tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33436037378821060272024-03-14T05:25:56.524+09:00My JourneysA new chapter of my life has started here in South Korea. Along with my photographic journals, is the whole journey of life itself.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12744293896257194526noreply@blogger.comBlogger81125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3343603737882106027.post-14526183879094227542013-12-27T07:20:00.003+09:002013-12-27T07:20:25.740+09:00The Journey Continues A couple of days before my birthday this year, I was sent back to the Philippines. I had about 2 weeks to think about my situation and possible future as I prepare myself to going back home. Reality is, I'll have a hard time coming back to Korea.<a name='more'></a> Since I started photography in Korea, I always told myself that I wouldn't advertise myself much in my hometown. Photography is my passion. And since I had a day job, I never really considered going pro with photography, despite my friends and family expecting and presuming that I use photography as my source of income, when I get back. I kept laughing inside whenever that conversation comes up. I got many reasons... but I'll talk about that some other time. The thing is, I decided my photography journey will either die or will be put on hold indefinitely.<div>
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In my mind, it's not unreasonable. My country, the Philippines, a third-world country for as long as I remember, doesn't give much time nor luxury for such expensive and consuming hobby. It's not just about taking pictures. Having the time, saving energy and minimizing electricity usage (computer), insufficient supply of internet, printing expenses, and top that with unemployment. Sure, there are answers in every problem out there, but what isn't mentioned is time to find such answers. So, again, I decided to stop blogging and even stop photography.</div>
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Well, I finally came back home and most of my fears were true or worse than I expected. Personal problems didn't help either as I stayed away from people for my first few weeks at home. But time went by and I started opening up to friends.</div>
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Then an old friend invited me to her wedding. At that time, I firmly decided to attend the event as a friend. Just an ordinary someone who come to eat and run (just like most people here do... I think). I only had my phone with me. During the event, I had many chances and good points to photograph the bride/groom/friends/people. Using my phone, I had a hard time taking pictures under low light, with no manual control over the phone's camera. It was frustrating. But guess what? This frustration lead to something good. I got inspired. I regretted not bringing my camera with me. I regretted thinking I could go along being a non-photographer. I was actually ashamed that I attended a friend's important day, and I got nothing to show people about it.</div>
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Despite quite a lot of issues I'm having in a new living condition, my friend's wedding and many more that came to pass, got me reconsider my journey. My photography journey. And it's good. In the beginning, considering photography alone, sends me deeper into depression. But I realized it's actually my source of relief from depression. It's one of the things that keeps me happy. So what was I thinking quitting this journey? I don't know.</div>
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So here I am. Back to writing. Back to taking pictures. Back to blogging. And actually have been taking many pictures and have many stories to tell, I'm so behind on my blog. I guess it's not koreanjourneys.com anymore. But thank you, Korea, for giving me the opportunity to to do photography there. Now it's time to document my journey here in the Philippines.</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12744293896257194526noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3343603737882106027.post-83515684065819749342013-12-14T22:10:00.003+09:002013-12-15T02:27:51.978+09:00Mr. and Ms. CARASUC 2013Foreword: All photos posted here are taken/created by me. Reproduction of any of these images in any form, without my consent is offensive. If anyone wants a digital copy, contact me by leaving a comment below, before the end of March 2014 and I'll be glad to provide them in huge resolution.<br />
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A photoshoot was held in front of B.S.U. pre-school building, for the contestants of Mr. and Ms. CARASUC 2013. The photo session proceeds as 3 shots (2 half-body and 1 close-up) were taken under shed simulating studio portraits, and another 3 shots (2 half-body and 1 close-up) taken while exposed under the setting sun as an outdoor shoot, using natural light. From the 6 photos in total, I have selected 2 of their best half-body shots and 1 of their best close-up (regardless of scene).<br />
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These were the photos highlighted at the pageant proper, flashing their pictures in random order (on screen) whenever the candidate appears on stage.<br />
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Here are the lady contestants:<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i429.photobucket.com/albums/qq13/Phoenix_Jackson/DSLR%20Journey/MR%20and%20MS%20CAR-ASUC%202013/Grace1_zps4f4902e2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://i429.photobucket.com/albums/qq13/Phoenix_Jackson/DSLR%20Journey/MR%20and%20MS%20CAR-ASUC%202013/Grace1_zps4f4902e2.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Candidate No. 1. <br />
Representing Ifugao. <br />
Ms. Honey Grace Baguilat</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i429.photobucket.com/albums/qq13/Phoenix_Jackson/DSLR%20Journey/MR%20and%20MS%20CAR-ASUC%202013/Shiella1_zpse34067d6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://i429.photobucket.com/albums/qq13/Phoenix_Jackson/DSLR%20Journey/MR%20and%20MS%20CAR-ASUC%202013/Shiella1_zpse34067d6.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Candidate No. 2<br />Representing Mountain Province<br />Ms. Shiella Tudlong</td></tr>
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<a href="http://i429.photobucket.com/albums/qq13/Phoenix_Jackson/DSLR%20Journey/MR%20and%20MS%20CAR-ASUC%202013/Vonne1_zpse6b1071d.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://i429.photobucket.com/albums/qq13/Phoenix_Jackson/DSLR%20Journey/MR%20and%20MS%20CAR-ASUC%202013/Vonne1_zpse6b1071d.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Candidate No. 3<br />
Representing Apayao<br />
Ms. Vonne Louise Bargas</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s429.photobucket.com/user/Phoenix_Jackson/media/DSLR%20Journey/MR%20and%20MS%20CAR-ASUC%202013/Allysa1_zps01244cb2.jpg.html" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo Allysa1_zps01244cb2.jpg" border="0" height="320" src="http://i429.photobucket.com/albums/qq13/Phoenix_Jackson/DSLR%20Journey/MR%20and%20MS%20CAR-ASUC%202013/Allysa1_zps01244cb2.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Candidate No. 4<br />
Representing Benguet<br />
Ms. Alyssa Denise Rosimo</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i429.photobucket.com/albums/qq13/Phoenix_Jackson/DSLR%20Journey/MR%20and%20MS%20CAR-ASUC%202013/Maria1_zps8c5c7b06.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://i429.photobucket.com/albums/qq13/Phoenix_Jackson/DSLR%20Journey/MR%20and%20MS%20CAR-ASUC%202013/Maria1_zps8c5c7b06.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Candidate No. 5<br />
Representing Kalinga<br />
Ms. Maria Winela Rea Daladag</td></tr>
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And here are the male candidates:<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i429.photobucket.com/albums/qq13/Phoenix_Jackson/DSLR%20Journey/MR%20and%20MS%20CAR-ASUC%202013/Reymart1_zps6001aabd.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://i429.photobucket.com/albums/qq13/Phoenix_Jackson/DSLR%20Journey/MR%20and%20MS%20CAR-ASUC%202013/Reymart1_zps6001aabd.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Candidate No. 1<br />
Representing Ifugao<br />
Mr. Reymart Sabala</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i429.photobucket.com/albums/qq13/Phoenix_Jackson/DSLR%20Journey/MR%20and%20MS%20CAR-ASUC%202013/Jethro1_zpse5893ff7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://i429.photobucket.com/albums/qq13/Phoenix_Jackson/DSLR%20Journey/MR%20and%20MS%20CAR-ASUC%202013/Jethro1_zpse5893ff7.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Candidate No. 2<br />
Representing Mountain Province<br />
Mr. Jethro Onnan</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i429.photobucket.com/albums/qq13/Phoenix_Jackson/DSLR%20Journey/MR%20and%20MS%20CAR-ASUC%202013/Jovet1_zps9df35b47.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://i429.photobucket.com/albums/qq13/Phoenix_Jackson/DSLR%20Journey/MR%20and%20MS%20CAR-ASUC%202013/Jovet1_zps9df35b47.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Candidate No. 3<br />
Representing Apayao<br />
Mr. Jovet Mercado</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s429.photobucket.com/user/Phoenix_Jackson/media/DSLR%20Journey/MR%20and%20MS%20CAR-ASUC%202013/Martin1_zpsa9748956.jpg.html" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo Martin1_zpsa9748956.jpg" border="0" height="320" src="http://i429.photobucket.com/albums/qq13/Phoenix_Jackson/DSLR%20Journey/MR%20and%20MS%20CAR-ASUC%202013/Martin1_zpsa9748956.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Candidate No. 4<br />
Representing Benguet<br />
Mr. Martin Blando</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s429.photobucket.com/user/Phoenix_Jackson/media/DSLR%20Journey/MR%20and%20MS%20CAR-ASUC%202013/Meynard1_zps29172136.jpg.html" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo Meynard1_zps29172136.jpg" border="0" height="320" src="http://i429.photobucket.com/albums/qq13/Phoenix_Jackson/DSLR%20Journey/MR%20and%20MS%20CAR-ASUC%202013/Meynard1_zps29172136.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Candidate No. 5<br />
Representing Kalinga<br />
Mr. Meynard Pacleba</td></tr>
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As the photographer of this event, I was given the opportunity to choose a favorite amongst the female, and the male candidates. My choice will be announced as Mr. and Ms. Photogenic. With such a title, I based my decision on the how they look good (to me) on all 6 of each candidate's photos. Here are the results:<br />
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<td><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s429.photobucket.com/user/Phoenix_Jackson/media/DSLR%20Journey/MR%20and%20MS%20CAR-ASUC%202013/Reymart2_zps784ac753.jpg.html" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo Reymart2_zps784ac753.jpg" border="0" height="400" src="http://i429.photobucket.com/albums/qq13/Phoenix_Jackson/DSLR%20Journey/MR%20and%20MS%20CAR-ASUC%202013/Reymart2_zps784ac753.jpg" width="267" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mr. Photogenic<br />
Mr. Raymart Sabala</td></tr>
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<td><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s429.photobucket.com/user/Phoenix_Jackson/media/DSLR%20Journey/MR%20and%20MS%20CAR-ASUC%202013/Allysa3_zps31751df5.jpg.html" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo Allysa3_zps31751df5.jpg" border="0" height="400" src="http://i429.photobucket.com/albums/qq13/Phoenix_Jackson/DSLR%20Journey/MR%20and%20MS%20CAR-ASUC%202013/Allysa3_zps31751df5.jpg" width="267" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ms. Photogenic<br />
Ms Alyssa Denise Rosimo</td></tr>
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Congratulations to the winners of this regional, inter-university, beauty pageant. I can't wait for next year!</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s429.photobucket.com/user/Phoenix_Jackson/media/DSLR%20Journey/MR%20and%20MS%20CAR-ASUC%202013/Allysa3_zps31751df5.jpg.html" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo Allysa3_zps31751df5.jpg" border="0" height="640" src="http://i429.photobucket.com/albums/qq13/Phoenix_Jackson/DSLR%20Journey/MR%20and%20MS%20CAR-ASUC%202013/Allysa3_zps31751df5.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ms. CARASUC 2013<br />
Ms Alyssa Denise Rosimo</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s429.photobucket.com/user/Phoenix_Jackson/media/DSLR%20Journey/MR%20and%20MS%20CAR-ASUC%202013/Martin2_zpsc39132e5.jpg.html" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo Martin2_zpsc39132e5.jpg" border="0" height="640" src="http://i429.photobucket.com/albums/qq13/Phoenix_Jackson/DSLR%20Journey/MR%20and%20MS%20CAR-ASUC%202013/Martin2_zpsc39132e5.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mr. CARASUC 2013<br />
Mr. Martin Blando</td></tr>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12744293896257194526noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3343603737882106027.post-42709668023465662432013-03-08T06:55:00.001+09:002013-03-08T06:55:11.049+09:00Scott Kelby, That Nikon Guy, and Frozen Butt (part 3)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i429.photobucket.com/albums/qq13/Phoenix_Jackson/DSLR%20Journey/Shot3_zps7c6f7467.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://i429.photobucket.com/albums/qq13/Phoenix_Jackson/DSLR%20Journey/Shot3_zps7c6f7467.jpg" width="133" /></a></div>
I was losing hope to see the blue hour. It's my fault that I have not researched about the time of sunrise and what not. But at this time, I couldn't think of that. All I could think of was my patience running very thin. It's been 2 hours and still no sign of the sky changing color. But before calling it quits, I decided to walk to another overpass at the next block. At least that's where the bus stop is, just in case I decide to go home.<br />
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Note: Every photo uploaded in this particular blog is taken straight out of camera. From RAW file to Jpeg without minor tweaks. So please bear with the quality.<br />
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It didn't seem like anything special. At least, not as good as the oval over-pass. But that was looking from a distance. When I got up, I was puzzled by the design of this "other" over-pass. It had thick arcs in the middle, made for billboards. Along with the snow, it was the pattern that attracted me. And since I was already there, I might as well take some shots.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i429.photobucket.com/albums/qq13/Phoenix_Jackson/DSLR%20Journey/Shot1_zps2c39c142.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://i429.photobucket.com/albums/qq13/Phoenix_Jackson/DSLR%20Journey/Shot1_zps2c39c142.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shot 1<br />
At first, I was trying to hide the buildings behind so I could only show the patterns that I liked. But there's something here that I thought was not right. I thought the light pollution here seems too much (look at the blurry and not-so-black sky) and I wanted the arc in the middle to show up a bit more. </td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i429.photobucket.com/albums/qq13/Phoenix_Jackson/DSLR%20Journey/Shot2_zps264642a4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://i429.photobucket.com/albums/qq13/Phoenix_Jackson/DSLR%20Journey/Shot2_zps264642a4.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shot 2<br />
I thought what's wrong was the emptiness. And if this thought comes to mind, I tend to think "human element" to make the image a bit more personable. But as always, I don't have anyone with me so I resulted to adding myself in the picture. Having to sit down on this ice-cold path is not a joke. All-in-all this picture looks worse than the shot above.</td></tr>
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At the photo above, as I was shooting, posed myself and tried to be very still for the rest of the 30 seconds, some people passed by. I thought, "Oh great, they're gonna shake my tripod or worse, stand in front of it to gawk at me sitting in the middle of their path. Fortunately, none of those happened. They just slowly passed by as they stare at me for a while. I'm used to that reaction. But I'm more worried about what comes out of the shot. To my surprise, they didn't show up at all. Either I sat there too long that I didn't realize the shot was done way before the people passed by, or the shutter was so long that it didn't capture the people walking.<br />
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But wait! What's that in the sky? Why is the light pollution so strong? Why is it more prominent than the last time? I stared at my preview screen for a couple seconds more and it dawned on me. BLUE HOUR! I can see the sky getting a bit brighter and more blue than black. I got really excited but panicked at the same time. I panicked because I might not be able to get to the first over-pass before the sky gets too bright. So all I could think of was find a subject as quickly as possible. Walking to the edge of the over-pass, I found a church. But most importantly, I can literally see the sky turning blue. Time wass running out!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i429.photobucket.com/albums/qq13/Phoenix_Jackson/DSLR%20Journey/Shot3_zps7c6f7467.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://i429.photobucket.com/albums/qq13/Phoenix_Jackson/DSLR%20Journey/Shot3_zps7c6f7467.jpg" width="428" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shot 3<br />
If nothing else, I could at least get the experience of shooting at this time. I did my best at the very limited time, to frame this church. I know I only have a couple of minutes for the blue hour, so I thought at least I have some images to study for next time. Funny enough, I never thought of that annoying cross until I saw it on my computer screen. This was THE annoying cross from the previous shots (previous blog).</td></tr>
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I really didn't like that icky yellow from the above shot. So I hurried to the other over-pass, hoping I could still shoot at darker settings. I hurriedly recalled the frame that I wanted. Top priority was something I could submit to Thatnikonguy's contest.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i429.photobucket.com/albums/qq13/Phoenix_Jackson/DSLR%20Journey/Shot4_zpscf128f97.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://i429.photobucket.com/albums/qq13/Phoenix_Jackson/DSLR%20Journey/Shot4_zpscf128f97.jpg" width="428" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shot 4<br />
I took 3 shots of this. One empty, then this one, then another where I stand closer to the camera. I'm not very much aware of the wide lens characteristics. I was physically very close to the camera at this shot, but it didn't seem like it here. I payed more attention to the placement of the moon. Photography critics pay very much attention to every detail in an image. So even that one star should say something other than just being there.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i429.photobucket.com/albums/qq13/Phoenix_Jackson/DSLR%20Journey/Shot5_zps26b8cca2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://i429.photobucket.com/albums/qq13/Phoenix_Jackson/DSLR%20Journey/Shot5_zps26b8cca2.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shot 5<br />
Adrenaline was still pumping as I don't feel the cold anymore. At shot 4, you can see the sky getting really bright. So I tried to remedy by tweaking the camera settings, in hopes that I could still make a bit more deep blue sky. This time, I can also see what's happening beyond this post. And I thought it might do me good to show it (along with that annoying cross... and annoying duck).</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i429.photobucket.com/albums/qq13/Phoenix_Jackson/DSLR%20Journey/Shot6_zpsbf427f1f.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://i429.photobucket.com/albums/qq13/Phoenix_Jackson/DSLR%20Journey/Shot6_zpsbf427f1f.jpg" width="428" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shot 6<br />
Again, that annoying duck caught my eye. And since it's a bit late for any deep blue sky at this time, I thought of taking another pic of this duck for fun.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i429.photobucket.com/albums/qq13/Phoenix_Jackson/DSLR%20Journey/Shot7_zps8d4ace49.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://i429.photobucket.com/albums/qq13/Phoenix_Jackson/DSLR%20Journey/Shot7_zps8d4ace49.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shot 7<br />
I took this shot as a test before. But since it didn't really wow me the first time, I thought maybe the blue sky and more visibility of the background might change my mind. So again with some changes on my camera settings, I tried another shot. It still didn't wow me.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i429.photobucket.com/albums/qq13/Phoenix_Jackson/DSLR%20Journey/Shot8_zpsc61b45f4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://i429.photobucket.com/albums/qq13/Phoenix_Jackson/DSLR%20Journey/Shot8_zpsc61b45f4.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shot 8<br />
For one last time, I made another attempt. I thought shot 7 was just too bright and the light trails weren't so impressive. So I made one final tweak on my camera settings (faster shutter speed) and had to just time it right. With only 13 seconds, I have to hit the shutter as the cars start to move, then hope nothing else come before and after the time frame. I liked the light trails and the blue sky but that's about it. Time to move on.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i429.photobucket.com/albums/qq13/Phoenix_Jackson/DSLR%20Journey/Shot9_zps1090a9f2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://i429.photobucket.com/albums/qq13/Phoenix_Jackson/DSLR%20Journey/Shot9_zps1090a9f2.jpg" width="428" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shot 9<br />
I passed by this scene when I was going to the "other" over-pass earlier but it didn't really make any impact to me at that time. That is, until the sky got brighter with the blues. Seeing as I don't have much time left, I hurriedly set up my gear, framed as careful but fast as I could, and as I hit the shutter button (about 2 seconds too late), the street lights went off... bummer!</td></tr>
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So that was it. The blue hour started at about 6:45 am to 7:00 am. Could be extended to 7:15 am with some tweaking on the settings. But I was told that the span of time changes every day and it gets longer or shorter, depending on the time of the year. I realized that these are but a small amongst the many things that landscape photographers learn. And for me, who neglected to read much about it, I suffered the cold, hunger, frustrations, and fatigue, and pain, that I could have avoided.<br />
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Continue to the next blog.</div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12744293896257194526noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3343603737882106027.post-27949735990291405742013-03-06T08:02:00.000+09:002013-03-13T22:46:29.691+09:00Scott Kelby, That Nikon Guy, and Frozen Butt (part) 4<div style="text-align: left;">
After a couple of days, I was pretty much happy with what I got from Suwon. Despite the dreadful experience, I can't forget the adrenalin rush. And I'm happy to shoot the same way (albeit more informed) from other places. But I'm satisfied with what I got, that I decided to submit one of them to Thatnikonguy's competition.</div>
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I had a bit of a problem on flickr as my uploads seem to suffer from banding. Then again, even my uploads from the Double Trouble session was also too noisy. Some things I noticed only on flickr. I've learned that they were caused by my camera set to Adobe RGb instead of SRGB... whatever that means. But I submitted my entry to the competition anyway... then the wait.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i429.photobucket.com/albums/qq13/Phoenix_Jackson/_MG_5578cropped_zps1a484b8b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://i429.photobucket.com/albums/qq13/Phoenix_Jackson/_MG_5578cropped_zps1a484b8b.jpg" width="428" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wait For Sunrise<br />
So I chose this out of all the shots. I like it and at least my frozen butt should be highlighted. I ended up cropping the image because I think the foreground was a bit much. There was a bit of a clutter at the end of the rails on the left side so I cropped that as well. You may also notice that I cleaned up the background. Thank you, photoshop. But that was all I did.</td></tr>
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Time has arrived and Matt from Thatnikonguy started reviewing all the entries. To me, I'm pretty happy with mine. The other stuff I saw, some of them were amazing, some of them I just nod, some of them I expected, and even one of them were pretty much like my Double Trouble... only poorly executed.</div>
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But by the time Matt says something in the beginning of the video, I already knew I failed. I realized that one crucial factor was missing. The part where long exposure has to be obvious. I know some people would be impressed on how long I stayed still for the 30 second shot. But that doesn't say anything with regards to long exposure. So yes, at the very beginning of the video, I know I have no chance of winning. What I'm looking forward to, now, is what he'd say about my photo.</div>
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My entry is at 1:16:31. I had to keep rewinding 'cause I wanted to see his face while giving critique. I was pleased. Yes, I know I failed. But despite that, what he said lifted up my spirit. It was still a good picture, and I believe so, myself.<br />
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In this video, the winner was chosen. But there were so many complains and others revealed that the winner at the time bent the rules. With careful consideration, Matt chose a different winner, and this was it:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/stephanna-g/8257740581/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Chimney by StephAnna G, on Flickr"><img alt="Chimney" height="333" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8084/8257740581_0bfb8b27e8.jpg" width="500" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Chimney" by StephAnna G</td></tr>
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The first time I saw the image above, it took me a lot to figure what it was. That was a good sign. It took me to stare at the image and guess what it is and what's the story, without looking at the title and description. That's what I believe, a good photo is. And to be honest, I never figured out what it was until I watched the video.</div>
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Losing from this photo competition didn't bother me at all. I knew why I failed and I could chuck that up to experience. As I mentioned before, photo critics tend to look at every detail in the image. And I should be critical about my images myself... even before taking the shot. I need practice.</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12744293896257194526noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3343603737882106027.post-72627493802745487032013-03-05T11:43:00.001+09:002013-03-06T08:05:33.164+09:00Scott Kelby, That Nikon Guy, and Frozen Butt (part 2)<br />
<a href="http://i429.photobucket.com/albums/qq13/Phoenix_Jackson/DSLR%20Journey/Test4_zpsf6a49bc9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://i429.photobucket.com/albums/qq13/Phoenix_Jackson/DSLR%20Journey/Test4_zpsf6a49bc9.jpg" width="320" /></a> Boy, was it cold! It was my practice to prepare everything I need, photography wise, in my bag. Usually, I try to dump as much as I can in my bag (including clothes) but this time, since I thought I'd be walking around a lot, and a huge and fully stuffed bag might get me into trouble with accommodation (some lockers are not big enough), I thought of keeping it as light as possible. And that means, I didn't bring extra shirts, extra socks, extra towels, and toiletries. Where which, I forgot to bring gloves and a hat. Boy, was it really cold!<br />
<a name='more'></a>Note: Every image posted in this particular blog was taken from RAW, small increase of contrast, then converted to Jpeg. Sorry for the quality.<br />
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It's the missing gloves that got me into a lot of pain. As I walk around carrying the tripod, I had to switch hands every minute to warm the other in my pocket. This is where I also learned the use of a tripod's "leg warmers." I never realized how the tripod could be painfully cold to the touch when exposed to such weather. It was so cold that I find it really hard to make minor adjustments. My goodness, I was really unprepared. I kept telling myself, "Whatever it takes..." but I wondered how long could that mindset last.<br />
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As I mentioned a lot, Scott Kelby's lecture is stuck in my brain. So I walked around this over-pass repeatedly, looking for a frame I could test shoot. The structure in itself is appealing. But the surroundings and a lot of clutter makes this architecture a bit hard to photograph. At least, to me. Snow was also a bit fresh and it seems only a few people walked around here. I had to be a bit careful where I walk 'cause I didn't want to disturb the snow. I wouldn't want so many footsteps marked as I know it could be distracting to the overall scene.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i429.photobucket.com/albums/qq13/Phoenix_Jackson/DSLR%20Journey/Test1_zpsdbe8461d.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://i429.photobucket.com/albums/qq13/Phoenix_Jackson/DSLR%20Journey/Test1_zpsdbe8461d.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Test 1<br />
At this angle, I was trying to highlight the curved posts as those were (in my opinion) the strongest shapes in the scene. But I also want to show that this was an overpass. My problem was there was too much clutter that I can't fix. The gas station doesn't really add appeal and while the buildings behind could give context, the lights are a bit too much.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i429.photobucket.com/albums/qq13/Phoenix_Jackson/DSLR%20Journey/Test2_zpsa2767c2c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://i429.photobucket.com/albums/qq13/Phoenix_Jackson/DSLR%20Journey/Test2_zpsa2767c2c.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Test 2<br />
Now at a different angle. Since it's those posts that I really want to feature, I found that two sides of this over-pass have two posts closer to each other (so it's not a circular shape after all but an oval shape). I see a bit more potential here. Although the street lights at the background are still a bit much, at a higher perspective, I think I could make it work.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i429.photobucket.com/albums/qq13/Phoenix_Jackson/DSLR%20Journey/Test3_zps1ba354b7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://i429.photobucket.com/albums/qq13/Phoenix_Jackson/DSLR%20Journey/Test3_zps1ba354b7.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Test 3<br />
Still obsessed with these sexy curves, I thought of focusing on a small part of the over-pass while still showing what it is. I was quite disappointed with this test shot as there's just too much around again. And that cross wasted a lot of my time! Since it's a bit prominent I tried to make it work with the shot. But with the wide lens I'm using, the cross got too small to stand out, it became a nuisance. And although I wanted to incorporate light trails from the street below, I think it simply won't work here.</td></tr>
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The shot above gave me a nice surprise though. The color of the snow and the rails looked really nice. I was worried about the snow to be honest. As it's purely white, it could look really flat in the picture. But in this case, thanks to the artificial lights around me, it looks pretty well.<br />
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I realized I got stuck in this scene and kept taking repeated shots of the same subjects and frames. Luckily, a drunk passed by and made me a bit nervous so I hurried downstairs to avoid him. At this moment, I again remembered Scott's lecture. And since not a lot of my test shots seem to wow me, I might as well try to take some pictures from a distance. There was one shot I imagined would have been awesome, though: An overhead shot. But unless I could manage to get on top of a building, and at a good angle, I don't think I could produce it. So I settled for something a bit more plausible.<br />
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"Can't go above it? Then go below it!" I chuckled as I crossed the street. I was a bit nervous and had to move fast as there still are some people passing by at this time. Jay-walking alone attracts attention and much more by staying in the middle taking pictures.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i429.photobucket.com/albums/qq13/Phoenix_Jackson/DSLR%20Journey/Test4_zpsf6a49bc9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://i429.photobucket.com/albums/qq13/Phoenix_Jackson/DSLR%20Journey/Test4_zpsf6a49bc9.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Test 4<br />
The problem is how limited my lens was (18-55mm). Even at its widest, I couldn't fit much of the subject on frame without so much compromise. Stepping further would tighten the oval shape too much, while there's these orange, rubber, stumps that while keeping me safe from the vehicles passing by, are just plain ugly to be included in the shot. And don't get me started with the snow.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i429.photobucket.com/albums/qq13/Phoenix_Jackson/DSLR%20Journey/Test5tilt_zpscfc7990d.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://i429.photobucket.com/albums/qq13/Phoenix_Jackson/DSLR%20Journey/Test5tilt_zpscfc7990d.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Test 5<br />
Be that as it may the shot would not be complete without good light trails. I waited until cars and trucks and buses will come towards my direction (instead of across) to make some decent light trails. I just thought that it would make better dynamics than just a simple line of light trails across the horizon. Although, in this image, not really the direction I wanted. It would have been better if the car coming from behind me (red light trails on the right) went to the left. Or another car would have come behind me and went straight across.</td></tr>
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At this moment, I immediately stopped and went back to the side. I got scared of taking too much attention. Even the drivers passing by had to slow down to check out what I was doing (the locals are always curious), which is a bad thing. They could call the police and I'm done for. But what made me panic the most was the very noticeable tilt. As I hit the 2 sec timer, the camera drooped a bit. Admittedly, my tripod and ballhead are nothing but cheapos. But I didn't really think it would give me this much trouble. But perhaps it's the cold. This was my first time shooting outside under this temperature, after all.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i429.photobucket.com/albums/qq13/Phoenix_Jackson/DSLR%20Journey/Test6tiltportrait_zps2bfd8da4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://i429.photobucket.com/albums/qq13/Phoenix_Jackson/DSLR%20Journey/Test6tiltportrait_zps2bfd8da4.jpg" width="428" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Test 6<br />
Again, instead of showing the entire architecture, I thought of showing just a small part of it. Focusing on just one post and light trails, I thought the underside of the over-pass makes a nice shape and perspective. It didn't come out as well as I thought.</td></tr>
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I tried a couple more versions of the image above (Test 6). I shot on different orientations, distance, and height. But I couldn't get the impact I wanted. I got really bothered by the ballhead's random tilting. It takes way more than normal twisting to lock it and keep it in place. Along with the cold and this sudden twisting requirement, it takes some pain on my fingers to do this. Which made me reconsider buying a real ballhead next time.<br />
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But I wasn't about to give up just yet. I still haven't found the one frame I'd be happy with. And I'm also worried that the blue hour seems absent. It was already 6 am. and I don't see a tinge of blue light. I was afraid the sun would rise without warning. So I decided to climb up the over-pass one more time.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i429.photobucket.com/albums/qq13/Phoenix_Jackson/DSLR%20Journey/Test7_zpsb2b23f44.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://i429.photobucket.com/albums/qq13/Phoenix_Jackson/DSLR%20Journey/Test7_zpsb2b23f44.jpg" width="428" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Test 7<br />
Test 3 got me quire frustrated. That stupid cross and that stupid duck bothered me a lot. So thought of taking a shot of the post in front of it. At first, it was just an empty scene but I liked it. It would only be a question of how to work with the moon, and somehow make the photo look less cold. It felt empty. So I tried to see if a human element... which I have none to throw in front of the camera, but myself... can fill the gap. I think it did.</td></tr>
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Along with the ballhead, my gear was giving me another trouble. Something I never really experienced before. I was trying to get a really low perspective but I could not place the camera itself on the ground. So I set the tripod to its lowest (3rd position) and took a shot. I was puzzled by the camera shake on the photo but I thought it was just the vibration of the over-pass caused by the passing cars. I took another shot and the camera shake was horrible. It wasn't windy that time but I think it was the tripod after all. So I set it on 2nd position. The camera is not low enough to my liking but it's still low. Again, I see camera shake. No passing cars, no wind, the ballhead was locked painfully tight, yet the photo was really blurred. I was too upset that I deleted the images on camera. And when I set the tripod back to its first position, everything was alright. I do remember Thom Hogan talking about not splaying the tripod too wide. It's called a "support system" after all. This is when I thought, "Now I see there really is a difference between premium gear."<br />
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I know I have another option if I wanted to shoot really low. Reverse the center pole. But again, with the cold, the tripod are just too cold to the touch that it hurts my hands to adjust them. So I moved on.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i429.photobucket.com/albums/qq13/Phoenix_Jackson/DSLR%20Journey/Test8_zpsee8b5ce7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://i429.photobucket.com/albums/qq13/Phoenix_Jackson/DSLR%20Journey/Test8_zpsee8b5ce7.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Test 8<br />
In every 4 corners of this over-pass, there's an elevator. And in every elevator, there's a duck... a swan... a pelican... whatever. But it kept catching my eyes whenever I take a look at my preview screen (it's not so visible through my naked eye) and it bothered me a lot. That's why I see it as a duck. One of the most annoying birds.</td></tr>
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I kept going round and around this over-pass and took a couple more pictures but of the same thing. To me, I think I found the frame that I want. It's just a matter of waiting for the blue hour. Except that I'm already tired, cold, hungry, and sleepy. It's past 6 am. and I'm losing hope to see dark blue sky. Maybe it's not gonna happen.<br />
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Continued on the next blog.</div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12744293896257194526noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3343603737882106027.post-59088445554851555662013-03-04T08:17:00.000+09:002013-03-06T08:07:49.996+09:00Scott Kelby, That Nikon Guy, and Frozen Butt (part) 1<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/14872705@N02/8139878879/" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Come of Night by phoenix_jackson2002, on Flickr"><img alt="Come of Night" height="160" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8196/8139878879_910ce1b96f_m.jpg" width="240" /></a><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> One of my
pictures got <a href="http://www.cameralabs.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=36&t=9077">the most favored (of the month)</a> in one of the photography forums I
hang out with. It’s just a very small
accomplishment but boy did it motivate me a lot! But not only that. My <a href="http://koreajourneys.blogspot.kr/2012/11/double-trouble.html">Double-Trouble</a> photos also got some attention
and, to be honest, seeing the results of that session was one of the highlights
of my photography life. So yes, I was
happy with my self, my photography, and totally up for more.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 18.66666603088379px; line-height: 21.33333396911621px;"> I was a new subscriber to <a href="http://www.youtube.com/user/thatnikonguy">ThatNikonGuy</a> on Youtube. At the time, he launched a photo competition with the theme "Long Exposure." Boy was I happy and confident. It was a theme I'm quite familiar with. And add to that, the prize was a ThinkTank bag. I happen to be on the market for another photography backpack and I'm a fan of ThinkTank. So yes, I was keen to this competition and I really want to win the bag.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 18.66666603088379px; line-height: 21.33333396911621px;"> But long exposure is such a wide-ranged theme. Anything long exposure is just anything in photography. That makes my choices too many, it's a bit hard to decide on which to focus into. That was until I found out about another photo contest (will be writing about it on my next blog). It directs me to go for landscapes/cityscapes. And the plan is, if all else fails, I will always have Double Trouble for back up.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 18.66666603088379px; line-height: 21.33333396911621px;"> What keeps ringing on my ear are <a href="http://www.youtube.com/user/kelbymediagroup">Scott Kelby</a>'s constant critique on most photos shown in his show.</span><br />
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<li><span style="font-size: 18.66666603088379px; line-height: 21.33333396911621px;">Nothing beats a good-looking subject.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 18.66666603088379px; line-height: 21.33333396911621px;">Right place, right time. Do whatever it takes.</span></li>
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<span style="font-size: 18.66666603088379px; line-height: 21.33333396911621px;">I do agree with both. It's like when watching American Idol or related shows, some could be really good singers, but it's a matter of song choice. And I've been seeing the same effect on my past photos as well. I get to execute techniques like light trails and stuff. But the photos in whole doesn't give much impact since the elements aren't just strong enough. As for being at the "right place" at the "right time." I do agree. I do avoid overcast lights and shooting at noon. But I also didn't pay much attention to the "proper" time where light is just right. Hey, I'm still learning after all.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 18.66666603088379px; line-height: 21.33333396911621px;"> So with my confidence on this subject, and with those lectures I kept hearing, I decided to put out all I got and make no excuses. I heard about a workshop where the students agonized on the thought of getting together at 3 am for a shoot. Something the teacher required. But that's what it took for them to get into the best setting for a really nice landscape scene. And right now, I'm willing to do that as well... or so I thought.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 18.66666603088379px; line-height: 21.33333396911621px;"> The first thing was scouting. But with the winter's cold and slippery snow/ice (more the latter actually), I thought of recalling the places I've visited first. And if nothing else attracts my attention, then I'll be off visiting random places. A bit impractical for my time constraints but again, I'll do whatever it takes... yeah, right.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 18.66666603088379px; line-height: 21.33333396911621px;">Seoul, nothing special really came to mind except for that Dungdaemun Gate that I already took picture of.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 18.66666603088379px; line-height: 21.33333396911621px;">Gangnam? Probably. But not a lot of the places I've seen there come screaming "Pick me!" </span><br />
<span style="font-size: 18.66666603088379px; line-height: 21.33333396911621px;">Paju, Anseong, Hwaseong, Ilsan, Daejon, all the places I could think of just gave me blanks or scenes that don't really make me want to go and take pictures (for the competition). That was until I went to Suwon.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 18.66666603088379px; line-height: 21.33333396911621px;">Suwon wasn't really on my mind at first. I was only there for 2 reasons.</span><br />
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<li><span style="font-size: 18.66666603088379px; line-height: 21.33333396911621px;">I needed this location for another competition (future blog).</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 18.66666603088379px; line-height: 21.33333396911621px;">I had to meet a friend for some other activities.</span></li>
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<span style="font-size: 18.66666603088379px; line-height: 21.33333396911621px;">And it was unfortunate for my first reason as I was unsuccessful on my photo session. But was also glad for the second reason since I got a place to stay for the night. Though I do have a place I regularly stay at whenever I come to Suwon, it's nice to change venues every once in a while... which lead me to a new discovery. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 18.66666603088379px; line-height: 21.33333396911621px;"> There was a bit of a problem with me staying the night at my friend's place. So I had to take a cab back to Suwon Station at 3 am. On my way, we passed by a strange looking over-pass in the middle of the road. I was only able to note a street address (actually a junction) a distance away from that over-pass. So as I came back to Suwon Station, I had a light meal and took another cab back to that location. I think the driver found it very strange for someone to stop at that location. It was, after all, a junction where there's nothing else around. But I showed him my tripod and explained, "I'm a photographer and I saw something there that I want to take pictures of."</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 18.66666603088379px; line-height: 21.33333396911621px;"> So here I was at 4 am, walking to the said over-pass. The first objective was to find what to photograph and how to photograph it. This and everything else before the blue hour comes. On one of my past blogs, I mentioned about Scott Kelby <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FpHMuK7Htic">talking about not giving up on a scene</a>. "If the initial photograph doesn't work, walk around, take a different perspective, shoot wide, shoot up close, just don't give up. Something must be there that caught your attention." And I intend to do that.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 18.66666603088379px; line-height: 21.33333396911621px;"><a href="http://koreajourneys.blogspot.kr/2013/03/scott-kelby-that-nikon-guy-and-frozen_2296.html#more">Continue to the next blog</a>.</span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12744293896257194526noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3343603737882106027.post-31457710601969626742013-02-22T04:11:00.000+09:002013-02-22T04:11:25.265+09:00Climb Every Mountain. Is it worth it?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="http://www.fredmountphotography.com/">Frederick Mount</a> invited me to another photo op. Knowing what he does, I expected another enjoyable night of going through abandoned buildings and another good talk. Boy, was I in for a different experience!<br />
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I was late (as always) so Fred and his companion went ahead. At Yongmasan station, I got a bit confused with the route (as always) and walked up and down the street. I was told to climb up some stairs but I ended up climbing up to the top of a hill... only to find out I was at the wrong place. Again, I tried another stairs up. And yes, I was on the right path. But I lost communication with Fred at that time so I couldn't confirm. But yes, I was on the right path. The path to Yongmasan. This time, I climbed up a mountain.<br />
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I have not done these mountain hikes for a long time and I'm out of shape. So It took a lot of me to reach the top. Halfway up, the foot path forked and I chose to go to the right. It was the wrong choice. It was supposed to be a path for those descending from the peak. So as I come across people, I was a bit embarrassed as I can see their expressions of puzzle, why I'm going the wrong way. Oh well, just chucking it down to experience.<br />
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I stopped somewhere to take a view of what's below the mountain. It wasn't much. But it reminds me of how my friends back in the Philippines describe my hometown at its current state. You see, I came from the mountainous parts of the country. I lived in a valley called La Trinidad. It was once called, "The Salad Bowl" of the Philippines. Its neighboring city was more popular (Baguio City) and was once dubbed, "The City of Pines." I don't know about Baguio, but I'm sure La Trinidad isn't known as Salad Bowl anymore... more like house bowl. So I took a picture of this view on one side of Yongmasan. I used my phone since I'm already tired and I still have a lot to climb, setting up my gear will just take a lot of me at this moment. My intention was to upload it on Facebook to ask my friends back home if it does look like this.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i429.photobucket.com/albums/qq13/Phoenix_Jackson/20120930_173510_zps40e55016.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://i429.photobucket.com/albums/qq13/Phoenix_Jackson/20120930_173510_zps40e55016.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Imagine Home<br />Apart from the big buildings, I imagine my beloved valley back home to now look like this. Once filled with strawberry fields and swamps, it scares me to think it now loos like this.</td></tr>
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I got a bit distracted by my phone's camera options. I was surprised it's got a panorama shot setting. As I experimented, I figured out how it works. But there wasn't much of a worthwhile scene around to shoot pano. Maybe if I climb up a bit higher.<br />
Indeed there was another stop just about a couple of minutes from my first stop. There was some nicely built shooting spot in place. I assume it was really made for photographers as there are no chairs around. Just a perfectly flat surface looking down on a better view of the city below. Here, I took a quick panorama shot with my phone.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fresh Air?<br />Well it's not much. I'm paying more attention to what technology has become nowadays. The last phone I used to take pictures was an HTC Desire HD, and I wasn't impressed. This one though, did.</td></tr>
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Climbing up more of the mountain, I reached what I thought was the peak. Apparently the mountain was more like a twin. Where the peak of the first one was misleading. Reaching that twin's peak, there's another path leading to the top of the higher twin peak. And here I thought I've reached the goal. Gasping for air, I spotted something that reminded me of Scott Kelby's Google seminars. On most of his critiques, Scott often mention that it takes the effort of going to the right place, at the right time, with the right gear. It's actually common knowledge amongst photographers. It's not as simple as finding the pretty spot. Time and gear is involved to get "that" picture. Not just "a picture." But really, it doesn't sink in until one experiences it himself. It the reason why such lectures are mentioned over and over and over. Like a parent/teacher/preacher lecture. Something you already know is right but don't really follow... until you'll actually experience its significance. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Path to Two Worlds<br />Again, a pano shot with my Galaxy S3. What jolted me here in reference to Scott Kelby's lectures, I happen to be here at a spot where there still some steam coming from the rocks, as temperature is changing very fast. The sun is setting on one side of the city as it shows a bit of warmth in this golden hour, while there's nothing but reflected light on the other. Should I have arrived on this place a couple minutes early or late, the view wouldn't be in as much effect as this.</td></tr>
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Despite my new fondness of my toy (phone), I realized I'm running out of time to reach the other peak. It gets really dark really fast, in just a few minutes. So on I went to the supposed peak. By the time I got there, I only saw a bunch of Korean hikers. Some resting, some playing, some drinking, some taking pictures. I don't see Fred. And this high up, there's no phone signal. So much for rushing up to meet my friend. All I could do was wait for the local hikers done with their picture taking so I could set my gear up there and then. I might as well take pictures while I'm there. It was such great relief Fred himself found me. Apparently, the good spot to photograph was still a bit further on the other side of that peak... yeah... more walking.<br />
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It was another photography spot, I suppose. There was another platform big enough for 5 people with gears set up. There I met Wesley Chang. I think he's more a videography guy venturing into photography. Nevertheless he's a comfortable guy to be with. He seems to relate to me as he knows the conditions and lifestyle in the Philippines. He says he's from Guatemala which is almost similar to Manila. Maybe that's why I'm comfortable with him. Except that Fred and Wesley aren't fat. And in this part of the mountain, is a bad thing. They're cold and it shows. He he he.<br />
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The time to take pictures has come. The three of us each have our gears set up. Tripod up, camera mounted, and ready for panoramas. It was obvious that the two were really waiting for the right time. Meanwhile, I suddenly got shy again. I don't get shy around Fred. But Wesley is new, so I got self conscious (as always). I couldn't bring my A game this night. So I just told myself I'd just come back some other time by myself... again. <br />
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I still got some shots and took this chance to see how fast the precious blue hour goes. It was a pretty short time.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Snake<br />This was one of my first shots of this view. It shows a bit of the Namsan Tower.</td></tr>
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The image above didn't satisfy me at all. I got the sunset, the blue sky, and the city lights. But that strip of white was annoying the hell out of me. The supposed "snake" (which was what I really wanted to highlight) doesn't look convincing enough to me. Then the trees below are just painful. But I laughed when I started criticizing my shot. Because despite the painful climb up this mountain, I was wishing I got a bit higher than where I was. Asking for more pain in hopes to capture the image I wanted.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i429.photobucket.com/albums/qq13/Phoenix_Jackson/DSLR%20Journey/ComeofNight_zpsf31ce8e8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://i429.photobucket.com/albums/qq13/Phoenix_Jackson/DSLR%20Journey/ComeofNight_zpsf31ce8e8.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A Closer Look<br />Running out of time, I thought of taking a closer photo of the supposed snake. If it wasn't for the photography tips I kept hearing over and over, I would not have come up with this picture right out of my camera. I often go wide (like the previous picture) trying to take as much info on the subject. Then maybe dissatisfied and cropped the hell out of it, taking away the snake's tail, and end up with this image. This time, I went with their advice: Take pictures of the scene on different perspective. Zoom in, zoom out, go left, go right, tilt, take different angels, just move!</td></tr>
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Blue hour was long past and after a couple of small talks, we all decided to start climbing down the mountain. But I got an idea that I wanted to test out before we left. Sort of a last hurrah... Although I kept telling myself I'll be back to this place some other time, that would be much much much later. I know how lazy I am.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i429.photobucket.com/albums/qq13/Phoenix_Jackson/DSLR%20Journey/UpSweep_zps8cd5dd91.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://i429.photobucket.com/albums/qq13/Phoenix_Jackson/DSLR%20Journey/UpSweep_zps8cd5dd91.jpg" width="524" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Right Stuff, Wrong Time<br />What I could have done earlier in time. Although this photo pleased me a lot more than the ones above, the element of "right time" was missing, in my opinion.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: 16px; text-align: center;"> THIS! This should have been the shot I took earlier before. It's also a panorama but taken from down to up, instead of left to right. I figured this isn't new news to photographers, but I rarely see such a pano done this way. I only thought of this idea when I watched a video demo of a ballhead. But if only I thought about this during a full deep blue sky, and maybe raised my tripod's center column... errr... I probably wouldn't do that at that time... it was quite windy already. But I just wish I was a bit higher. Just a foot higher from my spot could have made the difference</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 16px; text-align: center;"> I'm glad Fred invited me on this hike. Despite the hike, something was kindled inside of me. I came up with some ideas that really demand some stuff that I learned this day. But as in most cases, a lot can be easily said. I can't count how many times I told myself to come climb Yongmasan one more time and take decent pictures... at least better than these ones. But it's just easier said than done. At least for someone not so disciplined, like me. But we'll see. </span><br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12744293896257194526noreply@blogger.com0Yongmasan, 76-1 Myeonmok-dong, Jungnang-gu, Seoul, South Korea37.573792999999988 127.08681811.894474999999989 85.602443 63.25311099999999 168.571193tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3343603737882106027.post-24343635395507584102013-02-16T00:23:00.001+09:002013-02-16T00:23:08.180+09:00Appreciating On Technical Merits It seems there's a trend happening that I find quite irritating. I welcome and appreciate technology's fast evolution and making life more easier. What I don't like is how people hype and over advertise products when it's not called for.<div>
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I'm talking about the eternal battle of a gadget vs SLR. At every corner, there always seems to be a comparison against the big cameras. Whether a small point-and-shoot, or a phone with a camera, or a media player. Anything that has a decent camera functionality in it. I wonder, why each ad or forum can't resist comments like, "better than your DSLR" or "get rid of your bulky DSLR" or "just as good as your DSLR." When it comes to performance, I agree that there are many out there that can be used as an alternative to the big cameras. But why does the target always have to be DSLR? I can't remember anything that says, "This phone's camera can beat the crap out of your point-and-shoot." It's always an attack towards the big and bulky DSLRs. What have they done to deserve this? I rarely see any ad or conversation where DSLRs attack the small cameras. As almost all photographers know, it wouldn't matter much which camera you're using.</div>
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Almost every experienced photographers are overexposed to the cliche` quotes and they themselves say it, more often than necessary. Quotes like, "The best camera is the one that you have with you." or "It's not the camera that makes good photos, it's the one using it." and many more. These are fine quotes and are true. They're over-spoken, and if you mention these to another photographer, it's shrugged off. Why? You're preaching to the choir. But what sometimes gets on my nerves is when non-DSLR owners use these quotes to someone using a DSLR. A friend of mine once showed me some of those stuff on Facebook, and although I agree with whatever those stuff are saying, I'm also a bit irked. Two things came to my mind:</div>
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<li>Either you think I made bad photos and you can do better.</li>
<li>You're just jealous and simply want to feel better by making my feel bad.</li>
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But since he's my friend, I just gave him the benefit of the doubt and agreed with those. I never told anyone that I could take better pictures now because I have a DSLR. Yet somehow, some of my friends give me sour-grape comments by owning one. It's annoying.</div>
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On a forum I used to hang out, someone expressed his frustration towards these phone owners talking bad about his DSLR. Keep in mind that this is a photography forum where almost everyone has a big camera. The person opens the thread with what phone owners tell him about how bad his big camera is. "It's bulky." "It's heavy." "Just because you have a DSLR doesn't mean you take great pictures." "My phone can do better." "My phone can do this and that." and the common stuff we hear, and often even say. As we all know the negative sides of a big camera. This person then proceeds to what he thinks his DSLR can do that phones just can't. Speed, reliability, accuracy, resolution, sensor image, and what not. Again, let me remind you that this is a forum populated by DSLR owners. As I nod and empathize to this guy who just want phone owners to leave him alone, I was taken aback by the replies. "You must have a really really really nice camera then... /end sarcasm." And others to that effect.</div>
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In my experience, with my very small acquaintances of SLR owners, I have not seen one who boasted his camera specs against the smaller ones. I have never heard or said, "Your phone sucks and my DSLR is better." So I don't understand why some people give me such a hard time with my camera. It pisses me off sometimes that I just lose interest on sharing the photos I've taken... or write about it.</div>
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And then comes when I come to Facebook and comment on some of my friends's pictures. Some of them have big cameras, some of them don't. But what I like is that they share. What I don't like is when they reply to my "liking" or commenting on their shared pictures.</div>
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It's mostly my Filipino friends whom I have issue with this. I see a picture I liked, I hit like. If I like it quite a lot, I leave a comment. And then comes their reply:</div>
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<i>"Thanks. You know I only took this with a Nokia 3310."</i></div>
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(I'm paraphrasing and the phone model is just symbolism.)</div>
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This happens a lot. And although I could give merit to them using whatever camera they have, I'm also insulted. Photographs are mostly appreciated because of the content. I know, I do. I am aware that they didn't use big cameras and that's not why I'm liking the photo. I never mentioned composition or exposure. I just liked the photo as a person, not as a photographer. </div>
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Do people really expect their Facebook photos liked on its technical merits? I don't think so. I know I don't. I appreciate their sharing a photo that makes me relate to them. And since I'm in an eternal long distance relationship with these friends of mine, I'm happy with just a simple snap shot of them. I automatically look past the blurriness, poor resolution, bad composition, distasteful lighting, inaccurate focus, and unappealing exposure. That's because I just like their shared pictures as it reminds me of the days when we were together/young. It also updates me of how they are nowadays. Or just that I simply like it. So unless I'm asked for my opinion as a photographer, I really ignore the technicalities. This is what my friends don't seem to understand.</div>
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I hope this reaches out to my friends without offending them. It's not my intention to find them at fault. But it's just (recently) getting on my nerves whenever I give credit to their photo, and I get an insult in return. So, my friends, please keep taking pictures and keep sharing them.</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12744293896257194526noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3343603737882106027.post-79941314116433708612012-11-14T00:18:00.004+09:002012-11-14T00:18:36.869+09:00Double Trouble<a href="http://i429.photobucket.com/albums/qq13/Phoenix_Jackson/DSLR%20Journey/DoubleTroublePremier.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://i429.photobucket.com/albums/qq13/Phoenix_Jackson/DSLR%20Journey/DoubleTroublePremier.jpg" width="320" /></a> I've had so much available time for the past weeks but my laziness struck me again. Good thing I got so bored with nothingness that I finally got my butt out of bed to take some photography of my aesthetic.<br />
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When I learned about using a snoot on flash, I had an idea and took trial shots to test it out if it works. Unfortunately, I don't have those pics anymore. But the idea remained in me. Today, I got to execute these ideas and finally got to use my speedlight. <br />
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<a name='more'></a><br />
My work place has a large make-shift oven about 20x30x30 feet. It's the perfect place for my set-up. As always, I'm alone doing this thing, so I need to find ways to get what I need. While my camera is mounted on my newest tripod, I got my oldest tripod to mount my flash and serves as a focus guide. But since I won't use my flash on a stand for this session, I mounted it back to my camera and started testing shots.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i429.photobucket.com/albums/qq13/Phoenix_Jackson/DSLR%20Journey/DoubleTroublePrologue1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://i429.photobucket.com/albums/qq13/Phoenix_Jackson/DSLR%20Journey/DoubleTroublePrologue1.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Epilogue 1<br />First test was to fix my lens's focus. Using Samyang 85mm, I got it to focus directly on the tripod's head. Posed behind it to see if I'll get myself in focus as well, and to check out how I should be posing later on. The tripod will be taken off so it'll be harder to get myself on the spot.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i429.photobucket.com/albums/qq13/Phoenix_Jackson/DSLR%20Journey/DoubleTroublePrologue3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://i429.photobucket.com/albums/qq13/Phoenix_Jackson/DSLR%20Journey/DoubleTroublePrologue3.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Epilogue 2<br />Bouncing off the ceiling. I was wondering about this way of using flash since it sounds more like an overhead lighting. And yes, it does look like it. It accentuated my already dark circles. BUT I also got interested on how the shadows play. With this lighting, I can see more of my face's shape. Cheeks and temple tucked as it should, making a diamond shape.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i429.photobucket.com/albums/qq13/Phoenix_Jackson/DSLR%20Journey/DoubleTroublePrologue2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://i429.photobucket.com/albums/qq13/Phoenix_Jackson/DSLR%20Journey/DoubleTroublePrologue2.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Epilogue 3<br />Light bounced behind the camera. I was really surprised how effective this technique was. No wonder it's commonly spoken of. It's got the whole package. I was softly illuminated. I had some shapes and shadows on my face (though not as strong as the above image). Even the background has some character in it. And I got catchlights! I'm sold!</td></tr>
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I realized though, that I made a mistake on my focusing spot's distance. The shots are too tight, I won't be able to frame enough of my bodies ("bodies?" Just keep reading). So I had to move the tripod a couple of steps backward. Took another couple of tests shot, and marked the spot where the tripod was. It's time to cross my fingers and hope for magic.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i429.photobucket.com/albums/qq13/Phoenix_Jackson/DSLR%20Journey/DoubleTroublePrologue4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://i429.photobucket.com/albums/qq13/Phoenix_Jackson/DSLR%20Journey/DoubleTroublePrologue4.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Epilogue 4<br />Final test shot. So farther from the flash means softer light and even softer shadows. I know I watched video tutorials talking about this effects with flash and stuff. I also read some articles and books that talks about this. But none of them registered in my brain until now. As my dad always told me: Experience is the best teacher.</td></tr>
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The objective was to bounce the light on my palm which reflects it to my face. With the use of a snoot, I can focus all the light towards my palm. I simply tore a carton box and wrapped it around my speedlight. I'll be holding the light source with one hand, reflect it with the other. Sounds simple enough, yes?<br />
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The hard part really is coming up with poses. The flash should be hid from the frame. It's a good thing there was a challenge in a photography forum <a href="http://www.cameralabs.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=36&t=31623">(CameraLabs "On Assignment" Novemeber)</a>, which gave me the idea of my poses and storyline: Double Trouble.<br />
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So, okay. To bring them all together, I have to hold and operate a speedlight with one hand, bounce the light to my other hand and towards my face, and do twice of that with different poses, all in one frame! So again, sounds simple enough, yes?<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i429.photobucket.com/albums/qq13/Phoenix_Jackson/DSLR%20Journey/DoubleTrouble1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://i429.photobucket.com/albums/qq13/Phoenix_Jackson/DSLR%20Journey/DoubleTrouble1.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Double Trouble -- Reflection<br />My first pose was to mimic the "mirror image" effect but also subtly defect from mirroring the first half (rear/right). So far, this was a bit easy. I got lucky with the alignment of my bodies. Although, it wasn't intended to look like we're two individuals posing together, the merging points are subtle perfectly to my liking.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i429.photobucket.com/albums/qq13/Phoenix_Jackson/DSLR%20Journey/DoubleTrouble2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://i429.photobucket.com/albums/qq13/Phoenix_Jackson/DSLR%20Journey/DoubleTrouble2.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Double Trouble -- Curiosity<br />Okay so I tried to sway from the "mirror image" poses 'cause it was getting old. The problem was my hands and arms are stuck to this figure. It was too tough for me to switch hands with the speedlight. So I settled with just changing angles and emotions. I think it worked. In this image, I just got lucky (again) with the alignment, where the hand of the front guy spanned the arm of the other (it was never planned that way).</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i429.photobucket.com/albums/qq13/Phoenix_Jackson/DSLR%20Journey/DoubleTrouble4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://i429.photobucket.com/albums/qq13/Phoenix_Jackson/DSLR%20Journey/DoubleTrouble4.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Double Trouble -- Missed Chance<br />I knew the back-to-back pose is just too cheesy even for me. I surely won't take that pose seriously. But I needed an alternative. So I tried just one in front of the other. The problem was my second body's pose (left one). My mind went blank and auto imitate the first pose... which is worse than back-to-back and also looks cheap. I hurriedly changed angle but it was too late for me to realize I was out of the frame. I was too upset to do it again. Pity, this would have been my favorite.</td></tr>
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In the middle of the shoot, the snoot fell off right after the first pose. I only had half a second to panic, then think fast what to do. I just shrugged my shoulders and did the second pose with the flash just arm's length from me. I was really happy with the result it gave me. Another happy accident! And an addition to my arsenal of creative works.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i429.photobucket.com/albums/qq13/Phoenix_Jackson/DSLR%20Journey/DoubleTroubleExtra1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://i429.photobucket.com/albums/qq13/Phoenix_Jackson/DSLR%20Journey/DoubleTroubleExtra1.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Double Trouble -- Ghost in Action<br />This was the very first picture of the happy accident. By the time I saw the ghost, I got really excited and analyzed how to improve this. I see that the second flash was too strong that it blew out most of the first body's image. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i429.photobucket.com/albums/qq13/Phoenix_Jackson/DSLR%20Journey/DoubleTroubleExtra2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://i429.photobucket.com/albums/qq13/Phoenix_Jackson/DSLR%20Journey/DoubleTroubleExtra2.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Double Trouble -- Reflecting<br />So the key was to tone down the flash's power (and remove the snoot) while switching bodies. That part wasn't too tough but it took me a while to find how much I should tone down... by then, I totally forgot about the poses.</td></tr>
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I did more of these ghost shots, trying to set the flash's intensity different on each shot. But I got tired of it. I realized I'm getting hooked while I'm still not satisfied with my Double Trouble pictures.<br />
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This time, I attempted just one particular frame. It looks, seems, and sounds, quite simple. But getting the perfect placement of every part of my body on both poses, is quite harder than I thought. Arms not stretched far enough, arms not pushed far enough, arms not bent to my liking, the light bounced to another opaque thing besides my face, my head was in a weird position, ect ect ect. Shot after shot, I see lots of things that just makes me barf. But I got the shot. It took a lot out of me, but I got it. The deed is done.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i429.photobucket.com/albums/qq13/Phoenix_Jackson/DSLR%20Journey/DoubleTroubleExtra3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://i429.photobucket.com/albums/qq13/Phoenix_Jackson/DSLR%20Journey/DoubleTroubleExtra3.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Double Trouble -- Target Out of Range<br />This could have been my choice despite the flash included in frame. But I was still figuring out this pose and didn't think it's my hands that are placed in focus, rather than my second body's face. But it was the step to finding my final pose for the day.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i429.photobucket.com/albums/qq13/Phoenix_Jackson/DSLR%20Journey/DoubleTrouble3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://i429.photobucket.com/albums/qq13/Phoenix_Jackson/DSLR%20Journey/DoubleTrouble3.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Double Trouble -- Mission Accomplished<br />I didn't realize how hard it was to get precise with this pose. It took me a lot of small changes per frame. But I'm proud of this picture. It wasn't an accident, everything was just right.</td></tr>
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Still having a bit of the photography buzz left in me, I went back to taking simple self-portraits with the speedlight mounted back on camera, and bouncing light on walls. After some minutes, I felt like I got nothing left to do. But previewing my last couple of shots on the camera's LCD, I realized I looked like I was taking pictures for a HighSchool ID. Or a passport picture. Or NBI. Or any of those bland and ugly mugshots. Eeek!<br />
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So to conclude the photography session, the story of these photographs, and today's blog, here's my very last shot of the day.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i429.photobucket.com/albums/qq13/Phoenix_Jackson/DSLR%20Journey/DoubleTroubleEpilogue.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://i429.photobucket.com/albums/qq13/Phoenix_Jackson/DSLR%20Journey/DoubleTroubleEpilogue.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Scream</td></tr>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12744293896257194526noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3343603737882106027.post-36612938747206483302012-11-07T22:01:00.001+09:002012-11-07T22:01:36.731+09:00Insisting Subject<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i429.photobucket.com/albums/qq13/Phoenix_Jackson/DSLR%20Journey/7Shade.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://i429.photobucket.com/albums/qq13/Phoenix_Jackson/DSLR%20Journey/7Shade.jpg" width="214" /></a></div>
There's another subject that's been bugging me for a long time (even today) that makes me want to keep going back to the scene. Good thing it's not so far. But let me paraphrase something that kept me going when I I'm about to give up:<br />
"When something caught your eye, there must be something in there. Don't give up and keep looking." --Scott Kelby<br />
Let me also add one thing that I told my friend, <a href="http://www.fredmountphotography.com/">Frederick Mount</a> (Check him out!), while we were talking about our media:<br />
"Sometimes it's not what you just see in there but what you put in there (to complete the scene)" --Jackson<br />
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My first visit with this shed, I had no idea what to do with it. I kept going round and around it. Losing light, I just gave up and took a couple of pictures of what's around it. These were still during my earlier days where I'm still figuring out other techniques and stuff.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i429.photobucket.com/albums/qq13/Phoenix_Jackson/DSLR%20Journey/_MG_2531.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="316" src="http://i429.photobucket.com/albums/qq13/Phoenix_Jackson/DSLR%20Journey/_MG_2531.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Warm Colors in Cold Weather<br />I could criticize this photo until it dies but the time I took this and saw it on screen, I was proud of it. All that mattered to me was getting enough reflection of the island. Back then, I didn't even know much about horizons and rule-of-thirds and exposures and all that blah.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="388" src="http://i429.photobucket.com/albums/qq13/Phoenix_Jackson/DSLR%20Journey/_MG_2533.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pretty Much What I Can Do<br />At this time, this is one technique I can do. Not so great but I was always excited to photograph light trails on interesting roads. Although this was just half of its "interestingness" it's pretty much what I could do that time. Maybe it's time to revisit this one too?</td></tr>
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<a href="http://i429.photobucket.com/albums/qq13/Phoenix_Jackson/DSLR%20Journey/_MG_2533.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><br /><a href="http://i429.photobucket.com/albums/qq13/Phoenix_Jackson/DSLR%20Journey/_MG_2533.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
My second visit was even more infuriating. I went back to the scene and see nothing has changed. Nothing! I still roamed around and in and out of the subject. The spots I took picture of are still there. Yet the subject that I meant to photograph is still not speaking to me. So I end up going further down the road to check what else was out there.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i429.photobucket.com/albums/qq13/Phoenix_Jackson/6310351198_c1da2d3bb4_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="440" src="http://i429.photobucket.com/albums/qq13/Phoenix_Jackson/6310351198_c1da2d3bb4_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Consolation<br />Don't get me wrong. I like this picture. But it felt more like a consolation prize. And "A for effort" thing for just coming here. I'm also curious about this bundling of straws 'cause it's one of those Korean thing that I'm not so informed of.</td></tr>
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I took a different approach on my third visit. My initial thought was to photograph some star trails. This scene came into plan when I was figuring out a good foreground for the sky. At the same time, I was trying to learn the progression of sky's blueness and at which time is best to take them. So there's a lot of factors on the plate. But by the time I went back to the place, the sun was coming out too fast. Plans changed and I try to scramble what other things could play while the light isn't still too harsh.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i429.photobucket.com/albums/qq13/Phoenix_Jackson/DSLR%20Journey/DyingyetServing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://i429.photobucket.com/albums/qq13/Phoenix_Jackson/DSLR%20Journey/DyingyetServing.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">To the Max<br />The other half of the "interesting road" I mentioned above. Well, I still find this road interesting but it looks bare. I figured I'd add Max to the image to give a bit more "travel" theme. I think it worked. Max looked sexy despite his age and condition.</td></tr>
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I ended up taking a trip back home and <a href="http://koreajourneys.blogspot.kr/2012/05/i-was-born-to-ride-and-take-pictures.html">took pictures of some other things on my way</a>. It was a productive day but not the products I initially aimed for.<br />
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This was when I gave up. No matter how many times I visit this shed, I could never find a way to photograph it to my satisfaction. It's not like I tried. But in every corner with every envisioning, I can't come up with anything.<br />
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Some time passed by and I watched one of <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FpHMuK7Htic">Scott Kelby's Google+</a> seminar (found it by accident). As he said, I shouldn't give up. So again, since it's been a while, I decided to revisit this shed. It was late in the afternoon, overcast so I shouldn't expect blue skies, but night time is mostly where I shine. This time, I decided to just shoot whenever I have a slight idea. Fix it later if I see something. I guess shooting something to learn from, is better than visualizing alone.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i429.photobucket.com/albums/qq13/Phoenix_Jackson/DSLR%20Journey/1Shade.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://i429.photobucket.com/albums/qq13/Phoenix_Jackson/DSLR%20Journey/1Shade.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shed 1<br />First attempt. I thought of framing the whole shed but with all the shrubbery and unnecessary posts/sign/houses/wires/trees going around, I got frustrated and just shot it this way. In one way, I like the bokeh at the left. On another, it doesn't belong to the whole image, I think.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shed 2<br />This time I took a tighter shot. I think this is not the best view of the subject but it's also the cleanest. This time I'm focusing on the markings. I just thought it should look a bit more Korean than anything else.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shed 3<br />At this time I was panicking 'cause I'm losing light really fast. If I have any more ideas before it gets dark, that was the time. But with really low light, I can't think of anything else... and then it hit me! Light! That's what I needed to create a bit of drama. I get lots of them from cars passing by every 5 minutes. I also had my speedlight and flashlight with me... and good old Max.</td></tr>
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Dancing back and forth, round and around this shed again, I realized it wasn't the shed that's bugging me. It was what I'm not adding there. No matter which angle I shoot this subject, it'll still be an empty shed. The idea dawned to me when I started adding light from different directions. Sometimes I wait for buses/cars to pass by and take a shot. Sometimes I couldn't wait long enough that I park Max somewhere and hit the lights. I got to the point where I was satisfied with the lights and shadows (This is one thing I like with night shooting. The lights can stay where I want them... no chasing). The shed pictures still seem a bit empty to me. Then a thought struck me; adding a human element might help. There's no other human around but me (or if there'd be someone willing to help out). So I thought, "Why not?"<br />
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While thinking of how I can add myself to the scene, setting up extra gear and everything else, I also thought of what my poses should be. Now I'm not fond of setting up scenes to photograph. Let alone posing for my own portrait. But I had to roll with my trail of thoughts. And the trail lead me to add this day to "Tell your story in four frames." An idea I copied from a <a href="http://www.flickr.com/groups/visualstory/">Flickr Group</a>. So here goes nothing...<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chapter 1 "Empty."</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chapter 2 "Still Waiting."</td></tr>
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Since I already evoked my feelings (This shade is empty... so is my world. And waiting for something to happen... like a good picture) in 2 frames, I was running out of ideas. But I know my story isn't finished yet. Then I remembered my ghost shot. <a href="http://koreajourneys.blogspot.kr/2012/06/flash-vs-flashlight.html">A happy accident</a>. And I wouldn't want to waste what I learned from that picture.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chapter 3 "Uncertainty"</td></tr>
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I'm about completely satisfied with the image above. I got my ghost image of myself and the emotion was spot-on (I believe so). But since it's a four-frame story, I have to come up with a finish. This time, I analyzed the timing to make myself a bit more translucent but highlights should make a strong shape. I also noticed I missed some lighting in front of the scene. But I can't figure out how to do it since my hands were full.<br />
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Something happened in the middle of this shooting session. For some reason, a car came aggressively straight and parked very near me. With its head lights flashed so rudely to my camera. Whoever was in there, I think he noticed me going back and forth and around that shed and got curious/suspicious. Probably a park police of some sort. I was upset that the driver kept his lights on as if watching what I'd do next.<br />
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But this gave me an idea. I used the car's lights to give me back light, and use Max's to illuminate the front of the subject. Lemons to lemonade, I guess. But I was still upset. It's a very good thing I got the shot I wanted. Because after 2 takes (it took them 10 minutes to stay there watching me... with their lights on), the car left.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chapter 4 "Wait Eternal"</td></tr>
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This day with the shed taught me a bunch of things even without knowing. Sometimes visualizing is not enough. Although I spent a lot of camera clicks, it's what it took for me to learn. It's not also giving up without giving everything you got. I was hesitant during my previous visits, and got nothing. I went back and just clicked away, and one shot lead to another. I also needed to learn how to work with whatever comes. Losing light, cars passing by, cars parking, que serra serra. The best part though is that I got a shot. Not exactly what I initially thought but I was satisfied.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12744293896257194526noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3343603737882106027.post-8675931786396176762012-10-29T21:45:00.000+09:002012-10-29T21:45:53.827+09:00Gamers Night: When too many fun stuff collide. <a href="http://i429.photobucket.com/albums/qq13/Phoenix_Jackson/DSLR%20Journey/Curtain1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://i429.photobucket.com/albums/qq13/Phoenix_Jackson/DSLR%20Journey/Curtain1.jpg" width="320" /></a> I know I have not posted anything for some time. But I have taken pictures once in a while. Some of them really worth writing with pictures I'm proud of. But some events have gone ahead that need to be posted first. <br />
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But here's the thing: I'm not really good with people and spontaneous shooting. Almost all the shots I took needed work, and still I'm not too happy after all. And these shots are "moments" which can not be redone. <br />
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Definitely not my forte. But Street and Journalistic photography are fields I really want to get into. I'm just really bad at it and desperately need tutelage. That doesn't meant I didn't keep on trying, though.<br />
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I belong to a group of gamers stuck in Korea. Nothing but normal foreigners who love to play games from consoles or PC. We try to meet once in a while to have some fun. Play games, get drunk (not me), and enjoy hangover while playing games again. It's the core of this blog's photos.<br />
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I didn't know what to expect during out first meeting. So as I commonly do, I just bring along my bag full of camera gear with me just in case. I get to meet new people for the first time, go to bars for the first time in a long time, and clubs for after 10 years. Places, people, and events where I don't find it comfortable to just randomly take out my camera and shoot. The meeting lasted the whole night and the day after it. I got a chance to take only one photo that time.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Furtive<br />Jon's blurred face was intentional. The woman's reflection was my intended subject. But I wished Jon's face wasn't blurred as much. No second take here as the woman noticed and covered the mirror after this first and only shot.</td></tr>
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Our second meeting was in Daejon. This time, I insisted to myself to be the photographer of this meeting. I expected a lot of gaming. A lot of gamers. And I have lots of scenes in my mind. I wanted to take pictures of people having fun while trying to beat the crap out of each other... through gaming. If ever things won't go as planned, I had the whole weekend to spend roaming around Daejon.<br />
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Unfortunately, everything didn't go according to plan. Due to my day job, I arrived late and alone. But what made everything go wrong was when I lost my phone, the minute I got off the bus... the last bus going to Daejon and no other bus coming back. This ruined my mood for anything. When I arrived at the venue, it wasn't what I expected either. And with my bad mood, I just couldn't think creatively that night. I forced myself taking pictures. But they're all snaps. I could've just used my phone's camera... oh yeah, that was lost.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i429.photobucket.com/albums/qq13/Phoenix_Jackson/DSLR%20Journey/Jon1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="512" src="http://i429.photobucket.com/albums/qq13/Phoenix_Jackson/DSLR%20Journey/Jon1.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Faux Hawk<br />Jon's the shy one. I see his Facebook page filled with pictures of him making faces. None of them show what he normally looks like which, in this case, is what I got. It wasn't intentional (like I said, they were all supposed to be playing some games) but it's what I can come up with.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i429.photobucket.com/albums/qq13/Phoenix_Jackson/DSLR%20Journey/Gav1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://i429.photobucket.com/albums/qq13/Phoenix_Jackson/DSLR%20Journey/Gav1.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Not So Shy<br />Well at least someone in this group wasn't too camera shy. Gav was one of the gamers I was keen to personally meet here in Daejon. I wish I took more pictures of him in action.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i429.photobucket.com/albums/qq13/Phoenix_Jackson/DSLR%20Journey/Dave1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://i429.photobucket.com/albums/qq13/Phoenix_Jackson/DSLR%20Journey/Dave1.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hangover<br />Again, one of my new-found friends who happen to be camera shy. This picture was taken sort-of candid as he just woke up and was talking. To be honest, the only good shot I got out of Dave since he too makes faces.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i429.photobucket.com/albums/qq13/Phoenix_Jackson/DSLR%20Journey/Chris1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://i429.photobucket.com/albums/qq13/Phoenix_Jackson/DSLR%20Journey/Chris1.jpg" width="560" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Morning Rituals<br />Nothing makes a guy look better than right after a shave. Chris is one of the guys who could be annoyed with my flash works but just lets me do my thing... until he can't take it anymore.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i429.photobucket.com/albums/qq13/Phoenix_Jackson/DSLR%20Journey/Curtain1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://i429.photobucket.com/albums/qq13/Phoenix_Jackson/DSLR%20Journey/Curtain1.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">When the Curtains Close<br />Now THIS is more me. It was only when everyone settled down to sleep as morning breaks, that I found a scene that speaks to me. Trying not to bother everyone, I refrained from taking out my tripod and just shot this hand-held.</td></tr>
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I took a lot more pictures here but I performed so bad, that I'm ashamed to show anything else than the above. And since my plans were ruined, I decided to go back home and spend the rest of the weekend angry at my self. But if there's one thing I learned from this photo op, it's that I desperately need to learn more about using speedlite. I think I skipped a couple of steps and went straight to being creative with light, but disregard the basics of flash photography. Well, who could blame me? If you search for "flash photography" online, you'll find nothing but the more advanced techniques rather than, let's say, pre-school of using flash.<br />
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Third meeting. This time in Suwon. I felt confident bringing my gear along with me to a familiar place. Chris, Dave, and Jon, got me a stuffed croc named Spikey. A prize they got from shooting stuff with a BB gun... I think it was the only "game" related thing we did that night.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i429.photobucket.com/albums/qq13/Phoenix_Jackson/DSLR%20Journey/Croc2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://i429.photobucket.com/albums/qq13/Phoenix_Jackson/DSLR%20Journey/Croc2.jpg" width="428" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Spikey<br />Or name changes to Snappy when it gets angry... or so they said. Nevertheless, he's now the proud owner of Meow's former carrier bag.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i429.photobucket.com/albums/qq13/Phoenix_Jackson/DSLR%20Journey/Croc1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://i429.photobucket.com/albums/qq13/Phoenix_Jackson/DSLR%20Journey/Croc1.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Camera Shy? Are you sure?<br />Trying to take pictures of some street performers who are disappointingly camera shy, Dave got in the action with Spikey. This is his normal photo face.</td></tr>
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It was Friday night and of course the streets are busy. Lots of stuff happening around. Some, I have not seen before during my Suwon rounds. We also met some girls who partied along with us for the night. It's a good thing they don't really shy away from my camera.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i429.photobucket.com/albums/qq13/Phoenix_Jackson/DSLR%20Journey/Laala.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://i429.photobucket.com/albums/qq13/Phoenix_Jackson/DSLR%20Journey/Laala.jpg" width="428" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">For $20<br />Although it was this guy with his drum that caught my attention, his partner (guitarist above) already showed signs of not wanting his pictures taken. Rushing before this guy loses his cool, I had to snap the hell out of it and just hope I get something good enough to show. Feeling the tension from the people around, watching me, I had to cough up 20,000 won for the two.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i429.photobucket.com/albums/qq13/Phoenix_Jackson/DSLR%20Journey/Nep.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://i429.photobucket.com/albums/qq13/Phoenix_Jackson/DSLR%20Journey/Nep.jpg" width="428" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Aegyo 1<br />One of the girls we met and get to join us for the night. I happen to like this picture despite her pose. I guess this is what she means by being cute.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Aegyo 2<br />There are some parts in this picture that I wish I had on the above. This is why I couldn't choose between the two.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i429.photobucket.com/albums/qq13/Phoenix_Jackson/DSLR%20Journey/Jon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://i429.photobucket.com/albums/qq13/Phoenix_Jackson/DSLR%20Journey/Jon.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Poker Face?<br />This is one of my favorites of Jon's pictures. Nothing but a simple look at the camera.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i429.photobucket.com/albums/qq13/Phoenix_Jackson/DSLR%20Journey/Nep3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://i429.photobucket.com/albums/qq13/Phoenix_Jackson/DSLR%20Journey/Nep3.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Phone Hypnotism<br />The other girl we met that night. I really didn't care what their name was, or what they do. That's up to the rest of my comrades. What mattered to me was how I could creatively take a picture of her. I like her face. And I'm glad I got one nice frame.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i429.photobucket.com/albums/qq13/Phoenix_Jackson/DSLR%20Journey/Nep4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://i429.photobucket.com/albums/qq13/Phoenix_Jackson/DSLR%20Journey/Nep4.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Conversation Is The Key<br />It's when these people talk to each other that they let their guard down a bit. Of course, they still try to look good but not over-the-top like when they pose in front of the camera. To me, this is when I see their pretty faces.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i429.photobucket.com/albums/qq13/Phoenix_Jackson/DSLR%20Journey/Hmm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://i429.photobucket.com/albums/qq13/Phoenix_Jackson/DSLR%20Journey/Hmm.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Love and Hate<br />The title is about me. One of the things I love about Dave is how he looks good without even trying, and does not know it. But looking good without trying, and not know it, is what I hate about him too. I hate that these guys feel the need to distort their faces whenever their pictures are taken.</td></tr>
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Yes, it was night time and I get to do low-light photography. But it's still different when the subjects aren't static. I'm not confident using flash in the streets as it really attracts attention. In fact, my camera alone takes much attention. But I was relieved when I saw one spot that took me to a comfortable zone: An arrow on the street.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i429.photobucket.com/albums/qq13/Phoenix_Jackson/DSLR%20Journey/Arrow1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://i429.photobucket.com/albums/qq13/Phoenix_Jackson/DSLR%20Journey/Arrow1.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bokeh<br />Since I'm still collecting pictures of these arrows painted on the street, I'm glad I found one quite busy and interesting. Many of these don't have interesting lights behind it. But this one is more than I could ask for. Busy and colorful lights with cars and people passing by. The changes come and go every minute that makes me want to stay here all night.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i429.photobucket.com/albums/qq13/Phoenix_Jackson/DSLR%20Journey/Arrow2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://i429.photobucket.com/albums/qq13/Phoenix_Jackson/DSLR%20Journey/Arrow2.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Flare<br />I have always been confident with my lens's (Samyang 85mm) ability to handle flare. In fact, this is the very first time I got one from directly pointing it towards the light (I've done this many times before and got no flare). Maybe it's the night mist, maybe it's the smoke, or maybe my glass wasn't cleaned thoroughly. But this is a happy accident. Technically a flaw but aesthetically adds a lot of character to this image. I like it.</td></tr>
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<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i429.photobucket.com/albums/qq13/Phoenix_Jackson/DSLR%20Journey/Smoke2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://i429.photobucket.com/albums/qq13/Phoenix_Jackson/DSLR%20Journey/Smoke2.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Smoke<br />I very much liked this capture. But the post-processing was confusing. There's a way I want to emphasize the smoke but I can't figure out how. So far, this is the best I could come up with.</td></tr>
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The night was over and we decided to meet again the next day. It was fortunate that we parted as dawn was about to break. I saw a spot near Chris's place in Dongtan where I could try to catch a bit more dark before light comes. I hurriedly took some test shots and immediately changed my lens to 18-55mm. Usually during sunsets, we chase the light before it's completely gone. In this case, it's more like the nick of time. Shoot too early and I get nothing but black sky. Shoot even a minute too late and I'll get a washed out sky... I shot about 30 seconds too late.<br />
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i429.photobucket.com/albums/qq13/Phoenix_Jackson/DSLR%20Journey/Suwon1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://i429.photobucket.com/albums/qq13/Phoenix_Jackson/DSLR%20Journey/Suwon1.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Into the Light<br />It took me quite some post-processing with this image when I think I could have alleviated a lot of my problems, should I have shot a bit earlier. This demands a revisit.</td></tr>
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<br />
Time went by very fast. It was early night and I was near Suwon Station, deciding whether to meet the guys at Dongtan or visit another friend of mine nearby. Some people in green uniform suddenly appeared beside me and set some tables and food. People with compartment trays fell in line as the guys in uniform gave them some food. I wasn't too curious as I saw this happen near Seoul Station before. Hoping I could get some journalistic shots, I went trigger-happy with my camera (something I don't really like doing. I like to be more precise per shot, rather than shoot randomly and hope for the best).<br />
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i429.photobucket.com/albums/qq13/Phoenix_Jackson/DSLR%20Journey/Food1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://i429.photobucket.com/albums/qq13/Phoenix_Jackson/DSLR%20Journey/Food1.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rice Comes First<br />Even in the Philippines, when food is served, rice always comes first. I guess it's an Asian thing.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i429.photobucket.com/albums/qq13/Phoenix_Jackson/DSLR%20Journey/Food3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://i429.photobucket.com/albums/qq13/Phoenix_Jackson/DSLR%20Journey/Food3.jpg" width="428" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Be Shy, Stay Hungry<br />Most of them noticed me taking pictures. But they'd rather mind their meal than me. I can feel their discomfort. That's why I tried to work as fast as I can.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i429.photobucket.com/albums/qq13/Phoenix_Jackson/DSLR%20Journey/Food4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://i429.photobucket.com/albums/qq13/Phoenix_Jackson/DSLR%20Journey/Food4.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Green Samaritan<br />These functions drain a lot of energy. Preparation, cooking, and serving, would tire me much that I won't have the strength to smile. Yet these people in green seem to be happy with their work. They even had some time to make short conversations with the people hurrying to get their food.</td></tr>
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<br />
It was until I saw someone finally cracked and pointed at me, that I stopped shooting and retreat to a corner. I was setting my camera back in my bag when that pointing guy started scolding at me. At this point, I really didn't care. I was just forcing myself to shoot in the first place. I didn't apologize. I just said, "It's done." and ignored him. He walked away in disgust but I knew he couldn't do more. He was too hungry to care.<br />
<br />
I think I failed this journalistic part again. The images I took didn't make up a story. I myself didn't have a story as I was shooting. Like I said, I didn't get curious. I didn't delve into what's going on, and I think it shows in the photos.<br />
<br />
Nothing much happened the rest of the night. At least nothing that inspired me to hold my camera again. I decided to see my other friend before meeting the guys. On my way, I saw a teddy hanging by a wire. Sadly staring in the open. Which is the last photo of today's blog.<br />
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i429.photobucket.com/albums/qq13/Phoenix_Jackson/DSLR%20Journey/SadTeddy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://i429.photobucket.com/albums/qq13/Phoenix_Jackson/DSLR%20Journey/SadTeddy.jpg" width="428" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Happy???<br />How ironic that this little guy seems to have taken suicide with the word, "Happy" on its shirt.</td></tr>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12744293896257194526noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3343603737882106027.post-52875194549388853182012-09-20T11:43:00.000+09:002012-09-20T11:43:07.981+09:00Lens Caps and some Yelling<a href="http://i429.photobucket.com/albums/qq13/Phoenix_Jackson/DSLR%20Journey/SiameseBag_zps12b1fe3f.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://i429.photobucket.com/albums/qq13/Phoenix_Jackson/DSLR%20Journey/SiameseBag_zps12b1fe3f.jpg" width="320" /></a> Last part of "<a href="http://koreajourneys.blogspot.com/2012/07/let-me-do-it-right-this-time-part-6.html">Let me do it right this time</a>" was just half of the last day I spent in Seoul (to take photographs). On my quest to get a replacement for my lost lens cap, I got a bit more lessons on the street that I wasn't really prepared for.<br />
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<a name='more'></a><br /><br />
First lesson learned the hard way. The missing lens cap was from Samyang 85mm, which I was sure it was a 72mm cap. I decided to get a generic one without a name 'cause I find it a little pretentious putting a Nikon or a Canon cap on a 3rd party lens. Namyang was supposed to be the place to go (in Seoul) when it comes to camera gear. At the store, I specifically asked for a no-named 72mm lens cap. But when I tried to fit it on my lens, it was slightly bigger. I thought I made the mistake with the size, so I went back to the shop, bought a 67mm lens, and it didn't fit again. Now this upsets me because once you open the product, you can not return it. Out of frustration, I went to another store and gave in, thinking the "no-name" part was to blame. I thought my first 72mm lens cap had a factory default. To avoid that, I went ahead and bought a Nikon lens cap... 3 times more expensive because of the brand. Well, it did fit. And I'm slightly happy. But when I went home, I examined my first 72mm cap and apparently it was 77mm. Ok, I got it. Examine the thing thoroughly before reacting. Lesson learned.<br />
<br />
But that wasn't the interesting part of the afternoon. It was what happened after I bought the right sized lens cap...<br />
<br />
Seoul, as typically all cities, on a typical Sunday, is very noisy. You can hear someone shouting something through a megaphone/speaker on every turn. So I wasn't listening to whatever (I thought) advertisement they're shouting on the street. That was, until I saw traffic stopped for people to pass by. A demonstration!<br />
<br />
I didn't see many photographers lurking and that gave me the boost. With a manual lens stuck on my camera, I think this is the time to test what I can do so far.<br />
<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i429.photobucket.com/albums/qq13/Phoenix_Jackson/DSLR%20Journey/SiameseBag_zps12b1fe3f.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://i429.photobucket.com/albums/qq13/Phoenix_Jackson/DSLR%20Journey/SiameseBag_zps12b1fe3f.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Siamese Bag<br />I'm not sure if I like these two dogs being stuck the whole afternoon in this bag, but it was quite an attraction. I like that the owner allowed me to take pictures too. She even helped out when the two weren't looking at me (hence the hand).</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i429.photobucket.com/albums/qq13/Phoenix_Jackson/DSLR%20Journey/Nganga_zps0ea6a1cc.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://i429.photobucket.com/albums/qq13/Phoenix_Jackson/DSLR%20Journey/Nganga_zps0ea6a1cc.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Say It With Conviction<br />I think they were chanting in response to what their leader was saying. I wasn't listening as I'm totally focused on what I'm seeing. And I saw a strong outburst of emotion... if that makes sense.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i429.photobucket.com/albums/qq13/Phoenix_Jackson/DSLR%20Journey/Strike_zpsd644fb1b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://i429.photobucket.com/albums/qq13/Phoenix_Jackson/DSLR%20Journey/Strike_zpsd644fb1b.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Show It With Conviction<br />Now this, I think, need no sound. In my years here in South Korea, whenever a "demonstration" was discussed, this gesture with the fist means only one thing: Strike! But what I so love with this woman was her facial expression. I admire that despite the heat and the long walk, she could still shout and raise fist with full emotion.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i429.photobucket.com/albums/qq13/Phoenix_Jackson/DSLR%20Journey/Lookdontlook_zpsf858e7ec.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://i429.photobucket.com/albums/qq13/Phoenix_Jackson/DSLR%20Journey/Lookdontlook_zpsf858e7ec.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Unlike Some Of Them<br />Most of these participants are concerned of exposing their identity (unlike some of them) although they support the cause. I think they're doing fine. As they show less of who they are by covering their faces with "what their message is." </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i429.photobucket.com/albums/qq13/Phoenix_Jackson/DSLR%20Journey/Ngii_zpsaf82dc48.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://i429.photobucket.com/albums/qq13/Phoenix_Jackson/DSLR%20Journey/Ngii_zpsaf82dc48.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Send The Message<br />A lot of them are really devoted to showing their posters and what not. Of course, it's understandable that they also need a break and lower them from time to time. But as I see them notice me, a photographer, it was their cue to lift up those things again. But let me say, it's just their arms that gets tired. They could really shout.</td></tr>
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<br />
As these people pass by, I took the least I could allow myself. After all, it's not about what's happening. It's how much I've grown. It was a test of quality over quantity. I thought to myself, "If I still just shoot randomly and hope at least one of them are decent, I haven't grown."<br />
<br />
The result? I look at these photos and see a LOT to work on to. And my keeper ratio isn't that high. Photo journalism is a field I like but struggle with. But I think I have improved a lot. If I look back to what I can do before, and see what I have done now, I know I did some things right.<br />
<br />
It's still a long way to go. But at least I'm getting there.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12744293896257194526noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3343603737882106027.post-21053302486996639512012-07-23T03:31:00.001+09:002012-07-23T03:31:45.243+09:00Blame It On Lack Of Research<br />
<a href="http://i429.photobucket.com/albums/qq13/Phoenix_Jackson/DSLR%20Journey/Energize.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://i429.photobucket.com/albums/qq13/Phoenix_Jackson/DSLR%20Journey/Energize.jpg" width="320" /></a> So I talked about giving-in to macro photography on my last blog and took some pictures of a bottle's bottom... with a lot of blah blah blah. I also kept mentioning that I don't get much interest out of it despite putting a lot of effort in every shot. I also talk about using extension tubes. There's the problem! I used them without reading much on how to use them.<br />
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<a name='more'></a><br />
I see great images using extension tubes all the time. But I kept wondering, "How on earth did they get such framing and focus on such focal lengths?" I always had a hard time using my nifty fifty with my extension tubes, 'cause I had to get so close to the subject; less than a centimeter more and my lens would touch it. This is why I almost always use my telephoto zoom lens when doing macro. But what I keep reading but never payed attention to, whenever extension tubes were mentioned, is how each ring causes magnification. Yes, I have three (or more) rings on my extension tube. Yes, I noticed they have different lengths. No, I never even thought I could use them separately. THAT was the problem.<br />
<br />
Despite knowing this, I still didn't search a more in-depth article on how to use extension tubes. Instead, I just took the longest ring out and experiment ahead with my camera. Like my dad always say, "Experience is the best teacher." so I was to get some experience.<br />
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Although I had to work until midnight everyday this week, I took my camera to work and took some random shots. Just to get my photography fix. My superior found a (living) beetle/bug, took it and told me (with full excitement) I should take pictures of his find instead of the vague stuff I usually shoot. I was currently taking pictures of our industrial lights.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i429.photobucket.com/albums/qq13/Phoenix_Jackson/DSLR%20Journey/DanboFactory.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://i429.photobucket.com/albums/qq13/Phoenix_Jackson/DSLR%20Journey/DanboFactory.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Danbo Factory<br />
It was the shadows that attracted me here. But looking at this image, it reminded me the time I was envious of those Flickr images of Danbo. I realized I could easily make my own.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i429.photobucket.com/albums/qq13/Phoenix_Jackson/DSLR%20Journey/NoFlare.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://i429.photobucket.com/albums/qq13/Phoenix_Jackson/DSLR%20Journey/NoFlare.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">No Flare<br />
With the human eyes, we could already see some flares caused by these strong lights. I took this picture pointing my camera directly towards the light to show my co-worker how good my lens (Samyang 85mm) was made. No flares unless I overexpose the image.</td></tr>
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<br />
Fortunately, it was 11:50 pm. After work, I took the bug home, put it on a paper cup, and started shooting. "I might as well start shooting with flash too." I thought. The good thin about taking pictures of small things is that I can use any background I want. I could get long strips of white paper but I was too lazy (again) to go outside for that. So I used a small towel instead. White is white and it helped me reflecting more light to the bug... beetle... subject... thingy.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i429.photobucket.com/albums/qq13/Phoenix_Jackson/DSLR%20Journey/Fluffy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://i429.photobucket.com/albums/qq13/Phoenix_Jackson/DSLR%20Journey/Fluffy.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fluffy<br />
On the very first image above, I named it "Energize" and on this one, I ran out of good titles. It's the same image but with a slightly different treatment. To me, Fluffy is better.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i429.photobucket.com/albums/qq13/Phoenix_Jackson/DSLR%20Journey/Hmmm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://i429.photobucket.com/albums/qq13/Phoenix_Jackson/DSLR%20Journey/Hmmm.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hmmm<br />
Well, Bryan Peterson did say, "... try shooting in portrait after landscape orientation." And since I'm experimenting on flash, I might as well do it-- without much thought.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i429.photobucket.com/albums/qq13/Phoenix_Jackson/DSLR%20Journey/WhatYouLookingAT.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://i429.photobucket.com/albums/qq13/Phoenix_Jackson/DSLR%20Journey/WhatYouLookingAT.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">What You Looking At?<br />
This bug kept still for a long time as I took pictures of it. There are times I feel like it's staring at me.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i429.photobucket.com/albums/qq13/Phoenix_Jackson/DSLR%20Journey/Horny.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://i429.photobucket.com/albums/qq13/Phoenix_Jackson/DSLR%20Journey/Horny.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Horny<br />
I'm not really sure if they're horns but they surely remind me of bull's horn. That sexy curve that often immediately catches my attention (I like curves).</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i429.photobucket.com/albums/qq13/Phoenix_Jackson/DSLR%20Journey/MadeInChina.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://i429.photobucket.com/albums/qq13/Phoenix_Jackson/DSLR%20Journey/MadeInChina.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Made in China<br />
The subject started getting skittish (after posing for a long long time) and walked to my ladle. Although I don't like setting up things to photograph, I really wanted to take a picture of it with this marking. But the bug keeps walking and despite the many shots I took, I could only show this as the rest of them are just crap.</td></tr>
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<br />
I can not express how stupid I felt by the time I looked at my LCD preview screen. By simply taking off one ring from my extension tube, I got much better and way more manageable depth of field and distance to the subject. With better DOF, more parts of the subject is in-focus. With better distance, I could have more flexibility with lighting. I do not know why I haven't figured this thing out, when it's obvious that the tube has 3 rings.<br />
<br />
Better late than never, I guess. And I'm glad I get to discover this. It's nice to learn new stuff from time to time. It's gradual which keeps me excited whenever just when I need it. I guess, there's a big chance you'll see me taking more close-up pictures from now on.<br />
<br />
Update: The night after...<br />
<br />
I took a break while I was writing this blog and took a break to take more pictures. You see, while I was showing my co-worker how flare resistant my lens was, the lens reflected the light above it in a number of layers and in different colors. I was surprised of this effect so I tried to capture it on image.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i429.photobucket.com/albums/qq13/Phoenix_Jackson/DSLR%20Journey/FlowersofitsEye.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://i429.photobucket.com/albums/qq13/Phoenix_Jackson/DSLR%20Journey/FlowersofitsEye.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Flowers of its Eye<br />
My kit lens (18-55mm) reflecting light from my little flashlight. It's unfortunate that I couldn't make all those reflections true to its shape instead of bokeh.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Unfortunately, it wasn't as easy as I thought (what else should I expect?). Perhaps I needed properly setting up and better lighting. But I'm definitely going to re-shoot this thing until I'm satisfied.<br />
<br />
Meanwhile, I got curious with how reversing the lens would look like. I don't have a reversing ring but I don't think I'll buy one unless I find it really cheap. But since my Samyang 85mm is my fastest lens, I took it off my camera, place it in front a canon lens cap (55mm), used my phone to light it, and clicked away.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i429.photobucket.com/albums/qq13/Phoenix_Jackson/DSLR%20Journey/TheReverseEffect.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://i429.photobucket.com/albums/qq13/Phoenix_Jackson/DSLR%20Journey/TheReverseEffect.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Reverse Effect<br />
I can see why reversing the lens would help macro shooting. It clearly gives a very nice magnification not a lot of lenses are able to.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
And how could I forget my little point-and-shoot? I never used the "close up" feature that I almost forgot about it. <br />
<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i429.photobucket.com/albums/qq13/Phoenix_Jackson/Setup.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://i429.photobucket.com/albums/qq13/Phoenix_Jackson/Setup.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Setup<br />
55mm Canon lens cap in between Samyang 85mm and my monitor. Then my phone leaning on the lens to illuminate the cap. I tried using my flashlight again, hoping the reflections look better. This was taken by my very humble, very old, very beat-up, yet very reliable, point and shoot camera.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
So, yes. Macro shooting is quite fun and it does challenge me to be a bit creative. If I have something to complain about, it's the need to set up gear. I'm not really a fan of still-life photography, where one has to arrange the subject(s) and lighting and all that stuff. But I guess I could still take macro shots without it, or learn to do the setting up thing. But until then, I'll just keep shooting.<br />
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</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12744293896257194526noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3343603737882106027.post-63179535194039407392012-07-22T11:31:00.000+09:002012-09-05T22:48:24.167+09:00Macroteers!<a href="http://i429.photobucket.com/albums/qq13/Phoenix_Jackson/TheLook.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://i429.photobucket.com/albums/qq13/Phoenix_Jackson/TheLook.jpg" width="200" /></a><br />
<br />
I was never fond of macro shots. Most of the times, I get sick of Facebook pictures of close-up shots of flowers with cheesy captions in it. People like them a lot! I don't!<br />
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<a name='more'></a></div>
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But a lot of times, I end up having macro shots on my Flickr stream. Something just happen to catch my eye, and I know these subjects are meant to be shot really close... like flowers! Often times, I just got nothing else to do, or I just run out of ideas. So I slap on my extension tube and voila! Macro all the way.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The thing is, since I never really delved into the macro world, I lack technique. I just point and shoot. Hell, I lack technique even on my favorite fields, let alone something I just play with occasionally. Then again, I might just be misguided here. I can't say much about the "misguided" part 'cause it'll be on my future blog (How I Started Photography). But just to give a clue, I might just have the wrong impressions about macro photography. So I'm still giving it a try. I might as well use my extension tube, since I got one for free (I don't have a dedicated macro lens).</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i429.photobucket.com/albums/qq13/Phoenix_Jackson/DSLR%20Journey/_MG_3648.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://i429.photobucket.com/albums/qq13/Phoenix_Jackson/DSLR%20Journey/_MG_3648.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Touch<br />
I had took this just for fun. Had a flower float on a basin of water. I think I even have a blog about this, along with washing-my-face scenes after I was done with this subject.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
It was horrible at first. Even a flower can't save me from shooting horribly! But in time, I got a bit better (at least, exposure wise). Somehow, I got a nice shot of a dead dragonfly and some people liked it. And since I was under the "creepy is good" phase, I liked it too.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i429.photobucket.com/albums/qq13/Phoenix_Jackson/DSLR%20Journey/LifeafterDeath.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="442" src="http://i429.photobucket.com/albums/qq13/Phoenix_Jackson/DSLR%20Journey/LifeafterDeath.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Life After Death<br />
Shot of a dead dragonfly I found at work. The time I was shooting, I had my personal assignment of shooting in B&W, but I couldn't resist processing this one.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
And then came this guy calling people in <a href="http://digital-photography-school.com/forum/">DPS(Digital Photography School)</a> to <a href="http://digital-photography-school.com/forum/general-chit-chat/195691-join-macroteers.html">join the Macroteers</a>. I thought, "If these macros keep popping up on my stream, then I might as well indulge." and thought maybe someone will open my eyes here. I'm relieved a lot of the members don't use/have dedicated macro lens. I'd feel left out, if in case.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
And then comes <a href="http://digital-photography-school.com/forum/digital-photography-assignments/196893-assignment-up-close-personal-july-11-25-2012-a.html">DPS's assignment about shooting macro</a>. At first, I feel quite unfortunate. During the previous assignments (e.g. Heat, SOOC, Backlighting, Self-Portraits, Headshots, Landscapes: Urban, etc), I was too busy to take pictures, all the while that those were mostly the fields I'm more comfortable with. But I haven't been submitting any entry and now that I have a bit of time-- it's macro time!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Nothing came to mind at first. I tried to think of subjects and got nothing. But when I asked myself, "Which lens should I choose to use the extender with?" I began to start shooting randomly at anything. Pepper corns, my toe nail, my scar, and just random things I see nearby.<br />
<br />
Then I remembered I took a close-up lens with my little flashlight. The thing about the flashlight is that I'm looking at the subject imaginatively instead of literally with a lot of details... something I think macro is about.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i429.photobucket.com/albums/qq13/Phoenix_Jackson/DSLR%20Journey/InspirationMoon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="564" src="http://i429.photobucket.com/albums/qq13/Phoenix_Jackson/DSLR%20Journey/InspirationMoon.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Inspiration = Moon<br />
Looking through the viewfinder, I thought these little orbs looked more like a couple of different moons with each own characteristics. Their own lighting and cosmic battle scars.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
Still, there was a time when I noticed what's really in those little lights if it's not so much illuminated-- details. The scratches and cracks, the light source and what not. It's there. Thanks to my extension tube, all I have to do is look at it.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i429.photobucket.com/albums/qq13/Phoenix_Jackson/DSLR%20Journey/Batteriesnotincluded.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="596" src="http://i429.photobucket.com/albums/qq13/Phoenix_Jackson/DSLR%20Journey/Batteriesnotincluded.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Batteries Not Included<br />
A little closer look past the illuminating point, and I saw more of what this light is made of.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
The flashlight thing didn't set my mind to 'macro mode' though. But it gave me an idea. My room has nothing but a single, florescent, dim light, and my walls are all covered with black stuff. I thought of mounting the subject over the speedlight or flashlight. I couldn't find my little flashlight and I was too lazy to put fresh batteries on my flash. So what's the next best thing? My smartphone's camera's light. But it was too small to mount anything on it. So I used the flashlight app, to illuminate... a cigarette? Well, that was the first thing that I saw. It didn't work out well, though.<br />
<br />
Basing on my pictures above, I thought of doing the same with my phone's light. As I point my lens to this little source of light, I fell in love with the flares. I wanted details, but I wanted flares too! But as I chimp on my LCD screen on every shot, I don't see any flare at all... well... okay, that's supposed to be very good news for a lens. But I wanted what I saw through the viewfinder. Oh, well. Forget the flare then.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i429.photobucket.com/albums/qq13/Phoenix_Jackson/Flare.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="510" src="http://i429.photobucket.com/albums/qq13/Phoenix_Jackson/Flare.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Robotic Flare<br />
This is the best I could get out of the image when it comes to flare (through post-processing). It was far less than what I saw through the viewfinder. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i429.photobucket.com/albums/qq13/Phoenix_Jackson/Details.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="510" src="http://i429.photobucket.com/albums/qq13/Phoenix_Jackson/Details.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Glint in the Eyes<br />
A bit of cropping and some adjustments on Camera RAW, I got (a bit of) a small world of the phone.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
I easily got tired of this subject. There's nothing else I could do about it and I was too lazy to think (as I've said, I'm not so keen with macro). So I thought of utilizing it for what it's really used for. But to illuminate what? Out of just lost thought, I drank the last of my coffee from its (plastic) bottle. Looking at the bottom of it, I was attracted to the patterns on its molding.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i429.photobucket.com/albums/qq13/Phoenix_Jackson/TheButt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://i429.photobucket.com/albums/qq13/Phoenix_Jackson/TheButt.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Butthole<br />
Looking at a bottle's butt.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
I took about 4 snaps. Looking at them on my computer, I noticed something that got me straight to memory lane. A mark on the bottle that indicates what material it was made of. Then it came to me. Details! I think this is where macro comes in. Seeing what might not be noticed much/often by the naked eye, because it's just too darn small.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i429.photobucket.com/albums/qq13/Phoenix_Jackson/Noticedpet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://i429.photobucket.com/albums/qq13/Phoenix_Jackson/Noticedpet.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It Says So<br />
I laughed when I saw the "recyclable" indication around the "pet" sign. It looked like three dogs swimming around the letters.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Some time ago, when I finally started taking pictures everywhere, with my point-and-shoot, I found a well-organized set of trash bins. One for plastic, one for biodegradable, and one for bottles. <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i429.photobucket.com/albums/qq13/Phoenix_Jackson/Bin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://i429.photobucket.com/albums/qq13/Phoenix_Jackson/Bin.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Recyclable Pets<br />
I took this from one of my Facebook photos. The discussion was from Friendster site which doesn't exist anymore.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
It wasn't a unique bin, either. After noticing this one, I keep seeing the same labels on many trash bins. But all my friends and I had the same reaction: "... pets?" We didn't know anything about disposable/recyclable "pets."<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i429.photobucket.com/albums/qq13/Phoenix_Jackson/Bin2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="382" src="http://i429.photobucket.com/albums/qq13/Phoenix_Jackson/Bin2.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Along With The Garbage<br />
Another shot of a PET bin at a random place in Seoul (I think). Got this from my Facebook photos.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
But yes, I saw that PET mark on the bottle's bottom. To me, it was funny. Maybe to other viewers, it's just that. Nevertheless, I wanted to take pictures of it. I have my tripods just a couple of steps away from me. But my laziness was more dominant than "getting it right." I pointed the bottle's opening to my phone's light, then pointed my lens to the bottle's bottom... err... okay. My laziness was still stronger than comfort and precision. But I've been reading other photographers showing off their nice macro pictures and add, "shot hand-held" and I say, "Fine! I'll do the same!"<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i429.photobucket.com/albums/qq13/Phoenix_Jackson/TheLook.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://i429.photobucket.com/albums/qq13/Phoenix_Jackson/TheLook.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Everything Hand-held<br />
I couldn't resist taking a picture of myself taking another picture. It just felt funny.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
I don't think I will do this shooting-macro-handheld thing again any time soon. Yes, I was too lazy to set up a tripod. And I got a workout in exchange. But I did get something else out of it. A picture that reminded me of myself with a large group of my friends talking about a disposable pet.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i429.photobucket.com/albums/qq13/Phoenix_Jackson/Rawpet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://i429.photobucket.com/albums/qq13/Phoenix_Jackson/Rawpet.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Pet<br />
This is the original image taken straight out of the camera with no extra post-processing except converting from RAW to Jpeg.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Post-processing was a bit stressful. I like the above image as it is, and it's SOOC (Straight Out Of the Camera). But I was worried that there was a lot going on, the PET thing might not stand out much. I ended up with a little too much photoshopping but I wasn't sure this would be my final entry for the (above mentioned) assignment anyway. To me, I just had fun shooting this bottle's bottom.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i429.photobucket.com/albums/qq13/Phoenix_Jackson/Pet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://i429.photobucket.com/albums/qq13/Phoenix_Jackson/Pet.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Over-processed<br />
I'm not liking it very much but I really wanted the "pet" thing to pop-out.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
In the end, I still didn't find much excitement shooting macro. I'm willing to go for more pictures but it just doesn't feel as much as I do when I go out shooting in the streets at night. But I'll keep shooting and writing and hope someone out there would enjoy viewing and reading what I blog about.<br />
<br />
Thanks for reading.</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12744293896257194526noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3343603737882106027.post-31341275958098309302012-07-16T02:38:00.002+09:002012-07-16T02:38:58.841+09:00A Short Video It's been a while since I made a short video. A friend of mine is a serious videographer and has been trying to get me to work with him, but I always refused. I'm scared that I actually end up embarrassing myself. I have a camera. I can video edit. But I never really worked for someone with this.<br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
Anyway, I was never satisfied with my <a href="http://koreajourneys.blogspot.kr/2012/07/let-me-do-it-right-this-time-part-3.html">panorama shot of Namsan Tower</a> when I uploaded them. It felt like the effort didn't match the output. The problem with these images, despite the high resolution and details, you can't see much of it. The whole image is too large; I end up with a tiny one when uploading. What made it worse is <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/14872705@N02/7548623388/in/photostream">flickr making it blurry for some reason</a>.<br />
<br />
The only remedy I could think of is to show it on a video. I might as well show some of my pictures; one panorama would be boring. But the editing part wasn't easy, especially that it has been years since I tinkered with Sony Vegas Pro 9.<br />
<br />
First step was to find some music. Damn, I'm in this age where everyone sues everyone for compensation. I can't find a song where my Youtube account won't get taken off for this "copyright" infringement thing. But I finally saw one that fits the theme and glad it's downloadable... But what does "downloadable" mean? Can I use it for my media? I guess I'll find out someday.<br />
<br />
Slapping the photos wasn't hard. But when it came to show that panoramic shot, I had to spend so much time. Windows Live Movie Maker would actually have done the job, except that it doesn't crop and pan so well. So on to Sony Vegas Pro 9. I forgot that Sony Vegas is also strict when it comes to dimensions and resolutions, so I had to render, see the results, do over. OMG! All I wanted was to show my panorama shot, panning in full screen from left to right!<br />
<br />
I finally did it, though. But that pano was panned a bit too fast, and I'm running out of patience. So I settled for this result.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/Ly6XuJMXPCc?rel=0" width="640"></iframe>
</div>
<br />
By the way, if Anhedonia's Reprise ever find this video or blog, I hope he/she would allow me to keep using the song, "A Stranger is Introduced."<br />
<br />
Thanks for watching/reading.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12744293896257194526noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3343603737882106027.post-17243406082439350422012-07-14T13:57:00.002+09:002012-07-14T13:57:28.331+09:00Let Me Do It Right This Time part 6 This is the last set of pictures I took from this place. My little adventure in Buk-Ahyeon, abandoned area for improvement. From <a href="http://koreajourneys.blogspot.kr/2012/07/let-me-do-it-right-this-time-part-1.html">night shooting of the places the group spotted</a>, to <a href="http://koreajourneys.blogspot.kr/2012/07/let-me-do-it-right-this-time-part-2.html">shooting indoors of other houses for the first time</a>, then <a href="http://koreajourneys.blogspot.kr/2012/07/let-me-do-it-right-this-time-part-3.html">going on top of roofs for a panorama shot</a>, to <a href="http://koreajourneys.blogspot.kr/2012/07/let-me-do-it-right-this-time-part-4.html">shooting in the alleys in daylight</a>, to <a href="http://koreajourneys.blogspot.kr/2012/07/let-me-do-it-right-this-time-part-5.html">shooting indoors again but in another area</a> (and daylight), and now, just a couple more shots I took on the street while leaving this place.<br />
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<a name='more'></a><br />
For each time that I came here, I pass by a small corner that always make me stop and go, "hmmm..." but never got time to think what got my attention about this specific area. Despite being groggy, I decided to give it a go. Composing for a good frame, focusing on different subjects, one after the other, I just can't get a picture that I think would satisfy me. That is, until some people started passing by.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i429.photobucket.com/albums/qq13/Phoenix_Jackson/_MG_4497.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://i429.photobucket.com/albums/qq13/Phoenix_Jackson/_MG_4497.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">From Warmth<br />
The ceiling, the floor, and that tattered covering. Those are what attracted me to this place. But I found out that this cyclist coming from sunshine and life, going to this cold and dead place, is what made the shot for me.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Just a couple of meters ahead was a traffic guy I liked to take pictures of. Yes, my grogginess got me to care less of what people might do to me. I just wanted to snap away, it could be my last visit here. So snap away, I did.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i429.photobucket.com/albums/qq13/Phoenix_Jackson/_MG_4504.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://i429.photobucket.com/albums/qq13/Phoenix_Jackson/_MG_4504.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Look At Me<br />
Although this guy was moving slow, I kept snapping whenever he moves, hoping he'd look at me or close to that. Shooting at people's backs feels a bit too sneaky for me. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i429.photobucket.com/albums/qq13/Phoenix_Jackson/man2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://i429.photobucket.com/albums/qq13/Phoenix_Jackson/man2.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">But... Wait<br />
I finally got him to look at me. But I realized something. He looked at me only because that dog was staring at me for a while now. Then it hit me! I'm more attracted to the dog now.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
If there's anything that I wanted to relay on this blog, it's the story of this dog. The traffic guy was kind and started talking to me. Asking me if I work for a media or something. Then went on telling me about this dog. It's a scraggly dog but doesn't seem to belong to those tough street dogs. This one looked fragile. Scared but wanting.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i429.photobucket.com/albums/qq13/Phoenix_Jackson/dog2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://i429.photobucket.com/albums/qq13/Phoenix_Jackson/dog2.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lost<br />
This dog comes near a person and just stares. But was never willing to come closer to arm's reach.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
The dog's story, told by the traffic guy, touched me so much that I wanted to do something. But at my current state, I don't have much. By the time I went home, I immediately <a href="http://koreajourneys.blogspot.kr/2012/06/urgent-call-plea-to-animal-rescuers.html">wrote a blog and published it</a>. Time frame didn't matter to me in this case. I knew <a href="http://www.facebook.com/groups/106254800455/">only one place to ask for help</a>.<br />
<br />
I got lots of quick responses. <a href="http://www.scribd.com/doc/100046083/Hoochoo-Correspondence">But if you read the correspondence</a> (PDF view down below) about this dog, you'll find lots of caring people here in Korea. That includes the traffic guy, who played a huge role on rescuing this dog. It's a she, and her name is Hoochoo (Korean for "black pepper"). After some days of rescue attempts and discussions, <a data-ft="{"tn":";"}" data-hovercard="/ajax/hovercard/user.php?id=533224581" href="http://www.facebook.com/mzjennylee" style="color: #3b5998; cursor: pointer; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13.333333015441895px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 11.333333015441895px; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;">Jenny Jong-Hwa Lee</a> finally succeeded rescuing Hoochoo (and rightfully given the name). I felt so much relief to find out she's healthy as ever, with only some dietary needs. Hoochoo is now under Jenny's care. As she gets up to tip-top shape, the next step is to find her a permanent and loving home.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.scribd.com/doc/100046083/Hoochoo-Correspondence" style="-x-system-font: none; display: block; font-family: Helvetica,Arial,Sans-serif; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 12px auto 6px auto; text-decoration: underline;" title="View Hoochoo Correspondence on Scribd">Hoochoo Correspondence</a><iframe class="scribd_iframe_embed" data-aspect-ratio="0.519524617996604" data-auto-height="true" frameborder="0" height="600" id="doc_60610" scrolling="no" src="http://www.scribd.com/embeds/100046083/content?start_page=1&view_mode=list&access_key=key-14y4tx8jpr4qs7gtj9p" width="100%"></iframe>
<br />
<br />
Jenny has been kind enough to update us about Hoochoo on <a href="http://www.facebook.com/groups/106254800455/">Animal Rescue Korea group page</a> on Facebook along with pictures. Amazing changes in a matter of days. It only comes to show how much care and compassion could go a long long way.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.scribd.com/doc/100046249/Hoochoo-Update" style="-x-system-font: none; display: block; font-family: Helvetica,Arial,Sans-serif; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 12px auto 6px auto; text-decoration: underline;" title="View Hoochoo Update on Scribd">Hoochoo Update</a><iframe class="scribd_iframe_embed" data-aspect-ratio="0.597073170731707" data-auto-height="true" frameborder="0" height="600" id="doc_26912" scrolling="no" src="http://www.scribd.com/embeds/100046249/content?start_page=1&view_mode=list&access_key=key-2b3tbd7eeu1qdbb607t" width="100%"></iframe>
<br />
<br />
Lots of effort has been done for Hoochoo. And I'm sure there's more she needs. It's not just about vet bills. It's not just about a roof over her head. It's more about a loving home. A family. A place where she could settle permanently. Even from the first time I saw her on the street, I can tell she is a promising companion. The way she looks at you with intent surely says she has a big heart to give. All she's asking is a chance.<br />
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And with that, I share one last link to her profile: <a href="http://www.animalrescuekorea.org/dog/1099">http://www.animalrescuekorea.org/dog/1099</a><br />
<br />
I'd like to sincerely thank the members of Animal Rescue Korea, along with the construction workers in Ahyeon. If it wasn't for them, Hoochoo may have gone through much more tougher times than she deserves.<br />
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And if there's anything I'd like to ask, more than view counts on my blog, it is to help this precious dog to a final home. I really hope that there's someone out there destined to have her. After all, it was never denied that a dog is a man's best friend.<br />
<br />
I will have time to take more pictures of her someday. And before that comes, I'll make sure I'd have enough practice to justify her good looks.<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
=== But wait! There's more! ===</div>
<br />
Let's go back to when I was talking to the traffic guy...<br />
<br />
After a roller-coaster ride of emotions, I had to leave the premise. Another Korean guy was sitting in front of a Family Mart, noticed what happened and struck a small conversation with me. "If you heard the story of the dog, then listen to the story of the people here too." he said. His sentiments are valid. Most (if not all) residents here were forced to leave this place for the sake of improvement. I don't know if they're compensated or not. But if I was in their position, I'd dearly lament for my home's history. Change is inevitable. But that doesn't mean it's welcomed with open arms all the time.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i429.photobucket.com/albums/qq13/Phoenix_Jackson/DSLR%20Journey/_MG_4514.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://i429.photobucket.com/albums/qq13/Phoenix_Jackson/DSLR%20Journey/_MG_4514.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">There Are People Here<br />
The title is a rough translation of jut a few of those printed words displayed in this small space. I believe these are the few who still protests against their relocation. Whatever their reasons, however they are now, I wish them luck.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
The problem is, I am no media person. I do not work for any newspaper or radio, and I don't have the power and means to reach out to them. I was simply here to take pictures. The best I could do is to write this.<br />
<br />
I had to sit down in front of Ahyeon station to think about my next step. There are some other places to go to, but I need replenishing and some rest. Besides, I was dead-set on getting a lens cap for my Samyang. But one last stop before I take the stairs down to the subway, I took one last picture of what looked like a parking space. But I could trust my brain to think. I just shoot.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i429.photobucket.com/albums/qq13/Phoenix_Jackson/DSLR%20Journey/_MG_4515.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://i429.photobucket.com/albums/qq13/Phoenix_Jackson/DSLR%20Journey/_MG_4515.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Leave Cares Behind<br />
Which view to choose? The busy street in front, or the chaotic job behind?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
As I sleep for the rest of the day, I have to conclude this adventure too. A lot more has happened this day. But those were from another place, in a different situation. Something I think doesn't relate much to the "Abandoned" theme and deserves a separate article. So yes, I think I did it right this time. I'm happy with my pictures, and I'm glad I could finally post some of them, to show gratitude to my fellow Urbex photographers, who took me under their wing.<br />
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Thanks for reading.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12744293896257194526noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3343603737882106027.post-10216100627078710692012-07-14T02:48:00.004+09:002012-07-14T02:48:44.105+09:00Let Me Do It Right This Time part 5 Part 5 of my still long-winded blog about this place. It's daytime. No more light painting. And more challenging scenes for me. I'm not so good with day shots, but I have to make the best of it.<br />
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<a name='more'></a><br />
Right off the bat, I saw one building falling apart next to another. Most of the corners were blah as I only see scattered wood and bricks here and there. But I see some graffiti and murals that I found really interesting at any angle. The challenge was to get that shot that'll make viewers take more look into the picture... pressure as always. Back in part 4, I forgot to mention that I took pictures of some graffiti only because I see similar pictures come up when I search Google for "urbex." I didn't get it then. But I still took pictures, hoping it'll come to me. Well in this corner of this place, seeing these figures of art, I'm slowly getting why such scenes are captured. Still, despite the awe, it is still quite challenging to evoke my feelings with a single image.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i429.photobucket.com/albums/qq13/Phoenix_Jackson/DSLR%20Journey/_MG_4474.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://i429.photobucket.com/albums/qq13/Phoenix_Jackson/DSLR%20Journey/_MG_4474.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">XD<br />
This could have been here before demolition. But I find these smileys ironic in a situation where everything else around it is pure destruction.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s429.photobucket.com/albums/qq13/Phoenix_Jackson/DSLR%20Journey/?action=view&current=_MG_4494.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" height="426" src="http://i429.photobucket.com/albums/qq13/Phoenix_Jackson/DSLR%20Journey/_MG_4494.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Humor<br />Switching lenses for a wider view, I got what I think is a better representation of the scene.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i429.photobucket.com/albums/qq13/Phoenix_Jackson/DSLR%20Journey/_MG_4475.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://i429.photobucket.com/albums/qq13/Phoenix_Jackson/DSLR%20Journey/_MG_4475.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Following Footsteps<br />
I could guess this was once a kid's school. But with some strange Korean taste in designing sometimes, who knows?</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i429.photobucket.com/albums/qq13/Phoenix_Jackson/DSLR%20Journey/_MG_4478.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://i429.photobucket.com/albums/qq13/Phoenix_Jackson/DSLR%20Journey/_MG_4478.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Exit?<br />
A question mark. It must be some stairs going down to the basement. But at this time, there really was just a dark pit below this sign.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i429.photobucket.com/albums/qq13/Phoenix_Jackson/DSLR%20Journey/_MG_4491.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://i429.photobucket.com/albums/qq13/Phoenix_Jackson/DSLR%20Journey/_MG_4491.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Befitting<br />I took quite a lot of pictures of this scene at different angles and distances, but I could serve such a well-fitted message, justice. I wish I could have done better, but I think this image was my best take.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
So the above pictures were just out in the alleys. There was one more wall that I tried so hard to take picture of but no matter how wide my kit lens was, I couldn't fit the frame I wanted. It's probably too late now, but I gave it up and thought I could come back for another shot.<br />
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The alley didn't stretch long. So I opted to get inside another building. I could tell morning is up and about with the locals as I start seeing demolition guys passing through. Some giving instructions to others. Some look at me for a second. But all of them just let me be... thank goodness!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i429.photobucket.com/albums/qq13/Phoenix_Jackson/DSLR%20Journey/_MG_4479.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://i429.photobucket.com/albums/qq13/Phoenix_Jackson/DSLR%20Journey/_MG_4479.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Upstairs Isn't Fine<br />Right at the entrance (now just a huge hole) was this stairs. I was wondering if that log was placed there before or after this building was abandoned. Either which, I don't know the reason why it's there. It's just out of place.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i429.photobucket.com/albums/qq13/Phoenix_Jackson/DSLR%20Journey/_MG_4480.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://i429.photobucket.com/albums/qq13/Phoenix_Jackson/DSLR%20Journey/_MG_4480.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shapes, Letters, and a Headlight<br />These walls of this building puzzles me. I couldn't tell whether it's another kiddie place or a church. But what attracts me most is the blue paint that seemed to be there for quite some time. Without considering color (I could just turn them all red or B&W image but that would be too contrived), the dripping look made me think it's blood flowing over kiddie stuff... yes, I'm weird that way.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i429.photobucket.com/albums/qq13/Phoenix_Jackson/DSLR%20Journey/_MG_4484.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://i429.photobucket.com/albums/qq13/Phoenix_Jackson/DSLR%20Journey/_MG_4484.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Someone's Watching<br />Same building, same floor, opposite wall. Again, I don't know whether the graffiti or that humanoid thing was there at the same time the kiddie corner was crafted. If they were, I still can not imagine what this building was for.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i429.photobucket.com/albums/qq13/Phoenix_Jackson/DSLR%20Journey/_MG_4485.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://i429.photobucket.com/albums/qq13/Phoenix_Jackson/DSLR%20Journey/_MG_4485.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Inventory Of The Buk-Ahyeon<br />Opening a door of the same building, I was greeted by this wall, and a way out.</td></tr>
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<br />
As the sunlight gets brighter, I'm feeling drained out of my last energy. I haven't slept much 2 nights before, then haven't slept at all this night. I'm sill hungry. Construction workers popping out more, and the world is getting noisier. I guess my little adventure of this place is at its climax.<br />
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But wait! There's one more thing I'd like to share about this place. Being it a bit un-related to the theme, I'd rather continue on another page... which will come shortly.<br />
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Thanks for reading.<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12744293896257194526noreply@blogger.com0168-47 Bukahyeon-dong, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, South Korea37.559921780922579 126.9535660743713437.55834828092258 126.95109857437134 37.561495280922578 126.95603357437133tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3343603737882106027.post-13347168200971450442012-07-13T09:34:00.000+09:002012-07-13T20:00:15.314+09:00Let Me Do It Right This Time part 4 Part 4 of the long-winded photography session I had on this location. This time, it's daylight<br />
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<a name='more'></a><br />
Daylight has come and I thought I was done for the day. I felt a bit exhausted climbing stairs, squeezing myself through tight spaces, treading carefully over broken glass, and just venturing through the darkness. I thought I got what I wanted and more than I planned to shoot... and the sun scares me.<br />
<br />
Taking a last glance over the place, I felt sorry for the people leaving everything behind. I believe there was great history here and I'm glad I got some last pictures before it'll be flattened out. But with daylight comes a different view/perspective. And although I'm not really keen to shooting with this light, I still felt there were more things that might be interesting.<br />
<br />
Indeed there were. Climbing down a better-sized stairs, I passed by a window with an interesting frame. My Samyang 85mm was attached to my camera and I was too lazy to change lenses; the focal length was too long. So I thought I'll just play around and have a little fun. I remember a flickr group named "Tell a story in 5 frames" and I pretended I was submitting an entry... in fact, I might do so:<br />
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<table><tbody>
<tr> <td><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://i429.photobucket.com/albums/qq13/Phoenix_Jackson/DSLR%20Journey/_MG_4449.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="320" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One</td></tr>
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</td><td><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://i429.photobucket.com/albums/qq13/Phoenix_Jackson/DSLR%20Journey/_MG_4451.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="320" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Two</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div>
<table><tbody>
<tr> <td><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://i429.photobucket.com/albums/qq13/Phoenix_Jackson/DSLR%20Journey/_MG_4452.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="320" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Three</td></tr>
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</td><td><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://i429.photobucket.com/albums/qq13/Phoenix_Jackson/DSLR%20Journey/_MG_4453.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="320" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Four</td></tr>
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</td></tr>
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Well, that was fun! But moving on. I don't want to spend too much time taking shots of my head again. Going down to an open alley, I knew it was much safer (or less suspicious) to be seen here. So I took a short coffee break. Looking at my surroundings, I found there were other things quite interesting that I wouldn't see at night. Coffee helped me a lot and I regained my strength with a little doze of not-feeling-sleepy-anymore.</div>
<div>
<br />
<table style="text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr> <td><img border="10" height="400" src="http://i429.photobucket.com/albums/qq13/Phoenix_Jackson/DSLR%20Journey/_MG_4454.jpg" width="266" /></td><td><img border="10" height="400" src="http://i429.photobucket.com/albums/qq13/Phoenix_Jackson/DSLR%20Journey/_MG_4455.jpg" width="266" /></td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
Lion's Gate</div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
Two images of the same subject that I couldn't choose which I like more.</div>
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<div style="text-align: left;">
Coffee wasn't enough for a long-term boost, though. So I decided to get some breakfast from any near-by store. It was getting too bright that I thought it was 10 am already. I feared I might be leaving this place for good.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i429.photobucket.com/albums/qq13/Phoenix_Jackson/DSLR%20Journey/_MG_4462.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://i429.photobucket.com/albums/qq13/Phoenix_Jackson/DSLR%20Journey/_MG_4462.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One More Roof<br />
What I thought would be my last photo of this place. I wanted one more image that captures the old to the new. A traditional Korean roof over-looked by Namsan Tower.</td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: left;">
Walking down the road, I pass by so many local businesses closed. But maybe my brain was all mushed that I made excuses why I can't find a place to get some food. "Maybe because it's Sunday... is it Sunday?" or "I think it's just too early. It looks like 10 am but it feels like 5 am." without even considering that this place is just left behind. I'm a night owl. I get stupid during the day.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Still walking and I saw a familiar place at a distance. Civilization! Food! Family Mart! I am saved. But then something hit me along the way.<br />
<br /></div>
<table><tbody>
<tr> <td><img border="0" height="212" src="http://i429.photobucket.com/albums/qq13/Phoenix_Jackson/DSLR%20Journey/_MG_4467.jpg" width="320" /></td><td><img border="0" height="213" src="http://i429.photobucket.com/albums/qq13/Phoenix_Jackson/DSLR%20Journey/_MG_4468.jpg" width="320" /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Graffiti One</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Another 2 shots of the same scene I couldn't decide which one I like more.</div>
<div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i429.photobucket.com/albums/qq13/Phoenix_Jackson/DSLR%20Journey/_MG_4470.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://i429.photobucket.com/albums/qq13/Phoenix_Jackson/DSLR%20Journey/_MG_4470.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Graffiti Two<br />
I wanted to take a shot of this looking up at the building. But the street was starting to get busy and I'm not equipped for the shot. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i429.photobucket.com/albums/qq13/Phoenix_Jackson/DSLR%20Journey/_MG_4472.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://i429.photobucket.com/albums/qq13/Phoenix_Jackson/DSLR%20Journey/_MG_4472.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Demolition Barrier<br />
Buildings are covered before they start demolition.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i429.photobucket.com/albums/qq13/Phoenix_Jackson/DSLR%20Journey/_MG_4489.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://i429.photobucket.com/albums/qq13/Phoenix_Jackson/DSLR%20Journey/_MG_4489.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Civilization At Last!<br />
There's food at the end of this road.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
From the images I took, I realized I'm still on a roll. I know I'm hungry, sleepy, thirsty, and tired. But I also know that once I get to that food-filled area, there's a big chance I will go straight to a resting place and leave the potential subjects behind for another time... which will never come. I decided to ignore all my aches and keep shooting. After all, I still got a Sunday night's rest, if ever.<br />
<br />
I went through a hole on the side of this alley. I thought I was entering another building. Little did I know this hole lead me to a new and interesting place, even Fred and I wasn't able to check... no... won't be able to see during night time.<br />
<br />
But this is already another long-winded blog. So I'll continue on the next one. Thanks for reading.<br />
<br /></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12744293896257194526noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3343603737882106027.post-84894837073013469222012-07-11T17:55:00.000+09:002012-07-11T18:17:34.026+09:00Let Me Do It Right This Time part 3 This is the third installment of the story. I have written blogs about coming to this place but failed to take pictures. But this time, I took as much as I can. <a href="http://koreajourneys.blogspot.kr/2012/07/let-me-do-it-right-this-time-part-1.html">From the first part walking around</a>, to <a href="http://koreajourneys.blogspot.kr/2012/07/let-me-do-it-right-this-time-part-2.html">the second part going inside</a> abandoned houses, and now on rooftops.<br />
<br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a> There are so many things I noticed a bit too common with these houses. Almost all of them are tightly close to each other, you could take small leaps from one roof to another. Their alleys are really narrow and that also applies to their doors and most especially their stairs. And stairs! The rooftops have multiple access. But all of them are seriously narrow, you could easily fall with just a slip. It made me wonder what these people were thinking when they built their houses. Are they all just very thin people?<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i429.photobucket.com/albums/qq13/Phoenix_Jackson/_MG_4180.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://i429.photobucket.com/albums/qq13/Phoenix_Jackson/_MG_4180.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At Your Own Risk<br />
I was on a ledge and made my tripod to a monopod so I was swaying. Climbing up these steps alone is risky. What on earth were they thinking?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
But on to the roof! Climbing one stinky stair after another, I saw a lot of traditionally designed housetops. But from all the times I've seen one, I didn't find any good angle/view to take pictures of them. I like these oriental roofs. But photographing them is not as easy as I thought.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s429.photobucket.com/albums/qq13/Phoenix_Jackson/DSLR%20Journey/?action=view&current=_MG_4437.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" height="426" src="http://i429.photobucket.com/albums/qq13/Phoenix_Jackson/DSLR%20Journey/_MG_4437.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hidden Message<br />
I don't know what the characters mean. I couldn't read them much in the dark. But it's the first time I saw such written roof that seemed to be customized.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i429.photobucket.com/albums/qq13/Phoenix_Jackson/DSLR%20Journey/_MG_4440.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://i429.photobucket.com/albums/qq13/Phoenix_Jackson/DSLR%20Journey/_MG_4440.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">City Beyond<br />
As much as I like taking pictures that shows generations, this one makes me sad.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
I finally got to the top and searched around for a good spot. Last year, when I was searching for a WA lens, for landscapes, one person (almost scoldingly) suggested I rather get a good 85mm and take panorama shots. I didn't have the chance to do this before. So when Fred and I saw this view, I already had planned to shoot a panoramic shot with my Samyang 85mm.<br />
<br />
Once again, I'm glad I came here alone. If I was with someone, it'll make both of us uncomfortable. Why? I still haven't figured out why my camera is working slower than before. It's probably my memory card. But whenever I shoot long exposures, I get longer buffering time on each shot. Back home, I tested all my cards (don't remember when and where I got them... they're all probably old) and I end up with the same results. But I'm alone now. And I got lots of time with no people forced to wait for me.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i429.photobucket.com/albums/qq13/Phoenix_Jackson/DSLR%20Journey/resized.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="114" src="http://i429.photobucket.com/albums/qq13/Phoenix_Jackson/DSLR%20Journey/resized.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lights And Life<br />There's a bigger version on <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/14872705@N02/7548623388/in/photostream">flickr</a> but it seems to look worse. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
I knew I was going to have a hard time getting used to shooting panorama with my new tripod. I really wished I brought my heavier one with the right 3-way head for the job. But I made that decision and like I said, no excuses. The problem with this image is how I took it. I did my best to be precise. But I forgot that precision is a little overrated when it comes to this type of shooting. I neglected shooting a bit more sky and the image suffered. There was also the issue that I discovered while processing this image. Samyang 85mm has some flaws I didn't consider. Light falling off from the edges of the lens showed a little on each frame I took. But all-in-all, I'm still happy with my results. It's quite rare for me to shoot with a satisfying outcome on each frame.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i429.photobucket.com/albums/qq13/Phoenix_Jackson/DSLR%20Journey/_MG_4443.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://i429.photobucket.com/albums/qq13/Phoenix_Jackson/DSLR%20Journey/_MG_4443.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Overhead Access<br />
I kept imagining what would have been before the people here were moved. The couch tells me this could have been a relaxing place. A good view, and a little isolation. All gone now.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
One of my biggest issues here in Korea is the cable lines. Sure, they make interesting architecture. Sure, they even go as far as landscaping their mountains. Sure, there were so many beautiful scenery outdoors. But most of them are completely ruined by these stupid electrical posts and cables.<br />
<br />
After the panoramic shot, I still wasn't satisfied and wanted to shoot more. It was such a nice view of Seoul that I couldn't resist but look for a different position and take individual shots. I climbed up the edge of another roof (image above) figuring out how to set my tripod. I wanted to avoid those cables and this is the only position I could think of. Besides, time was running short. I can feel at this time, the sky was starting to turn blue.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i429.photobucket.com/albums/qq13/Phoenix_Jackson/DSLR%20Journey/_MG_44472.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://i429.photobucket.com/albums/qq13/Phoenix_Jackson/DSLR%20Journey/_MG_44472.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cold Dawn Coming<br />
The city about to wake up with a hangover. I thought if I was to wake up after a long Friday night party, I'd rather see the city this way.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
One of the biggest things that caused me a lot of trouble was what happened after this shot. I was about to cover my lens and the cap, along with the filter attached to the cap, fell off and lost amidst the dark, very narrow, long-way-to-go, smelly, and broken glass filled corner. I stared at that space for about a minute or two, then gave up. It shouldn't be much of a loss, to tell the truth. But just wait for the next blogs.<br />
<br />
With a sigh, I just went on and thought of a silver lining. Maybe there is one. As dawn arrives, I thought of shooting the scene differently. I haven't done this in a while but with my lens's capability, I sure would like to try shooting at a wide aperture.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i429.photobucket.com/albums/qq13/Phoenix_Jackson/DSLR%20Journey/_MG_4448.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://i429.photobucket.com/albums/qq13/Phoenix_Jackson/DSLR%20Journey/_MG_4448.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sigh Of Dawn<br />
I feel it's like a cinematic shot where softness and bokeh appeals more than still image's sharp bite.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
All good pictures and that, what I didn't stress enough was I was still doing a balancing act at the edge of this rooftop while shooting. I didn't want to be the next one to fall so I got off and started climbing down.<br />
<br />
Daylight has come and my job is done... or do I?<br />
There was more to this and I ended up with more pictures. This time, urbex in daylight.<br />
<br />
Thanks for reading and hope I could deliver more on the next chapter.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12744293896257194526noreply@blogger.com2San 6-7 Daehyeon-dong, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, South Korea37.560942364647659 126.9478797912597737.559368864647659 126.94541229125977 37.562515864647658 126.95034729125976tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3343603737882106027.post-64253705486654447072012-07-10T07:53:00.000+09:002012-07-10T20:09:51.348+09:00Let Me Do It Right This Time part 2 This is part 2 of my blog about me finally getting some work done on the abandoned place near Ahyeon (아현). A little lazy and a bit overwhelmed, I'll keep the "less talk, more pictures" theme for the rest of this particular story. <br />
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<a name='more'></a><br />
<br />
For some strange reason, the place looks a bit different. The first time I came here with a group, there were still a few people living here, and it wasn't as trashed as now. I remember some doors with glass panes which now are mostly broken. There were some doors that were re-locked too. I entered a house formerly unlocked 'cause I know it was one of my noted houses to shoot. Yes, it's re-locked. But the glass pane below the door was completely shattered that I was able to fit through it.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i429.photobucket.com/albums/qq13/Phoenix_Jackson/DSLR%20Journey/_MG_4427.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://i429.photobucket.com/albums/qq13/Phoenix_Jackson/DSLR%20Journey/_MG_4427.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Creeping Decay<br />
I immediately noticed the Namsan Tower outside the window and thought it already was nice framing. But then I switched my flashlight on and saw an even better scene.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
What would scare me more would be to find a homeless person sleeping in one of these abandoned houses. But before my imagination of finding a dead person somewhere get me, I shook it off and went back to taking pictures.<br />
<br />
I also noticed some gates are now open. One that caught my attention was this gate that lead me to a dark alley. Really dark one. Which lead me to some interesting scenes.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i429.photobucket.com/albums/qq13/Phoenix_Jackson/DSLR%20Journey/_MG_4430.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="425" src="http://i429.photobucket.com/albums/qq13/Phoenix_Jackson/DSLR%20Journey/_MG_4430.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Once A Bedroom<br />
There were mattresses tumbled and turned in this room. But what puzzles me is that door next to the clock. It leads outside which I don't see the point.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i429.photobucket.com/albums/qq13/Phoenix_Jackson/DSLR%20Journey/_MG_4436.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://i429.photobucket.com/albums/qq13/Phoenix_Jackson/DSLR%20Journey/_MG_4436.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">By The Number<br />
Each house has a number painted on its door and I can only assume what it's for. This is one of the few houses which has large rooms. Well, it was large in comparison to most houses here.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i429.photobucket.com/albums/qq13/Phoenix_Jackson/DSLR%20Journey/_MG_4433.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://i429.photobucket.com/albums/qq13/Phoenix_Jackson/DSLR%20Journey/_MG_4433.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Last Window<br />
After this shot, I noticed I'm shooting the same thing repetitively. Window after window after window. Sure, I like them. But I needed some variety.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
I was enjoying going through tight alleys and dark corners. But I realized there's one particular image I want to produce out of this place. It's one of those Fred spotted the first time I got here.<br />
<br />
But I'll talk about that on the next blog. Thanks for reading.<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12744293896257194526noreply@blogger.com01-1457 Bukahyeon-dong, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, South Korea37.5618268592345 126.9492530822753937.5602533592345 126.9467855822754 37.5634003592345 126.95172058227539tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3343603737882106027.post-44229838465603555832012-07-08T19:14:00.000+09:002012-07-08T19:14:18.031+09:00Let Me Do It Right This Time part 1 With so many pictures and so many things that happened within less than a 24-hour session, I have to divide this article. Otherwise it'll be a very long read (I almost forgot no one likes that anymore).<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I was upset about <a href="http://koreajourneys.blogspot.kr/2012/06/2nd-meet-with-fred.html">last week's meeting with Fred</a>. I was very disappointed with myself. What I hate most is that I'm becoming one of those people I resent: All Talk People. So I have an excuse. I work alone. I can't perform as much with people around me. And yet, I claimed I feel comfortable with Fred. Well, I still hate what happened. And I owe it to these photographers I've met to come up with better pictures than my test shots.</div>
<div>
<a name='more'></a></div>
<div>
I decided to go back to the location. I carried the same gear, plus my trusty Samyang. You see, I noticed I'm starting to rely much on my nifty-fifty or my kit lens. And since I intend to get a panoramic shot, I just have to use my only 85mm. So while I was setting my gear (days before), I made myself some guidelines:</div>
<div>
1. Shoot with Samyang 85mm at f/1.4 as much as possible.</div>
<div>
2. Avoid the nifty-fifty. Use only when absolutely needed.</div>
<div>
3. When using the kit lens, restrict myself to using 18mm alone.</div>
<div>
4. Take as much time needed. No use for many shots of the same frame.</div>
<div>
5. No excuses this time.</div>
<div>
That's it.</div>
<div>
<br />
One thing concerns me, though. It feels like cheating. I first came to this location <a href="http://koreajourneys.blogspot.kr/2012/06/close-encounters-of-real-kind.html">with a group and only got test shots</a>. Then I came <a href="http://koreajourneys.blogspot.kr/2012/06/2nd-meet-with-fred.html">with Fred the second time and didn't take any</a>. Now I'm back the third time alone and about to shoot for real. Somehow it doesn't sound right. But because of the past 2 visits here, I'm just angry at myself that I didn't deliver. So I'm back to do some serious work.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i429.photobucket.com/albums/qq13/Phoenix_Jackson/DSLR%20Journey/_MG_4390.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://i429.photobucket.com/albums/qq13/Phoenix_Jackson/DSLR%20Journey/_MG_4390.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At Rest<br />
Pillow outside an abandoned house. At this first use of 85mm, I was already glad I was alone. It took me minutes to get this one shot. Stepping backwards an inch at a time just to get the frame I want. It was a good start.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i429.photobucket.com/albums/qq13/Phoenix_Jackson/DSLR%20Journey/_MG_4392.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://i429.photobucket.com/albums/qq13/Phoenix_Jackson/DSLR%20Journey/_MG_4392.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Spiral Staircase<br />
Up to this day, I'm still wondering why almost all the stairs in these houses are really tight. I can barely climb this one without squeezing myself through.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i429.photobucket.com/albums/qq13/Phoenix_Jackson/DSLR%20Journey/_MG_4396.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://i429.photobucket.com/albums/qq13/Phoenix_Jackson/DSLR%20Journey/_MG_4396.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Point A Cross<br />
When I climbed this rooftop, this concrete chimney-like thing got my attention. But it was that cross from a distant church that amused me. I immediately thought of my Filipino friends who're fond of the Christian thing. So I dedicate this shot to them.
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: 16px;"><br /></span><br />
I love my Samyang lens. But the focal length is one thing that's bothering me. All the pictures I've taken so far were shot with this lens. One thing I'm glad working alone is that I can move backwards an inch at a time, to get the framing I want (I do like to get it right at the shot rather than cropping it out post-process). But there are times when I just need a shorter focal length for the shot. With such chaotic and tight spaces, I could worm my way in to take pictures, I just have to use my kit lens.<br />
<br />
<table style="text-align: center;">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td><div style="text-align: center;">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img height="400" src="http://i429.photobucket.com/albums/qq13/Phoenix_Jackson/DSLR%20Journey/_MG_4397.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="265" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Flash Lit<br />
Looked interesting at first but I set a custom white balance for the lights outside. Using a flashlight to light-paint, I got this result by default.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
</td>
<td><div style="text-align: center;">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: left;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Death Of Music<br />
White balance fixed on post-process. This guitar was hidden behind large cabinets.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Good Night, Grandma<br />
Climbing up another house, I found this empty chair with the pillow still in place. Despite all chaos, I feel like this chair stood its ground and still waiting to serve someone.</td></tr>
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My (very few) readers should know that although I process most of my pictures, this blue(/violet/purple/cyan/magenta/... ish) color was not part of editing. They were all made by my little flashlight.<br />
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Somehow, I feel odd on myself not being creeped out. It's a ghost town. Pitch black on most areas especially indoors. No signs of life. Eerily quiet. And I'm alone! There were a few moments when some horror movies come flashing in my mind. But I guess I was just dead set to taking photos rather than entertaining what would have been a frightful night. So on to the photos...<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Unwelcome<br />
It's amazing how night and day turns a colorful and welcoming gate in the morning to a creepy thing at night. Despite the street light, I still used my flashlight to highlight the gate amongst its surroundings. It also helps the blues pop out more.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A Kid's Endeavor... no more<br />
The door was open this way. Sort of begging me to take a look. I've seen other rooms that looked like a kid's room. But this one caught my attention the most.</td></tr>
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The last image was quite challenging to me. It was difficult to isolate my flashlight from the street light. It took me some tries to get it right.<br />
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I hope someone enjoyed reading and taking a look at my photos. There's more to come on the next blog.</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12744293896257194526noreply@blogger.com0173-36 Bukahyeon-dong, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, South Korea37.56048310370138 126.9525575637817437.55890960370138 126.95009006378174 37.562056603701379 126.95502506378173tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3343603737882106027.post-19022789811533397042012-07-01T11:26:00.001+09:002012-07-01T12:33:44.941+09:00Gear Bug Attack... again!<br />
I've been through the same phase last year. I thought I got rid of it but apparently it comes and goes. At least, last year, I got some good advises from other forums. But now, when I confessed my new dilemma ("new" being it's a new set of gears) to some photographers I met, I was told, "A photographer can never permanently avoid that. Only suppress it."<br />
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There are times when I get frustrated with photography when it comes to gear. There's just so many good-yet-expensive lenses that makes me think this hobby is for rich people. I'm not one of them and I don't think I could ever be one of those people; affording collecting already expensive items such as antique lenses. But I hope I'm not alone admitting, "I often have the desire to get this and that."<br />
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Past blogs can easily tell that I'm fond of manual lenses. I got 2 of my own now. I wanted to support Samyang for its excellence in very wide appertures and really cheap price. But I'm confident that their price lowers the longer I wait. My 85mm f/1.4 was bought at $350, and now it's about $300 new. It's the C/Y Zeiss lenses that's scaring me, though. My 80-200 is apparently the cheapest of the whole C/Y family but the price is increasing every year. And the time that I purchased mine, I was supposed to be saving up for a C/Y 28-85mm. But I think that was when I got through the rutting phase, that's why I stopped yearning for more gear.<br />
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But here I go again! For whatever reason, I was looking at second-hand lenses sold at the only online shop I could buy from (local... I don't have Paypal nor a credit card for Ebay and such... thank God for that!), and saw a bait. Voigtlander 40mm SL II at $300! That's less than half of the price brand new! There were some items missing like the hood and the close-up lens, but I think that's the trade-off. Something I don't mind. I took the bait. I sent text messages to the seller but got no reply, so I assumed someone already bought it.<br />
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It turns out to be another typical local-seller scam (it's been done before). She (the seller) immediately took off the ad, called me to ask if I'm still interested, with the predictable routine question (when I asked how much the item is): At what price did you see the item was on the ad? To anyone reading this who resides here in Korea, you should know that this question already raises the red flag. When I told her "$300 or $400" she exclaimed, "What? $300 not $500?" The discussion went on as I showed my interest on the item. Little did she know that she already lost me. I was just being polite. 5 minutes after the call, I saw the ad again but this time it's $500. Forget it! A week went by and I got another call, but I refused to entertain it and just said, "I'm a foreigner and I don't understand whatever you're saying." Funny enough, though, I was speaking Korean.<br />
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But I really was interested with the lens even before I saw that ad. I was looking for a replacement for my nifty-fifty, should there be a very reasonable one. Nifty-fifty is one lens that's hard to beat. It's very light, it's very cheap, it's got excellent image quality, it's quite fast focusing, and oh-my-God the wide aperture! If I was to nitpick, the 2 things I see bad (in comparison but not really bothersome) is the plastic built, and the noisy auto-focus.<br />
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Voigtlander 40mm is quite expensive (about $650 at this time) and that's the reason why I held back from buying it for months, and even forgot about it. But this stupid scam ad sent me back to wanting them lenses. For one, Voigtlander just released a new version of the same lens. That means this older one will drop its price in a short while.<br />
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All of a sudden, here comes Canon's new 40mm at less than $200! Yes, it's not a Voigtlander (and I really want to support the company) but being Canon has an edge since I'm a Canon 60D owner. The electronics link, the auto-focus, the auto-exposure, and the price! I could've bought one already (just to spite that stupid seller mentioned above) if I wasn't waiting for reviews. So far, I hear/read raves about this Canon lens.<br />
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But my gear fever didn't stop there. Despite the obvious points Canon has over Voigtlander (in regards to 40mm focal length), I was really rooting for the latter. So I checked some Voitlander distributors here in Korea... very bad move. I ended up staring at oh-so-many-lovely-old lenses! ...they call this, "lens porn."<br />
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My attraction to C/Y Zeiss lenses was rekindled as I saw some of them sold online. Even more, I saw the 28-85mm that I was hoping to buy last year. And even more, there was the 35-70mm-- contender to the 28-85mm, which makes almost every buyer debate to themselves which one to get... and now, even just through fantasy, I'm one of them again! But there's more! I found out there's more to Contax lenses than these C/Y mounts. Contax "N" has more ranged yet a bit pricier lenses. But after a couple of days, I got over them "N" versions.<br />
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As if that wasn't enough, I was also flashed with the many Leica R lenses. I almost fainted when I saw the prices, though. But comes another wave of faint-inducing lenses-- the Hasselblad! A Hasselblad-lens-to-EOS-body converter alone costs an arm and a tooth. I survived looking at these lenses in tears... I want them... I just can't afford even one of them. So I decided to move on to the next page. Yes, I'm masochistic that way. Page after page were the old Rollei lenses. The old Bronica lenses. And finally, another brand I could only dream of collecting, the Schneider lenses. I think I'm gonna die!<br />
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This is one of the reasons why a childhood friend of mine and I, agreed to not go window-shopping anymore. It just makes us crave for those things we really can't afford. Sending us back home upset, yet wanting for more torture. Well, that thing has invaded my life again. Now in the form of "online shopping."<br />
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I know it's a phase so I'm just keeping myself on-check. But it's a bit difficult, really.<br />
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Any chance I'd be looking at cameras next?Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12744293896257194526noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3343603737882106027.post-63221769861372392562012-06-27T02:14:00.000+09:002012-06-30T07:54:02.571+09:002nd Meet With Fred I got a mail from Fred (the Urbex guy) to meet on Sunday evening for re-shoots. That's why <a href="http://koreajourneys.blogspot.kr/2012/06/follow-my-path-walk-on-streets-of-gunja.html">I ended up in Gunja </a>the night before. The plan was to take a few pictures on Saturday night, sleep in Gunja, get to <a href="http://koreajourneys.blogspot.kr/2012/06/close-encounters-of-real-kind.html">the location</a> hours earlier to pre-shoot, then get into serious business when Fred arrives. Well, it was just a plan.<br />
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One thing I didn't have was time management. I was done shooting in Gunja and it's too early to come to Ahyeon (where I'm supposed to meet Fred). I took a bus going to... somewhere (I don't remember) but I fell asleep during the trip (I guess I'm getting old for all-nighters). I woke up hungry as the bus stopped in Siheung, though I didn't realize where I was. I just went out to find some food. After a meal, I realized I was in a place I've never been to. I thought I'd take this chance to roam around in hopes I see some areas about to be demolished. There were some apartments up a hill that I thought were abandoned (open windows and dirty interiors). What a big mistake that was!<br />
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Climbing up the hill, I realized this city was flourishing. Everywhere seems to be very much populated and condensed. This area looks strange to me. I have not seen such roads that went straight uphill, and it was a steep climb. I've seen such before but not here in Korea. Exhausted from the climb and unwilling to go downhill on the other side (I feared I might regret climbing back), I entered the residential area of this place. I was hoping I could get to a spot where I could overlook the city below. All in vain. The houses here are built so high and squeezed into each other, that I can't even see much around me. It was one alley after another.<br />
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Giving up on this place (and about time to meet Fred) I took a snap of of an old lady who was ever curious of me walking around. I'm glad it was her. She was amused and let me take pictures of her. She even laughed when I was done.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Amused<br />"Why on earth is he taking pictures here?" She laughed while asking.</td></tr>
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Time to meet Fred. On the subway, I learned that I was a bit far from Ahyeon. It'll take me 2 transfers to get there. Once again, I overslept and missed my first stop by one stop. That was easily fixed. The second transfer will take a while so I just let myself slip away to oblivion... and snoring... BIG mistake! I think I got too comfortable and went past my stop for about 5 or more stops! At this time, Fred was already on location.<br />
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This was supposed to be my chance to make a good impression. And once again, I was more than an hour late. Fred seems to be unaffected by it but I was really upset. I had my camera set up. But I just can't shoot anymore. I was that upset. Fred was cool, though. He didn't mind me not taking pictures and kept chatting with me, while he's doing his thing.<br />
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Once advantage of going out solo is, I can be free-spirited. Meaning, I have no time constraints, no set appointment, and no schedule. It keeps me from worrying about time... something that I always do during the weekdays. I have to learn to behave different when I'm with other people. But it has been long. It'll be a lot of adjustments if I continue meeting people and joining group walks.<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12744293896257194526noreply@blogger.com0300 Janghyeon-dong, Siheung-si, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea37.3798877 126.803102537.3790992 126.8018685 37.380676199999996 126.80433649999999tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3343603737882106027.post-80777008448186212192012-06-27T02:08:00.001+09:002012-06-29T04:35:45.565+09:00Follow My Path: A walk on the streets of Gunja Gunja Station. I've been here a few times. There's a cheap place I could sleep in whenever I'm close by. But whenever I come here, I go straight to the motel. No roaming around. No scouting. No photography. In fact, I might come here after a long night's session. But I'd be too tired to venture out. I found this place dull. That is, until I took a cab (I almost always take the subway) and found myself in the middle of the busiest area of this place. There was life after all!
Since I could be a regular here, I searched for places to eat first. It was easy. So I started looking for interesting subjects. It was night time. But I'm not in the mood for cityscapes. I found myself looking at subjects as an individual instead of the whole picture. It makes street photography easier for me.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ready For Action<br />
With the constant in and out of the restaurant, the delivery boys just need a more comfortable way of getting their gear ready. Being a bike rider myself, I know how convenient a helmet stand is.</td></tr>
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Streets in here are quite wide and crossing them takes one to go underground (subway station) and climb back up the exit. I got curious why the floor was wet; it never rained. To my surprise, there were cleaning ladies frantically mopping the floors, scrubbing whatever, and just basically cleaning. I didn't even know they clean the subway this way. I just thought there were those male janitors popping out every once in a while. And yes, they're all females... an issue here in Korea, I will mention on my future blog.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Speed Cleaning<br />
Trying not to bother these ladies, I tried some hip shots but always failed. I'm still learning how to do so, but I realized this isn't the proper time. The women are just too busy.</td></tr>
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There was nothing much on the other side of the street. A couple of bars, motels, restaurants, and lots of drunk people. I just don't feel like shooting. Easy targets as they may be, I try avoid shooting drunk people (although there were rare occasions). I can not reason with them if in case they protest. I just continued walking, hoping for something to catch my attention. Well, something did.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Treat Her Like A Baby<br />
I thought I saw a young woman burping or swaying baby. What made me stop was the baby's color. I got close enough but unnoticed, to take a shot when I realized she was carrying a dog.</td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: left;">
It's either I got tired, bored, or just uninspired. But before I took a nap, I had this idea of shooting those arrows painted on the road for directions. I probably will be taking more pictures of them wherever I go.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Birth<br />
It's the very first of my on-going "Arrow Shots." I like the RAW image but there's something missing that I can't point my finger at. So this has gone through some heavy processing. It still needs something. But I guess I'll just wait for the next arrow shot to see.</td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: left;">
Morning. After a few hours of sleep, I feel ready for another chance of this place. I wouldn't say the city failed me that night. More like the other way around. So I'm out for more street photography. It's broad daylight. I hate it, but I think it will work for me somehow.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Silently Watching<br />
These parts of cars always catch my attention. As some of my very few readers know, I'm fond of reflections. But I never got a good shot out of a car's eyes. This isn't one of them, but I think I'm getting close.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Replacement<br />
No tall flowers yet? Paint some! Well, that's what I thought when I saw this one. The market place has many of this kind. Glass paintings. But this is the most organized I've seen.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sunday Morning<br />
What else would you expect on a Sunday morning? Typical still-drunken-old-men scattered on the streets. It's also typical for a foreign photographer to take pictures of them. But it's not all about that. I finally found a good subject on a quite-empty place, where I won't get stared at. The perfect time to practice shooting from the hip.</td></tr>
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Gunja has been good to me so far. I come in peace, sleep in peace, and get out with complete body parts. Some parts busy, some parts empty. Some parts interesting, and some parts not. But I think I didn't give much justice to this place. Next time I come to photograph, I should research more beforehand.</div>
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</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12744293896257194526noreply@blogger.com0군자역 Junggok-dong, Gwangjin-gu, Seoul, South Korea37.557336 127.07901937.5557625 127.07655150000001 37.5589095 127.0814865tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3343603737882106027.post-27407039131639428092012-06-25T17:43:00.000+09:002012-07-03T19:34:43.825+09:00Follow My Path: A walk on the streets of Taereung.<br />
Lugging my gear the day after meeting Urbex photographers, I felt like I did not accomplish much. Sure, I've taken some pictures. Sure, I have some mental notes. Sure, I've learned some by watching them. But since I was used to taking pictures alone, yet was on a group that night, I felt like I have not done what I was meant to do... take pictures.<br />
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With that lousy feeling, heavy load, and lack of sleep, I decided to take the subway to Gunja. I know a place to sleep there. It's been a while since I took the subway. I missed the times when I stop by any random station and scout for scenes to take pictures of. So I changed my mind about sleeping and decided to get off at Taereung station. Let the groggy adventure begin!<br />
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Every photographer knows one drawback of interchangeable lenses is getting dust into the camera while switching lenses. When outside, I try to change lenses in a public bathroom. It's mostly wet there. At least in theory, there's supposed to be lesser dust floating around.<br />
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I sat at the waiting area in the station, deciding which lens should I use at this time. I only have two choices so it's not that hard. I also took the time to rearrange what's in my bag. Tucking away hotshoe cord and shutter release, while making filters and blower more accessible. In front of me was an ad of "Man of Lamancha" or something. I didn't mind the ad. What caught my attention was the people passing by.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Man?<br />
I took a couple more pictures of people passing in front of this ad but chose this one for humor.</td></tr>
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I really didn't now what to do once I got outside. When to shoot, what to shoot, and how to shoot. I admit, I'm more ignorant with street photography than the rest of the other fields. But that's all the more reason to start shooting and get experience. But since it's daylight, I try to avoid taking pictures of people. I'm still traumatized from when that <a href="http://koreajourneys.blogspot.kr/2011/09/hyoseok-cultural-festival.html">woman confronted me back in Gangnam</a>. In my current condition, I rather avoid such encounters.<br />
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It's not easy to spot something ordinary and ignored, but interesting to photograph. But at least I have more confidence looking for them instead of capturing people's "emotions" and "moment" in the open (as what I undersand street photography's core is).<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">'Cause White is Pretty?<br />
I noticed some parts of this building was partially slapped with white paint. I mean slapped because if it was a real paint job, it's a lousy one. I should say, "smeared" than "slapped."</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Better But Not A Door<br />
Passing by an apartment garage, I saw this behind some cars and gasped at the lighting. People noticed me and got curious. The problem is some of them misinterpreted my reaction, and protested as I enter the garage/parking lot. I think they thought I was a car thief... with a camera.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Locked<br />
It always amuses me when people passing by, stop and wonder what I'm doing.</td></tr>
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Shooting these odd things, of course people passing by will notice me. Usually wondering what the heck I'm taking those pictures of ordinary things for. I'm used to it now. But I noticed a middle-aged man passing by me, noticed me, and slowed down his pacing. After taking pictures of one thing, I saw him in a short distance ahead of me. When I passed by him, I felt something weird going on with this guy. It's not threatening but just strange. I stopped by to take a picture of another odd thing. He passed by me. Finally stopping near a paper tree, peeling out the bark bit-by-bit. The time I was about to walk past him, he approached me.
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Now I may have stayed quite a while here in Korea. And I may speak Korean, but not fluently. Usually, I can speak what I want to say, but I rarely understand what they say to me. Whatever this "ajoshi" (uncle) said, I could only understand some. It went something like this:<br />
(ellipses indicate words lost as I didn't understand the rest of them)<br />
"Are you taking pictures of...?"<br />
"You see, when you walk down this road to... and turn left at... and then... there's a place where you can find... that I think would interest you."<br />
"If you find it inaccessible, there's another path when you turn behind... and there will be a stretch of... where you can station yourself. It's ... and it sways... that should make everything and in itself a good subject."<br />
"Weekends is the most preferable because there are no..."<br />
"It's a spectacle and when I saw this, I kept asking, "Where are those people with cameras?"... This will not last long. That's why I wish there are people who'll take pictures."<br />
"Just remember, weekends is the best. You're allowed to."<br />
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Yes, I'm stupid. That's all I understood from his passionate expression of this location. Most of my replies were patronizing. But only because I didn't understand much of what he said. But in return, I tried to recall his directions, vague as they may be.<br />
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I failed to find what this guy was talking about. But I'll come back and take my chance again. Until then, I'll just make the best of what I can get.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Shot of Envy<br />
Waiting for the street lights to change, a group of 5 bikers were about to cross. I secretly yearned to have a decent bike and ride along with these guys. But this day, I was a photographer. Capture the image and savor the moment.</td></tr>
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I ended up at another park filled with old men playing some board games. I was very glad that they didn't mind me taking pictures of them. My problem was finding a good spot to shoot, as each game was surrounded by many old men/spectators. I didn't want to push my luck. So I gave up and look for other stuff to shoot. There's always a next time.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Reminiscing<br />
I find this guy interesting as he sits alone in the middle of the park and away from the chaos. I love his expression. The playground makes me think he's recalling the years of his youth.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">No Rest For The Young<br />
Waiting sheds are scattered around South Korea, but I noticed it isn't much appreciated by the young. Only old people stop to sit and chat, which makes these nicely crafted places empty and lonely.</td></tr>
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While writing this blog, I Googled "Taereung" (making sure I spelled it right) and found out there are a lot of interesting spots in this part of the city. I will surely visit this place again.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12744293896257194526noreply@blogger.com0군자역 Junggok-dong, Gwangjin-gu, Seoul, South Korea37.557336 127.07901937.5557625 127.07655150000001 37.5589095 127.0814865