Cloud Cover Over Hong Kong’s Chi Lin Nunnery

I just couldn’t escape the clouds during my time in Hong Kong, they were everywhere! And while it would have been nice to see some sunshine, they did at least provide a dramatic backdrop for some photography at the Chi Lin Nunnery.

I spent a good while in this spot waiting for the best moment to get a shot without many people in. Almost every time I was about to click the shutter another large group would enter through the front door! So I would just sigh and wait another few minutes for them to wander through.

Eventually it all came together, and I even managed to keep my camera straight whilst rushing for the shot! This was the most peaceful place I visited in the city of Hong Kong, the striking contrast to the cityscape behind impossible to ignore.

Blue Hour Falls On Singapore’s Skyline

You may have noticed I’ve been away for a while! Over the last six months I’ve been struggling to find the right balance between a new job, learning French, and keeping up with photography. I tend to throw myself into new things 100% with complete disregard for anything else, which can be both a blessing and a curse. I’m sure at least one other person out there also has this problem?!  Starting today I’m planning to resume posting here once a week. I hope I haven’t lost too many readers along the way!

I normally like to enjoy sunset and blue hour in a relaxed frame of mind, maybe picking one or two spots to set up the tripod and then just taking it easy for a while. But in Singapore my time was limited.

The hot, sticky humidity didn’t hold me back as I rushed around trying to get as many angles as possible in the one full evening I had set aside for photography. A thunderstorm approaching just out of shot was also great motivation to be quick on my feet!

This was one of the last shots I took of Singapore’s skyline before deciding it might be wise to find some cover before it was too late. There were still plenty of people around Marina Bay at the time, I’m guessing a lot of them got very wet that evening!

Look Right, Look Left, Look Right, Look Left…

One of the many things that surprised me in Thailand was that they drive on the left. Being from the UK this is something alien to me – I think it’s the first country I’ve visited where they don’t drive on the opposite side of the road. I guess that most other people must have the complete reverse feeling when they come to the UK, or Thailand for that matter. You must think we’re crazy!

Having said that, now I have been in Geneva for a few years I am more comfortable with and accustomed to drivers being on the right. So this whole trip was doubly confusing from that point of view. I was forever looking both ways multiple times every time I crossed the road, which is probably a good thing given the insane traffic in Bangkok!

Have you visited Bangkok? How did you find the traffic? Maybe you tried your hand at driving there?! I’d love to hear from you!

Shooting From The Hip In Bangkok

My apologies for the distinct lack of new posts over the last two weeks, but I’ve been busy exploring Thailand! I was so excited for my first trip to Asia and it didn’t disappoint. Bangkok really felt like a living, breathing city more than any place I’ve ever been. I can’t think of many times I’ve felt more alive! I also spent time in Chiang Mai and Phuket as many first time visitors seem to do, and I’ll be posting plenty of shots from across the country over the coming weeks.

This shot was taken in the Chinatown of Bangkok, which was definitely one of my favourite areas of the city. Wandering the streets there was just so much going on in every direction, it was a hive of activity. So I decided to try my hand at some “shooting from the hip” street photography which I’ve not really done before. Most of the results were pretty bad, I found it so hard! Is it normal to have such a poor hit ratio with this kind of photography? I have no idea, but this one really stood out for me.

Have you ever visited Bangkok? How was your first experience visiting Asia? Are you a pro at street photography and have some tips to share? Please get in touch!

You might also like:

• Walkways Over Hong Kong’s Central Business District
• Approaching Waipiʻo Valley From A Different Angle
• Royal Seats Of Amsterdam
• Inside Geneva’s St. Pierre Cathedral