Two Cops And A Baby

I posted a series of pics on my Facebook to celebrate Thaipusam yesterday, Some went back to as far as 10 years ago. Come see them at
https://www.facebook.com/mytvsmith

One the most popular was this image in terms of likes and shares, I think I’ll share it here too.

Thaipusam 11.

If you are stitching together a photo essay always reinforce it with human interest stories. There are many side stories that many photographers fail to record. Keep an eye out for non-mainstream activities that will warm the cockles of one’s heart. This shy boy asked to sit and pose with cops in one isolated corner.

#thaipusam #batucaves #streetphotography

Pineapple Tarts

The jar of pineapple tarts that me and Johnny Ong picked at random in Tesco turned out to be quite good.

The Asian cookie is popular during festivals and the blob of orange is hardened pineapple jam. The pastries are fluffy, flaky and tastes buttery with “melts in the mouth” goodness. Kudos to Tesco for sourcing a good supplier. Shown as halal Nyonya Pineapple Tarts from Ann-Lee Industries on the label.

I enjoyed photographing the tarts because they look big. textured and luminous. Huat ah!

Panasonic Lumix GM-1, ISO 200, f4, 1/320 sec.

#pineappletarts #pineapple #tarts #cookies #tesco #cny #foodphotography

10 Tips For Photographing The Thaipusam Festival

10 Tips For Photographing The Thaipusam Festival.

Every year, thousands of shutterbugs congregate at #BatuCaves during #Thaipusam.

Due to the increased popularity of the hobby, there are now more people carrying camera equipment than devotees bearing the kavadi.

I’ve been shooting the event since the days of Ektachrome. 16mm Bolex and Betacam, so here are a few tips:

1. Don’t over-carry. Use a small messenger bag instead of a bulky backpack. Don’t even need to carry a big bottle of mineral water. You can obtain water for free or buy easily.

2. I always see noobs carrying tripods and long lenses. Unless you are shooting time lapse, a tripod isn’t necessary most of the time for stills.

Remember: Thaipusam is NOT a safari where you hide from far with a long tele lens. Get up close and capture the intimacy and devotion.

3. For video shooters, try to not use a big stabilizing rig or a cage in a very crowded space. For documentary-style, a little shake adds to the realism.

The reason to travel light is not only to avoid inconveniencing others. You’ll be glad by the end of the day, after walking or standing for at least 4 or 5 hours.

4. Get out of the way, once you get your shot. Be considerate to others behind you.

5. Do not join or create a ‘media scrum’. Most of you are not paid nor are you taking part in a contest. If you miss a shot, so what? There will be other opportunities.

6. Wear comfortable, decent shoes that are also easy to remove. Some places will require you to remove footwear.

7. Don’t wade into the river because you think everyone will regard you as a hero. You’ll an idiot, actually. The washing area around the river is for a sacred ceremony..

8. Most important gear is the battery. Bring enough spares or a power bank (for USB charging cameras such as phones and Sony 7 series cameras).

9. This is 2016; get a mirrorless or stop ‘chimping’. It is really awful to capture shots of camera persons checking their LCD screen after every shot. Have confidence in yourself. Either you got the shot or not.

10. Don’t look at everything through the LCD or viewfinder. Learn to take in the view with your naked eyes AND try to enjoy the event too.

My Life Story

Two columns, actually; with another under Sharifah Intan as editor, also at The Star. They are two ladies I respect and admire greatly.

Happy to read about June’s childhood bond with National Geographic Magazine in her column today. Unlike her, I depended on tattered and outdated copies found at the local barber shop. Admittedly, the photos and travelogues did influence my style later on in life.

By a fortunate twist of fate and serendipity, I met National Geographic’s American photographer David Alan Harvey when the magazine did a story on Malaysia.

Chatted with him at the Buddhist Maha Vihara Temple in Backfields on Wesak Day. I was a kid then and was greatly impressed as he had a porter and was given thousands of rolls to shoot.

He was humble and friendly for a man of such stature. This is why I always listen patiently when strangers come to me with questions about gear and techniques. when I am out on location.

The tragedy was; without a regular subscription or the intenet then, finding the upcoming article was a a hit and miss. It appeared a year later and I found it by chance in a 3 for RM 10 bundle in Sungai Wang Plaza.

The irony and tragedy was that the image of my childhood hero was destroyed when I joined social media. I hated his personal, non-assignment pics so much I unfollowed him! No doubt I admire his great body of work but am glad I was able to make decisions without being a fanboy.

One thing I learned early was; after I developed my own style, I decided to not follow any photographer. I don’t want it to influence my style. It can be subconscious or unintentional.

l’ll let you in on another secret:

I hope to publish my book soon and generous Johnny Ong is helping me understand In Design for self-layout and to do a mock up, being a published author himself.

Next step will be to find a sponsor, publisher or to crowd fund the book project as kindly Kashminder Singh suggested. Will need all the help from experts or people with experience such as publisher Amir Muhammad.

May also need an editor and someone to write a preface too. Was thinking of the accomplished Cy Leow for the preface. Maybe Ivy Ngeow, Ellen Whyte and others can also offer tips on crowdfunding or insights on the process.

Attached are some recent Buddhist Maha Vihara images I can find. There are more.

Whoa – Souped Up Cars On Thaipusam Chariot Night

I really don’t know how to write the captions for this pic. You know the cars that we see parked under the bridges in Putrajaya? Their intent are to show off their car’s sound system or I.C.E. (in-car entertainment system), I think.

I always expect to see some owners waving jumper cables because battery drain will be no small issue. Haha.

You know how some Yindians like to decorate or accessories their cars in the most gaudy fashion? What happens when they combine the two loves?

Last night, we saw a car decorated like a chariot and it was blasting very loud Indian music. Lo and behold! There wasn’t just one Knight Rider or KITT wannabe.

The whole street had similar cars parked together like an exhibition or competition, all with funky lights and music thumping hard in anticipation of the chariot.

Imagine the noise and blinding lights from the mobile Light Sensation show. Am happy to be able to record this new phenomenon on a Thaipusam procession night.

What are such car competitions normally called, anyway?

Panasonic Lumix GM-1, ISO 3200, f4, 1/30 sec.

#thaipusam #chariot #procession #lights #caraudio #night #streetphotograph