The Pool of Hope

I know it’s not easy, not easy at all. It’s not easy to start something, specially when you are more like a visitor than the creator.

When I started this blog I guess it’s about 4 months back, I was overly excited and didn’t think much how to start and what to write. Let’s just say I was trying to make a way to represent my photographs, trying to implement some original ideas. (Guess, it’s not that original 🙂 ) I always used to browse photo blogger’s post and it’s was an awesome experience with so much of inspiration. Not only Word Press bloggers but also outside bloggers.

For a long time I am uploading my photographs to various websites like Flickr, 500px I was happy but not satisfied. So I though of doing something different, instead of creating a Facebook fan page e.g. “XXX Photography”, I decided to start blogging.

I am happy I am still doing it, and hopefully I will be able to take this blog to a different level. This reminds of a line from a very popular movie.

I hope to see my friend and shake his hand. I hope the Pacific is as blue as it has been in my dreams. I hope.

Courtesy: The Shawshank Redemption (1994)

I took this photo couple of months back using my Tokina 11-16mm F2.8 lens wide open (No filter). The subject is not that interesting, however the color of the photo I found to be eye catching. While it was dusk, the sun was ready to set and the beautiful orange light was reflecting on the pool from the backside of the high rise building.

I know this blog is far from perfect. But I believe in “Success is a journey and not a destination” and let’s make this journey beautiful.

Thanks for dropping by.

So many faces … So many races

So many faces, so many races
Different voices, different choices
Some are mad, while others laugh
Some live alone with no better half
Others grieve while others curse
And others mourn behind a big black hearse

Courtesy : Francis Magalona, Filipino rapper, Songwriter, Photographer

 

Fruits & Eggs

There are so many super markets in Manila, Philippines and one of the biggest of them is Mall of Asia by SM. I went there couple of weeks back to do my weekly groceries.

The supermarket was pretty big and almost everything you can think of is available there. I like the view of the fruits and eggs and immediately took a snap. That’s a beauty of mobile photography, you can take the photo whenever and wherever you want and for that you don’t have to carry your heavy DSLR 🙂

Loved the colors of the place and the ceiling lights.

Taken using Nokia Lumia 920 and processed using Adobe Photoshop Express.

100 Strangers : Stranger No. 3

Stranger No. 3

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Here comes my stranger no. 3. His name is Lito (hopefully I heard it correctly). He is food server at the hidden garden in Vigan City, Ilocos Sur. He lives at Vigan and he loves his job.

When I saw him first, he came to take the order with the usual menu card (which was pretty heavy .. may be heavier than the actual food) with lots of Ilocano food varieties. He is a guy with good physic and in Tagalog they call it “Pogi” (handsome) and friendly too. After asking about his name I asked him immediately (You know .. you should not let go the chance) if I can take a photo of him; without saying a word he posed for me right away.

I choose Longganisa and Halo Halo for breakfast as I was not too hungry and 7 am is too early for me for breakfast (I end up eating a lot actually). Now here is the funny part – I was staying in Philippines close to an year and strangely that is the first time I tried Halo Halo. It’s a very popular dessert in Philippines with the mixture of shaved ice and evaporated milk to which are added various boiled sweet beans, jelly, corn and fruits, and served in a tall glass or bowl.

Another interesting fact about “Halo Halo” is in Tagalog (Filipino local language) and if you translate in English it is “Mix Mix” – Isn’t this funny ? I just loved the name (both version) and the taste of the dessert. Don’t miss it if you are in Philippines.

100 Strangers : Stranger No. 2

Stranger No. 2

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My Stranger no. 2 is Paaney. She is from Manila and she was selling fruits in the open market of Quiapo. When I asked her for a photo, she agreed immediately. I took this photo, while walking inside the market and looking for my next stranger.

Damn! This is getting tough day by day. I used my newly purchased Tokina 11-16mm for this photo. Yes I know this might not be the right lens for the portrait photography but I have 1 camera body only and sometimes it’s pretty difficult to change the lens in the middle of the open market. I liked the framing of this photo. Hope you will like it too.