= Stefan's Weekly Singapore City/Landscapes II =

[SomeFormOFhuman]

#159

The Referee

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2 Image HDR/DRI with shutter speeds of 400 and 730 seconds using Lee Big Stopper for smoothed cloud effects. Ang Mo Kio Estates, Singapore.

Didn't have the ample time to post-process some more shots I took earlier this week.

The clouds were surprisingly moving slowly and lighting was terribly bad, so longer speeds were needed for this effect to take place. Had alot of noise - the kind of noise almost impossible to remove. Sorry for the low quality especially the corners.

Camera become an uncomfortably warm tool to touch after this shot was executed. Initial plans to capture a 1000 sec shot to fix noise and dark areas at the corners but time and my busy schedules were against me.

 

[SomeFormOFhuman]

#160

Ang Mo Kio Glow

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3 Image HDR/DRI 6 image panorama using GND 0.9 soft. Ang Mo Kio Estates, Singapore.

Overslept, and I was late. Got there when the sun was already well over the horizon. Will try to capture pre-dawn hours from here next time.The sunlight was pretty strong enough to cast miniature rays over the buildings.

 

[metranquility]

You should rename this HDB in middle earth.... Beautiful shot !!

 

[SomeFormOFhuman]

You should rename this HDB in middle earth.... Beautiful shot !!

Ah, I see someone must've watched The Hobbit! Thanks!!

 

[SomeFormOFhuman]

#161

That Night At Hougang1...

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2 Image HDR/DRI 3 image vertorama using GND 0.9 soft. Hougang Estates, Singapore.

Went there after my busy schedule from work to collect my camera gear I lent to my friend who lives nearby. So while waiting for him to arrive I explored the area and went up to this particular carpark as I figured I might be able to catch a glimpse of the area. Seeing that it was simply breathtaking I decide to shoot this after getting my stuff back.

The sky wasn't at all good after a heavy rain, but the evening's blue hour was fantastic. I predict somewhere in June/July the sun will set just right behind those residential buildings. Will attempt to try that when the time comes.

 

[SomeFormOFhuman]

#162

Judgement Day

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2 Image HDR/DRI using GND 0.9 soft + GND 0.6 soft for higher tonality of the skies + 3 shots time-lapsed for lightning capture. Changi Coastal Walk, Singapore.

Went there on December 21st, was greeted with an awesome glow of sunrise, thunder and lightning. The sound of powerful waves crashing upon the shore, the erratic weather at the far horizon, you know the end is near.

Sadly, was waiting to see and shoot more lightning but none came anymore.

 

[Justintime]

This is really nice :thumbsup:

#162

Judgement Day

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2 Image HDR/DRI using GND 0.9 soft + GND 0.6 soft for higher tonality of the skies + 3 shots time-lapsed for lightning capture. Changi Coastal Walk, Singapore.

Went there on December 21st, was greeted with an awesome glow of sunrise, thunder and lightning. The sound of powerful waves crashing upon the shore, the erratic weather at the far horizon, you know the end is near.

Sadly, was waiting to see and shoot more lightning but none came anymore.

 

[nitewalk]

#162

Judgement Day

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2 Image HDR/DRI using GND 0.9 soft + GND 0.6 soft for higher tonality of the skies + 3 shots time-lapsed for lightning capture. Changi Coastal Walk, Singapore.

Went there on December 21st, was greeted with an awesome glow of sunrise, thunder and lightning. The sound of powerful waves crashing upon the shore, the erratic weather at the far horizon, you know the end is near.

Sadly, was waiting to see and shoot more lightning but none came anymore.

Brilliant capture. :thumbsup:

 

[edutilos-]

Went there on December 21st, was greeted with an awesome glow of sunrise, thunder and lightning. The sound of powerful waves crashing upon the shore, the erratic weather at the far horizon, you know the end is near.

Sadly, was waiting to see and shoot more lightning but none came anymore.

Nice, the lightning adds a special touch to the scene.

I would prefer cropping off the left and top - mainly for the left, so as to dispel the illusion of a tilted horizon, and also remove the outstanding tree there to avoid competing for attention with the lightning. Cheers!

 

[SomeFormOFhuman]

This is really nice

Brilliant capture.

Thank you guys!!!

Nice, the lightning adds a special touch to the scene.

I would prefer cropping off the left and top - mainly for the left, so as to dispel the illusion of a tilted horizon, and also remove the outstanding tree there to avoid competing for attention with the lightning. Cheers!

Thanks man! My sentiments exactly, I too also thought of that irritating corner when I shot this, but I guess I was in haste to place my tripod in an orbituary manner becuase of the waves, sunrise and lightning came too quick and soon for me to do any adjustments prior to shooting!! hahaha, anyway I tried your suggestion and I must say, it really looks much better now. Thanks again, Merry X'mas and have a blessed New Year!!

 

[SomeFormOFhuman]

Thanks everyone for your appreciation!

 

[SomeFormOFhuman]

Well I got a number of PMs from different people regarding how I managed to shoot some seascape waves and do multiple exposures without the tripod being knocked over, moved or sunken to the ground, caused by the splashing and hitting from the waves. Hopefully, this Behind the scene shot will answer your doubts. Here's an example from Labrador. I like the compo but I couldn't find a rock to stable my tripod, so I had to do this the hard way. The beach at Labrador has got to be one of the strongest tides and waves in Singapore in my opinion.

Warning: Doing this *might* damage your tripod and increase wear and tear, especially if you're not careful. Or if your tripod is known to be flimsy and not too stable, I highly suggest not to try this if you're concerned about damaging it.

And here's the trick (Closeup Right side):

Just slide open the last legs of your tripod (Warning: Don't expose the levers to the sand/ground!!) and bury it deep into the ground. Bury each of the legs deep into the sand until you can't push any further in. And that's where you have found your safe and stable depth. =) Right hand on the shutter, left hand on the center column. Don't grip the center column tight but rather hold onto it and give a gentle downward pull, as though giving the effect of weight. This adds "weight" and your hands help to further stabilize and detect any movement from the force of the waves.

There will be some scratches to the rubber soles but that can be exchanged easily. And I believe good ones should last. I would prefer the metallic spikes but there aren't available for my tripod.

PS, after shooting it's always advisable to wash your tripod that was exposed to the sand. Many of the beaches here have wash areas near the public toilets, so those come in handy. A rag or a cloth to clean its legs should be great too. Disassemble your tripod and clean the insides if you must (I do that too a couple of times when needed).

Well, this is my own sharing method of shooting the waves. Hope this helps!

 

[edutilos-]

Just slide open the last legs of your tripod (Warning: Don't expose the levers to the sand/ground!!) and bury it deep into the ground. Bury each of the legs deep into the sand until you can't push any further in. And that's where you have found your safe and stable depth. =) Right hand on the shutter, left hand on the center column. Don't grip tight but rather hold onto it and give a gentle downward pull, as though giving the effect of weight. This adds "weight" and your hands help to further stabilize and detect any movement from the force of the waves.
!

That is the only way, sadly. Just thought I'd add on that as far as possible, make sure that no joints are in the sand. I've had to do so to get the angle I wanted (low) and the sand just gets into the joints and stripping would be required after that to minimize further damage since no surface washing will get rid of it.

In any case, on the bright side Singapore is quite mild compared to many other places owing to our location (we're literally surrounded). Surfing is limited here so it gives you an indication of how tame the waves are. I've been to some of the surfing beaches in Bali (and just the beginner beaches, where the waves are relatively easy) such as Dreamland and the waves can engulf you. Let alone those that are not safe for surfers. :bsmilie: I think Labrador at swell of the tide is as bad as it gets...

 

[SomeFormOFhuman]

That is the only way, sadly. Just thought I'd add on that as far as possible, make sure that no joints are in the sand. I've had to do so to get the angle I wanted (low) and the sand just gets into the joints and stripping would be required after that to minimize further damage since no surface washing will get rid of it.

I hate that when it happens man. hahaha. I learned the hard way when I was at Sembawang, the sand got into the levers, now it's making creaking noises each time when you open. Stupid me.

In any case, on the bright side Singapore is quite mild compared to many other places owing to our location (we're literally surrounded). Surfing is limited here so it gives you an indication of how tame the waves are. I've been to some of the surfing beaches in Bali (and just the beginner beaches, where the waves are relatively easy) such as Dreamland and the waves can engulf you. Let alone those that are not safe for surfers. :bsmilie: I think Labrador at swell of the tide is as bad as it gets...

Yeah I have to agree that SG waves are actually quite alright as compared to overseas. My friend from Cebu, Philippines who is a photographer too, the waves engulfed his entire gear and nearly his life. Good thing he and his gear were alright.

I should try Bali one day. But Labrador at high tide especially at 2.6m is crazy enough for me. Hahahah

 

[SomeFormOFhuman]

Judging from the weather outside the sunset Friday 27th today will be awesome for you guys. Unfortunately I got plans for the evening so I can't take any pictures today and probably even the weekend - that is, if time permits.

So I'm gonna leave you here today another Behind the scenes shot from Bukit Panjang. See you all and keep shooting!!

 

[nitewalk]

That is the only way, sadly. Just thought I'd add on that as far as possible, make sure that no joints are in the sand. I've had to do so to get the angle I wanted (low) and the sand just gets into the joints and stripping would be required after that to minimize further damage since no surface washing will get rid of it.

In any case, on the bright side Singapore is quite mild compared to many other places owing to our location (we're literally surrounded). Surfing is limited here so it gives you an indication of how tame the waves are. I've been to some of the surfing beaches in Bali (and just the beginner beaches, where the waves are relatively easy) such as Dreamland and the waves can engulf you. Let alone those that are not safe for surfers. :bsmilie: I think Labrador at swell of the tide is as bad as it gets...

I got covered by the tide at labrador before. Almost fell and went with the waves that day. Had to swim out to retrieve my slippers :bsmilie:

 

[SomeFormOFhuman]

Managed my time and I was lucky enough to get down to NSRCC before the start of the working day. hahaha.

#163

Molten Fantasy

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3 Image HDR/DRI using GND 0.9 soft + GND 0.6 soft for higher tonality of the skies. Changi Beach Coastal Walk, Singapore.

Calculated and I realised it's just enough time before getting to work from there. This time, I tried shooting the area again when the tide was lower, around 1.5m. Sunrise was splendid and I enjoyed my time there.

Coincidentally, the songlist of my phone's media player randomly selected the music of Enya while shooting. Somehow got the inspiration from her known surrealist tunes.

 

[tecnica]

nice glow there~

 

[SomeFormOFhuman]

Thanks.

#164

Rise Of A New Day
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4 Image HDR/DRI 2 image vertorama using GND 0.9 soft + ND 0.9 for waves. Changi Beach Coastal Walk, Singapore.

Last one from this area. Perhaps this is my favourite area of this amazing place. Listening to music while shooting has given me many new ideas and inspirations. Many thanks to Enya.

At this time of the year, this is the maximum position from the East the sun will rise. The sun will never appear or rise on the extreme right where the rocks "point" unfortunately. Will keep returning till the Earth rotates and the sun shifts back again to the North-East.

 

[SomeFormOFhuman]

#165

The Forsaken Lamp

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2 Image HDR/DRI using GND 0.9 soft + ND 0.9 for smoothed water effects. Lower Peirce Reservoir, Singapore.

Shot there on a Friday evening after work but didn't had the time to post-process. It's been a long while since I've been there and it still looks good the way it was. Simple and joyful, expecting nothing out of the ordinary to happen. Just me and my camera.

Initial plans called for 3 image panorama to relief right side spatial tightness but I realised the tide was low, and including alot of elements on the right does not do justice to the minimalist composition I desire.

Initial plans also called for smoother cloud effects, and I wanted cloud streaks across the sky and reflect on the water but the clouds came late after the blue hour, which I did not want, and it looked ugly. Well, sometimes lady weather does not rain luck on me.