As the London 2012 Summer Olympics get underway I want to wish all the athletes a great Olympic games. Of course, I’ll be cheering for the United States of America as they go for the gold!
Speaking of gold, this is one of Bangkok, Thailand’s iconic landmarks, Wat Arun or the Temple of the Dawn. It is a Buddhist temple that is located in the Thonburi district on the banks of the Chao Praya River.
At night the temple is lit up and its golden color illuminates the Bangkok skyline.
Stay tuned for more of my adventures in Southeast Asia.
Happy Travels!
Text and photo copyright by ©Sam Antonio Photography
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Monday, July 30, 2012
Wednesday, July 25, 2012
How to take more Intimate Travel Portraits
"If your photographs aren't good enough, you're not close enough." - Robert Capa
Banlung is the provincial capitol for the Ratanakiri Province in Cambodia. Located in the northeastern part of the country, bordering both Vietnam to the east and Laos to the north, it is one of the least visited provinces.
I stayed at the exceptional Treetop Ecolodge run by Mr. T (not that Mr. T from the “A” Team). I rented a bicycle to visit nearby Yak Loum Crater Lake. Mr. T recommended I get there first thing in the morning to capture the best light. He also mentioned that I would probably be the only foreigner there since the lake is mainly visited by locals.
He was right about being the only foreigner there, but the morning light was terrible. The only people around were the local vendors selling food and drinks. I decided to just put my camera down and appreciate the crater lake with my own eyes. Afterwards, I bought a drink from one of the vendors and her two children started to play with me.
I took a couple of photographs of her daughter and she would laugh hysterically every time I showed her picture on my LCD screen. Because of the proximity that I was photographing her there was a clear connection between both of us. Her eyes were the landscape of Cambodia...one of struggle and hope for the future.
Stay tuned for more of my adventures in Southeast Asia.
Happy Travels!
Text and photo copyright by ©Sam Antonio Photography
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Banlung is the provincial capitol for the Ratanakiri Province in Cambodia. Located in the northeastern part of the country, bordering both Vietnam to the east and Laos to the north, it is one of the least visited provinces.
I stayed at the exceptional Treetop Ecolodge run by Mr. T (not that Mr. T from the “A” Team). I rented a bicycle to visit nearby Yak Loum Crater Lake. Mr. T recommended I get there first thing in the morning to capture the best light. He also mentioned that I would probably be the only foreigner there since the lake is mainly visited by locals.
He was right about being the only foreigner there, but the morning light was terrible. The only people around were the local vendors selling food and drinks. I decided to just put my camera down and appreciate the crater lake with my own eyes. Afterwards, I bought a drink from one of the vendors and her two children started to play with me.
I took a couple of photographs of her daughter and she would laugh hysterically every time I showed her picture on my LCD screen. Because of the proximity that I was photographing her there was a clear connection between both of us. Her eyes were the landscape of Cambodia...one of struggle and hope for the future.
Stay tuned for more of my adventures in Southeast Asia.
Happy Travels!
Text and photo copyright by ©Sam Antonio Photography
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Still figuring out Google +
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Monday, July 16, 2012
Seeing Red in Sapa, Vietnam
“Also, being a photographer gives you a license to steal experiences that you ordinarily wouldn’t have. You enter into other people’s worlds who are usually very highly specialized, very rare.” - Jay Maisel
I love and loathe Sapa, Vietnam.
Loathing maybe too harsh of a term.
Let’s just say I found some aspects of traveling in Sapa irritating.
Sapa is located in northwest Vietnam and is known for its stunning scenery, treks, homestays, the colorful dresses of the local hill tribe ethnic minorities and the pestering sales tactics of local hill tribe ethnic minorities who wear colorful dresses.
As a photographer I found Sapa frustrating because every time I would ask a local if I could take their photo they would either demand money or I had to buy one of their souvenirs. In addition, whether I was walking down the street in downtown Sapa or trekking through the beautiful rice terraces, I was accompanied (i.e. stalked) by members of the Black H’mong tribe (i.e. Sapa’s #1 aggressive sales team) who were relentless with their standardized sales pitch.
After a couple of days of this I reached my boiling point.
I was hiking in the Black H’mong village of Cat Cat and started to descend a steep staircase when I saw the perfect candid moment of a group H’mong children who were approaching me. I took a photo and when I lowered my camera they extended their hand and said, “One dollar!”
“I’ll give you five!” I replied.
They all jumped for joy and then I extended my hand in the air and gave them all a high “five.”
I don’t think they were expecting that type of five.
While the Black H’mong are well represented in Sapa, The Red Dzao (also known as Yao or Dao) tribe are also another colorful hill tribe you will encounter, whether you want to or not. They are noted for their bright red head dress and shaved foreheads and eyebrows.
After a couple of days in Sapa, I really wanted to know the people behind the constant sales chatter of, “You buy from me!”
So one day I rented a motorbike and drove twelve kilometers from downtown Sapa to the Red Dzao village of Ta Phin. It was here I met Tami and before she could employ her crafty sales tactics I stated that I wanted to buy something from her. Not one of her handicrafts, but her time. I asked her to tell me about her family, the history of the Red Dzao people, her daily activities and how tourism has affected her village.
She extended an invitation to me to visit her home which was a mile away. On the way we passed by the local school which was recently built by the Vietnamese government. I asked why it was painted a bright yellow color and she said that government buildings in Vietnam are painted yellow. Our visit coincided with recess so she introduced me to her daughter and son who were playing in the school yard. Afterwards, we walked by some picturesque rice fields where I asked Tami why it was mainly the women who were employed in the tourism industry.
“The men work in the fields,” as she pointed to the farmers, “their English is not good so it’s hard for them to talk to the tourists.”
At her home she offered me a drink and gave me a quick tour around her home. I asked her how tourism affected her village.
“I like the tourists because it provides money for us,” she replied, “I like it because I get to practice my English.”
The whole time I had my Canon 5D Mark II at my side and she looked at it and asked, “Do you want to take a photo?”
I asked her to move to the open doorway where some nice, diffused light was coming in. Again, the low light capabilities of the Canon 5D Mark II came through as I shot this at a clean 3200 ISO.
We both enjoyed our time together. She wasn’t pressured to make a sale and I didn’t need to engage in any “run and gun” travel photography.
Even though I took only three photos of Tami, my camera gave me “a license to steal an experience” that morning.
I think I’ll be returning to Sapa soon.
Stay tuned for more of my adventures in Southeast Asia.
Happy Travels!
Text and photo copyright by ©Sam Antonio Photography
Why don't you join me on Facebook?
Still figuring out Google +
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I love and loathe Sapa, Vietnam.
Loathing maybe too harsh of a term.
Let’s just say I found some aspects of traveling in Sapa irritating.
Sapa is located in northwest Vietnam and is known for its stunning scenery, treks, homestays, the colorful dresses of the local hill tribe ethnic minorities and the pestering sales tactics of local hill tribe ethnic minorities who wear colorful dresses.
As a photographer I found Sapa frustrating because every time I would ask a local if I could take their photo they would either demand money or I had to buy one of their souvenirs. In addition, whether I was walking down the street in downtown Sapa or trekking through the beautiful rice terraces, I was accompanied (i.e. stalked) by members of the Black H’mong tribe (i.e. Sapa’s #1 aggressive sales team) who were relentless with their standardized sales pitch.
After a couple of days of this I reached my boiling point.
I was hiking in the Black H’mong village of Cat Cat and started to descend a steep staircase when I saw the perfect candid moment of a group H’mong children who were approaching me. I took a photo and when I lowered my camera they extended their hand and said, “One dollar!”
“I’ll give you five!” I replied.
They all jumped for joy and then I extended my hand in the air and gave them all a high “five.”
I don’t think they were expecting that type of five.
While the Black H’mong are well represented in Sapa, The Red Dzao (also known as Yao or Dao) tribe are also another colorful hill tribe you will encounter, whether you want to or not. They are noted for their bright red head dress and shaved foreheads and eyebrows.
After a couple of days in Sapa, I really wanted to know the people behind the constant sales chatter of, “You buy from me!”
So one day I rented a motorbike and drove twelve kilometers from downtown Sapa to the Red Dzao village of Ta Phin. It was here I met Tami and before she could employ her crafty sales tactics I stated that I wanted to buy something from her. Not one of her handicrafts, but her time. I asked her to tell me about her family, the history of the Red Dzao people, her daily activities and how tourism has affected her village.
She extended an invitation to me to visit her home which was a mile away. On the way we passed by the local school which was recently built by the Vietnamese government. I asked why it was painted a bright yellow color and she said that government buildings in Vietnam are painted yellow. Our visit coincided with recess so she introduced me to her daughter and son who were playing in the school yard. Afterwards, we walked by some picturesque rice fields where I asked Tami why it was mainly the women who were employed in the tourism industry.
“The men work in the fields,” as she pointed to the farmers, “their English is not good so it’s hard for them to talk to the tourists.”
At her home she offered me a drink and gave me a quick tour around her home. I asked her how tourism affected her village.
“I like the tourists because it provides money for us,” she replied, “I like it because I get to practice my English.”
The whole time I had my Canon 5D Mark II at my side and she looked at it and asked, “Do you want to take a photo?”
I asked her to move to the open doorway where some nice, diffused light was coming in. Again, the low light capabilities of the Canon 5D Mark II came through as I shot this at a clean 3200 ISO.
We both enjoyed our time together. She wasn’t pressured to make a sale and I didn’t need to engage in any “run and gun” travel photography.
Even though I took only three photos of Tami, my camera gave me “a license to steal an experience” that morning.
I think I’ll be returning to Sapa soon.
Stay tuned for more of my adventures in Southeast Asia.
Happy Travels!
Text and photo copyright by ©Sam Antonio Photography
Why don't you join me on Facebook?
Still figuring out Google +
Follow me on Twitter!
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Friday, July 13, 2012
How I became a Superhero in Kon Tum, Vietnam!
While the rest of the world was going gaga (not Lady Gaga) over “The Avengers” movie, I was busy being a superhero to some enthusiastic kids at a minority village in Vietnam.
The town of Kon Tum is located in the central highlands of Vietnam. While not as popular as the beach resorts of Nha Trang or Mui Ne, Kon Tum is where a high density of Montagnard minority villages are concentrated
Most of these villages are known for their traditional communal structure known as a Rong House. They are used as places of worship, weddings, village get togethers and sometimes as a school. As a rule of thumb, the bigger and more intricate the Rong House, the more affluential the village.
Motorbiking through the region I had the chance to meet and spend time with many minority villages. A great majority do not see many western travelers so it was always a treat to be welcomed in their homes.
After spending the morning riding around the various villages and seeing my umpteen Rong House, I was about to pass up another one when I saw some children playing outside in the yard, so I stopped and starting talking with two boys who were climbing a pole.
The other children came by and invited to come inside the Rong House which served also as their school. Apparently their teacher was too busy having a conversation with somebody outside so I quickly introduced myself to the classroom and decided to be their teacher for the next couple of minutes.
“My name is Sam and I’m from America,” I announced.
“Sam!” they enthusiastically responded in unison.
“I will be your English teacher today and I will teach you a couple of phrases,” I stated.
Before I could start my informal lesson they demonstrated their proficiency in English by peppering me with questions.
“How many brothers and sisters do you have?”
“What city do you live in?”
“Are you married?”
“How old are you?”
After handling their barrage of questions (these are common questions Westerners are asked when traveling in Vietnam), I started my informal lesson.
“Now everybody repeat after me,” as I started the lesson, “Sacramento is the capitol of California.”
“Washington, D.C. is the capitol of the United States of America.”
“I love to eat carne asada burritos.”
“Sam Antonio is the world’s greatest travel photographer.”
There was a young boy dressed in a yellow shirt who was overly enthusiastic. He had made a paper plane and was launching it in every direction. If that wasn’t enough he would climb a top a chair, desk or on the side of the walls to launch the paper plane from a higher elevation.
After observing him do this a number of times, I said out loud, “Spiderman!”
He responded by pointing at me and crying out, “Superman!”
“That’s right I’m Superman Sam!” I replied.
Then the whole classroom erupted in unison, “Superman Sam! Superman Sam! Superman Sam!”
The English language lesson had now turned into a chorus so I started to photograph the children in their over enthusiastic state. We had fun just laughing, screaming “Superman Sam,” and passing my camera around so all the kids could see themselves on the LCD screen.
There was one girl who was very shy and always avoided my camera. Each time I tried to photograph her she would always hide behind her friends. To get her to open up I abruptly grabbed my camera and declared, “Superman Sam is leaving! Goodbye!”
I just exited the doorway when she ran out and in her quiet voice said, “No.”
I turned around with a big smile and replied, “OK, I’ll stay.”
The whole classroom erupted in cheers and I quickly composed this photograph with the shy girl in the doorway. I think National Geographic would be proud.
Marvel may have their superhero team in The Avengers, but I had my own superhero team, although brief, that afternoon in Kon Tum, Vietnam.
Faster than a speeding bullet! More powerful than a locomotive! Able to leap tall buildings in a single bound!
Yes, that’s me...Superman travel photographer Sam Antonio!
Stay tuned for more of my adventures in Southeast Asia.
Happy Travels!
Text and photo copyright by ©Sam Antonio Photography
Why don't you join me on Facebook?
Still figuring out Google +
Follow me on Twitter!
Sam's Photography Blog
Sam's Travel Photography Gallery
Sam's Other Travel Photography Gallery
The town of Kon Tum is located in the central highlands of Vietnam. While not as popular as the beach resorts of Nha Trang or Mui Ne, Kon Tum is where a high density of Montagnard minority villages are concentrated
Most of these villages are known for their traditional communal structure known as a Rong House. They are used as places of worship, weddings, village get togethers and sometimes as a school. As a rule of thumb, the bigger and more intricate the Rong House, the more affluential the village.
Motorbiking through the region I had the chance to meet and spend time with many minority villages. A great majority do not see many western travelers so it was always a treat to be welcomed in their homes.
After spending the morning riding around the various villages and seeing my umpteen Rong House, I was about to pass up another one when I saw some children playing outside in the yard, so I stopped and starting talking with two boys who were climbing a pole.
The other children came by and invited to come inside the Rong House which served also as their school. Apparently their teacher was too busy having a conversation with somebody outside so I quickly introduced myself to the classroom and decided to be their teacher for the next couple of minutes.
“My name is Sam and I’m from America,” I announced.
“Sam!” they enthusiastically responded in unison.
“I will be your English teacher today and I will teach you a couple of phrases,” I stated.
Before I could start my informal lesson they demonstrated their proficiency in English by peppering me with questions.
“How many brothers and sisters do you have?”
“What city do you live in?”
“Are you married?”
“How old are you?”
After handling their barrage of questions (these are common questions Westerners are asked when traveling in Vietnam), I started my informal lesson.
“Now everybody repeat after me,” as I started the lesson, “Sacramento is the capitol of California.”
“Washington, D.C. is the capitol of the United States of America.”
“I love to eat carne asada burritos.”
“Sam Antonio is the world’s greatest travel photographer.”
There was a young boy dressed in a yellow shirt who was overly enthusiastic. He had made a paper plane and was launching it in every direction. If that wasn’t enough he would climb a top a chair, desk or on the side of the walls to launch the paper plane from a higher elevation.
After observing him do this a number of times, I said out loud, “Spiderman!”
He responded by pointing at me and crying out, “Superman!”
“That’s right I’m Superman Sam!” I replied.
Then the whole classroom erupted in unison, “Superman Sam! Superman Sam! Superman Sam!”
The English language lesson had now turned into a chorus so I started to photograph the children in their over enthusiastic state. We had fun just laughing, screaming “Superman Sam,” and passing my camera around so all the kids could see themselves on the LCD screen.
There was one girl who was very shy and always avoided my camera. Each time I tried to photograph her she would always hide behind her friends. To get her to open up I abruptly grabbed my camera and declared, “Superman Sam is leaving! Goodbye!”
I just exited the doorway when she ran out and in her quiet voice said, “No.”
I turned around with a big smile and replied, “OK, I’ll stay.”
The whole classroom erupted in cheers and I quickly composed this photograph with the shy girl in the doorway. I think National Geographic would be proud.
Marvel may have their superhero team in The Avengers, but I had my own superhero team, although brief, that afternoon in Kon Tum, Vietnam.
Faster than a speeding bullet! More powerful than a locomotive! Able to leap tall buildings in a single bound!
Yes, that’s me...Superman travel photographer Sam Antonio!
Stay tuned for more of my adventures in Southeast Asia.
Happy Travels!
Text and photo copyright by ©Sam Antonio Photography
Why don't you join me on Facebook?
Still figuring out Google +
Follow me on Twitter!
Sam's Photography Blog
Sam's Travel Photography Gallery
Sam's Other Travel Photography Gallery
Thursday, July 12, 2012
Buddha Power in Ayutthaya, Thailand
The beautiful city of Ayutthaya, Thailand which was founded in 1350 by King U-Thong and was the capital of what was then known as Siam. It became the second Siamese capital after Sukhothai.
The ancient city of Ayutthaya is an island, surrounded by the Chao Phraya, Lopburi and Pa Sak rivers, and it’s quite a mixture of old and new. It's an easy day trip from Bangkok, but I decided to stay here for a couple of days to take in the history and the charms of the city.
Stay tuned for more of my adventures in Southeast Asia.
Happy Travels!
Text and photo copyright by ©Sam Antonio Photography
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The ancient city of Ayutthaya is an island, surrounded by the Chao Phraya, Lopburi and Pa Sak rivers, and it’s quite a mixture of old and new. It's an easy day trip from Bangkok, but I decided to stay here for a couple of days to take in the history and the charms of the city.
Stay tuned for more of my adventures in Southeast Asia.
Happy Travels!
Text and photo copyright by ©Sam Antonio Photography
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Wednesday, July 11, 2012
“Teachers open the door, but you must enter by yourself” -Chinese proverb
“Teachers open the door, but you must enter by yourself” -Chinese proverb, a photo by Sam Antonio Photography on Flickr.
Stay tuned for more of my adventures in Southeast Asia.
Happy Travels!
Text and photo copyright by ©Sam Antonio Photography
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Tuesday, July 10, 2012
Wat Phu Khao Thong - Ayutthaya, Thailand
I'm in the beautiful city of Ayutthaya, Thailand which was founded in 1350 by King U-Thong and was the capital of what was then known as Siam. This is Wat Phu Khao Thong or the “Monastery of the Golden Mount”.
Can you name the four neighboring counties along the borders of Thailand? No Googling!
Stay tuned for more of my adventures in Southeast Asia.
Happy Travels!
Text and photo copyright by ©Sam Antonio Photography
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Can you name the four neighboring counties along the borders of Thailand? No Googling!
Stay tuned for more of my adventures in Southeast Asia.
Happy Travels!
Text and photo copyright by ©Sam Antonio Photography
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Monday, July 9, 2012
What is the Eiffel Tower doing in Dalat, Vietnam?
Dalat is nestled in the hills of the Central Highlands of Vietnam. It is a great place to unwind in the cool mountain air. Vietnam is a very intense country from the chaotic traffic, to the stifling heat to the endless bickering with the locals to avoid being ripped off. Dalat is literally a breath of fresh air.
After three wonderful days at the beach in Mui Ne it was time to move on so I took a very crowded, bumpy and cramped bus (yes, your typical bus ride in Southeast Asia) to Dalat. Once we arrived into town I thought the bus driver took a wrong turn and ended up in my home state of California...Anaheim, California, in particular, the home of the “happiest place on earth,” Disneyland.
Dalat is not your average city in Vietnam. It has cooler temperatures, it’s clean and the attractions are borderline kitschy.
Dalat became a popular hill town with the French who wanted to escape the heat and humidity of the city. You can still see that influence today with the city’s small Eiffel tower, villas modeled after regional French architecture, and a train station which looks like it could be from any French village.
I rented a motorbike for the day and found this viewpoint compliments of a gentlemen I met earlier in the day while having my morning espresso. He saw my large Canon DSLR on the table and immediately told me of a wonderful viewpoint that I could photograph from.
Knowledgable, friendly and courteous locals...this place must be Disneyland.
Stay tuned for more of my adventures in Southeast Asia.
Happy Travels!
Text and photo copyright by ©Sam Antonio Photography
Why don't you join me on Facebook?
Still figuring out Google +
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After three wonderful days at the beach in Mui Ne it was time to move on so I took a very crowded, bumpy and cramped bus (yes, your typical bus ride in Southeast Asia) to Dalat. Once we arrived into town I thought the bus driver took a wrong turn and ended up in my home state of California...Anaheim, California, in particular, the home of the “happiest place on earth,” Disneyland.
Dalat is not your average city in Vietnam. It has cooler temperatures, it’s clean and the attractions are borderline kitschy.
Dalat became a popular hill town with the French who wanted to escape the heat and humidity of the city. You can still see that influence today with the city’s small Eiffel tower, villas modeled after regional French architecture, and a train station which looks like it could be from any French village.
I rented a motorbike for the day and found this viewpoint compliments of a gentlemen I met earlier in the day while having my morning espresso. He saw my large Canon DSLR on the table and immediately told me of a wonderful viewpoint that I could photograph from.
Knowledgable, friendly and courteous locals...this place must be Disneyland.
Stay tuned for more of my adventures in Southeast Asia.
Happy Travels!
Text and photo copyright by ©Sam Antonio Photography
Why don't you join me on Facebook?
Still figuring out Google +
Follow me on Twitter!
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Sunday, July 8, 2012
This is why I am a Photographer!
Back in May I had the opportunity to photograph the Can Cau Market. This is Vietnam’s most authentic and isolated market. It is held only on Saturday every week and is located about an hour drive from Bac Ha in Northeastern Vietnam and nine kilometers from the Chinese border. The market is spread out over various hillsides and features food, clothing and livestock (dogs are for sale and not for pets if you know what I mean).
From a photographer’s point of view the beauty of the market is the riot of colors from the clothing of the various ethnic hill tribe minorities, the most colorful being the Flower Hmong tribe.
I got up early in the morning and drove on a windy, muddy and dangerous mountain pass in the rain on a motorbike for over twenty kilometers. The bike nearly lost traction two times. Later, I was stopped by the local police for driving without a license and had to make a "donation." At the market I lugged around my camera equipment that weighs a ton in the heat and humidity. Harassed by aggressive sales ladies and flies, I was about to pack up and head back to my hotel when I saw this little boy on a motorbike just blowing bubbles in the wind without a care in the world.
This is why I am a photographer.
Stay tuned for more of my adventures in Southeast Asia.
Happy Travels!
Text and photo copyright by ©Sam Antonio Photography
Why don't you join me on Facebook?
Still figuring out Google +
Follow me on Twitter!
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From a photographer’s point of view the beauty of the market is the riot of colors from the clothing of the various ethnic hill tribe minorities, the most colorful being the Flower Hmong tribe.
I got up early in the morning and drove on a windy, muddy and dangerous mountain pass in the rain on a motorbike for over twenty kilometers. The bike nearly lost traction two times. Later, I was stopped by the local police for driving without a license and had to make a "donation." At the market I lugged around my camera equipment that weighs a ton in the heat and humidity. Harassed by aggressive sales ladies and flies, I was about to pack up and head back to my hotel when I saw this little boy on a motorbike just blowing bubbles in the wind without a care in the world.
This is why I am a photographer.
Stay tuned for more of my adventures in Southeast Asia.
Happy Travels!
Text and photo copyright by ©Sam Antonio Photography
Why don't you join me on Facebook?
Still figuring out Google +
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Thursday, July 5, 2012
Coffee, Tea and the 5D in Tanah Rata, Cameron Highlands
Coffee, Tea and the 5D in Tanah Rata, Cameron Highlands, a photo by Sam Antonio Photography on Flickr.
I photographed this evening scene on the main street in Tanah Rata, which is the backpacker area in the Cameron Highlands. As a travel photographer I'm always looking for a unique point of view and as sunset was approaching I still couldn’t find a suitable location.
Sometimes the obvious can be staring right at you.
When I arrived into town via the bus station the day before, I noticed a parking structure attached to it. So that evening I walked toward it and it became apparent that the parking structure, the tallest point in town, would be the perfect spot.
I climbed four flights of stairs to the top floor. I prepared my equipment and had my Canon 5D Mark II mounted on my Manfrotto table top tripod which in return was hanging precariously on the edge of the parking structure wall. With one hand I held my remote shutter release while my other hand held on to my tripod all the while praying that a gust of wind wouldn’t blow it off the parking structure and down four stories.
What I wasn’t prepared for was the amazing sunset that evening. It was one of the few times I was able to capture an incredible sunset as it blended into the blue hour.
Because I was in Malaysia’s top tea-producing region, what better way to top off a great evening with a drink. So I walked into the only Starbucks in the area and ordered a double latte! Sorry, I'm more of a coffee drinker than a tea drinker.
To quote one of my favorite photographers David duChemin, “May the wind be at your back and the light be in your favor.”
Stay tuned for more of my adventures in Southeast Asia.
Happy Travels!
Text and photo copyright by ©Sam Antonio Photography
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Wednesday, July 4, 2012
Cooling off in the Cameron Highlands
I left the smog and the humidity of Kuala Lumpur for the beauty and cool weather of the Cameron Highlands. This area is Malaysia’s largest tea-producing region. The highlands possess all the right attributes for growing tea - moderate temperatures, high altitude, abundant rainfall, long hours of sunshine and well-drained soil.
A former British hill station, the Cameron Highlands are located 136 miles (219 km) north of Kuala Lumpur in Pahang, Malaysia. It’s a 2 1/2 hour bus trip from Kuala Lumpur along a very windy, but scenic road.
The rolling hills of the Cameron Highland's tea plantations are lush and tranquil in the extreme. This place has rejuvenated my love for landscape photography.
Famous for their black tea production, this is a scenic view of the BOH Tea Plantation. The overcast weather provided the perfect diffused light which resulted in giving the colors that added pop (okay Photoshop had something to do with it too, but most of it was mother nature).
Stay tuned for more of my adventures in Southeast Asia.
Happy Travels!
Text and photo copyright by ©Sam Antonio Photography
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A former British hill station, the Cameron Highlands are located 136 miles (219 km) north of Kuala Lumpur in Pahang, Malaysia. It’s a 2 1/2 hour bus trip from Kuala Lumpur along a very windy, but scenic road.
The rolling hills of the Cameron Highland's tea plantations are lush and tranquil in the extreme. This place has rejuvenated my love for landscape photography.
Famous for their black tea production, this is a scenic view of the BOH Tea Plantation. The overcast weather provided the perfect diffused light which resulted in giving the colors that added pop (okay Photoshop had something to do with it too, but most of it was mother nature).
Stay tuned for more of my adventures in Southeast Asia.
Happy Travels!
Text and photo copyright by ©Sam Antonio Photography
Why don't you join me on Facebook?
Still figuring out Google +
Follow me on Twitter!
Sam's Photography Blog
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Tuesday, July 3, 2012
How to do the Hanoi Hustle!
Navigating Hanoi’s traffic is akin to a dance. Cars, taxis, buses, trucks, motorbikes and pedestrians all work in harmony to navigate the city’s traffic circles, narrow alley ways and boulevards. The best way to describe Hanoi’s traffic is organized chaos.
At first glance, crossing the streets in Hanoi, Vietnam seems like an impossible task. Just take a deep breath, follow the lead of the locals and keep a slow and steady tempo and soon enough you’ll join the “chicken” on the other side of the road.
I took this photo from the fifth floor of the City View Cafe. With great views of Hoan Kiem Lake and the Old Quarter, it has the best vantage point of the crazy Hanoi traffic below.
I left my Canon 5D Mark II back at my hotel by its lonely self and brought his little brother, the trusty and reliable Canon Powershot G9. I also brought along my Manfrotto table top tripod to help with the long exposures (one of the few times I used it on this trip).
In between exposures I enjoyed a cold Hanoi beer and fresh spring rolls. What better way to enjoy the hustle and bustle of Hanoi!
Stay tuned for more of my adventures in Southeast Asia.
Happy Travels!
Text and photo copyright by ©Sam Antonio Photography
Why don't you join me on Facebook?
Still figuring out Google +
Follow me on Twitter!
Sam's Photography Blog
Sam's Travel Photography Gallery
Sam's Other Travel Photography Gallery
At first glance, crossing the streets in Hanoi, Vietnam seems like an impossible task. Just take a deep breath, follow the lead of the locals and keep a slow and steady tempo and soon enough you’ll join the “chicken” on the other side of the road.
I took this photo from the fifth floor of the City View Cafe. With great views of Hoan Kiem Lake and the Old Quarter, it has the best vantage point of the crazy Hanoi traffic below.
I left my Canon 5D Mark II back at my hotel by its lonely self and brought his little brother, the trusty and reliable Canon Powershot G9. I also brought along my Manfrotto table top tripod to help with the long exposures (one of the few times I used it on this trip).
In between exposures I enjoyed a cold Hanoi beer and fresh spring rolls. What better way to enjoy the hustle and bustle of Hanoi!
Stay tuned for more of my adventures in Southeast Asia.
Happy Travels!
Text and photo copyright by ©Sam Antonio Photography
Why don't you join me on Facebook?
Still figuring out Google +
Follow me on Twitter!
Sam's Photography Blog
Sam's Travel Photography Gallery
Sam's Other Travel Photography Gallery
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