Share a few recent shots from your camera roll, no context needed.

The content reflects on the evolution of human creativity and expression, highlighting how early cave paintings and pottery evolved into written language and structured artistic forms. It notes the profound impact of the camera’s invention, which democratised photography, allowing for widespread sharing of images that capture life’s moments. The author shares excerpts from their camera roll, featuring nature, cultural festivities, and historical sites, emphasising the vibrant beauty of the world and the stories told through photographs. Each image serves as an evidence of life, illustrating the blend of art, nature, and human culture through time.

Humans learned

Life offers myriads of things to see, observe, appreciate and if need be react. Since the beginning, when the human race was evolving as Homo sapiens, they were striving to learn, evolve and grow. Through trial and error, humans learned much that benefited humanity.

As time progressed, precision and perfection improved, enabling humans to excel in many fields such as space exploration, healthcare, telemedicine, and computing. Out of these the thing that always stayed with humans is their creative instinct which is the outcome of highly developed brain with cognitive ability and dexterity.

Humans have expressed their feelings since ancient times when they were cave dwellers. In those difficult times, they left palm impressions and created activity paintings using bold, warm colours with clear narrative lines. The cave paintings are now vital pieces of evidence telling stories of prehistoric human beings.

Showing feelings artistically

Civilised people began to express their feelings in various ways. Their artistic nuances were expressed in potteries they used as pots for cooking and eating food. The seals of Indus Valley civilization, featuring figurines of deities and various animals, testify to their artistic inclination. With invention and evolution of language, script and alphabet humans took a quantum jump in the field of expression. It became structured, concise and effective.

Picture drawing and painting along with writing took the expression to next level. Ruling kings, writers, and painters collectively produced beautifully handwritten and decorated books that are now testaments to time. Portraits made by the artists of the time provide basic information about the life and lifestyle of the time.

Photograph and Photography

Invention of camera made painting with light easy and convenient. With technological advancement, cameras have become more powerful and precise, capable of taking pictures from long distances. With computers and digital technology, the production, storage, transmission, and dissemination of photographs is now extremely easy. They can be shared anywhere on the globe on real time basis. The picture taking, called Photography (combination of two words: Photo – light and Graphia – drawing), is a common thing and cameras have become easily accessible because of their small size and powerful performance. Cameras are present in every smartphone device. A camera roll is a medium for quick retrieval of pictures and allows one to peek into memories.

Photography is not merely a hobby or artistic pursuit but plays a significant role in everyday life. Pictures substantiate the incidences and act as a piece of evidence as well. A picture taking enthusiast, can take good pictures without using heavy and cumbersome camera gadgets.

Camera Roll

Here are a few pictures from my camera roll. Nature and daily lives are the spheres of life that affects people. The following pictures will take its viewers into the beautiful realm of Nature, give a feel about the Nature’s power and beauty along with the various cultural aspects of human life. Enjoy watching them dive in the streams of colours and vibrancy. (GEN-ZiNE)

Culture

Recently concluded Puja season ended with burning effigies of Ravana, Meghnath and Kumbhkaran. The season of devotion and prayer of nine incarnations of Goddess Durga, gives the season a festive touch.

Festive season of Navdurga or Shardiya Navratri brings happiness and joy in everyone’s life. An expression of vibrance and laden with sweet aroma, it rejuvenates people.

Nature in photograph

Monsoon brings respite from scorching sun and sweltering heat. Nature in its green attire looks picturesque. Though not known for vibrant flowers, a few like the one presented below show their enchanting beauty.

Wetland and bird sanctuaries offer good open place for resident and migratory birds. They are vital for sustaining ecosystem and keep life moving. The self-sustaining system supports a clean environment and salubrious surroundings.

History

Path leading to past. The old brick promenade in the precinct of historical edifices takes back in time and allows to cogitate about the time that is now past. The moss and lichen growth on the path give it a velvet touch and draw one nearer to the past.

Modern buildings and edifices are insignia of growth, development and congenial environment. The illuminated building of Council House with its imposing dome and carved cupola is an impressive building. Seat of power, the building called “Vidhan Sabha” is a place where elected members assemble, take part in debate and discussion to pass legislations.

Photograph gallery

Here is a tiled photo gallery about natural elements like clouds, the sun, water and plants. The natural play of light and colour is mesmerisingly beautiful. All pictures are taken by the author.

Urban landscapes

Gardens are the green lungs of a city. Beautifully developed gardens with promenade and open green spaces are not only aesthetically pleasing but gives a soothing feeling of openness and closeness to Nature. Walking on the promenade is invigorating and soothing with hopping and chirping birds with kaleidoscope of butterflies and hovering bees on flowers.

Colours look beautiful and add dimension to the scene. They are vivacious. The drying coloured garments against the azure sky with streeks of clouds looked mesmerisingly beautiful. The colourful and stunningly beautiful sight lured to capture it on the camera sensor sitting in the smartphone.

One of the various historical edifices dotting the city skyline and to its landscape, the conspicuous one is the clock tower which was constructed in 1881 and still working. The staircase in the background adds a dimension to it. Standing tall against the azure sky with wisps of cloud, the edifice attracts tourists visiting the city.

Pictures and camera rolls tell stories. They are the colourful expression and faithful representation of feelings and happenings. It is because camera never lies.

Further reads:

• Embracing Change: A Path to Personal Growth
• Exploring Lucknow: A Rich Tapestry of History and Culture
• Podcast Episode: Indian Cinema Through The Years
• Podcast Episode: Nature, Survival, And Biodiversity
• 5 Talents That Defined My Creative Journey

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