Made a more Patient Person

Kito - taken by 100mm macro.

I never thought my next blog picture would be one of an animal. I cope better with macro and landscapes. I had the pleasure of doing a-ok during a dance shoot (humans) but moving living things just don't sit well with me. On a side note, I tried wildlife photography and haven't found the patience for it! Interest plays a huge part too but let's move on to the real blog message!

I realize I seldom blog... or blog on a regular basis. I also realized that it is because if I have nothing inspired to say, I won't write something for the sake of writing.

In the recent months, we have come to adopt an instant pet. Our neighbour's cat absolutely loves hanging around our house. And we love him. He has a great temperament and never gets upset, spray or misbehave.

Never have had any serious pet growing up but I just concluded (to myself) that pets helps the soul in many ways. I feel that having 'cat' around makes me a more gentle and patient person. Previously I would have doubted if I had the capacity to be so patient but now I can say I do! 'Cat' made me realize that!

For example, I came home from shopping one day and 'cat' received me at the door. I acknowledged him by saying 'hello' and patting him slightly but still busy with my bags of shopping. At the same time, he gave me this long long long meow. It made me laugh cos it was the longest and sounded like the most pitiful meow I have ever heard. I thought to myself "why cat, what's goin on?". It turns out, on hind-sight, that he was quite hungry that day and my partner had just put him outside.

Then he would poke his nose into each of my shopping bag. I din't shoo him away. It turns out he just wanted to check them out. He wasn't destructive or anything. Some other times, when I open the fridge, he would walk right up to sniff the bottles, food or whatever he can reach by poking his head right into the shelves. Again, I din't fret and said gently while I close the door on him "come on". He would turn around and again, nothing eventful happened. Many times though I wanted to react as he wasn't supposed to be in the shopping bags and fridge, but I chose to chill.

And did I mention he would meow at me constantly while I cook, hoping for food? I realized he'll try even if I tell him sternly "No!". So I chose to chill and tell him nicely "no... maybe later."

Pets are like kids. They really are except a whiny kid is much more annoying. But I feel good knowing that at least I have learnt to be patient with an animal.

So here's my heart-felt reflection and worth blogging I thought. Kito, the 'model' in this picture belongs to a mate. Here's to all pet owners who love and care for them so much. Here's to my future pet whatever it may be!!

Death of a Friendship

We are no more.

Some of us are very lucky to have a close friend - a very very good mate whom you share many things mutual and who loves you as much as you love him/her. This kind of unique friendship, chemistry and bond stays even if you don't talk all the time, sometimes over years... but nothing changes. I am very luckly to have a friend like that and can I just say that this kind of chemistry is very hard to encounter. I will treasure it forever.

There are always two sides of the coin. There are some you consider to belong to your inner circle of friends. You may not see each other often, but history makes this friend special. Then one day, something happen... or somethings said in a way under some situation, or just simply a flick of a switch in the head... everything changed.

Today I realised I not longer consider one such friend as a friend anymore. Perhaps the friendship was long gone and she was no longer a friend long before. But it's the realisation that you no longer regard this person as labeled 'friend' in your dictionary that is surreal.

I am not terribly upset actually just surprised I feel this way. I woke up today having remembered a picture I had taken last year, titled "We are no more".

Like the life cycle of a rose, she goes through the beautiful stages of bloom. Every photographer likes perfect untainted roses. I refuse to think the end stage of a rose's life be any less just because it's visually unpleasing and this picture proves it.

"We are no more" speaks to the death of a friendship. I will remember the older times but it's good to know where I stand now.

Even Nature gets sad... sometimes.

Even Nature gets sad... sometimes.

I saw the 'sad face' in the wood immediately through the macro lens while shooting one day. Well, I don't want to say much here... just this: to all who feels like life is just not quite on your side at the moment - this is for you.

You are not alone... even Nature thinks so! Hang on in there and believe that it will pass.

With every crack, new layers are revealed... and with every crack comes the light. Remember that.

So, Surprise Yourself Sometimes

a beautiful dancer

Any artist would know that it takes time and effort to improve in the area of art they are involved in. It could be a sport, a hobby or a profession. One of my passions is obviously photography. Those close to me know that I don't manipulate my photos other than the usual RAW workflow. (and nah, I am not riding on the high horse of the "no image manupliation" stuff) It's just not want I want to do at this stage of my photography. I blogged on this subject once but it's not the topic of the day. Moving on...

In every art, every artist eventually develops their likes and dislikes. They tend to develop their habits and style eventually. I don't think I quite have my "the style" yet but I do love macro and landscape photography and decided that I am not into lifestyle photography - people, places etc, especially people. Not sure why though, just perhaps I am not as interested in them as subjects as compared to say flowers.

Recently, in one of my learning projects about flash photography, I decided to cover a dance rehearsal of which my brother was a part of. I knew that they will be official photographers around on the actual event. I wouldn't like to intrude on another photographer's space, so the rehearsals were perfect!

And so, I set myself up, not knowing how I'll do (remember I don't shoot people) and shot away. When I came home, I loaded the pictures immediately, wanting to know how I faired in applying some of the techniques that day. I was pleasantly surprised - when I did manage to catch people at moments that is simply just beautiful to behold, the satisfaction is just electric. And when they go 'wow' at the photos later, I could just feed on it for months.

I had set myself up for a difficult assignment. I had no control over lighting except for my single flash gun. The models were obviously not stationary. I had no control over location and position of the subjects. And remember, I don't shoot people. My satisfaction was even higher as a result.

So, go surprise yourself sometimes. Go do something out of your style and norm. You might even enjoy yourself and I am sure it'll help in your usual style of art too! Now I understand why people are such good subjects! It has given me another perspective that is hard to describe... go, surprise yourself.