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SMARTPHONE LENSES

  My Smartphone Camera has three lenses. They are good enough for my travel and documentary  photography.Most of the photos in my books and social media were taken using my smartphones camera starting from Nokia N9 to iPhone14 ProMax. Herewith I am sharing a dozen photos taken from a variety of locations,situations and purposes. Enjoy..

ARCHITECTURAL PHOTOGRAPHY-ANALYSIS AND COMMENTARY

This is the photo of the Mauritshuis (left) and the Binnenhof (right) in The Hague, Netherlands, taken from across the Hofvijver pond. Here are some elements and strengths of the photo, followed by tips for improvement: 📸 Description of the Photo    •   Subject: Historic buildings with Dutch architectural charm; the Mauritshuis features classicist design, while the Binnenhof displays medieval and Renaissance influences.    •   Foreground: Floating colored platforms on the water, some with birds, adding playful elements and depth.    •   Background: Clear blue sky with some clouds and tree branches hanging from the top, providing natural framing.    •   Lighting: Bright daylight; shadows are crisp and contrast is strong.    •   Composition: Balanced placement of buildings and water. The eye is drawn from the architectural details to the reflective water and floating elements. đź’ˇ Tips to I...

ART OF SEEING #26: LANDSCAPE

  The Art of Seeing in Landscape Photography Herewith I am sharing my photo taken at Taman Tasik Cempaka , BB Bangi as an example to explain the art of seeing in landscape photography and how it plays a crucial role in capturing compelling, story-rich images. In photography, the art of seeing is not just about looking—it’s about noticing. It’s about slowing down and becoming deeply aware of light, lines, shapes, textures, and the mood of a scene. In this image, I have done exactly that. 1. Light and Mood The soft golden light, possibly from late afternoon or early morning, casts a warm glow across the trees and grass. This type of light is known as the golden hour, cherished by photographers for its ability to add depth, warmth, and gentle contrast to a scene. I have seen and captured the mood—peaceful, calm, and inviting. Tip: Pay attention to the time of day. The same scene at noon may look flat and uninteresting, but during golden hour, it comes alive. 2. Leading Lines and Compo...

INTIMATE LANDSCAPE -Putrajaya Wetland

This photo captures the serene beauty and ecological richness of a wetland ecosystem, highlighting its essential role in supporting biodiversity and fostering environmental balance. Visual and Ecological Elements: Pelicans at the Shoreline: The group of pelicans resting and preening along the muddy, pebbled shore illustrates the wetland’s role as a critical habitat for waterbirds. Wetlands offer food, nesting areas, and safe resting grounds for migratory and resident bird species. The pelicans here are not just scenic subjects—they symbolize the health and productivity of this aquatic environment. Riparian Vegetation: The presence of trees along the shoreline adds to the buffering function of the wetland. These trees help prevent erosion, filter runoff, and provide shelter for both terrestrial and aquatic life. Their roots stabilize the soil, while their canopy regulates temperature and light, contributing to a thriving microclimate. Calm Reflective Water: The stillness of the ...

URBAN PHOTOGRAPHY IS MY CHOICE

  PORTRAIT OF A CITY: Kuala Lumpur  There are many genres in photography as there are many cars on the roads.  Everyone has his own favourite genre-just like so many cakes from Kelantan. All are sweet but my top choice is kueh beko. Similarly in photography, my top choice is URBAN PHOTOGRAPHY.  It is my prefered genre but I also enjoy street, landscape and portrait photography . KL has a great influence in my life. I studied at TIKL from 1969 to 1972. During the course of my working life, I lived in KL from 1983 to 2009. The years totaled to almost three decades of city life. And that made me enjoy city life-being urban and urbane at the same time. I love photographing cities — scenes like this one always catch my eye. Urban photography allows me to capture more than just buildings or people; it lets me frame the personality of a city. Each image becomes a kind of portrait, much like how a portrait of a person reflects their identity, emotion, and story. To me, the c...

HOW TO BECOME A CREATIVE PHOTOGRAPHER?

HOW TO BECOME A MORE CREATIVE PHOTOGRAPHER? I have been quite active online sharing photos I took with my camera and smartphone. However, at times, I feel stuck in the rut looking at the quality of my work. I saw repeated photo captures with little improvement. My observations indicated that my so-called ten years experience is actually a two years' experience repeated five times! Does it sound familiar to you? On reflection, I found that my knowledge is lacking behind my efforts going out taking photos. In one month I may take 1000 photos but my knowledge and photography skills remain stagnant. How do I get a QUANTUM LEAP in the quality of my photography? Below is an advice given to me by Mr ChatGPT. It sounds good and practical: Becoming a more creative photographer, especially when you already have a good eye like in the photo you shared, involves both mindset and method. Here are 10 ways to boost your creative photography: 1. Change Your Perspective Shoot from low angles, high...

Elongated and Elegance

 

The Woman by the Window

The Woman by the Window There’s a woman who sits by the window every Saturday morning. Always the same seat—far corner, high stool, facing the glass where the city stretches out in orderly rooftops and gentle patterns. At first glance, she looks alone. Some might say lonely. But if you watch long enough, you’ll sense something different. Her name is Aina. Or maybe it isn’t. Maybe she’s all of us. For a long time, that cafĂ© seat was her quiet retreat. She’d come with the weight of things unspoken—losses she hadn’t yet named, a version of herself she wasn’t ready to leave behind. She didn’t come for the coffee. She came for the stillness. For the comfort of a familiar view and the anonymity of a space that asked nothing of her. I saw her once, months ago, with her head in her hands, shoulders curled inward like she was trying to disappear into the dark roast aroma and soft jazz playing in the background. That day, she didn’t look out the window. She looked inward. But this morning—someth...

Photowalk Project: Publish Portraits of KL Photobook

  Creating a photo book titled The Portrait of Kuala Lumpur is a meaningful and ambitious project. It requires both an artistic vision and a documentary mindset. Here’s a structured approach to guide you through the process—from capturing to compiling and publishing the book. 1. Define Your Vision & Theme Decide What “Portrait” Means to You: Is it about people? Cultures, subcultures, daily life. Is it architectural? A study of buildings, skyline, and urban textures. Is it a mood or spirit? The contrasts between tradition and modernity, quiet and chaos. Is it time-based? Showing KL by day vs night, weekday vs weekend, past vs present. You can also blend multiple themes, but define a core idea to guide your shooting.   2. Plan the Coverage of the City Break the city into zones or themes to ensure comprehensive coverage: Suggested Areas: Historical / Heritage: Merdeka Square, Masjid Jamek, Petaling Street. Modern Urban: KLCC, Pavilion, Bukit Bintang, TRX. ...