QATAR TRIBUNE Publication Sunday Kate Beckinsale says her feelings run deep for 08.05.2016 ex-boyfriend and his girlfriend.... Hollywood Hotshot! :HSPT(IK\SSH»ZL_WVZ\YL[VT\S[PWSL[`WLZ VMWOV[VNYHWO`OHZOLSWLKZOHWLOPZ Z[`SLHUKOPZ\UPX\LZ[`SLOHZILLU HWWYLJPH[LKHUKH^HYKLKV]LY[OL`LHYZ COVERPG STORY 2&3 02 Sunday, May 8, 2016 COVER STORY Photographs by Salim Abdulla LEZIMA GOMES DOHA ALIM Abdulla is a profes- sional photographer based Clicking away in Qatar. His unique style of photography has been appre- ciated and awarded over the Syears. His exposure to multiple types of photography has helped shape his style. Some of the major projects he has covered include the QNCC - Qatar to glory! Foundation, Vodafone Qatar, Ara- mex International, Hyatt Mall, Aqua Theme Park and Tasweeq Petrochemi- cals. :VVUOPZ^VYRILNHU[VNL[ “I follow a creative and unique YLJVNUP[PVUHUKOLILNHU[V[HRL style of composition, which I have de- veloped over the years. That’s my way \WJVTTLYJPHSHZZPNUTLU[Z/PZÄYZ[ of photography unless I’m told to do otherwise by clients,” he says. HZZPNUTLU[^HZH[HSVJHS^LKKPUN He has also been conducting photography classes for children HUKL]LYZPUJLOLOHZ[HRLU\W and adults at the VCU-Q community classes since 2012. Abdulla, who was ]HYPV\ZWYVQLJ[ZHUK[YPLZUV[[V born in India, has been living in Qatar Z[PJR[VHU`VUL[`WLVMWOV[VNYHWO` most of his life. His interest in photog- raphy started at a young age though he pursued it professionally only since 2006. “Initially, I was self-taught but 03 COVER STORY Sunday, May 8, 2016 later completed a diploma in pho- tography from India. My passion for photography started when I was in my 10th grade in school. I was also very interested in art. I took up art seri- ously, thanks to encouragement from my parents and teachers at the Ideal Indian School,” he says. His first photographs were clicked using a Yashica Microtec zoom 90 film camera, which was a basic point- and-shoot camera that his father had purchased. ‘‘Our family had the oppor- tunity to visit Delhi and Agra where I shot about 18 rolls of film. I still remember some of the images, and have fond memories.’’ Abdulla purchased his first DSLR camera, a Nikon D70s with 18-70mm kit lens. He made the decision after comparing various Nikon and Canon models in the market. The camera had just 6 megapixels. One of the images taken with that camera won him an award at a contest organised by the Ministry of Environment. Soon his work began to get recogni- tion, and he began to take up commer- cial assignments. His first assignment was at a local wedding and ever since he has been taking up various projects and tries not to stick to any one type of Salim Abdulla photography. ‘‘Practice and expose yourself to ABDULLA’S TOP TIPS all types of photography. If you want to specialise in any one area such as • Start with a basic digital camera weddings, wildlife or sports, you can and upgrade as you improve your do that later. Never stick to one form skills. when you start off,’’ he says. Currently using a Nikon D750, • Don’t jump to another core area like Abdulla says, ‘‘I love capturing low- flash photography until you have light long-exposure shots such as folk mastered how to expose in avail- dances, landscapes, and action sports, as well as nature. I love the lighting able light (Learn the basics first). during twilight and sunrise.’’ • It’s all about COMPOSITION ... Speaking about the classes he conducts at VCU-Q, he said, ‘‘I offer whether you have a $200 camera or two courses. One is called ‘Through $2000 camera!!! my Eyes’ and the other is ‘Good Morn- ing Qatar’. The first course, which • Keep shooting!! has always been most sought after, is a fun-filled class with scope for lots of creativity but at the same time, emphasises the basics. The second is it has become easy to become a good photos were taken with low-end and less on photo-editing, if you want designed for those with intermedi- photographer. However, what stands cameras. He further advises photog- to become good photographer.” ate level photography skills, but also out will be dedication and creativ- raphers to invest in good lenses. “A Abdulla says he feels blessed to taught in a way that amateurs can ity of the photographer. A lot of time camera comes and goes but lenses be able to do what he is so passionate grasp it quickly too.’’ has to be put into research, editing remain. But always remember, it is about. ‘‘I hope to take up more and “I am proud to say that a few peo- and learning new skills. My advice to composition that makes your photo- more challenges in photography and ple who took up the course have be- aspiring photographers is that they graph stand out. A photo taken on my at the same time, share my knowledge come accomplished photographers. pursue their dream with passion and regular walks along the Corniche won with newcomers.’’ One has become a new-born baby and not for the sake of making money a prestigious award in 2012. maternity photographer; another is alone. Art is priceless.’’ “The camera doesn’t matter as into advertising photography and oth- When it comes to using new gear, much as the composition.” ers have taken up nature and land- he said, “It is important to learn about Speaking about the importance of scape photography. Their exposure the camera that you possess and use Photoshop in photography, he said, to various types of photography has all its features to the maximum po- “Photoshop is a very important tool benefited them with commissioned tential before you think of upgrading. for every photographer to improve his works as well, and I feel very proud When you reach a stage where your work. Today 90 percent of cameras about this fact,” he said. camera is not giving you what you are digital, these images can be better Speaking about the increase in the want despite all experiments, it’s time presented using post processing soft- number of photographers in Qatar, he to change you gear and accessories.” ware such as Photoshop. But it is best said, ‘‘Today, due to digital cameras, Some of his best award-winning to concentrate more on photography 04 Sunday, May 8, 2016 Pempek cook-off at MIA Park TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK O commemorate the 40 years of Qatar-Indonesia diplomatic rela- Ttions, the Indonesian community recently held a Pempek cook-off at MIA Park. The event was officiated by Andi Una Sidehabi, the wife of Indonesian Ambas- sador to Qatar. Pempek is the name of a well-known Indonesian dish which originated in South Sumatera in the 16th century. It is a savoury fish cake, usually served with yellow noodles and a dark, rich sweet and sour sauce. Sidehabi stressed the need for unity among Indonesians in Qatar. The event was organised by Qatar Palembang com- munity (Kompaq), an Indonesian or- ganisation that has played an important role in enhancing the relationship among Indonesian expatriates in Qatar by organ- ising social activities especially those that promote Indonesian culture. Sidehabi also urged the Indonesian Diaspora to always demonstrate good work ethics and follow the law of Qatar. 05 CITY CIRCUIT Sunday, May 8, 2016 108 KG 1 and Class 2 DPS-MIS students receive 100 percent attendance award Nursery II class during the 100 Percent Attendance award ceremony 2016. Nursery II class during the Earth Day 2016 assembly. TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK tendance award to their KG 1 and Class 2 Kauser Hassan Chougle who also handed appreciated the efforts of the parents in students recently. over the awards. DPS-MIS Vice-Principal making sure that their wards turned up ELIEVING in the importance of The award ceremony was attended G Mala congratulated the students for at the school every school-day on time. encouraging good habits, DPS- by chief guest Success Group Managing their regular attendance. There were 108 students who received BMIS bestowed 100 percent at- Director and DPS-MIS council member DPS-MIS Principal Asna Nafees the certificates and badges. HAPPENINGS IN QATAR SILKS FROM THE SILK ROAD Venue: InterContinental Doha tionally acclaimed New York based Chinese artist Cai poultry, fish and livestock. The yards will operate When: Till May 9 Admission: QR249 (General) and QR499 (VIP) Guo-Qiang returns to Qatar to present an exhibition three days a week on Thursdays, Fridays and Satur- Venue: Qatar Museums Gallery Katara UB40, formed in December 1978 in Birmingham, featuring 15 contemporary Chinese artists and col- days with livestock vendors in Al Mazrooa operating Admission: Free UK, is one of the most iconic reggae band in the lectives working in a variety of media. at the same times throughout the week. The second major exhibition of the Qatar-China world. The band released over 50 singles and sold 2016 Year of Culture, and presents silk as a theme more than 70 million records. Their hit singles in- QATAR MUSEUMS IN SPAIN – LOOKING AT SHIFTING SANDS and as a special local product of Zhejiang that clude their debut Food for Thought, Red Red Wine THE WORLD AROUND YOU When: Till July 7 played an important role in trade along the Silk and Can’t Help Falling in Love. The latter two hit US When: Till June 19, 11:00 am to 6:00 pm Venue: Sheikh Faisal Bin Qassim Al Thani Museum Road. The exhibition highlights ancient and modern Billboard Top 100 and topped the UK Singles Chart, Venue: Mathaf: Arab Museum of Modern Art This year the annual exhibition project by the MA Mu- Chinese silks, with around 100 pieces showcased at as did the band’s version of I Got You Babe.