Farewell Sunset

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.

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.

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.