2014 In Color

The end of the year is getting near, it's time to sit back and review what I've done. This year, for the first time I've managed to curate my own works and compile them into a single volume collection, "2014 In Color". Comprises of 70 selected color street photographs that I took during 2014. I intentionally ignore all my BW works which I already posted here in this blog. I want to see how I progressed in making color picture.

During Eid al-Fitr holiday on July, I bought a street photography book by Paul Zacharia, a well known Indonesian senior photographer. At the end of his book, he wrotes a defining principles to differentiates Documentary, Jurnalistic, and Street Photography. I found his statement to be enlightening and sharpen my view about this mixed-up photography genre.

To summarize, I could recite here :

• DOCUMENTARY PHOTOGRAPHY, capture the subject/moment which considered worthed to be archived for future reference in specific purpose. This includes our family documentation. In fact, Mr. Paul said that all photographs are documents!
• JURNALISTIC PHOTOGRAPHY, capture the subject/moment which considered to be important and newsworthy that should be reported to general public.
• STREET PHOTOGRAPHY, capture the subject/moment which considered to be unique, spontaneous, candid, full of surprises as its main attributes. It doesn't have to carry a message or purpose, only for the sake of its spontaneity and visual attractiveness. Sometimes street photographs seems too obscure and not easy to grasp. Mr. Paul said further that we are not being asked to understand (meaning/message/purpose) of street photographs, we just need to ENJOY them.

Those three categorization could overlap in single photograph which confuses new comers and rolls endless debates. I found Mr. Paul definition completely answers all questions. Regardless whether you agree or not with him, just keep shooting and do whatever you like.

In the same book, Mr. Paul mentions two great names as exemplary of street photographers : HCB and Alex Webb. I already know HCB with his geometric approach. I heard Alex Webb mentioned in many discussion forums but I've never see his works. As I explore further, I found his "Suffering of Light" and get fascinated with it. I read many reviews about his works and started being influenced. I use some of his formula (the simpler one) in arranging composition. The multilayer is the most complex one that I'm still hesitate to tried. In "2014 In Color" you could see my imitation of Webb composition. Here is my personal favorite ...

In making a compilation, the most difficult part is to choose the right selection from thousands that accumulates during the year. Fortunately, I have successfully implement a Digital Asset Management system to organize my photographs. It proves to be fruitfull to establish the practice of registering/categorizing our photo shortly after every photowalk. I'll write more about this in separate blog post. After you have your selection, the next step is to arrange the sequence how those photographs appear one after another in the book. This is a highly personal, artistry and heuristic process. The recommended way in doing this is to print all your photographs and spread all of them on the floor. Gradually we will see the connection between the photographs. Rebecca Webb (Alex Webb's wife) once said, "My picture is smarter than me", to illustrate how unscientific and unsystematic this process could be.

After three weeks of contemplating, here is my personal selection of my own photographs. The following link will redirect you to issuu.com. To download, click the Share icon on issuu, then click Download.
Hope this could pleases your eyes ...

Urban Shape #21

This was taken on Dago Street, at the intersection with Sulanjana Street, across the Dukomsel building. At that time, I visualize different picture. I put the white wall on the left side (not shown on the frame) to strengthen the curve line. But it turns out to be a major distraction. Big white wall against the gray toned paving are compete each other, very unpleasant to look at. I treat this picture as failure.

Last week I look again to these shots and I see the potential to be a good picture. I heavily crop the image to get the one above.

I don't like cropping. It's like playing cheat. There's something wrong in my process in taking this shot. Maybe I should use 50mm lens instead.

6 Jul 2014
Nikon F3HP
Nikkor 35mm f/2 AI
Kodak Tri-X 400

Urban Shape #20

This photo was taken at the ancient Quinine Factory building, built around 1896 by the Dutch Colonial. The architecture gives a nice mood like those in European countries.

The most difficult thing in making this picture is to wait for the exact moment when the traffic ceased and something interesting happens on the sidewalk at the same time. I spent around 30 minutes here without good result. The decisive moment is very elusive.

Several weeks later I review again these shots and make a little "adjustment"  to get the one presented here. I heavily crop the image to get this not-so-bad composition. A glimpse of car at the lower left turns out to be a good element to enrich the picture, suggesting more ambiguity to create a hypothetical story from this image.


6 Jul 2014
Nikon F3HP
Nikkor 35mm f/2 AI
Kodak Tri-X 400

Urban Shape #19

Simple rectangle with a little selfie. Vivian Maier took many self portrait in her body of work. So why not ? :)
I was expecting passerby to appear across the street to create a nice reflection on the glass. Unfortunately the traffic is too busy, passerby across the street would be blocked by car.

A man showed up carrying his child on a stroller, I took several shot of him when his reflection appear on the right and left glass. The light on the right area was sufficiently bright to create a well exposed glass reflection. But the glass is decorated by drawings that interfere the reflection, renders it unreadable. The left glass was clean but the light was not as good, yields a less than ideal figure to ground relation. Arrgh...


1 Aug 2014
Nikon D700
Nikkor 35mm f/2 AI
ISO 400 - f/8 - 1/125

Urban Shape #18

This is the same formula as Urban Shape #15, taken at almost the same spot. I moved south to the second U-turn under the Pasupati fly over. It was Eid al-Fitr day, most people were out of town and the street was nearly empty. Look at the background, I really love that 'cozy' street atmosphere.


28 Jul 2014
Nikon D700
Nikkor 35mm f/2D
ISO 1600 - f/11 - 1/30

Urban Shape #17

Again.. the curve line attracted me. Although it's not the most pleasing curve line, I tried to get some picture from it. I found those umbrella fit nicely with the line, unfortunately its rendering is too similar with the background. I think a little level/curve adjustment in Darktable could help increase the separation.


9 Jul 2014
Nikon D700
Nikkor 35mm f/2 AI
ISO 400 - f/8 - 1/250

Urban Shape #16

I'm very surprised when I came here. Amazing! I never know there's a beautiful scene like this, only 3+ km from home. One thing that intrigued me the most is the tip of Pasupati bridge on the background. My favorite subject! Unfortunately, the scanning process by Nasir Photo is not properly done, the highlight areas are washed out into white sky.

I've checked the negative, it has properly exposed. I even could see the slope of Tangkuban Prahu Mountain on the far background. Fantastic!!

I should go back here...


6 Jul 2014
Nikon F3HP
Nikkor 35mm f/2 AI
Kodak Tri-X 400

Urban Shape #15

This is the turn around point connecting Dipati Ukur and Surapati Street which stems from the famous Dago Street. This area attract so many youth to gather here every week.

Every curve line always draw my interest, as it give the potential to craft a geometric composition. I like this turn around path, combined with the stripes of the zebra cross and the pedestrian lane. Although I think the vantage point of this picture is not optimal. I'm not finished yet with the framing when that girl coming.

6 Jul 2014
Nikon F3HP
Nikkor 35mm f/2 AI
Kodak Tri-X 400

Urban Shape #14

This was taken at the same spot as Urban Shape #13. Vertical frame makes the fence line looks stronger and increase the image's overall depth. This spot is very interesting to explore geometrical composition. I have several shot from other angle. All of them have the potential to be a great picture.

I spent several minutes waiting for something unique and decisive to complete the scene. Shot using film, I have to economize the frame. Machine gun approach doesn't apply here. I have to be sure and conscious about every frame I took.

Then come this motorcycle rider from the left, I see him from the corner of my eye before he enter the scene. Click the shutter when his position align with the pedestrian. That evening was already late, the light was starting to dim. My shutter speed was around 1/60 or 1/30. I knew the motorcycle will be blurry and the result is just as expected.


5 Jul 2014
Nikon F3HP
Nikkor 35mm f/2 AI
Kodak Tri-X 400

Urban Shape #13

Play with film again!

I've been here several times but never explore much. This is the backyard area of Balubur Town Square (Baltos) Bandung. On the upper left could be seen the alley to Kampung Pulosari.

I like the lines of the fence and car entrance alley, combined with the arrow signage  on the asphalt. Looks good to me as an asymmetrical balance. It's already an interesting composition, but need more "decisive elements" to make a good picture. Mix of pedestrian, motorcycle and car pass through here randomly. I stare on the view finder continuously just waiting for the right moment.

Using a manual film camera, frequently I forgot to coke the shutter for the new frame. I lost many picture because of that. I don't take that as failure, I chose to use this camera to experiencing that process. It creates a sense of discipline in the process of taking photograph.

I snap this shot because I feel there's an interaction between the couple and the woman on the right. The woman's position tend to give a hint as though she is going to the upper right direction and the couple are going to after her. In reality, the couple and the woman don't know each other and they are not going to the parking lot.


5 Jul 2014
Nikon F3HP
Nikkor 35mm f/2 AI
Kodak Tri-X 400

Banceuy 1920 vs 2014

This is a little exercise for my GIMP skill. As I wrote here, I intent to make a "me too" attempt of Shawn Clover excellent works, using my hometown as subject matter. Here I choose the Banceuy scene as target. The original shot is nearly impossible to retake today, fortunately we can still have a glimpse of that dome that preserve its signature.

courtesy of Troppenmuseum

D700 - Nikkor 50mm f/2 AI ISO 800 - f/8 - 1/250

The perspective of my shot is not completely match the original. Compare the size of people from each photograph. Maybe I should move a few steps closer into the scene. Never mind, it's good enough for now.

Take a look at the power line. We modern people are crazy enough to hang two pairs of shoes on it.


14 Jun 2014

Contact Sheet : Bread Talk Tamini Square

I was at the lobby of Tamini Square, waiting for the driver to pick me up. I've visited this place many times before, always in a time tight business situation. That evening, I just finished all my work activities and have few more minutes before go back to Bandung. Then I saw these parallel lines on the floor is very inviting to take a picture. The only camera I have is my smartphone. So with full hope for luck I play again with this slowish laggish camera shutter.

I took 11 shots and found three of them to be good enough, capturing the move of walking people in relation to those parallel lines. At the end, I like the below image the most. It shows the pattern clearly and directs the eye to the dark clothed woman walking on the middle ground. Not bad for three minutes photo session using the better-than-nothing camera.

Urban Shape #12

This is a re-shot of Urban Shape #6, taken from the other side. I positioned myself higher to make a strong line from the curve of the bench. I'm aware about the busy traffic on the background, contrasting with the restful atmosphere of the bench. Out of luck, a little girl show up while I'm still composing the frame. I snap the shot right away, got her candid expression right at the tip of the bench.

The light was good, it was a warm sunny evening. The sun was low enough on the west, creating a nice shadow on the ground. I even took a beautiful selfie that day :)


1 Jun 2014
Nikon D700
Nikkor 35mm f/2 AI
ISO 400 - f/8 - 1/250

Urban Shape #11

I took this shot at Bandung Zoo. I purposely came here to practice my sense of visual design, especially about the curve line. After Urban Shape #10, I specifically search for something curvy and try to make a good picture out of that. Then I found this circle paving near the entrance gate. It's not the best urban curve shape, but the rectangular elements of the paving that build the curve make an interesting combination. A curve built from rectangle. Isn't that magic ?

So I have the stage set, now I need the actor. Visitors pass by in random direction, doesn't inline with the curve. After waiting a few minutes, the crowd starts to ceased, then a little child show up near the turn of circle paving, with a women and another child on the background. Actually I prefer the background to be clean, leaving the child as a solo actor. But mother nature doesn't like that. I waited several more minutes wishing for another luck, nothing comes up. This is the best I could get from this spot.


1 Jun 2014
Nikon D700
Nikkor 35mm f/2 AI
ISO 400 - f/8 - 1/125

Photo Walk : Retake The Vintage Shot

Around a year ago, I was very impressed by the work of Shawn Clover. He managed to blend old photos of San Francisco 1906 earthquake with his own shot and put them into a dreamy look contrasting the two scene happened at the same place but separated by 100+ years time. Take a look at his Fade to 1906 here and here.

This afternoon I conduct a feasibility study to make a "me too" attempt, using my hometown as subject matter. I collect many iconic images of Bandung from the internet, taken around 1920-1940. I drop those photos that doesn't have high enough resolution, yielding around 15 - 20 photos. The goal of this study is to evaluate the feasibility to retake those shots today as accurate as possible, given the environmental changes happened in the last 90-100 years.

The challenges are :

1. Find the exact standing position where the original photograph was taken
2. Guess the focal length of the lens being used. Those photos was taken before the invention of zoom lens. I guess it would be 35mm or 50mm.
3. Find the exact camera height and tilt angle to create the same perspective view. This step only possible after the two previous step has been done right.

I treat the third step as low priority. It would take too great effort and time for a single afternoon photowalk.
Here are what I've got ...

Savoy Homann Hotel

courtesy of Tropenmuseum

D700 - 35mm

I found that the original photo was taken from behind the fence of Gedung Merdeka (Societeit Concordia). It is several meter behind my current position and slightly raised. It takes special permit to enter the Gedung Merdeka teritory, but I think it's manageble. Result : FEASIBLE


The Intersection of Grote Postweg and Bragaweg

courtesy of Tropenmuseum

D700 - 35mm

I just realized that there should be another old building on the currently OCBC-NISP office. That's why that area is feel strange, doesn't blend with its neighbor. I take the shot using 35mm lens. I think the original was taken using 50mm. My standing position is on the public road area, so no permit required. Just be careful with the traffic. Result : FEASIBLE


Post en Telegraf Kantoor

courtesy of Tropenmuseum

D700 - 50mm

This big building is now surrounded by crowds. I couldn't step back more, I stuck on the pedestrian crossing bridge behind me. Result : NOT FEASIBLE

Escompto Maatschappij Kantoor (south view)

courtesy of Tropenmuseum

D700 - 35mm

The original photo is very old, I guess from around 1910s. There should be another vintage building on the right side, but that even hasn't built yet.
By comparing the proportion, I think I've used the correct focal length, 35mm. The angle is not identical, I should move to the right and raised upward. Unfortunately, that area is already become the new Grand Mosque. Result : NOT FEASIBLE


Escompto Maatschappij Kantoor (south-east view) 

courtesy of Tropenmuseum

This photograph is much later than the previous. The Post Kantoor in the background already renovated, it must be after 1931. On the right side of Escompto there's already another building. Unfortunately, today's view is completely blocked by the fence of the Grand Mosque. Result : NOT FEASIBLE

Van Dorp Store

courtesy of Tropenmuseum

D700 - 50mm

I still don't get the position right. It should be from a lower angle and several step to the right toward the street. The area is open space, just be careful with the traffic. Result : FEASIBLE


Bogerijen - Bragaweg (north view)

courtesy of Tropenmuseum

D700 - 35mm

I still don't get the position right. It would be on the third part of the street, against those cars. I should find the time when the traffic not too busy. But the possibilities are there. I've move around a little, even I could see that Bank Jabar tower as seen on the original photo. Result : FEASIBLE


Bogerijen - Bragaweg (south view)

courtesy of Tropenmuseum

D700 - 35mm

Today's view in Bragaweg, the Bogerijen building completely hidden behind the tree. Well, I could take the old Bogerijen with modern foreground. I think it would be interesting. Result : FEASIBLE


From the eight spot I visited today, it turns out only five is feasible to retake as accurate as possible with respect to the original. Given enough time, I think I could make something interesting from this.

31 May 2014

The Art of Waiting

"The best camera is the one that's with you…" - Chase Jarvis

I was at the lobby of my client's office. We had an appointment but the receptionist told me that he was still in another meeting and ask me to wait. So I sat on the couch and saw this interesting scene. A typical modern office with transparent glass wall and glossy ceramic floor. You can see the reflection of your face on the floor.

As Chase Jarvis said, I turn on the camera on my Lenovo P700i and start looking around to find the best angle. Shortly after, I got my scene framed and the game begins ... the art of waiting.

This is the approach used by many street photographers, including HCB. Set the frame first as the stage, and wait for actors to enter the scene. The focus point and exposure is already set and we waited in anxiety to anticipate any possibilities when someone coming into the scene. This process is highly adventurous and exerts a high tension to us to be able to capture that holy decisive moment. We never know what would happen, we have to react fast.

To make it more challenging, here is the problem ... smartphone is not as smart as DSLR in taking picture. Expect some delay between the instant when we pull the trigger until the camera start capturing the scene. We have to know the limitation of our gear and adapt accordingly in relation to the anticipated moment happening on the scene. This is a complex process involving visual, tactile and subconscious adjustment factor to accommodate the shutter delay.

I took 13 shots (only 12 shown) with varying result.

These cliche shot proved to be not that easy to get it right using a phone camera. A capture of people walk from side angle. We have to trigger the camera at the right moment (with adjustment to shutter delay) to get a wide leg spread that gives a strong "in the move" mood. I got three shots which I think is timed correctly, but two of them are out of focus. The AF function is smart enough to blur the main subject. That's another point to consider.

By doing this kind of exercise, we will learn how to anticipate a moment. We will develop the ability to recognize the feel, the atmosphere that "hints" the beginning of something, and take action in rhyme as the scene progressed. It is difficult to explain, you have to experience by yourself.

Ideally this exercise should be done using a proper camera. The smartphone factor is added to increase the difficulty level. I bet we will appreciate our DSLR more, even if it's already aged 5+ years old. .

Lenovo P700i - ISO? f-stop? shutter speed? whatever ...

Urban Shape #10

This shot was taken at the parking entrance of Yogya Dept. Store, Kepatihan Street. Basically, this is a scene with leading line which direct the eye to the subject, the concept I've used in many shots before. But this time, the leading line is curved instead of straight. That makes a big different. I should hunt for more curve line to create a "more-than-usual" picture.


17 May 2014
Nikon D700
Nikkor 35mm f/2 AI
ISO 800 - f/8 - 1/125

Urban Shape #9

After I took the shot Urban Shape #8, I move 1 meter to the right and I saw this scene. The fence of the ladder and the wall of nearby building work hand-in-hand to create a unique framing structure that leads to the semi circle shaped ornament of the Great Mosque. Nice. The man and his daughter (I suppose) were in perfect position with a strong figure-to-ground relationship. This is geometry without being cliche.


17 May 2014
Nikon D700
Nikkor 35mm f/2 AI
ISO 400 - f/11 - 1/250

Urban Shape #8

This is a cliche shot that has been made by many. You can find many variation of this scene in Indonesia on The Street Facebook group. Boring. Nevertheless, this spot is quite interesting. The ladder change direction at the middle which gives a curvy feel. Normally, the ladder structure will be straight accompanied by usual U-turn. It's not the case with this one, located at Asia Afrika Street, near the Great Mosque.

The man was not showing his best gesture, but I don't want to waste extra time to wait another passer by. I skip the waiting process and move on to the next scene.


17 May 2014
Nikon D700
Nikkor 35mm f/2 AI
ISO 400 - f/5.6 - 1/300

Urban Shape #7

This is a standard composition employing a diagonal leading line from foreground towards the subject. A boring fundamental shot. The shot was taken at the pedestrian lane along Unisba Campus.

I usually use 35mm lens to take this kind of shot. This one was come from 50mm lens, it feels a little bit too tight.


26 Apr 2014
Nikon F2
Nikkor 50mm f/2 AI
Kodak Tri-X 400

Urban Shape #6

After I took the shot of Urban Juxtaposition #16, I came back several times to Taman Jomblo, wandering around looking for more interesting picture. I still couldn't make a good one out of those boxes.

Then I saw this stone bench with its convex shaped lining. Hmm... this is geometry! People are busy with their stuff so I don't have any difficulties in taking this shot. Next time I'll try again from higher angle so those people heads will be arranged nicely forming a convex line.


26 Apr 2014
Nikon F2
Nikkor 50mm f/2 AI
Kodak Tri-X 400

Urban Shape #5

I found this place earlier this year and I immediately recognized its similarities with HCB's shot in Hyeres, 1932. Nice place in Kebon Bibit street, near Pasupati. I've came back here several times to make a shot but no people around to breathe a life into the scene. That day, with full of hope I came back again and found those boys playing with motorcycle. They were very young, around 11-13 years old. Even their leg still too short to step the ground while sit on the saddle. Funny..

I stay several minutes watching them until that boy turn the motorcycle to the left, in very similar scene that HCB took 82 years ago. Bang! I got it. Well, this is not perfect geometry like HCB did. I'll come back to this place again to hunt for more pictures.


26 Apr 2014
Nikon F2
Nikkor 50mm f/2 AI
Kodak Tri-X 400

Night Photo Walk : Cikaracak Festival Amusement Park

Yesterday, I just got back home and I found this tweet on my time line :

3 Jam menuju dibukanya Cikaracak Festival pic.twitter.com/9NyRdXIfqI Hayu Para Wargi Kampus Ngariung Ka Taman Hewan :)) | @KM_ITB @itweetb
— Collaboration ITB (@puntentamansari) May 3, 2014

Cikaracak Festival? What's that? They said there will be a Big Wheel, Carousel, and Kora-Kora in Taman Hewan, which just 10 minutes ride from home. Take a peek on their website, it seems this festival is part of their society empowerment program. Organized by ITB students. Hmm.. looks like this going to be an interesting night photo walk. Crank up ISO to 3200 and let's go..

Nikon D700. Nikkor 35mm f/2 AI. ISO 3200 - f/4 - 1/125.

Wow.. they're not kidding! The Big Wheel is truly standing there. Taman Sari citizens are very excited to ride the wheel, including this cute little baby.

Nikon D700. Nikkor 105mm f/2.5 AI. ISO 3200 - f/2.8 - 1/125.

Are you ready to ride, Mam? Have you read our Term and Condition ? :)

Nikon D700. Nikkor 105mm f/2.5 AI. ISO 3200 - f/2.8 - 1/60.

Have a nice and safe wheeling...

Nikon D700. Nikkor 105mm f/2.5 AI. ISO 3200 - f/2.8 - 1/60.

Speed it up..

Nikon D700. Nikkor 35mm f/2 AI. ISO 3200 - f/4 - 1/15.

Don't worry, dear passengers. I'm a certified big wheel operator.

Nikon D700. Nikkor 105mm f/2.5 AI. ISO 3200 - f/2.8 - 1/125.

Let's try Kora-Kora. Buy the ticket first.

Nikon D700. Nikkor 35mm f/2.5 AI. ISO 3200 - f/4 - 1/125.

Waiting for the turn

Nikon D700. Nikkor 35mm f/2 AI. ISO 3200 - f/4 - 1/15.

It seems fun up there ...

Nikon D700. Nikkor 35mm f/2 AI. ISO 3200 - f/2 - 1/30.

... and also down here.

Nikon D700. Nikkor 105mm f/2.5 AI. ISO 3200 -  f/4 - 1/30.

"I want to ride Kora-Kora .. but I'm scared".
"You will swinging up there when you grow up. For now, how about the carousel?"

Nikon D700. Nikkor 105mm f/2.5 AI. ISO 3200 - f/4 - 1/15.

(Sorry my dear, you move too fast. I can't set the focus right)

Nikon D700. Nikkor 35mm f/2 AI. ISO 3200 - f/4 - 1/30.

How is it going darling? Enjoy your ride?

Nikon D700. Nikkor 35mm f/2 AI. ISO 3200 - f/4 - 1/15.

"Mommy, I want to take this home"

Nikon D700. Nikkor 105mm f/2 AI. ISO 3200 - f/4 - 1/250.

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This night photo walk is more enjoyable than last time in Braga Culinary Night. Scenes are sufficiently lit and not too crowded. Use of manual focus lens was intentional to sharpen my tactile skill.

3 May 2014