It’s been a great start to a busy 2012. Thanks to a few old ideas and techniques, i managed to start the year with some new images. This images are inspired by Joe McNally. What i learn about this technique was that, anything on land can be used underwater. I had to research on subject that works well with Ultra violet lights and filter. The challenge was actually working with the camera, it seems that with the ultra violet light, it made focussing a bit of a problem. Could it be the filter that’s cutting out the lights? I’m still learning .. So here;s some for the start of the year.

I would like to say that sometimes ” Magic” do happen.

There goes 2011… It’s been one wild year. So much change and advancement in my life. Some of my best times was having my underwater galleries in DEEP Indonesia, MIDE Kuala Lumpur and DRT Showcase in Hong Kong. The creme of the crop has to be, the making of “Hidden Sanctuary”. All those sleepless night preparing the images, shooting the reef over 5 days to produce it and hoping that audience would love it. It was really rewarding seeing their smiles and comments. Next was the launch of SDTTL, the 1st of its kind, a magazine for Asia, Europe and US and i made the cover with the Sea Goddess. Her premier at DEMA, Orlando and party at the hotel. Thanks to DPG and SDAA.

All this was not possible without the support of my family, students and friends. Special thanks goes out to Cassandra Ann Dragon, Michael Aw, Dietmar W Fuch, Pak Yos, Pak Donny,   Nikon Singapore, Scuba Diving Magazine, SDAA Indo, EZDIVE, Untawasser, SDAA, Tauchen, Sport Diver, Asian Diver, Lembeh Hills Resort, Scuba Seraya, MSY Seahorse, Ocean Geographic, Getty Images, SAE Institute and CO2

Thanks for a beautiful 2011 and hoping for more better stuffs in 2012.

My Birthday 2011.. Thanks to the multi talented crew of the Seahorse Liveraboard.

In the Yankees Store… A ROD 13

Hidden Sanctuary Book Signing at Kota Kinabalu. 9 Dec 2011 with Robert LO and Cassandra Ann Dragon

Hanging out with Miss Scuba International Winner Ms Dayu of Indonesia.

Shooting Wayag Island in Raja Ampat… 2011

I would like to say that some of my best building shot were taken last week in New York City. That was the great part and the worst was walking around trying to get them , shots. There’s something about NYC that grabs you. For me its the people, atmosphere, building and neon lights. You get to see different antics at every junction. Food, if you love great American food.I’m pretty much in love with IHOP, Walgreens and anything American.

Next, my love for building shots. You’ll have to love a composition element called Lines to enjoy NYC. Lines are everywhere color and texture. I was so amazed by it, i actually stood out there in the cold, trying to get my shots. Images are best captured in the evening through the night. The lights will bring this city to LIFE.

Some say that NYC, is a concrete jungle. I would have to agreed with that. All you see is beautiful architectural line ups. From the Empire state building, to Rockefella and Downtown Manhattan. Oh did, i mentioned the people, new yorkers are a class of its own. You gotta be in NYC to feel it. So will i be back to captured it… Yes i will..

Here’s a selection of what NYC is to me… The beauty of LINES.

It’s been a long time since i last wrote and there’s a reason for it. I’ve been caught up with tons of work at the university and of cos i was out traveling and shooting on assignment.

My recent photo trip was a unique one. It was to capture the Manta Vortex in Maldives. The location was about 6hours away from MALE. We sailed thru the night to get there. Sunny skies and calm seas were just a figment of my imagination. Out of the 10 days that we were there, 8 days were spent with the perfect storm, chilling winds and grey side of life. Most of my surface after a dive was blessed with rain and surge.. hehhee…

However i did have a day of blessed weather. The winds were gone, waters were blue and manta sightings, everywhere. As soon as our donny cruise towards the cleaning station, we started to see loads of mantas popping on the surface.It was as if they were suntanning. I’m guessing why they’re up on the surface is to clear some parasites, just like how the Mola Mola does it in Bali. It was a promising day, as soon as our guide Tipe says ” Ok guys, snorkeling”. i jump into the blue. Ducking my head in and out the water for them and as i turn to my back. A monstrous one cruise pass me, just like a stealth bomber sneaking on enemy territories. She was graceful and poise. A good hour was spent with the mantas at the surface. Watching them feed with their huge mouth open and cruising the reef was priceless. I actually preferred snorkelling to diving with the mantas. Pictures turns out more dramatic and engaging then those at the cleaning station.

The sad part of this trip, we had more humans to manta ratio in the water. Making this trip more of a HUMAN Vortex than a Manta Vortex. The government of Maldives has also decided to close this area off in Baa Atoll for snorkeling only as of 2012, with a price of USD35 for one snorkel session. To top this, they’re building an airport where the mantas are. I hope they would reconsider this idea and give nature a chance.

I must say that it was a beautiful experience diving with this gentle creatures and would do it again if god permits.

Equipments:
Nikon D3, 16mm
Seacam and Ikelite 161

All surface shots were ” Ambient light”

Human Vortex waiting to take action.

STEALTH BOMBER

Cruising by

Charge MODE

FLY ME TO THE MOON