cuibono: by Robert Hawara

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Moire be gone!

May 2012 - Ottawa, Canada

When CS6 and Lightroom 4 were announced, the one feature that I was really looking forward to was the moire brush. It was top of mind since a few weeks ago, I had to process a picture that contained moire and it was very difficult to remove it. Trying to find the moire brush though was quite the adventure and if you're reading this, perhaps you're also trying to solve this mystery. Well good news, the mystery is solved my friend. The answer is just a click away...

When will the carry-on madness end!

May 2012 - Ottawa, Canada

Air travel continues to be a painful love affair. How else can I get from Ottawa to Arusha in a reasonable amount of time if not by flight? Weight and baggage size restrictions, additional laptop check, shoe check, endless amount of security agents all seemingly scanning my boarding pass every 5 minutes... the list goes on and on, and it keeps growing.

Now Virgin Atlantic has upped the ante and is implementing even more draconian and restrictive policies. What's next I dare ask, what will they do next!?

I, as a paying customer, should be allowed to bring a catapult onboard with me if I want to. How else am I supposed to let the flight attendants know that I need a refill?

Engagement shoot - "Mad Men" style

May 2012 - Ottawa, Canada

There is nothing better than an original photo-shoot for a photographer. It gets our creative juices flowing and it usually means that you'll have a wonderful time creating something very unique with some very cool people. Instead of opting for the "usual" engagement shoot, Véronique and Mathieu decided to change things up bit and gave Aaron Rodericks and myself a theme to play with. Specifically, they wanted a 1960s "Mad Men" themed photo-shoot. Both Aaron and I were more than happy to oblige. Curious to see how it all turned out? Click to find out...

Rethinking Professional Portraits

April 2012 - Ottawa, Canada

I find that a lot of people, when in need of a professional portrait, often opt for the same safe, stale and stuffy look for some reason. The "look" is usually characterized by boring backdrops, flat light, perfect hair and awkward smiles.

But what message do these photographs convey about the pictured? Certainly not what they'd perhaps like it to. Instead, wouldn't it be more appropriate if the picture depicted a person's core characteristics and beliefs? Rethink your professional portrait instead and click to see some examples.

Behind the scenes of a music video

April 2012 - Ottawa, Canada

Ever wonder what it's like to be behind the scenes of a film/music video? So did I until this past weekend where I had to opportunity to participate in the making of Aiman Beretta's new music video, directed by Michael Mando.

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Michael Mando in Aiman Beretta's upcoming music video

Behind the scenes of an African safari

March 2012 - Ottawa, Canada

Ever wonder what it's like to be on a game drive? Look no further as I break it down for you. The blog post covers everything from getting there, the itinerary, safari conditions and of course, everything camera equipment related. [read more]

Click for some personal insight on African safaris...

There's always a better angle

Can you go too often on safaris?

February 2012 - Ottawa, Canada

Vetting and filtering the thousands of photographs from my most recent trip to Tanzania is an extremely tedious task and I can't wait to select 15 or so of most memorable photographs. The main challenge as I've discussed with many friends is what to photograph after so many trips to Africa since I've already photographed the obvious and not so obvious: lions in trees? Check. Leopards eating their prey in a tree? Check. Birds in flight? Check. Stunning landscapes? Check. Local people? Check.

I have admittedly amassed a comprehensive inventory of wildlife pictures from Africa. So why do I continue to go back? Two main reasons: first, with each trip, I become increasingly more attuned to the wildlife that I am photographing. This enhanced "field intelligence" allows me, with the help of my guides, to be in a better/optimal "photography" position. This in turn increases the possibility of capturing something that I don't already have, or better yet, improve on something that I do already have. Remember, wilderness photography is the definition of "serendipitous photography" since you have no control over your subjects, your light, movement, and the environment as a whole.

Creativity is the second reason I like to go back. All wildlife can be photographed "normally" - i.e. see my Mara, Tsavo and Serengeti collections. So while trying to improve on existing pictures, as a photographer, you have a great opportunity to try something different! The lines and colors are wonderful out there, and they are begging to be taken out of context or simply photographed differently.

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Featured Pictures

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Michael Mando in Aiman Beretta's upcoming music video

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Abdou Amidou in Aiman Beretta's upcoming music video, directed by Michael Mando

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Dancing at Ruth and Tarun's wedding

Featured Image: Every hand tells a story

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Every hand tells a story: picture of a homeless man's hands in London.

Featured Collection

Buenos Aires Tango

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Buenos Aires, the city synonymous with the tango. Visit this collection which documents my brief but memorable visit to "La Reina Del Plata".

Past Events

Dayglow

Soundgarden @ Bluesfest

The Tragically Hip @ Bluesfest

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Roger Sanchez

Afrojack

Contact Information

Welcome to my site. My name is Robert Hawara and I am an Ottawa based photographer. Please contact me for more information on how to procure my services or to purchase a photograph.

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Email: you@cuibono.ca