Tag: ramadan

Kawaii

Two cute siblings whose parents are traders at a Ramadan bazaar in Slim River. When they saw my camera, they happily flashed the V-sign, inviting me to take a snap. How can I say no? Haha.

Cute as it is, few kids know or care about the origin of the peace or victory (V) sign, its original meaning and colourful history.

For Asian kids, this hand gesture became an automatic and spontaneous reaction to a camera.

Its unexpected revival as part of modern-day Asian pop culture is attributed to the Japanese Cuteness Culture known as kawaii.

Sony Alpha a7R, ISO 100, f2, 1/400 sec.

Lemon Has A Less Glamorous Cousin Called Lime

Was exploring the Ramadan bazaar at Peel Road Kuala Lumpur when I saw Blue Lime. I asked the girl why is it not Blue Lemon like in Slim River? Sasha explained that lemon sounds more glamorous than lime. “Tu nama glamer saje” and she laughs.

The KL version lean towards aquamarine while the glamorous Slim River version is Avatar (movie) phosphorous blue.

According to her, both are made from lime cordial with blue colouring added. She should know. She’s (coincidentally) from Slim River. I know. I travel home to KL to take a break from Slim River and I meet a Slim River person. Haha.

Photography Notes: Picture is graded for soft-colours or muted look similar to that I’m using for a project for a client from Thailand. You may have noticed that this ‘look’ is currently popular with Thai PSA videos.

Sony Alpha a7R, ISO 100, f4, 1/80 sec.

I Want To Know What Blue Lemon Is

In my life there’s been yellow and pink
I don’t know if I can face it again
Can’t stop now, I’ve traveled so far, to this Slim River town

I want to know what blue lemon is, I want you to show me
I want to feel what blue lemon is, I know you can show me

Blue Lemon is the most popular drink at the Slim River Ramadhan Bazaar but nobody gave me a straight answer. Finally at one stall, the lady said: “It’s just colouring”.

Sony Alpha a7R, ISO 100, f7.1, 1/320 sec.

The Cheerful Durian Seller

Under the blazing sun and fasting, Norsiah Nordin is trying to eke out a living selling durians harvested from her own trees. I really respect that. Not just for her fortitude and adherence to religious obligations but also for her sunny disposition by the roadside.

Makcik wanted to give me a bunch of durians for taking her pics. When I declined, she wanted to give me cash to go print her pics at the 15-minute ‘instant print’ shop down the road.

Many younger people I photographed are happy to get the url to my website, Facebook or Instagram to look up their pictures later. Senior citizens without surfing skills or internet access do not have the means we take for granted.

I will make a properly-framed picture and surprise her later as I have done with a few others in past trips. Meanwhile, the encounter is another reminder to get a portable printer or a separate instant camera. Young or old, instant gratification brings joy.

Sony Alpha a7R, ISO 100, f2.8, 1/500 sec.