Feeling uncomfortable in a foreign country - Little India, Singapore

Sri Veerama Kaliamman Temple a Hindu temple dedicated to the goddess Kali.

Feeling uncomfortable in a foreign country - Little India, Singapore, a photo by Sam Antonio Photography on Flickr.

“When you travel, remember that a foreign country is not designed to make you comfortable. It is designed to make its own people comfortable.” - Clifton Fadiman

Singapore is more than just the Marina Bay Sands Resort. Venture around this compact city-state and you will be amazed by the amount of diversity. On a leisurely walk around the city I would come across a Mosque, Christian church, Buddhist temple and a Hindu temple all in one morning.

Singapore maybe diverse when it comes to its culture, food and religion, but one thing they are uniformly known for is their stifling heat and humidity. Coming from a Mediterranean climate of Southern California it took some time to get use to (it took me over a month to condition my body for the Southeast Asia climate).

In Little India is the Sri Veerama Kaliamman Temple a Hindu temple dedicated to the goddess Kali. I could tell you about how it was built in 1855 by Tamil laborers or that the goddess Kali is the destroyer of evil or that in 1942 the locals took refuge in the temple to protect themselves from the invading Japanese army. All I can remember was that is was a very hot day and even hotter inside the temple.

I stared at amazement at the intricate details of the statues along the walls then my mind would wander off about the dangers of dehydrating.

It started to sizzle in the temple.

I listened to the little bells the devotees would ring as they entered the temple to ask for the God’s mercy upon their prayer requests.

As more devotees entered the temple it now became a sauna. I desperately needed a drink of water otherwise I probably would have passed out on the floor and nobody would assist me since they would probably mistaken me as another local prostrated on the ground deep in prayer.

The heat was now escalating to a point of suffocation.

Fatigue began to set in due to the overbearing heat and carrying my heavy DSLR camera surely didn’t help matters, but the pungent smell of the temple kept me awake.

Did I tell you that it was scorching hot inside the temple?

I wanted to head back to the safety of my air-conditioned room, but I reminded myself I did not come halfway across the world to seek safety and security. If I wanted to be comfortable I would have stayed home driving my own car, eating processed foods and paying for over priced Starbucks coffee.

No, I stayed behind and sweated it out. As a result, I witnessed this Hindu priest blessing the devotees. With my wide angle lens I was merely inches from this ceremony that I can almost say I was a part of it.

Looking back I am glad I chose to be uncomfortable that day.

Check back for more of my Singapore adventures!

Happy Travels!

Text and photo copyright by ©Sam Antonio Photography

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Come join me on my Southeast Asia photo tour!

Come join me on my Southeast Asia photo tour!, a photo by Sam Antonio Photography on Flickr.

Okay...this isn’t Southeast Asia and I do not lead photo tours in that part of the world (for the moment, but I am looking to do so in the future).

This is the Bartholdi Fountain in Washington, DC that was designed by Frederic Auguste Bartholdi. Does that name ring a bell? No, he did not design the Liberty Bell in Philadelphia, but rather the Statue of Liberty in New York City. C’mon, who can forget that memorable ending scene from Titanic when Kate Winslet looks up at the Statue of Liberty as she starts her new life in America. American cinema at its finest (excuse me, I think I just threw up in my mouth)!

I have been busy...wait for it...post-processing photos! The last couple of months, due to my nomadic lifestyle, I have not had the quality time to properly process my photos with my Apple MacBook Pro and external monitor (my desktop computer is in storage somewhere in Illinois). I now have a workstation setup with my external monitor in place and the last couple of days I have been feverishly processing my photos from when I was in Southeast Asia last year (I have over 700 gigabytes of photos). So for the next couple of weeks be prepared to journey with me as I traverse through Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Laos, Vietnam and Cambodia.

Back to the 15 ton and 30 foot tall Bartholdi Fountain. Fatigue started to set in after photographing the memorials and monuments in Washington, DC, so I sought out lesser known sites and hidden gems around the city. The blue hour sky was not the greatest that evening as it was spoiled by overcast, rainy weather and light pollution. Perhaps it was a result of the political demagoguery pollution coming from nearby Capitol Hill!

Happy Travels!

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Reach out and touch someone!

Hello and goodbye to the new Flickr!? Or will Flickr take a Tumble(r)!?, a photo by Sam Antonio Photography on Flickr.

Gravelly Point provides a close up experience as you stand in the flight path of giant commercial aircraft as they land at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport in the nation’s capitol

The best part of photographing at Gravelly Point is the absence of the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). The only touchy-feely going on here is reaching for the skies!

Notes:
Canon 5D Mark II
Canon 17-40 f/4 L lens
ISO: 1600
Aperture: f/4.5
Shutter: 1/400

Happy Travels!

Text and photo copyright by ©Sam Antonio Photography

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Changing of the Guard at Arlington National Cemetery - Washington, DC

Changing of the Guard at Arlington National Cemetery - Washington, DC, a photo by Sam Antonio Photography on Flickr.

Changing of the Guard Ritual (from the Official Website of Arlington National Cemetery):

The guard is changed every hour on the hour Oct. 1 to March 31 in an elaborate ritual. From April 1 through September 30, there are more than double the opportunities to view the change because another change is added on the half hour and the cemetery closing time moves from 5 to 7 p.m.

An impeccably uniformed relief commander appears on the plaza to announce the Changing of the Guard. Soon the new sentinel leaves the Quarters and unlocks the bolt of his or her M-14 rifle to signal to the relief commander to start the ceremony. The relief commander walks out to the Tomb and salutes, then faces the spectators and asks them to stand and stay silent during the ceremony.

The relief commander conducts a detailed white-glove inspection of the weapon, checking each part of the rifle once. Then, the relief commander and the relieving sentinel meet the retiring sentinel at the center of the matted path in front of the Tomb. All three salute the Unknowns who have been symbolically given the Medal of Honor. Then the relief commander orders the relieved sentinel, "Pass on your orders." The current sentinel commands, "Post and orders, remain as directed." The newly posted sentinel replies, "Orders acknowledged," and steps into position on the black mat. When the relief commander passes by, the new sentinel begins walking at a cadence of 90 steps per minute.

The Tomb Guard marches 21 steps down the black mat behind the Tomb, turns, faces east for 21 seconds, turns and faces north for 21 seconds, then takes 21 steps down the mat and repeats the process. After the turn, the sentinel executes a sharp "shoulder-arms" movement to place the weapon on the shoulder closest to the visitors to signify that the sentinel stands between the Tomb and any possible threat. Twenty-one was chosen because it symbolizes the highest military honor that can be bestowed -- the 21-gun salute.

Duty time when not "walking" is spent in the Tomb Guard Quarters below the Memorial Display Room of the Memorial Amphitheater where they study Cemetery "knowledge," clean their weapons and help the rest of their relief prepare for the Changing of the Guard. The guards also train on their days off.

The Guards of Honor at the Tomb of the Unknowns are highly motivated and are proud to honor all American service members who are "Known But to God."

============================================

Arlington National Cemetery is the final resting place for about 400,000 military service members and their families. It is a wonderful tribute to the bravery and sacrifice of those who have served.

Here in the United States the final Monday in May is a federal holiday known as Memorial Day. It is a day of remembering the men and women who died while serving in the United States Armed Forces.

Honor the Fallen!

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Arlington National Cemetery - To Honor, Remember & Explore

Arlington National Cemetery - To Honor, Remember & Explore, a photo by Sam Antonio Photography on Flickr.

“To be killed in war is not the worst that can happen. To be lost is not the worst that can happen… to be forgotten is the worst.” -Pierre Claeyssens (1909-2003)

I had the great opportunity to partake in a moving and patriotic experience last year while I was in Washington, DC. Every December an organization called Wreaths Across America coordinates a wreath laying ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery. It is a wonderful way to remember, honor and teach our youth about our fallen veterans.

Arlington National Cemetery is the final resting place for about 400,000 military service members and their families. It is a wonderful tribute to the bravery and sacrifice of those who have served.

Here in the United States the final Monday in May is a federal holiday known as Memorial Day. It is a day of remembering the men and women who died while serving in the United States Armed Forces.

Honor the Fallen!

Text and photo copyright by ©Sam Antonio Photography

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"Blue Mass" Honors Police Killed In The Line Of Duty - Washington, D.C.

"Blue Mass" Honors Police Killed In The Line Of Duty - Washington, D.C., a photo by Sam Antonio Photography on Flickr.

Members of the D.C. Police Department Emerald Society Pipe and Drum Band play their instruments outside of St. Patrick Church after the 'Blue Mass' to mark the beginning of National Police Week in Washington, D.C. The name of the Mass comes from the "blue" color of their uniforms. I attended this special Mass where police officers prayed for their fallen comrades and for their own safety in the line of duty.

The week of May 15 transforms Washington, D.C. into one of the safest cities in the world. Why? Because National Police Week, which occurs each year during the week in which May 15 falls, recognizes the service and sacrifice of U.S. law enforcement. Established by a joint resolution of Congress in 1962, National Police Week pays special recognition to those law enforcement officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty for the safety and protection of others. Tens of thousands of law enforcement officers from around the world converge on the nation's capitol to participate in a number of planned events which honor those that have paid the ultimate sacrifice.

Happy Travels!

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Major General Gouverneur Kemble Warren - "Hero of Little Round Top" andthe Guardian of the Gettysburg Sunset

Major General Gouverneur Kemble Warren - "Hero of Little Round Top" and the Guardian of the Gettysburg Sunset, a photo by Sam Antonio Photography on Flickr.

On the second day of the Battle of Gettysburg, General Gouverneur Warren realized the importance that a position known as Little Round Top would be during the battle and...blah, blah, blah!

If you want to learn about some not so boring history you can read his Wikipedia entry. I am not diminishing the importance of the battle of Gettysburg nor the brave men who fought and died in the largest battle ever fought in North America. I have been to Gettysburg Military Park many times and love learning about this period of American history. Heck, I am the type of guy that watches “Gettysburg” just for fun and that movie runs over four hours! Come to think about, if not for General Warren’s initiative at Little Round Top the Union Army would have lost that battle and perhaps the entire war. Maybe you should read more about him.

General Gouverneur Warren is a very dedicated soldier because every time I come to Gettysburg he is always there defending Little Round Top or perhaps he just loves watching those spectacular Pennsylvania sunsets.

Happy Travels!

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Having a “Rip-roaring” time at the Smithsonian National Zoological Park- Washington, DC

Having a “Rip-roaring” time at the Smithsonian National Zoological Park - Washington, DC, a photo by Sam Antonio Photography on Flickr.

I finally made it out to the Smithsonian National Zoological Park, or commonly known as the National Zoo, when I was in Washington, DC a couple of weeks ago. Since it is part of the Smithsonian Institute admission is free compliments of the U.S. taxpayer.

The National Zoo is famous for their giant pandas that were lent by China as part of the “panda diplomacy” in the 1970s. They are one of the few zoos in the country that have them in captivity. The crowds were too large that day to get a decent shot of the pandas, but I am fortunate that the San Diego Zoo is one of the other few zoos in America that have the giant pandas, so I can always photograph them at my leisure.

As a result, I left the crowds there and headed over to the big cats and caught this male lion begging for some dental floss.

So what is your favorite zoo?

Photobombing Thomas Jefferson - Tidal Basin, Washington DC, USA

Photobombing Thomas Jefferson - Tidal Basin, Washington DC, USA, a photo by Sam Antonio Photography on Flickr.

No, I am not an impostor! This is Sam Antonio Photography’s official travel photography blog.

For my friends and for those for some odd reason who follow me and my second rate photography, know I love to shoot in saturated colors. So what is this black and white photograph?

I love going out to the Jefferson Memorial because it is not swamped with tourists as other memorials and it has gorgeous views of the tidal basin since it sits on prime real estate. Besides, Thomas Jefferson is considered one of America’s most intellectual president, just showing up at his memorial makes me that much smarter.

I love this anecdote of President Jefferson. Reflecting on Jefferson’s broad-based knowledge, President Kennedy once welcomed a group of forty-nine Nobel laureates to the White House with these words:

“I think this is the most extraordinary collection of talent, of human knowledge, that has ever been gathered at the White House, with the possible exception of when Thomas Jefferson dined alone.” (Address to Nobel Laureates, Dinner for Nobel Prize Winners of the Western Hemisphere, 29 April 1962.)

The inside of the memorial has very dull colors so I went with black and white to give it more of an artistic flair. I jumped into the frame of this long exposure shot at the last minute. I just love photobombing Tommy Jefferson!

I’m Sam Antonio and I approve this photograph.

Happy Travels!

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My Camera is my Passport

My Camera is my Passport, a photo by Sam Antonio Photography on Flickr.

“My life is shaped by the urgent need to wander and observe, and my camera is my passport.” - Steve McCurry

Chiapas is Mexico’s southernmost state. It is an amazing place with a diverse population of indigenous people (many direct descendants of the ancient Maya), striking Maya ruins and the magnificent colonial town of San Cristóbal de las Casas.

I planned on just spending two days in San Cristóbal, but ended up staying for four. With its cobblestone streets, intriguing indigenous people with their flamboyant traditional clothing and the glorious coffee (Chiapas is a renown coffee growing area), I found San Cristóbal the perfect place to linger.

This part of Mexico has a highest population of indigenous people who are very close-knit and suspicious of outsiders. They are very sensitive to having their photo taken and as a result I made very few photographs that I was satisfied with.

For three days I struggled to make images of the indigenous people, many who come from the neighboring villages of Chamula and Zinacantán. Fortunately, I was able to meet up with a fellow photographer and fellow San Diegan Jim Cline. Jim owns and operates his own photography tour business Jim Cline Photo Tours that concentrate on Latin American and Asia. I met Jim a week earlier in Oaxaca during Day of the Dead celebration. He was leading his annual photo tour group there and I would run into him occasionally around town. He was in San Cristóbal a couple of days ahead of his next tour group and through Jim I was able to connect with some of his local contacts.

On the last evening I met up with Jim and he was able to organize an impromptu portrait session with some of young girls who sell their wares in front of the main cathedral in the town plaza. This young girl and her toothy smile made the wait all worth the while.

I am still amazed after all these years how my camera has given me many unique insights to different cultures.

‘My camera is my passport’ and it has been stamped many times with cultural visas from around the world.

Happy Travels!

Text and photo copyright by ©Sam Antonio Photography

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Shaking, Burping and Breaking Chicken Necks in San Juan Chamula, Mexico

Shaking, Burping and Breaking Chicken Necks in San Juan Chamula, Mexico, a photo by Sam Antonio Photography on Flickr.

San Juan Chamula, Mexico rocks! Literally!

In November of last year I was in the ethnic minority village of San Juan Chamula, located in the southern state of Chiapas, Mexico, and something happened that I have never witnessed before - an earthquake! As a native Californian I have experienced earthquakes, but they usually happen in the early morning when I am sleeping in bed just in time to wake me up. I was standing outside when I felt the ground rumble. I looked behind me and a very old building started to sway. The locals started to run out of buildings and headed toward the town square. I was so fascinated with the building swaying back and forth that some local grabbed me and lead me to the town square. I found out later that the earthquake registered over 6.0 on the Richter Scale and 7.4 in Guatemala where it was centered.

After recovering from the shock of the earthquake I headed to the San Juan Chamula church where they drink Coca-Cola, burp and sacrifice live chickens. More on that later.

I do not have any photos inside the church since photography is not allowed at all. This part of Mexico has a highest population of indigenous people (many are direct Mayan descent) who are very close-knit and suspicious of outsiders. They are very sensitive to having their photo taken and as common courtesy you must ask permission from them otherwise you risk physical danger. You have been warned!

Looking at the building exterior, combined with the fact that Mexico is second largest Catholic country (behind Brazil) in the world, you would think this is a Catholic church.

Yes and no.

The Spanish brought the Catholic church to Mexico with the expedition of Hernan Cortes in 1519. The small town of San Juan Chamula fought hard against the Spanish conquest but eventually succumbed to the church in 1524. Today the church has not perform the Catholic mass since 1968 and is not recognized by the Vatican in Rome. What is practiced in the church today is a syncretism of Roman Catholicism and animism (life is spirit and all of nature is holy).

A step inside the church is a leap into the bizarre. There are no pews inside, instead the ground of the church is strewn with fresh pine needles giving an aroma of walking through a forest. Visually the church interior is ablaze with hundreds of flickering candles. On the walls you can still see the hints of the Catholic church with statues of saints like St. John the Baptist that are still highly revered.

Curanderos (medicine men) perform strange ceremonies by rubbing freshly killed chicken bodies on worshippers to cleanse them of their infirmities. I can say this was one of the most unique travel experiences I have ever witnessed when I saw a curandero break the neck of a chicken (no blood sacrifice I assume to keep the church clean) and then continued to rub it all over a worshipper’s body. My natural instinct was to take a photo, but I was well aware of the customs and for once I was satisfied I experienced this with my own eyes and not from behind my camera lens.

If that was not enough to overwhelm your senses, worshippers drink Coca-Cola or pox (pronounced “posh” and made from distilled sugarcane). This is done to induce burping which is believed to expel evil spirits.

From surviving an earthquake, listening to Coca-Cola burping and watching a cleansing ceremony with freshly killed chickens, it was just another crazy travel day of this intrepid travel photographer.

Happy Travels!

Text and photo copyright by ©Sam Antonio Photography

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Just Around the Yellow Corner...in Izamal, Mexico

Just Around the Yellow Corner..., a photo by Sam Antonio Photography on Flickr.

Mexico has designated 83 towns and villages as Pueblos Magicos (Magical Towns) throughout the country. To achieve such a designation a town must demonstrate natural beauty, historical significance and cultural diversity.

70 km east of the beautiful colonial town of Merida in the Mexican state of Yucatan, is the enchanting “Magical Town” of Izamal, nicknamed La Ciudad Amarilla (the Yellow City) for the glowing yellow paint that covers the colonial buildings. Izamal is a beautiful place to experience the diversity of three cultures: Maya, Mexican and Spanish.

I spent an entire day walking around this colorful town with its mustard yellow colored walls, cobblestone streets and colonial lamp posts. Every corner I turned opened up to another street scene that felt more like a Hollywood movie set than an old colonial town.

You can also get around town by hiring a Victoria or Calesa (a horse-drawn carriage) which serves as taxis for both locals and tourists.

Or you can get around the old fashion way like this local woman with a bicycle.

Happy Travels!

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Everybody has a story...

Everybody has a story..., a photo by Sam Antonio Photography on Flickr.

“Most of my images are grounded in people. I look for the unguarded moment, the essential soul peeking out, experience etched on a person’s face. I try to convey what it is like to be that person, a person caught in a broader landscape, that you could call the human condition.” - Steve McCurry

Photographing Day of the Dead (Dia de los Muertos) celebration in Oaxaca City, Mexico put my skills as a travel photographer to the test. The fast paced action of the spontaneous street parades, the wild Banda bands and joyous spirit of the Mexican people made for a memorable week.

While I spent a good portion of that time behind the lens, I also found time to step out from behind it and be an active participant in the celebrations and meet the locals.

I met Alejandro, a college student, on my second evening in town and he invited me to join his group of girlfriends and dance the night away on the streets of Oaxaca.

I had a unique cultural experience getting my haircut from Carlos the barber. Although I took four years of Spanish in college, it was still a task to communicate with him to make sure I would not go bald. In the end, I still had my hair and he taught me about futbol and I shared my passion for American football.

I met Cesar while enjoying my morning coffee at a sidewalk cafe on Oaxaca’s zocalo (public square). He shared some great tips on where to photograph the best street parades and the small cemeteries, without tourists, where I could get an intimate feel for the Mexican tradition of Day of the Dead.

Now that I have returned to the United States, looking at my photographs brings both happiness and sadness. As much as I cherished meeting, photographing, and understanding the Mexican people, I also know that I may never meet these people again in my lifetime.

Everyone I met on my journey had a story to tell and storytelling is the essence of a travel photographer.

Come join me on my journey....

Happy Travels!

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Lost in Social Media and in the Jungle of Palenque, Mexico

Lost in Social Media and in the Jungle of Palenque, a photo by Sam Antonio Photography on Flickr.

I thought I had posted this photo here on this blog.

I lost track since I am involved in a million social media sites like Facebook, Google +, Twitter, Pinterest....

I think I am losing touch with reality since my life has been enveloped by social media.

Just the other day I received the biggest shock of my life, my Apple iPhone rang! Nowadays, everybody uses their smartphones for everything but talking on the phone. It was a good friend of mine who wanted to know if we could meet for lunch. I scolded him for calling me on my phone and told him to leave a message for me over at Facebook.

I think I need to take another trip to have some real human contact.

=================

Palenque, along with Chichen Itza and Uxmal, ranks as one of the most magnificent example of Maya architecture in Mexico. Located in the tropical jungle of Chiapas, the southernmost state of Mexico, Palenque is the type of playground befitting Indiana Jones. The dense jungle covering these hills forms an evocative backdrop to the exquisite Maya architecture.

Happy Travels!

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Hi-Ho, Hi-Ho, it's off to Bac Ha Market we go!

Hi-Ho, Hi-Ho, it's off to Bac Ha Market we go!, a photo by Sam Antonio Photography on Flickr.

In some respects 2012 has not ended, it is still alive and well because of the all the photographic memories I accumulated from last year.

As some of you may know, I spent the better part of last year on a photographic journey through Southeast Asia. My wanderlust took me to Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, and Cambodia. It was a visual feast of monks clothed in saffron robes, the brights lights of the Singapore skyline, the golden spires of Buddhist temples, the stunning temples of Angkor Wat and the many colorful markets.

One of the reasons Southeast Asia attracts so many photographers are the many colorful minority ethnic markets such as the Bac Ha Sunday Market, located in Northeastern Vietnam.

Every Sunday, Bac Ha hosts the largest and most colorful market in the area and attracts villagers from the surrounding hill tribes such as the Flower H'mong, Phu La, Dzao, Tay and Nung minorities where they gather to buy and sell local products.

I spent two nights in Bac Ha to get a predawn start before the throngs of bus tour groups from Sapa showed up. I photographed this elderly woman from the Flower H’mong hill tribe in a candid moment.

After six months in Southeast Asia I accumulated over 700 gigabytes of RAW photos, enough to keep me busy for all of 2013. Back to processing those images!

Happy Travels!

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Five Reasons why I prefer Photographing Sukhothai, Thailand over Angkor Wat, Cambodia

Five Reasons why I prefer Photographing Sukhothai, Thailand over Angkor Wat, Cambodia, a photo by Sam Antonio Photography on Flickr.

Photographing Angkor Wat in Cambodia last year was a dream come true. It is an amazing place, but I found the ancient capital of Sukhothai, Thailand much more enjoyable to photograph. Maybe it had to do with the name when translated, “The dawn of happiness.”

Sukhothai was the first capital of Siam founded by King Ramkhamhaeng during the 13th Century. The province's temples and monuments have been restored and is now the Sukhothai Historical Park and has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Here are five reasons why I enjoyed photographing Sukhothai Historical Park over Angkor Wat.

1) Cost: Cambodia is a very budget friendly country, but admission to Angkor Wat is expensive ($20/day USD). I found Sukhothai ($4-8/day) a much better value.

2) Crowds: Angkor Wat is Southeast Asia’s top destination so be prepared for the hordes of crowds even in the low season (when I visited). Most tourists visit Thailand’s other ancient capitol, Ayutthaya, since it is only an hour from Bangkok. Sukhothai is about a four to five hour bus ride from Bangkok so it doesn’t see as many tourists.

3) Cleanliness: With Angkor Wat’s steep admission price you would think it would go toward the upkeep of this magnificent place. Unfortunately that’s not the case. It was sad to see trash around most of the temples. On the other hand, Sukhothai, with its meticulous manicured grounds, is Disneyland with a Southeast Asian twist (hot and humid).

4) Conveyance: At Sukhothai I was able to rent a motorbike and take it in the park. In the city of Siem Reap, where Angkor Wat is located, they do not allow foreigners to rent motorbikes. As an independent travel photographer I find having a motorbike allows the maximum flexibility for taking photos.

5) Clerks: I was trying to think of a word that starts with the letter “c” that is similar to hawker and clerk was the only word that came to mind. The vendors at Angkor Wat bring persistence to another level. Little girls and boys will besiege you to buy bracelets, water or postcards. At Sukhothai the very few street vendors kindly ask for your business and a simple “no” will signify you’re not interested and you both can walk away with a smile.

This may seem like a bit of a rant against Angkor Wat, but it is not. If you have a chance to visit the temples please do so because you will be amazed.

Just be sure to dispose of your trash properly.

Happy Travels!

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“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.

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.

Stay tuned for more of my adventures in Southeast Asia.

Happy Travels!

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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.

The Cameron Highlands are 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.

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!

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Stone Arch Bridge - Minneapolis, Minnesota

Stone Arch Bridge - Minneapolis, Minnesota, a photo by Sam Antonio Photography on Flickr.

The Stone Arch Bridge in downtown Minneapolis, Minnesota is the only arch bridge made of stone along the entire length of the Mississippi River.

A former railroad bridge, it is now a pedestrian and biking trail with great views of St. Anthony Falls and the Minneapolis skyline. A couple on the river’s edge enjoy scenic views of the city.

Photography question of the day:

Which do you prefer? Aperture 3 or Lightroom 3?

Happy Travels!

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The Biggest Little City in the World gets a Little Hairy

The Biggest Little City in the World gets a Little Hairy, a photo by Sam Antonio Photography on Flickr.

Reno is the armpit of Nevada.

Full of hardcore gamblers, aging casinos and tacky wedding chapels, Reno bills itself as the “The Biggest Little City in the World” when in reality its the cheap, downmarket version of Las Vegas. The best thing about Reno is that Lake Tahoe is right over the hill.

As you can tell I’m no fan of Reno, Nevada.

I happen to be there back in September for a work related conference so I was forced to spend a couple of days there.

The photograph isn’t tack sharp due to high winds that were kicking up that evening. It also didn’t help that drunk bums kept running into my tripod (I just made up that last part). Actually, I wish there were drunk bums walking around because downtown was completely devoid of people.

Blame the bad economy or the simple fact that Reno is an armpit.

Happy Travels! Just stay away from Reno!

Text and photo copyright by ©Sam Antonio Photography

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