Tag Archives: pasar ramadan

Bull Drink

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I was strolling around the Ramadan food bazaar when a Red Bull sign at a drink stall caught my eye. I said “Betul ke?” (Really?). The smiling hawker quickly scooped me a cup to try. He said “no charge” as I was examining the charging bulls logo. Inside my mind, I was thinking ‘bull’ but he is such a nice guy and the drink tasted quite good.

With his permission, I started photographing the ‘energy drink’ from inside the giant tumbler. He asked if I was worried the camera may slip and fall into the liquid. I said no as the camera is water-resistant. He replied he is not worried too, as his cost is quite low. Aha!  Confession time. He uses an imitation cordial that comes in a big bottle. Try it at Stall 65, Pasar Ramadan Section 14, Petaling Jaya.

Olympus OM-D, ISO 200, f8, 1/60 sec.

Bull Drink

3 A.M. At Masjid India

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The Ramadan festive bazaar at Jalan Masjid India winds down at around 3 in the morning. Traders prepare for a brief nap in their makeshift bedrooms, road sweepers emerge from nowhere while others converge at nearby tea stalls. I ventured there with the new Olympus Pen E-P3 paired with my favourite street lens, the new m.Zuiko 12mm (24 eq) f2.0 prime…

Olympus Pen E-P3, ISO 800, f2, 1/60 sec

Olympus Pen E-P3, ISO 800, f2, 1/60 sec

Wayang Kanvas. Around 3:00 am, the tarps are drawn down and the silhouettes  presented a fascinating shadow play.

Olympus Pen E-P3, ISO 1600, f2, 1/50 sec

Olympus Pen E-P3, ISO 1600, f2, 1/50 sec

Uncle Bob (right) kept reminding me his chicken is skinless, grease-free and therefore healthy. Quite tasty actually.

Olympus Pen E-P3, ISO 200, f2, 1/80 sec

Olympus Pen E-P3, ISO 200, f2, 1/80 sec

Long Time No Tea. I was touched that the famous tea makers came out to hug me. I was a regular there during the ’11 LA’ heydays. The party godown was across the river.

Olympus Pen E-P3, ISO 500, f2, 1/60 sec

Olympus Pen E-P3, ISO 500, f2, 1/60 sec

The Manny. The f 2.0 lens is great for subject isolation. Not overly shallow but still sufficiently bright for handheld night photography.

Olympus Pen E-P3, ISO 500, f2, 1/60 sec

Olympus Pen E-P3, ISO 500, f2, 1/60 sec

Ali’s Sticks. To prevent himself from keeling over, the steam-stick seller rely on a can of Tongkat Ali-spiked energy tea.

Olympus Pen E-P3, ISO 1600, f2, 1/50 sec

Olympus Pen E-P3, ISO 1600, f2, 1/50 sec

Back Street Boy. Some pulled down the tarps to sleep, others dance around the rubbish pile. I like this guy’s enthusiasm, even at 3 am.

Olympus Pen E-P3, ISO 1600, f2, 1/40 sec

Olympus Pen E-P3, ISO 1600, f2, 1/40 sec

Smooth As Lace. A pillar ad on the front of a lace shop befits the tranquillity of the hour.

All pictures photographed with the Olympus Pen E-P3 by & © TV Smith

Tip: You can view larger versions of the images here, gallery-style. When the page finishes loading, click on any picture. Navigate via the arrows on each side of the frame.

The Ramadan Bazaar: A Celebration Of Us

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The Ramadan Bazaar at Section 14 is a celebration of us. The crowd is diverse, the fashion contrasting and the food tantalising. The riot of colours, smoke and strong sun presented a wonderful photographic opportunity.

I’ve included some photography tips with this photo essay. And those who asked whether the new E-P3 carried over the legendary Olympus colours, judge for yourself…

Olympus Pen E-P3, ISO 200, f7.1, 1/200 sec

Olympus Pen E-P3, ISO 200, f7.1, 1/200 sec

Peaceful, Multi-Racial Assembly. Crowd queuing patiently for famous Kassim’s Popiah Basah. Popiah, a Hokkien spring roll, means ‘thin biscuit.’ I chose a wide angle lens to take in the queue curling around the back lane.

Olympus Pen E-P3, ISO 200, f5.5, 1/160 sec

Olympus Pen E-P3, ISO 200, f5.5, 1/160 sec

The Wizard’s Brew Is Bubbling! Smokin’ Kerang. This kind of shot is possible only when the sun gets low. So timing is important.

Olympus Pen E-P3, ISO 200, f7.1, 1/200 sec

Olympus Pen E-P3, ISO 200, f7.1, 1/200 sec

She Sells Sea Shells. I stuck the ultra-wide-angle lens so close that the lens misted up from the heat and smoke. An UWA exaggerates perspective and adds drama to any scene.

Olympus Pen E-P3, ISO 200, f7.1, 1/250 sec

Olympus Pen E-P3, ISO 200, f7.1, 1/250 sec

Going Dutch. On the other hand, a simple ‘Dutch Angle’ adds dynamism to certain scenes. Use the tilt wisely.

Olympus Pen E-P3, ISO 200, f7.1, 1/250 sec

Olympus Pen E-P3, ISO 200, f7.1, 1/250 sec

Sour Sun. With subjects like ice and liquid, don’t be afraid to shoot against the sun. Backlit, the drink jumps out at you.

Olympus Pen E-P3, ISO 200, f5.6, 1/250 sec

Olympus Pen E-P3, ISO 200, f5.6, 1/250 sec

Frame The Man. Tough but if you are patient, use people to frame a subject. See how the eyes draw you to the action.

Olympus Pen E-P3, ISO 640, f6.7, 1/250 sec

Olympus Pen E-P3, ISO 640, f6.7, 1/250 sec

Texting Time. Use a short tele to pick out candids but move in closer afterwards so the subjects get a chance to ask you why you were photographing them, if they want to.

All pictures photographed with the Olympus Pen E-P3 by & © TV Smith

Tip: You can view larger versions of the images here, gallery-style. When the page finishes loading, click on any picture. Navigate via the arrows on each side of the frame.