ablution chamber

nikon d300, 12mm, f11, 0.6sec, iso100

over the past few days, we were visiting one of the most beautiful architectural wonders of abu dhabi, the sheikh zayed grand mosque. it never ceases to amaze me from exterior to interior look of the structure. from outside, you will see the obvious: magnificent and geometrically lined-up domes, pillars and arches.

the interior is quite interesting as well. if i did not go to relieve myself, i won’t be able to see the unobvious, the ablution chambers. these chambers are used by the devoted to cleanse themselves before praying. it was early morning when i got a chance to capture the empty yet interesting room using ultra-wide lens and tripod.

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Published:
26th January 2012 Thursday at 1:27 pm
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sunset at the office window

sony a55, 45mm, f8, 1/125sec, iso100

one of the things i missed in photography was taking photographs of the sunset. waiting for the golden and blue hour for a few minutes produce one of the most striking images in landscapes. being a corporate drone, i do not have the luxury of going outside and shoot as i watch the sun go down.

clouds visited dubai that day and it was fortunate for me to bring my new trophy cam called alice. the sun already side-lighted the buildings of dubai and gave a three-dimensional look. although haze was present, i managed to remove the dull colors and converted to black and white. little tweaks and punches, we’re all set.

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Published:
19th January 2012 Thursday at 12:28 pm
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for your own protection

nikon d300, 24mm, f2.8, 1/80sec, iso400

recently, i’ve seen a lot of stories where people being fined or arrested for taking photographs of  places which are forbidden in the country. i was one of them.

many years back, i was taken into custody when we accidentally roaming the palace grounds with camera on hand. it was fortunate that we haven’t started our “location” shoot and did not find any evidence of photographs… but my name was punched to the records.

although rules in the sandlands are changing from time to time, we should be aware of them most especially tourists or friends/ family on a short visit to uae. i would like to share some gentle reminders:

  • respect the uae law and culture. when in rome, do what the romans do.
  • do not take photos of government installations such as military bases, airports, seaports, embassies and other establishments.
  • royal palaces are definitely a  no-no.  i was lucky that time.
  • do not take photos of people in uniform such as the police or the military.
  • do not take photos of women in muslim clothing. they are sensitive being photographed by strangers.
  • be careful even there are no warning signs. when in doubt, ask .

they say ignorance is bliss… i say otherwise.

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Published:
16th January 2012 Monday at 5:01 pm
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haywire

nikon d300, 26mm, f8, 1/250sec, iso200

developing countries such as the philippines are still using electric poles which transfer electricity from one point to another. over the years, more wires are adding up like telephone, internet, tv and other communication cables. technology are improving but the infrastructure stays the same. it became an ubran abstract.

the photo was taken while walking the busy streets of binondo, the chinatown of philippines. there’s nothing much to do but looked up,  played with the angles, and pressed the shutter.

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Published:
10th January 2012 Tuesday at 10:19 am
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looking forward

nikon d300, 38mm, f4, 1/500sec, iso200

sometimes, people start their year with a new year’s resolution. if there’s one thing i can expect for the coming year, is to plan ahead, list down achievable targets and go for it! if things did not go well, be optimistic and try to reach it. one of my targets is hopefully, get a new cam body this year since “nikki” became surreal and “nikita” is getting old. although i acquired a new system, this will be given to my fam back home.  i’m just waiting for the japanese guys release their new toy. :)

the photo above was unexpected as the boy was looking between sawali, a woven bamboo mats to construct walls. as he popped from the wall as if it was an ambush, i managed to react and take a few pressies.

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Published:
3rd January 2012 Tuesday at 10:56 am
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