Stormy Weather

Thunderstorms brewing in tropical Singapore

They say the best natural light is before or after a storm. April, May and November are the peak months for thunderstorms in Singapore. Go outdoors but beware of stormy weather that bring along thunder and lightning. Do you know that Singapore has the second highest rate of lightning strikes in the world? That is the hazard of living so near the equator.

This picture is a little dark and moody. Cumulonimbus clouds signaling an oncoming storm. I could not decide if that dark shape in the cloud is a snake, dragon, lizard or a shark? Looks like it is breathing fire on the land. Such brooding premonition.

Contrast

Contrast. It just strikes me what a juxtapose this is. Fresh young leaves lying in a bed of dead wood and rotten roots. The young prosper while the old provide nutrients to the living. Life and death. The cycle of life continues. Hope lies eternal.

Fishing at Punggol Beach

If you have been here at Punggol Beach, you must have noticed the rocks. The rocks add an interesting allure to the place. The jetty is a good place for fishing. Another option – use the rocks during low tides as a perching spot while fishing. More people are coming here over the weekends. So come early if you wish for a piece of solitude. Have a great day ahead!

A lone figure perching on the rocks at Punggol Beach

Black and White Chek Jawa Boardwalk

At the Chek Jawa Beach, Pulau Ubin, nature and landscape was truely spectacular on that Vesak Day. This was taken nearly noon during high tide at the Chek Jawa Beach. Converted to black and white.

Check Jawa Boardwalk at Pulau Ubin, Singapore

Black and White Mountain Landscape

Black and White Snowy Mountain Landscape

It is magical how the angle of light can change seconds to seconds. One moment it is a cloudless sky and the snow sparkles in the sun. Next it is overcast and long shadows form silhouette on the land below. Shadows and light. Mysterious and what appears as fluffy may soon be a danger to the unwary.

The land beckons. Snow capped mountains. Endless yearning. Nature enthralled.

Wish I am there!

Photography : Changing to Black and White

White Boat contrast Moody Weather

Shooting in colour conveys the richness of the scene. What if a colour picture is converted to black and white?

Colour version

On the right side is the original picture. That was me trying to emulate the great photographers. I have seen a number of photos of that nature where a boat is placed front and centre against a backdrop of perfect blue sky and water. Unfortunately I didn’t get good weather that day. Nary any blue, just a dark cloudy sky.

That picture was taken in Russell, Bay of Islands – New Zealand. I was walking along the shore trying to find something to contrast against the cloudy weather. And there it was – a white boat with a piece of yellow interior – perfect contrast.

I had forgotten about that picture and today found it among my collection. Hmm, maybe I should convert it to black and white? The result is the top picture.

I prefer the black and white as it brings out the mood of the moment – menacing clouds and in front a beacon of hope in the white boat. A symbolism of sort.

Russell can be reached by boat from Pahia. Visit the Russell Museum to discover early Maori history.

Till next time, have a happy and beautiful day!