Charcoal-fired, rotisserie-style roasting of chicken at a Ramadan bazaar. Known as Ayam Golek, the chicken is marinated with a special grandma’s recipe, as every vendor claims.
Olympus OM-D, ISO 200, f8, 1/60 sec.
Raise The Red Chicken
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Dawn To Dusk
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 Ramadan Bazaar: A Celebration Of Us
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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