Rise and Shine

Print Available

Sunflower Glory

Buy Sunflower Glory print online

Art linked to improved health

I have wondered about reason of photography and other arts, dance and singing may sound most tempting forms of art, what so good about a fine art print hanging on empty space? is it all about filling the space or it  has an affect on health or any other positive aspects.

Here is interesting article i read on BBC, i would like to share with you. My experience says, i remain away from depression or work tension just because of my passion, the photography which allows me to explore nature and human wonders, keeps me satisfied.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-13501294

PS: i am not able to shoot much these days!

cheers

Rush Hour in Turkey

Here are some photos from my quick trip to Turkey, mainly Istanbul and few photos from Ankara. Turkey is amazing country with great history, people and food. I found lots of similarities between Turkish and Pakistani culture especially language. I fell in love with as soon as i entered the city it is great combination of modern and traditional. 

Pakistani Fine Art Prints

Dear Admirers, i am introducing range of fine art prints framed and shipped through out Pakistan. Size ranges from 10x15inch upto 20x30inch or larger depending on photograph.

If you are not in Pakistan, all you have to do is order print online from www.awaisyaqub.com which is printed and shipped from USA through Smugmug and Bayphoto.

For price and details email: awais@awaisyaqub.com or call +923455400315

The Walking tree printed and framed, standard frame style with boarder. 

Omer Hayat Palace

umar hayyat, a photo by Awais Yaqub on Flickr.

Omer Hayat Palace is located in Chiniot, Punjab. Small city known for its beautiful wood furniture carving which attracts lots of interest from all over the world. Omer Hayat Palace is situated at heart of old city, massive structure stands proudly within narrow converging streets. Palace was built by Omer Hayat, Merchant from early 19th century, he created it with extreme devotion which is still evident from beautiful wood work and paint work all around palace, unfortunately Omer's son died as soon they moved into this palace in few years Mr and Mrs Omer also died and Palace was converted into orphanage, later top two stories caught fire and they were demolished, today (2011) library serves as tourists attraction and small public library.

More on www.AwaisYaqub.com
Images copyright Awais Yaqub

Canon 70-200 2.8 L IS II

New Canon 70-200 2.8 L IS II

70-200 zoom range is considered a must have for any photographer, canon has 3 variants of this range: 70-200 f4, 70-200 f4 IS and the new 70-200 2.8 IS II. Since i moved to world of DSLR i greatly missed zoom lens of this range for landscapes, actions and portraits. After purchasing 100mm macro, i used it for macro and medium tele needs but fixed focal length and slow focus were main issues (still it is excellent lens for macro work!)

Shot through 5 feet away net and grill. Click for more and large images and exif

It was until launch of this new lens which grabbed attention of photographers, followed by excellent reviews. It is considered step ahead of discontinued 70-200 2.8 L IS mark1 in IQ and IS and price too (2400$)

I took it for a ride, and shot images at various settings, IQ and IS are awesome. I noticed sharp results at all focal lengths. IS saved a shot from being blur when shot at 1/20 at 160mm focal length, so i don't have to worry about keeping shutter speed as high as focal length to avoid hand shake blur.

1/20 at 168mm handheld. Click for more and large images and exif

If you have money and lust for flagship lens with excellent performance don't be afraid of spending extra $$$ on this lens. Buying a lens is long term investment. When i wanted to buy mark1 version (which is not as good as mark2) it was around 1500$ but slowly it ended up with 1800$ price tag in 3 years. Resale of canon L glass is great too.

To protect valuable glass i also purchased Hoya HD UV filter and had it on my lens all the time, and have not noticed any issue in picture quality, though i will test it properly later.

Pros:
Excellent Image quality
Range on crop sensor
Large aperture
4 stop Image Stabilization
Weather sealing
smooth rings
solid construction

Cons:
Weight
Price

2nd International Muslim Art Exhibition 2010. IMAE2010

Proudly announcing my participation in mega event to be held at New Orleans, USA. Check links for press release and details. 

CNBC

Yahoo News

Herald Online

NEW ORLEANS, Nov. 23, 2010 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Zeitgeist Multi-disciplinary Arts Center hosts the 2nd International Muslim Artists Exhibition 2010 (IMAE2010) from November 26 – December 31, 2010 in conjunction with the 4th Annual New Orleans Middle East Film Festival. The opening reception is onNovember 26th at 6:00 P.M. The reception is free and open to the public.

The IMAE2010 features contemporary artwork created by 19 contemporary Muslim artists representing 5 countries: U.S.A., Egypt, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and New Zealand. Paintings, photographs, graphic designs, ceramic, installation and mixed media work are the mediums of the displayed work.  More than 70% of the participants are female artists. Artists include:

1. Abdelrazek Eid (Egypt)	11. Mona Abdala (NJ, U.S.A.)
2. Ameena Khan (FL, U.S.A.)	12. Muhammad Ahmad (U.S.A. & Pakistan)
3. Awais Yaqub (Pakistan)	13. Nadia Janjua (MD, U.S.A.)
4. Ayesha Samadani (CA, U.S.A.)	14. Reem Hammad (CA, U.S.A.)
5. Haitham Eid (Egypt)	15. Salma Arastu (CA, U.S.A.)
6. Halide Salam (VA, U.S.A.)	16. Sama Wareh (CA, U.S.A.)
7. Huda Totonji (U.S.A. & Saudi Arabia)	17. Sophia Sattar (CA, U.S.A.)
8. Iman Hasan (OH, U.S.A.)	18. Suzanne Wingate (New Zealand)
9. Maece Seirafi (CA, U.S.A.)	19. Taslim Van Hattum (LA, U.S.A.)
10. Michael Klaus Schmidt (IL, U.S.A.)

"Prayer", a cooperative artwork between Cara Greco, a non-Muslim artist and Haitham Eid, a Muslim artist and the exhibit curator, will be on display. Haitham Eid said, "The IMAE2010 aims to serve as a bridge between cultures and to promote mutual understanding." Eid also added, "The IMAE2010 is a collective effort from the Muslim and non-Muslim communities in our beloved city of New Orleans to help rebuild the city and strengthen the ties among our citizens."

The IMAE2010 is sponsored by Zeitgeist Multidisciplinary Arts Center, International Muslimah Artists Networkand Baraka Institute. Rene Broussard, Executive Director of Zeitgeist said, "Zeitgeist Multi-disciplinary Arts Center is extremely proud and honored to present this international showcase of works by contemporary Muslim artists to coincide with the opening of our 4th Annual New Orleans Middle East Film Festival." Broussard added, "Together with the International Muslim Artists Exhibition, Zeitgeist hopes to provide a vital and unique venue, an oasis if you will, to celebrate art and culture and for discourse and understanding."

The exhibit catalogue can be purchased online www.imae.us

SOURCE Zeitgeist Multidisciplinary Arts Center

Lowepro Flipside 400AW review

Me and Flipside 400AW, photo credit: Khuram Naseer

After lots of wait and searching i ended up buying Flipside 400 AW from trusted Lowepro, sells new for around 140$, paid 100$ to an ebay seller for new, arrived in a week in very nice packing.

This is largest camera backpack in Flipside product range and only one that includes AW cover. Unique thing about this series is that they open from back of backpack, and allow you to change lenses without taking entire camera bag off which works amazingly well in field. I wish all backpacks were designed like that.

What it holds for me 

• Canon 7D+17-40L+ 83ej hood attached, 100mm Macro, Flash 580ex2, 50mm 1.8 + free room for more stuff 
• Tripod holder holds Feisol 3401 and Cullman 30nm Ballhead less than 2kg kit. 
• Extra T shirt, filter, wireless triggers, battery and other accessories in outer compartment 

The Real Test Short after this bag arrived i went on trip to north of Pakistan (see link) from dusty to lush green rainy areas, Jeep travels on bumpy paths but this camera bag kept my all gear secure. I attached lots of stuff to this bag on this trip. As said very comfortable to change lenses without taking camera bag off, keeps harness clean when you have to take backpack off and work on ground. Thanks to its looks, back entry and small depth helps a lot in a crowded place.

The Good 

• Durable outer material 
• Comfortable, breathable on back 
• Don't look like a Camera bag 
• Secure back entry mechanism 
• Flipside works perfectly well, can do everything without taking it off! 
• Sliplock attachments are provided two on bag and 6 on waist belt. 
• Nice padding and dividers, and 3 memory card holders inside bag
• All weather cover 

The Bad 

• I wish tripod holder mechanism was little better, but it perfectly works if top straps are used to secure the Tripod but you lose carrying light jacket flexibility. 
• I hope Zippers were little more durable, like the ones found in some other series of Lowepro bags. 
• Chest strap is little flimsy but works. 

And The Ugly No Metal D rings, big setback for me, i wanted to attach my DSLR to D rings when working to keep my neck comfortable. Wish it had a cover to protect harness and buckle when tucked away. No small pouch which comes with Lowepros.

Conclusion
Overall i am very happy with this bag and my companion for travel photography around Pakistan, few nits in "The Bad" part are really not deal breaker, I wish for improvements like metal D rings in upcoming models of Flipside.

PS: In above photo i attached sleeping mattress on top of rain coat and used shoelace tied with tripod head and bag's hand carrying holder to keep it secure and minimize movements as provided straps were attached to the rain coat. I had to attach so much stuff in emergency i don't think so i am going to use camera backpack like that frequently! 

www.AwaisYaqub.com 
www.facebook.com/ayphotos

+923455400315

Islamabad, Pakistan

My work at "The Photo Travelogue of Pakistan Exhibition"

Some of my work (109 photos) is part of "The Photo Travelogue of Pakistan Exhibition" organized in relation to "All about Lifestyles" in Karachi at Expo Center. It will start on Firday June 25th till 27th June 2010, its a family only event and entry is free. If you want to buy any of the photos displayed in exhibition Contact me. Please share your thoughts about exhibition and photos if possible as i am not going to attend exhibition myself. Contact me using Contact Form, or Email me at awais@awaisyaqub.com call me 923455400315
I may not attend calls or reply to email till 2nd July as i will be away in northern areas shooting some beautiful landscapes of beautiful Pakistan!

Press Release from Dawn.com

KARACHI, June 24: The Dawn Media Group’s “All About Lifestyles Summer-2010” exhibition opens at 3pm on Friday at the Karachi Expo Centre.

The family-only event will continue on Saturday and Sunday from 11am to 10pm.
According to the organisers, the exhibition brings over 200 exhibitors of the finest brands and more than 300,000 visitors together every year.
Spread over six halls and the entire complex of the Expo Centre, this year’s event will have the added attraction of Faces & Places, a photographic exhibition displaying works by Tapu Javeri, Owais Yakub (Awais Yaqub correction), Imran Awan, Shah Murad and Zain Mankani, they said in a press release.

School Kills creativity

This speech transfered me 14 years back when i was in 6th class... Drawing which was optional subject other one was "electricity"... i don't know what went through principal's mind he moved us to electricity and abolished drawing from school... and i still remember golden words of electricity teacher "This subject is worth more than drawing, electricity students always reach to the top and win good positions in board and even jobs if they cannot continue studies after 10th class" 
Now (2010) my little bro seats in a class dedicated to below average students! and he never thought about studying because his whole class thinks same, i.e my friends failed and so do i, everything is fine... What a strategy to motivate students. Glad to see nothing is changed, managements are still dumb! 
Management of Schools, University and College are just few dedicated to profit people who have nothing to do with better society they just create brain washed robots not a free human being, may be because of extremely unjust economic system in which people are tied. 

Winners of Blog Awards 2010 announced!

Thanks for your support and encouragement, my blog got 1st place in photo blog category. More about Blog Awards and List of winners

Whats inside my Camera Bag!

Lots of admirers ask me what kind of equipment i am using to take photographs. To be honest my gallery contains images shot with low end to high end cameras Sony point and shoot to Canon DSLR.

Following is the list of gear inside my bag (year 2010)
Canon EOS 7D 18 MP DSLR + extra battery
Canon 17-40 f4L lens
Canon 100mm 2.8 Macro Lens
Canon 580 Ex II Flash light
Wireless flash trgger and receiver set
Hoya Pro1 Polarizor 77mm
Feisol 3401 carbon fiber tripod
Cullmann 30nm Magnasite Ballhead
Lumiquest mini flash diffuser

Gear on Wish List
Lenses
Canon 70-200 f2.8 IS II
Canon 24-105 f4L IS
Camera body on wish list
5D mark II

Other stuff which i always carry with my camera gear
Rubber bands
Shopping bags large enough to put my bag into it incase of rain or dust storm
Head band to absorb sweat and keeps sweat out of camera viewfinder ( a must have and works wonders for sweaty people)

Bags: Lowepro Rezo 190AW Soulder and Crumpler 3800L Pretty boy, both require upgradation as they are my companions of old days when i had fewer and smaller stuff. Looking for camera backpack, if you know anything appropriate or looking to sponsor backpack throw me an email!

When i started photography in 2004
Sony DSC-W1 point and shoot camera which i still use.
2006
Moved to Sony DSC-H5 which i don't use anymore, it was excellent camera for macros, i covered my 1st professional assignment with this camera.
2007
Got Canon 400D DSLR with 50mm 1.8 lens and 18-55 kit lens, now Retired.

Multan, Khewra, Chiniot

In 7 days i made a quick trip to 3 prime locations famous for hand crafted objects, Chiniot is known for its Wood carvings, Multan for Blue pottery, and Khewra for Salt mines and decoration pieces made of salt rocks.

Here is slideshow of photos i shot there, though i had very little time for photography but it was beautiful experience

Canon EOS 7D 1st impression

Few weeks ago my only camera Canon EOS 400D died after serving me good 3 years. Image quality of this little machine was remarkable and i printed large prints and shot a lot professional assignments with it. You can see results on my website

Few things i really missed in Rebel were: large viewfinder, focusing points, grip, focusing accuracy. As i was out of budget i had to buy 400D and drop canon 30D. I was waiting for 60D as i thought it will be a great balance between 7D and 550D, but my camera died, and there was no rumor of 60D release in near future.

I made mind for Canon 7D after reading lots of reviews and user opinions and ordered it. After receiving it and taking it out of pack, i was impressed by body, 1st camera that don't feel flimsy from any side. Solid built excellent feel in hands, though it is heavy body (800g) but canon managed to make it feel light weight, thanks to its excellent handling.

Shooting performance: after charging battery i played with it (without reading manual) and clicked many shots using Canon 17-40L and 100mm macro 2.8 (non IS). With 17-40L focusing was no issue for this beast, surprisingly it even performed very well combined with 100mm macro lens. This camera can auto focus at 1:1 accurately and it improves when Spot AF is used.

High ISO photos, i was using it under normal day lights inside room, and left ISO to A (auto) while shutter speed and aperture were fixed. Camera was choosing ISO between 1600 and 3200 to properly expose photos (good metering too). All came out very nice and seems excellent for normal usage and small prints (though i need to do formal testing).

What i liked about 7D
Everything ! i hope i will have full frame dslr like this some day, if you are looking to upgrade from rebel series then 7D worth every single penny. Its blazing speed has encouraged me to go out and shoot sports and action too.

Will post results soon

Faisalabad was Foggy

Hello readers,
Some days back i was visiting Faisalabad, got chance of playing around in green fields and i was able to capture birds eye view of Clock Tower with almost 8 bazaars in it.

Streets were Lively and full of colors!

Link to more

Thanks for looking

Images © Awais Yaqub un Authorized use of pictures is prohibited 

Milky Way spotted in Pakistan

Hi folks ! during my visit to northern areas of Pakistan, i spotted Milky Way. It was a breathtaking view. Like billions of stars worshiping planet earth. People who don't know what Milky Way is, well it is cluster of planets and stars billions of them. Our planet earth is located in it. It appears like hazy substance on night sky. In urdu it is called "Kehkashan". These were shot using Canon Digital SLR camera and 17-40L, 100mm lens.
Visit My website for more images of Pakistan

Long Exposure of stars in milky way make them appear like trails

Milky way appears like a dust in night

Please don't distribute, alter, sale or use these images in anyway without my permission, these are copyright protected images. Contact me if you need any info: Cell # +92 345 5400315, Email: awais@awaisyaqub.com Website: www.awaisyaqub.com

Islambad the Beautiful !

Images © Awais Yaqub

More i go around in Islamabad more i love it. It is such a beautiful city. Here is photo of flower about to bloom at park in Islamabad, and how it will look fully grown.

Welcome me to Blogger

I just imported my old blog posts from wordpress to blogger. Right now i am getting familiar with controls and layout

Telenor F7 Markaz Islamabad

© Awais Yaqub

Hey people i was invited to take photographs of telenor head quarter located in Islamabad f7 markaz. It is interesting building and lovely place to work ! seems like i will be applying for the job there after MBA ! I enjoyed taking architectural photos inside and outside of building for one of my client. It was Sunday so there was no traffic inside office.

www.awaisyaqub.com

92 345 5400315 !