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.

Broadstone gallery Exhibition opening

Broadstone gallery Exhibition opening, originally uploaded by Christ tell.

The opening took place on Thursday 12-03-2009, featuring artwork from the residents as well as a few external artists.
Broadstone gallery is a great art/studio venue. Well worth a visit...

www.broadstone.co.uk
Venue: Broadstone Gallery
Upper Ground, Broadstone Mill, Broadstone Rd Reddish, Stockport SK5 7DL

You could spot some of my work on your visit....

Tirasia Harbour

Tirasia Harbour, originally uploaded by Christ tell.

Technology is of great help in photography, but sometimes, light is more important.
I took this photo a few years ago with a brandless 2MP camera. I only added a touch of nostalgia with lightroom.
Shooting with low quality equipment has its great rewards, and I love to have at hand both limited and high technology equipment....

Archives

Venice, originally uploaded by Christ tell.

I have recently revisited some old files, scans of film shot with my beloved Canon AE-1. It mades me realise how few pictures I was taking at the time compared with the digital era and the importance of scanning my old films, as this medium is rather fragile...

Warrior of the Emerald Buddha temple

Warrior of the Emerald Buddha temple, originally uploaded by Christ tell.

Two years ago I was back from a trip to Thailand. Considering the current events in Thailand and the unrest blocking the International airports in bangkok, If I'd gone at the ame period this year, I would have benefited from extended holidays...

Thailand is a truly beautiful country, well worth a visit at least...

Persistent rose

Persistent rose, originally uploaded by Christ tell.

After a nonexistent summer, we get a few rays of sun, nature is a bit lost, not knowing what season we are in...

Photography and exploitation of pre-conceived ideas

Platform, originally uploaded by Christ tell.

I went to Berlin two week ends ago, and I mischievously took photos that represented pre-conceived ideas about Germany. Although I stayed in Kreuzberg in Berlin which is very different to the rest of Germany, I wanted to capture some photos that represent a common view of Germany. Note the cleanliness, the 'No-frills' look, the rucksack, the clock to remind you of punctuality...
You can make your photos say anything. That's the magic of photography...

Urban moves Festival 26&27 July 2008

Urban moves
Originally uploaded by Christ tell

Even though most of this summer has been cold and wet, the weather was magnificent on the weekend when the Urbanmoves Festival took place. One performance involved the dancers moving from the stage into Piccadilly Gardens fountain. As soon as they reached the fountain, the waterjet started, and all the kids joined them, screaming and jumping everywhere....

Lee Griffiths Concert at Alter Ego 31/05/2008

Colin Ridyard and Lee Griffiths

Another great concert of Lee, with Colin joining him with vocals and guitar. The concert was supposed to happen at Moho as part of the Hide and Seek festival but due to a mix up, the band was moved to Alter Ego.
Not all the fans could catch up with the last minute changes, and since the venue was out of the way of the festival, the audience ended up as friends and family. Lee and Colin gave an outstanding performance.