Composition Guide #8 | Lead-in Line

Lead-in Lines composition technique aims to draw your viewer’s eye through the photograph.  This is a very useful and powerful technique to draw your viewer’s attention and hold the viewer’s interest to the main subject in your image.

The lead-in line formed by the road and the building lead the eyes into the the main subject at the background which is The Petronas Twin Towers

Lead-in Lines are lines found within an image that leads the eye to another point in the image, and sometimes out of the image. Anything with a definite line can be used as a lead-in line. For example; fences, bridges, roads, rivers, repetitive objects, even a beach shoreline can be used to lead the eye into your image.

The fence and part of the platform lead the viewers’ eyes into the picture and eventually to the main subject that is The Crystal Mosque

I try to use lead-in lines in my photographs as often as I can. They help to lead the viewer through my image and help add impact to the image as well. The use of lead-in lines is a technique often used when composing landscape images. When you look through your viewfinder or on the LCD screen on the back of your camera, you’ll need to organize and put all the elements in your image together in a way that is attractive for the viewer.

The more detail that the scene that you’re capturing has, the more important that this becomes. The most common ways of doing this in photography is to add a visual path in the image which the eye of the viewer can follow, and the easiest way of doing this is to include lines in your image that links the foreground to the background in your image.

The S-curve formed by the aisle between the tea crops acts as the lead-in line to lead the viewers’ eyes deeper into the picture to create a sense of three dimensionality.

The goal when using lead-in lines is to make sure they lead you through the image, or toward the primary point of interest. But not out of your image, as you’re trying to draw you viewer into your image and not out of it.

The use of lines in your image can be used to direct the viewer’s attention to the main point of interest in your photograph. These lines can be straight, diagonal, wavy, S-curve or any other creative variation. Just be very careful when using lines that they don’t lead the viewer away from your point of interest in the image.

However besides leading the viewers’ eyes to the main subject the lead-in line also creates an illusion of three dimensionality and depth.  An illusion of three dimensionality and depth are essential in photography to represent the reality around us which is three dimensional as opposed to two dimensional medium of photography.

The lead-in line that leads the viewers’ eyes to the main subject, the Putra Mosque.

The historic Beach Street of Penang

The rocks and the shoreline form the lead-in line to the mosque as the main subject.

The pathway acts as a lead-in line to the majestic Old Palace of Seri Menanti.

 

Heritage Building of Negri Sembilan | The Old Palace of Seri Menanti

The Old Palace of Seri Menanti

The heritage building in Negri Sembilan that I admire most is none other than the Old Palace of Seri Menanti.  The majestic grand timber palace oozes charm and character.  It is the living proof of the mastery of carpentry, craftsmanship and architectural skills of Malay carpenters and craftsmen a century ago.

This magnificent five-storey palace was designed and built by two skillful local carpenters known only as Tukang Kahar and Tukang Taib  (Tukang in Malay literally means carpenter or craftsman but when it becomes a proper name and a title it indicates a highly skillful one). Its construction was started in 1902 and completed in 1908.  The timber palace was built using tropical hardwood called chengal which was harvested from a forest in Bukit Pergai, Jelebu and transported about 64km to Seri Menanti.  No wonder it took 6 years to be completed.

The entire structure was raised on 99 chengal pillars including four main pillars rising up to 20 meter. Each pillar represents a warrior belonging in various groups or clans in Negeri Sembilan at that time. Whereas the roof was made of ironwood.  More remarkable however is that the pillars are delicately and intricately carved with stylized images of flowers, holy verses from the Quran, geometric shapes and other abstract designs. The carving is noteworthy because the pillars are made of cengal wood, which is extremely tough to carve, easily dulling even the sharpest of blades. One can only marvel at the patience and dedication of the craftsmen who had to deal with such a difficult material.

Another factor that makes this structure unique is it was constructed without using a single piece of metal nail or screw!  The construction method adopted especially in jointing the main frame of the building is called tebuk pasak in Malay (mortise and tenon) while the wooden panels were pieced together using dowels and rivets instead of metal nails or screws.

Mortise and Tenon

Upon completion in 1908, the palace served as the official residence of the seventh ruler, the Yang di-Pertuan Besar of Negri Sembilan Tuanku Muhammad Shah ibni Almarhum Tuanku Antah (1888-1933).  The first level of the palace was used for official functions, while the second level was used for private, family affairs.  The third floor of the palace was reserved for the Yang Di Pertuan Besar’s private apartments. The topmost fourth floor is known as the Tingkat Gunung, or Mountain Level, and once served as the ruler’s study and treasury, where only he could ascend. It was believed that Tuanku Muhammad Shah would watch his people toil in their rice fields during the day and enjoyed performances such as the caklempong at night from this topmost floor.  And in addition to its uniqueness, at the apex of structure is a projection type known as “open scissors” – this design style is rarely seen in Malaysia, and one of the few rare examples is the Muzium Negara in Kuala Lumpur.

In 1926, the palace was the scene of the triennial mengadap (homage ceremony) attended by the British High Commisioner, Lawrence Guillemard.  This architectural masterpiece was occupied by Tuanku Muhammad Shah as the official residence until 1932 after which he moved to a new and bigger palace nearby which was made of bricks.  This palace has then been turned into a royal museum since 19 July, 1992.  It was recognised by the Malaysian Book of Records as the tallest wooden palace in Southeast Asia.

Contrary to popular belief that its architectural style was influenced by Minangkabau architecture, more recent studies found out that it is actually Negeri Sembilan Malay architecture.  Rosrita Nordin, Seri Menanti Palace royal museum antiquities curator, was reported by NST dated 16 December 20012 as saying that the architecture of the palace and the town was not Minangkabau but actually that of the Negri Sembilan Malays. She added that the function of the palace followed the Malay tradition of having a serambi (main verandah), rumah ibu (main house), gajah menyusur or the way to the kitchen, all of which were absent in Minangkabau heritage. She said the fact had been uncovered following extensive research by local historians.

That’s what makes this architectural masterpiece more intriguing to be studied.  It is hoped that more architectural scholars and historians will come forward to contribute their inputs so as to further enlighten us on this priceless architectural and cultural heritage.  I am also glad to note that the government has put in its effort in preserving this structure of course with the help and permission from the Negeri Sembilan previous and current Yang Di-Pertuan Besar.

However I fervently hope greater effort will be made and all the necessary action is taken to earn this awesome structure the due recognition as the UNESCO world heritage site. I learnt the process of applying for the status has already started but I am not sure about its progress.

The Old Palace of Seri Menanti is located in the royal town of Seri Menanti in Kuala Pilah district, Negeri Sembilan.  It is only approximately 2-hour drive from Kuala Lumpur and approximately 30-minute to 45-minute drive from Seremban, the capital city of Negeri Sembilan. The Old Palace is a short distance from the Istana Besar (Grand Palace), the current residence of the Negri Sembilan ruler.

Lastly, do enjoy some photos of the Old Palace of Seri Menanti that I took last weekend.  If you feel like viewing more photos of the Old Palace of Seri Menanti, do check out my website.  You can also purchase the pictures direct from my website.

The Old Palace of Seri Menanti

The Old Palace of Seri Menanti

The Old Palace of Seri Menanti

The Old Palace of Seri Menanti

The Old Palace of Seri Menanti

The Old Palace of Seri Menanti

One of the windows of the Old Palace of Seri Menanti

Sunrise at Pantai Air Tawar, Besut – Part 2

I have to admit that I was not so happy with the result I have got when I first shot sunrise at Pantai Air Tawar a couple of days ago. Perhaps the lighting at that time was not so flattering and I arrived there a little late.  Two days later I went there again much earlier with the hope that I could bag different and hopefully better pictures.  Here goes….

Sunrise at Pantai Air Tawar – Part 2

Sunrise at Pantai Air Tawar – Part 2

Sunrise at Pantai Air Tawar – Part 2

Sunrise at Pantai Air Tawar – Part 2

This time I think the lighting is better as the colour is richer and the cloud more dramatic.

I would appreciate your comment and opinion which one is preferred.

Thank you in advance.

Fishing on Kuala Besut pier at dusk

I stumbled on a couple of boys enjoying fishing on the abandoned pier in Kuala Besut at dusk.  They provided much needed subject for my silhouette shots against the sunset which would otherwise be just ordinary sunset shot.

Enjoy the pictures! Comments and criticism are welcomed.

Fishing on the Kuala Besut pier at sunset

Fishing on the Kuala Besut pier at sunset

Fishing on the Kuala Besut pier at sunset

Heritage Building of Kuala Lumpur – the Old Kuala Lumpur Railway Station

One of the most prominent landmarks of Kuala Lumpur in yesteryear apart from the Sultan Abdul Samad Building must be the old Kuala Lumpur Railway Station whose function has now been replaced by the new and modern KL Sentral since 2001.

The old Kuala Lumpur Railway Station was designed by AB Hubback with significant Mughal architectural style. The same architectural style was also applied to the KTM Headquarters located across the road, the Sultan Abdul Samad Building and the Masjid Jamek (it was also designed by AB Hubback). In other words it was the contemporary architectural style at that time.

This majestic railway station complex was completed at a cost of 23,000 dollars and began its operation on 1 August 1910.

Mughal architecture is one of the exotic revival architectural styles that was adopted by architects of Europe and America in the wake of the Romanticist fascination with everything oriental. It is a mix of Islamic, Persian and Indian influence.

The Old Kuala Lumpur Railway Station

The Old Kuala Lumpur Railway Station

Mughal architecture has several significant features that are pretty easy to identify.

Take note of key-hole arches, ogee arches and horseshoe arches featured on this handsome building.  These arches form a repetitive pattern on a straight row on each floor. Key-hole arches, horseshoe arches and ogee arches are among the features that identify Mughal architecture.

Chhatris and domes on top of the Old Kuala Lumpur Railway Station

Chhatri and dome are framed by the horseshoe arches of KTM Headquarters Building

Next, look out for onion-shaped domes sitting on top of the buildings of Mughal architectural style.  In fact domes are the most conspicuous characteristics of Mughal architecture.

Below the big domes are the chhatris – a flat plate that holds the dome. In fact, ‘chhatri’ means canopy or umbrella. Chhatris are commonly found in Hindu as well as Mughal architecture. The chhatris here are supported by eight pillars.

Let your eyes run along the roofline. This type of roof-balcony, with its holed-wall is another feature of Mughal architecture, and is very suitable for the climate in Malaysia. The wall with holes is called ‘jali’ and they use repetitive patterns.

If you look into the main porch, you will see that the ceiling is very high and wide, to suit the tropic heat and allow for airflow to cool the place. After all, this is a railway station, where thousand move in and out daily.

This architectural masterpiece is said to be the most photographed railway stations in the world! I don’t have the verified source to support the claim though.  However , judging by its majestic architecture and the British Raj image it represents it is surely one of the most photographed railway stations in the world.

It was gazetted as a heritage site on 14 April 1983.

I have photographed this heritage buildings a few times both in the early morning and in the late evening. It is during that time the building would look so majestic resulting from the dramatic and contrasty light of the warm low-angled light. This will also result in interesting shadow interplay thanks to its multi-faceted geomatric design.

Photographing it was a sheer joy. I hope this architectural gem would be well preserved by the government and more effort should be taken to ensure that it is put to good use befitting this grandiose edifice.

Do enjoy the photos and I welcome any comments and criticism. More pictures of the Old Kuala Lumpur Railway Station can be found here.

The Old Kuala Lumpur Railway Station is framed by the horseshoe arches of the KTM Headquarters

Old against new

The old KL Railway Station acts as a foreground interest framing the modern Kuala Lumpur skyscrapers in the background visible among them are KL Tower, Menara Maybank and Petronas Twin Towers.

The Old Kuala Lumpur Railway Station at dusk

Chhatri and dome are framed by the arch and staircase of the KTM Headquarters

Dome and chhatri in a frame

Dome, chhatri and the moon

My best 12 pictures in 2009

The year 2009 is coming to a close. Very soon we will usher in the new year – the year 2010. It is almost a decade now since we anticipated the fictitious millennium bugs with bated breath but have never materialised. Time seems to whizz by at the lightning speed.

Now we are at the end of the year 2009 and to reflect on what I have achieved this whole year photography-wise, I am pleased to share with you my 12 best images that I took this year. It is just my own personal judgment. No professional judge is involved. After all it is all my picture

The best 12 pictures for the year 2009 are as follows (in no particular order):

1. Mannequins in headscarf

The picture above was taken at a shop dealing in headscarves and muslim dress in Kuala Lumpur. I like the vibrant colours of the whole scene but what particularly attracted me to shoot this scene was the row of mannequins which looked surreal to me.  The selective focussing was achieved by using Nikon 50mm f/1.8 lens.

2. A lady manning a sundry shop

This lady was so engrossed in her telephone conversation so much so that she was oblivious to the surrounding that someone was taking her picture.  I just liked the candid moment and framed her against a wide variety of goods in her sundry shop at PJ Old Town wet market.

3. Shadow of spectators

This picture was taken at the First Putrajaya Hot Air Balloon Fiesta which was held from 19 to 22 March 2009 in Putrajaya. I was attracted to a group of spectators which formed the silhouette against the hot air balloon envelope. I quickly shot from inside the balloon envelope while it was being inflated.  This picture was published in Advanced Images Photography & Digital Imaging Magazine Issue #43 on Get Inspired! page.

4. Hot air balloons flying over Putrajaya

This was taken on the last day of the event in the late evening. Fortunately the weather was very fine on that day when the sky was deep blue and the sun cast the warm, beautiful light that no photographer is able to resist shooting such scene.

5. Beautiful pattern

The colourful pattern above belongs the ceiling of one of the participating hot air balloons. Whenever the flame was pumps in it heated the whole area inside the balloon envelope.  The hot air diffracted the light and this resulted in wobbly lines on the pattern in the picture above.

6. KLIA Mosque in a frame

7. TM Tower

Among my pictures of TM Tower I love this most.  TM Tower looks a little different at this angle and it doesn’t seem to resemble the actual TM Tower.

8. Descending the steps

This lady who was a foreign tourist visiting the National Mosque was descending the steps on the way out.  As I have already prepared to include human element in the picture of the steps I quickly fired the shutter the moment I saw her walking down in a hurry. This picture was selected to be published by National Geographic December 2009 issue, US Version.

9. Putrajaya at the magic hour

These two iconic landmarks of Putrajaya were bathed in the warm sunlight of the late evening or the magic hour on photographic term. The cloud added more interest to the scene.

10. A string of tents

This string of colourful tents belonged to hawkers who were given temporary licence to sell food, clothes and household items in preparation for Eid festival. It looked endlessly long snaking through between two rows of shophouses along Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman.

11. The job that requires true fitness!

This strenous job seems to require the worker to have “true fitness”.

12. Jeram Toi Waterfall

This was taken in Jeram Toi, Jelebu, Negeri Sembilan. What I loved most about this waterfall shot was its lighting which was quite dramatic.

Sunset at Sungai Buloh Country Resort

I noticed there was glorious sunset at my own backyard. Quickly grabbed my camera and I did a quick recce of the location. Found a suitable one and clicked away. It resulted in the photos below:

The pylon on the top of the hill behind my house

Fiery red, orange and violet sky

Grass as a foreground

The pylon at slightly different time

The grass

Classic Shophouses in Seremban

Last 2 weekends I went to Seremban and had the opportunity to shoot around Seremban town. However I paticularly loved the old shophouses which some were more than 100 years old. Some shophouses’ facade were given a new coat of paint and refurbished but there were quite a number of them left to rot. Seremban used to be one of the important administrative towns during the British colonial days perhaps because of its close distance to Kuala Lumpur and Negeri Sembilan being one of the federated Malay states.

Unfortunately nowadays Seremban seems to develop more slowly than other towns in Peninsular Malaysia even though its tourism industry is thriving especially in Port Dickson which is considered the most popular beach in Malaysia.

I reserve my comment on its slow development and what I want to show you are the photographs of its beautiful and classic facade belonging to shophouses in Seremban. I appeal to the state government that something be done to well preserve the beautiful and intricate facade of these shophouses as they are the invaluable heritage from the yesteryears just like what the Singaporean government has done to its classic shophouses built during the British colonial era.

The facade was given a new coat of paint of vibrant orange

Side view of the striking orange facade which now houses a Bata shop

Another highly saturated orange facade

Another interestingly designed windows

The cute cartoonish white and purple facade which caught my attention

The facade whose building is now occupied by Hong Leong Bank

A row of multi-coloured shophouses

Green and brown facade

Pastel coloured facade

Reflection of another row of multi-coloured shophouses

The typical five-foot way belonging to this kind of shophouses to protect the customerrs from the scorching tropical sun light in the afternoon

The ugly side - perhaps it was left to die its natural death

I love to imagine what this shop looked like during its hey day

This one seems to be left to rot for years

Hope you enjoy the pictures. Comments and criticism are welcome in open arms

My picture in Daily Dozen, National Geographic’s Your Shot

Descending the step

I feel like sharing with you that my picture above was selected to be in the Daily Dozen in National Geographic website, Your Shot section.

Among the pictures submitted to Your Shot section in National Geographic website, 12 best pictures are chosen every weekday and from the pool of pictures for the whole month and the best two are selected to be printed in National Geographic magazine in the Your Shot section.

Below is the screen shot of my picture in National Geographic website in Your Shot Daily Dozen. It appeared in August – Week 2. Click here to go to Your Shot Daily Dozen and choose August Week 2 to get to the page below.

National Geographic's Your Shot Daily Dozen for August | week 2

Newsletter of Center for Southeast Asian Studies at NIU

I am delighted to share with you here that one of my pictures was published in a newsletter of Center for Southeast Asian Studies at Northern Illinois University.

It’s also a great pleasure to hear from its editor, Liz Denius, that my picture became the first photograph that the newsletter published starting from this issue.  Since she received such a good feedback on this issue she planned to include a photograph in each of its weekly issue.

Thank you Liz for the encouraging feedback.

Below is the screenshot of the newsletter which originally is in PDF format.

Newsletter of Center for Southeast Asian Studies at NIU