Sorry I haven’t updated for quite a while, for I had a big move (across a big pond), and life has been more or less settled.
Recently I began to trying something completely new for me, to carry on the sexy, playful pin-up traditions, thanks to John Hames and RISD.
These are a few from the 1st session. It was a lot of fun and learning! A lot of thanks to everybody!
昭通的苹果
Normally apples don’t get to grow at such low latitudes, but the high altitudes of the Yunnan plateau provide low temperature and good sunshine for these juicy fruits, with clean soil and water as a plus, which is getting scarce in the north of the country. Since the introduction of apples to Zhaotong in the 40’s, this small city has been the major provider of apples to the southern half of China. Their production can also easily reach the South-East Asia within 3 days after harvest.
Mid-Jul to Sep is the season of harvest. We were very lucky to be able to snatch a good couple of kilos from the local farmers who were selling them at the side of the road at a very reasonable price. You can hardly get fresher apples than those. Mostly they are the pick of the day and are still wearing the rain from the morning.
2 Sep, 2013. Zhaotong, Yunnan, China.
Shot with a Canon 5DIII + Canon EF 70-200mm 1:2.8 L IS II USM
According to local myth, Mount Cang was formed from a green dragon (cang means dark green in Chinese). Angry with her insubordination, the Heavenly Emperor of the East condemned her down to earth, forming the long winding Mount Cang, her ribs the 19 peaks, and the blood streams the 18 creeks flowing between the peaks into Lake Er.
In Lake Er lived a ferocious black dragon. He always stirred up devastating waves, destroying the boats, injuring the fishermen. Seeing this, the Heavenly Queen of the West threw down a gigantic gold basin with a heavy gold chain attached. The gold chain tangled on the neck of the black dragon, and dragged him deep down to the bottom of the lake, so that he cannot harm the people anymore. The gold basin became the bright moon in the lake.
However when the two dragons miss each other, their Qi will disturb the air, forming tens of kilometers of clouds along Mount Cang, and there will be heavy wind running along Lake Er. The locals call the clouds “Husband-Missing Cloud”, and one should avoid going on the lake when there is such clouds.
Sep, 2013, Dali, Yunnan, China
Shot with a Canon 6D + Tamron SP 24-70mm F/2.8 Di VC USD / Canon 5DIII + Canon EF 70-200mm 1:2.8 L IS II USM
no flash
I’m quite a newbie when it comes to portraits. Several months ago I went to Matt Anderson’s one day workshop for better flash photography (I know, the point of the workshop was better flash, but practically better flash for portraits), and I was in urgent need for models to practice, with or without flash. But who can be forgiving enough to tolerate my endless requests — “can we do it again this way? again that way?” — happily?
…My loving grandma, auntie, and mom! Big thanks to them! They have been great models, trying their best to support the photographer, even though they are no natural posers in front of cameras.
Big thanks to my cousin too, who was temporarily my assistant for this session. She could immediately understand what I wanted, and translated my ideas to detailed instructions and jokes that made the most nervous subjects smile. I cannot ask for a better assistant.
This was no professional session — to start with, there can be much better wardrobe and make-up work, which virtually didn’t exist — but I think everybody enjoyed it!
PS. When put side by side, portraits with flash really pops out, a lot!
Behind the scenes…
Aug, 2013
Shot with a Canon 6D + Tamron SP 24-70mm F/2.8 Di VC USD, with or without Canon 580EX II controlled by Yongnuo YN-622C Wireless Flash Trigger Transceiver set for Canon
I don’t know how much Buddhist value was brought away with the antique architectures and original scripts that were burnt to ground in the 1972 fire, however this 3000m high “Holy Patio” rising abruptly from the low plain of “Land of Heaven” has become more accessible than ever to modern day pilgrims, who can pay a casual visit in fashion and with ease.
A group of Taiwanese pilgrims paying respect to the giant statue of bodhisattva Samantabhadra, the latter said to have enlightened here. — I didn’t know monks and worldly tourists can from a travel group.
A gust of cold wind wrapped with chilling cloud attacking unprepared pilgrims dressed in summer fashion.
A senior pilgrim pays visit to the Holy Patio with ease.
At least, the mountains are lush as ever…
…and the indigenous “people of the mountain” are taken good care of, judging by their size.
25 Aug, Mount Emei, China
Shot with a Canon 6D + Tamron SP 24-70mm F/2.8 Di VC USD
Had they ever thought, the father and son of Li, the legacy they left behind, have tamed the roaring monster into the fountain of life, that nourished the dry plain of Chengdu, created the Land of Heaven, supported their people more than two thousand years to come?
They are worshiped as Kings, and their wisdom still admired by the side of the calm flow that was bestowed on their countless generations of descendants.
What’s your legacy?
24 Aug, at Dujiangyan, China.
Shot with a Canon 6D + Tamron SP 24-70mm F/2.8 Di VC USD
Canon 6D — an almost new 2nd hand deal. Saved me 400 CHF.
Tamron SP 24-70mm F2.8 Di VC USD — cut my budget by 900 CHF relative to the Canon counterpart.
Canon 580EX II — old
Yongnuo YN-622C Wireless Flash Trigger Transceiver set for Canon — much cheaper but more powerful alternative than the Canon options.
Canon 5D II + Canon EF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM set — a Xmas present — hahahaha love it!!
They look good from every angle.
They are as natural as they can be in front of camera.
Everybody loves them!
Shot with a Canon 6D + Canon EF 24-70 mm 2.8L II USM
Here’s a nice video on how to photograph kids. Is a good one for posing for adults too!
A person who is present at an event without participating in it.
In human society, we call them journalists, scientists, philosopher, or..Buddha.
Zurich zoo. When a bottle of little bugs were delivered to the hungry frogs, there was one just watching the others fight.
Shot with a Canon 400D + Canon EF 70-200mm 1:2.8 L IS USM
Freedom or feedom?
That is the question.
Zurich Zoo,
Shot with canon 400D + Canon EF 70-200mm 1:2.8 L IS USM
舒 • 缓 | Raya on the Move 