Author Archives: TV Smith

Sun Surveyor

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I have photographed Masjid Wilayah Persekutuan under different light since its opening in year 2000. Fascinated by the intricate architecture and how sunlight interacts with the interior arches and stairs, I always enjoy walking around the huge mosque to look at the shadow play.

It was only recently, that I was able to quickly calculate the exact position and declination of the sun with a mobile Android app from location. At one of my favourite angles, the app projected a perfect sweet spot but only in six month’s time. The sun’s relative angle in the sky changes over seasons.

I waited and that moment arrived two days ago. However, there remains one unpredictable variable; the weather. Resulting picture in the next post.

Overlaid screenshots from Sun Surveyor app’s 3D and 2D view of the sun’s position over Wilayah Mosque. Satellite Imagery copyright Google Map.

Olympus OM-D, ISO 200, f11, 1/800 sec.

Sun Surveyor

A Town Named Titi

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A tiny town, a pretty building, a lone pedestrian and a wet road. A photo moment.

Photography Tip: What do you do when the road is sloping and there is no horizon to act as a reference to level your picture? It can get more confusing as some very old buildings tend to appear distorted due to wear and tear, modifications or poor restoration.

When you encounter such a scene, find a centre vertical line to align. In this case, I used the door.

Olympus OM-D, ISO 200, f5, 1/60 sec.

A Town Named Titi

Dragonflies In Love

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If you thought photographing birds in flight is tough, wait until you chase a dragonfly with a tele lens. They are about an inch-and-a-half long and zig-zag at random. When they are in love, we are entertained to a Bollywood movie-like dance at the speed of light.

Over a romantic sunset, the couple darted around blades of grass, hovered above water and finally gazed into each other’s eyes, mid-air. That was when I shouted: “Cut! Good take!” 🙂

Olympus OM-D, ISO 1600, f5.6, 1/4000 sec.

Dragonflies In Love