Full Cream Water

What is the ideal shutter speed to turn gushing water into a dreamy blur? Half to one second would be a good starting point. There is no hard rule as the outcome or creamy effect will depend on the speed of the flow and the angle.

It can be slower but you would probably need an ND or polarizing filter to cut down the light. If you don’t have those filters, go later in the day when sunlight is less harsh or find a shady spot. A tripod will come in handy but you can also place the camera on a rock. Trigger the camera with the 2-sec self timer to eliminate shake.

The effect works better if the waterfall, river or stream is cascading. You don’t need a big waterfall to experiment, though. This was from a small stream in Hulu Langat.

Steam Stream

Sunshine And Blue Skies

After weeks of gloomy weather, it was sunshine and blue skies this Deepavali morning. The magnificent Sri Mahamariamman Temple in Chinatown Kuala Lumpur started life as a little attap-thatched temple in 1885.

Happy Deepavali!  Olympus OM-D, ISO 200, f11, 1/400 sec.

Rise And Shine

Diwali Portraits 2

Priest from Madurai, India. I photographed him as we conversed about his job. When you talk to people, seek their permission, they are more relaxed and I think that is reflected in his charming smile.

Olympus O-MD, ISO 1000, f4, 1/30 sec.

Diwali Portraits 2