A WET WEEK TO A WEEKEND OF WEDDED BLISS
So the entire week has been (sigh!) unseasonally wet. Faced with gray skies as rain continues to pour, what is photographer to do in the absence of mother nature’s light box? I dusted off the Canon MT24-EX Twin Lite Macro Flash and went out in the splashing rain shot a few macros that I thought were interesting to share.
© Jan Shim Photography
© Jan Shim Photography
Love the bokeh in the picture. Subtle yet distinctive.
© Jan Shim Photography
Ordinarily, you would find just one hornbill on a TV antenna at least from personal observation having followed the trails of our feathery friends since March 2008. So today, odd that I saw a pair of Oriental Pied-Hornbills on an antenna right across from my immediate neighbour’s residence who this morning celebrated her wedding day and no amount of rain dampened the couple’s spirits. I thought the appearance of these love birds was quite the romantic coincidence—Love is definitely in the air!
© Jan Shim Photography
Traditionally, firecrackers along with loud gongs and drums were used to mark the start of the procession (and fend off evil spirits) from the groom’s home to the bride’s house. In a modern day wedding, firecrackers are used to celebrate all important occasions such as Chinese New Year or opening of new business but in the case of my neighbour’s wedding, the start of the couple’s new chapter! The Nissan ELGRAND is one comfortable car for the long journey from to the Brunei capital where the groom resides.
© Jan Shim Photography
© Jan Shim Photography
Moments before the last piece of the firecrackers EXPLODED into smithereens! Note the high velocity smoke pattern exiting whatever is left of the fuse before detonation! (asthma sufferers and people with weak heart should stay away).
© Jan Shim Photography
© Jan Shim Photography
Quite the sight for sore-eyes. The Honda NSX was once dubbed the poorman’s Ferrari and I consider myself fortunate to have driven one at a time when it was (and still very much is) a head turner. I recall the silly grin I couldn’t wipe off my face that day! Years later, I got my fix from my turbocharged Subaru Impreza WRX, a subject of much interest and clearly one that I hadn’t found the time nor inspiration to write. 
© Jan Shim Photography
Nice Photos.
Rama Mohan
October 26, 2008 at 2:15 pm
I like the picture of the hornbills. It is rare to see one with its mouth opening big!
Jasmine
October 27, 2008 at 8:35 am
In some countries rain in the wedding day is considered a good sign for future family life of the couple. It’s like a blessing from above.
Cottages and Castles
October 27, 2008 at 6:09 pm
Jasmine
Indeed it’s rare to see one with its mouth open wide. It did so a few times and appeared as though it were yawning. Quite an interesting observation through the viewfinder.
Cottages and Castles
I don’t know about “some countries” but in general, Chinese associates rain with what you said, “good sign” and “blessing from above”. I’ve never shot a wet wedding before but there had been occasions when it rained on the day of a Royal event.
Jan Shim
October 27, 2008 at 10:54 pm
Hi Jan,
You may not know me, but i was in the hse that day & moment u taking the shot outside the hse.
Wondering that day… who are you? haha… out of surprise that, i was in your website today surfing & found this page….
Nice shots….
Soulmate
October 28, 2008 at 8:56 am
Hi there,
It’s nice to discover something accidentally the same way photography became a part of my life—accidentally! I was not supposed to be home that weekend which was one of a number of reasons I turned down the shoot besides not accepting any wedding assignments this year (or next year).
I had taken a few shots of the pair of hornbills from when minutes later, I saw the firecrackers from my balcony, something came over and I grabbed my camera and ran down even when it was still drizzling ever so slightly. Thanks for dropping by!
Jan Shim
October 28, 2008 at 6:14 pm