About
My Name is Bashar Al-Kuwaiti and I’m the man behind 2 Rivers Photos.
My background is in Engineering so naturally I’m technically inclined and I’ve always been somewhat drawn to gadgets. My first experience with photography was when I was child, my father had his own SLR and used to develop his own film. I was drawn to the sound of the shutter and I shadowed him quite a bit without really picking up anything besides knowing that I really enjoyed holding the camera and pretending to be like him 🙂 Fast forward into the future, where I graduated and got my own career started. It allowed me to save and start travelling on my own, luckily I got to do a bit of that on the job also. One thing was for certain, I wasn’t impressed with what I captured; it didn’t do what I experienced any justice!
Right around then I noticed an old friend of mind was posting some amazing photos of his own travel experiences. So I reached out to him to figure out his “secret” and he was kind enough to introduce me to SLR photography. I will forever be grateful to him as he opened a door to my personality that I never knew existed: enjoying and appreciating art 🙂 This is my journey through this new passion of mine.
I try to write the same the way I would talk to you if I was there in person, I find it a lot more effective to get my idea across 🙂 Generally I try to write something relevant to the image and if not then I try to relate it to something relevant going on in the news or my life.
As far as equipment, my bag consists of:
– Canon EOS 5D MkII
– EF 16-35 f/2.8 II L IS USM
– EF 50mm f/1.8 II
– EF 70-200 f/2.8L IS USM
– Speedlight 580EX II
– PocketWizards Mini TT1 + Flex TT5
Enjoy your time here. If you would like to contact me then the best way would be to fill out this form
2 Rivers Photos 
You have some really awesome shots!
I have a 5DII too and dream of having a 70-200mm 2.8, but the f4 version will be more easily attainable.
Have you had any experience between the 2 models?
March 2, 2011 at 1:16 pm
Thanks for your kind words… I skimmed your blog and it is SWEET 🙂 I’ll check it out later tonight, you have a lot of great shots yourself. With regards to the lens: I love the f/2.8 and I need it because I used in low light situations and indoor portraits, the extra stop really does help a LOT. I haven’t really played around with an f/4 too much but I’ve carried both in my hand and the weight on the f/2.8 is MUCH MUCH more significant (~ x2), it might actually deter you from taking it out with you. So if weight is an issue I would go with f/4 otherwise the extra $$ for the extra full stop was worth it for me.
Let me know what you make out with when you make the decision 🙂
March 2, 2011 at 2:36 pm
Your photos make me want to go out and take pictures … thanks for being an inspiration ! Love the 2 rivers name as well, has an interesting poetic element to it. Wishing you tons of success !
March 4, 2011 at 7:51 am
Hey 2 Rivers,
Biked by you at TP bridge today. If you’re willing, would be happy to see the full and cropped versions when you have a moment. Thanks for sharing.
BZ
July 8, 2011 at 7:40 pm
Hey 2 Rivers,
Thanks for my 15 seconds…Very nice shot to enjoy and share widely. Positive irony you couldn’t have anticipated in your self-assignment.
Cyclist
July 9, 2011 at 10:53 pm
Glad you liked it and also for remembering the site. All the best 🙂
July 10, 2011 at 6:30 pm
You are a great photographer…keep up the good work. 😀
December 5, 2011 at 9:57 am
Hi There 2 Rivers Photos!!! For motivation & inspiration have a look at your Liebster Award!!! 🙂 **
http://xandreverkes.wordpress.com/2011/12/13/tune-in-for-my-liebster-awards/
December 13, 2011 at 10:21 am
Just wanted to let you know that I enjoy following your blog and have nominated you for the Versatile Blogger Award. Please don’t feel obligated to play along, but if you decide you’d like to, check out my post… http://nicoleftacnikphotography.wordpress.com/2012/01/05/the-versatile-blogger-award-nomination/.
January 5, 2012 at 4:02 pm
You have here a lot of beautiful shots!
February 9, 2012 at 10:24 am
Thanks for your kind comments… I really appreciate it 🙂
February 9, 2012 at 10:27 am
Great Blog!
February 18, 2012 at 8:03 pm
I’ve enjoyed reading your blog. I’m nominating you for the Versatile Blogger Award.
February 20, 2012 at 3:58 am
Hi! I have chosen you for the “Versatile Blogger Award”. Here is the link: http://antenehseifu.wordpress.com/2012/03/11/my-first-award-ever-for-photography-doing-my-celebration-dance/ . You were inspirational!!
March 11, 2012 at 1:02 pm
You have a nice blog and I couldn’t resist letting you know that. I loved your photos especially the landscapes and that latest post about vulture (which captivated my eyes).
Keep sharing your world here.
March 12, 2012 at 5:25 pm
Hi Bashar!
Just to say I have nominated you for The Kreativ Blogger award. Please do not feel pressure to accept but you are very deserving of this accolade! You are very creative and talented! Thanks for all your nice comments on my blog too! You can find details here:
http://taniajessicasmith.wordpress.com/2012/03/20/why-am-i-pouring-myself-a-shot-in-a-furry-hat-6-awards-from-you-lovely-people-thats-why-cheers/
Enjoy!
Tan
March 19, 2012 at 5:36 pm
Wow you have amazing gear. Can’t wait to see more of your work and see where it takes you. Cheers!
April 3, 2012 at 5:09 pm
Great images!!!
April 13, 2012 at 10:22 pm
Thanks a lot 🙂
April 13, 2012 at 10:39 pm
Great photos bro! Who knew you would get so passionate about photography! Maybe you can teach me a few tricks in the future.
April 20, 2012 at 5:57 pm
I’ve nominated you for a Versatile Blogger Award.
http://apostolcornel.wordpress.com/2012/05/01/the-exception-that-proves-the-rule/
May 1, 2012 at 1:34 pm
impressive blog Bashar. your photography is beautiful indeed.. : )
May 9, 2012 at 4:09 am
Good day! If you get the chance, you have been given the VIBA (Very Inspiring Blogger Award). http://giddysap.wordpress.com/2012/05/15/chocolate-ganache-and-the-viba/
May 15, 2012 at 7:01 am
Bashar,
Spectacular images! Amazing work…
My best,
Vidal
May 18, 2012 at 11:52 am
Hey there- I have nominated you for the Pink Tree award. Your photos are amazing and add a little something extra to my day! Congrats. 🙂
http://livingforthenextmeal.wordpress.com/2012/05/26/livingforthenextmeal-receives-an-award/
May 26, 2012 at 9:33 am
Hi dude, your blog inspired me, I nominate you to receive very inspiring blogger award. Find it here: http://kofegeek.wordpress.com/2012/05/28/new-award-on-may-very-inspiring-blogger-award/
May 28, 2012 at 9:41 am
nice to meet you …
I am also a citizen of the world!
I think it’s nice to use “direct words” to portray what you feel … (and “freeze” with your camera)!
I use the same technique for my novels and stories!
I wish you a happy Sunday… see you around!
🙂 claudine
June 16, 2012 at 12:42 pm
Hello Bashar. I wanted to write a comment here, but I will also reply to you on my page. I would hate to see you stop blogging… that’s all I had to say here. There may be few people that actually do blog following and reading and liking and commenting for genuine reasons and you know well that I am one of them, but I am sure there are others still. When I accidentally showed up on WP to comment on some friends’ photos (that’s how I discovered the place), my first idea was to create some sort of virtual home for me, and as in real life “visitors” / contacts / friends don’t have to be numerous but real. My best wishes to you. Sincerely, Paula
June 20, 2012 at 10:20 pm
Thanks Paula… I’m not sure I will quit, it crossed my mind but I don’t think I’ll do it anytime soon. Thanks for your kind words 🙂
June 21, 2012 at 11:50 am
Discovered you through a comment you left on Paula’s blog, http://bopaula.wordpress.com/2012/06/20/likes-dislikes-rates-indifference-awards-votes/
Great work! Your HDR images are just enough “over the top” without actually being “OVER THE TOP” and cartoonish. Consider your blog added to my list of blogs to look to for photographic inspiration 🙂
June 22, 2012 at 2:45 am
Congratulations, I’ve nominated you for a blogging award. If you choose to accept, here’s the link to what it’s all about: http://wp.me/pXX8J-1c8.
July 2, 2012 at 7:28 pm
Thank you for stopping by. You have a great blog and some fantastic pictures too. I spent some time looking at your work. I am also looking forward to read more about your view on HDR photography 🙂
July 4, 2012 at 4:28 am
I’ve nominated you for a Very Inspiring Blogger Award! Check out the details here: http://sahbinahvioletflynn.wordpress.com/2012/07/16/be-inspired/
July 16, 2012 at 6:49 pm
hey dear..i have nominated you for one lovely blog award,please check details here:http://aquahlekkergarla.wordpress.com/2012/07/30/one-lov3ly-blog-award/
July 30, 2012 at 5:39 am
After seeing your mercedes shot, I began wondering what you did for a living, so here I am on your about page….Engineering!! yes, a good degree! My son graduated from engineering college (WPI, in Worcester MA) a year ago and I was STAGGERED by his starting salary fresh out of school! Also he had no problem finding work in this economy. “Work hard in high school and college and you won’t have to work so hard later in life” was my refrain from day one! I’m VERY happy my 3 kids listened and it would seem you heard it somewhere, too!!!
October 3, 2012 at 3:01 am
I’ve been doing it now for ~ 13 years… My advice to your kids is don’t stop that work ethic because you graduated, engineering can be such a rewarding career… work hard and the world will open doors that you only dreamt about 🙂
October 3, 2012 at 9:44 am
I literally stumbled upon your blog today and I can’t stop looking at it! Your photos are simply wonderful. I know I, for one, would like to know more about the “secret” your friend shared with you regarding SLR photography. 🙂 I’ve bookmarked your blog and shall continue to enjoy it for as long as you post! By the way, can you recommend a good tripod for traveling? Thank you and take care.
October 16, 2012 at 1:52 pm
Thanks for your kinds words Lisa, I really appreciate it 🙂 As for tripod, I highly recommend manfrotto gear its the best out there (but the price is also up there!). I started out with this one (http://www.amazon.com/Dolica-AX620B100-62-Inch-Proline-Tripod/dp/B001D60LG8/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1350486991&sr=8-2&keywords=tripod) for travel and I think its pretty good value for a starter. Let me know if you’re looking for something more higher end.
October 17, 2012 at 7:18 am
Thanks, Bashar! That tripod looks good. I’m off to Japan in a few weeks (solo) so I don’t want to lug around a lot of stuff. Still, I’m thinking a tripod may be a necessity. Thanks again. Take care.
October 17, 2012 at 3:06 pm
Excellent photography! I knew immediately your experience and background had to be in engineering when I first saw your pictures. You have an eye for details!
October 20, 2012 at 8:40 am
I really enjoy your blog and have nominated you for the “Beautiful Blogger/Seven Things About Me” Award. Check out my post at http://almostaphotographer.wordpress.com/2012/10/29/id-like-to-thank-the-academy/. Cheers!
October 30, 2012 at 8:00 am
Thank you Charissa, I really appreciate it 🙂
October 31, 2012 at 8:59 am
I really like the photos you display in your blog!
November 13, 2012 at 12:49 pm
Thanks for your kind words, I really appreciate it 🙂
November 13, 2012 at 1:11 pm
🙂
November 13, 2012 at 1:19 pm