Remembering It All – The Asian Tsunami of 2004
Coming back to the States for a well deserved break and to be with my family after 2 years feels great! I was worried initially about being a ‘foreign tourist’ in my own home in Seattle, Washington; but home is home. Everything comes back naturally, in a short time frame despite me living in Asia from Malaysia, Singapore and Hong Kong. I have been taking pictures for press publications and pre wedding in Asia for years, so I was afraid of not being able to readjust to the sights, sounds, culture(?) and lighting conditions back home in the States.
Looking around at the amount of advancements in civilization and technology both in the States and Asia, I assume one could be euphoric regading this “age of comfort”. Some, perhaps, might even call this phase; ”golden age” but to me, I have always looked back and remembered the wraith of mother nature that hit the shores of Phuket, Thailand in 2004.
On the morning of December 26th, 2004 at 9.30 am in Phuket, Thailand, I was on my way to the beach on my little rented motorbike but decided to stop at a convenience store to get some food and drinks. Like any tourist in Asia, I was taken in by the sheer beauty of the beach, people and surroundings. However, something ikred me and I suddenly decided to work out at the Kata gym before I went to the beach. Little did I know that decision saved my life.
What follows this posting are the aftermath of the Asian Tsunami of 2004, in photos, that had hit the shores of Phuket, Thailand, and I was very lucky to have escaped with my family. I was also one of the first Photojournalist to get the pictures out to the world via the agency I was working for, Associated Press, and I do not say that with pride, cause too many people were lost during those short split seconds.
Waiting for Assistance
Reflecting in the Water
Searching for Answers
Mother Nature Sends a Warning
Waiting for News
The Normally Clear Blue Sea, Churning Brown
The Normally Packed Bar, Now Empty
What Remains of The Hotel Lobby
The Siren Beckons on Land
These photos were downsized as they were extremely big, so there is loss of resolution. I have cropped many of them. To all the survivors of the Asian Tsunami around Asia. I salute your resilience, persistance and your will to carry on. This is a dedication to all of you.
For futher reading on the Asian Tsunami of 2004, you can view a list of references here.
Jacqueline & K.T. – In The Lightbox
Photographing Jacqueline and K.T. for my intimate series was really an eye opener to me. I was always under the impression that Malaysians were quite conservative when it came to these type of photo shoots for pre wedding. Mind you, model’s here in Malaysia are quiet open and have done semi-nudes, but we are talking about your average ‘everyday’ couple here.
I am indeed surprised that they warmed up very fast, without much prompting, as I guess they really wanted a different type of album. During the shoot, even the make up artist (MUA) and my assistants had to look away cause it was just getting to hot! The weather that is. They were very nice to have come back up to KL (they are residing in Johor) and met me over dinner to get their photos. I am quite satisfied with the outcome of the photo shoot for their pre wedding and am looking forward to another shoot once I return from the States
The search of one's self
Looking for the light
Illumination
In the comfort of light
Radiance
This series of photos are not the usual ‘right in your face’ intimate pre wedding photos but I was trying to romanticise the couple using natural light. Many of my friends know that I am a fan of natural lighting, not that I do not like studio lights, but the one I bought was too cumbersome …. and which I just managed to get rid of.
For those who missed out on their “Intimate Series”, please click here. To Jacqueline & K.T. my heartiest congratulations and all the best on your upcoming wedding.
Things from above
Is this a piece of art? Or otherwise?
Just a sample picture taken on my Nikon D3X as I was waiting for the plane…. was a little tired when I decided to relax and appreciate “things from above”. A little accidental, but I thought it would make nice picture!
Chinese Opera (Series 2) – Masquarade
This Chinese Opera Troupe is from my journeys in Penang, Malaysia and I have had a load of pictures from my works with Insight Guides and traveling in Penang was really interesting and fun. You would meet loads of people who were just in awe of photos being taken. Perhaps it was just the friendly nature of the Penang people or in their local dialect, “Penang – Lang”. This I really do not know, but it was pleasant all the same. What I do know is that the Hawker food is really good! All this, despite horror tales from my friends detailing the very nature of how the food is prepared ……
A very distinctive makeover
What's The Latest Gossip?
Pure Concentration, very illuminating
A shy performer ... strange ....
Wanting to pick a fight....
She smiles at my jibes
Mirrored image of The Sleepy One
Getting Ready! All's a glitter!
The King of the Troupe
It’s terribly sad to know that many people these days do not really appreciate Chinese Opera, and it’s now a dying trade, soon to be forgotten … well, I hope my photos can help immortalize some of this dying culture!
For my earlier series on Journeys In Penang – Chinese Opera Troupe (Series 1) please click here.
Posters, Larger then Life …. a quick take
Shopping Malls. Everyone loves shopping malls these days. Over here, they would prefer to call it shopping centers or departmental stores. In recent years, there has been a boom of hypermarkets and big shopping malls all over Asia, and they call this trend ‘mall-ing’. Sometimes I wonder if it can be related to being mauled by progress. Asia so rich with vibrancy and color, at times its sad to see that with globalization, we are all truly becoming one, as they say, the world is getting smaller.
A couple passing by another couple
Red Temptations - a look at a lighted billboard
A Woman looks on .... To Buy or Not To Buy
Pardon Me? What was that?
Behold! The Prophecy ....
Pretty Red Lights, All in a row....
Jumping High, Reaching for the Stars
I normally bring my trusted camera where ever I go, and these shots were taken on my Nikon D1x and Nikon D2x. A little dated, but I thought this would make some nice imagery for all ……..
Asians And Food – Prologue
One thing I realized about living in Asia is that they absolutely love their food. Food is culture here, living and breathing. They are passionate about what they cook and what they eat. So much so, that I have been sucked into this wondrous journey of food. From Hong Kong to Malaysia, everywhere I go, I must have Asian food! Chinese if possible!
I have tried my hand at taking some food shots and am now sharing them with you, from various works as well as test shots to break the monotony of my regular portraiture/photo journalistic/editorial style of photography …. would like to welcome your comments too! Unfortunately, this round I will showcase Western Styled food! Just to add flavor to this post!
Swiss Browns and Button Mushrooms!
Sweet, Creamy and Delicious
Belgian Waffle with Rich Chcolate Sauce
Habla Espanyol? Coffee, the universal language
Hazelnut coated bite sized chocs
There's nothing more tantalizing than caramel and cream.....
Blue Martini ... Stirred and Shaken!
Cream Puffs and Creme Patissier
I hope these shots will entice you to hear hunger pangs! For me, nothing entices me more then Asian food. Sorry!
Far Far Away
I have been in Asia for such a long time, that I have become accustomed to the cultures, sights and sounds to a certain degree. Well, I’m going back to the states for a well deserved holiday, my actual home, and was rummaging through my files in my Malaysian home when I chanced upon these old pictures. It sure does bring back some fond memories of Americana and I think would be a welcome change for my Asian Friends.
Montana Cowgirl meets Graffiti
Braving the Railroads
At the corner
A casual stroll on Rails
Pleasantly Surprised
Saving Grace
This series was actually one of my final photography projects in America, and Montana is the 4th largest state. I wanted to capture the Western feel of Montana and had some of my fellow mates come along as the models. In actual fact, you can see the color and hue’s are very different from Asian colors, not because of the camera, but namely because of geographic location, which actually effects the natural lighting conditions. If you find that hard to believe, I was using the Nikon D2H …. what camera was that? An old (new that time) Nikon Professional Series of mega pixels unheard of, these days. These photos are about 7 years old but I was pleased to find them “well preserved”. Hope this will give a better insight to my Asian friends!
Journeys In Penang – Chinese Opera (Series 1)
Little do people know that I have worked for Insight Guides and have been traveling in the region to capture places of interest, people and local culture. Well, it just so happened that I was traveling during the “Hungry Ghost Month”. To the local Chinese, a Month where they believe that the demons from Hell are set loose for a month to wreck havoc on this earthly plain. The locals believe that in order to minimize this effect, they have to fete the demons and the King of Hades with food and entertainment. What I find particularly interesting is that in Penang, they actually hold Chinese Operas in their wet markets, on makeshift stages and stilts, with loads of glorious street food (known locally as Hawker Stalls). And there I was, aghast at the vibrant colors, vivid smells of burning incense, food to the rhythm of Chinese cymbals, drums, strings and taking it all in. Here are some of my candid shots;
Food for The King of Hades, Demons and Humans
What you looking at?
The Musicians - A Blend of East & West
Through the looking glass - can you spot Alice?
Alice admiring herself
And the audience waits in anticipation
The most curious thing is that I managed to speak to this troupe, and they had come from Johor, some 800 kilometers down south, just to perform in Penang. They were indeed a very nice bunch, but when I dug further, they told me that this is a dying trade in Malaysia, with the newer generation prefering your TV and prime time Soaps, or even your shopping malls. Furthermore, much of the local opera troupes are vanishing, being replaced with cheaper troupes from China, and which, this troupe proclaimed, are less authentic in term of make up, songs, acting, etc.
Jacqueline & K.T. – Youthful Seclusion (Series 1)
To me, growing up can be a very exciting time. I do believe, at times in our lives, we reminisce about our childhood and younger days. Working with Jacqueline & K.T., on that hot and humid Sunday afternoon with my small crew, surely achieved that. It takes me back to a time when we were all young and carefree, falling in love for the first time, the excitement and nervous energy pent up as we found that secluded spot in order to make out for the first time. This series is trying to achieve this effect, it may come across as banal to some of my friends in Asia, but it’s just meant to recapture the essence of youth and the heat of passion.
The rendevous
Anxious Lover
Rite of Passage - Youth
The Beginning - Cautious
Youthful Passion - Adrenaline Rush
Youthful Passion - Oblivious to all
I am currently editing more pictures and will post them up in due course. This series showcases the same angle, and I am of the opinion that each shot is strong enough to stand alone, in telling a story. I have however, combined the actual pictures into a series, so you may be better able to draw your own conclusions of this story ….. Feel free to drop me a comment or mail!
For the continuing series on Jacqueline & K.T., please click here.
Playful Banter
Just finished another shoot on the pre wedding genre last Sunday and I must say, it was quite eventful. I met this couple through my friends help online, and I had portrayed my intentions to the couple that I wanted something intimate. So here are some of the results of my Sunday shoot.
The amorous percussion of the Tango begins
A table, 2 people and free form
Well, it was a really hot and humid Sunday, that I must say, with the current hot climate we are having here in Malaysia. What did you think I was talking about? Anyhow, I will be posting more pictures soon, once I finish editing them …..
Daphne & Zhen
Daphne and Zhen, two aspiring young doctors and very much in love with each other. They were actually my second couple as I tried to explore the pre wedding genre. Yes, I was looking to do something a little different after having seen a lot of Bridal Studio’s photography here in Malaysia. I wanted to capture something a little different, something a little more daring. This was sometime in March 2008 when I offered free pre wedding photography as I was on a learning curve on this genre.
This was also about the same time I bumped into Lloyd, who had just started his career with The Heritage Station Hotel in KL, and he allowed me to take pictures in his Hotel. Finally! After years of approaching the Hotel’s Management for some time, they finally allowed me in to shoot!
Here are some of the results;
A Young Couple Sneaks Affection and Warmth on the School Rooftop
Waiting for her lover, she looks for inner strength
Found! Embracing - A Prelude to a Kiss
Rushing to greet her lover - Blurred by reality
Will they make it through the Sea of Masses?
In the comfort of her lover, once again.
Congrats to Daphne & Zhen … and I would think the both of you have already become Doctors by now. All the best! It was nice working with you guys!
Wai Ping & Lloyd
Wai Ping & Lloyd first came to me because they wanted something different, something thematic if possible …… and so here I was, agreeing to be their photographer for their photo shoot. I was initially skeptical at first, as I have been shooting this ‘editorial’ styled pre wedding genre for quite some time, but decided to rise up to the occasion. Why not? Not only will it be challenging, but fun! Together, I assembled some of my friends and roped in Tommy Yap, a hobbyist photographer focusing on CLS and underwater photography just for the heck of it.
On a bright early April morning in 2009 , we drove in a convoy of 2 cars, together with their appointed Make Up Artist (MUA for short) , Ally Choong, right up to Penang stopping by Ipoh for a delicious lunch of Ipoh Kway Teow. Our choice location of shoot was The Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion, more commonly known as The Blue Mansion and I do believe that had actually set the mood for the entire shoot. Here are some of the results from Penang;
The Lord of the Manor - waits for his Lady
The Lady of The Manor - Hiding In The Shadows
The Lord of the Manor - Looking for Time
The Lord and Lady of the Manor - Looking Out for their Coachman
The Lord and Lady of the Manor - Sharing a quiet moment
As this was my first pre wedding shoot using my new Nikon D3X, I decided to try a new photo technique shooting Wai Ping & Lloyd…. and it was not easy. Wai Ping & Lloyd had to hold their poses for at least a few minutes as I tried to sort out the technicalities! I will definitely be looking at refining this new technique ….. look out for more pictures soon! And of course, they bribed me with another round of the famous Ipoh Kway Teow on the way back to KL! But the Ipoh Kway Teow was sure worth it ……..
It’s Coming
The Brewing of a Storm in Kuala Lumpur, like my daily Cuppa Joe!
I really love my apartment, it gives me a scenic view of Kuala Lumpur, as well as a great vantage point for shooting Nature! Strange but true!
Sunrise or Sunset?
Sunrise or Sunset? Can you tell?
Many people know I am very fond of Cambodia. Why? Because there are just too many places to get really nice and incredible shots! Don’t believe me? Well then, why don’t you just fly down there for a look see yourself?
Hand & Glove
Goes very well, hand in hand, don't you think?
Using my Nikon D3X and wanting to experiment with new techniques, I helped a friend do his pre (or was it post?) wedding photo shoot and this is one of the pictures that I really like. Notice the details on the glove and the intricate carvings on the walking stick.
At Crossroads
Two young doctors in love, can they pull it off together amidst the distracting crowds?
One of my earliest works in Pre Wedding, I had a tough time dissecting the mindset of people here and around me in Malaysia. I was very lucky to be working with Daphne and Zhen who were really very patient and put up with my consistent use of the word “ok, suck in and hold your breath!”
