Ermm soon to be a fly?

Ermm soon to be a fly?, originally uploaded by nicklwc.

I went to the Singapore Botanical Garden and I was lost. That place is huge! I didn't even know where to start shooting.

So, I walked around aimlessly, looking into bushes to find my favourite subjects and I finally got the first shot of the day. Almost missed the lil fella but his big butt shone through.

I was told that it could be a fruit fly. Anyone knows?

Taken with Nikon D40 and 105mm.

Why do you keep chasing me?

Why do you keep chasing me?, originally uploaded by nicklwc.

This jumping spider (it is right?) was running on the metal railing near my house. Of course, I was chasing him around while he was busy running away from me. Maybe he is not a jumping spider but a running spider instead.

Hmmmm....

Taken with Nikon D40 and 105mm.

Fly fly fly...

Fly fly fly..., originally uploaded by nicklwc.

I believe this is the common fly. I see them everywhere whenever I go macro shooting so I guess they are common. And they are quite big too which means on a sunny day, I can experiment with natural lighting like this shot.

R1C1 can keep in the bag. As usual, I think natural lighting shots have its charm. I actually prefer it over my R1C1 shots most of the time.

Taken with Nikon D40 and 105mm.

Rainbow eyes!

Rainbow eyes!, originally uploaded by nicklwc.

Alright, I hope you enjoyed that little vacation to Hanoi because it is going to be macro, macro and more macro after this!

First up, we visit Taman Jaya opposite Amcorp Mall. While it was quite an unsuccessful outing, I still have a few shots to show. This is the long-legged fly or Dolichopodidae.

They are small, about 4-9mm and they are actually beneficial. So, don't need to control their population!

Size doesn't matter...

Size doesn't matter, originally uploaded by nicklwc.

Love knows no size. I guess I found this amusing. The height difference cannot be more apparent than this couple. Someone said that it might be not a real "couple" but I'll give them the benefit of the doubt.

After all, we all want to look at things positively, don't we?

Taken with Nikon D40 and 105mm.

Vietnam's Leonardo Da Vinci

Vietnam's Leonardo Da Vinci, originally uploaded by nicklwc.

Vietnamese artists are very talented people. Extremely talented. Its a pity they have to earn a living by copying the work of others.

Walking into one of these art shops, you will be impressed. Very impressed. The quality level is one that you will willingly pay for. Too bad I didn't have enough money then.

Taken with Nikon D40 and 105mm.

I got a new toy!

Just want to say that I finally got my hands on the new toy. Hopefully, my shots will be better now that I have upgraded.

Wish me luck!

Affectionate couple...

Affectionate couple, originally uploaded by nicklwc.

Another interesting moment I observed during my walk around the park is quite a peculiar way for Vietnamese couples to show their affection. I could see a few girlfriends squeezing zits for their boyfriends.

Such a strange way of showing affection. And in public too. Seriously an eye opener.

Taken with Nikon D40 and 105mm.

"Desperate Housewives" - 20 years later

"Desperate Housewives" - 20 years later, originally uploaded by nicklwc.

I was walking around the park in Hanoi hoping to capture candid shots and well, I wasn't disappointed. Street shooting is still probably my second fav photography after macro.

The candid moments, the funny expressions and the challenge to actually find something different in something so ordinary. I guess thats why its one hobby that has stuck with me for so long.

Taken with Nikon D40 and 105mm.

The waiting game..

The waiting game, originally uploaded by nicklwc.

Another interesting culture that you never see here is motorcycle-cabs. That is right! Since the easiest way to travel in Hanoi is via motorcycle, its only natural there will be 2-wheel version of a cab.

Natural wind, possibly no jam, and the ride of a lifetime. What more can you ask for?

Taken with Nikon D40 and 105mm.

Must have been a good day

Must have been a good day, originally uploaded by nicklwc.

One of the biggest market in Hanoi is the Dong Xuan market. We were supposed to go there to shop while I was hoping to catch some shots of a busy market but we were so late that they were closing by the time we reached there.

Took a quick walk around and captured this shot. She certainly seems happy - either from a good day of sales or she is just glad that a hard day's work is finally over.

Taken with Nikon D40 and 105mm.

Masters at work...

Masters at work, originally uploaded by nicklwc.

Back to Hanoi after that wonderful journey on Halong Bay, I think some of my best HDR work came from Halong Bay.

This time around, more street shooting to give you an experience of Hanoi. If you are wondering if those guys are getting a haircut in the open, then yes, you are correct.

Barbers in Hanoi doesn't like paying rent I guess so they all operate out on the streets. Hang the mirror on the wall or tree and they are opened for business.

Taken with Nikon D40 and 105mm.

The evening is calm...

The evening is calm, originally uploaded by nicklwc.

Another HDR of the extremely beautiful Halong Bay. This time around, instead of the bright orange sky, I tried to capture the blueish hue when the sun is about to fully retire for the night.

It is a calm evening and then you realise there is nothing much to do except to sleep. :)

Taken with Canon Powershot G9 and HDR with Dynamic Photo HDR.

An art maybe?

An art maybe?, originally uploaded by nicklwc.

Continuing with some more Halong Bay shots, and also playing with HDR again, this is another sunset at Halong Bay.

It was quite unfortunate that the islands were blocking the setting sun from my view but at least I still managed to get shots like this. Makes me a happy man :)

Taken with Canon Powershot G9 and HDR with Dynamic Photo HDR.

Halong Bay - A Dreamy Bay

Halong Bay - A Dreamy Bay, originally uploaded by nicklwc.

As I posted earlier in my blog, Day 2 was when I spent my time in Halong Bay. I will share a few more shots of Halong Bay here because well, I just post processed them recently.

This is a shot from the pagoda at the top of an island. My colleagues were swimming at the bay but I don't like swimming so up I went. Like a scene out from some Chinese kungfu movie eh?

Taken with Canon Powershot G9 and HDR with Dynamic Photo HDR.

More than one a day...

She can probably churn more than one a day..., originally uploaded by nicklwc.

For those who visited my Flickr, this blog is probably a slower way to have an update on what I am shooting. But then again, this blog serves to express more on what I shoot, so bear with me.

For darthbaboon, go see my flickr and take care of your new son. Watcha doing online anyway? Someone needs a diaper clean. :P

This is one of the girls working in a handicraft factory that we stopped along the way. The factory employs orphans, handicapped, and under-privilege kids to work at the place and teaches them handicraft making skills.

The factory also states "no camera, no photo" but obviously they are not going to stop someone with a D40. So I snapped away happily. Couldn't snap any final products though but that wasn't my intention anyway.

The moment I stepped in, I knew I wanted to capture shots of the people working there.

Taken with Nikon D40 and 105mm.

The conventional grave...

The conventional grave, originally uploaded by nicklwc.

But of course, don't think that all Vietnamese cemetery only have flower graves.

There are graves that are more familiar to us.

Taken with Nikon D40 and 105mm. HDR with Dynamic Photo HDR.

The flower grave...

The flower grave, originally uploaded by nicklwc.

On the way to Halong Bay, we passed by a Vietnamese cemetery. This is the first time I saw what they called the flower grave.

Definitely a peculiar sight to me.

Taken with Nikon D40 and 105mm. HDR with Dynamic Photo HDR.

On the way to Halong Bay...

On the Soviet bridge, originally uploaded by nicklwc.

Day 2 was actually mostly spent at Halong Bay which I have blogged earlier.

Of course, on the way there, there are stuff to be seen as well. The advantage of sitting right in front on the bus? No one blocks you when you want to take a shot. :)

Taken with Nikon D40 and 105mm. HDR with Dynamic Photo HDR.

Enjoying a game of chess...

Enjoying a game of chess, originally uploaded by nicklwc.

The streets may be busy, the people may swarm at you in all angles but at the end of the day, life in Hanoi can slow down to a relaxing pace.

And this old man is enjoying his game too much to even bother about the rush of life going around him. If only I can say the same for myself.

Taken with Nikon D40 and 105mm.

I am in Singapore!

Singapore Flyer - HDR, originally uploaded by nicklwc.

I am in Singapore! Can't wait to go to Botanical Garden to take some macro shots :)

Taken with Canon Powershot G9 and HDR with Dynamic Photo HDR.

Almost there!

Almost there!, originally uploaded by nicklwc.

This is one of my favourite shot when I was in Hanoi. Somehow the look on her face just gives a sense of hope.

It is like she is screaming an aura of "I will reach the top, I will!"

Taken with Nikon D40 and 105mm.

They work hard...

Weight of the world on his back, originally uploaded by nicklwc.

As much as it is a good photo opportunity, you can't help but have a little sympathy for some of the people I saw. They work really hard and yet they don't even earn a fraction of what we earn.

Taken with Nikon D40 and 105mm.

Symmetrical..

On guard..., originally uploaded by nicklwc.

During street shoot, one of the best things to have see is when something looks symmetrical. You know what they say lah. Good looking people always have symmetrical faces and I think when it comes to photos, it is about the same concept.

This is almost symmetrical I believe. Looks balanced except the guy on the left is taller and looks like he is about to fall asleep. Anyway, this symmetrical concept proves I am not good looking as well. Bummer.

Taken with Nikon D40 and 105mm.

People ask...

Juicy gossip, originally uploaded by nicklwc.

Why do I like street shooting? Why walk under the hot sun taking photos of people I don't know?

Well, because I love the candid moments when people are unaware they are being photographed. And sometimes, the natural smiles you get when they see your camera, well, that is also priceless.

In the meantime, here is a shot of a woman enjoying some juicy gossip.

Taken with Nikon D40 and 105mm.

Let's all meet outside

Relaxing, originally uploaded by nicklwc.

Everywhere in Hanoi, you see people outside. In the park, on the roadside and generally not inside their homes.

Why? Why aren't you people in your homes? Saving electricity perhaps?

Taken with Nikon D40 and 105mm.

The man...

Ho Chi Minh's Mausoleum, originally uploaded by nicklwc.

Ho Chi Minh is in a way larger than life in Vietnam. And I can see why so many people looked up to him. Even when the tour guide talked about him, you can hear that he regards Ho Chi Minh as the man who put Vietnam on the map.

A city named after him. A great, big mausoleum and adored by his people. I don't think anyone can ask for more.

Taken with Nikon D40 and 105mm. HDR by Dynamic Photo HDR.

Wash-a-bike...

Wash-a-bike, originally uploaded by nicklwc.

One of the thing that surprised me in Vietnam is sights such as this. I've seen car wash but this pretty much takes the cake. I have not seen anyone offer a motorcycle wash in this country.

In Hanoi, it is everywhere! Wonder if they polish them as well...

Taken with Nikon D40 and 105mm.

Strong Soviet influence...

Hoi Chu Nhia Viet Nam Muon Nan!, originally uploaded by nicklwc.

The Vietnamese Government or rather Ho Chi Minh had strong Soviet influence and it is not surprising to see them welcoming their visitors with flying flags at the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum.

In a way, the modernisation of Vietnam started when Ho Chi Minh decided to rule the country his way, rather than the French or American way.

Taken with Nikon D40 and 105mm. HDR with Dynamic Photo HDR.

Not out of place...

Not out of place, originally uploaded by nicklwc.

Unlike here in Malaysia where a yellow scooter will probably stick out like a sore thumb, a yellow scooter is pretty common sight in Hanoi.

It is the main form of transportation for several reasons. First, it is cheap and petrol is cheaper. Second, parking is free. Third, it is easier to swerve and avoid other motorists and pedestrians.

Taken with Nikon D40 and 105mm. HDR by Dynamic Photo HDR.

Good bye!

Good bye!, originally uploaded by nicklwc.

It is time to bid farewell to Halong Bay. Next up, we go to Hanoi.

Taken with Nikon D40 and 105mm.

When you have nothing to do after dinner..

Getting closer to the cicada, originally uploaded by nicklwc.

Karaoke? Sure but then we finished singing. Playing cards? Sure but Big 2 is only for four people.

So, what does Nick do? Find a cicada and shoot it.

Taken with Nikon D40 and 105mm.

Creepy crawly...

Creepy crawly, originally uploaded by nicklwc.

There were some pots on the junk with plants on it. Where there are plants, there are insects, I think.

Imagine my surprise to see a spider building its web while I was trying to get a shot of the sunset. At that point, I didn't care about the sunset any longer.

Taken with Nikon D40 and 105mm.

End of the day..

Rowing on a sunset, originally uploaded by nicklwc.

After swimming, after macroing (actually I macro on-board the ship as well, will share those later) and after hiking. It was time to get back to the boat and enjoy a relaxing cruise.

The junk will be parked in an area where other junks will also park for the night.

Taken with Nikon D40 and 105mm.

Fun stuff with macro lens...

Fibre, originally uploaded by nicklwc.

Well, the good thing about bringing the 105mm on the trip is that when there is nothing else to shoot, you shoot stuff like a rope.

And with its macro capability, it will look like this. Loads of fun. Seriously.

Taken with Nikon D40 and 105mm.

Macro @ Hanoi

Closer look at the dragon fly, originally uploaded by nicklwc.

Well, you don't expect me not to take some macro shots when I am holding a macro lens right?

While the others were swimming, I went and climb 90 steps to the top. I was rewarded with a breathtaking view of Halong Bay and this dragonfly.

At least I had something to practice my macro skills on.

Taken with Nikon D40 and 105mm.

Enjoying a swim..

Enjoying a swim, originally uploaded by nicklwc.

While you are at Halong Bay, it is quite guaranteed that they will bring you to a man-made beach for a swim. You can actually do two things here actually, swim or hike up to a pagoda on top of the mountain.

Of course, I am not a fan of swimming to up I went. This is the cue for me to inform you that I will be posting some macro shots soon.

On a separate topic, do you think I am updating this blog too often? Should I slow down to one pic per day?

Taken with Nikon D40 and 105mm.

Your reward...

Open for business, originally uploaded by nicklwc.

Other than seeing what's inside the cave, this is your reward for climbing 90 steps to the Hang Dau Go Cave. Upon going outside, you will be presented with a top-down photo opportunity of the bay and its surrounding area.

Taken with Nikon D40 and 105mm.

A wave?

A wave?, originally uploaded by nicklwc.

The Hang Dau Go Cave contains the wavy formation on the walls and it is really impressive and interesting. Pretty much worth the hike up 90 steps, I tell you.

Taken with Nikon D40 and 105mm.

Do you see the couple?

A couple, originally uploaded by nicklwc.

The guide said that you can see a loving couple from these rocks. Do you see it?

Taken with Nikon D40 and 105mm.

The Buddha rock

The buddha rock, originally uploaded by nicklwc.

So what sort of funky stuff can you see in cave? Well, they say this rock resembles the Buddha. What do you think?

Taken with Nikon D40 and 105mm.

Inside the Hang Dau Go

Hang Dau Go, originally uploaded by nicklwc.

Back to Halong Bay after that disgusting picture of my leg. This is your reward after climbing up 90 steps to reach the Hang Dau Go cave.

In the next few posts, I will share with you why it is worth it to make the trip. It has some of best rock formations seen in a cave.

Taken with Nikon D40 and 105mm.

I got sucked on!

I got sucked on!, originally uploaded by nicklwc.

We take a break from our Halong Bay series for this moment. I went to FRIM last Sunday for a macro shoot and guess what, them insects turned on me!

This guy tried to suck my blood. The perils of a macro photographer! :P

Taken with Nikon D40 and 105mm.

The Hang Dau Go

The Hang Dau Go from outside, originally uploaded by nicklwc.

So, other than kayaking and exploring stuff on water, Halong Bay also has one of most interesting caves in this region, maybe the world. The Hang Dau Go or Cave of Wooden Stakes is a popular tourist attraction.

You can see that is true with so many junks parked outside the cave. To get to the cave? One must climb 90 steps! Thats half of Batu Caves I believe.

Except they didn't tell you that it was a big cave inside and its a long walk back out.

Taken with Nikon D40 and 105mm.

I wonder...

Just another day in the job, originally uploaded by nicklwc.

While the tourists look in awe at the wonderful Halong Bay, I wonder if the locals get tired of it. Everyday, they see the same thing. The same grotto, the same cave, the same boats but different people.

I wonder, do they get bored?

Taken with Nikon D40 and 105mm.

Give me my fuel!

Re-fuelling, originally uploaded by nicklwc.

If you ever wondered how much petrol the junk stores, well its probably not much. Its enough for them to get us to our location by end of the day.

After that, these fellas will come in and re-fuel the junk. Its like watching jets being re-fueled mid-air, but less exciting.

Taken with Nikon D40 and 105mm.

One comes in, another goes out

One comes in, another goes out, originally uploaded by nicklwc.

As I mentioned before, one the many attractions of Halong Bay is the grottos or rather what I call, internal lakes. The rocky islands surrounds each other and you enter these areas through small little caves like this one.

As I was entering the cave, I saw a group exiting and well, thats a perfect picture opportunity ain't it?

Taken with Nikon D40 and 105mm.

More than just a tourist spot...

A common sight, originally uploaded by nicklwc.

Halong Bay is not only a tourist spot but it supports many Vietnamese people livelihood. We have the fishermen, the people who sell daily essentials to tourists and the junk operators and of course people who ferry tourists around to the many grottos in the area.

Since fuel is expensive, a motor powered boat is out of the question. You will see many of them paddling hard to reach where they want to go. Sometimes, with huge amount of tourists on board as well.

Taken with Nikon D40 and 105mm.

Halong Bay - A sight to behold

Halong Bay, originally uploaded by nicklwc.

Anyone who goes to Hanoi shouldn't miss the opportunity to go to Halong Bay. It has about 3000+ islands which are rocky, and has one the largest man-made beach.

300+ islands are also protected by UNESCO so you can see how unique this place is and protection is needed so that our future generations can enjoy exploring the many grottos and caves in the area.

Taken with Nikon D40 and 105mm.

The best way to travel around Halong Bay...

Minh Hai Tourist Co Ltd, originally uploaded by nicklwc.

Halong Bay at Hanoi is quite an experience. However, it is only a REAL experience if you stay overnight in one of these junks. Do not stay over at a hotel on land because you will be missing all the fun in Halong Bay.

This is the Minh Hai junk which I used. It was clean, the rooms were nice and the staff was very pleasant. If you ever decide to go Halong Bay, make sure you stay in one of these junks. If you don't, you are missing out.

Taken with Nikon D40 and 105mm.