Hangzhou walkabout

Taken: 25-Apr-2010
Pictures taken with Nikon D300s, Tamron 17-50mm F/2.8, Nikon 35mm F/1.8.
Location: Hangzhou, China
All pictures © all rights reserved.

Visited the city of Hangzhou which is commonly referred to as "heaven on earth". It is indeed a very beautiful place with the world renowned Westlake. It was a pity that we were not blessed with the best weather. The sky was kind of hazy the entire time with formless clouded skies. Later in the afternoon it started raining and never stopped till we left. Despite the weather, we managed to do quite a bit of walking. Here are some photos from our walkabout.

#1 - Hazy day at the Westlake.

#2 - Baby photoshoot caught in the ancient alley.

#3 - Hangzhou Westlake night scene.

#4 - Quiet corner at the Westlake.

#5 - Lights by the edge of Westlake.

#6 - Automated bike rental available all over the city.

#7 - Old rusted gate guarding a preserved heritage building.

#8 - Cornered fire hydrant.

#9 - Bids visitors welcome.

#10 - Hangzhou street scene.

#11 - Tall trees along Westlake.

All pictures © all rights reserved.

A Chinese Wedding Story

Taken: 20-Apr-2010
Pictures taken with Nikon D300s, Tamron 17-50mm F/2.8, Nikon 35mm F/1.8, SB-600.
Location: Zhejiang, China
All pictures © all rights reserved.

Attended a good friend's wedding and was asked to be the photographer for his wedding. Followed the entourage the entire day with the climax at the wedding dinner reception at the very grand new 5-star hotel. This is my first time doing a wedding shoot. Less than satisfied with my shots but the couple is very happy with the pictures. Here are some highlights of the day.

The result of being unprepared

Taken: 10-Apr-2010
Pictures taken with Nikon D300s, Tokina 11-16mm F/2.8.
Location: Changi beach off Air Cargo Terminal, Singapore
All pictures © all rights reserved.

The alarm did go off, I swear. Twice too! Just that it fell through the space between the wall and the bed. Needless to say, I woke up late when my friend called me to ask if I am on the way. Packed my bag army style and rushed to the car. We were planning to hit Punggol beach, but due to my late-ness, there was no way we were going to make it there before sunrise. As I drove along one of the Changi coastal road, I saw the sun is already making its way up behind the clouds. My friend pointed to a drive way, I swerved in, parked and off we go. Saw this interesting jetty. Not the best foreground but we had to work with what we have. Set up and started shooting. No time for my slotted filters. The hurry, coupled with my unfamiliarity with new gear, yielded less than satisfactory pictures despite the beautiful sunrise. Serve me right. *sob*

#1 - Waiting for the sunrise.

#2 - Changi beach scene.

#3 - The jetty.