..::ZuL::..

Joyful group

2007-12-17T07:20:00.001-08:00

Joyful group, originally uploaded by ..::ZuL::..

Getting to arafah by any means, including this. They saw me trying to take their pic and waved!!

Outing in Madinah

2007-12-07T22:02:00.000-08:00

Went on an outing in Madinah Al Munawarah, Saudi

I wasn't the only photog

Typical dates shop in Madinah

Kebab seller, wasn't too happy with me taking this pic

This guy actually called me back to have his picture taken

This guy was also happy to have his pic taken

This is how they unload bags on buses

4th Flight

2007-11-30T08:47:00.000-08:00

2007-11-29T03:40:00.000-08:00

Taken during the arrival of 2nd flight to Madinah. No pics from 3rd flight, was too busy then.

Arrival of First Haj Flight

2007-11-27T04:32:00.000-08:00

The chartered plane

Welcoming comittee

Waiting for the bus

Bags getting on the bus

Zam Zam Office

2007-11-24T06:56:00.000-08:00

Zam-zam bottles

Explaining of the exhibition

If only we can this back home

Old zam zam bottle

Ajyad Hotel, Makkah

2007-11-18T20:05:00.000-08:00

Unloading boxes full of medications and equipment from Consulate Office in Jeddah

ZIarah for Intending Pilgrims

2007-11-17T19:09:00.000-08:00

RTB interview

Registering

Darussalam guys

Haj Practical Course

2007-11-11T17:51:00.000-08:00

It was held on 11th Nov at indoor stadium

Teachers getting ready

In front of a model of Kaabah, it is much bigger and much more magestic in real life

Intending pilgrims practicing

Stoning at Jamrah - it is much bigger and wider

Packing...

2007-11-10T01:35:00.001-08:00

Sept-4253
Originally uploaded by ..::ZuL::.

Almost ready to go, been busy preparing as you can see.

Dates on first day

2007-09-16T20:51:00.000-07:00

Havent had time to update or take pictures. This was taken on the first day of Ramadan, guess I was too busy eating to take more pictures...

Priorities

2007-09-11T20:07:00.000-07:00

This shop would rather give priority to advertising death sticks rather than celebrate his magesty's birthday.

Haj Department Open Day

2007-09-10T19:45:00.000-07:00

Held last Saturday 8th Sept. There were lots of visitors and it coincided with intending pilgrims picking up their passports.

The "rumi" or roman alphabet version

Visitors to the exhibitions.. interesting historical pictures..

Polarised

2007-09-09T15:36:00.000-07:00

Without

Full

Taken from my car at the post office after collecting my new circular polariser (using Queens english) I think it was too much polarising. Should have turned it back a bit.

'iso [i, saw] this coffee and book everyday

2007-09-09T09:04:00.000-07:00

1/80s at f/2.8 ISO400 43mm

I am always having coffee and reading a book everyday, either electronic or "dead tree" version. Currently reading Getting Things Done by David Allen

'iso [i, saw] this slit-lamp everyday

2007-09-08T17:19:00.001-07:00

1/80sec at f/2.8,iso400 46mm

My point of view. Well, used too see this everyday.

'iso [i, saw] this bag everyday

2007-09-08T07:36:00.000-07:00

1/8sec at f/2.8,ISO 400,55mm [hand-held]
My crumpler

Arrival

2007-09-05T08:28:00.000-07:00

Here's to healthy civil servants

2007-09-04T07:46:00.000-07:00

Official start of promoting health in civil servants and health screening

Writing in the air

Songket hall

2007-09-03T22:56:00.000-07:00

The venue of tomorrow's Integrated Health Screening in Rizqun. Tried to get as wide as possible, 17mm does not seem enough

Tried out the LCD TV for the stage, does that blog look familiar? This image was processed twice, didn't realise my new action for placing the watermark would resize the image.

Smoking in restaurants

2007-09-02T21:51:00.000-07:00

This makes it worse, poor kid. The kid was probably thinking how rude and careless of the smoker.

I hope this will stop soon..

Back after a long break

2007-08-31T21:37:00.001-07:00

Too much work commitments, less time to shoot. This is a coffee addicts breakfast.. must have the free flow coffee...

Cake

2007-07-30T22:24:00.000-07:00

Using my new flip-it jumbo to photograph a jumbo cake. Doesn't look big here but trust me, it was a big cake

Day and night

2007-07-27T19:30:00.000-07:00

Taken 2 hours apart. Unfortunately the night one was not focused on the plate itself

Huge rihal

2007-07-27T16:58:00.000-07:00

Huge archway just on entering Makkah from Jeddah. All vehicles pass under this. There is actually a highway under that. This was taken in the car, on my way out from Makkah. the boundary is a few hundred metres after this.

Seventh Potter

2007-07-20T20:19:00.000-07:00

I managed to get my copy of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows at 7 this morning. Luckily there wasn't a queue like other places. My bro managed to get it cheaper though but nevermind. That's my improvised bookmark. Gonna try to make this book last but at the same time I can't wait to finish it

Seven-up

2007-07-13T20:48:00.000-07:00

Arabic version

Second body??

2007-07-04T05:58:00.001-07:00

A colleague of mine had the G7, so we decided to see how practical and how good the images are with a 580EX. The flash looks bigger than the G7. Have to use two hands to use it, feels top heavy. For $700++, can substitute for a dslr
Bounced off the wall directly opposite the bag
Close-up. Can't believe the quality of this camera. Reasonable bokeh if you consider the sensor size
My first shot, overexposed telephone.

Trunks

2007-07-02T07:51:00.000-07:00

Display for Thai Food Buffet Dinner at Rizqun

World No Tobacco Day 2007

2007-06-29T15:54:00.000-07:00

Putting up the back-drop. This year's theme is : 100% Smoke Free Environment. Everyone is welcome to join this weekend at The Mall, Gadong on the 1st floor. Lot's of activities are planned for the whole family. A Tobacco Cessation Clinic will also be there for smokers who are trying or thinking of kicking the habit.
The main slogan is "Smoke Free Inside", we need to have a smoke free environment in public places, especially in buildings
A banner with the theme.

Five Million Thank You's

2007-06-26T21:55:00.000-07:00

Health Promotion Centre - Under Construction

Receiving a mock check for US$5Million for the construction of the new Health Promotion Centre
Lots of zeroes. Wishing exchange rates more favorable.
For those of who always wanted to know where the concrete goes during these ceremonies.

New Macbook's box

2007-06-24T08:24:00.001-07:00

After much deliberation, wifey is now a mac convert. Her unopened macbook taken with my kit lens. Played around with PP, changing tone and variance. Quite happy with the result, quite warm and brighter than before PP.

Golden arch

2007-06-24T08:18:00.000-07:00

Only one half of the M was lit up, maybe to save electricity. Taken towards the end of our outing yesterday.

Smoke-free playground

2007-06-22T16:16:00.001-07:00

Public areas such as this should be a no smoking zone. Kids should be able to play in a smoke free environment

Basic rules

2007-06-22T08:52:00.000-07:00

Saw this stuck to the mirror on RBA flight back from Jeddah. Too many passengers on their first.. maybe second plane ride since they were on the way back from umrah. Pity the crew, toilet was flooded, water splashed everywhere.

Starbucks in Madinah

2007-06-15T03:15:00.000-07:00

Near the mosque. Notice anything different?

Allah Selamatkan Pengantin Di-Raja

2007-06-10T08:36:00.001-07:00

Sembah Ucapan Setinggi-tinggi Tahniah

Chai

2007-06-08T18:26:00.000-07:00

This cardamom (pelaga) flavoured tea is traditionally served to visitors in Saudi, poured using a special jug. It is an acquired taste, better to drink it with dates. No female serving the tea by the way, all male staff in Saudi. It can cause gastric discomfort as a colleague of mine found out, she took it on an empty stomach.

Refreshing!!

2007-06-04T06:22:00.000-07:00

Wanted to try out this banana something frapuccino at noon on a hot day in Jeddah. Looks refreshing doesn't it. It turned out to be very very sweet, even for Jai, a colleague of mine.

Mandi Time

2007-06-04T06:11:00.000-07:00

This is the outside my favourite mandi shop in Madinah. It is about 10 minutes away from the mosque. FYI, mandi means lamb cooked in a special oven called tanoor served with rice
Tanoor. Underground oven fueled by firewood. Seen them use this too cook our meal during my last visit but this time the cook shooed me away.

We've seen lamb on the rocks, now it's chicken on the rocks. This is also very yummy.
A meal fit for a king. Add some salsa, green chillis and jarjil(a kind of rocket lettuce) and the meal is complete.
Close-up of chicken and lamb mandi. Makes my mouth water just looking at this. Why can't the mandi in Brunei be like this??

Lamb on the rocks

2007-05-29T01:59:00.000-07:00

Last night one of us wanted to have his favourite dish, he has this everytime he is in Jeddah. I am still waiting for my mandi though

Breakfast time

2007-05-26T22:30:00.001-07:00

Typical breakfast here, a bit of western, a bit of continental and a bit of arabic. I forgot that I had my camera with me, by then all the food was gone heheh Tried to contain myself, lots of other things to consume later, like mandi. *Yummy*

512Kbps

2007-05-26T20:13:00.000-07:00

I like this better than my previous pic

Dubai Hotel

2007-05-26T19:22:00.001-07:00

ISO800 1/60sec f/5.0

The transit hotel has free internet access. Just hope the next one also has a decent connection.

ISO1600 1/60 f/5.0

Very inviting bed, especially at 5am Brunei time.

ISO200 8.0sec f/11

My attempt at long shutter speed, handheld. Helped by the window of course. I had to put the lens squarely on the window to prevent reflections and of course movement. Best one I had.

Panoramic view "high up"

2007-05-25T19:35:00.001-07:00

Wow, it looks small here but click on the image and you will see a panoramic view from my office. Th building on the right is quite close, probably why the software made it crooked. Nice view huh? I guess it's something to look forward to each time I go to work. Speaking of which, I will be away on duty in Middle East for 10 days. From previous experience, internet is costly there so may not be uploading large photos. So to the gang, won't be going to JC for 2 weeks

Flying Fox in Tasek

2007-05-23T07:04:00.000-07:00

"Whheeeeiii" ISO100

These two were among part of the crowd that enjoyed the flying fox in Tasek Lama.

Macro outing

2007-05-21T09:04:00.000-07:00

Yesterday went to Tasek for a macro outing with the gang. I should have brought a proper macro but in the end just brought the Tamron 28-300mm f4.0-6.3 Macro. Unfortunately the macro is only 1:2.9 but I am quite happy with the results bearing in mind the limitations of the lens.

"Small Dragon"

ISO100 1/250s f/6.3 300mm

Chased this critter in Tasek, managed to get a decent shot of it in the end before I slid downhill heheh good thing nobody saw me.

"Fiery ant"

ISO100 1/30sec f/4.5 65mm [Extension tube]

I borrowed Aku's extension tube for this one (thanks man). It was quite hard to get used to, not sure if I'll get one myself.

"Beach crawlers"

ISO100 1/30sec f7.1 300mm

Lastly, there were lots of these small crabs around Penanjong beach yesterday. Very fast. Very.. In the end decided to stay put and let them come to me. I had one facing me but it was out of focus. I think this guy was ready to run away again!

Lightning

2007-05-19T07:00:00.000-07:00

"Lightning in Bandar"ISO800 15sec f/16 183mm

I took this yesterday, with lots of luck. I was not able to get high enough. It was actually my test shot, didn't even check ISO or focus, so the image of the mosque is a bit soft. Tried 10 more times, no more lightning. Note to self: always check ISO first.

Last Sunday's outing

2007-05-18T21:33:00.000-07:00

ISO100 1/640sec f/11 70mm

Last Sunday's outing. A bit late, it has been a busy week for me. Wanted to get the flag with the mosque in the background, intentionally out of focus.

ISO100 1/60sec f/25 50mm

I had a few versions of this in different apertures, decided this was the better one with both car and mosque in focus. Although car is not that well focused. Shot in A-DEP mode, would have been better in aperture priority.. maybe.

Hospital RIPAS Jetty

2007-05-15T17:45:00.000-07:00

"Boat parking "ISO100 1/1600sec at f/4.0 35mm

People keep complaining about not enough parking in RIPAS Hospital, I don't think the owners of these boats are complaining. Taken last Saturday morning, arrived too early so decided to take a few shots. On hindsight, a smaller aperture might have been better.

"Empty Boardwalk"

ISO100 1/13sec at f/22 77mm

On the jetty itself, didn't have anything or anyone interesting to take photo of, so tried my hand in vanishing point.

2007-05-10T15:55:00.000-07:00

ISO100 5s f/11 35mm

It was taken last Sunday, 10 minutes after sunset. Found this log on the beach and I was quite intrigued by the metal staircase. By the time I got to the stairs, it was quite dark so I didn't want to risk it. C&C please. Probably should have had the log on the lower left.

Food Close-up

2007-05-10T04:50:00.000-07:00

ISO400 1/60sec f6.3 - 218mm

Roti kawin from JC last Sunday, fresh bread and lots of fillings. I wanted to try a bit of macro, getting the DOF right is tricky. I was using the 28-300 Tamron which has 1:2.9 macro setting.

ISO400 1/20sec f/4.0 46mm

Mushroom burger.. yummy. Taken in RMS Cafe in Gadong. Probably best value for money at the moment. I was so glad they extended the half-price promotion. Shouldn't eat there too often though, not too healthy. Focus was on the onions and the DOF was quite shallow.

Another sunset

2007-05-08T20:54:00.000-07:00

ISO100 13sec f/10

It was an overcast day but the sunset was magnificent. This was in the direction bit south of the sunset. Unfortunately my tripod was wobbly so not a lot of keepers.

LegCo Building before the storm

2007-05-03T04:36:00.000-07:00

ISO100 10.0sec at f/25

This was part of a series of trials in night photography. It was taken less than five minutes before it started to rain heavily. Underexposed and lots of lens flare. Tried to salvage with post-processing, cropped, removed some lens flare and USM

Street lamps

2007-05-01T08:12:00.000-07:00

13.0sec at f/14 ISO 400

I wanted to try some night shots but didn't want to go out. So I shot this from my balcony. A car happened to pass by. Had it on a 10sec timer which explains he partial headlights trail. It was ISO400, forgot to check as usual.

Tutong Beach

2007-04-30T00:03:00.000-07:00

This was from my quick visit to the beach in Tutong yesterday. It wasn't easy. Left behind my plate for the tripod, had to hold the camera in place on the tripod head by hand. PP is not as easy as I thought.

2007-04-22T22:26:00.000-07:00

This was one of my first shots with my 350D and kit lens back in 2005. Shot in mid afternoon.
This was taken a week later. Still have a lot to learn..

First one

2007-04-21T23:37:00.001-07:00

Why should I not have my own blog? Just wanna post a few pics, share my thoughts to everyone