Mahadev Rojas Torres

Mahadev Rojas Torreshttps://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/about/contributors/mahadev-rojas-torresMahadev Rojas Torreshttps://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/create/scholarships/photography/2015/mahadev-rojas-torresMahadev treks the vertical landscapes of Nepal, capturing local traditions and spirituality on his photographic assignment as the winner of the 2015 Travel Photography Scholarship.2017-05-20T10:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/create/scholarships/photography/2015/mahadev-rojas-torreshttps://www.worldnomads.com<div class="scholarships-assignment-intro segment-margin-break"> <div class="Author"> <div class="Author-profile"><strong>Mahadev Rojas Torres from Venezuela,</strong><br /><small class="Author-title">Winner Photography Scholarship 2015</small></div> </div> <h3 class="standfirst"><span><br />Mahadev's assignment was to photograph the people and landscapes of Nepal as the nation rises from the aftermath of the 2015 earthquake. </span></h3> </div> <div class="scholarships-assignment-snippet segment-margin-break"> <h4><span>Baudhanath Temple</span></h4> <p><span>In the early morning we were ready for our third day of the assignment. Richard led us once again towards the Baudhanath Temple to see if we were lucky enough to run into the presence of another Budhist offering, but this time inside one of the monasteries rather than a temporary tent like the day before. So, we arrived (without rain fortunately) and immediately ran into the first monastery where the Buddhist monks were performing their morning prayers and offerings. We stayed there for about an hour trying to register their holy activities. The pronunciation of their verses mixed with the beautiful sounds of their instruments gave a very deep sense of spirituality, many pilgrims entering the room paying obeisances and giving donation to the monks contributed some action and movement to the peaceful and concentrated atmosphere that was inside the beautifully decorated temple. Being able to see Richard work and capture his images is really one of the greatest experiences so far, you learn to see the way he shoots, how he moves between the people, how he interacts with locals through smiles and what to speak of when receiving direct advice from him.</span></p> <img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/LearnImages/photo2015/onassignment/wn-scholarship-photo-2015-mahadev-blog-one.jpg" alt="lighting candles" /></div> <div class="scholarships-assignment-snippet segment-margin-break"> <h4><span>Balthali</span></h4> <p><span>Ready for sunrise, we woke at 5:30 am, but we had to trek uphill for 25 minutes to reach the top and have a clear point of view. It was worth it as we saw the most beautiful colours over the Himalayas, specifically the Annapurna circuit. Richard gave me more or less a master class of landscape photography, and I had a very smooth morning shooting from the hill with his advice. After breakfast in the old inn, we went through the length of the village capturing the people and places of Balthali. Walking through one of the main streets, we found a blue house with some kids playing in front of it, the practical classes with Richard continued with portraiture lessons. People were simple and extremely happy, so we comfortably captured them for a while. Today was the halfway mark of the assignment and personally I was starting to feel very tired, the accumulation of activities started to take an effect on my energy levels, especially after going up the hill and the morning walk.</span></p> <img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/LearnImages/photo2015/onassignment/wn-scholarship-photo-2015-mahadev-blog-two.jpg" alt="Nepali girl" /></div> <div class="scholarships-assignment-snippet"> <h4><span>Kathmandu</span></h4> <p><span>Our plane was fortunately on time. As we were leaving Salleri behind I also felt that I was leaving behind one of the most beautiful experiences of my life being so close to the assignment end. We arrived back in Kathmandu and immediately headed towards the guest house. The only thing left to do on my behalf was to advance with my final selection of images and some processing for Richard to overview my whole process and guide me towards the final selection of photographs so I could continue processing the following days. This opportunity, as World Nomads explain, certainly is a money can't buy experience and it was my good fortune that such a precious opportunity was extended to me. I feel that I can put into practice all of Richard’s advice and remember the teachings I have learned. Certainly, all the experience he can so easily share from many years of traveling and a genuine love for photography gives you so much courage and inspiration to become more serious and focused about everything related to it. </span></p> <img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/LearnImages/photo2015/onassignment/wn-scholarship-photo-2015-mahadev-blog-three.jpg" alt="Himalaya sunset" /></div> <p></p> <p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/travel-scholarship/albums/72157666545936824">View Mahadev's assignment photos</a></p> <p><a href="https://journals.worldnomads.com/mahadevrojastorres/">Read Mahadev's full blog</a></p>Richard I'Anson 0

https://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/create/learn/photography/landscape-photography-tipsFrom the importance of gloves, to what time of day is best to shoot. Get some great advice for nailing landscape photography.2017-02-13T11:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/create/learn/photography/landscape-photography-tipshttps://www.worldnomads.com<div class="scholarships-assignment-snippet segment-margin-break"> <p>In Nepal, you have a variety of interesting subjects. But landscapes – almost always enhanced by the Himalayas – will become your focus.</p> <p>Richard, with over <a href="/learn/travel-photography/richard-ianson" target="_blank">30 years of experience</a> as a professional travel photographer, possesses an ocean of knowledge.</p> <p>During our <a href="/learn/travel-photography/" target="_blank">12-day assignment to Nepal</a>, he openly and generously shared this knowledge with me. </p> <p>He passed on to me many years of expertise. I hope to do the same for you here with five tips I learned from the scholarship.</p> <ul> <li><a href="#research"> Do Your Research </a></li> <li><a href="#rise-early"> Wake Up Early and Rest Late </a></li> <li><a href="#pack-light"> Keep Your Gear Light </a></li> <li><a href="#take-many-pictures"> Don’t Just Take One Shot </a></li> <li><a href="#its-cold-in-nepal"> Be Prepared for the Cold in Nepal </a></li> </ul> <h2 id="research">Do your research</h2> <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/Explore/nepal/nepal-landscape-research-mahadev.jpg" /> <figcaption> Photo credit: Mahadev Rojas Torres</figcaption></figure> <p>Collect as much detail of the places you’ll visit as possible. This’ll save you time on the ground.</p> <p>Most importantly, <a href="/explore/southern-asia/nepal/weather-conditions-in-nepal" target="_blank">find out about the weather</a> you’ll be facing during the trip. Nepal has two monsoon seasons each year and you need to be prepared.</p> <p>When you’re on the ground, ask the locals for advice and take time to look for the best viewpoints.</p> <h2 id="rise-early">Wake up early </h2> <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/Explore/nepal/landscape-wakeup-mahadev.jpg" /> <figcaption> Photo credit: Mahadev Rojas Torres</figcaption></figure> <p>The great shots that you’re looking for will most probably be enhanced by great light – especially sunrise or sunset. So be prepared for that perfect lighting opportunity.</p> <p>You must already be positioned with your tripod, have the right camera settings, and be fully aware <em>before</em> this moment.</p> <p>The window of opportunity is smaller than you think, and you don’t want to miss that perfect shot fiddling with settings.</p> <p>I also learned the importance of a remote shutter release. Not only can you avoid moving your camera (especially for those long shutter speeds), but it saves those valuable seconds of light while you play with your subject, instead of your camera's self-timer.</p> <h2 id="pack-light">3. Keep your gear light</h2> <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/Explore/nepal/landscape-gear-mahadev.jpg" /> <figcaption> Photo credit: Mahadev Rojas Torres</figcaption></figure> <p>Whether your subject is <a href="/travel-safety/southern-asia/nepal/nepal-mountain-safety">the Himalayas</a> or the cities, your vantage point is the key to a great shot.</p> <p>Landscape photography isn’t only about a clear view and great light, it’s also about whether you’re in the right place to take your shots.</p> <p>The higher your vantage point, the better and clearer the view. So, be ready for a hike. This’ll be easier if you’re not <a href="/explore/southern-asia/nepal/trek-and-hiking-photography-tips-for-nepal" target="_blank">carrying complex and heavy gear</a>.</p> <p>Landscape camera lenses are heavier than standard zoom lenses, so your camera, a couple of lenses, and your tripod will be enough for you to carry.</p> <h2 id="take-many-pictures">Don’t just take one shot</h2> <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/Explore/nepal/landscape-intro-mahadev.jpg" /> <figcaption> Photo credit: Mahadev Rojas Torres</figcaption></figure> <p>Once you find your subject, play with your focal length and composition, and try to get as many shots as possible. This’ll give you more opportunities to get the great image you want.</p> <p>Don’t be afraid to experiment and find a fresh perspective on a subject.</p> <h2 id="its-cold-in-nepal">Be prepared for the cold</h2> <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/Explore/nepal/landscape-one-shot-mahadev.jpg" /> <figcaption> Photo credit: Mahadev Rojas Torres</figcaption></figure> <p>When you’re waiting for a specific light to hit your subject, you may have to wait for some time. So always be prepared with winter gear – <a href="/create/learn/photography/alpine-photography-get-prepared">particularly at high points</a>. Gloves are very important. Fingerless gloves will allow you to manipulate your camera settings while shooting in cold places.</p> <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/Explore/nepal/mahadev-kathmandu-gear.jpg" /> <figcaption> Photo credit: Richard I'Anson</figcaption></figure> </div>Mahadev Rojas Torres 0 A woman with a prayer wheel