hyperfocalS

hyperfocalS' photostream

2012-01-15T13:04:00.001+07:00

my photo on flickr

My first leica experience

2011-09-02T17:11:00.002+07:00

I've been longing to try leica and carl zeiss glass, many people swear that this lens is among the top quality lens ever produced and the image quality is outstanding...
Well, last month i buy this small leica summicron r 50mm f2
I was curious if what other people said is true

And apparently, they're did not lie...i was very pleased with its result
Tack sharp and very accurate color
Truly a work of art.

Leica and Carl Zeiss...

2011-07-18T00:20:00.004+07:00

Been wondering so many manual lenses available today...

And lens mount modification are widely available

I really wish i could try one of those leica and carl zeiss glass.

Hmmm...be patience, time will come

Anyway, my nikkor is not that bad that i want other lens to be coupled with my d200 body

Only thing is that many people swear that leicas give very prominent 3d effect and very pleasing bokeh.

So i could not resist to try/ bought one of those beautiful glass

Banteay Srei & Kbal Spean - Cambodia

2011-01-02T23:30:00.004+07:00

From my 5th day in Cambodia...my last day for serious picture taking actually

I went to Banteay Srei and Kbal Spean

I depart at around 8 o'clock in the morning after having my "proper" breakfast this time

the longer you stay, the later you'll wake up in the morning he he heh...

Along the road (outside Sieam Reap) i saw the actual condition of Cambodia - a country that was ripped out by Pol Pot regime...

very scarce housing, and poverty is a common scenery outside siem reap

their living is mostly supported by farming...i saw lot of rice field along the road

here's some picture from the rural area along the road to banteay srei and kbal spean

Happy New Year 2011...

2011-01-02T22:50:00.007+07:00

Finally I manage to re-install my capture NX2

Now we can start converting RAW files again:)

Still from my Cambodian Trip...

Both are taken near South Gate of Angkor Thom, around Phnom Bakheng

using my trusty Nikkor 80-200 mm f2.8

This heavy lens surely pay it price by producing excellent picture everytime i use it.

Sharp and contrasty, very minimum post processing needed

I start using manual metering here in Cambodia, knowing that manual metering could provide more reliable and constant metering, without having to press the exposure lock button everytime.

Just for info (if you haven't try this trick): when you photographing landscape (mostly) in similar condition/ lighting, you don't have to change your exposure!

This saves a lot of my time there, i don't need to point...meter...lock etc etc like before

just focus and shoot...yay, very easy

You just have to ensure the correct metering (manual metering) at your first shoot, the rest is very easy

New Year Revolution

2010-12-28T09:42:00.002+07:00

Well, i haven't post any photo's lately...
that's because my capture NX get some problems after i upgrade my monitor's driver
i have to re-installed it.

There's still lot of photos need to be converted from RAW formats and i don't want to convert it using PS, since the color result would be different compared to capture NX

It's been 2 months now without capture NX, and i think i need a revolution, i will spend my time tonight to fix this problem.

Hopefully tomorrow i'll start posting again...
It's almost new year, and we need revolution...YAY :)

Cambodia - 3rd day

2010-10-21T19:43:00.006+07:00

The journey begin at early morning around 4.30
My eyes did not cooperate...and the alarm from my mobile phone feels like torture:)
But i have to wake up early since my tuk tuk driver is already waiting

I planned to get a sunrise view in Srah Srang Baray
Some people said it was not worthed, but postcard said differently...i saw some beautiful sunrise picture taken from Srah Srang.
Well...while we're here, why not give it a try:)

I bring my sleeping bag that morning, i use it as a blanket to replace jacket
So i was look like a coccon that morning, in the road...some people were looking at me with wierd face. I know what they think... well, i don't care...i don't know them anyway

I arrive at Srah Srang at 5.30...the sun start peeking out from horizon, creating beautiful color combination

From Srah Srang, I move to Ta Prohm ...i wen't here yesterday, but the light is dull and the sky is cloudy.
So i decide to came back that morning
It's well worthed. I get blue sky, and the light is quite cooperative:)
This place is a symbol of "nature power", the temple was "consumed" by big trees ...most of them is silk cotton tree.

Around 10 o'clock, i urge my tuk tuk driver to go to Preah Kahn.
I skip some lesser temple, and go directly to this temple. For all the major temple, i wan't the best light possible:)
The picture below is only part of the BIG Preah Kahn temple...this is the two storey building used for library.
I guess this was the only two storey temple exist in Cambodia...very unique

I wait untill the shadow fill the bottom of my picture frame, to create framing effect
Funny eh...it's natural, no PS (burning, dodging etc.) added

Cambodia 2nd day (cont'd)

2010-10-02T22:00:00.010+07:00

OK my 2nd day was a very hard day with tight itinerary, this is my strategy to capture the whole picture at beginning, so i could spend the rest of my day refining the site that i like

to get better detail.

Here it is...still on my 2nd day

Phimineakas is actually built in the centre of Royal Enclosure of Angkor Thom

Phimineakas also means Celestial Palace, and it is said that it once topped by Golden Spire

Some local people also said that at certain time, the King must climb up to the top of Phimineakas to sleep with the incarnation of Serpent Queen who own the area...hmmm I wonder what the Serpent Queen looks like:)

From Phimineakas, we can go straight to Elephant Terrace, i suppose this place is used for the warrior to get into Elephant back

Beside the Elephant terrace, there is a smaller terrace, called the Terrace of the Leper king

This Terrace is more decorated and i guess this might specially used for the King to get into the Elephant back

Surrounding the Terrace of the Leper King, there is carved wall enclosed inside the Terrace...so the terrace is double walled. Funny design...what for? nobody knows

There's also other small temple like around the Terrace such as Preah Palilay...but i don't take their picture. I just too lazy to push my shutter...there's nothing special on that temple

in front of Terrace, there are the Kleangs and Phreah Pithu group

Quite nice...worthed for short visit

Getting out from Angkor thom at around 1 pm...the sun is scorching hot

If you follow the little circuit, you will pass through the Victory Gate.

As you know there's 5 gate to enter the Angkor thom complex (north, south, east, west and victory gate)

I've been to the North, South and Victory Gate, but i have not seen the west and east gate.

My tuk tuk driver said that the road to get to east gate was not possible to pass through using tuk tuk, since it was still gravel road with lot of mud holes

Some other temple that i've visit on 2nd day are: Thommanon, Chau Say Tevoda, and Ta Nei

The last one (Ta Nei) is a very special temple.

It is rarely that tourist get here, due to the road condition... but actually this temple is very unique. The temple is subsumed by jungle and haven't being renovated, so it looks very natural like when people first found it

stone pillage are everywhere, blocking the road

the atmosphere also different, there's thrill in it because you never know whether there are snakes hiding below the rock that you stepped into hehehehe...

Before I get back to hotel, i visit Ta Prohm (angelina jolie temple)...but the light was so bad...so i decide to go back on the next day to get better picture

Cambodia 2nd day

2010-09-19T21:24:00.009+07:00

On second day, I wake up early to get the sunrise picture of Angkor wat

The sunrise picture on my previous post was actually taken on my 2^nd dayJ

I depart from hotel @ 5 o’clock and stop at bread shop for take away order, so that I may have some breakfast later after the sunrise.

Holy crap…the bread is USD 2, what kind of bread was that??? It’s even more expensive than my Khmer noodle/ Fried rice

I swear I will never buy that bread ever againL

So for economical reason, I keep that bread for lunch too (backpacker mode: ON) heheheheh

It was very cold that morning, my tuk tuk runs with 30 km/hr speed…I cannot imagine if it runs faster than that, I’ll be frozen

I also learn that it is wise to bring my sleeping bag when I have to depart this early morning, to cover up my body. I’ll do it next timeJ

My itinerary today is to visit Angkor wat, Bayon temple, and continue with the little circuit (Angkor thom complex, ta prohm, takeo, thommanon, chau say thevoda etc.)

Bayon temple was very nice, thanks to my brother advice that I directly goes to the third level to take the picture of bayon face during the golden hour. Because that is the short moment that we can take the impactful image of Bayon face

When the sun is high, the face will be flat and less interesting

When the sun getting high, I move to Baphuon and other Angkor thom complex…wow it’s damn hot in the afternoon

Especially during this rainy season, the humidity is high…so it’s very easy to get sweaty

My 1 litre water bottle seems not enough for that day…tomorrow I should bring more water!

Baphuon is currently under restoration project, so does some other temple (including Angkor)…that’s good for the temple, but not good for photographerL

Cambodia 1st day

2010-09-16T21:13:00.020+07:00

This is the picture i've take from my 1st day

I travel alone this time, with my backpack and loyal nikon d200 camera we really have a good time exploring and shoot many pictures:)

I tasted the overnight in LCCT airport, slept with many other backpackers from European country using sleeping bags

Well this travel was really exciting

I upload one by one since i have limited time in sorting and converting the picture...

The 1st day is scorching hot...i instantly wet with sweat only after few minutes

i guess many other have the same feeling as i did...look at below picture:)

Food are cheap here, you can find many food stall near the old market area

fried noodle/ fried rice cost only 1 USD...similar like in Surabaya:)

If you're looking for some souvenir, you can visit Siem Reap Night Market...or just go around old market

Below picture doesn't have anything to do with art, composition, or beautiful landscape...but shocking truth that all those who done the heavy work is women!!!

shit...where's the men? I found 2 men sleeping in shade near the location

my god...what's happening here?

Vietnam #2

2010-09-05T23:02:00.005+07:00

This is the next sequel...i have hundred's of photo, but i don't have time to convert it to jpeg

Hmmppffff...i should start think to shoot at NEF+JPEG intead of NEF only

well, at least i have posted something about my trip...i'll share the other next time OK:)

Vietnam #1

2010-09-05T22:49:00.003+07:00

Well, it's been a long time since my vacation to Vietnam (it was in April 2010) heheheheh

but since i'm quite lazy, so i post it just now (after nearly 5 months...what the heck:0)

i have lot of picture waiting to be posted...especially since next tuesday i'll take my personal leave to Cambodia

Yay...after i postpone it for 1 year due to the birth of my daughter Fiona

Well...here it is, Northern Vietnam:

Pelabuhan Kalimas Surabaya

2010-01-24T13:18:00.007+07:00

Kalimas Harbor is located near Tanjung Perak, and have become the harbor for surabaya's domestic shipment within indonesia.

We could find many traditional boat (pinisi boat) being used in the harbor.

Malaysia Trip

2010-01-18T19:20:00.003+07:00

I went to Malaysia for a meeting, few days in KL and Seremban.

Since i went for working purpose, therefore not soo many place i visited

KLCC is for sure, and the other is Petaling Road

I also tried the infamous chicken rice which is very

good...

How to Resize Your Picture for Web

2009-10-06T19:18:00.006+07:00

Before i know the resizing technique, i often complaint why i got bad picture after i resize it and post it for web usage. The picture seems dull and not sharp. While other people could still get best result even if they resize the picture.
I just find it out recently, and i hope it could be useful for you who have the same problem like i did before.

Resizing means compressing your picture, whether you compress the pixel quantity or consequently the dpi (dot per inch). Resizing also means minimize the data contained in your picture.
How a photo processing software manage to resize your picture? well if you use normal command as "image size" in PS, they simply cut the size of your picture without optimizing it. They don't care about quality or color shift after resizing process...that's my old days
If you don't do extreme resizing, this is OK...but if you wan't to resize your picture from 3500 x .... pixel into 900 x .... pixel and save it as JPEG, believe me..your picture would look like SHIT

If you want to get optimal result on your extreme resizing process, do the following action...resize your picture using into medium size using "image size" command...let's say 1024 x ..... pixel, with 200 dpi (i often use this setting)
Then after resized, look in the File menu of PS, and look for "Save for web & devices"

Find it?
OK, then change the image size as you need, and then look for the play button beside preset...
set your required file size...

and WHALAAA...save your picture and it finish
Very simple...but the result is very different indeed

Good luck guys

Photo Editing - Do you need to edit your picture?

2009-09-30T20:15:00.008+07:00

When i begin taking picture back several years ago, I never wanted to edit my picture...

I only use RAW converter in Photoshop and what i convert is the final result.

Why? because i want my picture to be original from what the camera shoot.

Until i begin to realize that the RAW file from the camera (or NEF in Nikon) is simply: RAW...and that's why it is called RAW.

Different camera tend to produce different tone, even if it is from the same manufacturer (with different type ie: D700 and D200)

Even the pro camera usually create a RAW picture which is dull (less contrast), but they really preserve huge details --> what that huge file is for? the answer is to be post processed!.

The latest camera from Nikon already support Picture Control capability, which may produce many different color tone from single camera...and it is fully customizable. You can create dozens of picture control in your camera, which create various tone result...so if you still think that what you get in the camera is original, think again pals:)

Our friend in Canon also has it, but i don't remember what it called...you can turn your blue colored sky into twilight color, make the green leaves popping etc.

If you want to edit your picture...from RAW file, we need to convert it into semi RAW (which usually TIFF format) by using OEM's RAW converter before editing in Photoshop.

Can we use Photoshop to convert those picture??? Why should we bother OEM's RAW converter which is double handling?

Below is the comparison between Photoshop RAW converter and Nikon Capture NX as RAW converter:

PS direct convert

Capture NX convert

Those picture is taken as is, no editing, no cropping, only resize and save in JPEG from NEF

The difference is the 1st picture is converted directly in PS, resized and save as JPEG

While the 2nd is converted in Capture NX, saved in TIFF, converted into 8bit, resized and save as JPEG

Different??? for me yes

Nikon Capture NX is very powerful, not only converting the RAW file...but you can also edit the picture in NEF format, and save it as NEF file! You can dream about it in Photoshop:)

The editing is also very simple...the U-point technology allow you to edit the picture by zone.

No more layer required, no more selection, masking bla bla bla....

I always edit my picture in Capture NX, and use Photoshop only for noise reduction, sharpening and image resizing...very simple indeed.

The U-point smartly detect and edit only the similar color tone. Therefore you can edit pictrue background, without effecting the skin tone.

Then maybe another question...why I convert into TIFF instead of JPEG during processing in Photoshop?

If you convert from NEF into TIFF, you will find a huuuge file size. This is because TIFF is saving the picture in 16 bit format. Preserving more data (color, smooth gradation etc.) so we can save it without degrading it's quality.

When you satisfy with the result, convert it into 8 bit to be able to save it in JPEG format...

You will get optimum result

By the way...sharpening must be done on the very last step (after converting in JPEG)...why? because you will reduce the sharpness if you do conversion or resizing after sharpening.

After you read my opinion, maybe you'll ask: So if photo need to be edited, then what's the difference between photographer and photoshoper...???? Here's my personal opinion:

A photographer try to maximize the picture result from their camera (good detail, sharpness, depth of field control, correct exposure etc.) so when they need to fine tune their photo...it would be minor (saturation, contrast, sharpening etc) no need hundred of layers like photoshopers did. They enjoy taking picture, and not to sit in front of their computer a whole day only to edit one picture.

A photoshoper usually don't really care about the technique...bad exposure, reckless aperture setting, weird composition etc. but they try to make it good using photoshop.

They usually also add something which actually do not exist in their shot...ie. additional Ray of Light, Additional bird in the sky, fake fog above the lake and many more.

Well...that's my personal opinion

So...does picture editing is required? For me...Yes, but you should now the limit between Photographer and Photoshoper above:)

Jagir Bridge - Surabaya

2009-09-26T09:54:00.011+07:00

I stay at home during this lebaran (idul fitri) holiday, simply because my daughter is still 1 month old, and it's quite impossible to bring her out for vacation.

I went to Jagir bridge which is only around 10 minutes from my house.

This bridge was very old and built by Dutch during World War II and used to control the water flow in Kalimas river.

Kalimas it self was a busy river which used for domestic harbor up to now.

The neighborhood around this bridge was not so safe these days, simply because this area was a crowded slump, many illegal house was built around here.

Actually if government willing to take care of this place, it would be a good city icon and it could be a nice tourism and photo object.

But since the area is not safe, people tend to stay away from this area

If you want to go here, you can see from the map below...or you can simply search "jagir" in google map:)

Suramadu Bridge

2009-06-14T09:13:00.006+07:00

Suramadu Bridge - 11th June 2009

Nikon D200 - Gradual ND filter to balance the contrast

This Saturday i wen't to Suramadu Bridge. This bridge have just finished being built, and announced for public use in 10th of June 2009.
It is currently the longest bridge in Southeast Asia, which connect 2 island (Java and Madura) by stretching above Madura strait.
It's nice to see this bridge on early morning, and many people gather here just to see the spectacular sunrise came up from the sea.
Yes....we could see sunrise and sunset from this place.
When you came to Surabaya, i suggest you could spare your time to see this bridge.

Gradual ND hard...my most precious filter beside CPL

Thailand - Memory part #1

2009-06-10T21:26:00.004+07:00

This is my past memory of Thailand...

I have many photo of Thailand, but i never have much time to sort it.

I'll try to sort it when i have time, this is my second posting about thailand...and later on there will be more. Just wait:)

Common monks that you could find around every corner of Chiang Mai

Reclining Buddha - one of the most visited place in Bangkok after Grand Palace

The Guardian in the entrance of Grand Palace...ready to smash you to pieces:)

This is the reflection of giant figure in Thailand...very artistic

Grand Palace - the main tourist attraction in Bangkok

Bromo Plateau & Savanna

2009-05-28T20:02:00.009+07:00

Nikon D200 f/161.1 sec iso 100 exp -0.7 20mm Tokina 12-24 f4

Last month i went for photo hunting to Bromo with my SPC friends (Sampoerna Photography Club). We depart from Surabaya at night (10.00 pm) to ensure we could get sunrise in Pananjakan.

Nikon D200 f/10176 sec iso 500 exp -0.7 38mm Nikkor 17-55 f2.8

From Surabaya, we're heading east to Pasuruan...then between Pasuruan and Probolinggo we turn right heading to Bromo - Tengger - Semeru National Park.

This road is common road and many people usually went to Bromo through this route.

After arriving in Ngadisari village, you could rent a jeep with fee around:

IDR 275.000 --> Pananjakan and Bromo Crater only
IDR 375.00 --> Pananjakan - Bromo Crater - Savanna

This is the common road, but actually there are some other route to go to Bromo:

Nongkojajar--> the route started from Lawang, a small city between Malang and Pandaan. The route is beautiful with canyon in left and right.

Pasuruan route2 --> before exiting Pasuruan town, turn right ...this will lead you to a totally different route. This route heading directly to Pananjakan, the famous sunrise viewing spot in Bromo

Tumpang route --> we could reach this route through Tumpang, you could either rent a jeep from Tumpang public market (in front of alfamart store). Or if you want more adventure, you can ride motorcycle (i've tried it without any problem), a car with high clearance also will do. This route is the most spectacular (at least for me), there are 3 waterfalls along the route, vast apple plantation, local farm and national park forest. The strange thing is that you could find a village in the middle of National Park...yes, this is Tengger tribe village. This tribe has settled in Bromo since Majapahit era.

Nikon D200 f/81/250 sec iso 200 exp -0.7 19mm Tokina 12-24 f4

Many have seen Bromo Caldera and crater...but few have seen it's beautiful savanna.

If you interested in seeing the savanna, it's located behind bromo crater.

Nikon D200 f/81/320 sec iso 200 12mm Tokina 12-24 f4

You'll be amazed by it's beautiful landscape...hills, canyon and blue sky create perfect photo object that will never end for you to explore.

Nikon D200 f/81/500 sec iso 320 exp -1 200mm Nikkor AFD 80-200 f2.8

Here's some photo of the Savanna

Nikon D200 f/101/250 sec iso 320 exp -0.7 200mm Nikkor AFD 80-200 f2.8

Nikon D200 f/161/60 sec iso 200 19mm Tokina 12-24 f4

Surabaya #2 - Kenjeran Photohunt

2009-05-27T20:36:00.000+07:00

Nikon D200 f/5 1/750 sec iso 500 exp +0.3 matrix metering AF-D 80-200mm f2.8

Last week i have a long week end due to national holiday...

Bored being at home all the time and sick of shopping mall, i decide to go for photo hunting with my friend.

We decide to go to Kenjeran Beach...this place is located only ~20 minutes from center of Surabaya. From center of Surabaya, we can go east to ITS campus and look for road sign written: "Pantai Ria Kenjeran", yes and it's quite easy to find.

Actually there's not so much to see in this beach, the sand is muddy and black, the ship dock is deserted, only few boat is anchored in the dock.

Nikon D200 f/8 1/100 sec iso 400 exp +0.7 matrix metering @17mm - nikkor 17-55mm f2.8

But the sunrise from this beach is promising

Nikon D200 f/15 1/15 sec iso 100 exp -0.7 matrix metering @170mm - nikkor AFD 80-200 f2.8

There's also small vihara and large buddha statue in this beach

Nikon D200 f/14 1/80 sec iso 500 exp -0.3 matrix metering @12mm - Tokina 12-24 f4

Nikon D200 f/5 1/6 sec iso 500 exp +0.3 matrix metering @24mm - Tokina 12-24 f4

Surabaya - A city with long History

2009-03-17T23:18:00.001+07:00

i've been living in surabaya for 2 years now...this city is surely very crowded and the road is chaotic.
it give me stressful time every morning when i go to the office and when i go home in the evening.
the motorcycle driver is crazy, only himself and god knows where and when they want to turn, no sign, no ethics... damn
one of them have scratched my car

but anyway, sometime surabaya is quite nice for sight seeing...many historical place and landmark around, and it means many photo object:)

one of them is house of sampoerna, this museum belongs to sampoerna cigarette industries, one of the oldest and biggest cigarette industries in indonesia. it was founded by liem seeng tee in 1913.
in this museum we can see the traditional kretek cigarette making process which still done up to now. it's amazing to see how they do the hand rolling in an amazing blazing speed.
please make sure that you came there during working hour to see this attraction.

you could also see other beautiful landmarks in surabaya...sorry i haven't take all of the picture but i will next time

-- Post From My iPhone

Central Java Delight

2009-03-15T11:20:00.001+07:00

during my holiday last january, i went to central java...my father land hehehe
it's very nice being home
my d200 accompany me everywhere

so does my wife...look she's testing traditional "ulekan" in muntilan

we went also to dieng plateau, famous tourism object in central java
along the road we can meet lot of photo object along the road

here is the souvenir maker

we also went to ketep, the famous place to see mount merapi
there's lot of grilled corn stall

on the other day we went to taman sari jogja
its very nice in tamansari, i hope i have more time to spent here... i'll be back i promise hehehehehehe

-- Post From My iPhone

Karapan Sapi Madura

2009-03-14T12:35:00.001+07:00

we went from surabaya to madura to see karapan sapi event, this event is widely known in Madura island. but the biggest karapan sapi event happen at president cup which held annualy

this is a common fried tofu stall you find in harbour between madura and surabaya

this also a common scenery you find along the road to pamekasan. lot of people work as farmer

arek lancor...dance performance special for maduranese dance held in the night before karapan sapi event

yes what we've been waiting for...karapan sapi

before going home, we stop at salt farm

-- Post From My iPhone

How to Improve your Travel Photography chance of success

2008-10-12T15:21:00.003+07:00

Hi there...today i wan't to share what i have learn from my travel up to now...i hope you could enjoy it, but just in case you have other opinion or objection, please feel free to give your comment.

Taking great picture while travelling is not only about luck...

You cannot just wondering around without planning and shot when good moment appear in front of you.

In order to increase your travel photography succes rate, you must do observation and research before you travel.

You may look at postcards, browsing from internet, find reference from related books and learning from somebody else’s picture...not to imitate, but to understand better and prepare for photo opportunity that you will found there.

Remember...copying somebody else’s picture will kill your creativity and you will never improve.

Learn how good photographer made their picture...where they take the picture, when is it...in the morning/ mid day/ evening, how is the aperture to get such DOF, how is the shutter speed, why he choose that setting, how is the angle in shooting? How if you take it from other angle etc.

By learning from others you will improve your creativity quickly.

You may copy somebody else’s picture, take it from same location, same time, same angle...but you will never capture the soul and spirit inside the picture that the photographer want to deliver to us.

While travelling, try to simplify your gear...by making planning and doing research, you will know what equipment that you will need.

Prevent bringing too many equipment, since it will encumber you while you’re moving.

Plan where you need to be and when...

You have to go to the beach in the morning to shot sunrise

You can visit indoor traditional dance in the mid day

And go to the hills in the evening to shot sunset...

All need to be planned

Don’t be lazy to move

Most people is lazy to move from comfortable position...they shoot beside the main road, from the famous tourist stop...and they shoot the same picture

Try to move...find the best position for your picture, maybe you have to climb the hill little bit or traverse through cliff. But it’s the price for good picture.

I shoot sunset picture in Gili Trawangan by 15 minutes trekking to hill, I shot waterfall from cliff...and it works.

Look at the calendar...

See what is the climate in your travel destination, is there any traditional event, is there any special occasion during your visit...

Finally...travel safe, always care for your equipment...if you don’t care, somebody else willJ

Batu Bolong - Lombok

2008-10-11T23:17:00.001+07:00

Nikon D200 : Tokina 12-24 f4 : ISO 100 : f/18 : 1.3 sec : exp +0.33 : matrix metering : @12mm

I use 0.9 hard edge gradual ND + 0.3 soft edge grad ND to balance the exposure, using slow shutter the angry wave became soft

Batu Bolong - Lombok

The fourth day…we check out from Tir Na Nog on 11’o clock, we use rental speed boat and chartered car like before.

Nikon D200 : Tokina 12-24 f/4 : f/16 : 1/320 : ISO 640 : @12mm: matrix metering

say goodbye to gili trawangan...see you again soon

We headed to Senggigi beach…well actually not exactly in Senggigi because we looking for a hotel closer to Batu Bolong temple. We pick Batu Bolong Cottage which is listed in Lonely Planet book; we don’t have any other reference, so we have to rely and believe what is mentioned in the book…from the review its quite promisingJ
Batu bolong temple is located in the middle between Senggigi and Mataram.
We arrive in Batu Bolong cottage around 12 o’clock, the hotel is quite nice and it has direct access to the beach in its back door.
I walk around the beach and found that Batu Bolong temple is very close to my hotel…only around ¬800 mtr hehehehe what a fortune.

Nikon D200 : Nikkor 80-200 f2.8 : f/4 : 1/800 sec : ISO 100 : @80 mm : exp -0.67 : matrix metering

batu bolong temple is actually a small temple, but you could see nice sunset from here

We have a short break while waiting for sunset…finally we get TV in our room, after several days without TV in Gili Trawangan hehehehe…
At 4 o’clock we started to walk to the Batu Bolong Temple…the weather is cloudy, I just hope that it will not rain since this October should be the start for rainy season in IndonesiaL
When we arrive there, I saw some people in traditional Balinese clothes gather around the temple…am I lucky or unlucky? This could be bad luck if they not give permission for me to enter the Batu Bolong temple area.

Nikon D200 : Nikkor 80-200 f2.8 : f/3.5: ISO 400 : 1/800 sec : @ 135mm : center weighted metering

if the surrounding is not interesting, zoom it out and make the image tight

But it seems that fortune is on my side…they welcome me to see the procession…ha ha ha…what a lucky day.
Lombok original people is actually Sasak tribe which majority is moslems, but long time ago some Balinese people move in to East Lombok area and stay there as refugee due to Gunung Agung eruption.

Nikon D200 : Nikkor 80-200 f2.8 : ISO 400 : f/2.8 : 1/1000 sec : @ 105mm: center weighted metering

human interest is one of my favourite subject, capturing the expression and emotion of people

They stay in Lombok, and kept their Hindu religion…Batu bolong temple is one of their holy temple in Lombok.
During holiday, they often came to the temple to pray…
When I came there there are some groups whose praying in the temple and I get the opportunity to take their photographs.

Nikon D200 : Nikkor 80-200 f2.8 : f/2.8 : 1/800 sec : ISO 400 : center weighted metering : @ 185 mm

contrast color make the subject pop...well if the white shirt is gone is better, but sometime you cannot control it

Before entering the temple, commonly they use holy water to purify themselves.

Nikon D200 : Nikkor 80-200 f2.8 : ISO 400 : f/2.8 : 1/180 sec : @200 mm : center weighted metering

Before entering the temple, you must purify yourself with holy water - Batu Bolong Temple - Lombok Island

Capturing tradition/ culture of a place is one of travel photography's objective

When the sun start going down…I get my tripod ready, and wait for the right moment.
I use my 0.9 hard edge gradual ND + 0.3 soft edge gradual ND to balance the exposure, I also use my CPL to add slight saturation and to slow down the shutter speed little bit.
Here is the result… not perfect shot, but it’s quite nice

Nikon D200 : Tokina 12-24 f4 : ISO 100 : f/18 : 3.6 second : exp +0.33 : graduated ND hard 0.9

Combination of small aperture and hyperfocal theory make the picture sharp from foreground to infinity.

Add graduated ND to make the exposure well balanced

After the sun down, there is still some soft glow of light…I saw Gunung Agung as a background for the coconut plantation, possibly good recipe for nice photo…lets try it…stop down the exposure little bit…lock the metering…click…and

Nikon D200 : Nikkor 80-200 f2.8 : f/13 : ISO 100 : 7.1 second : exp -0.67 : matrix metering

Coconut plantation with Gunung Agung as background

without tripod, this would be impossible...

Finally our Lombok Holiday has come to and end...

The next day me and my wife came back to Surabaya, prepare to work again on the next following week:(

See you again in my other journey...

cheers

All picture is edited in NEF format using Nikon Capture NX

image is copyrighted - erick 2008

Cidomo Ride - Lombok #6

2008-10-10T20:30:00.001+07:00

We come back from Snorkeling trip at 15.30; my wife got awful sea sick so we have to take a break first.
In the evening we decide to take a Cidomo trip around Gili Trawangan island.

Nikon D200 Tokina 12-24 f4 ISO 400 f4 1/180 sec @ 12mm center weighted metering

I use fill in flash to brighten the cidomo driver...without flash the cidomo driver will become shilouette which i don't want it to be, meter in the cidomo driver, lock the flash value...then shot

Cidomo is the traditional name for horse cart used by Lombok people for their transportation. Motorised vehicle (except speed boat) is forbidden to be use in Gili Trawangan and other Gili island, as it may cause air pollution to this pristine island…I’m glad they made this rule. It keeps the island beautiful and clean.

Nikon D200 Tokina 12-24mm f4 f/4 1/60 sec ISO 100

Traditional vehicle in Gili Trawangan, free of polution, cheap fuel...perfect

To ride cidomo around the island, you have to pay IDR 70.000, it can carry only 3 passengers because the sandy road in this island is too hard for horse to carry more than that. You can sometime stop in area that you like, to take some photo.
I stop in turtle hatchery to see small sea turtles in glass pond. They being kept here until they are big enough to be released in open sea.

Nikon D200 Tokina 12-24mm f4 ISO 400 f/4 1/50 sec matrix metering @24 mm

Before going back to the hotel, we stop by in the seafood restaurant along the main strip to re-fuel our hungry stomach:)

Nikon D200 Tokina 12-24 f4 ISO 640 f/4 1/6 sec @ 18 mm matrix metering

Look at those fresh fish and barbeque...yummy

I use high ISO to shot handheld in 1/6 sec...thank god my hand is quite steady:)

Gili Trawangan - Lombok#5

2008-10-09T20:06:00.001+07:00

Nikon D200 Nikon 80-200 f2.8 shoot at ISO 500 f/16 1/90 sec 86 mm center weighted metering

high iso sometime necessary to be used, don't be to afraid with noise...as long as you don't push too hard

Good morning...........

The third day I went for snorkelling with my wife, we wake up little bit late since the trip started on 10.30…so we have lot of spare time.
After having nice breakfast, we went near the Jetty to find the ticket.
The ticket for Snorkeling trip to three gili island (Gili Trawangan, Gili Air and Gili Meno) is normally IDR 75.000. The ticket is being sold on nearly every snorkelling equipment rental stall, so you could easily get the ticket there with fixed price, and you can rent the fin for free.
But if you go to the main counter near Jetty you could negotiate about the price, and you could push the price to IDR 50.000 hehehe…but you have to rent the fin by yourself, since the provider only provide googles. Well the fin cost around IDR 15.000 so actually you only get IDR 10.000 discount.

Together in my group there were 26 people from Japan, Rusia, Holland and Germany.

Nikon D200 Nikon 18-70 f3.5 - 4.5 shoot at ISO 100 f/5 1/640 sec 31 mm spot metering

in high contrast, spot metering often more accurate and reliable

We started from the shore near Jetty heading to Gili Air for our first stop.
In gili air, the coral is still in quite good condition, there’s also lot of beautiful fish.
Sorry since I don’t have underwater housing so I cannot show it to you…

Nikon D200 Nikon 18 - 70 f3.5 - 4.5 mm shoot at ISO 100 f/5 1/180 sec @ 18mm spot metering

don't worry with highlight...as long as it doesn't ruin your picture it's OK, you can even use it to emphasize your composition

Blub...blub...blub...let's snorkel in clean, turquoise water...

Don't forget to bring tour CPL or you cannot shoot through the water...blub...blub

Nikon D200 Nikon 18-70mm f3.5 - 4.5 shoot at ISO 100 f/5 1/640 @ 18mm matrix metering

The water is very clean that you could see up to ~10 mtr without any problem...fish, turtles, corals...hey i saw Nemo there:)

Nikon D200 Nikon 18-70 f3.5 - 4.5 shoot at ISO 100 f/5 1/640 @ 65mm matrix metering

The second stop is Gili Meno…here the coral is damaged, but we have something more interesting than the coral…sea turtles. Yes…in the border between shallow water and deep one there are lot of turtle. It’s nice to see them swimming
We stop for lunch in Gili Meno. This island is far more quiet than Gili Trawangan...a very nice place for you who looking for a retreat from busy town.
Not so many hotel here in the island...the one where we have lunch is “Good Heart” and it seems quite good and well maintained.
Please be aware that the lunch is not free...we have to pay additional for the lunch, but it’s OK...the price is quite reasonable.

I saw the japanese boy and his mother is playing with kitten...very endearing, maybe kitten is quite rare in japan:p

Empty space and high contrast make the kitten visible even if its very small

The final destination is Gili Trawangan…I’ve snorkelled here before, so I prefer to stay at the boat with my wife and take some picture.

The Japanese boy is jumping from the boat for snorkeling...what a brave small boy to snorkel in the sea, even a grown up boy sometime doesn't have the guts to snorkel in open sea.

Nikon D200 Nikon 18-70 f3.5 - 4.5 ISO 100 f/8 1/400 @25 mm

The jumping young boy give sense of action, but without the water spark this photo will not work

The guide in action...look at his skin which is burnt because of snorkeling every day...

Nikon D200 Nikon 18-70 f3.5 - 4.5 ISO 100 f/5 1/200 @ 18mm

I include the snorkels as foreground to give more description on the photo

OK that's all for today folks...we continue with the cidomo ride next time:)
photo is copyrighted.
edited in RAW with Nikon capture NX

Gili Trawangan - Lombok#4

2008-10-06T17:32:00.001+07:00

Nikon D200 Nikkor 80-200mm f2.8 ISO 500 f/9 1/400 exp-1.67 @ 100mm

I have to stop down the exposure to get the shilouette and yellow staurated sky, otherwise the sky will be dull and not interesting

The next day, i wake up early for the sunrise...but it seems in Lombok the sunrise came out little bit late...so around 6 o'clock it start shows up. It was blocked by hills in Lombok island anyway...so you cannot see it coming up from the horison.

Nikon D200 Tokina 12-24 f4 ISO 500 f/9 1/500 exp -0.6 @ 24 mm

I use the hut to block the sun, prevent it from overexposing the image...this trick works all the time:)

after taking sunrise picture, i have breakfast in hotel...the seat beside the sea is impressive, you could feel the fresh morning sea breeze here.

Nikon D200 Tokina 12-24 f4 ISO 100 f/16 1/20 sec exp -0.67 @12mm

I include the sea to give sense of place...

Nikon D200 Nikkor 80-200 f2.8 ISO 100 f/7.1 1/180 sec exp -0.67 @ 125mm

I crop the picture to balance the composition, sometime we cannot get the compostion we want without some cropping

Nikon D200 Nikkor 80-200mm f2.8 ISO 100 f/ 13 1/200 sec exp -1.33 matrix metering @ 80mm
I use the tree for framing, sometime you need to frame your image to emphasize your point of interest

you could enjoy nice view above while having breakfast in front of Tir Na Nog Hotel

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We planned to slow down the pace today and enjoy the day...i rent snorkeling equipment from the booth along the main strip. It cost ~IDR 25.000 for renting complete snorkeling equipment (google + fin)/ day. Not too expensive considering that you could use it all day long.

My wife cannot swim and she had minus eye...so she cannot see clearly without glasses. Therefore if you planned to snorkeling, while you have minus eye, don't forget to bring contact lens! She choose to spent the day relaxing in hammock under the tree and read some books.

What a nice holiday hehehehe

We spent half day here...in the evening we take a trip through the coconut plantation again, to go back to main strip.

Cycling fun...Nikon D200 Tokina 12-24mm f4 @ 24mm

Imagine if i take this picture not from low angle...it would be not interesting

I use low angle + wide angle lens for this picture

And in the evening we watch sunset together...ahhhh very romantic:)

Nikon D200 Nikon 18-70mm f3.5-4.5 ISO 100 f/7.1 1/4000 @ 52 mm exp -0.33 center weighted metering

meter carefully in the sky to get saturated sky and shilouette

Nikon D200 Nikkor 80-200mm f2.8 ISO 800 f/2.8 1/50 sec @92 mm matrix metering

I don't bring tripod with me when this moment appear, so i increase the ISO, maximize the aperture and lay on the tree nearby to get steady handheld shot

Gili Trawangan - Lombok#3

2008-10-05T22:05:00.001+07:00

While waiting for sunset, i ask my wife to become a model and we have a small foto session hehehe... Here are the photo:)

I once saw TV program called Jejak Petualang, an adventure program...and this photo is inspired from it:)

Ooops...when being photograph, somebody could become hungry right, here's the good example:p

In this photo, i try to balance the fill in flash.
I read once in article to make the fill flash look more natural (sorry i forgot the source):

1. when you're using flash for fill in flash, use manual mode
2. meter first the background, take one frame and analyse...if you satisfy with the background use it...if not try to get the proper exposure by dialing the aperture/ shutter speed dial.
3. after you get the proper exposure for the BG, switch the camera meter to center weighted...zoom in to your subject, and press flash value lock...done? not yet
4. zoom out, recompose and press the shutter...looks better than automatic fill flash from the camera?
it should be...if the flash is still too strong, try to use flash value compensation...do not use exposure compensation since it will affect your background, but will not affect your flash value...
why is it????
camera meter, is used to meter the background only
while flash value control the exposure for your subject...

The golden light was so glorious so i cannot waste it...
well...my wife is not too bad as a beginner in modelling hehehehehe

Gili Trawangan - Lombok#2

2008-10-05T07:34:00.001+07:00

Nikon D200 Tokina 12-24 f4 ISO 320 f/8 1/80 sec @ 24mm hitech grad ND harmatrix meterid 0.9 matrix metering

I use the yellow folliage as foreground to give 3D effect to the image. Use also hyperfocal distance to get sharp foreground...i use DOF preview button for this

Hehehehe...good morning

OK we continue the trip on the first day...after reaching the main strip, I go for lunch.
There were many restaurant on the sea side which offer wonderful sea view...very nice and relaxing. Hmmmm....

After having lunch, I continue my survey to the south part of the island...

The south part is not suitable for swimming or snorkeling, practically we can do nothing there, therefore this place is very quiet.

But wait...there was a hill on the south part which offer nice bird eye view of lombok, to reach here you have to trek around 15 minutes starting from the run down sunset cottages.
It's not to steep, so don't worry...

Nikon D200 Nikkor 80-200 f2.8 ISO 200 f/8 1/640 sec exp -1.33 @105mm matrix metering

Be prepare, as the sun going down...find your best spot, get your tripod out, and wait...

Nikon D200 Nikkor 80-200mm f2.8 f/16 1/320 sec matrix metering @ 200mm hitech grad ND 0.9 filter hard

I use grad ND hard to balance the exposure, without this filter this image would be impossible to achieve

From here you can spot nice view of sunset, with gunung agung view as a bonus if you're lucky:)

Nikon D200 Nikkor 80-200mm f2.8 f/20 1/45 sec exp -1.67 @ 80mm matrix metering hitech grad ND 0.9 filter hard

It's better to bring hard edge Gradual ND if you want to take the sunset view...since the contrast between the sky and the sea/ foreground is very high.

photo is copyrighted.
edit RAW with Nikon capture NX

Gili Trawangan - Lombok#1

2008-10-04T20:08:00.001+07:00

Holiday season has come...this time it was one week holiday due to moslems Idul Fitri event.

I was lying on sofa with my wife, without no plan to go anywhere...everybody knows that when Idul fitri holiday came, the road will be full of vehicle, traffic jam everywhere, tickets was sold out even 2 weeks before holiday begin...people are like crazy because they have to go to their home town to celebrate Idul Fitri with their family.
Since I'm not celebrating Idul Fitri, so i better stay at home...

One day after the holiday start, I start get bored to stay at home...It's not my nature to stay home too long...I need a real holiday...an adventurous trip:)

I get my computer and start browse if there's any ticket left....searching....searching..............
and finally, a fairly cheap ticket to Mataram - Lombok was available (only IDR 1.800.000 for 2 people - return trip)....Wow....it was such a surprise to get it.

My wife is housewife type who loves to stay at home, so when i tell her, I quickly give her choice...whether she want to go or not, I will still go to Lombok:)

Yes, that night i start packing the stuff required...and the next morning I catch the plane at 6 o'clock in the morning. I buy lonely planet "Bali & Lombok" to accompany me...it's a sudden trip, so not so much time for preparing everything:p

I went to Mataram by Citilink airline and then continue with chartered car to Bangsal Harbour.
Bangsal harbour was such an headache...so I choose to charter the speed boat to get to Gili Trawangan.
I cost IDR 100.000 for the land transport, and IDR 250.000 for the speed boat. If you need to charter the speed boat, the captain name is Jabung...his phone number is 081339540602.
You can contact him to arrange the trip.

The speed boat trip was nice...only 15 minutes trip...and the wave is quite friendly, so I can enjoy the trip...my wife get little sea sick however.

We arrive there at 09.10 in the morning...(the time in Lombok is 1 hour faster than Surabaya), it's a quick trip right:)

We decide to stay at Tir Na Nog, an Irish owned hotel & bar...it's quite clean and well maintained. It's located in the main strip of Gili Trawangan near Jetty and some nice restaurant... strategic location.

For the first day, i decide to survey around the island for nice photo spot...and I'm quite surprised to realize how many nice spot that this small island have.

We travel around by renting bike...it's quite cheap, only around IDR 20.000 for one day long.
Don't get fooled by the bike rental in Jetty...the rental fare is unbelievable (IDR 80.000 for one day). Try to find the bike rental in north of Jetty...it's lot cheaper.

The north part of Gili Trawangan is more quiet...and it's a very nice place for relaxing....

I ask my wife to pose like a prewedding photo style hehehehehe....we miss the wedding gown:p

When i reach the north part of the island, It was in the middle of the day and the sun was killing us...so I decide to look for a short cut. We found narrow road beside the lighthouse which cross the coconut plantation, directly back to mainstrip... this is my wife in the middle of coconut plantation

OK guys...that's it for the first day...i need some sleep first:)

Note:
some may like my first picture (speed boat with red shirt driver), and some may not...but i really like it.
I have two piture, the blurry haired one, and the sharp one...I choose the blurry one...why? because it adds sense of motion
this picture seems realy dynamic for me
how about you? how's your opinion?

Curug Seribu - Bogor

2008-10-04T18:10:00.001+07:00

Actually I've been travelling here since 2 months ago...

but I'm little bit lazy to write it out hehehee

My job also take most of my time...well i'm not a part timer or a writer:) so i write only at my leisure time.

In Bogor, there are many nice spots that we could use for photo hunting.

One of them is Curug seribu, which is part of Gunung Salak Endah Park area.

The entrance to Curug seribu is located around 30 minutes from bogor, from the parking area we have to walk around 1 hour to each this waterfall...quite exhausting. But the real challenge is not to get there...it's to get back which will squeeze your sweat and make you run out of breath.

It was a hard trip, with my fully loaded minitrekker bags (Nikon D200 body, 80-200mm f2.8, 12-24mm f4, 18-70mm, some filters...and DVD player...shit, i forgot to take it out before hunting) + heavy ~3kg manfrotto 055proB+ball head.

The steep track was killing me and my brother...
It's been 3 years since my last mountain trekking, so now my feet didn't cooperate well.

I could get here because my brother ask me to accompany him to hunt some photos:) yeeah free ride...

Bali: Revisited

2008-08-10T12:03:00.000+07:00

Well my friend...I'm back to bali again, this time for working purpose...3 days in Bali, 1 day meeting and 2 days of party hahaaaa...

This is my first photo with my new camera D200...very nice camera

Not much that I could share, because I'm to busy partying hiks...hiks :0

Here it goes:

another barong picture

Nikon D200
Nikon AFD 80-200 f2.8 @ 200mm

101 bottles of Bintang Beer & arak bali....hiks hiks

Nikon D200
Tokina 12-24
Lot of Bintang Beer :)

Singapore: Glimerring Citylight

2008-08-10T08:40:00.000+07:00

I went to Singapore 1 years ago with my wife. This small country is superb, very neat city planning and easy accomodation to go anywhere. You can use ez link card to pay for MRT, public bus and even taxi! nice...very nice

I'm especially impressed with the citylight view around esplenade and clarke quay...it's a very nice place by the river for relaxing and gather with your friend.

There are also other nice place such as china town (lot of handicraft), little india (hindian style district), and Sentosa Island. This country tourism object is very well managed...from promotion to public facility provided is fascinating.

This city preserve its old building, and in some are you can find those buildings...making the environment feel a bit retro. Some of this nice building are: Town Hall (near esplenade), city museum (near Orchard rd.), Cathedral (nearby Town Hall) and many more hehehe (actually I forgot already...)

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Crowded MRT station in Orchard...get lost hehehe

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Cityscape from Esplenade...you can also see the famous "merlion" the symbol of Singapore

The food here also rich in variety, from grilled pork to muslim's halal food is available...so don't worry, Singapore is ready to pamper your hungry stomach:)

Nikon D70s
18-70mm lens @ 18mm

Hindian Women, I found her when praying in the Hindu temple in Little India

Nikon D70s
Tamron 90mm f2.8

Chiang Mai: The Beauty of Northern Thailand

2008-07-12T22:14:00.001+07:00

Chiang Mai is not as popular as Bangkok – Pattaya (for its glittering nightlife) or Thailand’s Southern beach. But this city is rich in cultural objects such as old Lanna temples, hill tribes, elephant camp, orchid garden and many others.

I went to Chiang Mai with my wife for a holiday in June. Not at peak season, but its already starting for rainy season…hmmm not the best timing for Photography.
The best time to go to Thailand should be December – March, when it’s less rain and the temperature is not too high. This means beautiful blue sky and colorful sunrise & sunset. But please beware that this also the peak tourist season in Thailand and it means: high price for accommodation…not good for budget traveler like me.

Don't worry about transport here, you can rent a motorcycle to drive you anywhere you wan't to go. You can find many motorcycle rental in Th Moon Muang road.
100cc Honda Dream is 150 baht/ day while 125 to 150cc motorcycle is 200 to 250 baht/ day.

Riding motorcycle all around Chiang Mai give you unforgetable memories, I often find myself lost in the middle of no where, but it's fun (at least for me...)
It also help to drive you to some remote places which public transport sometimes not available. Hey... photographer can not always found their object around public road right:)

Anyway, here is some nice tourist object that I’ve visit & photographed:
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Wat Phra Singh
...I wait 2 hours for the twilight to make the blue sky hehehe...I thought the twilight was around 6 o'clock like in Indonesia, but finally i found out that in Thailand the twilight happen in 07.30...oh my...
No editing added in this picture.

This temple is located at the center of old Chiang Mai, and it become the main temple in Chiang Mai...

Nikon D70s + Tokina 12-24
f22 - 13 sec
ISO 200

Wat Chedi Luang
...Same with Wat Phra Singh, i waited untill twilight to take this picture.
This old temple is located near Wat Phra Singh, very photogenic at dawn...

Nikon D70s + Tokina 12-24 f4
f11 - 8 sec
ISO 200

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Wat Phra That Doi Suthep
...This temple is considered as the most sacred in Northern Thailand (or maybe even in Thailand). Located remotely in Doi Suthep Mountain, its glittering golden chedi and umbrella often photographed for postcard...
Picture above (headline)

Mae Sa Elephant Camp
...Mahout and his trained elephant pass through the river after exhausting show...

Nikon D70s + Nikon 80-200mm f2.8
f2.8 - 1/125 sec
ISO 200
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Wat U Mong
...It's me & my wife:):)

This temple is located at country side and surrounded by forest. It has very nice atmosphere and often used for meditation...

Nikon D70s + Tokina 12-24
f4 - 1/25 sec
ISO 400

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Chiang Rai

...This silver temple is located in the middle of Chiang Mai, near "Cabbage & Condoms" restaurant...

Nikon D70s + Tokina 12-24mm f4 + built in flash

f4 - 1/25 sec

ISO 800

Bo Sang Village

...This village is famous for its colorful paper umbrella; you can visit and see the fabrication of this umbrella...psst and it’s for free:)...

Nikon D70s + Tokina 12-24mm f4

f4.5 - 1/125 sec

exp compensation -0.3

ISO 200

Bali: Paradise Island

2008-07-12T16:21:00.000+07:00

Bali is a tropical paradise located in Indonesia.

This island has very beutiful landscape with many white sand beaches, lakes, majestic mountain and lush tropical forest.

This island also rich in culture, they manage to keep their cultural heritage from generation to generation up to now.
But it doesn't mean that the people here are not friendly...
In here the local people is very welcoming...you'll be amazed by their hospitality.

Tourist from Asia, Europe, Australia, USA and many other blends into harmony in here.

For photographers, there are many beautiful places for your photo objects. Whether it's Balinese Traditional dance (Legong, Barong, Kecak etc.) or you prefer to shot sunrise/ sunset in sandy beaches, stunning cliff in uluwatu, romantic atmosphere of Jimbaran...it's up to you.

I really put my shutter into a hard work here :)
Here's some sample picture i take in Bali:

Tanah lot
...I love the blue wave splashing into the rock here...

Nikon D70s - Nikon 80-200mm f2.8 @80mm
f/8 - 1/400 sec
Image quality: RAW
ISO: 200

Pura Batu Bolong
...The sun is still high when i take this picture , so I use center weighted metering to meter the exposure...hmmm not too bad:)...

Nikon D70s - Tokina 12-24 f4 @ 12mm
f/16 - 1/300 sec
Image quality: RAW
ISO: 200

Colorful Market
...hey that's my wife in action:), in bali there's many traditional market where you could find beutiful handicraft and souvenir at low price...test your bargaining skill here...

Nikon D70s - Tokina 12-24 f4 @ 14mm
f/8 - 1/60 sec
Image quality: RAW
ISO: 200

Uluwatu Cliff
...This place is very photogenic, sometime there's a kecak dance performance held nearby (if you're lucky). Beware of the monkey, they're very naughty:)...

Nikon D70s - Tokina 12-24 f4 @ 12mm
f/8 - 1/80 sec
Image quality: RAW
ISO: 200