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