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.

Yogyakarta Soccer Game

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.