Dubai
Every person has a story, and every picture can reveal part of that story.
Veteran photographer Robert Caputo writes in National Geographic’s blog: “Wherever you are with your camera, always be on the lookout for those moments when a person’s character shines though.”
Portrait photography is the perfect avenue for getting a glimpse into someone’s life. A woman looking out a window, for instance, draws a viewer’s curiosity. What has she been through? What can she see? The room she is in provides a few clues, just like the details of her dress or her hands can provide insight into her hobbies or work.
Caputo advises: “Seek balance between subject and environment. Include enough of the setting to aid your image, but not so much that the subject is lost in it.”
In July, we asked our reader photographers to follow the theme of ‘portrait’ photography.
The picture competition was opened up to voting by our Facebook readers, and they selected the top five winners, by liking the picture that they found best captured the theme. Here, we present the winners.
Editor’s note: If you would like to participate, log on to Gulf News’ Facebook page and send in your submission for August’s Facebook Reader Picture Competition.
RDS_170805 YT FIRST Winner Katherine Grace Tomaro
Katherine Grace Tomaro’s photograph is from Cadiz City, Philippines. She said: ‘I took this picture after a typhoon that left residents with destroyed homes, because of the floods. Amongst the busy crowd crying for help during our charity work, where we were donating goods to the victims, I spotted this old man. Despite what had happened, he did not lose hope. He truly was a great inspiration!’
Her photograph received 181 votes on Facebook.
RDS_170805 YT SECOND Winner Aisha Imtiaz
Aisha Imtiaz captured this image in Lahore, Pakistan. She said: ‘Self-portraits are a way of revealing something about oneself. When I took this picture, only one thing came to my mind: ‘Eyes are the windows to the soul.’’
Her picture received 160 votes on Facebook.
RDS_170805 YT THIRD Winner Dipesh Kotwani
Dipesh Kotwani took this photograph in Mumbai, India. He said: ‘Difficulties and obstacles in life always make us stronger, better and wiser. There is a fighter hidden in all of us. Don’t forget to smile and always look at the positive side of life! Conversing with this lovely man just reminded me of that.’
His picture garnered 35 votes on Facebook.
RDS_170805 YT FOURTH Winner Danish Naduthodi
Danish Naduthodi took this photograph in Kerala, India. He said: ‘I was sipping a cup of tea at the world’s highest organic tea factory, in Munnar. The fresh tea complemented the mesmerising beauty of the tea estates, which left me in an almost meditative state. At this point, I noticed a person enjoying the tea and Nature, just as I did. I saw my own feelings reflected in him, so I clicked his picture.’
His photograph received 25 votes on Facebook.
RDS_170805 YT FIFTH Winner Shrideep Nanal
At the Hemis Monastery in Ladakh, India, Shrideep Nanal captured this image of a young monk. He said: ‘This young monk was full of knowledge and happiness, and he spoke excellent English. I believe that we are made of the people we meet, who leave us something as they move on. I wish I kept some of his amazing energy!’
His photograph received 15 votes on Facebook.
