First Practice Shoot - Ape Gama, Battarmulla

 We recently had my first practice photo shoot at Ape Gama in Battaramulla, a unique attraction that offers an authentic Sri Lankan village experience just minutes from the heart of Colombo. It’s a place where you can witness the charm of a old-style era, complete with traditional lifestyles and cultural exhibits. The location also features a heritage museum, where I had the wonderful opportunity to capture skilled artisans at work. Thanks to the kind support of the manager, I was granted permission to photograph a variety of Sri Lankan handicrafts displayed within the museum.

Here are the analysis of photos and other features like the camera angles

Slightly low and side angle.
Perspective: The camera is positioned a little below the statue’s eye level, angled slightly from the left side. This adds a sense of dignity and focus to the statue, often used in portraiture or sculpture photography to evoke admiration or reverence.
The statue dominates the foreground, while the traditional pavilion and greenery create depth in the background.




Over-the-shoulder / slightly high-angle

Here the artisan is the central subject, smiling and actively engaged in her craft, creating a warm and inviting tone. Her hand gesture, pointing or reaching, adds motion and authenticity.
The colorful masks and animal figures on the table are clearly visible and dominate the foreground. These vibrant handmade crafts draw the viewer’s attention and reflect traditional Sri Lankan design elements.
Color & Texture:
The floral tablecloth and bright colors of the crafts create a cheerful, creative vibe,
Lighting:
Natural light is used, possibly from an open side or window, which gives a soft, even illumination. There are no harsh shadows, but the image is slightly blurred  possibly due to a light camera shake or motion.



The shot is taken from a standing viewer’s height, giving a natural and realistic view of the house.

The camera is positioned diagonally in front of the traditional house, allowing both the front and side walls to be visible. This angle gives the image depth and a better sense of the building’s structure.

Natural Light: The image uses available sunlight, filtered through the trees, creating a soft lighting effect that enhances the authenticity and mood of the scene.


What I learned from This Photoshoot
This photoshoot at Ape Gama was a valuable learning experience that deepened my understanding of photographing cultural subjects in natural settings. I learned the importance of composition, especially how using angles creatively can add depth and emotion to a still subject like a statue. Capturing artisan work in a real village environment taught me how lighting, texture, and background contribute to storytelling through images.
Room for improvement
There are some elements in the background (e.g., poles, lamps, fencing) that might draw attention away from the main subject. So when we take the shot it is important to check the surroundings before take the photographs.



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