I would like to wish all of you a Happy New Year. A year has just gone by and it is customary for me to reflect back on what I achieved and shot last year. I am pleased to share with you my best 12 photos that I photographed last year. They are solely based on my personal preferance by taking into consideration technical, aesthetic and artistic factors. It was pretty difficult to decide but I tried to be less personal with them in choosing which one to be included as my best 12. They are arranged in a chronological order as below.
1. Waterfall
I love the close-up shot of this waterfall shot as it shows the sheer power of water and by shooting it close-up the viewer won’t be able to guess how high or how short the waterfall is. It just merely shows the almost abstract look of the water cascading on the rocks. This was captured in Sungai Gabai Waterfall, Hulu Langat which is approximately 35km (22 miles) from Kuala Lumpur city centre.
2. Adjusting the parachute valve
One of the crew members adjusts the parachute valve of a hot air balloon to ensure it is fully closed to contain enough air before the hot air is pumped in and the giant balloon is erected. This was captured during the Third Putrajaya International Hot Air Ballon Fiesta held from 17 March to 20 March 2011 in Putrajaya, Malaysia. It is an annual event held during school holiday and it is normally well received by the local visitors as well as foreign tourists. It also an event that photographers look forward to every year. More photos of Third Putrajaya International Hot Air Ballon Fiesta can be seen here.
3. Fishing on Tanjung Dawai pier
I found some anglers enjoying fishing on the pier at Tanjung Dawai beach in Kedah during sunset. And I just clicked away. This, I think, is the best shot.
4. Kuala Besut fishing village
Kuala Besut fishing village is bathed in golden low-angled light in the early morning. When shooting landscape or seascape what matters most is the quality of light, once found only then will I think of the composition.
5. Arranging the merchandise
This lady mans one of the shop lots in a shopping arcade in Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman, Kuala Lumpur.
6. The Seberang Jerteh Timber Mosque
The Seberang Jerteh Timber Mosque is the new landmark of my home village, Kampung Seberang Jerteh. It is made of 80% chengal wood and its architecture was inspired by the Terengganu’s traditional Malay/Muslim architecture.
7. It's raining
I just love this contrasty scene of yellow stripes against dark grey asphalt and a blue umbrella. Taking photos after rain or during light rain has its advantage as your picture would look more contrasty. This is because the dust, smog or haze in the air have been washed away by rain.
8. A florist adjusting her flowers
I am a sucker for vibrant colours. When I stumbled upon these colourful flowers which were neatly arranged I just needed a human element to complete the picture. All of a sudden a lady manning the flower shop came out and adjusted the flowers on display. I quickly took a couple of shots and this is the chosen shot.
9. Windows
I found windows of Hotel Malaya fascinating as they formed an interesting pattern besides its classic architecture.
10. Shopping for headscarf and veil
Ladies are busy shopping for headscarf and veil at one of the shops in Kuala Lumpur while in the foreground are mannequins’ head dressed in headscarf to display its merchandise.
11. Admiring
I couldn’t help feeling amused when seeing this guy stopping and gazing at the billboard as if he was admiring a painting by a famous artist in an art gallery. I photographed this scene to immortalise the amusing scene.
12. Petronas Twin Towers
It has been some time since I last captured the majestic Petronas Twin Towers so when I had the opportunity to do so I grabbed it and this shot I think is the best one.
Hope you enjoy the pictures. Comments and criticisms are welcomed with open arms.
