2014, Day 365 - A new leaf

As I reflect on the year it has been one filled with friends, food, and lots of work.  It's been a great  year, I've had a lot of fun and keep up this blog has been very rewarding.  That said, I think I am going to change the format.  I've been posting daily for a little over five years and it has kept me from becoming complacent; I've learned a lot and feeling obligated to keep this up has has been very rewarding.  Unfortunately in the past year I've found that I am not pushing myself to go out as often as I once was.  I've been happy to work from a bank of images taken in the past like the one I'm sharing today.  Instead I think I need to be more selective about the images I share and feeling obligated to share something new on a daily basis means that I am not always happy with the final product because of time constraints or simply because I picked out an image I wasn't happy with in the first place.  So I am going to take that pressure off myself and work towards sharing only things photographs that I am really proud of.

After five years and over 1,860 posts I am thinking that change is a good thing :)  Happy New Year!

Fuji X-T1, Fujinon 35/f1.4R
35mm, f1.4, 1/125 sec @ 800 ISO

2014, Day 364 - Pull

This young man is working with molten sugar.  Soon he will be pulling and folding the sugar until it become a fine silky texture.  When that it done it will be bagged and sold with roti as a sweet treat.

Fuji X-T1, Fujinon 35/f1.4R
35mm, f1.4, 1/125 sec @ 800 ISO

2014, Day 363 - Surmounted

There are so many great temples in Thailand.  The first time I went was in 2010 and I had an amazing time exploring them because, no matter the size, they're all different.  This is Wat Yai Chai Mongkhon amd even though it was our first stop it was already crawling with tourists.  I had to wait at the bottom of the stair to get a picture with only a few people but I like them because they add a sense of scale.  This temple is relatively simple, just two levels with a stupa at each corner on the first and then the pagoda in the center.  From the first level you can see the valley of Ayutthaya below and see countless temples dotting the landscape.  We only had time to see a handful but they were each a little bit different and all had a story of their own.

Fuji X-T1, Fujinon 10-24/f4R OIS
10mm, f5.6, 1/1000 sec @ 200 ISO

2014, Day 362 - Road ahead

I love a good vanishing point, it forces me to think about what's beyond the horizon or around the corner.  It is the result of a naturally curious disposition which is why I love photography.  Through the camera's lens you can explore light, shadows, perspective, angles, so many little variables that can drastically affect the final image.  This is why going on photo adventures with friends is such a great thing because you can all look at the same subject and see completely different ways of composing the shot.  The results are so varied that sometimes it doesn't even look like the same place despite the fact that you were only separated by a few feet.  Next year I look forward to continuing the fun!

Fuji X-E2, Fujinon 10-24/f4R OIS
10mm, f5.6, 1/125 sec @ 640 ISO

2014, Day 361 - Beached

The day's work is done and all the fishing boats line the mouth of the river at rest until sunrise when the banks will be empty and the men back at work.

Fuji X-T1, Fujinon 10-24/f4R OIS
10mm, f8, 10 sec @ 200 ISO

2014, Day 360 - Hatchlings

Just like El Salvador we found a number of small non-profits in Sri Lanka that gather sea turtle eggs to protect them from predation.  They are transferred to artificial nests in protected areas and the babies are kept in tiled tubs like the one below until they are three days old at which point they are released into the wild.  Here the babies are kept longer to allow their shells a little more time to harden before they brave the dangers of the world.  I love that places like this exist and while it was not quite as hands-on as the place we visited in El Salvador they do good work and deserve acknowledgment for their tireless efforts.

Fuji X-T1, Fujinon 35/f1.4R
35mm, f2, 1/125 sec @ 640 ISO

2014, Day 359 - Eager

The pups waited patiently while I cooked my Christmas dinner for their own special meal.  They were treated to mashed sweet potatoes, sardines, kale, and rice.  That coupled with my own curried cauliflower and potatoes made the house smell pretty good in part because the sardines were canned and only added at the very end.  Everyone here had a very merry Christmas!

Fuji X-T1, Fujinon 50-140/f2.8R OIS
140mm, f2.8, 1/50 sec @ 3200 ISO

2014, Day 358 - Crowded shadow

Part of what I love about this photo is what it doesn't show.  There were lots of people on this beach.  Behind me there were four teams of men play volleyball and I used neutral density filters for a long exposure so that all the people who kept walking through my frame wouldn't show up.  So it looks like a boat on an abandoned stretch of beach when in fact I was surrounded by people.

Fuji X-T1, Fujinon 10-24/f4R OIS
10mm, f8, 25 sec @ 200 ISO

2014, Day 357 - Fish monger

I met this charming fellow at the market in Kandy.  He is a purveyor of all things dried but mostly salty pungent fish.  I liked the quality of light the bare bulbs cast, some shadows deeper than others and the texture of his wares.  Sometimes it is best that you can't smell a photograph.

Fuji X-T1, Fujinon 56/f1.2R
56mm, f2, 1/125 sec @ 1000 ISO

2014, Day 356 - Sentinel

The shining white structure below is the Cave Temple of Dambulla.  There are five caves with both statutes and paintings depicting the life of the Buddha though a holy site was not their first use, rather the caves were once used as dwellings as burial sites over 2,700 years old have been found in the complex.  The cave temples date back to the first century BC and are now a World Heritage Site.  It was here that we were blessed by the monk you can see just to the left of the nearest central arch.

Fuji X-T1, Fujinon 23/f1.4R
23mm, f2, 1/350 sec @ 200 ISO

2014, Day 355 - Dapple

There is nothing quite like looking out your bedroom window to rolling hills and a colorful sunrise.  It is like starting the day with rose-colored glasses on.

Fuji X-T1, Fujinon 23/f1.4R
23mm, f2, 1/280 sec @ 200 ISO

2014, Day 354 - Refuge

Earlier this week we had a bit of a break in the rain and I've been itching to get out and take some pictures.  One of my old standby locations is Ruckle Creek because there is rarely anyone else there, it isn't too much of a hike, and it is really pretty.  Given that the rain never really stopped, just got lighter, it was my top pick.  I've had an IR converted camera for a while and I've been playing with it quite a bit because, like using a macro lens, you learn to see the world differently.  Greens become brighter in the IR spectrum and blues become more dramatic.  It's a lot of fun to experiment and seeing the world in monochrome is a different kind of experience.

Fuji X-E2, Fujinon 10-24/f4R OIS
10mm, f11, 1 sec @ 200 ISO

2014, Day 353 - Jumble

This is the now disused meeting room in the Old Town Hall in Colombo.  The building is quite beautiful but in rather poor condition even though it is supposed to be a museum.  Still, we were free to wander and it is a rather impressive example of Dutch colonial architecture.

Fuji X-T1, Fujinon 10-24/f4R OIS
10mm, f4, 1/125 sec @ 640 ISO

2014, Day 352 - Flavor

One of my favorite things about Thailand is the food.  It is so flavorful, fresh, and inexpensive.  Since I've been back I've had khao soi twice at two difference places and one was quite good while the other was merely acceptable.  Still, who could say no to both curry and noodles?

Fuji X-T1, Fujinon 35/f1.4R
35mm, f4.5, 1/125 sec @ 500 ISO

2014, Day 351 - Diversion

This afternoon I went out to the Columbia River Gorge with my buddy Jay.  We made a number of stops but I loved the contrast of a grass against the leafless trees and the ominous sky.  It was dark and moody and an accurate reflection of my general demeanor which means I was, uncharacteristically, quite happy.

Fuji X-E2, Fujinon 10-24/f4R OIS
12mm, f4, 1/240 sec @ 200 ISO

2014, Day 350 - Patience

Frankie is such a goofy guy, he's either looking regal and refined or like a complete dope.  He may look dignified in this picture but moments before he was belly-up with his tongue hanging out of the side of his mouth and feet in the air like a dead insect.  That's my little man, a hot mess.

Fuji X-E2, Fujinon 50-140/f2.8R OIS
134.4mm, f2.8, 1/125 sec @ 2000 ISO

2014, Day 349 - You've got a fast car

Not really though, this old double-decker bus isn't going anywhere any time soon but it is all cool and beat up.  Makes me think of the double-decker busses in Davis that still run regularly even though spare parts are largely unavailable and have to be made by a talented local mechanic.

Fuji X-E2, Fujinon 35/f1.4R
35mm, f1.4, 1/280 sec @ 200 ISO

2014, Day 348 - Repose

I love my sweet Bort warmed by the light of an old electric heater that has been converted to a lamp.

Fuji X-T1, Fujinon 56/f1.2R
56mm, f1.2, 1/90 sec @ 3200 ISO

2014, Day 347 - Thunk

I think we went to the market every day we were in Chiang Mai and every day I found someone or something that fascinated me.  As you walk through you head the thud of cleavers biting deep into massive cutting boards, the crackle of hot oil, the back and forth as friend catch up, and always laughter.  There is so much life in the markets, it is so authentic, and I can never get enough.

Fuji X-T1, Funinon 56/f1.2R
56mm, f1.8, 1/125 sec @ 200 ISO

2014, Day 346 - Crinkle

I think this is a taro leaf.  It was in the garden at the cooking school we went to in Chiang Mai and I was immediately attracted to the texture and vibrant color.

Fuji X-T1, Fujinon 60/f2.4R
60mm, f2.4, 1/350 sec @ 200 ISO

2014, Day 345 - Guardian

It seems like most places we went we acquired new friends.  This cat would spend the morning sunbathing in front of our room and every time we stepped outside he would come running to beg for cuddles.  He even tried to let himself into our room.

Fuji X-T1, Fujinon 35/f1.4R
35mm, f2, 1/500 sec @ 200 ISO

2014, Day 344 - Divot

I love images that have texture and this leaf and the drop of water in the center have such an interesting contrast in texture.  One is dull and rough while the other is smooth and shiny.  It is the fine hairs on the leaf that make the water bead up and roll across the surface.

Fuji X-T1, Fujinon 60/f2.4R
60mm, f4, 1/640 sec @ 200 ISO

2014, Day 343 - Beacon

This is Wat Chedi Luang and it is located in the center of Chiang Mai's old city.  Construction was started in the 14th century but the temple was not completed until the middle of the 15th century.  By the time it was finished this was the tallest building in the Lanna kingdom.  Today it is beautifully illuminated at night and, if you look carefully, you can see little points of light behind and to the right; those are hundreds of sky lanterns being released in the distance.

Fuji X-T1, Fujinon 35/f1.4R
35mm, f1.4, 1/80 sec @ 3200 ISO

2014, Day 342 - Myopic

Even though I'm no carnivore who could pass up a mountain of freshly fried food?  I love the patient look on her face and the way the light bulbs illuminate her so well.

Fuji X-T1, Fujinon 35/f1.4R
35mm, f1.4, 1/140 sec @ 200 ISO

2014, Day 341 - Snack

Before visiting Wat Pho we took a walk in the neighborhood surrounding and found a very distinguished woman selling steamed fish.  She sat behind her stacks of baskets chatting with a friend while eating her breakfast.  I don't know if this is what I want for breakfast but there's not arguing over the freshness.

Fuji X-T1, Fujinon 35/f1.4R
35mm, f2.8, 1/220 sec @ 200 ISO

2014, Day 340 - Color wash

As the sun set over the river the clouds were hit with a burst of gold in contrast with the fading blue of the evening sky.  It lasted only a few minutes so you only get a brief window to frame your photograph.  Some people might have tried to rush to a landmark to incorporate into the skyline but that is such a risk and with the color and clouds so vibrant it really wasn't necessary.

Fuji X-T1, Fujinon 56/f1.2R
56mm, f4, 1/1900 sec @ 200 ISO

2014, Day 339 - Closing time

I love a good sunset and sunrises are just as big a treat.  There is the moment of stillness, of beautiful perfection, that you get when the sun reaches a certain point on the horizon.  It always feels special because each one is unique.  I never tire of the sight and I hope I never will.

Fuji X-T1, Fujinon 10-24/f4R OIS
18.2mm, f4, 1/25 sec @ 200 ISO

2014, Day 338 - Early bird

Almost every morning we were in Kandy we were treated to a beautiful sunrise.  Unfortunately I was the only one awake to witness it but I suspect the others might have had a glimpse or two from the comfort of their beds while I dashed out onto the balcony for a better view.

Fuji X-T1, Fujinon 35/f1.4R
35mm, f1.4, 1/950 sec @ 200 ISO

2014, Day 337 - Napping

Sometimes I think the best way to cope when things get tough is to take a nap.

Fuji X-T1, Fujinon 56/f1.2R
56mm, f2, 1/450 sec @ 200 ISO

2014, Day 336 - Fight

I watched a woman fighting with this monkey a few minutes before I took this picture.  She was standing by this brick wall catching her breath and the monkey came up and started helping himself to the contents of her plastic bag.  When her friend pointed out she was being robbed she turned on the monkey with, one assumes, the intention of retrieving her lost belongings.  The monkey scampered away but that didn't stop her from taking a couple swings at him with her plastic bag.  She missed and in the end didn't get her things back either, he passed them on to the other members of his troupe and it took him a while to return to the wall from his perch in a tree.

Fuji X-T1, Fujinon 35/f1.4R
35mm, f1.4, 1/1200 sec @ 200 ISO

2014, Day 335 - Hunt

We saw a rainbow one evening in Sri Lanka after a long day of running around.  I don't know if there is such a think as Sri Lankan leprechauns but I looked and walked away empty handed.  I'm usually better at catching in which makes me think there was no pot of gold to he had...

Fuji X-T1, Fujinon 14/f2.8R
14mm, f4, 1/125 sec @ 1250 ISO

2014, Day 334 - Chips

These fish are only a couple inches long and there were piles and piles of them.  I love how the light catches on their scales and illuminates their eyes, it is a feast of texture.

Fuji X-T1, Fujinon 56/f1.2R
56mm, f2.8, 1/680 sec @ 200 ISO