Five photography projects to take on during quarantine

With the COVID-19 pandemic forcing the world to slow down, there’s really nothing left for one to do but to stay home to prevent the virus from spreading. Businesses came to a halt, and events, regardless of the number of attendees, were postponed or canceled, giving photographers free time to improve on their skills and reinvent themselves.

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For some people, self-isolation is reintroducing them to their love for music, film, literature, and other art forms. The same should go for photographers. Days spent on quarantine don’t have to be boring. It’s the perfect time to brush up on food photography skills. Grab the simplest ingredients in the cupboard and practice composition and lighting, says DIY and photography enthusiast Vijaya Prakash Boggala.

Take on the A-Z photography challenge. Shoot a subject that corresponds to every letter of the English alphabet. The most challenging subjects will be the ones that start with letters X and Z. During quarantine, dedicate a day to learn to shoot oil and water. A photographer can focus on learning macro photography skills with this project. To play around with lighting, shoot by candlelight. Remember to include the candle in the frame to let the viewers understand the composition, says Vijaya Prakash Boggala.

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Paint with light. Since this is a long exposure shoot, don’t forget to use a tripod for the whole duration. Draw around the subject, and create string lights as background. Staying at home for an extended period should fuel one’s creativity, not block it.

Vijaya Prakash Boggala writes medical abstracts and has contributed to the 2011 article “A mortal case of moonshine.” He is currently developing his skills in photography. For more updates, follow this Twitter page.

The different kinds of paint artists can use for their projects

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During his free time, medical abstractor Vijaya Prakash Boggala dabbles in art and photography. These pursuits are a great way to use one's creative energy. It's important to have the right materials to create good work. For visual artists, this means using the right kind of paint. What are the types of paint commonly used by artists?

Acrylic: For artists on a budget, acrylic is usually the best option. It can also be used on paper, canvas, wood, and even metal. Those who want a water-based material for projects can use this type of paint. Kids can also use this paint for quick and fast-drying DIY projects. However, brushes must be cleaned immediately after use for the paint can harden the bristles.

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Oil: Artists have been using oil-based paint for centuries. This kind of paint produces rich pigments perfect for creating texture. According to Vijaya Prakash Boggala, one needs to be careful when using oil as it can be messier than other types of paint. It can also take a long time to dry. This kind of paint blends well, allowing artists to improve details on their work further.

Watercolor: This kind of paint is probably the most commonly used among beginners. Watercolor is paint suspended in a water-based solution. While most artists use this paint with paper, this can also work with fabric, wood, and leather. The transparent layer it creates is also suitable for blending and layering.

Understanding when and how to use different kinds of paint will help artists find the most suitable type for their project. Practicing with paint help in polishing the skills of artists of all levels.

Vijaya Prakash Boggala writes medical abstracts for a living. Aside from doing art projects, he also enjoys watching live sports such as cricket, basketball, and tennis. Subscribe to this blog for more updates.

Can Coco Gauff win more titles in 2020?

Coco Gauff made waves when she reached the fourth round of Wimbledon, placing her as the youngest woman to reach the second round of a major since 1996. She became a crowd favorite during last year’s Wimbledon, and her succeeding wins enabled her to carry the fans to a new level of tennis.

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Currently ranked No. 71 following her pilot WTA singles title, Gauff has all eyes on her as she trains and tries to grab more titles in 2020, says tennis fan Vijaya Prakash Boggala. Gauff finished 2019 with a doubles title in Luxembourg Open with Caty McNall, even with WTA’s age eligibility rule, a provision that limits the number of tournaments women under the age of 18 can play. Unlike most teens her age, Gauff isn’t looking forward to her sweet 16. Instead, she is on the lookout for major titles.

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More than the driving privileges she will gain when she reaches 16, Gauff can participate in two more tournaments in 2020. With a ranking like hers, a player can gain entry into Indian Wells in March. Exhibition matches are not included in WTA’s age eligibility rule, allowing Gauff to participate in a few matches in 2020.

Vijaya Prakash Boggala says that Coco Gauff can play more tournaments in the future, including the Olympics and Fed Cup, given that she qualifies for them. Following a successful run in 2019, Gauff certainly is a player to watch out for.

Vijaya Prakash Boggala writes medical abstracts and have contributed to the 2011 article “A mortal case of moonshine.” In his spare time, he watches live sports and works on painting, photography, and DIY projects. Head over to this page for similar updates.

Unexpected duo: Sports and photography

Sports and photography have a lot in common. For one, both require a person to participate in the activity, and second, there is mostly chasing involved: As an athlete chases a ball, a photographer tries to catch up with the action. A common type of thrill glues these two worlds and strengthened by the art it produces.

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Aside from the action, photographers do their best to capture emotions on court, on the field, or in the water. Many award-winning photos highlight the victory or loss of athletes. For Vijaya Prakash Boggala, a sports fan and a photographer, sports photography immerses one in the world of action, adrenaline, and emotion. With trained eyes and sharp gut feeling, sports photographers can capture important moments perfectly.

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In many instances, sports photographers help build an athlete’s legacy. By freezing frame at the right moment, an athlete’s passion, grit, and victory are captured and immortalized. A photographer is like an athlete in many ways. They train for years to achieve success in their field. They put in the hard work on and off the court, and they invest in professional equipment, according to Vijaya Prakash Boggala.

While sports photography usually captures the action on the court, one must not forget that the best moments immortalized are those that highlight sportsmanship. Legendary sporting events achieved their status due to photographers’ great eye in capturing solemn minutes among players.
Vijaya Prakash Boggala loves to watch live sports and work on painting, photography, and DIY projects. For similar reads, head over to this blog.

Next in line: Three young tennis players to watch

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Tennis is an exciting sport to watch, especially for enthusiasts like Vijaya Prakash Boggala who enjoys live matches. Aside from the great men and women who have been dominating the game, it's always fun to see young players on their way to becoming tennis stars. Here are three young tennis players who are poised to take over the sport in the next years.





Stefanos Tsitsipas

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Currently ranked #7 in the world, the 21-year-old Greek player is a breakout star and a legend in his country. Early in his career, he managed to beat Nadal, Djokovich, Federer, and other older players in the top 10 all in one year. For a guy his age, tennis fans are still surprised by his progress. It's safe to say that we can expect more from this prodigy.

Naomi Osaka

2018 was a breakout year for Japan's Naomi Osaka. Achieving the top spot in rankings this year and winning the Australia and US Open, the young phenom is just getting started. Tennis fans like Vijaya Prakash Boggala are eager to see her return to the court, especially in next year's Tokyo Olympics. As a player representing Japan, fans can expect that she will give her best for the country.

Alexander Zverev

Another player in his early 20s, Alexander Zverev seems to be ensuring his place in men's singles. Tennis aficionados are noticing the German player's capability to take the reins from the big three. In 2017 and 2018, he impressed with his performance in the ATP World Tour and by winning Master 1000 wins.

Vijaya Prakash Boggala writes medical abstracts for a living. He enjoys watching live sports such as cricket, basketball, and tennis. Subscribe to this blog for more updates.

Seven benefits of DIY projects

Some people dabble on DIY projects to escape from the frantic life of their corporate jobs. Many consider it the hobby that lets them reconnect with nature by working with their hands. DIY projects require a person’s full attention and an unparalleled focus on manual work.

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Generally, DIY projects cost less</>. There are no labor expenses that can cost a lot depending on the project, and one can mix and match various materials to achieve a high-end piece but with a cheaper price tag. Working with your hands develops a valuable skill. Vijaya Prakash Boggala regards DIY projects as a means for individuals to teach themselves how to be independent. Mental sharpness is incredibly important when building DIY projects. It combats the typical habit of working a day job then heading home to eat dinner and watch TV all night.

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The contentment and satisfaction one can gain from building things with their own hands can’t be matched by other hobbies. When you finish a DIY piece, it’s as if you’ve been given a medal for a job well done. Improvement is top of mind. One’s quest for improvement opens the door for them to meet people who may have the same passion as them for DIY projects.

Vijaya Prakash Boggala notes that if one really does well with their DIY projects, they can make a living out of it. A hobbyist can go beyond saving money for building projects on their own to making money out of doing commissioned work. Lastly, DIY projects can be great for those who need to exercise. Creating pieces with bare hands and with several tools would require one to get moving.

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.

Are the next-gen ATP stars taking too long to rise?

Gone are the days when the Big Four of the Open Era are dominating. With Andy Murray focusing more on doubles than on singles due to his persistent injuries, Grand Slam trophies are passed around Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, and Novak Djokovic.

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Whenever the Big Four play large tournaments and Grand Slams, fans around the world can’t help but feel nostalgic. It can be difficult to watch the sport without these great names, which leaves the people to think: Where’s the next generation? Many enthusiasts feel as though the next generation of players is taking too long to rise. And fans like Vijaya Prakash Boggala believe that the next big names in tennis have enormous shoes to fill.

Players such as the Big Four have contributed greatly to the sport, on and off court. Twenty-time Grand Slam champion Federer has mentioned Stefanos Tsitsipas, Felix Auger Aliassime, Daniil Medvedev, and Denis Shapovalov to be the next-gen ATP stars who impress him the most. Top players like Nick Krygios and Alexander Zverev didn’t seem to make the cut. The two have been on the rise for years now, yet can’t seem to breakthrough.

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For fans like Vijaya Prakash Boggala, the four players mentioned by Federer are the ones who have what it takes to be the next Big Four. Playing amazing tennis is one thing, and being respectful to opponents and fans is another. More than winning Grand Slams, the Big Four brought the game to a whole new level through their respect to the sport and one another.

Vijaya Prakash Boggala writes medical abstracts. In his spare time, he enjoys watching live sports like tennis, cricket, and basketball. Head over to this blog for more updates.