Indonesia @ Night

Farewell Sunset

2010-01-01T20:27:00.000-08:00

Well my time in Indonesia has come to an end for now. A few days before leaving Indonesia, I went out on my final Indo@night blog excursion and shot a sunset. I will miss shooting Indo and the amazing landscape it offers. I have learned and grown alot in my ability as a photographer. As I adjust back into the swing of things in the US I am now pondering my next photography project......

Thanks for everyone's support and feedback. I truly appreciate it.

A Sign of the Times

2009-12-20T15:03:00.000-08:00

What's that smell?.....It's DURIAN!

2009-12-20T00:03:00.000-08:00

Durian is a popular fruit that many locals enjoy eating. Vendors park their flatbeds full of durian along side roads where people come to enjoy durian. This odd, spiky fruit has one distinction amongst other fruit. It STINKS, it has such a potent smell that it is banned in certain places like the Jogja Plaza Hotel. I personally don't care for durian, but many locals love it. It is one of those foods people either love or hate.

Parfum anyone?

2009-12-16T07:20:00.000-08:00

Parfum is popular here in Jogja, or at least I see many parfum store fronts. The guys below wanted there picture taken and I should mention that they were not the ones working at the parfum store:-)

Alun Alun

2009-12-14T22:58:00.000-08:00

Alun Alun is made up of a huge dirt lot that has 2 trees in the middle of it. I know what you're thinking, "wow, big deal, a dirt lot with two trees". But, if you can walk in-between the 2 trees blind-folded it is believed that you will have a wish come true. Usually people start about 100 feet away, one person is blind-folded and the other person makes sure you don't hit anyone or anything in an attempt to walk through the two trees. It is a fun atmosphere with lots of laughter, you see many people wondering in all directions as spectators get a good chuckle.

The HP

2009-12-13T23:57:00.000-08:00

People in Indo call their cell phone a "HP", short for hand phone. HPs are very popular here in Jogja, SMSing (texting) is much more popular than calling simply because it is cheaper. HP shops line the streets of Jogja, one after another. They dominate store fronts and are often busy with customers. Every month or so I buy 5 dollars worth of "Pulsa"(air time/texting) to keep my HP active.

Jogja Jamming

2009-12-13T07:48:00.000-08:00

2 days ago "Jogja Jamming" kicked off. The 1 month art exhibition opened with bands, lots of painting, and a crowd. There were many Ronald McDonald statues.

Making Batik

Happy Puppy - Karaoke

2009-12-11T23:22:00.000-08:00

Happy Puppy is the popular karaoke spot in Jogja. It's a blast!

Under the Bridge

2009-12-09T22:21:00.000-08:00

Bridge pillars in Jogja are decorated with wonder paintings representing Indonesian culture.

Jogja Train Station

2009-12-08T21:45:00.000-08:00

Time to eat

2009-12-07T23:06:00.000-08:00

At least once a day I will eat at at a hybrid warung/restaurant. These places offer traditional Indonesian food, with lots of great juices as well. My meal usually costs me about 2 dollars.

At many places to eat you look at the menu and write down what you want. Once you are finished you make eye contact with the person working there and they will come over and pick it up. If they say "habis" it means they are out of it.

Sate Ayam at Pondok Cabe is great!

Sambal is a spicy concoction (think of it as salsa) that many people enjoy in Indo. There are many different varieties.

Lombok Sunrises

2009-12-07T02:06:00.000-08:00

Last April my wife and I took a trip to Lombok and the Gili Islands. I captured a few photos at sunrise.

Sunrise from Gili Trawangan

Sunrise from Senggigi

Bali 5.0 - Tulamben Sunrise

2009-12-06T06:03:00.000-08:00

One morning in Tulamben I woke up around 4:45 to capture the sunrise. I prefer sunrises to sunsets because it is much more quiet and peaceful. I rarely see anyone out. At this particular location in northeast Bali I thought the sun was going to be obstructed by the curving peninsula or by the mountains. I shot some photos from the rocky beach as the sky transitioned from a dark blue to a light pink/purple. I captured some shots I liked and headed back to my room. It was already light out and I figured the sun already peaked out. As I headed up the trail I glanced at the ocean and saw the sun starting to peak out. I was right next to a small fence with a gate partially open. The end result is the bottom photograph which I love, but was not planned:-)

Bali 4.0

2009-12-05T02:34:00.000-08:00

This is a 5 minute exposure over-looking rice fields. Notice the faint star trails

I am not sure what these things are but I think they are involved in some Hindu ritual/offering. They are often constructed over roads.

Little shops that sell various paintings dominate the streets of Ubud. Many painting styles/paintings are often copied and reproduced.

A Hindu offering. It's not directed at the skull:-)

Bali 3.0 Dive Shop

2009-12-04T05:10:00.000-08:00

While on Bali we spent 2 days in Tulamben scuba and free diving. This is the dive shop that I rented my gear from.

Bali 2.0 - Motor bike lights

2009-12-03T00:55:00.000-08:00

Through a monkey forest

Pick an ATM any ATM

Bali 1.0

2009-12-02T03:09:00.000-08:00

Last week I went to Bali for holiday. I traveled around Kuta, Sanur, Talumben, Ubud, and Uluwatu. The next 5 posts will be of my travels in Bali.

A cafe with coffee cup lights

The swastika on this Hindu shrine is no way related to Nazism. This symbol has been part of Hinduism for a long time.

Notice the daily offerings placed at the bottom.

After the rain.....

2009-11-15T20:44:00.000-08:00

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

2009-11-14T22:44:00.000-08:00

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....

2009-11-14T01:58:00.000-08:00

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

2009-11-12T22:52:00.000-08:00

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

2009-11-10T02:16:00.000-08:00

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

2009-11-07T23:56:00.000-08:00

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

2009-11-04T23:04:00.000-08:00

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

2009-11-04T22:07:00.000-08:00

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...

2009-11-02T08:58:00.000-08:00

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

2009-11-02T01:17:00.000-08:00

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.

A stroll through my neighborhood

2009-10-31T23:26:00.000-07:00

Some residents put a cup outside their home and put a coin in it each night for the neighborhood watchman.

Manggas

2009-10-30T03:25:00.001-07:00

Tambal Ban

2009-10-27T03:39:00.000-07:00

Along many streets there are these "Tambal Ban" stands that will repair/patch a flat tire.

Warung

2009-10-22T02:19:00.000-07:00

A warung is a place many people here in Indonesia go to get a quick bite to eat. They have limited items to choose from and sometimes don't have menus. They appear to be make shift places to eat that can easily be set up and taken down relatively quickly. These photos are from a warung near my place in Yogyakarta. I enjoy nasi goreng with an egg and ice jeruk to drink!

A Local Gas Station

2009-10-17T21:36:00.000-07:00

Motor bikes rule the streets of Yogyakarta, as they are everywhere. At the pump it costs about 12,000 RP to fill up my Honda Vario's tank.

The Fashionable Jilbab

2009-10-16T03:04:00.000-07:00

In Indonesia, many Muslim women wear a jilbab, which is intended to cover part of their body. Just like any other piece of clothing, fashion and color coordinating (which I know nothing about) are of interest to lots of Muslim women. Women often have many jilbabs of various designs and colors to match their outfits. My friend once saw one with skulls on it! I am impressed with the plethora of beautiful patterns I have seen so far.

jilbabs are for youngsters too

I would like to thank Nurul Izze for letting me take photos in their store.

What is it?

2009-10-15T09:17:00.001-07:00

Jogja Graveyard

2009-10-14T05:21:00.001-07:00

These pictures are of a local graveyard. Unfortunately, it was locked so I had to shoot through a fence.

Find my shadow...

Ramayana Ballet - Prambanan Temple

2009-10-13T06:12:00.000-07:00

A few nights ago we went to a traditional Indonesian ballet, the Ramayana Ballet. The Prambanan Temple was lit up in the background making for a great backdrop to the stage.

Fire is always entertaining!

He was a great shot with his bow.

Yogyakarta Soccer Game

2009-10-08T07:30:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was Yogyakarta's birthday. Melissa and I heard there was a celebration, some sort of show or something. We then hear it's a carnival. We finally end up at the destination and it winds up being a soccer game. When Melis and I set out on the town of Yogya we have learned to expect the unexpected, to roll with the punches. Information is spread heavily through word of mouth, many events or happenings are hard, if not impossible, to find on the web so we have learned to go with the flow. The soccer game was a pleasant surprise.

I merged 4 photographs for this panoramic shot. Click on the picture to enlarge it.

Read the Mister Burger sign closely...

2009-10-07T01:23:00.000-07:00

yogyakarta

A parking structure near "Amplaz" shopping center

"Amplaz" Jogja's huge shopping mall.

Now that Ramadhan is over the sales begin.....This sounds familiar......

Star trails over Mt Lawu / Rice fields near Jogja

2009-10-01T05:53:00.000-07:00

This was the view we had while eating dinner at a restaurant in Jogja. I didn't have a tripod with me so I put the camera on a fence.

This is a 30 minute exposure near the top of Mt. Lawu.

Yogyakarta

2009-09-29T01:34:00.000-07:00

A walk around my neighborhood

2009-09-09T04:19:00.000-07:00

Sangam House Article

2009-09-05T05:35:00.000-07:00

Last week Melissa wrote another article for The Jakarta Post newspaper. This article was a feature on one of our favorite restaurants in Yogyakarta, the Sangam House. I was never a huge fan of Indian food.....now I am! I shot photographs for the article during the day and at night. Melissa and I are finding that we make a good time for writing and publishing articles. I can do the graphics while she can write. The first photo is a collage I created from photographs take at night and during the day.

Mt. Bromo

2009-09-01T03:15:00.000-07:00

Last weekend I went to Mt. Bromo. It was an 11 hour bus ride each way but well worth it. The views were breathtaking. I tried a night shot for 25 minutes but it didn't turn out well. Bummer.

Jogja Fashion Show

2009-08-16T00:15:00.001-07:00

Jogja recently had a fashion week were various local designers showed off the latest Indonesian fashion. Melissa and her friend wrote an article about it for the Jakarta Post. I was able to take some photos for their article.

Jakarta

2009-08-02T07:19:00.001-07:00

Welcome to my new photo blog. I recently moved to Indonesia and will be living here for the next five months. This blog is dedicated to capturing images of Indonesia at night. I will try to keep the text in my posts short and let the photographs speak for themselves.

I am living in Yogyakarta, which is the college hub of Indonesia. Before I arrived in Yogyakarta I had to spend a few days in Jakarta clearing my visa at various immigration offices. Below are some photographs of Jakarta.

You can click on the photographs to make the bigger.