Jaisalmer Desert Festival 2009

[KrishnenduKes]

The Jaisalmer Desert Festival 2009 took place from the 7th Feb to 9th Feb. Here are some photographs that I tried shooting in the crowds:

http://www.thephotographer.in/galleries/data/508/medium/Camel_decorated2.jpg

Camel Decoration Competition

http://www.thephotographer.in/galleries/data/508/medium/Camel_decorated.jpg

Camel Races:

http://www.thephotographer.in/galleries/data/508/medium/Camel_Races2.jpg

http://www.thephotographer.in/galleries/data/508/medium/Camel_Races1.jpg

Akash Ganga The Indian Air Force guys, spot on...

http://www.thephotographer.in/galleries/data/508/medium/Akash_Ganga.jpg

Ghumar Dancers

http://www.thephotographer.in/galleries/data/508/medium/Ghumar.jpg

Mr. Desert 2009:

http://www.thephotographer.in/galleries/data/508/medium/Mr_Desert09.jpg

Shy Ghumar Dancer

http://www.thephotographer.in/galleries/data/508/medium/Shy_dancer.jpg

Intercultural Mix: It is great to see the way frontiers come down as people mix from across cultures and continents:

http://www.thephotographer.in/galleries/data/508/medium/Intercultural_mix.jpg

The Spectators: The happiest lot were the children who had a fun time looking at the shows:

http://www.thephotographer.in/galleries/data/508/medium/Spectator.jpg

Krishnendu Kes reporting from Jaisalmer :D

[Vicky]

Nice shots there Ken! Looks like you had a great time:)

My favorites are..

Mr. Desert - Nice angle, great DOF to isolate the subject and lovely punchy colors! He feels so full of pride! However, I would slightly lift the shadow areas of the face.

The Spectators - There's so much to see here! Love the genuine expressions of happiness and fascination on their faces. Again, due to the harsh sunlight, the shadow areas are a tad too dark and could use some lifting in PP!

Camel Races - The first one had such a great potential if only the rider and the camel's head were more separated from the crowd... I played around with it in CS3 and this is how it turned out..

[KrishnenduKes]

Nice shots there Ken! Looks like you had a great time:)

My favorites are..

Mr. Desert - Nice angle, great DOF to isolate the subject and lovely punchy colors! He feels so full of pride! However, I would slightly lift the shadow areas of the face.

The Spectators - There's so much to see here! Love the genuine expressions of happiness and fascination on their faces. Again, due to the harsh sunlight, the shadow areas are a tad too dark and could use some lifting in PP!

Camel Races - The first one had such a great potential if only the rider and the camel's head were more separated from the crowd... I played around with it in CS3 and this is how it turned out..

Thanks Vikash. You will not cease to amaze us with your creativity.

First I wonder how I would alleviate the shadows from the harsh sunlight! Is it by reducing contrast?

Secondly, bravo for the marvellous work of separating that camel from the crowd. I really wish you began a tutorial. Don't tell me it is the cloning tool again!

[archistar]

very nice pics Ken Da....

loved the PPed one Vicky...

[Vicky]

There are many ways to lift the Shadows in CS3, however the easiest way by far is using the Shadow/Highlights Tool. Go to Image>Adjustments>Shadow/Highlights. Works quite well when used in moderation:) When used excessively, it gives off an unrealistic feel though.

[KrishnenduKes]

very nice pics Ken Da....

loved the PPed one Vicky...

Thanks Archi. I tried with my very limited resources, shepherding my 25 clients in the crowd, showing them around and taking pictures at the same time... and keeping away from the Police as well.

There are many ways to lift the Shadows in CS3, however the easiest way by far is using the Shadow/Highlights Tool. Go to Image>Adjustments>Shadow/Highlights. Works quite well when used in moderation:) When used excessively, it gives off an unrealistic feel though.

Thank you Vikash. I will certainly try it out.

[powerslave]

Sweet pics Ken. Full of life. I think you should get familiar with a touch of PP to enhance images like these.

[KrishnenduKes]

Sweet pics Ken. Full of life. I think you should get familiar with a touch of PP to enhance images like these.

I am trying to learn Manas. Trying not to overdo it either. I PP-ed them, on raw, Blacks, exposures, unsharpening etc... Vicky told me to highlight shadows... trying to do that. You tell me some more... I will try that out too :)

There are many ways to lift the Shadows in CS3, however the easiest way by far is using the Shadow/Highlights Tool. Go to Image>Adjustments>Shadow/Highlights. Works quite well when used in moderation:) When used excessively, it gives off an unrealistic feel though.

Is this any better:

http://www.thephotographer.in/darkroom/attachment.php?attachmentid=149&stc=1&d=1234285182

[Vicky]

... and keeping away from the Police as well.


Why would you need to keep away from the police? Are you not allowed to click pictures there:confused::eek:

[KrishnenduKes]

Why would you need to keep away from the police? Are you not allowed to click pictures there:confused::eek:

No it is not that. If you want to get close to the action, you need a press card. Else you have to watch from the galeries which is something that I did not want to do. I wanted to mingle, go out... and when I started to go out, the police would not let me.

[anvancy-(macro analyst)]

amazing pics KEN!!

[KrishnenduKes]

Am glad you liked them Anvancy.