The migrated fisherman

2 Indonesian hired-fisherman in Nanfang’ao, a typical small fishing port in Taiwan lack of fresh labor and foreign import came as solution.

The two enjoyed their rest on shore.

Nanfang’ao, Yilan, Taiwan, 2012

DP-1 Merrill, DP-2 Merrill & DP-X?

No, there is no DP-X yet, just a wish – wishing Sigma would eventually bring out a DP camera with interchangeable lens and of course, with better image engine that can write fast, and hopefully a file format that is friendlier.  And much improved battery.

I have been using original DP-1 and DP-2 since they came out and later also the DP-2 Merrill and the latest DP-1 Merrill, without question, with the latest offering the DP series camera has finally capable of challenging the best, and best some of the bests, in pure image quality, although getting there is not without bumps. The biggest issue is obviously the software that is designated to develop the beautiful, detail packed, and very large X3F file – around 51.8mb, compares to 76mb for the NEF file generated from Nikon D800E, as a comparison.

The DP Merrill series camera is roughly the size of a SONY NEX-7,  a little thicker body but without the hand-grip, electronic view-finer and flash – not like a SONY RX-100 that is true pocket camera, it is still very travel friendly, and with visibly better image quality a low to moderate ISO range.  It is an OK camera with amazingly good image quality; it is for the one capable of making an image than someone simply snap an image.

Firmware update to address some of its shortcomings will be welcome, popular 3^rd party raw-developing software support will be much appreciated.

Image taken with Sigma DP-1 Merrill.  Original image cropped to show the detail.

Nanfang’ao, Yilan, Taiwan, 2012

The new dawn

This image took in the peaceful, fishing harbor of north west Taiwan, Nanfangao南方澳, right on the day break.  I was using a new Sigma DP-1 Merrill for this image, the X3 sensor captured the serenity and harmonized colors of this little fishing harbor faithfully while rendering the lights, the minute detail of the houses, and the tranquil water surface awaken by the moving finishing boats shot after shot.

I use Sigma’s original DP-1 and DP-2 and was impressed with its abilities in reproduce beautiful colors of nature although wishing its image size should have been larger.  With new DP-1 Merrill and DP-2 Merrill, this wish came true.  The unique X3 sensor and the fact of lacking low-pass-filter enable the sensor capable of reading what a good lens capable of resolving, making the DP Merrill camera capable of challenging the state of the art DSLRS of any size, as of October, 2012.

Nanfangao, Yilan, Taiwan, 2012

Portrait of Ko Sichi

A recent portrait made on the master, Ko Sichi 柯錫杰.  Shot with Sigma DP-1 Merrill.

Taipei, Taiwan

Little Kayan

“The soul is healed by being with children.”

~ Fyodor Dostoyevsky

Chiang Mai, Thailand, 2012

A corner of Phet Wiriya’s workshop

Shot is a corner of sculptor and carving artist Phet Wiriya’s workshop.

Chiang Mai, Thailand, 2012

Work in process…

Shot in a new wing of a temple in Chiang Mai with Nikon D800E and AF-S 24-70/2.8G ED.

Chiang Mai, Thailand, 2012

Transition into night

Worker meticulously lit up the oil lamp at the Mandarin Oriental Dhara Dhevi, Chiang Mai, making a smooth, warm and quiet transition into night.

Chiang Mai, Thailand, 2012

The little Kayan

Although what was the exact origin of such brass neck coil meant for may never be known, Kayan women, when asked, acknowledged varies ideas but often say that their purpose for wearing the ring is cultural identity.  The coil, once on, is seldom removed, as the coiling and uncoiling is a lengthy procedure.  It is usually only removed to be replaced by a new or longer coil.

In recent time many women have started to remove the coils and in particular the Government of Burma began discouraging this tradition as it struggled to appear more modern to developed world and consequently many women in Burma began breaking the tradition but in Thailand the practice has gained popularity in recent years because it draws tourists who bring revenue to the tribe, or specifically, the businessman behind the scene.

While seeing this cute little Kayan started to put on the coils that may continue to compress her clavicle, it is picture perfect moment for the one with camera, but just a way of making live for a little girl.

Taken with a SONY NEX-7 with E 18-55 OSS.

Chiang Mai, Thailand, 2012

sachant sais pas

Somebody said once or wrote, once: “ We’re all of us children in a vast kindergarten trying to spell God’s name with the wrong alphabet blocks!”

Chiang Mai, Thailand, 2012

The Elephant

“There is no creature among all the Beasts of the world which hath so great and ample demonstration of the power and wisdom of almighty God as the Elephant.”

~ Edward Topsell

Image captured on a cement elephant sculptured by Phet Wiriya.

Chiang Mai, Thailand, 2012

Wat Phrathat Haripunchai

Wat Phrathat Haripunchai stands in the center of a small northern Thailand town – Lamphun, is reputed to have been founded in 1150 by King Adityaraja, who built the wat to enshrine a Buddha relic found in an urn in his palace garden which built upon the ruins of ancient Mon royal palace.

This image taken at the entrance using a SONY NEX-7 with E 18-55 OSS.

Lamphun, Thailand, 2012

Resting Dog

A resting dog under the mid day sun, shot with SONY NEX-7.

Lamphun, Thailand, 2012

The fog & The portrait of Taiwan white pine

The fog is an illusion –

A master of disguise,

Which hides the tangible

Before our very eyes.

But when the fog has lifted

Everything’s still there,

And the tangible

Only seemed to’ve disappeared.

In the early morning

Or late at night,

The fog descends

Upon various sites.

It gives an air of mystery

That has long prevailed.

Dangerously intriguing

Is the fog’s foggy veil.

~ Walterrean Salley

Taichung, Taiwan, 2012