Oman's beauty inspires schoolboy's photography

Muscat: For 15 year-old budding photographer, Evin Mathew Manoj, Oman is an inspiration.
At present studying in grade 10 at the Indian School Al Wadi Al Kabir (ISWK), Manoj started taking photos in grade six when he became inspired after seeing some photography groups on Facebook.
“I first developed a passion for photography in grade six after getting inspired by some wonderful groups and individuals’ photographs on Facebook; there is the FSO Muscat group which is amazing. That year I also joined the school photography club.”
Although he first started taking photos with his uncle’s camera, his parents bought him his own camera, a Canon 750D a year ago.
“My uncle is a photographer and when I grew interested in photography I used his camera to take photos, but then my parents saw how much I loved taking photos and so bought me a Canon 750D for OMR300 a year ago.”
Manoj has tried using several techniques in photography, including macro photography, black and white, street and astrophotography, but landscape remains his favourite.
“Oman is a country with true beauty, that’s why most of my photos are landscapes, and although I have tried other genres, landscapes are my favourite. There is quite a lot of variety here in the country and you can take so many pictures.”
Manoj has been living in Oman for the last five years with his parents and a little sister. His parents regularly critique his work, which helps him get better. “My parents are really happy with what I am doing; they like my work and sometimes when I show my pictures to them they critique my work and give me good tips. That is something which helps me improve.”
Although Manoj hasn’t figured out what he wants to pursue as a career, he wants to keep photography his lifelong hobby, “In the future I want to work in a company and continue photography on the side.”
This young lad has won a few international photography competitions online and wants to keep improving every day. “Photography is my passion and the club at college really helps me enhance my skills; they teach us very well.”