Main Road in the Evening – Adding Value to a Simple Frame

 

Main Road in the Evening

 – Adding Value to a Simple
Frame

Sometimes, the simplest assignments
demand the most creativity.
Once, my office asked me to photograph Ranchi’s Main Road. At first, it seemed
like a straightforward task—step out, click a picture, and return. But I knew a
plain image of the road wouldn’t truly connect with my editors, colleagues, or
readers. I wanted something more—an image that would make people stop, look,
and feel the city’s pulse.

For me, photography is never just
about clicking. It’s about adding value to the frame—transforming the
ordinary into something memorable.

The
Search for the Right Perspective

I chose two vantage points for this
project:

• Albert Ekka Chowk
  – the heart of Ranchi’s evening hustle.

• G. L. Church Market
  – where a high-rise building was under construction.

With official permission, I climbed
to the top of those buildings and began searching for the most striking angles.
I watched the city for a while, letting the scene unfold before my lens.

Crafting
the Shot

I used my Canon 16–35mm f/2.8
lens and set my camera for a long exposure:

• ISO:
  100 (for minimal noise)

• Aperture:
  f/22 (for maximum depth of field)

• Shutter Speed:
  15–30 seconds (to capture motion blur)

This slow shutter technique allowed
me to transform moving vehicles into flowing streams of light—headlights and
taillights weaving like ribbons through the frame. The wide-angle lens gave the
scene depth and context, enhancing the city’s vibrant atmosphere.

From
a Road to a Story

The final images were more than
photographs. They were moments in motion—a blend of light, energy, and
mood. They told a story of Ranchi’s evenings: busy streets, glowing trails, and
a city alive with movement.

That’s my biggest advice to
newcomers in photography:

Whether you’re capturing images or
writing words, always add value. Just as a lyricist chooses the perfect
words to give a song soul, a photographer must add elements that make an image
unforgettable.

Tips
to Enhance the Value of Your Photographs

• Master the basics:
  Understand camera settings, composition, lighting, and post-processing.
  Shooting in RAW gives more flexibility in editing.

• Develop your unique style: Let your work have a signature—through editing, subject
  choice, or shooting technique.

• Experiment with composition and light: Different angles, perspectives, and lighting
  conditions can make your photos stand out.

• Refine in post-processing: Adjust color, contrast, and sharpness to bring out the
  best in your shots.

• Showcase your portfolio: Keep your best work organized online. Include varied
  projects to highlight versatility.

• Value your skills:
  Price your work fairly, considering preparation, travel, and editing time.

• Engage with your audience: Use social media to share, respond, and build a
  following.

• Give meaningful titles: Titles add emotion and storytelling power to your
  images.

• Network actively:
  Connect with other photographers, artists, and clients to grow your reach.

Photography
Beyond the Lens

Great photography is not just
technical mastery—it’s also presentation, storytelling, and emotional
connection. If an image can be etched in someone’s memory like a favorite
song or a timeless poem, then you’ve succeeded as a photographer.

📸 Text & Photos by:
Ashok Karan
🔗 ashokkaran.blogspot.com
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