Sunday, February 15, 2015

Hong Kong: Day 1-2.



Finally, five weeks after coming home, I've finished editing photos from the Hong Kong & Beijing portions of my trip. It seems so long ago now, but once more I am glad that my calling was photography, because I get to remember it all so vividly through this: the art of visual storytelling.

I wrote plenty while I was away but there's not a lot I feel like sharing from this first chapter of the trip, so I'll let the photos do what they do best.































































































4 comments:

  1. Your photos make me want to go back to Hong Kong, especially the Christmas Lights which were up when we went a few years ago.

    May I ask how you travel with your camera and make it easier to carry around (if at all)? I always consider taking my DSLR with me on holidays but every time I decide not to because I don't like having to lug it around all day plus concerns about getting it stolen. How do you make it work for you?

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    Replies
    1. Thanks for commenting Tash!

      My camera has been such a big part of my life for many years so I don't even really think about its weight/bulk anymore (mostly because I don't get a choice). I've flirted with the idea of taking only my phone—but seriously, I just can't, and to date, haven't regretted it. Also, after trekking through Borneo with it plus 15+ kgs of other luggage, suddenly it doesn't seem so heavy anymore...

      With my most recent travels, I've brought the same kit—my 5D MK II and a 24-70mm f/2.8 L lens. That's about 2kgs of gear already; I don't bring a tripod. The single lens is a compromise I have to make because of all the issues you just mentioned. This is fine for me, though, because the single lens I use is quite versatile and perfect and mostly what I shoot on anyway.

      I guess what I should say is: I don't have a secret in terms of making it easier to travel with. It definitely is cumbersome, I'm not going to lie, so it's more about weighing up what's worth it for you.

      In terms of it getting stolen: so far, so good, but can never be too safe I guess. It travels in my carry-on on the airplane. In crowded and unsafe areas I put it in my backpack and leave it there and make sure everything is secure; I carry my backpack on my front. If I need it out of my bag, it's around my neck, or with the strap tied a couple of times around my wrist. I guess those are only preventative measures, and if someone really wants to steal it, they're probably going to steal it, but I think it'd be pretty hard for them to get it off me as it never, ever leaves my sight!

      I hope that helps, somewhat. Perhaps I should write a dedicated post about this one day? Let me know if you have any more questions, as if I get any other specific travel + photography questions it'll be a good, interesting post to write :)

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    2. Thanks for replying so quickly, it has definitely left me with food for thought :)

      I'm thinking I should look into ways to make it more bearable for myself like just taking a single lens and possibly investing in a more comfortable and compact bag. I'm off travelling very soon so I'll have to do some pondering over it. Thanks again!

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    3. No problem, I'm glad I could be of some help! P.S. I forgot to mention last night, but my dSLR is my only camera except my iPhone and instant film cameras, so I can never actually be tempted to fall on a "backup" small digital option, and thus how I've learnt to deal with it—out of necessity ;)

      Yes, investing in a good bag & strap (i.e., not the default one that came with the camera. I use this strap: http://www.crumpler.com/au/camera-bags-straps/industry-disgrace) is a must. You've probably already seen but most camera-related gear is fairly expensive, but if it's well-designed, functional, and built to last, it's worth it. You just have to think about all the different situations you'll be using your camera and decide on a bag that way. I also refer to a great bag review website: http://carryology.com.

      When I was travelling through HK I simply had my gear inside a pouch (http://www.crumpler.com/au/camera-bags-straps/haven-m) that then went inside a Herschel backpack (which I also use for weddings and other day shoots). When I was travelling through Borneo, I used the very same pouch but it went inside a Kathmandu water-resistant trekking daypack. The pouch was a much better and more flexible option for me, rather than trying to find a semi-stylish camera bag to suit all occasions. You may find the pouch option works better for your future needs (and is far less expensive than investing in a whole, brand new bag that you may not find as functional as you'd hoped!).

      Do feel free to email me if you ever have any other camera/photo-related queries, I'm more than happy to help :)

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