Author Archives: TV Smith

Dawn To Dusk

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Near dusk just now, the sun sets behind the dome of the Gombak Mosque. At dawn later, fasting begins for Muslims observing the month of Ramadan.

As a non-Muslim, I look forward to joining my Muslim friends for ‘breaking of fast’ meals on some of the evenings ahead. I try to fast on those days to make it more meaningful. Not always successful but I try. There will be many bazaars selling all kinds of food and I hope to share some of these images with you.

Photography Notes: The sun is so powerful that even with an 8-stop ND filter attached and at 1/4000th sec, it was barely enough to reign in its intensity. I was using a mirrorless camera with an electronic viewfinder. Never look at it directly or through the optical viewfinder of a d/slr. It can damage your eyes permanently.

Olympus OM-D, ISO 200, f16, 1/4000 sec.

The Sun Sets Over The Dome Of Gombak Mosque: Ramadan Begins

Day Night

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I was standing there looking at this strange Chinese temple with a cave on top of it. Wondering how I should photograph it when, out of nowhere, a boy came running and punching a basketball into the air. One of those lucky days.

Since it was a bright sunny day, I mounted an optical polarising filter earlier to deepen the already very bluish sky. When converted to back and white, the day sky appeared like night. Surreal but nice.

Olympus OM-D, ISO 200, f11, 1/500 sec.

Day Night

The New Crescent Moon

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The interior of the newer Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin Mosque in Putrajaya is seldom seen by non-worshippers. Many tourists will usually call at the bigger and iconic Putra Mosque nearby. I like the architectural design of this mosque very much. It combines glass and metal for a beautiful, contemporary appearance.

Wandered into the edge of the main prayer hall in tourist mode today. Was so glad I had a ultra-wide angle lens (7mm) with me. I was fascinated by how the lightwell around the metallic dome formed a crescent when viewed from the angle I was photographing from.

Many Islamic countries and communities deploy the traditional method of sighting the new moon to determine the start of the holy month of Ramadan. It should begin tomorrow (9th July) or the day after. Apart from fasting during the day, Muslims consider this period a time of spiritual reflection, self-improvement and increased devotion.

Good Wishes For A Blessed Ramadan to all Muslim followers.

Olympus OM-D, ISO 200, f5.6, 1/80 sec.

The New Crescent Moon - Masjid Tuanku Mizan, Putrajaya