Blog | Christopher John Photography

May 13, 2015May 13, 2015

Early start

I’d had this notion of a long exposure shot looking over the Newmarket Viaduct in the early morning. I wasn’t sure what the clouds and light would be like, but I thought I’d have a better chance of avoiding traffic early in the morning rather than at rush hour in the evening. Well, that may have been a bit of wishful thinking! I left home close to 6.15am and the traffic was stop start on my way to Mount Hobson. Sitting in traffic I became increasingly concerned I’d left it too late to leave home and that it was going to be too bright to get the shots I’d imagined.

Folks rushing over Auckland’s Newmarket Viaduct to work this morning

I think an evening shot will be better, so will try to get back in the next few days. In the morning as time passes it gets brighter quite quickly requiring ND filters to slow down the shutter. Shooting in the evening has the advantage that it gets darker as tine passes!

Somewhat disappointed with the light over the viaduct I switched my attention to watching the sunrise. Here’s a couple of shots looking out towards Waiheke Island from the top of Mount Hobson.

Looking towards Waiheke Island in the far distance this morning from Mount Hobson, Auckland

Last, but not least, here’s a photo looking across Orakei towards Rangitoto Island. If you’ve never visited Mount Hobson the views from the summit are most definitely worth the steep climb. Who knows, I may meet you there one evening as I try to get a nice shot looking over the Newmarket Viaduct.

View over Orakei towards Rangitoto Island from Mount Hobson

May 12, 2015

Friendly folks …

I’ve already mentioned how much I enjoyed visiting Singapore, but one thing I forgot to mention is how friendly I found the people. I visited a number of places, both tourist destinations and places off the usual tourist trails. No matter where I went I met charming people happy to help with directions and more than happy to chat and make you feel welcome in their country. There’s lots to see with respect to the scenery and sights, but there’s also a lot to see if you take time out to look and chat to the residents of Singapore.

I’ve three photos in this post. A lady in a happy mood at the Botanic Gardens, a gent at work and another gentleman deep in thought at one of the temples. The lady was more than happy to pose for me in the shot you see here. I’m not sure if she though I was a famous photographer or something, but she seemed desperate to be in my photo. The working man just wanted to get on with the task at hand but didn’t object to the camera pointing his way. The man at the temple seemed deep in thought. This must be my favourite shot of the three. There’s something that appeals to me in this photograph of the elderly man.

May 11, 2015

Fond memories!

Becoming a bit of a distant memory now is the time I spent in Singapore a few weeks ago. I still have very fond memories of the time there and am very keen to visit again. I may have mentioned before how safe you feel in Singapore no matter what time of day or night you’re out and about. And, it’s at night time when the city really seems to come to life. There’s this intoxicating mix of sparkling lights and water around the Marina Bay area where you can enjoy views from the bumboats on the water, at the quayside, on the bridges over the water or even on the Singapore Flyer – the large ferris type wheel that offers spectacular views across the city.

Below are a few snapshots taken during one of my evening walkabouts and visit to the Singapore Flyer. Hopefully you’ll enjoy the views just as much as I did whilst visiting.

Marina Bay’s famous Merlion shot from a bumboat.

A closer view of the Merlion taken from one of the local bumboats

May 4, 2015

Midland Hotel, Morecambe

One of the famous seaside resorts in the UK, Morecambe boasts quite a lovely hotel named after the railway company that served the area, The Midland. Built in 1933 to a design by a young and enthusiastic architect, Oliver Hill, this Grade II listed building has been recently restored to its former glory.

Once inside the building you realise that this is something rather special. Built in the 1930s in the Art Deco Style, the interior of this hotel really takes you back in time to those pre-war years. A number of monochrome prints were in display and in many way the style of the building suits a monochrome image. Below are a few quick snaps taken whilst I enjoyed a cup of coffee. Such a shame I couldn’t spend more time there and take my time capturing the atmosphere of this building.

For more details take a squiz here

May 3, 2015

Up to the Gardens …

Well, this time it’s Auckland’s Botanic Gardens. Since returning to NZ I’ve taken a fews strolls around the gardens and must say that they really are very good. Such a variety and so well presented. A real credit to the gardeners who work here. Anyway, on my strolls I’ve kept seeing this rather lovely tree … well, its flowers to be honest. Quite large blooms but ever so pretty. Hope you enjoy these photos as much as I’ve enjoyed looking at the tree!

I met a young photographer there with her Mum and Dad. Each member of the family out exploring the Gardens and shooting with their own camera. What a great way to spend time together as a family.

May 3, 2015May 3, 2015

Orchids!

I did suggest I’d post a few shots of the plants I saw at the Botanic Gardens in Singapore, and in many ways the main floral feature would be the orchids. Having said that, the first image in this post is of a very pretty bougainvillea. As you may recall (having seen images in previous posts) there are a few bougainvillea in my garden, but not with such pretty pastel colouration as this particular bloom you see here. In fact, it was at this bloom that I met the photographer who showed me the lizard in the previous post.

We have orchids here in NZ, but they tend to be located in greenhouses. Furthermore, I’ve yet to see as profuse a display of blooms as I saw in Singapore. Below are a few snapshots of some of the wonderful flowers on display. Sadly time wasn’t on our side so it was a very brief visit. Hopefully, one day, I’ll be fortunate enough to spend a lot more time in these wonderful gardens.

All images were shot with my Nikkor 24-70mm lens and using available light. I’d taken reflectors, speedlights, filters and my trusty tripod, but the gadgets remained in the hotel. All these shots are hand held snaps. When we visited these gardens I was really feeling the heat and wanted to carry as little as possible. Camera and a water bottle was plenty!

May 2, 2015May 2, 2015

A few more Singapore sights …

Whilst in Singapore I was fortunate to spend some time in the Botanic Gardens. Quite a lovely place with many gorgeous blooms to enjoy. Besides the blooms there was, of course, a number of enthusiastic photographers keen to capture the flowers “on film”. With a common interest it was lovely to compare notes and share ideas. In fact, as a result of an earlier conversation one photographer took me to one side to show me the lizard you can see in the first image on this post. A monitor lizard with what look like very sharp claws!

Besides spending time in the gardens (I’ll post a few images if the flowers later all being well) I also managed a bit of time to walk around the city. One of these walks led me near some of the temples which are very ornate and beautifully presented. The people seemed more than happy for me to take photographs which surprised me as I’ve usually been encouraged to put my camera away. Anyway, below are a few images of some temples you might enjoy.

April 29, 2015April 29, 2015

Shopping in Singapore …

No doubt about it, Singapore has some impressive shopping centres. Top brands offering their wares in air-conditioned facilities. With money to burn this is the place to visit! These malls will assist you to unload your excess wealth in an environment that is very comfortable with staff that are eager to assist you in your spending endeavours! But what about the less wealthy? If you get the chance, take a bit of time to walk around the town and see what other things are on offer. I must admit, that the $2 shop was not what I was expecting in Singapore at all … especially not with $1 specials!

The equivalent of our “Mr Minit” shoe repair seems to exist. Whilst not being indoors, this business did offer shade for the customers as well as a chair. Something our local establishments may like to consider.

This shop amused me as it was most definitely a different bakery to any of the other bakeries I’ve seen. I couldn’t decide if they’d just not changed the name from the previous store owner or if this was a new marketing strategy.

Not all shops are in malls and many “outdoor market” type streets are available where you can pick up some great bargains. Here’s a shot of one such street.

Same as back here in NZ. Shopping is a tiring business and thankfully there’s places to snooze outside many of the shops. The thing is, you felt safe here.

As I mentioned before. I really like Singapore. There’s so much to see and experience here. Hopefully the few photos above may put a smile on your face and show you something a little different to the usual Singapore photos.

April 28, 2015

A bit of a trip …

I was fortunate to spend a few days, and nights, in Singapore a few weeks ago. This is one very impressive place indeed. The architecture is a mix of classical old style Malaysian as well as hyper modern, innovative and exciting. Hard to believe that Singapore was a very poor adjunct to Malaysia less than a lifetime ago. Now it is vibrant, clean, efficient, safe, exciting and very wealthy.

Hot and humid for sure, but that was something you could get used to. I loved the place and could have stayed there for several more weeks!

Not the largest of countries, a mere 716 sq. km! Even so, there’s lots to see and enjoy in this city both by day and by night. Hopefully I’ll get to visit again before too long. I’ll attach a few more photos to this post that may illustrate a slightly different architecture to that in the first image taken at Marina Bay. Very colourful buildings, some quite ornate, but all featuring the modern Singapore in the background.

February 22, 2015

Cicadas

I recall hearing from the experts that this year the cicada numbers are quite low. Certainly that familiar cicada noise did seem absent for some time, but not now. We seem to have plenty of the wee creatures around in our garden … and on the washing I might add. Anyway, whilst out in the garden thinking how dry it is and how the leaves seem to be changing colour … hopefully because of the heat rather than the approach of winter … I couldn’t help but notice several of the cicada skins on my silver birch trees. It always amazes me how much detail of the creature remains and how little of the old skin is damaged as the creature emerges. Looking at the photos below you’ll see its claws, hairs etc. etc. Quite amazing. Oh, click on the i age to get an enlarged view 🙂