Making My Living

This photo would probably be condemned for poor technical quality, but I liked it anyway. It captures two generations of Cambodian working hard to earn their living. This picture was taken on our minivan, on the way to Tonle Sap.

Going Home

I took this picture whilst touring the floating village on Tonlé Sap late in the evening. I have to assume that she was heading for home. Always a good feeling.

Simplexity

I attended a seminar given by my centre's director yesterday, during which he spoke about a book he was currently reading - Simplexity. The book is supposedly about how to make complex things simple. It's next on my list of books to buy!

This picture I feel merges complexity (in the fabric designs) and the simplicity of the lady's lifestyle in a remote village. This photo was also taken during my trip to Thailand last year. The cultural village is found near the city of Chiang Rai.

Mindfulness

One of the core components of Buddhist teaching is the Noble Eightfold Path. One of the guiding principles to enlightenment is Right Mindfulness, and it is about calming oneself and being aware of one's thoughts, actions or motivations. Allow me to extend this and apply it to my own beliefs, that mindfulness includes an awareness of the presence of the Almighty and His creation. For a long time now, I occasionally find myself asking this question, and awe at God's divinity.

I took this picture when visiting Chiang Mai, Thailand with my wife and her family in August last year.

My Prayer for You

I took this photo while visiting a temple in Tokyo, Japan. If my memory hasn't failed me, devotees would write their prayers on paper and tie them along these poles in hope that they will be answered.

So my friend, I am not near you during this hour of need. But I pray, that your burden be eased and joy will once again enter your life.

Don't Take Everything

An important lesson I learnt from master photographer Jeffrey Wong! This picture was taken in the famed Chatuchak market in Bangkok, Thailand. I was taking many pictures including this one, when my friend Jef walked over and gave me an important lessong I will always remember, "Don't take everything."

Some of the many pitfalls of digital photography includes complacency and the unseeing eye. When the price of storage is generously low, and the room for error unfathomable, our ability to selectively capture beauty diminishes.

Cold Creations

This ice structure was sculptured by Mother Nature. One of those days I was grateful that I lugged my camera up the mountain.

The River of Dreams

While in Siem Reap, you have to take a boat trip on Tonlé Sap. It's a beautiful lake south of the city and leads southeast to the city of Phnom Penh then on to the Mekong River. We knew about the trip late in the afternoon, but were still able to find a boatman and his son to take us out to the lake.

Lonely Boy

This picture was taken outside of where we stayed during our trip to Siem Reap. We just had our dinner and were on our way back to the guesthouse when I saw this guy sitting on the roof of the opposite building; watching and waiting as Mother Earth drew her curtains.

I used this picture a lot whenever I felt lonely, but perhaps it is more deserving. There's a time to "act" and left for the day. When evening comes, we go into silent contemplation and reflection. That's what it should portray!

Why does dawn symbolise hope while dusk is often associated with despair? I have always enjoyed sunsets, they remind me of rest that I desire.

Sunset in Kaslo

Lakewood Inn is perhaps the most memorable stop we made on our nine day journey. First, we got lost. Yes, for the first time in the entire trip, my Garmin 60CSx failed me. But not that the GPS wasn't any good. It is still the best navigation device I have used so far. The problem was with the maps. Lakewood Inn was so remote that even the townsfolk in Kaslo did not know of its existence.

Fortunately, a quarter solved our problems. We called and our host gave us general directions on how to get to the inn. And so we backtracked and headed down a steep winding dirt track that eventually brought us to our destination. Phew.

It's the kind of lakeside resort that gives you the creeps (Crystal Lake feeling), but yet had so much peace and tranquility suitable for a restful vacation. There was no communication with the outside world except at the owner's home.

If you are in need for a real vacation, I would strongly recommend Lakewood Inn.

Dawn Breaks Over Medicine Lake

This picture was taken during my road trip in 2006. We woke up early during our two days stay in Jasper to try and catch sunrise in the mountains. Here as dawn breaks over the mountains, a strong warm beam casts its light on the trees growing along the banks of Medicine Lake.

The Last Beacon

This picture was taken at Porteau Cove on our way to Whistler. A spider had spun a fine web just next to the lamp, giving the feeling of age and abandonment. The lone lamp with the blue sea as a back drop acts like a beacon, hence I entitled this picture "The Last Beacon".

Thing of the Past?

This picture was taken at protest march staged by Dr Chee Soon Juan and his supporters, during the International Monetary Fund/World Bank Annual Meeting 2006 that was held in Singapore. These "protesters" were recently charged for their willful disobedience of Singapore's strict laws against public assemblies. In the coming days, we may see some amendments to these rules after a rousing National Day Rally speech by Prime Minster Lee Hsien Loong.

Disclaimer: I took this photo as a record of events that I believe belongs to Singapore's history. It does not support any political parties/agendas or represent my political views.

Keeping It Clean

This is one of my favourites, even though some might disagree with the framing, blur and noise. Here it reminds me of the people who have taken the less glamorous vocation of cleaning the streets, and how they have kept Singapore "Clean and Green".

Fill My Cup

This was another picture taken in Chinatown, Singapore. We were at a Hindu temple taking snapshots of worshiper on the sunny weekend. There was this cute little boy running around drinking goat's milk. Before this photo was taken, he was busy posing for us photographers wannabes. Later, her ran to this lady (I assume that's his grandma) and asked for more milk.

The caption for this photo inspired me to find an old hymn on Imeem, and here's what I found...

Yellow Meat Guarantee

A taste of home. I didn't realise I had this picture in my stash. This was taken for my Street Photography course assignment. A group of us spent the afternoon and evening in Singapore's Chinatown taking pictures. Funny... I wonder what other meat colours can you find in durians. Pink?

A Helping Hand

I took this photo from a coach shuttling us from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap, our next and final destination. We were passing one of the rural villages along the banks of the Tonlé Sap when I saw these two ladies packing their personal belongings atop a minivan. The misty effect is not the result of any camera tricks but because the photo was shot through a glass window.

Infinite Chains

In one of the rooms on the ground floor of Tuol Sleng, shackles used to chain prisoners are hung in rows that provides a grim remembrance of how many victims were tortured and kill on this compound.

Finding Myself in Vancouver

Here's one more from the Granville Island photoshoot. It was one of the reasons why I wanted to move out of my comfort zones.

Trapped

Today's my friend and colleague's last day at iCapture, so I thought I post something different and dedicate it to our friendship. This series of photograph was taken at Granville Island, a TFCD shoot with Sally. There were three photographers that day: Byron, my sister and I.