Ex#1: Photo Feature - Romancing The Rains

Sorry about this delay, but here we go!

Just the mere mention of "rains" sets off a deluge of memories, emotions and images. For this, your first exercise, I want you to immerse/soak yourselves in the rains - literally and metaphorically. Take time to enjoy the monsoons exactly the way you would like to - alone or in company. Be aware how each of your senses responds - feel the wetness, taste the raindrops, smell the earth, etc. Try this at different times of day and night and see if your experience changes. Carry your camera (any kind) with you.

When you feel ready, pull out your camera and take a photograph which you think/feel captures the essence of the way you felt. Be mindful of the basics you have learned over the last four weeks. Focus, Lens, Shot size, Level, etc. Take a few photographs (best quality) over the next 3-4 days. Select and post any three (03) here in the order you want us to see them. Do not post any words describing the photographs or your experience.

Remember:
- write your name in the box titled "Post".
- write your name, Rains in the box titled "Labels". (eg: Ajay, Rains)
- post your third photograph first, etc so we see it in the correct order.
- deadline: 6pm sunday Aug 3rd 2014.
- make sure you see each and every post AND comment about what you liked or didn't like about the photographs.

Enjoy! - Ajay

PS: Pls have your doubts clarified and make no excuses for not doing the exercise :)

A Journey Into Telling a Story Visually

This part of your RTV course is an exploration into the magical world of Cinematography. Not merely the workings of a cameraperson, but “the writing with images in movement and with sounds”.  This journey begins with you here as you gain new insights, new experiences and end up with a lot of questions. Hopefully, some of your questions will be answered in the coming weeks. Learning, after all, is a lifelong pursuit, as is film making.

It is best to begin with “truth”. But do not confuse truth with reality. Truth may be real, or it may not be. Let’s use this opportunity to find our own individual truths and in the process learn more about the world around us, it’s people and most of all – about ourselves.

Carry your cameras, mp3 players, smartphones to class. Gain control of your tools and sharpen your means of expression. Share ideas, information and feelings and ask for help from members of your group. In working together you will maximize the benefits you will derive from this course. The course will be divided into two – theory and practical running concurrently. At the end of the course, each group will make one 10-15min documentary film.

Cheers! - Ajay