Fisherman at twilight

Fisherman waiting for high tide so his boat sails in sea from www.awaisyaqub.com

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

Abstract from Mosque

You can buy this image and many more from following link
http://awais.smugmug.com/buy/8660270_TvV663/

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. 

Intellectual Property Violation by Hashoo Group / Marriott hotel Islamabad

Ramadan is considered month of blessings, when people are close to God but unfortunately Hashoo group was upto something else! Totally disgraceful act of stealing image from my collection and use in Ramadan (2011) advertising campaigns of Marriott Hotel Islamabad, without payment or permission. But real tragedy is that non of the managers have touched Intellectual Property lessons ever. Lets see how they respond to request of payment. Hashoo group is one of the LARGEST Business groups in Pakistan.

Just look at list of sponsors, sad such a big business name is upto dirt cheap things! This also justifies use of dirty big watermarks on photos, viewers are complaining about.

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

Kenny Belaey in Pakistan!

Kenny Belaey aka Magician is in Pakistan these days. Today he performed at FAST university, Islamabad. I was fortunate to see him flying with bicycle. This is quite new thing in Pakistan, i guess. Anyways here are some photos i managed to take. I was restricted to move around as i was not official photographer.

The Legend! Image © Awais Yaqub | www.awaisyaqub.com

Kenny in mid air, cheerful crowd and brave girls. Image © Awais Yaqub | www.awaisyaqub.com

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

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.

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 !

For Love of Cricket

Here is the ball !

Cricket is most popular sport in Pakistan. Unfortunatly these days are hard on cricket but i hope we are out of bad times soon.

© Awais Yaqub click to buy

Politician's Food

Image © Awais Yaqub Documentary Photography

As poor people struggle to get hold on piece of bread at Lahore's Datta Derbar Pakistani Politicians and Generals sacrificed whole Pakistan from Judiciary to human capital for sake of RULE violently and brutally.

Lets see what LONG MARCH brings to Pakistan....

License to use this image can be purchased

awais@awaisyaqub.com

Child Labor

Image © Awais Yaqub

Child labor is swear issue in Pakistan in every corner big or small city you will find kids of very young age working in workshops etc. I saw this kid with dirty cloths standing in front of a shop it was evident from his cloths that he works at some car workshop.

Image available for license

Contact

awaisyaqub@gmail.com

awais@awaisyaqub.com

92 0 345 5400315

Power Crises in Pakistan

Pakistan is facing swear power crises, industry to household everyone is facing huge problem! I hope politicians and Generals had managed and used this country properly. Situation is worse in small cities and villages in Pakistan. I live in Heart of Islamabad for the past 13 years power failures due to old and damaged wires are regular here and no one takes notice even after complains ! It seems like power crises are due to corruption and mismanagement....

image © Awais Yaqub

This picture is my property don't use it without paying me the fee of usage

Awais Yaqub

awais@awaisyaqub.com

92 0 345-5400315

Ruins of Murree Brewery Factory

On way to Murree hill station from Islamabad old road just before Lawerance Collage is located dead factory of Murree Brewery built in 1864 . It is just a ruined building now it came under attack in partition riots in 1947. It was build in Gothic style of architecture by British. It was established to meet beer requirement of British personnel during British Raj. The factory now operates in Rawalpindi.

It is excellent location for Photographers and Art lovers who want to enjoy something different from traditional landscapes of Pakistan. I enjoyed there here are some images from the visit. Do take great care when standing under the structure it can fall any time.

All images © Awais Yaqub

If you feel i am doing good job and should continue buy fine art from me to keep me running ! It's easy to order and they look beautiful on walls ! Click here.

I also provide professional photography services click here to view details.

Human Rights ?

Barbera Plett BBC image © Awais Yaqub

I was returning from my university in early 2007 and saw a small crowd guarded by police. It seemed like a protest what a unique protest it was far more quiet then ordinary political party protest with no shattered windows or broken street lights, bunch of kids holding charts and old women of young and old age looking so hopeless, they seemed to look like ordinary Pakistani women who were confused to face the media(cameras) they hardly know what to say and how to deliver the message.

These folks were protesting against kidnapping of their loved ones by government agencies ruled by Musharraf the dictator who destroyed democratic system of Pakistan. Since 2005 there is no clue of kidnapped people there is no trial in a court they have just disappeared, no one knows where they are dead or alive. Read about them at Wikipedia

I am not political, i don't support killing of innocent people regardless of color cast or creed. I hope those people were arrested rather kidnapped if they were guilty. Some people were kidnapped for personal differences such as property. I wonder when People of Pakistan will be more powerful then their corrupt leaders. I still wonder if USA's best friend has done anything good for his country men. Where are the human rights now ? i still wonder when people and countries who chant about human rights will stop abusing them

I had to say all that after watching the TV show about missing people

Click to see more images

Flower Exhibition in Islamabad

© Awais Yaqub

Beautiful Chrysantimum flower exhibition is going on at Islamabad's Fatima Jinnah Park. Sunday is last day. Spending a time with flower was great experience great treat for eyes.

Calendar Images For Sale ! Pakistan

If your company is looking for high resolution images to print on calendars you can choose from my large collection covering various theme. Or contact me to cover a specific theme

Visit my Website

Alternate link to Website

awaisyaqub@gmail.com

Call me at +92 (0) 345-5400315

Global Entrepreneurship Week at MAJU Islamabad

Got chance to attend seminar on entrepreneurship at MAJU in association with "global entrepreneurship week" celebration. Listening from CEOs of leading companies of Pakistan Micronet and Scrybe was an excellent experience.

And my class mate was wearing attractive shirt what an entrepreneurial Idea !