Mostly True Stories, Places

Hong Kong in HDR

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I don’t shoot everything in HDR. Honest, I don’t. However, Hong Kong is such a visual, visceral experience, quite beyond the ordinary sense, bordering on the overwhelming, that High Dynamic Range imagery seemed to be appropriate. Sometimes, I know, HDR–my HDR shots–skirt quite close to the edge of going over the top. I’m still trying to figure out where that edge is, what’s appropriate for the subject, what’s appropriate for the viewer. I certainly haven’t found that place–yet. I haven’t been doing this long enough. My wife sometimes tells me my HDR shots look like bad ’70s blacklight posters.

C’est la vie.

It’s fun and it looks cool. I can’t draw. I don’t use a brush. But, if I did, my impressionist paintings might also look like bad ’70s blacklight posters.

C’est la vie, again.

I would, at some point like to approach art, not just capture, although, I think I look at the world with a documentarian’s eye. I do enjoy the candid, the natural, the slice of life, the story in the moment.

I didn’t throw all my visual sensibilities out the window when I landed in Hong Kong. I did capture some of those images. Nevertheless, the striking structures of Hong Kong demanded that I shoot more than one image and compelled me to combine them in my favorite HDR tone mapping software. So, if that wasn’t enough of an apology, here is gallery of Hong Kong, HDR style.

And, by the way, I’d love to know if galleries work best for viewing these images, or, if posting them individually over several days is more enjoyable. Thanks, and I hope some of the fun I had in Hong Kong rubs off on you and brightens your day.

View of the downtown Hong Kong Financial district, Wan Chai.
It is easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of traffic, people, noise and smog; however, when in Hong Kong, don’t forget to look up. The sky is up there, somewhere.
In spite of the size of the city, the number of people and cars, Hong Kong boasts a remarkably effective public transportation system.
Soaring above the teeming masses, Hong Kong’s endless skyscrapers are home to the most densely packed populace in the world.
Many towering buildings in Hong Kong have been designed with rectangular openings to withstand high winds during violent storms.
Families live aboard Junks and make their living by fishing and transporting passengers across the water.
The Junk is a traditional Chinese sailing vessel. Junks are still part of the seafaring lifestyle for many Hong Kong.
Among the busiest natural harbors in the world, Victoria Harbor is also one of the most scenic.
While it may seem like it, all is not sweetness and light. While there are not many left in Hong Kong, there are still some poor areas.
Bold architecture accents Hong Kong’s optimistic position as a leading global city.
Changing light conditions and swirling storm clouds dance above the soaring buildings of Hong Kong.
A brewing storm lowers over Victoria Peak in the background and the massive skyscrapers of Hong Kong.
Every night for ten minutes, 45 buildings in Hong Kong on both sides of Victoria Harbor synchronize a light show to music.
Looking back toward the city from Tamar Park, Hong Kong.

Mostly True Stories

Utah Travels Photography Exhibit

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Mud Bath
The secret to such smooth, smooth skin could be found in the mud of Lubumbashi River.

I am excited to announce that two of my photos, The Tree of Life and Mud Bath, were selected for the Utah Travels Photography Exhibit. The exhibit runs from March 7 through April 30, 2014. There is an opening reception Friday, March 7 from 6:00-8:00 pm. Come see a great exhibit and say hello. The reception is open to the public.

The Tree of Life
The legendary tree of life thrives in Africa.

Utah Travels Facebook

Utah Travels is a photo exhibit highlighting remarkable photographic images captured by Utahns during their diverse travel experiences.  These photos reflect the beauty, richness and diversity of people, events, nature, culture and all that celebrates humanity and planet earth.

Utah Cultural Celebration Center
1355 West 3100 South
WVC, UT 84119

www.culturalcelebration.org

Mostly True Stories, Places

Hong Kong, a fascinating city

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With a population of over 7 million, Hong Kong is one of the most densely populated cities in the world. Known by its initials, H.K., Hong Kong is a world city and international financial center that is part of the big three–New York, London, and Hong Kong–that support the global economy.

I have been able to spend a few days in Hong Kong taking pictures and filming. Over the next few days, I’ll post my visual impressions of the city.

I never feel like I have enough time to capture the full story of the places I’ve been. Hong Kong is certainly no exception. There is so much more to a city of this Magnitude. The city is exciting and beautiful. The people are friendly. Language was rarely a problem. Almost everyone I met spoke English. And, perhaps most important to surviving the long days of filming was the food. In a word, great. I now have a much better command of chopsticks than ever before.

Hong Kong
Hong Kong became a British Colony in 1842. In 1997 China peacefully resumed control of the densely populated financial center.
Places

Taipei City, Taiwan

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Situated on the northern coast of Taiwan, Taipei City is the capital of the Republic of China. With a population of nearly 3 million people, Taipei is the political, economic and cultural center of Taiwan.

Taipei was founded in the 18th century and has been the center of government for China during various periods. Following World War II, Chiang Kai-shek lead his nationalist forces to Taiwan after suffering defeat at the hands of the communists in China’s civil war. Today, Taiwan has a democratically elected national government.

To reach this viewpoint where I took this picture, we had to hike some pretty steep steps. It was a good workout, and worth it. Taipei is a beautiful, clean and stunningly beautiful city.

Taipei, Taiwan
Formerly known as the Taipei World Financial Center, Taipei 101 was the world’s tallest building until 2010 when a taller building opened in Dubai.
Places

Chaing Kai-shek Memorial Hall, Taipei, Taiwan

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Two sets of stairs, each with 89 steps representing Chaing Kai-shek’s age when he died, lead to the main entrance of the Memorial Hall. Rising 289 feet above ground and covered in glazed tile, the structure and surrounding flower beds represent the colors of the flag of the Republic of China.

Chaing Kai-shek retreated from China to Taiwan with his army in 1946 following defeat at the hands of the Communists. He had been ruling China for nearly twenty-two years. After arriving in Taiwan, he served as President of the Republic of Taiwan until his death in 1975. During the period of his rule, he continued to develop plans to retake mainland China from the Communists. Following his death, the Memorial Hall was erected in his honor and has become a natural gathering place, landmark and tourist attraction. If you visit Taiwan, don’t miss it. I was impressed.

Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall
Erected in honor of former President of the Republic of China, Chaing Kai-shek, the Chaing Kai-shek Memorial Hall is a famous monument, landmark and tourist attraction in Taipei, Taiwan.
Fiction, Screenplays

Web Series Episode 3, Executive Privilege: Escape

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EP_3

Here is the script for the third episode of our web-series, Executive Privilege. This episode is titled, “Escape”.

John West, Navy Seal Commander, head of security for Camp David is framed by the President for murdering the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court. Events happen in real time.

Please read and make comments. We will try and incorporate your comments in the direction of the story.

And, if you’re interested in working in, or on, or helping produce, contact me. We’ll be launching our kickstarter campaign soon.

Episode Script: Executive Privilege_Ep3.01

Because I am traveling so much, it is taking longer than I hoped to get things launched. It always takes longer than you hope, anyway. I return from travel in March and we will get serious–really serious–about kickstarter, casting and production. Stay tuned.

In case you want to catch up on previous episodes:

Executive Privilege Episode 2: Deception

Executive Privilege Episode 1

Places, Things

A Taste of Australia

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Whirl-wind tour. 

Gold Coast. I want to feel the sand and surf before I die.

Brisbane. The Brisbane River snaking through the city leaves the marks of flood waters on the stone foundations of downtown high-rises.

An Aboriginal street performer plays a didgeridoo concert for some coins; the deep, rich, mysterious, mournful sound vibrating my bones. After playing, he tells us the story of how his father, European, fell in love with his Aboriginal mother deep in the bush.

Driving away, a Kangaroo stands and stares at us, watching us go with sad eyes.  Why are you leaving?

From Kangaroo Point, the spectacular setting sun gives way, too soon, to the sparkling stars of the Southern Cross. I’m far from home and longing to see my family.

The good news, for me, is that spending such a short time down under means that I will go back. I must.

Dusk settles on Brisbane, Australia and the Brisbane River
The Brisbane River flows beneath the Goodwill Bridge at dusk in Brisbane, Australia.
The sun sets over Brisbane and Goodwill Bridge as seen from Kangaroo Point.
This street performer, half aborigine, was a most excellent didgeridoo player.
On a visit to Brisbane, it doesn’t take long to leave the city behind and get lost is the Beautiful, Australian bush.
This young Kangaroo stood up to pose for pictures not far from Brisbane, Australia.
Not my best photo ever. When I got to close for comfort Kanga took off with amazing speed.
The Koala Bear is actually not a bear at all, but a marsupial native to Australia.
The sub-tropical climate near Brisbane, Australia is perfect for beautiful wild flowers.
Sunset on the Brisbane River.
Places

Sunset on Aotearoa

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No matter how much I want it to last, the day always comes to an end. I try to make it last. I try to hold it in my hands. I try to capture the moment, to remember the brilliance, to savor the beauty. No such luck–but wait–my camera…

Leaving New Zealand I couldn’t resist the sunset. Perhaps, the HDR shots are a little much; however, the actual brilliance was indescribable. Would I go back to New Zealand? Will I go back? In a Kiwi second.

First settled by the Maoris nearly 700 years ago, Captain James Cook discovered and mapped New Zealand in 1769.
Known as Paradise of the Pacific, New Zealand is a land of stunning natural beauty and diversity.
On average, there are 137 rainy days in Auckland each year, guaranteeing more sunny days than not.
Auckland has a vibrant and colorful Mauri population, the largest of any city in the world.
Climate conditions in New Zealand make for spectacular sunsets, nearly every evening.
With cool breezes, sunny weather and friendly people, if not paradise, New Zealand can’t be far from it.
Mostly True Stories, Places

Aotearoa, the Land of the Long White Cloud

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The traditional Maori name for New Zealand is Aotearoa, or “Land of the Long White Cloud.”  Ocean currents, weather patterns and South Pacific moisture combine for spectacular cloud formations which brood above the mountains, valleys and fjords, of New Zealand and bear witness to the truth of the ancient Maori name.

With the brilliant clouds and sparkling waters, New Zealanders love to sail. Auckland, New Zealand is known as ‘the city of sails’. Some reports boast that there are more boats per capita in New Zealand than anywhere else in the world.  Check any international yachting crew and you’ll probably find a New Zealander.

From my perspective, I could feel pleasant breezes, blue water and plenty of sunshine. Now that I’ve been there, If I had to choose, I’d rather be sailing–in New Zealand.

Clouds, sunshine and rain and clear water.
Can you hear the sea calling to you?
Even if you could sail around the world, why would you ever leave New Zealand?
We’re calling everyone to ride along, to another shore.
At home in the harbor.
Nearly one in every three New Zealanders owns a boat.
With a population of approximately 1.5 million, Auckland is the largest city in New Zealand.
At 1,076 feet tall, or 328 meters, the Sky Tower in Auckland, New Zealand is the highest structure in the Southern Hemisphere.
The western coast of North Island from the air.
Fiction, Screenplays

Web-Series Episode 2, Executive Privilege: Deception

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Ep2_2_screenplay captureHere is the script for the second episode of our web-series, Executive Privilege. This episode is titled, “Deception”.

John West, Navy Seal Commander, head of security for Camp David is framed by the President for murdering the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court. Events happen in real time.

Please read and make comments. We will try and incorporate your comments in the direction of the story.

And, if you’re interested in working in, or on, or helping produce, contact me. We’ll be launching our kickstarter campaign soon.

Episode Script: Executive Privilege Episode 2: Deception

In case you want to catch up:

Executive Privilege Episode 1

I hear them, the voices in my head. They tell me stories. I can see them with my heart.