A Silent Moment Before Prayers

A Silent Moment Before Prayers

Taken in the Ummayad Mosque in Damascus.  A lone worshipper taking a moment for herself while waiting out the rain.

The Ummayad Mosque is the largest and oldest mosque in the world at the moment.  Its religious significance is placed 4th in the Islamic world.

Manuel Librodo: March 2011 Kuala Lumpur

March 2011, I was given the honor to be the VA (Volunteer Assistant) for one of the many Manuel Librodo's workshops organised by Dr. Teh Ban Hup.  Before I start off, thank you, guys!  Really!

Technical wise, these images were neither cropped nor alligned, yet.  And from here on out, I thank the models, designers and MUAs by showcasing their art and talent.

The Slightest Crystal Tear

The costume and design, makeup and modelling were all done by this single mysterious creature, Kharunisia Jazmin...who also happens to be a photographer herself, but she uses a Canon (pfft)  *smirks*

I really like looking at how the light just manage to hit only the face and parts of the hands.  Although technical wise, as a critic I'd whinge that the rest of her skin tone (her body itself) is dark and in a weird skin tone.

Post processing was done with the inspiration by a song called Innocente, by Delerium ft. Leigh Nash.

"You can't see my eyes, and they don't see your's, Hear me when I say, "I don't mind at all.""

Shot with an 85 1.4 at full burst bracketting.

PS:  I'm no longer scared of clowns.  I mean, look at her.  "Nakakainis ka" *Huff a snicker*

Sunrise in the Morning

This is Kharunisia Jazmin again.  She's really quick when it comes to changing and reapplying make up on location.  If it were me, I'd need to take a bath or something along those lines.  Props for gunning it, Spartan Stylin'!

Here, I wanted to have a little bit of contrast with the cool and warm colours with a little bit of inspiration after reading books by Joe McNally. To paraphrase, "Skin tone will always look better in warmer tones.)  And on a more scientific aspect, the human skin lacks the colour blue, so if you were to dress in blue, or be put in a blue surrounding, the colour contrast itself will bring out the magnitude of that fine skintone.

Was listening to this CD which I just bought and the image of what I'd like to portray just hit me.  It happened along the lines of a song called Satellite Of Love (Fabio XB Rework Dub), by Bartlett Bros Vs. Mazza, taken from the album In Search Of Sunrise 8: South Africa [Disc 2], compiled by Richard Durand.  Dub voice is the in thing for me ever since I heard Ferry Corsten's opening track from Mixed Live: Spundae, Nothing (93 Returning mix) by Holden and Thompson.

Just by lowering the exposure and changing the colour temperature, you can produce results such as the background looking as though Mr. Sun hasn't awoken yet...but further analysis of the light and shadows hitting Kharu's face suggests that it is indeed an afternoon sun.

I'm Not Abandoned

This is Dian Sharlin.  Her name is pronounced as how Diane Arbus wants her 'Diane' to be pronounced.  Cute coincidence, really.  I think she's a TV hostess.  =P

MUA, costume and design are all done by the very talented and meticulous Nigel NJ.

It was rather difficult to light up her shadows as I had to catch sufficient light, that wasn't blocked by others, through a very small and tight opening by the window...without getting in the way of the photographers. Somehow, the lack of full fill light does produce some exceptional modelling shadows...and that's what it's about.

No real inspiration for this one, although other fellow photographers were inspired on how Dian looked like a princess in an abandoned castle.  If that was the case, I'm glad to be able to show off this princess' pride in the title...as the only reason I picked this shot was because I had eye contact and good exposure on the white lace.

Added a little bit of diffused glow to show off an imaged of her possibly being a beautiful ghostly spirit who decided to materialise in front of unsuspecting intrepid adventurers.  Hey, princess in an abandoned castle.  There had better be lots of GLOW!

The Black Widow

Looking at how Kharunisia is in black and white like the Black Widow Spider (Latrodectus) crawling across the web to deliver that red 'kiss of death'.

I've come to my own understanding that when someone goes through the trouble of creating a fantastic design, it will always look best by being showcased as it is...and to actually make it seem real and as vivd as though you're present in front of the scene or person.  I was amazed in the detailed  and meticulous transformation of Kharunisia that I figured that I'd better "document" it properly.  Don't blow out the whites, keep the details in the shadows in check and show off that red lipstick.  I am showing you what I saw...if I weren't squinting from the harsh afternoon sun.

More to come, stay tuned.

Stout out...or rather back to homework and studying.

Japan

One of the most beautiful countries in the world to me.  I am deeply interested in the culture, nature, language, people, music, fashion, food, technological, industrial and commercial products, and history of of all things Japanese.  The 8.9 earthquake hit off the coast of Japan on Friday, March 11th, 2011, at 2:46:23 pm local time.

Japan is one of the highest media connected and culturally integrated societies in the world.  Much of the devastation, victims and first person's encounters are being flooded onto the internet and covering the majority of the media channels across the world.  I, for one, am currently deeply engrossed by what has happened and cannot bear to stay away from the news.

Live streaming video by Ustream

Here is NHK's livestream in english.  The encounters that were related by the ground zero victims are truly heartwrenching.  I am completely amazed with respect by the victims' stoic and dignified manner  despite the complete wipe out of everything that they hold dear.  There have been no reports of looting so far.  The patience and understanding of the Japanese during this troubled time has far surpassed the global standard of what it means to be civil, and I am sincerely amazed.

News reports that the slew of aftershocks are still going on.  However, the current count on the countires and charity organisations flooding relief aids into Japan doubles that that was recieved during the the Great Hanshin earthquake (Kobe earthquake) in 1995.

On a more personal note, I am truly glad that my friends and family, and their friends and families are safe.  Just being able to know this fact is a gift for the rest of us who feel powerless.  The only way that I want to help right now would be to actually fly to Japan and photograph...everything.  It may sound selfish for my own personal gain, but I do sincerely feel that being able to convey what I see to the outside world will be important to what I want to do with my life. 

If someone out there really cares, I'd suggest donating directly to the Japanese Red Cross.  Currently, the victims and survivors are in dire need of food, clean water and warm blankets.  As Japan and the rest of the world struggles with the relief effort, recovery is going to take a while.  As always, my family and I have been supporting the Japanese economy from our side of the world.

To all my friends and peers around the world who are reading this, do keep in touch.
I will be visitng your country soon.  I'll bring my camera.  =)

Ganbatte, Nihon!

Sun & Moon

Sun & Moon

In Peru, there are many animals that have been worshipped and depicted in every turn of a page as traditions since ancient times.  The three key animals that come to mind would be the llama, condor and the jaguar.  Depictions of these are usual symbolic and the idols, whether majestic or comical, are seen at every corner of the slightest human civilisation here.

Wooden carvings are the more solid local Peruvian crafts that, I would honestly say, is justified in terms of quality and the best bang-per-buck to take home.  After a disappointing first wash of the tourist destination souvenir t-shirts,  I'd suggest never buy cloths from South America unless it is from a well-known designer ie, Hard Rock Cafe!  *hint nudge hint* or extremely delicious quality leather from the leather factories in Argentina.

I took this shot inside of a very tiny arts and crafts shop as I am purchasing these two items.  I had been hunting for the best price for this specific design since the night before and I was in glee as a souvenir store right smack in the center of town gave the best 'on-tag' price.

I was browsing through my favourite artists and I read that this song at the moment is one of the most anticipated tracks early this year.  It is because that I am drawn by the description, it'd be unwise if I didn't just post the official youtube  video and quote the entire text  As I was listening to this, I figured that this is the perfect inspiration for this shot.

Yes, I will buy Above & Beyond's "Group Therapy", as per usual.  Richard Bedford's songwriting and vocals for Above & Beyond is stuff of legends and what immortality is made of.

Sun & Moon

It's raining, it's pouring,

A black sky is falling,

It's cold tonight.

You gave me your answer,

Goodbye, now I'm all on my own tonight.

And when the big wheel starts to spin,

You can never know who we are,

If you don't play you'll never win.

We were in heaven, you and I,

When I lay with you and close my eyes,

Our fingers touch the sky.

I'm sorry, baby,

You were the sun & moon to me,

I'll never get over you, you'll never get over me.

""Sun & Moon" is the first single taken from Above & Beyond's forthcoming artist album "Group Therapy" for full details see http://anjunabeats.com/above-and-beyo...

Inspired by a song that combines bittersweet lyrics with uplifting electronic melodies, the video for Above & Beyond's 'Sun & Moon' focuses on the pain and release of a couple's break-up; showing that relationships live on forever in the memory.

With the video drawing its aesthetic cues from the legendary Northern Soul era, the lead male is seen re-living the relationship and the final breakdown through a series of emotive flash back scenes and some lonesome, drink and music fuelled longing.

Just as 'Sun & Moon' finds its release through its emphatic, riff-based breakdown, the lead recognises the song and finds his own peace of mind the only way he knows - by dancing. Through a set of skilfully twisted and visually arresting dance moves straight out of the Northern soul era - where sad love songs like 'Sun & Moon' fuelled a generation of late night dancers lost in lyrics.  In doing so, he finds his freedom... in the moment.

Receiving BBC Radio 1 support from Pete Tong, Scott Mills and Cosmic Gate (Essential Mix), Above & Beyond's 'Sun & Moon' (feat. Richard Bedford) is out on 21st March."

http://www.aboveandbeyond.nu
http://www.facebook.com/aboveandbeyond


Cap Goh Meh is over, so back to work!
Stout Out!

Tunupa Love Birds

Tunupa Love Birds

A quaint yet well maintained and exquisite restaurant, the Tunupa Restaurante, in Cusco, Peru.  Here, you may find the andean delicacies, alpaca (cross between a lamb, a deer and a camel) shashimi and BBQ cuy (guinea pig)...Buffet stylin'!  Nyam nyam!

Upon arrival and after sieving through the very punctual touristy souvenir pushers, you will be greeted by a pair of love birds that, for me, were busy munching on some local purple corn.  In this shot, it was after dinner time and dusk was fast approaching.  As the evening breeze picks up speed and gets more chilly, I had the advantage of shooting this lovely pair huddling together without a tourist crowd around them.

The front side of the building is laced with arcs of red roses creeping just above the very posh souvenir shops, where the sales people are a little bit more cultivated.  And, as per usual, here is today's inspiration.  A lovely song from back in 2008!  =)

Burning from the inside, by Tenishia, featuring Tiff Lacey.

"Crushing down like water,

It's when you say my name,

Then I realise,

I'm in love again,

Passion like no other,

And life won't feel the same,

You can see in my eyes,

I'm in love again."

Happy Valentine's day!
Stout Out!

Mount Nebo, Jordan

Har Nevo, Hebrew for Mount Nebo, Jordan.

The Brazen Serpent

This pinacle is known to be a very sacred place for the Christians and the Jewish, for this is where the Hebrew prophet, Moses, stood and showed his people the promise land, Jerusalem.

The Brazen Serpent was created by an Italian artist, Giovanni Fantoni, and is a symbolic representation of Moses turning his staff into a bronze serpent in the wilderness( 21:4-9).  The serpentine figure is dicpicted to be coiling around Jesus crucified on a cross (John 3:14).

27KM in the direction in front of the Brazen Serpent is Jericho.  The Mountain of Olives in Jerusalem would be west of Jericho, at 46KM from the Brazen Serpent.  On a clear day much better than this, it is said that a clear view of the promise land could be seen from this vantage point.

Story of A Little White Cheongsam

Vintage Rabbit From The Moon

The title and theme of this are influenced by a song by Nine Days, Story of A Girl.  I thought it a pleasure to get Ashlynn Ng to smile for me long enough for me to capture it.

Many many months ago, I spoke to Ashlynn to do a photoshoot together, but in the end, we ended up not taking any initiative for it.  One night in Bambo9, to my surprise, she appeared in that little white thing and I thought, it'd make great black and white and sepia shots.

Voluntariamente Personaje

This would be my first shot of Ashlynn which was sort of impromptu.  The title is in Spanish, as to rub into the faces of those who supported Germany as Spain took the win during the South African World Cup 2010!  Thank the octopus~

Voluntariamente Personaje, literally means 'Voluntary Personage', which in this case, would refer to her lending me some of her time and letting me shoot her.  It was a privilege for me.

Have An Apple New Year!

Fast forward from Spain's Victory for the 2011 New Year's Eve, I met her again and she just so happened to be in apple green.  This was when we decided that it'd be perfect to do a cheongsam theme.  Great!  Now comes the hard part, the planning and the timing.

Invitation

Guess what, this looks like it's being set up, but really, it's just another impromptu shoot.  Since I manage to get a hold of her for the night, I suppose I can test out the capabilities of the D300 that's being held together with an awesome lense.

Winsome Smiles

Inside, I tried shooting while hiding much of the clutter and the other patrons.  I shot this against one of the tables with a light being bounced to the right side...against a black backdrop, hence, this is where the magic bounce card comes into play.  I think I did pretty well in capturing her well-defined curves.  Verdict?

Vintage Noir

Oddly enough, she managed to really twist at an angle that wasn't favourable.  It's rare that you are able to find someone who is good from all angles.  Perhaps I'll try to pay a little more attention to the details from now on.

Conclusion:  Lense > Camera.

I'll be looking around for a cheongsam to do this more seriously, but me thinks that it might be a tad silly to do a cheongsam shoot right after the Chinese New Year.  Oh, who am I kidding.  It's definitely a 'Good' silly.  *Smirk*

Gong Xi Fa Cai, every every everyone!

Stout signing off.  Will continue to pack for Jordan and Syria.

Look forward to more of my adventures.

Cheerio~

Winter in Summer

Winter Solace

This shoot was in the making for about three months.  After months of discussion, I was finally able to meet, greet and shoot Michelle Chuah of Supermodel's Secrets for the first time together with Soo Suet Li.  I was pretty nervous at first, but I thank the ladies for being very accommodating with my requests.  Believe it or not, this was shot outdoors at Putrajaya's Pullman Lakeside Park in the late morning.

I'll Remember The Summer Forever

Music has always been my passion and inspiration.  My first tribute to Svenson and Gielen for their beautiful single, Beachbreeze.  The title is of this shot happens to be the start of the chorus, which IMO, is the catchline of the song that everyone recognise from around the world.

Sheltered Dreams

While having a go at this shot, the words of my first master, Manny Librodo, played in my head...that, and the fact that that song from The Cranberries, Shattered, was being looped in my head.  Was I wrong to reduce the contrast and highlights on the white fur?  Hmmm...

Sultry Summer

In trying my best not to overdo it and in order to preserve some details in the textures, I did some pre-emptive planning in my head even before I opened up Lightroom.  Surprisingly, the results were astonishingly easy to obtain.  Mind you, my eyes can't tell colour very well and the planning came a week after I had shot this.  Similar to pre-writing, planning ahead in photography works wonders.  I dedicate this to commercial photographer, David Lok, for his guidance is my journey to properly refine my fundamentals.

Model:  Michelle Chuah and Soo Suet-Li.

MUA/Designer:  Michelle Chuah.

Photographer:  Jonathan "Stoutlager" Khee.

Organiser:  Michelle Chuah and Jonathan Khee.

More to come.

Please look forward to it.

Cheers.

Catacombs of the Convento de San Francisco

Convento de San Francisco, Spanish for The Saint Francis Monastery.

The monastery is situated in Plaza de Amas in Central Lima and is considered to be part of what is known as the 'Old Lima'.  The Old Lima (what I would call downtown as opposed to uptown, 'New Lima') was declared to be a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1988.

The catacombs was not discovered until 1951.  There are bones of over 24,000 people buried here, but experts have claimed the estimate was over 70,000.

In the old days, the monks used to throw the bodies into this particular 13 feet deep well.  It was filled with hot lime (quicklime) to accelerate the decay of the flesh in order to leave only the bones and to dampen the rotting smell.  The bodies were left in the well for many months and the bones of the individuals would then be indistinguishable.  Due to the strong nature of the the acid, many of the smaller bones, such as those of the fingers and toes, would not survive the process.  Most of the bones that were easily discerned were the femur, tibia and the skull.  It is estimated that from the top most level of the visible bones, it extends to about 6 feet below, all filled with bones.

The bones that are displayed these days are the ones which actually survived vandalism.  Archaeologists have expressed concern about the number of missing bones and the main suspects were, of course, the visiting tourists.  In an effort to reduce the amount of bone loss, the tour guide mentioned that if you do not stay within close proximity to the group, you will end up getting yourself lost beneath the city of Lima...and be added to the collection.

Rakuzen

Before I introduce this little piece of overpriced Japanese food, I will briefly explain what I am doing on my own time...because this is my blog =P

From the top of my head, I will be hitting the gym almost every day now and will be confronting with a vigorous workout routine in order to push up my stamina and to burn off useless tissue in my body, ie, anything that feels soft or can be pinched.  Honestly, every time I get comfortable with a day's workout, the following session I push myself even more and over the edge that will just make my body take a dip down the spiral of exhaustion.  Every time I get off the last few machines, I feel as though if I pushed it just a little more or took a wrong step, I would have sprained something in a really really bad way and would have taken months to recover.  My strongest believe since I was young is that in order to learn how to swim, you need to be thrown into the deep end to fully understand your situation and how far below you really are.

Anyway, here's Rakuzen. =)

Yes, I am impressed with the aesthetics.

What's inside?  Let's take a closer look.

Restaurant Kin Kin

Yes. Hello!

Where have you been?  I've been up and about, keeping myself busy.  Been months since I actually even checked my blog since I've gotten back to KL...No worries, a ton of updates will be flooding in soon ;)

And now?  What's up with you?

What's up is ME! Rawr... The first few days I was back, Alexis (a guy, yes, I know it's a girl's name) and Dong took me out for some cheap and great eats at a place called Restaurant Kin Kin.

Boo Yeah!

So, what have we gotten ourselves into??

Return of the Stout.

Back in Malaysia for the third day now.  I have lots of things happening around me, lots of planning to do and to "look forward to".  I am tired.. physically...and feeling very jaded.

My pick-me-up this morning was the call to Dell customer support to get someone to replace the hardware in my laptop.  At the end, I had a lovely chat with a chick with a very sweet voice that really made my day.  Who needs caffeine when you have someone over at the line at tech support to cheer you up! ;)

 

So...anyway... I'm settling down and getting used to the weather once again.  This time it isn't so bad because of the extension of the house, my parents do not leave doors to the outside and therefore there are less mosquitoes hunting on the inside of the house.  Hah.. so full of WIN!

Lots of things to update and to catch up, actually, but I shall save it for more appropriate channels ;)

PS: Yes, I do have a number... No, I do not know my own number.

Ciao~!

Stout out.