Category: Blog 2018

20 November 2018

The first photo in my view has little photographic merit compared to others chosen for the website. I could be criticized for having the pole going through the man’s head. And the lighting itself is pleasant late afternoon sun but nothing dramatic- photography is all about light….

So why is it here and at the number one slot.

Well,  because its my website and  I can do anything I like! But actually I like the shot. There is something symbolic to me that represents my feeling about the country and the people.

Myanmar is a beautiful country. The people are amongst the friendliness I have met and also very genuine. Right now it is still not very commercialised compared to other asian countries but it is changing rapidly. That is why I am planning to return in 2019. Yes there is a problem with the present Government, lack of democracy  and the treatment of the Rohingya people. But the people we met were just trying to make a living with no say on the  countrys future, let alone their own future. What I did observe in the areas I visited was the enormous respect people have for one another. There is this politeness and kindness to strangers. This is partly because the Burmese strongly believe in karma. Treat others well and good will come to you.

This is why the first photo appeals to me. It has a symbolic meaning to what I want for the people. Standing tall, all in the same boat and hope is shining through.

I’m finishing off my Burmese Blog with lots of smiles as that is my final impression of the lovely people we have met. Jay zu and thwa`me naw  (thankyou and goodbye).

1.    19 April 2018    Nikon D3s    iso200    52mm    f13    1/180sec    Nikon 24-70mm f2.8

2.    19 April    Nikon D750    iso5000    140mm    f8    1/125sec

3.    19 April    Nikon D3s    iso800    26mm    f4.0    1/125sec

4.    19 April    Nikon D3s    iso6400    24mm    f4.0    1/60sec    Nikon 24-70mmf2.8

5.    Nikon D3s    iso6400    35mm    f4.0    1/60sec

6.    Nikon D3s    iso6400    70mm    f4.0    1/60sec    Nikon 24-70mmf2.8

7.    Nikon D3s    iso6400    62mm    f4.0    1/90sec

8.    Nikon D3s    iso6400    32mm    f4.0    1/60sec

9.   19 April    Nikon D750    iso1250    190mm    f4.0    1/125sec

10.    23 April    Nikon D750    iso2200    160mm    f8.0    1/200sec

11.    23 April    Nikon D750    iso2500    116mm    f8.0    1/200sec

12.    21 April    Nikon D750    iso800    160mm    f5.6    1/125sec

13.    26 April    Nikon D750    iso6400    200mm    f5.6    1/200sec

14.    27 April    Nikon D750    iso3200    175mm    f7.1    1/160sec

15.

16.    21 April    Nikon D750    iso 1000    92mm    f8.0    1/250

17.    17 April    Nikon D3s    iso1600    70mm    f8.0    1/180sec    Nikon 70-200mm f4

18.    Nikon D3s    iso800    62mm    f5.6    1/125sec  

27 November 2018

In the Hawkes Bay every two years the Russell family open their garden to the public for a sculpture exhibition among their abundant wild flowers. The proceeds go to Cranford hospice.

The advertisement in the local Wellington paper caught my eye so I decided plan a long weekend in Havelock North with Sally.

The timing was appropriate as I had just finished watching the DVDs on “Painting the Modern Garden – Monet to Matisse”and “Vincent van Gogh-a new way of seeing”. I also watched “Michelangelo-Love and death” but I wasn’t on the lookout for any “Davids” at the exhibition.

Seeing the pictures of the wild flowers was the main impetus  for me attending -sorry all you wonderful artists.

I really enjoy impressionist paintings and its just not the flowers but their observation of light. And photography is all about light.

Hence the irreverent title. I wonder if the painters of yesteryear would have enjoyed the expanse of the wild flowers and the expanse of the human mind with the creativity shown in the artwork.

It was such a wonderful day with the music , variety of food and especially the ice cream -lick on that Pissaro. But it was the people there that made it. Everyone was so relaxed and enjoying the day. It was so peaceful as well  and that was unusual considering the amount of visitors. It helps to have the space though. A  tune was humming in my head all morning-” If you’re going to San Francisco don’t forget to wear flowers in your hair”.

Subtitute San Fran for Hawkes Bay  but somehow that doesnt work- maybe  Round Pond Garden?

Didn’t remember seeing any selfie sticks as well but this isn’t the Lourve.

So what would have Monet done if he were there? Would he have painted something like on the Home page, and I’m not talking about the Bumble Bee shots. He  wasn’t into Action Impressionalism. Or would he have said “Piss off everyone  I’m trying to paint… but hand me a sauage”.

The observant may notice that a new camera system was used . Well artists have different brushes, photographers have different cameras……

More on the GAS in another blog.

ps  I regard myself  as  an old fart but GAS refers to Gear Acquisition Syndrome. My sphincters are loosening but we won’t go there……

1.    10 November 2018    Panasonic G9    iso200    70mm    f11    1/100sec    Leica DG 50-200 f2.8

2.    iso200    92mm    f16    1/30sec    Leica 50-200 f2.8

3.    iso 200    50mm    f9.0    1/250sec    Leica 50-200 f2.8

4.    iso 200    12mm    f5.6    1/250sec    Leica DG 12-60mm f2.8

5.    iso 200    22mm    f4.0    1/200sec

6.    iso200    200mm    f4.0    1/640sec

7.    iso640    200mm    f5.6    1/1000sec

8.  iso 640    138mm    f5.6    1/1000sec   

9.    iso 640    162mm    f5.6    1/1000sec

10.    iso 640    175mm    f5.6    1/1000sec

20 November 2018

We were staying at Loikaw which is the capital of the Kayah State. The purpose of  tourist visits  here is to see the Padaung women or long neck woman. I wanted to see them as well and photograph them but was mindful of treating them like novelties in an amusement park. In Thailand at Chiang Mai you can visit them at a refugee camp. You pay them some money for the photograph and this is a very artificial experience. At least in Myanmar we are at their real home.

We asked the guide what was the most appropriate way to help them. He arranged for us to take clothes washing powder and food to the village. I noticed at the village that the women had snap shots of themselves on the wall given by tourists and they were quite proud of them. That made me feel better. They didn’t mind having their photos taken and it did  bring income to the village as tourist buy their wares.

So I tried to photograph the ladies in the most respectful way and also decided at the time to send them some photos once I processed them. I also arranged at the hotel for them to receive the prints and the guide to collect the prints for the women. In Wellington I got 10 x 8 inch enlargements made , laminated the prints and sent them to Myanmar. I hope the ladies received them as I haven’t heard from the guide!

1.    22 April 2018    Nikon D750    iso400    200mm    f5.6    Nikon 70-200mmf4

2.   26 April 2018    Nikon D750    iso1250    70mm    f5.6    1/200sec Nikon 70-200mm f4

3.    Nikon D750    iso2200    190mm    f5.6    1/200sec

4.    22 April 2018    Nikon D750    iso6400    200mm    f5.6    1/160sec

5.    Nikon D750   iso6400    200mm    f5.6    1/160sec

6.    Nikon D750    iso 6400    200mm    f5.6    1/160sec