Darkness Within

     Urbex.  The first time I read this word, I was already hooked.  What the hell is "urbex?" I ask.  Going through the internet, I find it fascinating how there's just so many takes on this field of photography.  Some thrive on actual shots, location is the key.  Some go for the feel, where post-process is definitely needed.  I simply go for it being unconventional.  Besides, I see a lot of garbage around me.

Keep Your Camera at Default!!!

     Last year, there were just some small birds frolicking outside my window.  I was looking forward to see them again this Spring but they haven't arrived yet.  I miss the sudden dashes of shadows passing by every now and then.  I miss the sudden rustle from the leaves and grasses outside.  I miss the hourly chirping usually at 9 am.  Most of all, I miss them taunting me to take pictures of them as they suddenly disappear with my slightest movement.

Into The Graveyard part 2

     Previously, I was talking about how I ventured into a cemetery nearby intending to take pictures of these Korean traditional graves.  I ended giving up on them but turned my attention to some of the flowers scattered around the graveyard.

     I was done taking pictures of them when I realized I took too many.  You see, I'm one of those who'd rather compose well and try to get as close to what I wanted in my image, before hitting the shutter button.  I don't like taking multiple pictures of the same thing while adjusting the settings each time.  I've been there.  I didn't like it.  Besides the fact that I'm wasting my camera's shutter count, I find that I won't learn much if I keep spoiling myself... treating my DSLR like a point-and-shoot.

     So I moved on and decided to walk around.  There are foot trails leading to other areas (still graveyards) and the things I pass by are quite interesting.  The question is: Will I be able to take good pictures of them?  And it's sunset!  Another reason why I don't want to waste it.  Good lighting.  But this light fades away pretty fast.  So this, I consider, another field test.  Testing myself if I can manage to squeeze what I know and learned, and produce fitting pictures.  Oh... my... God!

     Since I was taking close-ups a while ago, I didn't want to break from that rhythm.  Besides, I was carrying a 50mm f/1.8 (a.k.a. nifty-fifty) and no other lens.  I know I would be taking pictures up-close-and-personal, and I could really depend on this lens.  And the DOF provided with such a wide aperture, is something I still want to learn more about.

Worship the Sun
It's a bud.  A simple pine bud.  But I like how the sun was striking it, as  it bends praising the sun, despite gravity pulling it down.  It reminded me of a certain yoga position that I couldn't remember.

Up, close, personal
Well, it's a lame title.  But the truth is, it's what's ringing in my ear when I was staring at this little thing this way.  I've read many times, to take pictures from different angles besides what was planned.  So here I am, trying to use that.  Well, I'm not sure how I feel about this.

Passing of Time
After looking at the "young and coming" I thought it's fair to take pictures of the "old and going" ones.  I always liked to take pictures of texture.  I was just always unsuccessful coming up with interesting ones.  At least, until now.  I like the roughness of this bark.  Reminds me of hometown.

Succession
Another shot of the same tree but from a different perspective.  When I saw this image, I already thought of ecological succession.  How this will someday die, and that tree behind it (if all goes well) will be the one left standing as the old one.

Warning
It's amazing how you sometimes see opportunities by simply looking at a different direction.  Standing in front of the tree above, I looked up to check how much light I have left.  The moon is already up, which means darkness is just around the corner.

Perfect Day
Despite the amateur photos I could provide for this blog, I still appreciate the time I had this day.  Some clouds to break up the strong light of the sun.  The right timing as I came by this place at the golden hour.  And so many subjects that got me into photography mode for a long time.

Hyde
Believe me, it's a different tree!
I had a hard time taking the shot that I wanted.  It was getting a bit windy and this branch was wailing much, it's hard to get the right focus on that cone.  But that's not my point of interest.  It's the shadow cast by the branch and cone.  To me, it just looks like it's taking a shape of its own.  A creepy one.  And thus, reminded me of Mr. Hyde... or Little Shop of Horrors.

Adam and Eve
This is the highlight of my entire journey this day.
Tell me you see it.  At first glance I was enticed by the way the vines twist and copulate like snakes in an orgy.  But the scene completely fades into something that I got very desperate to show.  Looking at these vines, I see a man embracing a woman, both naked, and about to kiss.  But my efforts of showing it off is a complete failure.  So far, only I can see the two naked humanoid bodies within this image.

Equality
I took a different trail going back home and found this group.  It's a  whole bunch of leaf-looking plants with this one single group of flowers.  

Pattern
Again with the pattern?  Well, yes!  If someone takes a picture of sand and say, "this is art," then I say:  This is nature's art.  I once called this "Race to growth" because that's what I thought when I first saw this. 

Truth
This was my last stop before turning off my camera.  I quite like how there's a "toxic" can was just disposed here and yet nature keeps its ways.  I think the flower on the background symbolizes natures strength.

     Despite my "Adam and Eve" shot, this last picture left me a nice feeling.  It's not a powerful picture but it provided me lots of interpretations.  Also, it's an introductory to my next blog.  I got inspired to continue taking pictures the next day.  I've always wanted to try Urbex.

Into The Graveyard part 1

     I'm always fascinated by the many Korean traditional graveyards scattered around the country.  It's different from where I came from, and it's impressively extravagant.  Sure it's not all glamour with statues and obelisks.  Nothing like that.  Nothing but mounds of soil for each person (I think).  But the area it covers per person is quite big.  It's clean and well-maintained.  But the most is how it just looks different from what I normally see as a cemetery.

I Finally Washed My Face

     After shooting the water dance, I still want to take more pictures.  But I got so much from those flowers floating on a basin of water.  I don't know what got into me but I just decided to take pictures of water itself.  Too bad, getting another droplet-shot just isn't working out.  Frustrated, I ended up taking pictures of me... splashing some water.

The Water Ballet

     For some reason, my extension tube keeps popping up on my bed. It's like it wants to be used.  Begging for its turn.  Well, I'm not really into macro.  Main reason is I was never good at it.  Of course I don't have the right lens for it but that's not an excuse.  I just don't "see" things macro.  Or am I just doing it wrong?

I Was Born To Ride... And Take Pictures.

     Spring time.  Flowers blooming.  Birds annoyingly chirping.  Clear skies.  Dry roads.  Cool weather.  Nothing beats a nice ride down the road to who knows where.

Raindrops Keep Falling On My Head

     Rain is one of the worst things that could happen when I'm in a photography mood. Yes, I know.  Some photographers like them.  They provide contrast, shiny greens, water droplets, grit on the city, and the clouds make for better lighting.  All I can think of is, "My expensive camera better not get wet!"

Love Thy Dog

     During the course of winter, I got a bit lonely living just in my room and thought of getting myself a dog.  There are many of them desperately being disposed online.  I checked Craig's List.  But it came to me that there are also some animal shelters here in South Korea.  So I was curious.  I found myself on one of their pages.  It's a sad story after another.  But then I saw a link on how to help out.  I see a call for photographers.  Great!

A Walk in the Park

     It was almost sunset when I revisited the riverside where I took pictures of ducks.  I was hoping I'd reshoot them since I wasn't really satisfied with what I got the first time.  I see no ducks, though.  Just some people strolling around.  I might as well take this opportunity.

Sunrise and Duck Hunt

     I think I was trying to catch some minutes before dawn, attempting some night shots with blue skies.  But the sun just rose too quickly that I failed to even set up my gear in time.  I settled to just scouting spots for next time.  I'm glad I did!

A New Beginning

     The previous blogs were meant to be written last year.  All the photos were taken last year, and if it weren't for them, my memories of the events would have been much less detailed.  In a sense, it's good.  If I was writing at the time of the sessions, when all emotions are riled up, I'd be writing a whole book rather than just a page.  I know I get wordy a lot of times.

I Found A Model!

     More like a guinea pig, really.  I'm glad he's male.  And he's not really a model.  But who cares?  It's practice time!

     I kept thinking, "If I'm to take portraiture for myself, I'd much prefer males."  It's probably my non-conformist mind talking.  Beautiful as they may be, it's always female portraits that gets shown a lot; it's getting sickening.  I also think males are easier to work with.  But enough of that.  I'd rather focus on practicing instead of day-dreaming.