sanity.
19.   I like Adolf Hitler. I like Che Guevara. I like Bob Marley. I like Communism. It’s not a crime to like people whom others hate.
20.  10th standard board exam has got nothing to do in your life.
21.  Society wants you to be average as well, but you can be exceptional if you’d like. It’s your choice.
22.  You will make mistakes. So what?
23.  It’s OK to feel sad.
24.  There is nothing wrong with you.
25.  Successful people read books. Not all successful people read books.
26.  Passion can go a long way.
27.  Don’t kill yourself. It’s never worth it.
28.  Make more friends where ever u go to. Unconditional friendship.
29.  If you think you can do something you’re right. If you think you can’t do something you’re also right.
30.  The refrigerator light doesn’t always stay on.
31.  Whether you hear it or not, a falling tree always makes a sound.
32.  Money is not the root of all evil. Love of money is not the root of all evil either. You don’t need as much money as you think.
33.  Instincts can be true. Believe in instincts. We all have instincts.
34.  Marriage is not the license to have an extra-marital affair.
35.  Nobody cares what kind of car you drive. If they do, they’re not worth your time. (Also, replace car with: the kinds of clothes you wear.)
36.  Don’t be a pushover.
37.  Memories and moments are priceless. Write down your memories. Photograph your moments. Even if they seem trivial. Nothing is trivial.
38.  Let you be an open “read only” book. Be transparent. Speak out your doubts.
39.  Ask for what you want. If you don’t ask, you won’t receive.
40.  Don’t make the same mistake twice. If you do, don’t make it a third time.
41.  There will always be somebody more “successful” than you are.
42.  Define your own rules for success. It’s a lot easier to rule your world than someone else’s world.
43.  Never hide affection.
44.  If you can believe a man who have no relation with you or whom you haven’t met in person for your lifetime as GOD just for the reason he have 100 centuries under his belt, then you gotto believe that your parents are mightier than that.
45.  Focus in the Present.
46.  Imagination is powerfull.
47.  Learn the rules, and then play better.
48.  Admire beauty in all its forms.
49.  Telling someone they’re wrong never leads to anything positive. Even if they’re wrong.
50.  Whatever it may be, you need to have your own unbreakable principles.
51.  Be responsible to the bonds in life. Never hide from your responsibility.
52.  You don’t need more than 3 pairs of shoes. 1 athletic, 1 dress, and 1 casual. Even that might be overkill.
53.  Forbidding you from biking after an accident is not the way to prevent another one.
54.  Never share your secrets to others. If you can’t hold your secrets neither can they.
55.  Pay attention. Be astonished. Tell about it.
56.  Follow your curiosity.
57.  Never be subject to questions.
58.  Just because somebody tells you something is true, doesn’t mean it is. Do your own research.
59.  Jealousy is mankind’s most useless emotion. Instead of feeling jealous, feel happy.
60.  Happiness is mankind’s most useful emotion.
61.  If you help people get what they want, you will “miraculously” get what you want.
62.  It’s OK to be a follower. It’s better to be a thought leader.
63.  It’s OK if you don’t like something. Just don’t pretend that you do.
64.  There are exceptions to every rule. That doesn’t make the rule invalid.
65.  Seek vengeance only to those enemies who have a class. Ignore the rest. Let them bark.
66.  You don’t have to marry to know the dos and don’ts of a husband or a wife. We are engulfed with ample examples.
67.  Never advice anyone.
68.  Don’t blame anybody for your problems. They’re yours. The sooner you establish this the sooner you can work on them.
69.  Don’t learn or perform a skill of yours just for the sake of a competition. It lives only when it comes from your soul directly.
70.  You don't have to disrespect and insult others simply to hold your own ground. If you do, that shows how shaky your own position is.
71.  May be a kid can clear your doubt sometimes.
72.  Don’t wish, do. “I wish I could…” is a waste of thought energy.
73.  Never feel shy to say “Sorry”. Accept your mistakes.
74.  Do what scares you. Catch the bull by its horns.
75.  If you think something is a bad idea, it might mean you should do it. Or it might mean it’s actually a bad idea.
76.  Stop watching so much TV. Watch films that's worth watching.
77.  It really is easier to ask for forgiveness than to ask for permission. Try it next time.
78.  It’s OK if you don’t want to travel the world. There are lots of things to explore in your own backyard.
79.  Don’t listen to anybody who tells you “you’re missing out” by not going somewhere or doing something. You’re only missing out if you believe you’re missing out.
80.  Don’t think of cost. Think of value.
81.  You are not cheap. Never compromise when it’s for quality.
82.  Relationships need not always have a blood bond. I have plenty of grannies, mothers and sisters.
83.  You can change the world because you define your world.
84.  Never shout if someone starts advising you. Accept that with a smile and then do it as you wish.
85.  Give away something you love. You’ll learn a) detachment and b) it feels great.
86.  Do activities by yourself. Solo Social Activities (movies, dinner, concerts, travel) can be a lot of fun.
87.  Stop depending on other people.
88.  It’s OK to complain sometimes. Don’t make it a habit.
89.  Do what you love even if you don’t get paid for it.
90.  Stop texting or checking your phone when you’re with other people. It’s rude and it’s sad.
91.  Never interfere in anyone's life.
92.  Show gratitude.
93.  Laugh uncontrollably.
94.  There is no such thing as luck. No good luck. No bad luck. Luck is often an element of our unawareness about something that’s going to happen. The result is scripted already. Realize that you are called up for acting this life without reading the script.
95.  The secret to winning is playing. Often. (This advice does not hold for games of chance.)
96.  Everybody lies. Trust people anyway.
97.  If you dwell on past mistakes you will get depressed. Dwell or don’t dwell, but know the outcome.
98.  There is always more you can do. But that doesn’t mean there is always more you should do.
99.  Don’t compare yourself to other people. Compare yourself to yourself over the time.
100.Trust God.
101. Life is a gamble. So be like life itself. Unplanned.

The Moment.

One evening I was sitting in the balcony of our house (which my colleagues and I took for rent near our office) guzzling a not-so-glorious cup of black tea wondering what on earth to write about; scrolling through the photos in my laptop with my mind waiting for some inspiration to give a spark... I was even getting the inkling of a great topic discussing the difference between "patience" and "messing about wasting time".

Then, as my fingers roaming aimlessly caressing the key on my laptop keyboard what to spin out of those alphabets, I happened to look up from my paper and there it was smack in front of me …..a young woman of about 30-ish going past me in her car, slowing down to go over the speed bump directly in front of me. I was sitting on a terrace so had a view straight into her car. But what about this very typical scene on any road was any different that it stopped my heart for a second? Well, she was laughing so loud and so gleefully and so juicily that I was compelled to laugh too . . . good job my mouth wasn't full of black tea at that exact moment as I am prone to shrieking with laughter always with my mouth full. It took me less than half a second to realize that she was actually looking at her baby strapped in the front seat (picture the baby's face facing toward the rear of the passenger chair with its back to front windscreen, in full view of the mom).

THE MOMENT was there . . . the simplicity, connection and energy contained in her laugh. These two souls were so in the moment that nothing else mattered. Deeply joyous and whole-heartedly BEING with themselves and each other. I could feel the positive energy bouncing off the car as they bounced over the bump. It touched me in that moment. So much so that I needed to write about it as my cells responded to being witness. That deep, unmistakable laughter was so pure when it came from the bottom of her tummy and curled my mouth upwards so that I was laughing too.

A beautiful life is made up of these simple, moment by moment, moments.