Kavan Choksi UAE

Photography Lessons: A Primer on Filters

Traveler and veteran photographer Kavan Choksi has gone around the world taking snapshots of the most beautiful places known to man, places such as Dubai in the UAE. In this post, he provides a lesson in filters to all the novice photographers out there.

According to Kavan Choksi, while the camera is the base weapon in a photographer’s artillery, every expert photographer who knows what they’re doing understands that there are situations where other tools are needed to bring a shot to its full potential. For instance, a photographer can use a tripod instead of holding a camera steady for hours on end.

Besides basic photography tools, professional photographers also carry filters for their cameras. Below, Kavan Choksi shares the three primary filters that every photographer needs in their arsenal.

Ultraviolet filter: While great photographers know how to use natural lighting to their advantage, the sun can sometimes produce a small amount of haze caused by ultraviolet light. UV filters remove this haze without affecting the light coming in for digital cameras. They also double as protection for your primary lens.

Graduated neutral density filter: Unlike UV filters, ND filters block a portion of the light from the camera when taking photos. When you position the darker segment of the filter over brighter areas of the shot, overexposure can be prevented, and a great deal of detail can be maintained. Kavan Choksi notes that ND filters are extremely useful when taking long exposure photography or if photographers don’t want to bother with longer shutter speeds.

Polarizing filter: Polarizing filters can augment the light that enters them. The result is that it can eliminate or even enhance reflections. Photographers can make reflections very noticeable or remove them from the shot by simply twisting the filter. This works well when taking photographs through windows, in bodies of water, and on polished surfaces, Kavan Choksi adds.

Seven Activities To Do In Dubai On A Budget

Dubai is the world’s capital for modern style, luxury, and incredible abundance. For many, the only activities worth doing in the emirate include luxurious shopping and lavish spending. However, this could not be further from the truth. In this blog post, freelance photographer Kavan Choksi shares seven activities to do in Dubai on a budget.

Take in pure Emirati culture and head to the Al Fahidi historic district. A stroll through this well-maintained historical neighborhood opens a doorway to the rich culture and tradition of the emirate. Experience living in the past with the district’s museums and tea houses.

Part of Emirati culture is showing hospitality by serving coffee. Visit the Coffee Museum in Dubai to learn about the incredible coffee history upheld by local and international baristas in the emirate.

Forget about the luxurious malls and shop at an authentic souk. Bargain as the locals do, window-shop, and stroll through these traditional markets for the full Dubai experience. Sure, malls are air-conditioned and filled with modern amenities, but nothing beats the beauty of tradition.

Tour the Bur Dubai Grand Mosque for free. According to freelance photographer Kavan Choksi, the mosque offers a tour that teaches tourists about the abundant culture of the emirate.

Hike at Hatta. One of Dubai’s most attractive locations, Hatta, is the ideal place to take a break from everything urban and modern. Its mountains allow tourists to walk, hike, and bike to their hearts’ desire.

Locals and travelers can watch flamingos in the middle of the city at Ras Al Khor wildlife sanctuary—a testament that Dubai has something for everyone.

Soak in the sun. Whether you ride the sand dunes or lie on the shore, sunbathing in Dubai is incredibly easy. While it may seem like a distant truth from what some might know about Dubai, the country is home to stunning natural displays, says Kavan Choksi.

Keeping Your Camera Safe From the Elements

If there’s one thing Kavan Choksi believes is often overlooked in the realm of photography, it’s how to keep your camera and gear safe, especially during outdoor and nature shoots. Being a veteran photographer and avid traveler, he says there are very few things more important than the safety of your gear.

For this post, Kavan Choksi pays special attention to camera safety.

First, photographers out in nature must be prepared for all kinds of weather. This means that weatherproofing a camera is key. The common misconception, though, is that weatherproofing a camera will cost a ton of money. If you know how to, it won’t. All a photographer needs is to be resourceful.

Kavan Choksi, of course, pays much attention to a photographer’s bag of choice. You have to know and understand that a waterproof bag is a great investment in preserving the condition of cameras and equipment.

As far as bags are concerned, there’s a wide variety of hard and padded cases to choose from, all of which can keep all your gear dry. The best ones can hold them as steady and firm as possible and reduce any effects of impact when bringing them around.

Next to a reliable, weatherproof bag, Kavan Choksi mentions plastic covers for the different equipment, especially for the camera. A thick clear plastic bag will keep the camera dry, especially when shooting in harsh weather. As he reminds his readers, you should never forget to cut a hole for the camera lens and try using the camera first with the bag covering the switches and buttons.

Then, there’s the UV filter. A UV filter protects cameras from scratches and can also keep lenses from gathering dirt and dust while out in nature. A good UV filter also provides top-notch safety and protection for the camera during rainy seasons as they can prevent the lens from sustaining water damage. UV filters are also easy to replace, Kavan Choksi adds.

Five Budget Activities to Enjoy in Dubai

Dubai isn’t reserved for the rich. Contrary to popular belief, there are numerous activities to enjoy in the emirate even when on a budget. Travelers with different spending capacities can indulge in experiences without skimping on amusement. Here are five of the best budget activities to enjoy in Dubai.

Visit Dubai’s many museums and art galleries. The city is home to some world-renowned museums, including the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Centre, the Dubai Museum, and the Etihad Museum. According to freelance photographer Kavan Choksi, art enthusiasts can explore the Al Quoz district, where they’ll find a range of affordable art galleries.

Stroll around the stunning Jumeirah Mosque. One of the city’s most popular tourist attractions, the Jumeirah Mosque, is open to visitors of all faiths. Take a guided tour of the mosque and learn about its history and architecture. The best time to visit is during midday prayers when the mosque is particularly busy.

Go on a desert safari. A desert safari is a must-do when in Dubai. Travelers on a budget can find affordable safaris that include dune bashing, camel riding, and sandboarding. Be sure to haggle with the tour operators for the best price, shares freelance photographer Kavan Choksi.

Shop till you drop at the world-famous Gold Souk. The Gold Souk is one of Dubai’s most famous markets, and for a good reason. It’s the ideal place to pick up several souvenirs or browse for unique jewelry. In addition, souks are perfect for haggling; haggle like a pro to take home the finest items for the lowest price.

Enjoy traditional Arabic hospitality at a local café or restaurant. Dubai is known for its hospitality, and there’s no better way to experience it than indulging in the local cuisine. There are plenty of affordable cafés and restaurants serving delicious dishes. Also, try traditional Arabic favorites like hummus, falafel, and shawarma.

The Most Photogenic Mosques In The UAE

The UAE has some of the most beautiful architecture known to man. It boasts numerous skyscrapers and other majestic buildings that capture the attention of both locals and tourists. In this article, Kavan Choksi lists some of the UAE’s most picturesque mosques.

Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Abu Dhabi

Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, the largest mosque in the country, was constructed between 1994 and 2007. It covers an area of over 12 hectares and can accommodate 40,000 visitors at a time. The Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi is known for being accessible to tourists and expatriates. Inside the premises are 82 domes, four minarets, white marble columns adorned with amethyst and lapis lazuli, imported chandeliers made of millions of Swarovski crystals, and the world’s largest handmade carpet.

Grand Mosque, Dubai

For tourists visiting Dubai’s Bur Dubai district, Kavan Choksi recommends checking out the Grand Mosque. One of the Emirate’s oldest mosques, it was originally built in 1900 and rebuilt twice in 1960 and 1998. Its minaret is the tallest in the city, and its wooden windows are adorned with handmade stained glass.

Al Noor Mosque, Sharjah

The Sharjah emirate has more than 600 mosques, and one of the most picturesque is Al Noor Mosque. It is open for public visits every Monday. Its architecture is inspired by the iconic Blue Mosque in Istanbul, with its exterior being made of 34 cascading domes and semi-domes.

Al Badiyah Mosque, Fujairah

Al Badiyah Mosque is situated on a hillside in Fujairah. It was built in 1446, making it the oldest mosque in the UAE. The structure stands just 15 feet tall and is constructed with stone and burnt mud in whitewashed plaster. According to Kavan Choksi, the best place to take a photo of the Al Badiyah Mosque is just in front of it, as the rocky hillside behind it serves as an aesthetic backdrop to the structure.

Landscape Photography: Important Tips and Reminders

According to Kavan Choksi, landscape photography is such a treat for photographers. Below, he shares a few things to remember when photographing landscapes to make sure your photos turn out great.

Research, then decide the best time of day to photograph landscapes. The best time of day to photograph landscapes usually is early in the morning or late afternoon, or early evening, during a period when the sun has lowered and casts softer light. This will help capture the beauty of your landscape without harsh shadows or too much contrast.

Pay attention to the weather. Weather can play a considerable role in landscape photography. The photos will likely have a more muted tone if it’s overcast. If it’s windy, you’ll need to make sure your tripod is stable to avoid blurry photos. And if it’s raining, you might need to find a different spot to photograph.

Choose the right location. When photographing landscapes, it’s crucial to find a site that has something interesting in the foreground and background. If nothing is interesting in the foreground or background, the photo will be bland, notes Kavan Choksi.

Use a tripod. A tripod is essential for landscape photography, especially when using a long exposure to blur the water or create star trails. A tripod will always help keep your camera stable and ensure that your photos are sharp.

Experiment with composition. There is a myriad of ways to compose a landscape photo. Try different angles and perspectives, and experiment with different elements in the foreground and background.

Use a filter. Filters can be quite a viable way to add interest to landscape photos. For example, try using a polarizing filter to reduce glare and increase saturation, or a graduated ND filter, for balancing exposure in the sky and foreground.

Post-process your photos. Landscape photos often need some post-processing to make them look their best. Try adjusting the white balance, contrast, saturation, and clarity of your images to create a more pleasing effect.

By following these tips, Kavan Choksi says that you’ll be able to create stunning landscape photos that capture the beauty of nature.

Historic Monuments to Visit in the UAE

According to photographer Kavan Choksi, there are many historic sites in the United Arab Emirates that offer a glimpse into the country’s rich past. There is much to explore in the UAE, from ancient tombs and temples to forts and palaces.

On that note, Kavan Choksi shares a few of his favorite historical sites in the UAE:

1. The Al Ain National Museum is the most popular and one of the most important museums in the country. It carries an extensive collection of artifacts that date to the pre-Islamic era. The museum is in Al Ain, which was once the capital of the UAE.
2. The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is one of the most expansive, largest mosques in the UAE and the world. This superstructure is in Abu Dhabi, the capital of the UAE. The mosque was constructed to honor the memory of the country’s founding father, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan.
3. The Jumeirah Archaeological Site in Dubai is one of the oldest archaeological sites in the UAE. The site contains the remains of a Bronze Age settlement that dates to 3000 BC.
4. The Hili Archaeological Park in Al Ain is home to many ancient tombs and temples and an extensive collection of relics and artifacts from the Bronze and Iron Ages.
5. Abu Dhabi’s Emirates Heritage Club is dedicated to preserving the country’s traditional arts and crafts. The club offers a variety of workshops and classes on subjects such as pottery, weaving, and metalworking.
6. The Qasr al-Hosn in Abu Dhabi is the oldest building in the UAE. The Qasr al-Hosn was built in the 18th century and served as the residence of the ruling family of Abu Dhabi.
7. The Al Fahidi Fort, located in Dubai, is one of the most ancient forts in the UAE. The 18th-century fort was built to defend Dubai from invasions by pirates.
8. The Hatta Heritage Village is in Hatta, a mountainous region in the emirate of Dubai. According to Kavan Choksi, the village is a site that is home to several traditional buildings, such as houses, mosques, and public baths.

Expert Tips on Getting Impressive Pictures of a Home

Image source: digital-photography-school.com

Photography is the kind of hobby you take with you for a lifetime. One of the best things about it is that you can do it anywhere.

When you need to take pictures of a home, Kavan Choksi, a photographer who has worked in UAE and Singapore, explains that it is essential to use the appropriate equipment and techniques. This article will detail the more efficient ways to take beautiful photos of homes for sale.

You’ll need an SLR or DSLR camera with a 100mm or 135mm lens, plus a tripod and cable release if you’re using film. You’ll also need a color film with an ISO between 200 and 400. In addition to this, you’ll want a DSLR camera with either a 100mm macro lens or a standard 50mm telephoto lens if you’re using digital.

You will also either want to use the live preview feature or have your LCD expanded so it’s easy to view from where you will be photographing. You’ll need a tripod, and you’ll want to use your self-timer so that there is no camera shake.

First, get out early in the morning, before 7:00 if you can. If you get started later in the day, the sun will be high and harsh; the shadows will be long, and they might fall in a direction you don’t want.

If possible, move so that the subject of your photos (the house) is out of direct sunlight while you set up your tripod and camera. If there is too much light, try shooting at sunrise or sunset. You can also wait until clouds come over the sun to diffuse the light or shoot during an overcast day, Kavan Choksi adds.

At night, try to find a spot where the house is lit by either streetlamps or other sources of light. Finally, Kavan Choksi points out that you don’t want too much “noise” in your photos from passing cars or people with flashlights.

Why Dubai and the UAE is a photographer’s paradise

Kavan Choksi notes that Dubai is one of the seven emirates that comprise the UAE. Every country in the UAE has its unique sights, making it a photographer’s paradise.

Kavan Choksi notes that more than 11 million people visit Dubai every year. The top sight in Dubai is the Burj Al Arab, a 7-star hotel shaped like a sailboat, which held the top spot among the tallest buildings when it opened on Dec. 18, 1999. Burj Al-Arab is located in Dubai’s Jumeirah Beach area. The observation deck one level below the main entrance is open to all visitors (the hotel’s highest floor pool is closed to visitors).

The Burj Khalifa (Khalifa Tower), 828 meters tall and 160 stories, opens to the public for two hours on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays. The Burj Khalifa is the world’s tallest man-made structure. Visitors can only go up to level 124 due to safety and security concerns.

Dubai Marina is located along Dubai Creek with a host of new buildings, including the Princess Tower, which rises to 356 meters and is the second-tallest all-residential building globally. The tower has a vast poop deck on the 124th floor, one level below the observation deck. Dubai Marina also has many excellent restaurants.

Image source: timeofindia.indiatimes.com

Memorial to victims of the 1991 bombing that killed one British tourist is next to the Marina Walk promenade, Kavan Choksi adds.

The Jumeirah Mosque is the sole mosque in Dubai where non-Muslims can enter. The open courtyard has a large reflecting pool and fountain. It can accommodate 11,000 worshippers at prayer times, of which about 20% are women. An observation deck, one level below the main entrance, offers a view of the inner courtyard.

Dubai Creek’s corniche is a place for strolling and people-watching. The al-Fahidi Fort was erected in 1787 to protect the landward approaches to the city, which Kavan Choksi explains was developing on the other bank of Dubai Creek. It has been restored and now houses a small museum with exhibits depicting old Bedouin life and other traditional aspects of Emirati culture.

Top Focusing Techniques to Achieve Sharp Photos

It can be pretty frustrating to take a great photo, only to find out that it’s blurry. Fortunately, there are different techniques you can use to achieve sharp images. In this article, freelance photographer Kavan Choksi, who has worked in the UAE and several other countries, will discuss the most useful focusing techniques and use them to get accurate results.

Manual Focus
Almost every modern digital camera has a lens that focuses automatically. However, they still allow you to focus manually, which is excellent for various situations, such as macro photography, low-contrast scenes or subjects, and video shooting. There is a physical switch on the lens of DSLR and mirrorless cameras to set your camera or lens to the manual focus option. You can look for the ‘MF’ symbol when adjusting your camera’s options for compact cameras. To use manual focus, turn the focusing ring on the lens until the subject is the sharpest it can be.

Single Shot Autofocus
The Single Shot Autofocus option, usually abbreviated to single AF or one-shot autofocus, sets the camera to focus on a subject once and then stops focusing. Half-press the shutter while pointing the lens on the subject to do this. Most cameras have a beeping sound to indicate the acquisition of a focus lock. Fully press the shutter to take a shot or take the finger off the button to release the focus lock.

The single focus mode is helpful for static scenes or subjects, such as in still life and landscape photography, says Kavan Choksi.

Continuous Autofocus
This focusing technique is similar to how the single-shot autofocus works. The difference is that half-pressing the shutter will continuously adjust the focus distance of the lens. Kavan Choksi recommends using Continuous Autofocus for action shots or sports photography.