How did you become interested in photography?
My sister actually got me interested in it when I was around 6. For one of her field trips, our mom bought her a disposable camera to take plenty of photos. She captured some really nice pictures (for an 11-year-old) that astounded me so I asked her to teach me how to photograph like that.This was my first photo taken outside my apartment.I’m not sure why I chose the sky. I just did. It was decent for a first grader.For a while, I alternated between my parents’ digital cameras and my phone until I received a Nikon D7200 DSLR with all its supplements for my Bar Mitzvah. I’ve been using it ever since because it’s amazing for professional photography.My skills have obviously improved since then, especially after I enrolled in a fine arts school that included extensive classes in photography.Here are a few of my more samples from a recent family vacation to Canada:And of course, I gotta have some flowers.
What are some great motivational movies that are a must watch from Bollywood and Hollywood?
Forrest Gump The Pursuit of Happyness Pirates of Silicon Valley Kung Fu Panda Million Dollar Arm Up The Shawshank Redemption (1994) The Green Mile A Beautiful Mind Bruce Almighty Dallas Buyers Club 3 Idiots - 2009 Film Lagaan: Once Upon a Time in India - 2001 Film I Am Kalam The Karate Kid (2010) Iqbal (2005) Guru The Social Network Freedom Writers OMG – Oh My God! Bhaag Milkha Bhaag Finding Nemo Lage Raho Munna Bhai Into the Wild Phas Gaye Re Obama Band Baaja Baaraat Taare Zameen Par/Like Stars on Earth Well Done Abba Ratatouille Chak De! India Soul Surfer You Don't Get Life a Second Time/Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara Dil Chahta Hai F.A.L.T.U The King's Speech Yes Man Erin Brockovich (2000)
What are some movies based on long travel?
This will be a short list, owing to my little experience watching travel movies.So here it goes, my list for travel based movies-1. Into The WildChristopher McCandless (Emile Hirsch), son of wealthy parents (Marcia Gay Harden, William Hurt), graduates from Emory University as a top student and athlete. However, instead of embarking on a prestigious and profitable career, he chooses to give his savings to charity, rid himself of his possessions, and set out on a journey to the Alaskan wilderness.This one is one of my most favorite movies ! One word to define it would be - 'Solitude'It is not that casual Hollywood movie depicting gruesome action, slapstick comedy and melodrama, this one is unique.It teaches you many things, but most importantly it teaches you HOW TO LIVE.The movie as a whole is a great travel movie, as it depicts so much about wilderness and how to survive it on your own.This movie was one of my inspirations and strengths to help me deactivate my facebook account.2. The Secret Life OF Walter MittyWalter Mitty (Ben Stiller), an employee at Life magazine, spends day after monotonous day developing photos for the publication. To escape the tedium, Walter inhabits a world of exciting daydreams in which he is the undeniable hero. Walter fancies a fellow employee named Cheryl (Kristen Wiig) and would love to date her, but he feels unworthy. However, he gets a chance to have a real adventure when Life's new owners send him on a mission to obtain the perfect photo for the final print issue.Not as good of a movie as last one, but it is one of the best travel movies, I can assure you.Such picturesque scenes ! Almost makes you wish to go there.There a few Bollywood picks too -1. Zindagi Na Milegi DobaraThis one makes me feel nostalgic, I have memories strongly related to this one.... :')Two lifelong friends (Hrithik Roshan, Farhan Akhtar) take a third (Abhay Deol) on a road trip through Spain instead of throwing a traditional bachelor party.A road trip and a bunch of friends, what more do you need ! This was my short list for the travel genre, will keep adding to it, as soon as I unravel new ones.My 2¢.
What is the most visually atmospheric film you have ever seen, in terms of cinematography?
1. Children of Men: Takes the viewer into a hopeless world of strife, war and anarchy. Who knows, the world might actually look like this in the future.2. The Ring: Creates an unusually dark, gloomy and somber atmosphere. Eerie and unnerving.3. The Ghost Writer: An underrated gem by Roman Polanski. Has an atmosphere which is hauntingly beautiful as well as spooky, reminiscent of Alfred Hitchcock's masterpieces.4. Strange Days: If you liked the atmosphere of Blade Runner, you will like it equally in this underrated movie from Katheryn Bigelow (before she was big). Screenplay by James Cameron.5. Hero (2002): Visually spell binding. I would rate its Cinematography 11 out of 10.6. Insomnia (2002): This wonderfully shot noir movie by Christopher Nolan doesn't let you escape its suspense. The hazy terrains of Alaska, the gloomy weather with never-ending days and a morally ambiguous protagonist playing hide and seek with a murderer -- all add to the dark mood.8. Prisoners: One of the best crime dramas of 2013. One can almost feel crime brewing in loneliness of the environs. These is a strange silence in the background which enhances the suspense.9. Sin City: Dark. Very dark. Literally.10. The Road: Sets up a depressing mood by sketching up a post-apocalyptic dystopian world. Makes you feel that some danger is lurking in every corner.