Love your #1 because of the low angle plus the shallow depth that seem to seamless lead the eye to the man, would prefer cutting up the other boat into half as well so that the focus is solely locked on the guy (presuming that was your intention). But the colours also seem JUST nice.
Legang dance of #6 is great, detail and movement in one single picture; but taking it further, it would be better if the background dancer wasn't partially eclipsed.
On the model, maybe you had intended it to be that way but my eyes was trained on your reflection on the sunnies.
A tiring self-trip with lots of frustrations dealing with drivers and not as budget easy as thought.
Had rather similar experience. I almost feel like being cheated by the taxi drivers, when it seem like they take long detours... so go ONLY for 'Bluebird' as per anywhere in Indonesia. Mine was driver cum guide for RP400K (during low season Feb07) for entire day.
worse of all, was assaulted by a monkey from high ground, took my spectacles, jump onto the cliff, wear it for a second, bite it and broke it into half......, which totally destroyed my trip at pura ulu watu and no dancer performance to view, luckily i have a spare spectacles back in the hotel.
When I was at Uluwatu to watch the Kecak dance (replied your post on Bali advise previously, was told it was everyday at Uluwatu but my driver called in advance to check for me), i saw a monkey did the exact same thing to a tourist in front of me. Then they use their fruit as bait to exchange for his glasses which WORKED! Apprently, that is common i.e. kidnapping of spectacles or even cameras. They are by quite some distance, worse behaving monkeys i've met and extremely smart as they open zips to bags too (also saw this with my own eyes).
I always used to dream of going to Bali until I realized it was a tourist trap. Now its totally off my list of places to travel to...
I think differently, Bali is an excellent place for photography or just a balanced holiday. Not as accessible as most people think it is i.e. things are quite some distance away but i rate it highly. I learnt quickly that the standard tourist stuff is really bland so i gave very specific instructions (e.g. terraced padi fields with mountains as backdrop) on what i was looking for then
my guide/driver did the rest.
- Lots of dances around (Legang, Barong, Kecak, maybe even classical Ramayana)
- Nice beaches packed with subjects (however, sticking around Kuta is NOT going to get you a myriad of pictures) or beachfronts (rock formations at cliffs at Uluwatu, Tanah Lot) or the classier Nusa Dua, sleepy but very interesting Sanur (fishermen near the shores,
beach pagodas with backdrop of Mount Batur), surfers paradise (though I didn't find them or rather not the pictures i had in mind)
- Unique blend of culture (kinda Hinduism but different) with Ubud emanating such a strong vibe (which could lead to pictures of carvers at work etc)
- Beautiful landscape in terms of padi fields (again you have to know where) or volcanoes that you can also trek upon
- Plenty of activities to mix up some actions photography e.g. river rafting
And these were just what I managed to experience within 3-4 days in Bali but more importantly, is the partying is quite good too plus awesome, massive and cheap DVD shops; thus the balanced theme. I'd go back to Bali again, maybe another 4-6 days but venture further north and west to cross into Java for Mount Bromo. Presence of altars almost everwhere lend a good subject, but importantly if you search the internet lots of pictures of Bali that would mean you can learn by seeking out some of these good examples. I have seem some good photo stories of Balinese lifestyle too.
this shot is done using an electronic viewfinder (zigview)
I contemplated this but more for street, i.e. walking around with camera innocuosly on my waist firing away with preview thru Zigview. Do you think this would work? Think camera-shy Hmong people in Vietnam, whom associate taking pictures as steal their souls.
As I could not get SQ tickets (sigh), I had to fly in by Garuda via Jakarta. I am not sure if this is a safe thing. Any advice? Thanks in advance.
It's ok but sometimes bad food. I get bundled into Garuda to Jakarta often by my el cheapo company.
:bsmilie: i'm a rough handler becos i changes lens and filters relatively fast for moving subjects, rather than static landscape. ain't a good cleaner.
My Singh-Ray is still in pristine condition despite having them for more than a year, they appear fragile but everything just gets wiped off easily, plus rather scratch resistant. But then again, I do think you overuse your Grad filters (sometimes better achieved post).
Again, beautiful colours in your pictures and great work, better luck next time with Bali. I had a different problem in trying to wake up sober in the mornings, almost feel it could rival Singapore in night scene (its extremely erratic too).