Finding balance and reflection in life during Ramadan through the lens

Dubai - Two photographers share what 'captures' their fancy during the holy month

In the holy month of Ramadan, finding balance in life can come in so many different ways. Two photographers from the region found just that in what they do best - capturing moments that encapsulate the season.
Ramadan has always been a time when people take a moment to find a renewed sense of balance in life, and kickstart a month of good habits and positivity. To maintain this sense of balance throughout the holy month, social relationships, physical activity and spiritual connection should all be taken to account, and how they affect your daily routine.
Mansour Alsofi and Ola Allouz find all these, plus their passion for photography, a perfect mix.
"Ramadan is based on the principle of balance. Unfortunately, there are many who go against the values of Ramadan by over-eating, staying up too late and watching TV excessively," Alsofi, from Saudi Arabia, says.
He adds that "switching off" by spending quality time with family and friends and being mindful of your activity can help one achieve a greater sense of balance during the season.
"I strive to achieve balance during Ramadan by spending time nurturing my spiritual side and connecting with family and friends while ensuring that this time is of quality and away from external influences," Allouz, an Emirati, says.
And with both being photographers, one activity that has kept Alsofi and Allouz balanced during the holy month is, you guessed it, taking snaps.

Both have been busy taking part in Apple's 'Finding Balance' campaign, using their iPhones to capture series of images showing moments of reflection, family connection and physical activity during Ramadan.
"It reflects a personal principle that I try to follow every year," Allouz says. Moving around to do her thing also contributes to her goal of maintaining a good level of physical activity.
And with everyone wielding smartphones everywhere, it isn't far-fetched that one can bring out the photographer in his/herself. When moving around during the holy month, Alsofi and Allouz both recommend planning when and where to shoot, in order to find the right mix of elements.
"Planning is the most important part, then choosing the location as planned and apply the scenario planned for the shoot," Allouz points out.
Not to forget, "patience and close observance to your surroundings", Alsofi adds.
The technologies found in smartphones today are a boon for users.
For example, Smart HDR, allows you to get the appropriate lighting for your shots by combining the different brightness levels in the scene and integrating them to get the correct lighting, especially in images that include a bright sky. Along with faster sensors and zero shutter lag, you can freeze a moment in time and capture a clearer image.
Additionally, using a grid feature is best suited to get the desired sense of balance in composition. This feature divides the screen into horizontal and vertical lines to help you keep your lines straight and ensure that the spaces are evenly distributed in your shot.
When shooting reflections, especially using water, you must hold the phone horizontally and get close to the water pool to get a balanced reflection and capture the scene.
Asked if it was hard to strike balance in shoots, Allouz said: "It wasn't hard technically; controlling the environment was the hard part."
"It was a challenge taking balanced photos, but the results were satisfying and worth the work," Alsofi added.
- alvin@khaleejtimes.com

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