Freeze action

In landscape photography, it is crucial to capture the moment, movement as well as the feeling during the scene. My most captured scenes are of course, sunrise and sunsets which I love to capture due to the beautiful colors it produces. The golden hours are my most favorite time of the day.

Figure 1: Motion subtly frozen.

In work, action is required in order to put the plan into motion. While words are equally important for communication, without the necessary actions, no work can be produced. That is why, action speak louder than words. It is the culture of pro-active action which defines one's performance.

Everyone sees action, in my photography, I always want to freeze it up and frame it in a photo, however, in order to add motion and action, one needs to use slow shutter in order to capture the rustling of the grass, trees and flow of the river or waves. 

In order to do that, it is important to support your camera using a sturdy tripod and for longer exposures, to use shutter release in order to minimize shake and maintain the sharpness of your images. This requires practice over and over again. 

Figure 2: Sprayed water of different velocities.

All in all, action freezing using the correct technique to tell the story is indeed challenging but I'll do my best. 

Finally a sunrise

I was so tired, working through out the whole week, that I wanted to relax and rest through out the weekends. So, waking up early is a feat not easily done especially when I am so tired. Still, before I sleep, I dial in 5.30AM into my alarm clock. I slept quite early in hopes that I can wake up for a beautiful sunrise.

The alarm indeed woke me up after a few loud rings. Heavy headed I went huddling to the bathroom to wash my face, it was still quite dark and I wasn't able to predict the weather. I went out anyway to Papayas Lodge beach in hopes of a great sunrise.

Figure 1: Stranded ferry at Papaya beach.

Figure 2: Fisherman prepping their boats.

Figure 3: Preparing their motors.

Figure 4: Finally it's dawn.

With the cresent moon up above in the skies, the tides are considerably high. The skies far on the horizons are quite cloudy, still enough for the yellow-reddish light rays of the dawn to strike up into the skies. I am quite pleased with this effect and the cool air is just the best.

The fisher men woke up early in the morn, in order to go out into the sea to catch fish for their daily income. I am fortunate to only work five days a week and have the rest of the two days to myself. I can rest to my pleasure and be recharged for the next week. 

Thank God that I am still able to perform my work and still be able to enjoy the beauty of His Creation.

Impending storm

Figure 1: Storm clouds approaching.

The news is plagued with typhoon Haiyan which is causing destruction at Phillipines. A storm which covers such a large area causing havoc and pulling out lives from people. Winds as fast as most sport cars can go 250km/h, the winds feels like you're standing in front of a gas turbine outlet at full revs.

Figure 2: Storm clouds approaching fast.

This infamous typhoon also affects my homeland as well as the island that I am staying, sudden winds can come and go with heavy torrential rain following after. It is quite scary to be suddenly surrounded by large dark clouds which burst out in fury.

Figure 3: Swept away.

Looks like there will be limited opportunities for a great sunset these days.

Oh my sunset

Ever since the typhoon Haiyan hit the Phillipines, it has been raining and the horizon is filled with clouds. I missed my sunset but the people at Phillipines are suffering due to this storm and this is so sad. It is evident that the end of ages is here and now.

Still, I missed that bright orange light which comes early in the morning at dawn and also during the sunset. The weather and time doesn't permits me to shoot and this creates stress for me. As opportunities loss due to working and only coming out when the lights are so spectacular.

This is just a little thing to be a fuss about, while at other places people are terrified due to the wrath of nature. Soon and very soon, the true king will come. No one knows, as He will come like a thief and all in a sudden, the bright lights will either scare me or I'll open my arms to welcome Him.

I have faith, but its fading away, due to the clouds, the storms but I am patiently waiting for your light in this darkness.

Figure 1: Storm is approaching.

No sun

Yesterday I missed a spectacular sun-set and am very disappointed as lately I have been very busy with work and almost every-time I got back, I am sure to miss the sunset. To miss something so spectacular is sad for me. It feels like missing your favorite tv episodes.

But today, I came across people going back with their cameras and gears told me its not going to be a spectacular sunset so it isn't worth bringing your camera. This is due to the strong winds which brings all the clouds and haze. Still, I persisted and brought it along with me.

It wasn't so spectacular at first, but as it sets, the yellow glow covers the whole sky. It was so dramatic as I drove home, I couldn't keep my eyes off the skies when I am supposed to be focusing on driving. So reckless of me. 

I cranked up the kit lens to 18mm and captured this shot just before I got home. I am pleased and very happy. Just by looking at the sunset, all my troubles goes away as I whisper a short prayer of thanks to God. 

Figure 1: Loving the sunsets.

Sandy wishes

Figure 1: The mini-canyon.

I was out and about town and I decide that my day wouldn't be complete if my legs cannot feel the sand. I set out and pack my bag with my camera but I didn't have a tripod. Without a tripod I felt crippled as it is my most needed tool for landscaping.

I left for the beach at about five thirty in the evening, to my shock, the beach is crowded with people. I haven't seen so much people these few days. As I walk and bask on the beach, the day was cloudy and inopportune to watch the sunset.

I felt so crippled but i decide to walk-around the problem and set the camera on the ground. Took a few pictures, some people are really curious as to what I was doing and I showed them. They smiled at my efforts to take the waves. It was a good day despite the cloudiness.

Water splashed into my camera, which resulted in ER99, which means that the water ingress causes the contact between the camera and the lens is lost. I wiped the contacts clean and cleaned up the camera. All is well. It is important that when attempting to shoot in adverse conditions, weather-sealing is considered.

Figure 2: As the water rushed at me.

Missing my homeland again..

Figure 1: Sunset at the Salut.

It is barely two months since I got back from Kaamatan holidays that I started to miss my homeland. I missed my village and the environment there. I enjoyed going out just for a walk up the hills and exercise while waiting for the sun to rise or set on each side of the hills. 

Figure 2: X marks the spot.

There are a lot of places which I have yet to explore and capture, but due to work commitment it doesn't permits me to just simply hop out of this island and go back home. It requires proper planning and it is up to my boss to release me or not. That simply sucks.

Figure 3: Captured at ODEC beach, UMS.

I really crave going back home, especially to meet my family members and have fun with them. It is so difficult to be alone and have no one at home despite the ability to do what you want. It starts to get so lonesome here. Maybe it's time to get married. Am I ready, that is another question.

Figure 4: Dramatic sunset at ODEC beach.

Life on an island..

Figure 1: The clock tower, one of the landmarks of this island.

Life seems to be better than when I was working my previous job. Back to my old job, I wasn't even able to always mobilize and do things I love to do since work requires me to be there 12hrs and 6 days a week. I am glad I moved jobs and finally able to have a normal 8hr and 5 days job here in this island.

Figure 2: A circle of friends (WAY). 

This island was where I grew up from my childhood till I finished high schools. I left the island in pursuit of further studies and I never thought of returning to this island. I am so fortunate to be able to return to the place where I started. 

Figure 3: A mix of old school and new design.

The weather on this island is very unpredictable, sometimes it will be very hot and in just a little while the clouds may cover the skies. It may rain on one part of the island and another part may be dry. The weather is very queer. 

Figure 4: One of the road signs, Language road.

However sunsets here in this island are very beautiful if the weather permits. I am addicted to capturing those rays of lights. For the occasional sunrise, I would wake up as early as 5am to prepare and head on the East side of the island. For sunsets I'll move to West side at around 5.30pm.

Figure 5: A view of the sea from a boat.

Life is better here in this island and I am quite happy despite being alone in a big house. Love the place,time and freedom as well as the able to do landscape photography. Life isn't so noisy as in the cities, nor do they have much entertainment, but for me, a slightly slow and non-rush life is just perfect.

Catching the sunset

Figure 1: After sunset.

I was in a hurry to capture the sunset after handing in flyers for a church seminar. With me, I was accompanied by my little brother and two friends. As we set out the beach, I was optimistic as the sun was still high up the sky, however despite speeding past 100km/h the sun sets to my dismay.

It was almost dark and the sky is filled with dark clouds indicating that a storm will be coming soon, I set up my camera, not giving up as I have tried my best to reach just before the sunsets. It was windy and the dark waves are beating onto the rocks. Occasionally splashing on me.

With some filters and long exposure, I manage to get a least some of the light that is left of the sunset. I learned a lesson that day, that is, to be early and prepared in order to get the shot that I wanted. All in all, I would like to thank God for giving such a beautiful possibilities in life.

Figure 2: Sunlight fading.