Jetty in Tioman Island

Jetty in Tioman Island, Malaysia

The ferry ride to Tioman Island – the first and last part of the journey – were rather choppy. Take the ferry either from Tanjong Gemok or Mersing. We took the one from Tanjong Gemok.

The currents were rather strong and the ferry rocked quite a bit. For those feeling seasick, plastic bags were there to the rescue. May be good for those incline to seasickness to take the anti-nausea pill before heading out. Once we were out of the straits and into the wide South China Sea, the lulling action induced sleepiness. Yawn.

There were several jetty stops, depending on the accommodation. We stayed at Paya Beach Resort and arrived at the jetty around 12.30pm.

Time for relaxation : sun, sand and sea vacation.

 

Preview of Tioman Island Getaway

Tioman Island Paradise

Well, I am back home.

For the first time in so many months, I can actually sleep at night. Away from the computer, internet and tv. Well actually there was a tv in our chalet but I prefer to be outside enjoying the excellent sea view.

Yup, that is the front view of the beach directly from our chalet. Our chalet was right next to the buffet area. Excellent location while in Tioman Island, Malaysia.

Will do a more detailed write-up later during the weekend.

Quite an adventure we had. From power failure ending with dinner by candle light to the ferry nearly capsizing during the thunder storm at sea.

Later!

 

Nature Silhouette

Trees Silhouette

Another photo of clouds formation today, this time close to sunset. Taken on the same day. Really love those clouds that day, so fluffy like cotton. The sun had gone down the horizon so it was a backlit scene this time with the blue sky still bright with clouds.

The magical hours between day and night – so fascinating to watch the ever changing lights and scenery.

 

Reflections on Glass Roof

Yesterday was a post on looking upwards to the clouds formation.

Today, it is a downward angle.

Clouds Reflection on Glass Roof

This photo isn’t flipped. This is actually street level but that is the glass roof for the basement. The reflection of the clouds formation from yesterday’s post can seen on the glass roof as well as the flags post.

Glass is a great medium to photograph. Also good if the sun glare is too bright to point the camera directly at an object. Find a reflection surface instead that captures the object.

See you on the next post. I’m still on vacation!

 

Fluffy Clouds

I love watching clouds because they are so fascinating. No two days are the same.

If one look carefully and let the imagination run wild, shapes and forms can be seen in the clouds. On clouds nine? The expression must have come somewhere.

This photo was taken late in the afternoon in Sentosa. At that time it was super bright sunshine and nice fluffy clouds formation. So I took a low angle shot and point the camera upwards. The reflection of the clouds can be seen on the windows.

Modern architecture against background of fluffy clouds

Happy shooting!

 

 

Earth Hour 2011 : Candle Light

Well, Earth Hour 2011 on 26 March 2011 had passed. I hope you participate and play your part.

I took the chance to take some photos by candle light. This is one of the photos. I will be away on a beach trip for several days from tomorrow. Hopefully can get some good photos. Meanwhile will try to save some post for self-timed posting later. Cross fingers that this works.

Till next time, have a great weekend!

 

Candles photography during Earth Hour 2011

 

 

 

 

Photography : Light, Shadows, Composure

I had actually forgotten about these series of photos taken at sunset from Orchard Central. Only posted one photo in a post some time back.

Took another look today. Here is what I find.

Shadows

Unedited sunset photo

Because the camera was pointed directly at the sun, the sensor measured the brightest thing in the frame. The rest, especially the plants on the right frame were left in shadows. I just read a photography book today that pointing the camera directly into the sun can damage the camera sensor permanently. Oops. Mine bad.

Time to do a bit of editing. I finally figured out how to use the “Curve” function a few months ago in the photo editing software. Most photo editing software has this function. I’m using Olympus Master which comes together when I bought the DSLR a few years ago.

Opening the window shows a histogram-like chart. There is a diagonal line across the chart. The left side indicates the darkest part of the photo and the right side lightens the tone. To lighten the right frame, just click a point somewhere along the bottom left side line and bring it slightly upwards. A slight tweak on the top right curve line and brings it slightly downward to add a bit of depth. It is a matter of trial and error. Haven’t figured out how to do a screen capture yet. Hope this makes sense. The rest just experimenting with saturation and colour.

Here is the edited version. BTW, I love the wire sculptures. Simple yet artistic.

Light

Sunset view from Roof Garden of Orchard Central

Composure

It is so amazing the different results that come about when the camera frame is moved at a slight angle. This photo was taken only about a few minutes apart from the first photo. The background was almost totally white, not much hint of the bright sunset. Since the camera was pointed at the hotels in the middle of the frame, the sun rays were blocked from the photo frame. But enough sunlight was on the green plants on the right frame to make it look like the middle of the day. If I am not wrong, the time was already past 7.15pm then.

Roof Garden at Orchard Central near Entrance

Just experiment away. There is so much to discover and learn in photography. I hope photography brings you fun and joy!

Don’t forget tomorrow, 26 March, is Earth Hour 2011. In Singapore, lights out from 8.30pm to 9.30pm. Please do your part.

Related Posts
View of Singapore Landscape from Orchard Central
Sunset over the City – Singapore

 

Photograph in colour, sepia and black and white

I was originally going to title this post as “Juxtapose : 3 Red Cars” from this picture.

3 Red Cars at a Juxtapose

By some coincidence, three red cars of similar design just happen to cross path at a road junction.

By the way this was taken at Orchard Road, at the Hereen traffic side of the road. No matter how many times I come here, the photos always end up grainy, too much noise artifacts and direct sun facing the camera. Wrong timing I guess. I do like the circular building with that billboard. Nice architecture. Lots of photograph potential here.

Anyway, one way to reduce noise is to switch to monotone instead or reduce the pixel size. Don’t always work though. But it was fun to experiment. So this is the sepia version.

In Sepia - urban city landscape

And this is the black and white version.

Black and White - Orchard Road

I think I like the Sepia version best. Still grainy but I think it goes with the look.

 

Perspective : Back View of Merlion

Must everything be perfect?

Nah…..life is so much fascinating when things are a bit chaotic and every rule in the book is broken. What does this have to do with the title of this post?

There are many post card pictures of the Merlion on the Internet, side view and front view. I just thought why not show a different perspective from the back view instead. Here it is.

Back View of the Merlion

Is it the best angle? No. Not even the sharpest details. Just experimenting. Yes, it was intentionally overly saturated. I just like the angle of the shot. It captured the Singapore Flyer at an angle, Marina Bay Sands at a slight arch, the Singapore Art Museum almost at the foot of the Merlion and a bit of focus to the wavy outline of the blue waves at the base. Art is very subjective anyway.

I am curious though. What is that rectangle at the back of the Merlion for? Cable wires? Hmmm. Anyway, if I am not mistaken the Merlion is being temporarily made into a hotel now.

Experiment away!

Related Post

Marina Bay in Singapore
Marina Bay Photos in HDR

 

Coming Soon : Earth Day 2011

This saturday, 26 March will be Earth Day 2011. But you don’t have to wait till that day to make a small difference in saving the Earth. Just think about it, what are the small little things each one of us can contribute?

Some ideas here

• Switch off all the main switches at home if you go out
• Instead of using water heater, have a cold shower – it is more invigorating
• Cycle instead of taking the bus to the wet markets or nearby places when running errands
• Use candles instead when having dinner – so romantic
• Instead of plastic bags, remember to bring along the grocery bag instead when out shopping for groceries

Just a short suggestion. Till next time, do your part!