After the rain.....

I finally feel like I am getting into a photography routine here in Indo. I try to keep my schedule open between 5:30 and 7 so that I can shoot during sunset. Sometimes I feel like photography is more than just a “fun” hobby, it’s more like work. In the states I simply do not have enough time to dedicate to photography. So naturally when I shoot in the States it always seems new, fresh and exciting. Here I am shooting 5 days a week and it’s starting to feel like a job. It’s a good thing though, I feel my creative side being pushed and extended. I simply can’t just shoot streaking car lights and interesting signs.

The rainy season has begun in Jogja now. It will rain for a few hours each day. Yesterday, I waited out the rain and headed out on my motor bike to shoot the sunset. I focused on a soccer field near my neighborhood. The sunset was amazing and the puddle-ridden soccer field reflected the sunset nicely. I also met a few locals who told me they play soccer at the field everyday around 4, and that I am more than welcome to come and play. My photography outings are becoming more than just taking photographs, they're also becoming my way of interacting with the surrounding communities. Without a doubt, each time I shoot I strike up a few conversations with strangers. Yesterday it was with a group of young men that were relaxing near the soaked soccer field. I could tell they were entertained by me walking around the field shooting. I also got the occasional “hey mister” from kids riding along on their bikes.

Wayang Kulit Performance - Puppet Shadow Play

A few nights ago Melis and I went to a puppet shadow play at the Sonobuddoyo Museum.  One side had people playing instruments and color puppets (made out of water buffalo skin), and the other side displayed the shadows.  Visitors could walk around freely between the sides.  I'm not sure what the story line was but I know there was a lot of fighting!

Jembatan Merah is my home....

Jemabatan Merah means "red bridge". This is where I live. Ok, not exactly on the bridge but pretty close. When locals ask I simply tell them "Jembatan Merah". I pass this bridge daily. It is a weird 3 way intersection with no stop signs and I still, after 4 months, haven't figured out who actually has the right of way. People honk, not to be rude but to simply make fellow motorists aware. I figured I needed to shoot this for my blog. I really like the color coordination of the Indo flag, motor lights, and the red bridge.

Out and about in Jogja

Walking to my motor after enjoying a nice dinner, I saw a street vendor was walking down the street selling corn, peanuts and beans. I couldn't resist the interesting look of these steaming goodies. I quickly got out my camera and snapped some shots.

A Vespa shrine and a bridge at sunset

Yesterday I purchased the Nikon SB-600, an external flash.  I am looking to broaden my night shots with artificial light.  Particularly, using the flash to light up subjects at various angles.  Last night I practiced lighting up an old vespa that was mounted on top of some boulders.  I set up my camera for 10 to 15 second exposures.  During an exposure I went around the vespa and fired the flash several times at different angles.

Another cool feature about the SB-600 is that it can be triggered wirelessly.  The flash came with a stand, which I can use to position the flash within 33 feet of the camera.  This will be helpful for my night shots as well as portraits. 

Going to the barber shop - Obama

Last night I got my hair cut at a barber shop called Obama.  I've been there a few times to cut my hair and they are always nice and friendly towards me.  For 50 cents a hair cut you can't go wrong.  Last time I got a "Beckham" cut, which is a little mohawk.  This time I declined and just got a short buzz cut.  

A bridge near UKDW

Lens Update:  Yesterday I went to the camera shop and picked up my lens.  It was not broken or scratched.  PHEW!!!  All I needed to do was replace the cracked filter.  

The streets of Jogja

I know back in the States you cannot text while driving.  Well, I don't think that law applies here in Indo.  I've seen people riding thier motors and texting at the same time!  I even send a brief text, but always while stopped at a light.  

Update: I just drove by a sign of a picture of someone texting on a motor bike.  I couldn't understand what it said but there was a police symbol next to it.  Hmmmm, maybe I shouldn't be texting at traffic lights after all!

Look closely and try to find the "texters"

Under the orange tarp is a little warung, where you can eat some Nasi Goreng.  They set up in the morning and take it down after dinner time.  It's like a portable fast food joint!

A vespa and a cracked filter

Last night I was shooting and I accidently knocked over my tripod while reaching for my cell phone.  When I turned my body my backpack hit the tripod. I heard the crack and immediately thought, oh crap, my camera!  luckily the lens filter took most of the impact.  The filter cracked and I am hoping that the lens is not damaged.  I could not get the filter off so today I dropped it off at a camera shop.  I hope the lens will be in working condition.  Luckily it was my least expensive lens, a Nikon 50mm f1.8, but unfortunately my fastest.  The camera body is in good condition and still working.  A local Indonesian came up to me when he saw the tripod fall and taught me the word broken, "rusak".

Before the I knocked the tripod over I was shooting a cool looking vespa at sunset.  Vespas are popular here, however, they are slowly fading out.  A friend of mine tells me that some people from Europe come down to Indo and buy used vespas, fix them up, and then sell them in Europe for a substantial profit.

I like the hood ornament, is that a jag? 

From the yellow bridge...

I love shooting here in Indo.  I don't get any quizzical looks, which I am familiar with back in the States.  People seem more intrigued by my shooting more than anything else.  While shooting tonight a gentlemen came up to me and we chatted about photography.  He gave me tips on other bridges and interesting locations.  

Lets play some pool

Yogyakarta has amazing pool halls.  It's about 2 US dollars an hour for a table.  An employee will reset the balls after each game as well as retrieve any cue balls that scratch.