PHOENIX PHOTOGRAPHY

Tell me about yourself. Your Dental school and career. 

I am Rana Jabeen, a dentist by profession, photographer by heart is from Mumbai, India but residing in Riyadh. I have completed my graduation from Nair Hospital Dental
College, Mumbai.

• How do you manage your dental practice and traveling so extensively?

I have taken a break from my dental practice for personal reasons. My engagements between Riyadh and India are keeping me quite occupied. In between all this and until the start of COVID, traveling multiple times annually for my hobby, holiday and leisure also kept me busy for atleast 2-3 months of the year.

• What is photography according to you?

While photography is a passion for all
of us, for me it also includes connecting with myself. Photography and its
presentation in the final form allows an expression of myself, a communication
of its form to the audience who understands and at times it bring stillness in me when I work for my own self. Over the last year, I have tried to change this medium of expression to bring out the shades of light and dark in more vivid form. When someone tells me ‘I saw this image and I knew itʼs your signature workʼ its truly a great feeling!!

• What did photography taught you?

Keeping the technique aside, Photography has been a great teacher to me. A couple of relevant lessons I learnt include patience and planning well in advance but be prepared to improvise as per any sudden changes. But most importantly, I have learnt to slow down, breathe in the current moment and enjoy art in every form.

• Explain your camera kit. Your favorite lens.

Whatʼs in my bag : Nikon D750,
Nikkor 14-24, Sigma 24-70, Nikkor 70-200, Nikkor 50mm 1.8, Nikkor 200-500,Nikkor 105, Lee SW 150 filter system. My fav lens is Nikkor 14-24 which I use for almost all my cityscape and architecture shots.

• Which is your favorite photography destination?

I have always been an avid traveller, even before I first picked a camera, travel was always my passion.
Each place has its own history , culture , architecture and charm which can be
explored. During the course of my travel, I found that Urban landscapes/
Cityscapes and architecture fascinated me deeply. It is difficult to choose any
one destination as many are close to my heart. But if I had to compulsorily pick
one, I would say maybe The Netherlands.

• What is the secret of making sharp and crisp images?

However simple that sounds, the most important thing needed to capture good images is to have strong knowledge of technique. One should always keep reading extensively to keep updating and learning all aspects of light and technique. Also know your gear well so you can optimise its use. In my opinion photography workflow should include research of the place and location, reaching a spot well in advance, good observation, capturing the classic view of the place, however,looking for your own fresh viewpoint and shooting image. This is followed by well-balanced processing. For me, itʼs a combination of LR & PS. Post
processing is an integral part of a final image. An artist is free to express and
present an image in the style he / she likes and this is very important in any art form. It is a matter of personal taste. In my work, I use multiple image
panoramas and also digital blending.

• One memorable image which you cherish ? Tell me the story behind that image.

There are so many stories to share but this one comes to mind now. I was in Frankfurt, for only one evening and wanted to capture the skyline view at a popular spot. I was very excited about it and reached it well in time for blue
hour. Just as I set up my camera and tripod it started raining heavy and was
extremely windy. My husband who was along, had to stand with one single
umbrella on the bridge over the river covering me and photography equipments (with that strong winds blowing ) while I stood barely managed to take few shots in between the that pouring rain. So thanks to him, I have some great images at that location.

• How do you see photography as a career option?

Photography is an interesting and beautiful career option to fan the artist in you. At certain levels, it can even keep you fully occupied economically without alternative sources of income. But to reach this level, its a tough climb and also requires taking tough decisions . Personally for me, I am not pursuing it as a career but only as something I am deeply attached to.

• Finally, Your thoughts on PHOENIX PHOTOGRAPHY. 

Phoenix Photography is a relatively new group, about 2-3 years old but it is a great forum to encourage photographers. It is managed by a talented Admin Team working hard and has created a space where photographers can share and learn . The concept of introducing new Themes and contests further keeps the group interesting and interactive. My best wishes to the team.

All copyrights ©️ Dr. Rana Jabeen.