Some pics become unique or are designed to be so. An exceptional view, or technique or congregation of people, are some reasons.
These are learnings over about 10-12 years, because I am no social media guru.
Be yourself most of the time. Intellectual, argumentative, funny, sarcastic, innocent, curious, engaging, or some combination.
Use visuals wherever the medium lets you.
Be original, and don't rely on forwards alone. Though forwards also help you establish an identity. Caption forwards too..
Comment on your friends' posts, rather than only liking them.
Use the medium regularly, so people can track you and know you better.
Explain more. Where you were, what you were up to, or what the occasion was.. memories are shorter than you think.
Edit photos to make them more attractive, without losing their essence.
I have a few good pics from our days at IIM Bangalore. Actually, for our Yearbook, I had shot block-wise group photos of all the floors in the hostel. Most of these are available, and take us on a nostalgic journey.
Found some vintage pics of mine from 1961 and so on, while digging up the archives. Here are some-
Avoid selfies, if you want really good pics. Usually they are the worst, other things being equal. Obviously, then, you have to get someone to click you and whoever is with you.
Assuming you do, get a good background, without standing at the edge of a cliff. But check around if you can find a better spot, and go for it.
An angle and distance are the most important, and light is the most important.. that's what photography is about..
Smile, if that looks good on you. Sometimes, a non-smiley is more appropriate for the situation, or setting.
If the pic is really important, posed is better than candid. Candid ones can go either way. Silly poses too are fine, and sometimes better than serious ones. Wear a hat, if there's one. A Vietnamese conical one is best (from experience).. an Assamese one comes next. Or a detective type one, if you want to look like Sherlock Holmes.
If the background is unique, try and get it into the pic. Enhances you in the process. If it's not, close up on you is most effective.
Think about how you will use the pic- in what size, or where on social media.. of course, you can crop. Or correct some defects, but not all.
A good question to ask of oneself. Of course, a part of the list remains unchanged.
Eat, drink and be merry.. that starts this year, right now. Before Christmas, even.
Be aware of one's self-development, such as it is.
Do some good, to my organisation, my students, my colleagues, friends, family.
Think about improving my surroundings in some way..linked to the above.
Have fun, enjoy with people I already know, and those who are new acquaintances.
Take photos, including selfies.. make my selfie-teacher proud.
Continue to write the blog, make puns, coin quizzes, give prizes.. no escape for you guys, in short!
I got a farewell officially from my colleagues at NMIMS Bangalore. It was a bit unusual, with a quiz involving names of some, and some recognitions being given out to a few by me too. Not just one way traffic. Memories will linger. To trigger those in future, here are some glimpses-
We held a unique program conducted by Common Purpose, with students from Dundee (Scotland), Brunel (London) and our own students recently (September 6-9, 2022). These students were given a challenge to improve inclusion in education in Bangalore. They had 3 days to interact with NGOs, visit and talk to them, and make a brief presentation on how they would do it better or differently. Lots of enthusiasm, and new ideas came up. I was at the presentation, and also at the photo sessions, obviously. Here are a few pics. Good to see our students also do well..
We actually had three weddings to attend this past fortnight, and so it was quite hectic. Feasts ranging from South Indian, to Hyderabadi, to exotic international eats. Some glimpses, of all the action, as recorded for posterity.
E.T., or Eaty? Lots to eat, no doubt..
Organiser was Sanmira who also sang a couple of good songs- Hari Om Hari by Usha Uthup was one. But the pick of the singers were Atul Patha...
