Balinese Holiday 2015

We really enjoyed our Bali trip back in 2014, we decided to have another holiday there in 2015.  This time we brought Lindsay along to join in the fun.  The holiday lasted 6 days and 5 nights, we stayed 3 days 2 nights in Jimbaran, 2 days 1 night in Nusa dua and another 3 days 2 nights in Kuta.

This time I decided to travel light and brought only my X-T1 and 3 lenses: XF 18-55mm F2.8-4.0 R, XF 14mm F2.8R & XF 23mm F1.4R. I could fit them into a medium sized National Geographic sling bag - it was surreal that the bag felt lighter when compared to bringing my 5D Mark III and just one EF 24mm F1.4L lens....  I definitely got wider focal length and longer range at lesser weight although I had to sacrifice DOF, AF speed & accuracy (esp at low light) and some ISO.

I also love the colour and white balance from the X-T1, I almost didn't have to adjust any saturation, brightness or contrast of all my photos; only a select few which were taken under harsh sunlight or extreme dark conditions. 

For the first part we stayed in Ayana Jimbaran.  This resort is absolutely stunning.  One of the best we have ever stayed in.  The pools here are absolutely amazing and the Rock Bar offers quite an amazing sight - its almost impossible to get a table during sunset.

 

One of the pools with the best view in Ayana

Purwokerto Trip

Every year at around October or November we always take a family trip to Purwokerto where my wife comes from.  Its a time for the kids to visit their grandparents and for us to take a short break.  This time though I didn't stay long as I didn't have much leave days remaining.

Pukis, my favourite snack from the days I was still in Surabaya, on sale in a roadside stall in Purwokerto

Actual Day Wedding Photographer

I hadn't written for quite some time as I was quite busy.  Just last Sunday on 18th Oct I was the actual day photographer for a good friend's wedding reception.  We have known each other from back then in NTU and he's from Surabaya too just like me.  That means we have known each other for a good 15 years now.

I was really somewhat honored that he trusted me to be the photographer for his wedding.  I'm usually a landscape photographer, not much for events.  There was also another university mate covering the wedding so in total there were two photographers and one videographer.  I used my D750 + Tokina 16-28mm and the X-T1 + 55-200mm.

VIP Table

Underwater World Sentosa Visit - 2014

Let's break the monotony of Gardens by The Bay entries and have a little of variety, so I looked thru my photo library and I think I'll write on a visit to Underwater World in Sentosa at 2014 (http://www.underwaterworld.com.sg/) - Underwater World has since ceased operation from 27 June 2016.

A large freshwater fish, I can't remember if this is a Sturgeon or another kind

Children's Garden on D5300

Well, seems like I'm writing a series on Gardens by The Bay now....  This time around, instead of bringing a mirrorless I decided to use a DSLR to photograph the kids.  In my opinion, Nikon makes some of the best APS-C DSLR cameras.

Overview of the Children Garden

Mid-Autumn Festival 2015

Just last Sunday on 27th September was the Mid-Autumn festival.  Families would gather to have moon cake, tea and lit some fireworks.  On Saturday which is 26th September, where else would we be if not at Gardens by The Bay looking at various lanterns and enjoying the festive atmosphere?

One of the lantern gates right before sunset