In this article, I aim to provide some guidance on selecting a photographer for a wedding in Sydney, by shortlisting some of the photographers. The best fit for your wedding will depend on your priorities and the rapport you establish with the wedding photographer during your interactions. Choosing a wedding photographer is indeed a crucial element in planning your special day.

My approach towards wedding photography

The approach I prefer for wedding photography is capturing the moments as they occur, without disrupting the sanctity of the wedding day. The better you are at being invisible as a wedding photographer, the more successful you will be. Although I do take some posed photos, they are rare occurrences. These are mostly the must-have group photos of the wedding. The wedding day is a narrative that should be told candidly, as it actually happened. Otherwise, the entire event could be staged and become more like a movie et than a genuine experience. I understand that some might enjoy this staged photography approach that captures everything the way they like it and posed , it’s just fine but its not my cup of tea. So my selection of wedding photographers might have been influenced by my approach. Also, I don’t believe a wedding photographer needs to be based in Sydney for a Sydney wedding.

Photography is an art form that goes beyond owning a fancy camera or using the latest editing software. It requires a unique blend of technical skills, creative vision, and personal qualities to truly excel capturing wedding ceremony and related events.

Note 1: The items in the list are not arranged in any particular order and are not meant to be ranked.

Note 2: I am not actively taking any wedding assignments. Please browse through this section of wedding photographers in Sydney and make your pick.

1. Kristen Cook

Love the grains! I like how some of the photos are black and white and how the grains are used. They are based out of Melbourne.

2. Lei Lei Clavey

3. Kelly Tunney

4. Amelia Rushforth

5. Bayleigh Vendelago

6. Damien Milan

7. Captured by George

8. This day forward

9.Van Middleton

10 Alice Mahran

11. Teneil Kable

In conclusion

Selecting the best wedding photographer may not be as daunting a task as it seems. Look for the styles of photo capture and the presentation of photos that suit your taste and it will be relatively easy. Keep in mind that the venue and location is not to be weighted in this, consider things like blurry image, sharp image, candid moments, posed photos, conceptual images etc. Good Luck!

If you are new to Malayalam cinema or even an ardent follower, you are in the right place./ Here is a list of the best Malayalam movies of 2023 so far, in my view. It’s purely my opinion and being someone who has written and directed two feature-length movies, even in a low-budget movie space, I understand the time and effort gone into making movies. My choice is purely based on the audience’s experience and doesn’t factor in the effort to make a movie.

In no particular order, the best Malayalam movies. I will keep adding to the list as I find new ones!

Best Malayalam Movies of 2023 So far

1. Iratta
2. Nanpakal Nerathu Mayakkam
3. O.Baby
4. Romancham
5. Pachuvum Athbutha Vilakkum
6. Special Mention
   • 2018
   • Pookaalam

1. Iratta (Twins)

★★★★★★★

Rating 7 out of 10

Synopsis: After a cop is found dead, a policeman’s investigation starts a chilling search for the truth connected to his estranged twin and their fraught past.

Star : Jouju George, Anjali, Sabumon Abdusamad, Shebin Benson, Sreeja, Jit Ashraf.

Director: Rohit M.G.Krishanan

Writer: Rohit M.G.Krishanan

This recent movie with Joju George in the lead that has a beautifully woven story. Solid. It reminded me of a couple of earlier Malayalam movies in hindsight but this one is fresh and the acting is top-notch. Worth a watch of Drama/Thriller fans.

2. Nanpakal Nerathu Mayakkam(Like an afternoon Dream)

★★★★★★★★★

Rating 9 out of 10

Synopsis: A group of Malayali travellers, returning to Kerala by bus after their visit to Velankanni, doze off in a lazy nap. When James stops the bus in a village in Tamil Nadu, Sundaram behaves like him and confuses them. He walks amidst faith, delusion, dream, and trance.

Star : Mammootty, Ashwant Ashokkumar, Ashokan, Ramya Pandyan.

Director: Lijo Jose Pellissery

Writer : Lijo Jose Pellissery

Movie titled “Life an afternoon Dream” is a visual poety and an acting school from Mammootty. This delightful and comic at times is a foray into the surreal and cosmic nature of humans. It is not everyone’s cup of tea. The afternoon nap is what takes us into a journey and makes us question the reality of the character. A worthy movie that came out of majestros of our time, Lijo – Mammotty combination.

3. O.Baby

★★★★★★★

Rating 7 out of 10

Synopsis: A caretaker’s bond that was formed from his forefathers time with a family comes under strain when the caretaker’s son doesn’t respect age-old traditions, wants to challenge the generational bond, and is influenced by woke culture.

Star : Dileesh Pothan, Vishnu Agasthya, Athulya Chandra, Haniya Nafisa.

Director: Ranjan Pramod

Writer : Ranjan Pramod

O.Baby is raw and explores the feudal society with a solid backdrop of a hill station.Like the directors earlier movies its has a good mix of wild and forest into the narrative. It’s an intense drama thriller on the mild side.

4. Romancham (Goosebumps)

★★★★★★

Rating 6 out of 10

Synopsis: A game of Ouija board goes hilariously wrong when seven bachelors unexpectedly invite a spirit and try to make the best out of the situation.

Star : Soubin Shahir, Arjun Ashokan, Chemban Vinod Jose

Director: Jithu Madhavan

Writer : Jithu Madhavan

Romancham works as a horror comedy that is less explored in Malayalam movie industry. This works well with the setup of bachelors staying in a house and bit of nostalgia of the bygone days for those who has experienced a similar stay.

5. Pachuvum Athbutha Vilakkum (Pachu and the Magical Lamp)

★★★★★★★

Rating 7 out of 10

Synopsis: A middle-class Malayali youth who is settled in Mumbai and revolves around incidents that take place on a journey to Kerala.

Star : Fahadh Faasil, Viju Venkatesh, Anjana Jayaprakash, Innocent, Mukesh, Vineeth, Indrans, Shantikrishna, Althaf Salim.

Director: Akhil Sathyan

Writer : Akhil Sathyan

Akhil Sathyan follows the footsteps of his Father Sathyan Anthikad in creating a feel good movie with a sensible drama. The characters feels genuine and the theme is like any Sathyan Anthikad movies relevant. It takes courage to pull off something like this while carrying the baggage of his fathers fame.

Special Mention

The movies that had potential but didn’t make it to the best Malayalam movies of 2023

2018

Who hasn’t been affected by the floods of 2018. Whenever we think about a train of emotions runs through us and this I feel is the exact reason for its box office success. However from a movie lens its a a humongous failure and missed opportunity! The one I would compare is Virus (2019) which was a well crafted movie in all aspects. The makes of 2018 may not have followed the same path but it could have been a lot more effective with some very basic scripting & movie making standards.

Pookkaalam

A beautifully picturised movie with some fine acting from Vijayaraghavan and the rest of the cast. A very important topic thats being addressed but somewhere it looses its own game. Its definitely enjoyable in parts.

In Conclusion

At first, I was surprised to see only a few movies on my list. However, I don’t feel the need to add every movie I watched this year. I will continue to add movies to my list as I discover them.

In this blog, let’s dive into the essential qualities to look for when choosing a wedding photographer. It’s strictly IMO and a simple approach.

In this article

1. Personality
2. Style
3. Attentional to detail
4. Posed/Candid/Awe Photos
5. Emotional Intelligence
6. Preparedness & backups
7. Patience
8. Respect for Cultural sensitivities
9. Budget & package restrictions

1. Personality

Let’s be honest, You don’t want a grumpy photographer shooting your wedding and ruining your special day. This is something mostly overlooked but quite important. I would rather have someone who is less talented compared to a grumpy-talented photographer. On the other hand, if I were making movies, I would go with the grumpy talented director compared to a less talented friendly director, however this is not a movie set, it’s your special day, I want it to be special! Check if this photographer matches your vibe and plans for your wedding day.

2. Style You Love

A great wedding photographer doesn’t just capture images; they create art. Having a unique perspective and an artistic eye allows them to find beauty in every detail, from candid moments to intricate emotions. You will know if this is someone who cares about your wedding and what they can do to make it capture your wedding in its wholesomeness by talking to them.

3. Attention to detail

Weddings are brimming with small yet significant moments that are often overlooked. A meticulous photographer captures not only the major events but also the subtle emotions and intricate decorations that make every wedding exceptional. Weddings are brimming with small yet significant moments that are often overlooked. A meticulous photographer captures not only the major events but also the subtle emotions and intricate decorations that make every wedding exceptional.

4. Posed/Candid/Awe Photos – Wedding Portfolio

I wanted to specifically call this separately from Style because I feel it’s important. When we browse a photographer’s website we often see a selection of photos from different weddings and many of these are jaw-dropping awe photos. But this one or two jaw-dropping photos don’t tell the whole wedding story. For a photographer, it might be relatively easy to get a few good photos together as a portfolio but you should ask your shortlisted photographer to share full wedding photos. This would give you an idea of what the final product of a single wedding from this photographer would look like, their real style in their groove.

5. Emotional Intelligence

Weddings are events that are filled with emotions. A photographer who has emotional intelligence can connect with the couple and their families’ emotions, which helps them capture genuine expressions and feelings.

6. Preparedness & backups

Being well-prepared ensures that no crucial moment is missed. From scouting locations to creating shot lists, a successful photographer plans meticulously to capture all essential shots. However not just that, the process he follows and backups in his workflow are crucial factors in safeguarding the photos captured on your special day. 

7. Patience

Weddings can be long and tiring affairs. Patience is necessary when working through formal group shots or waiting for the perfect lighting. Endurance ensures consistent energy throughout the event.

8. Respect for Cultural Sensitivities

In diverse societies, photographers need to be sensitive to cultural traditions and rituals. Respecting and understanding these nuances can lead to capturing meaningful and respectful images.

9. Budget & Package Restrictions

The wedding photography budget would most likely will dictate your decision to hire a wedding photographer. But every photographer have their packages, understand these packages and options before you make a decision. In an ideal world, I would want someone who can shoot my best day and give me unlimited photos. But in the real world, the wedding photographer will have a set of packages or rules to set clear expectations. Take time to understand these and see what suits your needs better!

Conclusion

Spend as much time as you need to select your wedding photographer, thoroughly investigate the photographers on your list, allocate time for discussions with them, and then make your decision. After considering all factors, trust your instincts and choose the photographer who you feel most confident will capture your wedding day as you envision it.

First of all, lets recognise that this Christopher Nolan movie is a biopic and its based on American theoretical physicist J Robert Oppenheimer who is also known as the father of Atom Bomb. So this is a movie with no mind-twisting dreams or the cool gadgets of a caped crusader or interplanetary travel with complex scientific space theories etc. And yet Nolan makes us believe that this movie has some of these with the approach he takes to present this movie to us. Oppenheimer movie review, in short if you view it through the biopic lens, this is one of the few biopics films that stands out and makes it an enjoyable movie-going experience(on a large screen if possible).

Oppenheimer is not Christopher Nolan’s best film, but it is his way back to focusing on drama after this Dunkirk and Tenet. I fall into the category of Nolan fans who didn’t enjoy these two movies, just because the craft overshadowed the movie itself and deprived the audience of enjoyment.

The movie is based on the 2005 biography American Prometheus by Kai Bird and Martin J Sherwin. What I feel Nolan set out to make is a first-person view of the event conspired with his research and his life at mainly 2 stages in his life, before the Trinity test and after the test. One part shot in back and white; while I found is confusing at times to know the particular scene falls in the timeline but you get used to it. The aftermath of how the bombs were used in Nagasaki and Hiroshima was not shown in the movie apart from the title characters’ reaction. But this, I feel is the intention; showing more of this would have deviated from the goal he was trying to achieve and we would have had a whole different movie at hand. I agree with this decision.

Nolan manages to extract excellent performances from the lead actors, mainly Cillian Murphy as the title character, Emily Blunt as his wife, Matt Damon as head of the Manhattan Project, Robert Downey Jr as U.S Atomic Energy Commission member and Florence Pugh as a Communist Party USA member. There are other prominent actions in the movie, but it’s worth noting that this is the first time Nolan has had an explicit nude scene in his movies. That, too, a provocative bedroom scene with “Bhagavat Gita” being used in this scene which created some controversies in India. Albert Einstein makes an appearance in this film and its interesting how Christopher nolan has weaved it into the film.

Nolan starts the movie with a strong sound design with Oppenheimer’s visions presented it out us in out and clear visuals, and while watching, I kept thinking about why take this approach and this approach stood out as being more in your face and felt unnecessary for a theoretical physicist going through his day to day life. Its clearly visible that it’s a tactical approach. but the payoffs of that approach come way later in the film, and the powerful silence speaks for the parts of its silence.

To wrap up, I found the movie enjoyable and believe it’s worth the ticket cost to see it on an IMAX screen. While not Nolan’s best work, he did an exceptional job working with limited material within the limitation of a biopic. The movie is lengthy at three hours, but it doesn’t feel tedious and enjoyable.

1. How to Train Your Dragon (2010)

Summary:  The animated feature is based on the 2003 book of the same name by Cressida Cowell. In the first instalment, we follow Hiccup, a Viking misfit with awkward tendencies, who becomes friends with an injured dragon. This seemingly unlikely friendship ends up changing the course of Hiccup’s village, Berk, forever. By working together, Hiccup and his dragon companion, Toothless, set an example for how humans and dragons can coexist in harmony.

Rating: IMDB Rating 8.1

2. How to Train Your Dragon 2 (2014)

Summary: In the sequel, Hiccup and Toothless stumble upon an ice cave that is home to a multitude of wild dragons and an enigmatic Dragon Rider. As they find themselves at the forefront of a conflict to safeguard harmony, they must fight for their convictions.

Rating: IMDB Rating 7.8

3. How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World (2019)

Summary: In the third part of the series, Hiccup becomes the chief of the village, while Toothless becomes the alpha of the dragons. They embark on a journey to find the Hidden World, a secret paradise for the dragons, before it falls into the hands of a ruthless tyrant who is out to get it. As they bid farewell to their friends, they uncover their true callings in life.

Rating: IMDB Rating 7.9

Short Films and Spin-Offs

1. Legend of the Boneknapper Dragon (2010)
   • IMDB 6.9
2. Book of Dragons (2011)
   • IMDB 6.3
3. Gift of the Night Fury (2011)
   • IMDB 7.5
4. Dawn of the Dragon Racers (2014)
   • IMDB 6.7
5. How to Train Your Dragon: Homecoming (2019)
   • IMDB 7.3

Television Series

1. Riders of Berk (2012–2014) 
   • IMDB 7.9
2. Race to the Edge (2015–2018) 
   • IMDB 8.2
3.  Dragons: Rescue Riders (2019–2022)
   • IMDB 7.3
4. Dragons:The Nine Realms (2021–present)
   • IMDB 5.3

Conclusion

The “How to Train Your Dragon” franchise is a thrilling adventure offering something for everyone. With exciting adventures, heartfelt emotions, and a colourful cast of characters, the series features coming-of-age stories and epic battles with dragons. Whether you’re watching movies, short films, or TV series, there’s no doubt this franchise resonates with audiences of all ages.

At A Glance:

• Start with an Idea
• Script Script Script Script
• Camera Techniques & Story Board
• Lighting
• Sound Design
• The Locations
• Filmmaking
• Post-Production

1. Start with an Idea

The beginning of any project is always sparked by an idea. As you move forward, the story you create at the start will serve as a solid foundation for everything else that follows. Start by considering the kind of story you want your film to convey, along with important components such as plot, characters, and conflict. These elements will help guide your project as it progresses.

2. Script Script Script Script

The story is the most crucial aspect of a movie for the audience. Filmmaking as a whole is challenging, but have you ever noticed that we tend to dislike movies with weak storylines? Rarely do we say we disliked a movie solely due to poor acting.
The basis of any fantastic movie is an enthralling script. Regardless of whether it’s a romantic comedy or an action-packed thriller, an expertly crafted script is essential for captivating the audience. As a filmmaker, your responsibility is to bring the story to life on the big screen by meticulously choosing the perfect shots, actors, and special effects. To enhance your storytelling abilities, observe and assess various movie genres, and endeavour to recognise the elements that make the narrative captivating.

3. Camera Techniques & Story Board

In order to advance, it’s important to develop a strong skillset in camera techniques. A storyboard, which is a series of sketches outlining the shots you intend to capture, can be an integral aspect of the filmmaking process. I strongly recommend utilizing this method if it is feasible for you.There are a variety of techniques that filmmakers employ to create certain effects and elicit emotions from their viewers. For example, a close-up shot can help the audience connect with the character’s emotions, while a wide shot can provide context and establish the setting of a scene. If you are an aspiring filmmaker, it’s crucial to have knowledge of various camera techniques, angles, and movements in order to effectively enhance the narration of your story.

4. Lighting

When it comes to filmmaking, lighting plays a crucial role in establishing the overall tone and mood of a scene. By effectively utilizing shadow, light, and contrast, filmmakers are able to create a dramatic effect that conveys the emotions of the characters and the atmosphere of the scene. Different lighting techniques are used, depending on the requirements of the scene, such as natural light, practical light sources, and LED lights.

5. Sound Design

Effective sound design is often underestimated, yet it plays a pivotal role in delivering a strong emotional impact on audiences. All sound effects, whether it’s the background score or the characters’ movements, contribute to setting the atmosphere, tone, and emotions of a scene. The sound design team works on various sound elements, such as dialogue, score, and foley sounds (such as footsteps, doors opening, and closing). If you want to make your film stand out, it is recommended to hire professionals to handle the sound design.

6. The Cast & Crew

When assembling your crew, there are different options depending on your starting point. If you have a budget, you can hire casting agents. If you have limited funds, you can begin by using casting sites and searching through Facebook groups and other communities to promote your project and find suitable actors. It’s important to take your time when selecting the right team for your film. When choosing crew members, make sure to review their previous work and experience, and ask for samples or showreels if possible. Additionally, holding auditions can help you find the most suitable actors and actresses for your roles.

7. The Locations

If you need to create a specific setting, you may need to build sets. However, if an actual location works for your scene, you’ll need to scout for the best spots. Bring a camera with you and travel as much as possible, taking pictures of places that could serve as the perfect setting for your scenes. Remember to consider friends and family locations to stay within your budget, if your story allows.

8. Filmmaking

One of the most challenging, yet enjoyable phases of filmmaking for me is the production phase. During this phase, the characters and lines that I have written in my study room come to life. It can be challenging at times, especially if you are just starting out, as compromises need to be made on a daily basis. For instance, I once had a location cancel on me and had to figure out a solution for the 35-member crew that was waiting around for direction. To ensure a smooth shoot, it’s important to have a shooting script and an organised schedule of what will be filmed and when. Allow yourself ample time to shoot scenes so that you don’t feel rushed and can handle any unexpected issues that may arise. Bear in mind that a scene that lasts only a minute in the final cut may take more than five hours to film.

9. Post-Production

The final stage of making a film is called post-production, which is when everything is combined. This includes editing, sound design, color grading, music creation, and other technical aspects. Post-production is essential to make the story more compelling and have the desired effect on viewers. You can become proficient in post-production by learning software programs such as Adobe Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro, DaVinci Resolve, or After Effects.

Conclusion

To sum up, the art of filmmaking involves bringing your imaginative ideas to reality. To achieve this, it’s important to have a good grasp of storytelling, camera techniques, lighting, sound design, and post-production. By mastering these skills, you can create captivating films that resonate with your audience’s feelings and thoughts. Consistent practice, patience, and perseverance are essential for success in this field. Keep refining your craft, and who knows, your movie could become the talk of the town someday.