tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31613922011-07-28T16:14:32.013-07:00Photographs & Notes from Singaporepfong -http://www.blogger.com/profile/09213519479566771214noreply@blogger.comBlogger1081100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3161392.post-1127657066109775712005-09-25T06:58:00.000-07:002006-11-16T10:04:14.980-08:00

The new address for this site is:http://pfong.blogspot.com/I've redesigned the site template to allow me to post larger pics. I'm leaving the older pics here as they are sized to fit this template better. Do let me know if you have any thoughts on the new template. Thanks!

pfong -http://www.blogger.com/profile/09213519479566771214noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3161392.post-1127320755781105382005-09-21T09:35:00.000-07:002006-11-16T10:04:14.839-08:00

I will not be posting pictures for a few days as I'm working on changing the site template. Here a preview of the work in progress. Let me know if you have any comments or spot any bugs. Thanks!

pfong -http://www.blogger.com/profile/09213519479566771214noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3161392.post-1127228466233724992005-09-20T07:59:00.000-07:002006-11-16T10:04:14.732-08:00

Sunset along Orchard Road. Daylight fading on another long working day.

pfong -http://www.blogger.com/profile/09213519479566771214noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3161392.post-1127141041967332572005-09-19T07:43:00.000-07:002006-11-16T10:04:14.624-08:00

Singapore Management University by Night. With all the news about racist comments by bloggers in Singapore recently, I thought I'd post this image. The title says it all for me.

pfong -http://www.blogger.com/profile/09213519479566771214noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3161392.post-1127057864460109822005-09-18T08:36:00.000-07:002006-11-16T10:04:14.483-08:00

For Kathleen, with thanks.

pfong -http://www.blogger.com/profile/09213519479566771214noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3161392.post-1126831762940317862005-09-15T17:48:00.000-07:002006-11-16T10:04:14.364-08:00

Nine pm at the National Library at Vic St. They don't allow photography inside the library. I wonder why?

pfong -http://www.blogger.com/profile/09213519479566771214noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3161392.post-1126746784738408482005-09-14T18:12:00.000-07:002006-11-16T10:04:14.249-08:00

At the Tekka Market in Singapore's Little India.

pfong -http://www.blogger.com/profile/09213519479566771214noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3161392.post-1126660167451156662005-09-13T18:08:00.000-07:002006-11-16T10:04:14.117-08:00

View from the summit of Aiguille du Midi (South Needle) in the French Alps looking towards Pointe Helbronner, on the Italian side of the Alps. Let me know if you can spot the two people in the Vallee Blanche (White Valley). On the bright and sunny day I took this picture, the temperature on the summit was -20 C.

pfong -http://www.blogger.com/profile/09213519479566771214noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3161392.post-1126571448505191862005-09-12T17:30:00.000-07:002006-11-16T10:04:13.977-08:00

Mural along Selegie Road. This surprising spot of colour brightens an otherwise dingy corridor outside a coffeeshop.

pfong -http://www.blogger.com/profile/09213519479566771214noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3161392.post-1126449732358013632005-09-11T07:40:00.000-07:002006-11-16T10:04:13.858-08:00

Cat enjoying a lazy afternoon on Niven Road. There's a wonderful row of shophouses here which retain a feel of what Singapore must have been like in the past. The scene had a timeless feel under the afternoon sun. This could be Singapore in the 50's or even further back to the turn of the century. Nothing would have changed, the cat and the bicycle and the flaking paint would not have looked very

pfong -http://www.blogger.com/profile/09213519479566771214noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3161392.post-1126190784932235132005-09-08T07:42:00.000-07:002006-11-16T10:04:13.715-08:00

Fortune Teller in Little India. He uses the little parrots in the cage to pick the cards that tell the fortunes of his customers. The uncle was kind enough to let me take his picture instead.Why the title? Well, his air of patient resignation just reminded me of this.

pfong -http://www.blogger.com/profile/09213519479566771214noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3161392.post-1126104157258248602005-09-07T07:35:00.000-07:002006-11-16T10:04:13.615-08:00

Abstract piece, cross processed using mainly tungsten white balance. Experimenting with a longer format for the picture. Drop me a note if you want to know what this is!I wonder about this theme of ascending and climbing being so resonant these couple of days. Must be a desire to improve and progress somehow.

pfong -http://www.blogger.com/profile/09213519479566771214noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3161392.post-1126017769603761072005-09-06T07:28:00.000-07:002010-01-11T23:05:11.613-08:00

Another night shot at SMU. This is a "staged" shot compared with the "found" shots of the past few days. I set up the camera on a tripod, and triggered the cam with a remote while walking up the stairs. The campus is still surprisingly quiet at night. I had to put myself in the shot because there were no other people to serve as a focal point for the composition. It's nice to be pottering

pfong -http://www.blogger.com/profile/09213519479566771214noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3161392.post-1125932959789967962005-09-05T07:45:00.000-07:002006-11-16T10:04:13.371-08:00

A couple of abandoned bracelets left on the playground. I wonder which little child left their bracelets behind. The bracelets do seem to be declaring their need for a little affection.Just like the previous post, this is a "found" shot at a playground. I didn't arrange any of the elements just chose an angle and composition for the shot. The brilliant colours were already there waiting for an

pfong -http://www.blogger.com/profile/09213519479566771214noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3161392.post-1125674810766350972005-09-02T08:26:00.000-07:002006-11-16T10:04:13.249-08:00

I was very sad to read about the tragedy in New Orleans caused by Hurricane Katrina. If anyone wants to help, here's a link for donations to the American Red Cross.

pfong -http://www.blogger.com/profile/09213519479566771214noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3161392.post-1125329347444861882005-08-29T08:28:00.000-07:002006-11-16T10:04:13.129-08:00

Taken on a recent trip to KL. Stayed indoors most of the time due to the heavy haze.I've reworked the pic, because the background may be a bit overpowering. I'm not sure this new version is an improvement though. Let me know if you have any preference.

pfong -http://www.blogger.com/profile/09213519479566771214noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3161392.post-1124896144646481492005-08-24T08:08:00.000-07:002006-11-16T10:04:13.006-08:00

pfong -http://www.blogger.com/profile/09213519479566771214noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3161392.post-1124813460392320512005-08-23T09:07:00.000-07:002006-11-16T10:04:12.880-08:00

The new SMU campus at Bras Basah Road. Still feels empty and new. This part of the campus reminds of the set on the Death Star in Star Wars, with Ben Kenobi about to step from behind a pillar to confront Darth Vader.

pfong -http://www.blogger.com/profile/09213519479566771214noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3161392.post-1124722187895067812005-08-22T07:45:00.000-07:002006-11-16T10:04:12.759-08:00

Chinese Mask on the Street of the Ironworkers in Malacca.

pfong -http://www.blogger.com/profile/09213519479566771214noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3161392.post-1124294883557168812005-08-17T09:07:00.000-07:002006-11-16T10:04:12.637-08:00

Another shot at the National Library at Victoria Street. Tried multiple shots from different angles, including a few low-angle shots from lying on the floor. People must have thought I was nuts. Strangely enough, the first shot I took somehow seemed to be the one that worked best.There is an optical illusion somewhere in this pic, or rather, it's all over the pic.I've discovered that apart from

pfong -http://www.blogger.com/profile/09213519479566771214noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3161392.post-1124208419934763492005-08-16T09:06:00.000-07:002006-11-16T10:04:12.508-08:00

pfong -http://www.blogger.com/profile/09213519479566771214noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3161392.post-1124114991320632642005-08-15T07:09:00.000-07:002006-11-16T10:04:12.369-08:00

This building next to the Istana (Palace) in Singapore. The President's neighbour. The building is in the Art Deco style I think.

pfong -http://www.blogger.com/profile/09213519479566771214noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3161392.post-1124030101654659872005-08-14T07:34:00.000-07:002006-11-16T10:04:12.243-08:00

Arrangement along a wall. The engineer or architect who designed this was having fun I think ;)

pfong -http://www.blogger.com/profile/09213519479566771214noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3161392.post-1123770873548886622005-08-11T07:32:00.000-07:002006-11-16T10:04:12.111-08:00

A re-crop of this picture:I thought that the composition didn't quite work here. I was trying too hard for a triangular composition when the elements didn't quite harmonise. Hopefully, today's crop is an improvement. Here's another alternative crop:I think the lesson here is to let the picture sit a while before I post it :)

pfong -http://www.blogger.com/profile/09213519479566771214noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3161392.post-1123688897436751692005-08-10T08:47:00.000-07:002006-11-16T10:04:11.994-08:00

Ringbearer feeling the burden of the ring.

pfong -http://www.blogger.com/profile/09213519479566771214noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3161392.post-1123083393082466802005-08-03T08:36:00.000-07:002006-11-16T10:04:11.871-08:00

Cleaning up for the day at Albert Mall.

pfong -http://www.blogger.com/profile/09213519479566771214noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3161392.post-1122994705518987852005-08-02T07:58:00.000-07:002006-11-16T10:04:11.758-08:00

pfong -http://www.blogger.com/profile/09213519479566771214noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3161392.post-1122862487501512792005-07-31T19:14:00.000-07:002006-11-16T10:04:11.651-08:00

The Future is Ours to Make. Theme of this year's National Day Parade.

pfong -http://www.blogger.com/profile/09213519479566771214noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3161392.post-1122565572647311112005-07-28T08:45:00.000-07:002006-11-16T10:04:11.530-08:00

The Future is Ours to Make - The theme of this years National Day Parade.

pfong -http://www.blogger.com/profile/09213519479566771214noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3161392.post-1122479721651692732005-07-27T08:54:00.000-07:002006-11-16T10:04:11.384-08:00

Awaiting the President's inspection.

pfong -http://www.blogger.com/profile/09213519479566771214noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3161392.post-1122394663552782022005-07-26T09:17:00.000-07:002006-11-16T10:04:11.249-08:00

National Day Parade dress rehearsal with the Combined Schools Choir in action. Singapore will be 40 years old soon!

pfong -http://www.blogger.com/profile/09213519479566771214noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3161392.post-1122306496915082282005-07-25T08:33:00.000-07:002006-11-16T10:04:11.129-08:00

Another view of Singapore's new Central Lending Library at Victoria Street. Finally, a library that Singapore can be proud of.I can imagine Karl Marx dreaming up ideas that would change the world in the British library reading room with its green shaded lamps and imposing rotunda, but I would not be able to imagine anyone coming up with a flash of genius amidst the chattering kids and beeping

pfong -http://www.blogger.com/profile/09213519479566771214noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3161392.post-1122052342382332902005-07-22T08:59:00.000-07:002006-11-16T10:04:10.986-08:00

The new Singapore National Library opened today. What a shrine to modernity!

pfong -http://www.blogger.com/profile/09213519479566771214noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3161392.post-1121697551302725712005-07-18T07:38:00.000-07:002006-11-16T10:04:10.861-08:00

pfong -http://www.blogger.com/profile/09213519479566771214noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3161392.post-1121610566078764942005-07-17T07:28:00.000-07:002006-11-16T10:04:10.748-08:00

pfong -http://www.blogger.com/profile/09213519479566771214noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3161392.post-1121351169220716252005-07-14T07:26:00.000-07:002006-11-16T10:04:10.629-08:00

pfong -http://www.blogger.com/profile/09213519479566771214noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3161392.post-1121267734600974492005-07-13T08:13:00.000-07:002006-11-16T10:04:10.501-08:00

Japanese Occupation "Banana" money, Japanese Occupation Ration Card and Japanese Surrender Document.

pfong -http://www.blogger.com/profile/09213519479566771214noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3161392.post-1121182019577348392005-07-12T08:24:00.000-07:002006-11-16T10:04:10.389-08:00

Straits Settlement Dollar Note. First introduced in 1899. This particular note is dated July 1941.

pfong -http://www.blogger.com/profile/09213519479566771214noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3161392.post-1121084849811302572005-07-11T05:23:00.000-07:002006-11-16T10:04:10.283-08:00

Not really happy with this shot, but it's the best one I have so far of Mei Mei. She asked why there wasn't a photo of her yet. I posted a picture of her brother some time ago.

pfong -http://www.blogger.com/profile/09213519479566771214noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3161392.post-1120059255028063412005-06-29T08:34:00.000-07:002006-11-16T10:04:10.159-08:00

pfong -http://www.blogger.com/profile/09213519479566771214noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3161392.post-1119969010420120472005-06-28T07:29:00.000-07:002006-11-16T10:04:09.136-08:00

Senang Diri is Malay for "at ease", the opposite of Attention!

pfong -http://www.blogger.com/profile/09213519479566771214noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3161392.post-1119882695986227822005-06-27T07:31:00.000-07:002006-11-16T10:04:09.006-08:00

pfong -http://www.blogger.com/profile/09213519479566771214noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3161392.post-1119796264173290292005-06-26T07:30:00.000-07:002006-11-16T10:04:08.859-08:00

pfong -http://www.blogger.com/profile/09213519479566771214noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3161392.post-1119626160599482902005-06-24T08:14:00.000-07:002006-11-16T10:04:08.710-08:00

The ubiquitious HDB flat. Something like 80% of the population lives in public housing like this. It's appropriate that this one is in the colours of the Singapore flag.

pfong -http://www.blogger.com/profile/09213519479566771214noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3161392.post-1119541705253071172005-06-23T08:46:00.000-07:002006-11-16T10:04:08.557-08:00

I like the progression of this. From simple and stark to strong colours and wacky statue.

pfong -http://www.blogger.com/profile/09213519479566771214noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3161392.post-1119541509325405642005-06-23T08:44:00.000-07:002006-11-16T10:04:08.384-08:00

pfong -http://www.blogger.com/profile/09213519479566771214noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3161392.post-1119443718902194502005-06-22T05:34:00.000-07:002006-11-16T10:04:08.241-08:00

pfong -http://www.blogger.com/profile/09213519479566771214noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3161392.post-1119366384983043412005-06-21T08:06:00.000-07:002006-11-16T10:04:08.081-08:00

This is the witty storefront of the Mohican Bar in Little India. A little Indian in Singapore's Little India.

pfong -http://www.blogger.com/profile/09213519479566771214noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3161392.post-1119281324014606472005-06-20T08:28:00.000-07:002006-11-16T10:04:07.951-08:00

pfong -http://www.blogger.com/profile/09213519479566771214noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3161392.post-1118851435413618232005-06-15T09:03:00.000-07:002006-11-16T10:04:07.850-08:00

pfong -http://www.blogger.com/profile/09213519479566771214noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3161392.post-1118244542581068472005-06-08T08:28:00.000-07:002006-11-16T10:04:07.750-08:00

My thoughts on this picture as a sort of minimalist composition about the nature of openness. Being open is being vulnerable instead of safely shuttered, having a sense of separation from the more conformist, "closed" crowd. I wonder whether ultimately, being open leads to letting in the light or to the heart of darkness?

pfong -http://www.blogger.com/profile/09213519479566771214noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3161392.post-1118153487476687322005-06-07T07:10:00.000-07:002006-11-16T10:04:07.648-08:00

pfong -http://www.blogger.com/profile/09213519479566771214noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3161392.post-1117724702031816642005-06-02T08:04:00.000-07:002006-11-16T10:04:07.536-08:00

pfong -http://www.blogger.com/profile/09213519479566771214noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3161392.post-1117673019794481692005-06-01T17:42:00.000-07:002006-11-16T10:04:07.434-08:00

At a bookstore in Toa Payoh Central. Stacks and stacks of workbooks for primary school kids. Reminds me of the last scene in Raiders of the Lost Ark. The crate containing the Ark of the Covenant is being stored in a government warehouse. The camera pulls back and back, revealing more and more of the enormous warehouse, stacked floor to ceiling with crates receding endlessly into the distance.I

pfong -http://www.blogger.com/profile/09213519479566771214noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3161392.post-1117470216351404962005-05-30T09:23:00.000-07:002006-11-16T10:04:07.301-08:00

Originally I was trying to get an interesting angle on the chairs, but I couldn't resist trying to work in the signboard behind, because of the lovely striking yellow. It's a sign advertising a bank - "Younger. Fresher. More Innovative", or something like that.The chairs were waiting to be arranged for a martial arts presentation at Toa Payoh Central. Amidst the crowds and bustle, there it was,

pfong -http://www.blogger.com/profile/09213519479566771214noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3161392.post-1117032744938032892005-05-25T07:51:00.000-07:002006-11-16T10:04:07.196-08:00

B&W conversion of this colour photo.

pfong -http://www.blogger.com/profile/09213519479566771214noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3161392.post-1116943460522093562005-05-24T07:03:00.000-07:002006-11-16T10:04:07.084-08:00

Inspired by David Nightingale's amazing shot here.

pfong -http://www.blogger.com/profile/09213519479566771214noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3161392.post-1116858146439534642005-05-23T07:21:00.000-07:002006-11-16T10:04:06.945-08:00

Oh! I have slipped the surly bonds of earthAnd danced the skies on laughter-silvered wings ... - John MageeWell, for a a brief time anyway. Moments after I took this picture, the kite was caught in the branches of the proverbial kite-eating tree.

pfong -http://www.blogger.com/profile/09213519479566771214noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3161392.post-1116429184505457612005-05-18T08:12:00.000-07:002006-11-16T10:04:06.804-08:00

If you look at the area with the dark squares in the foreground, little ghost dots will appear at the intersections of the light coloured lines. If you focus at a particular intersection, the ghost dot will disappear.

pfong -http://www.blogger.com/profile/09213519479566771214noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3161392.post-1116341372263160862005-05-17T07:48:00.000-07:002006-11-16T10:04:06.491-08:00

pfong -http://www.blogger.com/profile/09213519479566771214noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3161392.post-1116052609270357742005-05-13T23:36:00.000-07:002006-11-16T10:04:06.376-08:00

Van Helsing arrives at the manor just as Dracula ...

pfong -http://www.blogger.com/profile/09213519479566771214noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3161392.post-1115911687774794352005-05-12T08:27:00.000-07:002006-11-16T10:04:06.251-08:00

pfong -http://www.blogger.com/profile/09213519479566771214noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3161392.post-1115357337239442572005-05-05T22:28:00.000-07:002006-11-16T10:04:06.130-08:00

Thak is from a village in Northern Thailand where many of the inhabitants make their living from performing with snakes. His usual performance is a stylised fight / dance with a King Cobra. Here he is performing with another kind of snake at the ShowReal Asia 2 award ceremony at Fort Canning Green in Singapore. Thak is performing with another kind of snake probably because they wouldn't let him

pfong -http://www.blogger.com/profile/09213519479566771214noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3161392.post-1115169426320119242005-05-03T18:15:00.000-07:002006-11-16T10:04:06.004-08:00

pfong -http://www.blogger.com/profile/09213519479566771214noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3161392.post-1114741026357220862005-04-28T19:16:00.000-07:002006-11-16T10:04:05.899-08:00

pfong -http://www.blogger.com/profile/09213519479566771214noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3161392.post-1114434987071513002005-04-25T06:16:00.000-07:002006-11-16T10:04:05.669-08:00

LC and I did a small expedition to Little India over the weekend. So much life and colour bustling in the streets.

pfong -http://www.blogger.com/profile/09213519479566771214noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3161392.post-1114358169063345252005-04-24T08:55:00.000-07:002006-11-16T10:04:05.563-08:00

Enamel containers in Little India.

pfong -http://www.blogger.com/profile/09213519479566771214noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3161392.post-1113924065300142652005-04-19T08:16:00.000-07:002006-11-16T10:04:05.464-08:00

Did an oil painting conversion of this picture here.

pfong -http://www.blogger.com/profile/09213519479566771214noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3161392.post-1113735934950258092005-04-17T04:05:00.000-07:002006-11-16T10:04:05.330-08:00

pfong -http://www.blogger.com/profile/09213519479566771214noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3161392.post-1113322558351106272005-04-12T09:15:00.000-07:002006-11-16T10:04:05.224-08:00

LC didn't like Venice at all. Which perhaps is not too surprising considering that we had arrived in Venice in the early dawn by rail. The railway passes the industrial district on the mainland, crosses the causeway and enters the railyard via the carparks and staging areas for visitors and goods destined for Venice proper. Without a doubt the least romantic way to enter the Serene Republic.Her

pfong -http://www.blogger.com/profile/09213519479566771214noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3161392.post-1112715959359360802005-04-05T08:45:00.000-07:002006-11-16T10:04:05.095-08:00

pfong -http://www.blogger.com/profile/09213519479566771214noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3161392.post-1112629454016314772005-04-04T08:34:00.000-07:002006-11-16T10:04:04.965-08:00

I saw this couple having their wedding photo shoot on Labrador beach. After the shoot with the professional photographer, the bride took her own shots of the sunset and of her husband. She was blissfully happy, spinning around trying to take in the whole sunset horizon, oblivious of the surf washing over her wedding gown.I am very glad to be able to share for a moment her feeling of joy and

pfong -http://www.blogger.com/profile/09213519479566771214noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3161392.post-1112015094137163602005-03-28T04:55:00.000-08:002006-11-16T10:04:04.854-08:00

Saw this flower in on one of our hikes around the MacRitchie Reservoir. There are some very nice trails that go around the lake and even connect up to the Bukit Timah Nature Reserve. It's quite an easy trail, mostly flat with the marshy bits covered over with wooden boardwalks. A circuit around the lake is about a 10 km hike.Of course we did get lost for awhile going off the trail in search of

pfong -http://www.blogger.com/profile/09213519479566771214noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3161392.post-1111940512950685052005-03-27T08:18:00.000-08:002006-11-16T10:04:04.736-08:00

I've been trying to take better portraits lately and this is one of my latest attempts. Not entirely happy with it as the lighting looks a bit harsh still. The picture does seem to capture his sense of fun and sweet good nature though, so I guess it's worth posting.

pfong -http://www.blogger.com/profile/09213519479566771214noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3161392.post-1111852034495954902005-03-26T07:44:00.000-08:002006-11-16T10:04:04.618-08:00

Roofscape along Selegie Road. The building behind the roofs has this wonderful Chinese inspired grillwork for the windows of its carpark. Bravo to whoever designed it, to make the windows both beautiful and useful.I've recently discovered a photoblog by David Nightingale called Chromasia. His photographs are inspiring, and his work suggests both a way of seeing and preserving the beauty that

pfong -http://www.blogger.com/profile/09213519479566771214noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3161392.post-1111767191815803542005-03-25T08:10:00.000-08:002006-11-16T10:04:04.487-08:00

The colours of the boats first drew my eye to the scene. While framing the shot, I noticed that this little fellow was sitting on the wheel of one of the trailers. It was very shy though, and soon vanished when it saw me taking an interest.

pfong -http://www.blogger.com/profile/09213519479566771214noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3161392.post-1111471383230733552005-03-21T21:03:00.000-08:002006-11-16T10:04:04.359-08:00

Surfing seems to be gaining popularity along the East Coat Park. I saw a few of these guys surfing along on their home made boards as I walked along the park. There's not much surf in Singapore and what surf there is, breaks just at the shoreline. The surfers skim along the water at the edge of the beach. Looks like fun for the low investment of a selfmade painted wooden board.I just like the

pfong -http://www.blogger.com/profile/09213519479566771214noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3161392.post-1111371477938887992005-03-20T18:15:00.000-08:002006-11-16T10:04:04.236-08:00

The original shot looked very prosaic, with some foreground clutter and not very interesting light. I did some post processing filter work to try and achieve an otherworldly sunset temple amidst the clouds look. Hopefully like something out of the Arabian Nights or Lovecraft's Dream Quest of Unknown Kadath.This is is also my first submission to Photo Friday for the theme "Glow".

pfong -http://www.blogger.com/profile/09213519479566771214noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3161392.post-1110896412020003392005-03-15T06:08:00.000-08:002006-11-16T10:04:04.012-08:00

From this point of view Peter Jackson shot the scene of Aragorn being dragged of the cliff in The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers. Unlike the movie though, there isn't a foaming river at the bottom of the cliff. Instead there is a marvellous view of the environs of Queenstown. From here though, it's hard to believe that we are just minutes away from the city.After waiting around for the clouds

pfong -http://www.blogger.com/profile/09213519479566771214noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3161392.post-1110419521706363482005-03-09T17:50:00.000-08:002006-11-16T10:04:03.892-08:00

This picture was taken in a park near Queenstown with the Remarkables range of mountains as a backdrop. The point of view is where Peter Jackson shot the scene of the people of Edoras fleeing to Helm's deep in the movie The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers. The line of extras moved from behind the lake and along the path beside where LC is sitting, towards the camera.It took me about an hour to

pfong -http://www.blogger.com/profile/09213519479566771214noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3161392.post-1110262974615600472005-03-07T22:22:00.000-08:002006-11-16T10:04:03.407-08:00

This is the view facing west from the top of Mount Emily. LC and moved into the neighborhood because the area felt like a quiet little oasis of green in the midst of the dust and noise of the city. Our little hide away looks like it may not last much longer. The area is now a hive of construction activity and about 500 units of flats are scheduled to be erected over the next two years. Already

pfong -http://www.blogger.com/profile/09213519479566771214noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3161392.post-1109521475560348082005-02-27T08:24:00.000-08:002006-11-16T10:04:03.075-08:00

Spent Sunday morning with Brother in law pottering around the Bird Park to do some test shooting with our new D70's. The bird park is truly a bird photographer’s paradise. Taking pictures of the birds here almost seems a bit unfair, like fishing in a barrel or hunting at the zoo. Unlike in the wild, you are able to get almost within touching distance of the birds. It's quite easy to fill

pfong -http://www.blogger.com/profile/09213519479566771214noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3161392.post-1107787055228740452005-02-07T06:37:00.000-08:002006-11-16T10:04:02.715-08:00

Abandoned Originally uploaded by pfong. Ever since I started living in the neighbourhood 10 years ago, this house has been empty and abandoned. It's very strange, as if the owner suddenly left or died. The windows are always open but no one is ever home. A colony of bats must be roosting in the rafters. Every evening at dusk, the bats will come out and flit around the street lamps outside.

pfong -http://www.blogger.com/profile/09213519479566771214noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3161392.post-1107782736980325902005-02-07T05:25:00.000-08:002006-11-16T10:04:02.388-08:00

Rain TreeOriginally uploaded by pfong. This shot of the Rain Tree in the nearby park shows the enormous reach of its branches. The wide spreading branches makes it a wonderful shade tree in sunny Singapore. It's called the Pukul Lima in Malay, which means five 5 o'clock tree. This is because the leaves of the tree fold up at the onset of darkness or cloudy weather. It closes shop at five

pfong -http://www.blogger.com/profile/09213519479566771214noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3161392.post-1107684848356953432005-02-06T02:14:00.000-08:002006-11-16T10:04:00.937-08:00

Old Crest of Singapore, originally uploaded by pfong.I believe this is the old crest of Singapore. This crest would have been used before indepence in 1959, when Singapore was still administered by the British. This crest lies forgotten in and old park in the heart of the city. The heraldic symbols indicate that this was a major airbase and port as well as being a fortress. The motto states in

pfong -http://www.blogger.com/profile/09213519479566771214noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3161392.post-1106583219671294162005-01-24T09:13:00.000-08:002006-11-16T10:04:00.795-08:00

Thinking it Over Again, originally uploaded by pfong.First attempt at compositing. Bashed this out using brute force basically with a rough cut-and-paste. The only tricky bit is where there's an overlap between the two figures. Used layers and some masking to get the overlap looking ok. I was hoping to avoid the overlap entirely.Thanks to Donald Agarrat for the inspiration and the tips on

pfong -http://www.blogger.com/profile/09213519479566771214noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3161392.post-1105975035925741052005-01-17T07:17:00.000-08:002006-11-16T10:04:00.581-08:00

LC's World, originally uploaded by pfong. LC in an open field on the way to Milford Sound.

pfong -http://www.blogger.com/profile/09213519479566771214noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3161392.post-1105891638424281792005-01-16T09:07:00.000-08:002006-11-16T10:04:00.378-08:00

Lake Wakatipu, originally uploaded by pfong. This is a view of the lake from the promontory at the Queenstown Gardens. The Gardens had a few of these amazing trees with the bristly hairbrush branches.

pfong -http://www.blogger.com/profile/09213519479566771214noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3161392.post-1105541688681452092005-01-12T06:54:00.000-08:002006-11-16T10:04:00.274-08:00

Autumn Colours, originally uploaded by pfong. Arrowtown was the first site on our Lord of the Rings pilgrimage. The scenes of Arwen and Frodo crossing the Ford of Brunien were shot here. Lovely autumn foliage covered the hills around the river and nary a black rider in sight.

pfong -http://www.blogger.com/profile/09213519479566771214noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3161392.post-1105375143431550542005-01-10T09:39:00.000-08:002006-11-16T10:04:00.179-08:00

Campanile Woodcut II, originally uploaded by pfong. My second attempt at a woodcut effect using PS. The first try was using Painter 7. That didn't quite work, as I'm not familiar enough with Painter to pull it off. The original pic is in the Venice Bell Tower Post.

pfong -http://www.blogger.com/profile/09213519479566771214noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3161392.post-1105366399417193712005-01-10T06:13:00.000-08:002006-11-16T10:04:00.064-08:00

Frodo Trudges Towards Mt Doom, originally uploaded by pfong. After a long day of driving, we reached Mount Cook National Park in time to see Mount Cook in the fading light. It turned out that this was the last chance we had to see Mount Cook. It rained for the next few days we were in the park. The low cloud cover and drizzle meant that we never got another clear look at the peak. Rather than

pfong -http://www.blogger.com/profile/09213519479566771214noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3161392.post-1104411983953362632004-12-30T05:06:00.000-08:002006-11-16T10:03:59.830-08:00

Home, originally uploaded by pfong. A little oasis from the desert of the real. The wide angle shot shows the living and dining areas. The window behind the dining table shows a view of the study.

pfong -http://www.blogger.com/profile/09213519479566771214noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3161392.post-1103374741562781362004-12-18T04:59:00.000-08:002006-11-16T10:03:59.717-08:00

Burano Sunset, originally uploaded by pfong.Wishing everyone a Happy Christmas and best wishes for the New Year - From Luh Chong & Paul. This is my first attempt at a painting effect on one of my photos. Something appropriately festive for the season I hope.

pfong -http://www.blogger.com/profile/09213519479566771214noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3161392.post-1102761429562300982004-12-11T02:37:00.000-08:002006-11-16T10:03:59.596-08:00

Mt Hut Detour, originally uploaded by pfong.Driving out of Christchurch, we made a detour to Mt Hut. The turn-off was deceptive. A well paved road rapidly deteriorated into a steep gravel road with hairpin turns. The gradient grew so steep that we had to down shift to second and then first gear to continue climbing. LC was driving and was naturally anxious as the road become increasing more hair

pfong -http://www.blogger.com/profile/09213519479566771214noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3161392.post-1102426799821878462004-12-07T05:39:00.000-08:002006-11-16T10:03:59.497-08:00

First View of Akaroa, originally uploaded by pfong.LC and I wanted to hit the open road as soon as we could. We rented a car and drove out to the Banks Peninsula, a short drive away from Christchurch. This peninsula is where the British first landed and claimed New Zealand for the British Crown, just barely grabbing the claim away from the French who had an outpost nearby. The town we were

pfong -http://www.blogger.com/profile/09213519479566771214noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3161392.post-1095775063975946352004-09-21T06:57:00.000-07:002006-11-16T10:03:59.278-08:00

Sunshine Originally uploaded by pfong. LC and I spent a couple of days in Christchurch earlier this year. We took a Saturday afternoon walk from Cathedral Square to the Botanic Gardens in the fading afternoon light, walking past the seagulls in the square and the sculpture outside the Arts Centre. We got to the park just as the sunset was lighting up the trees with a fiery glow. This set of pics

pfong -http://www.blogger.com/profile/09213519479566771214noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3161392.post-1095647888304629922004-09-20T07:38:00.000-07:002006-11-16T10:03:58.352-08:00

LC in the Tunnel Originally uploaded by pfong. LC and I hiked the trail over the weekend. More pics in the link below.Bukit Timah Nature Reserve - On the Trail We hiked the 6km long bike trail which is basically a loop around the reserve, close to the outer boundary. A map of the trail can be found here. We made a short detour off the trail to Hindhede Quarry. The last time LC and were there,

pfong -http://www.blogger.com/profile/09213519479566771214noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3161392.post-1094568053772583412004-09-07T07:40:00.000-07:002006-11-16T10:03:58.045-08:00

Bankok Grand Temple - Zoom Here's how the zoom effect turned out. It does add some interest to the pic. The original pic is in my previous post

pfong -http://www.blogger.com/profile/09213519479566771214noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3161392.post-1094567945293549492004-09-07T07:39:00.000-07:002006-11-16T10:03:57.937-08:00

Bangkok Grand Temple I'm going to try a zoom effect on this pic. Come to think of it, it's probably a good candidate for some perspective control as well, but one thing at a time!

pfong -http://www.blogger.com/profile/09213519479566771214noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3161392.post-1094565335340508102004-09-07T06:55:00.000-07:002006-11-16T10:03:57.797-08:00

Venice Tower with Perspective Control Here's the same pic with some perspective control added. This is just an exercise in perspective, please excuse the rest of pic. Colour, contrast, etc are terrible. The original pic is in my previous post.

pfong -http://www.blogger.com/profile/09213519479566771214noreply@blogger.com0