Why photographers should travel now

Image source: theguardian.com

Imagine being a photographer and you’re in Rome. You go there to photograph the Trevi Fountain, one of the world’s most beautiful fountains. But instead of having to contend with hundreds of other tourists, the place barely has visitors, and you have the fountain all to yourself. That would be amazing, wouldn’t it? But due to the outbreak of COVID-19, that has been the case in many tourist spots around the world. This is one of the reasons why Vijaya Prakash Boggala suggests photographers who have been planning on traveling should travel now instead of later, given that they have been vaccinated already. Here are other reasons why photographers should catch the next plane out.

Money saver

Travel is really cheap right now, specifically plane tickets and accommodations. Luckily, these two are some of the biggest budget concerns when planning a trip anywhere. This means with the money you have right now; you can either stay longer or get more mileage for your dollar.

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The lack of tourists in a highly popular area makes the shot even more desirable. Imagine being able to capture drone footage of the pristine lagoons of the Philippines’ El Nido without a single tourist boat in sight or an empty Roman Coliseum at your disposal. These images and videos were impossible to get without spending thousands of dollars and obtaining permits to shoot until now.

Vijaya Prakash Boggala claims that this window won’t be here for long. This opportunity will go away as soon as economies begin opening once again and mainstream travel and tourism are allowed to recover. When that happens, prices might skyrocket depending on one’s destination.

Vijaya Prakash Boggala writes abstracts for medical publications and has contributed to several recently published studies. In his spare time, he watches live sports or works on various DIY projects. He hones his action photography skills, slow shutter speed photography, and landscape photography whenever he can. For his paintings, he favors the use of oils and acrylics on different media. Visit this website for similar articles.

Doing photojournalism during the COVID-19 pandemic

he COVID-19 crisis will go down as one of the more historic moments of our century like the Spanish Flu was during the last one. Although it’s a tough time to go out because of the dangers of contracting the virus, now is the time to go out there and take pictures. Each shot we take at this time is a piece of history, according to Vijaya Prakash Boggala.

Image source: https://cpj.org/

Image source: reutersinstitute.politics.ox.ac.uk

The question is, how do you perform photojournalism during this pandemic? The photographers at the International Journalists Network served up a few best practices on how to take pictures on the field.
First and foremost, photojournalists should always mind and obey safety protocols like social distancing and wearing masks. No one should go out on a limb just to take a great shot. The good thing is there are now many devices that enable a photographer to take shots from afar like long lenses. You should also prioritize spending as little time shooting outside. This means you will have to thoroughly plan your work so you get in and get out fast.
When going on assignments or photography trips, preparation is key. Make sure you carry a first aid kit or medical supplies with you at all times. Aside from this, you should also keep up with the research on the COVID-19 virus so you can anticipate developments on the field while shooting on site.
You should mind how you treat your subjects. Make sure you’re honoring and capturing their dignity. Avoid increasing tension during an emergency and take shots only at calmer instances.
Finally, make sure to check your own condition to see if you’re feeling well. Reporting your own health may save the life of other photographers, your subjects, and your team, Vijaya Prakash Boggala adds.

Vijaya Prakash Boggala has written medical abstracts to published medical literature. He is also into painting, photography, and DIY projects. For similar reads, visit this blog.

NBA teams close facilities ahead of Orlando comeback

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On July 7 to 9, NBA teams are set to fly to Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando for the association’s comeback. Should players miss the mandatory testing for COVID-19, they will be forbidden to travel with their teams, and must arrange flights and drives for themselves to Orlando.

The Milwaukee Bucks reportedly shut down their training facility prior the scheduled fly out to Orlando after a round of COVID-19 tests taken Friday, July 3rd, came back with an undisclosed number of positive results. Vijaya Prakash Boggala says other teams like Miami Heat, Los Angeles Clippers, Denver Nuggets, and Brooklyn Nets have closed down their training facilities following a series of positive results for the virus.

Image source: espn.com

Prior to playing in Orlando, a player must test negative twice before receiving a go signal from medical authorities, a provision stipulated in the league’s health and safety guidelines. Players who will fly or drive out privately to Orlando will have to test negative twice before heading to Walt Disney World Resort. Should they hop onto commercial flights, players are required to have a record of three consecutive negative COVID-19 test results to make it to the games, mentions Vijaya Prakash Boggala.

While entering the NBA “bubble” in Orlando requires a long list of health and safety precautions, the comeback is not regarded as a premature move for the league as strict protocols are being observed. In addition, autonomous decisions regarding training, testing, and self-isolation carried out by teams ensure the safety of players and other NBA officials.

Vijaya Prakash Boggala loves watching live sports like basketball, tennis, and cricket during his spare time. For more updates from Vijaya Prakash Boggala, click here.

How the NBA helps its community during a health crisis

NBA was among the first sports associations to cancel its season due to COVID-19. The league’s announcement regarding the season’s suspension was followed by questions about the welfare of stadium workers and team staff who are usually paid by the hour.

Image source: nbanbcsports.com

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Mark Cuban, Dallas Mavericks owner, led the movement to support stadium workers who will lose their hourly income as a result of the suspension. Following Cuban’s statement, other teams announced their plans to assist their workers as well. Vijaya Prakash Boggala mentions that Cuban’s program to provide for their stadium workers financially inspired other sports associations to follow suit.

According to sports and communications analysts, the NBA is in the position to help and speak out for others, something team owners and players have acknowledged and embodied throughout the years. On top of having programs in place for non-salaried arena workers, NBA and Major League Baseball teams pledged donations to local food banks, emergency food services, disaster relief operations, food banks, hospitals, and other medical institutions. NBA player Jeremy Lin donated $150,000 to UNICEF to aid in the fight against COVID-19, shares Vijaya Prakash Boggala.

Rudy Gobert, the first player in the NBA to test positive for COVID-19, pledged to donate $500,000 to different causes; $200,000 will go to game-day employees, $100,000 to families in Oklahoma affected by the virus, $100,000 to families in Utah for the same reason, and 100,000 euros to France, his native country. Reported or unreported, many NBA stars are helping their communities, and the nation fight COVID-19 in their own ways.

Vijaya Prakash Boggala writes medical abstracts. He also enjoys watching live sports like basketball, tennis, and cricket. Visit this blog for more updates.