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Macro Shots of My Watch (Panerai Radiomir)

2010-06-08T07:10:00.000-07:00

I was hoping to show some warm and artistic macro shots of the Panerai Radiomir. Taken without tripod nor studio lights. Lights were my bedroom lights.

Sydney Harbor Bridge

2010-05-09T08:12:00.000-07:00

Not with Ricoh GR3. But still a pic I wish to share.

Sydney Harbor Area

2010-05-08T07:07:00.000-07:00

Day and Night (Sydney)

2010-05-08T07:00:00.001-07:00

Marina Bay Sands

2010-05-08T06:55:00.000-07:00

Singapore's Integrated Resort. Opened with so many problems. Wonder if they will get their act together for the grand opening in June.

Japan - Crossing

2010-03-21T08:51:00.000-07:00

I took this picture just outside Shimbashi Train Station where lots of activity was going on and the scene around me was full of details with lines, shapes and angles just calling for my attention.

So I took a snap in black and white which I think best brings out all the shapes and objects. There is some motion blur to the pedestrians crossing the road, but I think that is just fine as it gives the picture some sense of movement.

Mt Fuji

2010-03-20T09:56:00.000-07:00

Ok, I know this was taken with the Ricoh GR III. But I will make an exception on this occasion because I just must share this on my Blog.

My breath was taken away when I saw this majestic mountain/volcano in front of me. Almost perfect and so captivating.

I used a Graduated Neutral Density filter for this shot. This was taken at the 2nd station of Mt Fuji.

Japan Part 2

2010-03-20T09:46:00.000-07:00

Just outside the street where I worked, there was this restaurant that hanged a nice Lantern on the entrance.

Later I came to notice that many restaurants in Japan hang lanterns at the entrances. I believe the characters are the name of their shop.

I really liked the way this picture turned out as there is a definite subject which captures the attention. However after that, the eye will be drawn to the scene on the left which gives it more context.

Japan!!

2010-03-20T09:39:00.000-07:00

Have been very busy with the new job so I did not have much opportunity to take pictures.

Recently, I was sent overseas to Japan for a job assignment. It was my first time there and I really enjoyed myself.

As we passed this brown tent on the street, I noticed some men emerging from it and wondered what was going on. So I peeped in and saw that it was a little eatery. Quickly I took the chance to take a snap, thanked the owner and this was what I captured.

My best shot for the night.

Hong Kong & Macau Holiday

2010-02-06T07:05:00.000-08:00

After being back in Singapore for 3 months, the missus wants to go to Hong Kong and Macau for a "holiday" and to settle some admin matters.

Anyway, it was a good break and it also gave me an opportunity to take some street pictures. Initially, I was glad to be on the streets and shooting, but somehow halfway through I was getting a bit "saturated" and decided to take it easy.

As I looked through the shots today, 3 of them struck me as pretty interesting and I am happy to share them with you.

Raffles Place

2010-01-13T05:41:00.000-08:00

This is one of the photos taken during the evening along the esplanade. I really like this picture for it's blue evening sky and reflection in the water.

The 50 / 50 ratio was deliberate to show some symmetry.

Runner

2010-01-11T05:50:00.001-08:00

Ha Ha! Got back the thrill of taking street photography again.

I saw this man stretching and preparing for his run. He looks really fit for his age.

The background and this man was the inspiration for my shot. After I spoke the shot he looked at me and I smiled and thanked him for which he smiled back and continued with his stretching.

Street photography makes me engage with people. I love it!!

Singapore's Central Business District

2010-01-10T06:52:00.000-08:00

Went for Dinner with Friends at the Esplanade. As the sun was setting, I took the chance to take some pictures of the Central Business District's skyline.

I like this image because the Sun behind the buildings seem to be giving a boost of energy to the buildings and the clouds behind like the smoke from all that energy.

As we move into 2010, I pray that the economy recovers and that the year ahead will be full of blessings for everyone.

Sitting Around

2010-01-03T04:48:00.000-08:00

It has been sometime since I last posted on my blog. But unlike this title, I have not been sitting around. Things in my life have changed drastically with a new baby on the way and a pregnant wife to look after. I am swamped with having to do the laundry, housework and meeting the demanding needs of my wife who is now queen of the household.

On my career aspect, I have been blessed with a new opportunity and look forward to starting work on February 1st. Also, a business opportunity has presented itself which is still at the planning and evaluation stage.

Well, with the update out of the way I can get down to this picture which I finally managed to snap while going to church. The building behind the men is actually a cinema and bowling alley which has ceased operations for a few years and is slated to be demolished in half a year's time. I can still remember bowling with friends back when I was in school.

Guess this building wont be sitting around for too long.

HDB

2009-11-26T20:30:00.000-08:00

HDB - Housing Development Board. Well basically housing that is "subsidized" by the Government of Singapore. 80% of Singaporeans live in them and they range from 3 bedrooms to Executive.

Sunset Boulevard

2009-11-26T20:22:00.000-08:00

Who can resist a beautiful sunset?

I am fortunate enough to make my way home before the sun has set. In Singapore where everyone works works and works more just to make a living, being able to see the sunset is indeed a luxury for some.

Many commuters also took the time to pause and soak in the sunset, some like me took pictures.

Singapore

2009-11-24T05:16:00.000-08:00

I have been posted back to Singapore 2 weeks ago and have been busy moving into my new house. Setting it up and getting back to a routine life in Singapore requires more work and planning then I expected. Plus the fact that my lovely wife is expecting our first born, it has been even more of an adjustment and having to tend to my wife's needs.

Thus I have not have had the time to do any photography during the weekends. Even though I do carry my trusty Ricoh to work, I have trouble "seeing" interesting scenes to photograph. So my GRIII has not been seeing much action lately.

On the way home today, the sky was beautiful lit by the setting sun. I took this picture, a silhouette of a tree against the sky. Not fantastic, but such nice sun sets are a rarity in Macau.

I AM SO HAPPY TO BE BACK HOME!! And also HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME!! My birthday wishes have come true.

Side Street

2009-11-12T06:47:00.000-08:00

Something in color for a change. I like the arch of this wall and the iron grills. It seems like this particular wall has been "preserved" as the wall beside and behind it are newer and more modern.

Kung Fu Master at Rest

2009-11-02T05:25:00.000-08:00

Arrggh!! I chopped off the top of his head. But I still like it very much. His pose, clothes and facial expression is nice.

Actually he was not sleeping, he took a glance at me and closed his eyes to ignore me............the crazy nut snapper. Ha Ha!!

PS: Noticed a lot of pictures of old man............time for pretty girls?

Should I Enter?

2009-11-02T04:34:00.000-08:00

As I walked by a church, this old man turned his head and stared at the gate as if thinking if he should enter or not.

Chinese Er Hu

2009-11-01T04:08:00.000-08:00

Bus Stop Strangers

2009-10-31T22:23:00.000-07:00

One of the few times I am taking of pictures close to strangers. I guess he knew I was taking his picture, but he did not really care.

What bus to take?

Pals

2009-10-31T04:34:00.000-07:00

This week has been an eventful week. Both good news and bad news all coming together resulting in a mix of emotions. I am still reeling from all that has happened and I am glad that I had the chance to just step out for a couple of hours to do some photography.

Today's picture is just a simple one. 2 pals walking together. Likewise, I look forward to going back home and spending time with loved ones and friends.

Vegetable Store

2009-10-27T07:22:00.000-07:00

Such vegetable stores still dot the island of old Macau.

However in fast developing Singapore, the gradual disappearance of wet markets have caused a stir amongst the heartlanders to save a "heritage" of Singapore.

As the younger generation prefer to shop in air-conditioned super and hypermarkets, wet market stall holders find in difficult to compete in price and comfort against supermarkets who get bulk discounts and offer the same freshness as wet markets.

Will the same fate happen to Macau?

Alone

2009-10-21T08:18:00.000-07:00

This was the first scene that greeted me when I stepped out onto the pavement from my apartment block. A lady waiting for a taxi in a seemingly empty street devoid of any living thing other than this woman.

The gap between the parked motorcycles leads the eye to the lady. I particularly like the clean cut lines of this picture with the small slits for windows opposite make it look very very stark and forbidding, accentuated by the harsh lighting.

Sushi!!

2009-10-19T08:33:00.001-07:00

I love japanese food and there is a particular restaurant that I visit regularly cos they serve good and well priced japanese food.

Check out this plate of prawn sushi. Not really a fan of food photography, but this picture turned out particularly well. I could have used a smaller aperture to get the first prawn in focus, but lighting was poor and I went for f1.9 and set sensitivity to ISO400.

This shot just shows off the fantastic macro ability of this camera. Smooth and pleasant out of focus. I like!

Just Keep Walking

2009-10-18T08:45:00.000-07:00

The sun was blazing and I was trying to find some shade, but this granny was plodding along slowly on the pavement. She was not the only old person on the street. I noticed that a group of them will gather to chat and watch the world go by each day.

Strays?

2009-10-18T07:12:00.001-07:00

Not exactly strays. Seems like many people have a soft spot for strays and make it a point to leave food and basic shelter for them. But there are still sadistic people who torture stray cats.

I saw a family of cats and kittens but they were very shy amongst a stranger. I had to wait for awhile before this kitty dared to come close enough for a shot.

Smile

2009-10-18T05:19:00.000-07:00

Normally when I try to take a photo of someone in the streets, theirs is one of negative reaction. So it was a pleasant surprise to have someone smile at me after I took their picture.

This girl was indeed not camera shy. Was she posing for my camera too?

Big Strides

2009-10-17T19:01:00.001-07:00

I waited for a person to walk by before I took this picture as I wanted to show some "Life" in the small alley ways. And I did not have to wait long before this middle aged man in slacks shows up.

He looks like he is walking in a hurry as his strides are big or maybe he is just trying to get out of my frame to avoid being photographed. :)

Riding Along

2009-10-17T06:28:00.000-07:00

Back alleys of Macau seem to hold surprises for those willing to venture around. Out of nowhere, this old man on a bicycle comes round a corner and I readied my camera to take some shots while he goes pass me.

Just 2 streets away is a bustling road, but back in the alley, an idlic life still exists for residents of Macau.

Baby Stare!

2009-10-16T21:36:00.000-07:00

Just one of those weekend walkabouts cum street photography after lunch in Macau (Taipa Village). Nothing really much happening as it was sunny and hot. Even I did not feel like staying out much longer.

Anyway, with my GR III companion in hand, I chanced upon this baby girl in her tricycle being pushed along. Pink dress, pink bike, pink shoes, pink hair band. She was so cute. I only had one chance and let my GRIII hang down at my side, when she passed me, I just made a snap and hoped for the best.

I was surprised when I reviewed the shot because she was staring right at my camera like she knew what I was taking a picture of her!

Her expression seems to say "Whatcha doing Mister!"

Locked Up

2009-10-16T19:23:00.000-07:00

Another post on Balestier Road. This is a picture of an old gate lock. From the looks of it, it probably is about 40 - 50 years old.

This lock has kept this shop secure for a few decades and still does its job till today.

I like the worn out yet sturdy look of this gate lock. Quality stuff ............. cannot bluff.

No Pictures for Today

2009-10-13T19:32:00.000-07:00

I have no pictures to update my Blog with today because over the weekend I was photographing my sister-in-law's wedding. At the end of the day, I realised I did not have a single picture of the wedding couple together. What a failure for a wedding photography session. Ha Ha!! But then again, I was not the official photographer.

So I have been reading a lot about the Leica M9 and it seems to be THE camera to have. Full frame, super quick controls, super resolution etc. But then it cost a whopping US$11,000 to get started. I dont have that kind of spare cash lying around. Nice to have, but not a must. Fortunately dialing in my GR III is also very straight-forward and probably more so than my D80. And most importantly, my photography skills are still way off to justify the M9.

Then the question poses......."How much stuff does one need in life?" And the answer for me seems to be "HELL OF A LOT!". Over the years, my hobbies include Mountain Biking, Arowanas, Nitro RC Cars, Watches,Fishing, Photography and Chinese Tea Appreciation. The list will probably grow longer and that means spending more money.

So in order to meet my increasing wants, sacrifices have to be made. For starters, stop dreaming about changing a new car, no need for a new watch, no need for expensive new camera gear and accessories, no need for new computers, no new handphone, no new teaware.

Can my life be simpler? Sure.........but..........Hope not.

PS: Found a picture taken at the wedding to post.

Road Side Cobler

2009-10-12T18:48:00.000-07:00

I was in Singapore for the weekend. Along Balestier Road I saw this Cobler working hard and paused to take his picture. In order to get this shot, I had to get pretty close to him with the Ricoh's 28 mm lens. But he ignored me and let me photograph him.

There are still a few street coblers in Singapore plying their trade, but it is a trade that is fast disapearing. Most if not all of these coblers are already very old. Very soon Singapore will not have anymore street coblers to provide us cheap and good shoe mending service.

Dog's Life

2009-10-08T05:01:00.000-07:00

Looking contented and basking lazily in the evening sun. Makes me so envious as I try to recall when was the last time I sat back in the evening and watch the world go by.

FRAMES

2009-10-07T08:52:00.000-07:00

Three rectangles, one framed within the other.

Somehow, the street pole sticking out at the bottom of the picture works for me because that is the odd object that is not rectangular in the picture.

These Old walls are so interesting with their half exposed bricks and texture from wear and tear over the years.

Run Away Home

2009-10-07T05:13:00.000-07:00

While framing for this picture, a little girl gave me a fright when she appeared behind me round a corner.

I guess she also got a shock as she was not expecting someone there too. When she regained herself she quickly ran past me and I had hurriedly made a snap.

Her running silhouette against the backlight and long shadow on the ground makes this my fav picture for the day.

Hurry.......Granny is Waiting!

2009-10-06T05:24:00.000-07:00

My attempt at street photography after work.

On my way home, I saw a granny with her grandson along the lane. To me, this picture shows the strong family bond amongst chinese and asians. It is very common that grandma looks after their grandchildren while mom and dad goes to work.

This picture also reminds me of my own grandma who used to lovingly walk my sister and me to and fro from kindergarden daily.

Happy Men

2009-10-05T08:34:00.000-07:00

How many happy men do u see sitting together? I thought I captured 4 in the photo, but when I inspected the preview there was only 1 smiling man. What I dont like though is the blown out background that distracts viewers from the men. So I have to be more careful next time.

This is my attempt at street photography after being inspired by "Ricoh GR Diary" and "Wouter Photoblog".

I must also learn to take black and white pictures as good as Wouter. When I compared my picture against his, mine is still a far cry from his in terms of composition and color or lack thereof.

Doorway to Another World

2009-10-05T08:11:00.000-07:00

While strolling around at night, I saw a "Doorway" and it looked pretty interesting. But looking through it seemed to show that there was another street behind it.

So I thought it was really interesting and decided to take this picture in black and white. I am hoping that the scene behind the doorway will also hold the viewer's interest.

Drifter

2009-10-03T05:10:00.000-07:00

There was Motorcar exhibition at the Venetian and one of the performances was car drifting. With no zoom on the GR III, I had to wait till the car approached me before I took the shot. In order to show some motion blur, I used shutter priority and set it to 1/30 and tried my best to pan free hand.

I did not want to crop the picture too tight as I like the way the lines of the surrounding are converging towards the car.

This is the one I liked best. I did some post processing and ended up with what you see below.

Chinese Herbal Tea

2009-10-02T08:14:00.000-07:00

Today's walkabout was a session that I enjoyed. I was able to have some quiet time for myself to just roam the streets of Macau freely without anyone in tow. I could pause and take in my surroundings and to try to identify interesting scenes that unfold around me.

My picture for the day was also my first shot taken during my walkabout. One shot was all I had for this and I am very glad that I nailed it as I don't think the lady in the picture would have allowed me a second shot. What I like about this picture is the angle of the arrangement of the "objects" that lend to lead the eyes from bottom left to top right diagonally with the woman, push cart, and man behind.

Also, the picture in black and white brings out the old charm that still belies the city filled with glitzy new casinos. Maybe next time I will pause to try a cup of herbal tea.

The Venetian Macau

2009-09-30T07:37:00.000-07:00

Strolling around after work and decided to take some pictures of Venetian after the rain. Venetian is the biggest casino in Macau and ..........THE WORLD! This place will hold many memories for me when I leave.

Coins

2009-09-29T07:49:00.000-07:00

Something we probably use everyday that probably goes unnoticed easily. Upon closer inspection, details that I fail to notice become more apparent.

What I like about this picture is the way the coins are randomly strewn across the table and the thin DOF focuses the eye on the coin in the front. The other 2 coins lined up behind leads your eye to the other coins strewn across in the background.

Macau

2009-09-28T20:20:00.000-07:00

Having worked here since 2007, the GR III still gives me a fresh perspective on this little island filled with Casinos. The following pictures were taken handheld at ISO 400.

Grand Lisboa:

Hong Kong - Sept 09

2009-09-28T19:03:00.000-07:00

Went to HK for weekend getaway. Consumerism was the order of the day so picture taking was a distant second place.

Rolex Seadweller Photoshoot

2009-09-28T18:56:00.000-07:00

My daily companion since 2003 and counting. What more can a man ask from his watch.

Ricoh GR III

2009-09-28T18:41:00.000-07:00

Nothing philosphical about this blog. My photos are my expressions and I have framed the world and things around me as I would like you to see it through my Ricoh GR III

As many a good man has put it "it is not the camera but the man behind it that matters".

Thus if a picture is lousy in this blog, it really is due to man behind the camera and not the gear.

If you want to know why is it I just can't rave enough about this camera? Well because it is just so darn great.

Read this review from Alphamountworld and just be fascinated how good this camera is.

Admittedly it may not be a camera that appeals to the masses but that is also exactly why it is so appealing. BE DIFFERENT, ALWAYS!