Location
Whether it's a holiday or purely for a production; I plan, prepare and try to find the unique, beautiful, and intriguing.
You can never be fully prepared for the site or the moment where the scene grabs you, but as long as you have the prep, you will be able to capture it when those moments arise and glimmers in your eye.
Exterior
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Focal Forest
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Stunning thick forest on the island of Mull on the west coast of Scotland
Stunning thick forest on the island of Mull on the west coast of Scotland
Spring Fire
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Setsubun, the Japanese spring festival is celebrated with the throwing of soybeans and small fires outside of the activities inside the shrine, the dark blue shapes on the lines are peoples fortunes, bad fortunes are tied up and hopefully dispelled in the shrine.
Setsubun, the Japanese spring festival is celebrated with the throwing of soybeans and small fires outside of the activities inside the shrine, the dark blue shapes on the lines are peoples fortunes, bad fortunes are tied up and hopefully dispelled in the shrine.
Wes?
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In the Island of mull there's a small town called Tobermory, in that town is this brightly coloured post office that looks as if the director Wes Anderson designed it himself. And I love it.
In the Island of mull there's a small town called Tobermory, in that town is this brightly coloured post office that looks as if the director Wes Anderson designed it himself. And I love it.
Light Lanterns
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I have always been interested in the lanterns outside of Japanese business , I just found out what they are! Chochin (lanterns) serve a purpose: to acknowledge businesses that have contributed money to a local matsuri (festival).
I have always been interested in the lanterns outside of Japanese business , I just found out what they are! Chochin (lanterns) serve a purpose: to acknowledge businesses that have contributed money to a local matsuri (festival).
Warm Water World
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After a log day of yoga I took a walk around a small area of waterfront in Hong Kong, I was surprised at how the sun reflected off the water, almost as if it was an oil painting.
After a log day of yoga I took a walk around a small area of waterfront in Hong Kong, I was surprised at how the sun reflected off the water, almost as if it was an oil painting.
The golden triangle
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Boats used to unload large freight ships in the docks in Hong Kong.
Boats used to unload large freight ships in the docks in Hong Kong.
Hong Kong Rainbow
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Faded pastel colors are common place in the older 40+ year buildings in Hong Kong. This is one of the most photographed areas in Hong Kong for obvious aesthetic reasons.
Faded pastel colors are common place in the older 40+ year buildings in Hong Kong. This is one of the most photographed areas in Hong Kong for obvious aesthetic reasons.
Public Housing
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This is the top of a 24 story public housing building in Hong Kong, I gained access as I lived in one of the tine apartments here for 2+ months. For perspective, my bedroom was 190cm long, 90cm across and I could not stand up in it.
This is the top of a 24 story public housing building in Hong Kong, I gained access as I lived in one of the tine apartments here for 2+ months. For perspective, my bedroom was 190cm long, 90cm across and I could not stand up in it.
Outside
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One of the common sights close the the public housing areas in Hong Kong are the amount of elderly who will gather, gamble or otherwise sit and watch the world go by outside their tiny boxes of apartments.
One of the common sights close the the public housing areas in Hong Kong are the amount of elderly who will gather, gamble or otherwise sit and watch the world go by outside their tiny boxes of apartments.
Street Cave
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A small utility shop on the streets of Hong Kong's central island. It has a little bit of everything.
A small utility shop on the streets of Hong Kong's central island. It has a little bit of everything.
Sakura Season
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My first trip to Japan was to Kyoto in the height of the sakura flowering season. It was stunning.
My first trip to Japan was to Kyoto in the height of the sakura flowering season. It was stunning.
Thoughts
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Buddhist nunnery in the New territories of Hong Kong.
Buddhist nunnery in the New territories of Hong Kong.
Scottish Snow
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all the buildings in this shoat are at least 100 years old and have weathered the Scottish weather well, including the rather popular bar at the bottom right.
all the buildings in this shoat are at least 100 years old and have weathered the Scottish weather well, including the rather popular bar at the bottom right.
Sand Sea & Sky
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The red sea, Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt. A stunning sunrise before a day of scuba diving.
The red sea, Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt. A stunning sunrise before a day of scuba diving.
Temple Trees
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Cambodia. I am still amazed that you can walk amongst this word heritage site with no signs, barriers, security, and sometimes no one at all. Simply beautiful.
Cambodia. I am still amazed that you can walk amongst this word heritage site with no signs, barriers, security, and sometimes no one at all. Simply beautiful.
Sayonara Osaka
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My last day on my first trip to Japan.
Seriously, you can point your camera anywhere in Japan and get a half decent pic, it's ridiculous.
My last day on my first trip to Japan.
Seriously, you can point your camera anywhere in Japan and get a half decent pic, it's ridiculous.
Itadakimasu
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One of those shots that is as warm as my memories of this area in Kagoshima, South Japan. This small area hosts 25 mini restaurants, you can essentially restaurant hop around and try everything this part of Japan has to offer.
One of those shots that is as warm as my memories of this area in Kagoshima, South Japan. This small area hosts 25 mini restaurants, you can essentially restaurant hop around and try everything this part of Japan has to offer.
Worn Wreck
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Off the sea side town of Oban is the little Isle of Kererra, a charming Island inhabited mainly by sheep.
Off the sea side town of Oban is the little Isle of Kererra, a charming Island inhabited mainly by sheep.
Spring Fire 2
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Believe it or not this shot was taken seconds apart from the last (2 of 24). I adjusted the shutter speed to open longer, making the flames seem more aggressive and so that you can see the fortunes tied to the lines close to it.
Believe it or not this shot was taken seconds apart from the last (2 of 24). I adjusted the shutter speed to open longer, making the flames seem more aggressive and so that you can see the fortunes tied to the lines close to it.
Shinto Shrine Shop
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In almost all medium to large shrines in Japan you will find small religious shops. They mainly sell charms, wards and other items to protect you, your family, your future and possessions.
In almost all medium to large shrines in Japan you will find small religious shops. They mainly sell charms, wards and other items to protect you, your family, your future and possessions.
Tranquil
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Byōdō-in, the temple of equality in Uji, Japan.
Byōdō-in, the temple of equality in Uji, Japan.
Table for 2
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Nori ichi, one seaweed. A ramen shop in Kagoshima, Japan. It reminded me of Blade runner.
Nori ichi, one seaweed. A ramen shop in Kagoshima, Japan. It reminded me of Blade runner.
Ankor Wat outer ring
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Another stunning piece of ancient ruin in the outer ring of the temple grounds.
Another stunning piece of ancient ruin in the outer ring of the temple grounds.
Dusk
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A simple yet breathtaking sunset on a warm day in Scotland capital Edinburgh.
A simple yet breathtaking sunset on a warm day in Scotland capital Edinburgh.
Interior
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Kazaridaru
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These huge sake casks are called “kazaridaru” - decorative barrels. They can be found across japan 🇯🇵 in Shinto shrines ⛩, they are normally hollow and for decorative purposes.
Sake is deeply rooted in ⛩ Shintoism in Japan (similar to the wine in Christianity) as it supposedly allowed people to become closer to their gods. This connection has proliferated over the 100’s of years and even today it’s considered an important part of the culture/religion.
These huge sake casks are called “kazaridaru” - decorative barrels. They can be found across japan 🇯🇵 in Shinto shrines ⛩, they are normally hollow and for decorative purposes.
Sake is deeply rooted in ⛩ Shintoism in Japan (similar to the wine in Christianity) as it supposedly allowed people to become closer to their gods. This connection has proliferated over the 100’s of years and even today it’s considered an important part of the culture/religion.
Algae
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Umibudou - Sea Grapes 海ぶどう.
An Okinawan specialty in south Japan. This is one of the farms I managed to sneak into and take some lovely pictures of this curious spherical algae that some clam is one of the reasons Okinawans have such a long and health lifespan.
This lady was processing some of the algae surrounded by the tanks filled with growing Umibudou.
Umibudou - Sea Grapes 海ぶどう.
An Okinawan specialty in south Japan. This is one of the farms I managed to sneak into and take some lovely pictures of this curious spherical algae that some clam is one of the reasons Okinawans have such a long and health lifespan.
This lady was processing some of the algae surrounded by the tanks filled with growing Umibudou.
Algae 2
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Umibudou - Sea Grapes 海ぶどう.
These huge bathtubs are constantly rotating the sea grapes. The sun was illuminating the side of the tub and I like how the feeling of warmth come through, and the dark mass moving with the water clearly in flux.
Umibudou - Sea Grapes 海ぶどう.
These huge bathtubs are constantly rotating the sea grapes. The sun was illuminating the side of the tub and I like how the feeling of warmth come through, and the dark mass moving with the water clearly in flux.
Gothic
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The Sainte-Chapelle in Paris.
A small awe inspiring Chapelle that is at least 770 years old and used to house the crown of thorns. One of those places in the world that you can feel and almost sense the history by simply stepping inside.
The Sainte-Chapelle in Paris.
A small awe inspiring Chapelle that is at least 770 years old and used to house the crown of thorns. One of those places in the world that you can feel and almost sense the history by simply stepping inside.
とりい - Torii
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Fukuoka, Japan.
These infamous red arches are called Torii and are normally paid for by people who have prayed to the shrine in front of them and received some sort of positive outcome. The torii are placed by the shrine, the more you see, the more fortune has been granted.
Fukuoka, Japan.
These infamous red arches are called Torii and are normally paid for by people who have prayed to the shrine in front of them and received some sort of positive outcome. The torii are placed by the shrine, the more you see, the more fortune has been granted.
Little Boxes 1
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Public Housing in Hong Kong.
This is an older more traditional design with the apartments front doors facing inward and toward each other, then more modern ones are in a cross (+) shape and have less of a communal feel to them. Regardless of the design they sometimes feel a little prison like.
Public Housing in Hong Kong.
This is an older more traditional design with the apartments front doors facing inward and toward each other, then more modern ones are in a cross (+) shape and have less of a communal feel to them. Regardless of the design they sometimes feel a little prison like.
Temple
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I would visit this area of Hong Kong frequently as this is where one of the best wet markets in HK can be found, Tai Po.
A 5min walk from all the food, sights, sounds, smells and 1000's of people is a tiny quiet temple. Out of all the temples in HK this one is the lesser known and one of the most serene.
I would visit this area of Hong Kong frequently as this is where one of the best wet markets in HK can be found, Tai Po.
A 5min walk from all the food, sights, sounds, smells and 1000's of people is a tiny quiet temple. Out of all the temples in HK this one is the lesser known and one of the most serene.
Little Boxes 2
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Public Housing in Hong Kong.
I shot this because I was feeling a little trapped in my life and the surrounding environment reflected this feeling. I felt I was not alone and the people who lived along side me also shared this sensation in a lesser or greater manner.
Public Housing in Hong Kong.
I shot this because I was feeling a little trapped in my life and the surrounding environment reflected this feeling. I felt I was not alone and the people who lived along side me also shared this sensation in a lesser or greater manner.
Red
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Heian Shrine in Kyoto. This is not exactly the most stunning shot of this 60000m2 shrine's grounds, but it is one that I keep returning to as I find the gentleman and the red and white surrounding extremely pleasing to my eye.
Heian Shrine in Kyoto. This is not exactly the most stunning shot of this 60000m2 shrine's grounds, but it is one that I keep returning to as I find the gentleman and the red and white surrounding extremely pleasing to my eye.
Tunnel
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Simply a small family shrine outside their home in Kyoto.
Simply a small family shrine outside their home in Kyoto.
Pachinko
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Pachinko (パチンコ) is a type of mechanical game originating in Japan and is used as both a form of recreational arcade game and much more frequently as a gambling device. Yet another unique part of Japanese culture. Also if you ever go, wear headphones as it's incredibly loud in these places.
Pachinko (パチンコ) is a type of mechanical game originating in Japan and is used as both a form of recreational arcade game and much more frequently as a gambling device. Yet another unique part of Japanese culture. Also if you ever go, wear headphones as it's incredibly loud in these places.
Back Street
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Most of the small local restaurants away from the city center in Hong Kong have these small streets that their back door lead onto. You can gather some interesting perspectives as to how their kitchens are run, or not.
Most of the small local restaurants away from the city center in Hong Kong have these small streets that their back door lead onto. You can gather some interesting perspectives as to how their kitchens are run, or not.
Temple 2
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The same temple in Tai Po, a calm and quiet place in on of the larges cities in the world. And they have a cute cat.
The same temple in Tai Po, a calm and quiet place in on of the larges cities in the world. And they have a cute cat.
Fish
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In the Goldfish Market in Hong Kong you will find astounding aquarium shops that hang some of their tropical fish outside their shops. Ethically questionable?
In the Goldfish Market in Hong Kong you will find astounding aquarium shops that hang some of their tropical fish outside their shops. Ethically questionable?
Cages within Cages
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Song birds being kept in cages in Hong Kong and China are thankfully becoming less and less common. I found it somewhat sadly poetic that this bird is trapped in a cage that is in turn in a small box of an apartment in HK public housing.
Song birds being kept in cages in Hong Kong and China are thankfully becoming less and less common. I found it somewhat sadly poetic that this bird is trapped in a cage that is in turn in a small box of an apartment in HK public housing.
Eggs
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A HK market that sells exclusively eggs. Duck, quail, chicken, fresh, fermented and more.
I personally took this shot as I found the age range of Hong Kong women and the pink tutu is quite lovely.
A HK market that sells exclusively eggs. Duck, quail, chicken, fresh, fermented and more.
I personally took this shot as I found the age range of Hong Kong women and the pink tutu is quite lovely.
Little Boxes 3
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Gaining access to these public housing areas are normally not particularly easy, even when you are inside you are normally chased out by a slow and chunky security guard. But I lived in one of these boxes and had unimpeded access, rare for a non local.
Gaining access to these public housing areas are normally not particularly easy, even when you are inside you are normally chased out by a slow and chunky security guard. But I lived in one of these boxes and had unimpeded access, rare for a non local.
Fruit Basket
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The fruit and veg level in a wet market in Tai Po Hong Kong. Not all are as fruity and visually appealing, but this area is not like most.
The fruit and veg level in a wet market in Tai Po Hong Kong. Not all are as fruity and visually appealing, but this area is not like most.
Cool
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Usually near to the fresh meats are the frozen goods in a wet market in Hong Kong. The large freezers are typically open to the element, especially the 25 to 30oC heat, creating this floating cloud of icy mist.
Usually near to the fresh meats are the frozen goods in a wet market in Hong Kong. The large freezers are typically open to the element, especially the 25 to 30oC heat, creating this floating cloud of icy mist.
Jewel
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Inside a market in Cambodia I came across this mild mannered and friendly jeweler making some items from silver, he was singing as I asked and took a few pic of his workplace.
Inside a market in Cambodia I came across this mild mannered and friendly jeweler making some items from silver, he was singing as I asked and took a few pic of his workplace.
Abstract
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Tile
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An industrial area in the New territories of Hong Kong. They have some interesting shapes and sizes going on.
An industrial area in the New territories of Hong Kong. They have some interesting shapes and sizes going on.
Red Wood
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The underhanging area of one of the Shinto shrines in Kyushu.
The underhanging area of one of the Shinto shrines in Kyushu.
Slice
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An ancient carving in a small temple in Cambodia.
An ancient carving in a small temple in Cambodia.
Simple
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A beautifully understated and simplistic door to a Shinto shrine in Japan.
A beautifully understated and simplistic door to a Shinto shrine in Japan.
Ginko
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A huge lantern roughly 1.5m in circumference hanging in one of the entrances in the Shinto shrine in Fukuoka. The design is take from a leaf from the Ginkgo biloba tree, a tree that is deep in Japanese culture.
A huge lantern roughly 1.5m in circumference hanging in one of the entrances in the Shinto shrine in Fukuoka. The design is take from a leaf from the Ginkgo biloba tree, a tree that is deep in Japanese culture.
Ding Dong
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A Shinto bell made for announcing your arrival to the kami/god/deity of that shrine.
A Shinto bell made for announcing your arrival to the kami/god/deity of that shrine.
Focus?
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While enjoying the fireworks in Okinawa I realized that my tripod had broken. Instead of trying to stabilize my camera on my arm and inevitably getting slightly shaky results I decided to change they way I shot the explosions and this was the result.
While enjoying the fireworks in Okinawa I realized that my tripod had broken. Instead of trying to stabilize my camera on my arm and inevitably getting slightly shaky results I decided to change they way I shot the explosions and this was the result.
Calm
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I shot this at dusk in a small restaurant area in Kagoshima Japan. 24 restaurant all crammed into a tiny but warm area with 100's of lanterns illuminating the cramped streets. I took this as a way to remember the happy calm feeling I had while walking around the area with a belly full of delicious food.
I shot this at dusk in a small restaurant area in Kagoshima Japan. 24 restaurant all crammed into a tiny but warm area with 100's of lanterns illuminating the cramped streets. I took this as a way to remember the happy calm feeling I had while walking around the area with a belly full of delicious food.
Composition
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In the underground area just before the metro in Kagoshima, Kyushu in Japan I found this pleasing arrangement of shapes and colors with neutral tones. I passed it a few times traveling around this city and it kept drawing my eye until I simply had to take a picture of it.
In the underground area just before the metro in Kagoshima, Kyushu in Japan I found this pleasing arrangement of shapes and colors with neutral tones. I passed it a few times traveling around this city and it kept drawing my eye until I simply had to take a picture of it.
Pastel Pipe
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These pastel coloured pipes in Hong Kong are found in older larger building and have a heavy industrial feel to them, along with being fairly pleasing to view.
These pastel coloured pipes in Hong Kong are found in older larger building and have a heavy industrial feel to them, along with being fairly pleasing to view.
Robot face
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Direct translation = omachi kudasai = wait please.
And the whole button box looks similar to a squarish robot face.
Direct translation = omachi kudasai = wait please.
And the whole button box looks similar to a squarish robot face.
Concrete Jungle
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Simple industrial brutalism that I find esthetically pleasing.
Simple industrial brutalism that I find esthetically pleasing.
Concrete Games
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I took this shot just minutes from my partners home in Hong Kong. The red box are a type of cheap playing cards that the local elderly use to play and bet with. the color contrast and concrete with the commercial has a pleasing balance.
I took this shot just minutes from my partners home in Hong Kong. The red box are a type of cheap playing cards that the local elderly use to play and bet with. the color contrast and concrete with the commercial has a pleasing balance.
Warm Lanterns
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Setsubun, the spring festival in Japan where some of the oni/demons make an appearance and are chased away by the Shinto priests and locals. This fat looking face is one of the representations of an oni.
Setsubun, the spring festival in Japan where some of the oni/demons make an appearance and are chased away by the Shinto priests and locals. This fat looking face is one of the representations of an oni.
Three
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Composition, color and simplicity all caught my eye with this shot.
Composition, color and simplicity all caught my eye with this shot.
Lock down
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I feel a sense of confinement and over preparedness in this shot. I do like the muted dark gray against the dirty tiles.
I feel a sense of confinement and over preparedness in this shot. I do like the muted dark gray against the dirty tiles.
Past and present
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Another crack in the wall of the concrete jungle in Hong Kong's old factory area. This time in bold greens showing the old tiles that were covered up years previous with a dark jade paint.
Another crack in the wall of the concrete jungle in Hong Kong's old factory area. This time in bold greens showing the old tiles that were covered up years previous with a dark jade paint.
Odd
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Honestly this is/was not staged.
I was walking to take out my rubbish and I passed this strange scene and I saw a strange beauty in it's simplicity and shadows.
Honestly this is/was not staged.
I was walking to take out my rubbish and I passed this strange scene and I saw a strange beauty in it's simplicity and shadows.
Industrial
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Again in the same are of Hong Kong that other simplistic brutalism reigns supreme.
Again in the same are of Hong Kong that other simplistic brutalism reigns supreme.
Exit
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Sometimes I wonder if heath and safety in Hong Kong is only a roughly guide, the gap between the pavement and fire exit here cannot be ok.
Sometimes I wonder if heath and safety in Hong Kong is only a roughly guide, the gap between the pavement and fire exit here cannot be ok.
Water Bee
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A curious water truck delivering their wares to the local businesses, a repeating pattern with muted colors that fits well in it's industrial surroundings in Hong Kong's old factory area.
A curious water truck delivering their wares to the local businesses, a repeating pattern with muted colors that fits well in it's industrial surroundings in Hong Kong's old factory area.
I see you
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Anthropomorphic feel to this shot in a busy restaurant in Hong Kong, one of the workers left their glasses on the counter that has the distinctive red lampshade that you see often in food related businesses in Hong Kong.
Anthropomorphic feel to this shot in a busy restaurant in Hong Kong, one of the workers left their glasses on the counter that has the distinctive red lampshade that you see often in food related businesses in Hong Kong.
Up
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The bottom of a public housing building in Asia. 1000's of people living in a building that is as cold as it is large.
The bottom of a public housing building in Asia. 1000's of people living in a building that is as cold as it is large.
Texture
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I chose to focus on the texture of the lantern in this shot in Japan as I enjoy these large lanterns. I try to find new perspectives and different ways to appreciate their simple but bold aesthetics.
I chose to focus on the texture of the lantern in this shot in Japan as I enjoy these large lanterns. I try to find new perspectives and different ways to appreciate their simple but bold aesthetics.