On the mood of exotic rains...

Sudden rain in Gurney drive, originally uploaded by Christ tell.

As I was having a meal at the Gurnley drive hawker center, a sudden and very heavy rain started puring down.

As much as I do mind spitty rain in Britain, I do not mind the warm rains of Asia. The atmosphere changes, and the rain refreshes, I don't mind the wettness and sogginess as I know I won't be freezing or shivering... And everything suddenly seems to be darker, and shimmer ...

The Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion

The Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion, originally uploaded by Christ tell.

Last year, when I travelled to Georgetown on Penang Island, Malaysia, I stayed in the best hotel I could ever dream of. I was very lucky and grateful to be able to rent a room in this historical place.
The Mansion is a masterpiece of Feng Shui, renovated and winner of the 'UNESCO Conservation Award 2000 National Architecture Award for Conservation 1995'.
The Blue house as it is also called, has a soul, and a captivating history, and is a wonderful retreat from the hustle and bustle of the city.

And of course a fantastic photo opportunity...

You can find more details on the official website and the Wikipedia pages (the Mansion - the man:Cheong Fatt Tze), definitely worth a look.

Fashion Photography

Harvey Nics, originally uploaded by Christ tell.

Fashion Photography needs lots of expensive props, expensive beautiful people, a good studio, great lights, a scene, a lot of planning and organistion..
But it does not need to be so, why not start with shooting details? Shopwindows are great places to start, find the angles, quircky details, interesting light. It's a fun activity, creative in another way, that will improve your photography, if not your studio skills.