My Nocturne Photographs

Orchids Spectrum

© 2006 Martin Liew

Orchids Spectrum

I first came across this art form of photography at The Nocturnes (www.thenocturnes.com) and I was really impressed by the works of many famous night photographers in US. I particularly like the works by Andy Frazer, Tim Baskerville, Troy Paiva, Larrie Thomson, Michael Frye, William Lesch and many more.

I was so inspired and motivated that I got myself all the essential tools for nocturne photography, such as colored gels, strong flashlights (torchlights in Asia term), external flash units (cheap ones from Yin Yan, China made which I bought online recently). I use a fully manual 35mm film SLR, Nikon FM10 with 2 lenses i.e. 17-35mm & 35-70mm. Well most of the time I use the former lens for a wider coverage and perspective on architectural structures and landscapes. The film I used is Kodak Ektachrome E100VS. For "Orchids Spectrum" I used an expired Kodak E100GX therefore there are color shifts but I still love the color it produced. I use E100VS becuz I like the color sdaturation it produces.

I never intend to record any "true colors" of the night or make pictures of the "real" world in the night. Nocturne photography, to me, is experimental and a creative way of expressing on how I see this world in another dimension. To create an unworldly pictures with bright colors. Making nocturne pictures isn't as easy as it seems especially here in Singapore, where stray light sources from street lamps, house lightings, traffic lights, etc etc. So it's hard to come by any area or spot that is in near darkness. Well I do enjoy the whole process of making nocturne pictures and it does make me see and feel things differently in my surroundings. Of cuz it challenges me on the technical as well as artistic aspect of photography.

Here's one of the many photographs I made early this year and I will post each picture from time to time. Do come back and check them out.

What is Nocturne Photography?

As defined in the dictionary, nocturne has two meanings:

(i) a painting of a night scene;

(ii) an instrumental composition of a pensive, dreamy mood, especially one for the piano.

The word photography comes from two ancient Greek words: photo, for "light," and graph, for "drawing." "Drawing with light" is a way of describing photography. When a photograph is made, light or some other form of radiant energy, such as X-rays, is used to record a picture of an object or scene on a light-sensitive surface.

Therefore Nocturne Photography is all about light-painting/drawing of a night scene.

I'm Back

Well after taking a 2-week break from blogging, I'm back. It was a hectic 2 weeks for me, busy working and rushing for deadlines. Of cuz I never stop photographying. I've joined 2 outings so far over 2 weekends i.e. last Sunday and today, basically just on street photography. Didn't really get any good subjects to shoot but managed to finish up a roll today.

I used a toy camera, Holga, with flash guns i.e. Yin Yan 30STZ and Nikon SB-800 on Fujifilm 400NPH and Kodak TMAX100 respectively. I've sent the color negative for d/o & 3S print which cost 50cents per print at Ruby Photo Store. Can't wait to see the results. Will send the B&W roll film for d/o asap. I've stopped using Holga for more than a year now and impulsively I pick it up again, playing with 2 different flash guns to find out the "right" techniques for correct exposures.

Well I won't be featuring those works in this blog but I do have ideas of setting up another blog entirely on Black & white Photography with my favorite topics on nature/landscape, still life, fine art, portraitures and street. Until then I'd focus on my night photography.

Stan Kay

Moonlight Huts

© 2006 Stan Kay

Stan Kay

Last week I came across Stan's night photos at a local forum and quite impressed by his digital works. I'm still pretty new in digital night photography as I shoot in film all the time. Though I've never met Stan in person, I decided to correspond with him, seeking his permission to feature his work at my blog site. He agreed.

Stan Kay started out with film camera, He used it for his travelling trips but only knew about the 'Program' mode. He was introduced to digital photography about 3 years ago through a basic photography course. Learning the basic was just the beginning till he went travelling overseas and started to face with countless photographic challenges that make him want to keep learning and shooting for better results.

"Basically, I am a travel photographer who likes travelling and shoot whatever comes by. Back in Singapore, we don’t really have varieties so the only way to keep me going on with photography is to keep thinking of new ways to make my photography more interesting. It is more for my self satisfaction followed by showcasing and sharing with other keen photographers or people who have the same interest. Creatively my mind's eyes help me to overcome my lack of camera techniques and knowledge in my photography journey." stated Stan Kay.

The two night photos featured here are part of Stan Kay's Late Night series. To view the rest of his work, please click here.

CALM
© 2006 Stan Kay

Loo Gu Tai

Man In The Park

© 2006 Loo Gu Tai

Loo Gu Tai

Loo is a fellow member of PSS, whom I first met through Selina last year during one of the Photo Clinic sessions which is held every Friday night. She owns a Nikon F80 and she insists on using films and not interested in digital camera at all. After seeing some of my B&W night photographs, Loo got interested in night photography and since then she, Selina and I went for night shooting on most Saturday nights early this year.

On April's Fool night, Vincent Hau joined us at Fort Canning Park. FYI, the above featured shot was done by Loo and the man in that picture is none other than Vincent Hau himself, who volunteered to pose as a model for her. Loo used Kodak color negative film with aperture setting at f/8 exposed for 8 sec.

The shot below was taken on a separate night at Changi Boardwalk. Loo was drawn by the harsh shadows of the wooden railing casted on the wooden boardwalk by the only light from the lamp post. The light also brings out the wooden textures of the boardwalk which has this jagged line patterns that makes the whole picture more interesting. Things to watch out for are a.) the 'No Swimming' signboard right next to the lamp head, which was cropped into half off the edge of the frame. It was a slight composition error there. Always watch out for details. b.) On the background, anchored boats and yachts are blur not becuz of camera shake but due to 2 factors; 1. there were other ships sailed by in the distant causing some sea-water waves that spread towards the anchored boats and shook them causing motion blur and 2. the long exposure timing. Camera and exposure settings are not recorded.

Boardwalk by the Sea
© 2006 Loo Gu Tai

Selina Ng

Sentosa Park

© 2006 Selina Ng

Selina Ng

Selina takes on any kind of photography except portraitures. She's drawn to subjects that catch her attention i.e. found-objects in the street, old buildings, sceneries, etc. Her approach in photography is quite comtemporary. Selina prefers to shoot in B&W more than in color. She takes infra-red photography as well and do all her own film developing and printing at home where she converts the bathroom into a traditional wet darkroom. She does digital photography occasionally with a Canon 350D.

Here are two featured photographs by Selina. They were taken separately during two of our weekend night photography outings. These two pictures were strongly inspired by renowned night photographer, Andrew Sanderson's works. All pictures were taken on B&W ISO100 film, exposure settings not recorded. Film is scanned with minor adjustment in Photoshop for brightness and contrast.

Changi Boardwalk

© 2006 Selina Ng

Fireworks Festival 2006

NDP2005 Fireworks by French Team

© 2005 Martin Liew

SINGAPORE NDP 2006 - Fireworks Festival

It's that time of the year where we celebrate for our 41st Independence Day this year. Fireworks Festival 2006 is held in conjunction with our National Day Parade. Organised and managed by UnUsUal Productions Pte Ltd. This year's festival consists of 4 fireworks shows lead by 4 teams. It will be held at Marina Bay at 9pm.

Here are the dates:
• 5th Aug 2006, Sat - Team Italy lead by Mr. Francesco Ambrico of Magic Events
• 8th Aug 2006, Tue - Team Singapore lead by Mr. Henry Ng of SpectaWorks Pte Ltd
• 11th Aug 2006, Fri - Team New Caledonia lead by Mr. Charles Germain of Inter-dis SARL
• 12th Aug 2006, Sat - A complimentary musically choreographed fireworks display by the French team of Signapore Fireworks Festival 2004.

For more information and details, please log on to this site.

NDP2005 Fireworks by Vincent Hau, LPSS

NDP2005 Fireworks

© 2005 Vincent Hau

NDP2005 Fireworks by Vincent Hau, LPSS

Vincent Hau is a digital photographer and a fellow member of Photographic Society of Singapore (PSS) where he attained his Licentiateship distinction title (LPSS) in 2005. I first met Vincent at a night photography course we took at PSS mid last year. Later on we took up Studio Lighting course at PSS. Though Vincent is not particular into night photography, he has constantly attended various photography courses to upgrade his skills and working hard for his next higher titles i.e. Associateship (APSS) and Fellowship (FPSS).

During last year's pre-National Day period, there was a series of fireworks activities held at the Singapore River which attracted thousands of people crowded in the vicinity, catching the magnificient colorful fireworks. Vincent suggested that it's a good opportunity and a challenge to take fireworks pictures, be it digitally or on film. So we gathered another fellow course mate and went for it.

Honestly speaking, Vincent took better fireworks pictures than I did. The above shot was taken by him. If you like to find out more about Vincent's work, here's his website.

A Shed In The Park

A Shed In The Park

© 2006 Martin Liew

A Shed In The Park

A Shed In The Park was taken in the late evening during the last 15 minutes before the sky was completely dark. It wasn't my first attempt at making this picture and finally I found this one more satisfying.

This is what I like about night photography. Going back to the same locations and you'll bound to see things differently with some lurking surprises awaiting for you to discover. I'll go there again on the next few full moon nights and try to make a few more exposures with the full moon, if possible.

From there I have to find out and predict what will be the best time to take when the moon is set hgh or low and in which direction, so that I can capture every element in the frame. I'm sure that will make the whole picture more dramatic and attractive, or rather in a poetic and romantic sense.

Shanghai TLR • KODAK TMAX400 • 3min 40secs

A Night In The Park

A Night In The Park

© 2005 Martin Liew Photography

This photograph was made after a couple of early attempts and I wasn't satisfied with the results. Like landscape photography, night photography requires not only one-time exposure at a given time at one fixed vantage point of a selected location. Initially, it requires the photographer to find the right vantage points and make a couple of bracket shots. It also requires the photographer to come back to the same location on different days and timing for more different feel and mood to get the perfect image from the mind's eye, if the early results aren't good.

So on this particular night, I was walking in this residential park in the North area, hoping to make some good night pictures. I came back to this bridge where it's right across a huge canal towards a big field. After walking around to find the right vantage point I wanted, I set up my tripod, mounted the camera, and made the shot.

I really enjoyed this part of the area where the lighting caused this wonderful ambiance to the surrounding, as much as I enjoyed the process of making this picture. It makes me feel like I'm being there every time I see it. What a night in the park!

Shanghai TLR • KODAK TMAX400 • 3min 40secs

Doors #3

Doors #3

© 2005 Martin Liew

Shanghai TLR • KODAK TMAX400 • 3min 40secs

Doors #2

Doors #2

© 2005 Martin Liew

Shanghai TLR • KODAK TMAX400 • 3min 40secs

Doors #1

Doors #1

© 2005 Martin Liew

Shanghai TLR • KODAK TMAX400 • 3min 40secs

Gate #3

Gates #3

© 2005 Martin Liew

Shanghai TLR • KODAK TMAX400 • 3min 40secs

Gate #2

Gates #2

© 2005 Martin Liew

Shanghai TLR • KODAK TMAX400 • 3min 40secs

Gates and Doors series

Gates #1

© 2005 Martin Liew

Gates and Doors series

Here's another mini-project series on gates and doors. All were taken during my Nite Projekt trips. Somehow in some way or rather with strange feelings, I'm always drawn to gates and doors especially in the night where each individual gate and door presents itself as the "guardian" or "protector" of the respective building. Not to forget about the surrounding lightings that provide enough brightness and contrast on the gates and doors, along with its own shadows cast against the wall or on the ground. Gates and doors are entrances or passageways that lead oneself into an unknown premises which hold so much mystery, curiosity and even fear. To some, they bring hope and security.

Shanghai TLR • KODAK TMAX400 • 3min 40secs

Shanghai Hotel

Shanghai Hotel

© 2005 Martin Liew

Shanghai Hotel

It was a great challenge upon taking this picture, in terms of composing and finding the "right" vantage point/angle. The building on the foreground is Shanghai Hotel and River View Hotel on the background.

I was attracted by the grandeur of Shanghai Hotel with all the spot lights shining upon its majestic building structure. As I wasn't able to frame the whole building with a TLR of 75mm fixed lens, I had to compose and frame in a way to show the scaling and dimensional size of Shanghai Hotel. Hence River View Hotel came into view in the background. There was a strong spot light shining not directly on it but enough to view its name, creating a slightly dim effect compared to the foreground building lights. The lights from River Vew Hotel rooms showed enough shadow details which in turn made the building more three-dimensional. Because of this, I was able to show the depth of field between these two buildings. Here the lighting plays an important part.

Shanghai TLR • KODAK TMAX400 • 3min 40secs

Water Reflection

Water Reflection

© 2005 Martin Liew

Water Reflection

I came across this water fountain at The Esplanade Park, formerly known as Queen Elizabeth Park. The fountain is named after a very wealthy but generous merchant, Tan Kim Seng who was the first Chinese magistrate in Singapore. His numerous contributions to the society include the suppression of the secret society riots in 1854 between the Cantonese and the Hokkien communities. First unveiled in Fullerton Square, this beautiful Victorian-style fountain was built to commemorate Tan Kim Seng's generous cash donation in 1857 to improve Singapore's water supply. The memorial was later moved to Battery Road in 1905 and to its present location in 1925.

I was attracted by one of the four cherub statues as shown above; not by its own structure but its own water reflection. Here I tried to compose it in a subtle way as possible by showing the full body reflection in the water and its leg or body cropped in half on the upper frame. It was a challenge to compose and make the exposure with a TLR. The result is still acceptable. I'll go back for a few more attempts to get the desired result I wanted.

Shanghai TLR • KODAK TMAX400 • 3min 40secs

POINT TO WATCH

• I could have waited for the spotlights to go off as they certainly caused much distraction. On the other hand, without the spotlights, there'll be no lights shining on the cherub statue, in turn reflected back in the water.

• There are certainly a number of ways to get the right exposure after the spotlights go off. Either use a flashlight to pop some lights on the statue alone on a reasonable range where it's enuff to reveal some details back to the water reflection OR shine a strong searchlight on a light reflector to serve as diffused light on the statue. Well it can take quite some work to get it done successfully.

'TWINS' #5

'TWINS' #5

© 2005 Martin Liew

Shanghai TLR • KODAK TMAX400 • 3min 40secs

'TWINS' #4

'TWINS' #4

© 2005 Martin Liew

Shanghai TLR • KODAK TMAX400 • 3min 40secs

'TWINS' #3

'TWINS' #3

© 2005 Martin Liew

Shanghai TLR • KODAK TMAX400 • 3min 40secs

'TWINS' #2

'TWINS' #2

© 2005 Martin Liew

Shanghai TLR • KODAK TMAX400 • 3min 40secs

'TWINS' Projekt Series

'TWINS' #1

© 2005 Martin Liew

'TWINS' Projekt Series

'TWINS' Projekt was formed during my Nite Projekt series. As I travelled around the city by foot, I got to see more things than just riding a bicycle or driving a car with which one tends to oversee or miss certain things or details.

I was intrigued by the symetrical patterns and identical structures of the subjects I photographed. Hence the first impression and idea came across my mind. The subjects make me see them in different ways, metaphorically and emotionally. Well pretty much on personal preference here. It's subjective as well for any viewer.

Anyway I approach this project in a straight forward and conventional way in the fine-art photographic style. In this case I'm not making portraitures as the title stated. I take it as it is at the time of exposing. This sub-series is also an ongoing project which I think will take much longer time to complete. So far I got a few images made and this is the first one for your viewing pleasure. More to follow up.

Shanghai TLR • KODAK TMAX400 • 3min 40secs

Fountain of Youth

Fountain of Youth

© 2005 Martin Liew

Fountain of Youth

Fountain of Youth was made conventionally in fine-art style. The ambience lighting was so right and I couldn't resist this beautiful scene. The softness of the water certainly adds up more atmospheric mood which makes the whole image quite romantic.

Shanghai TLR • KODAK TMAX400 • 3min 40secs

POINT TO WATCH • I could have move back more for a wider view all round i.e. to reveal more of the fountain on the foreground and the wall on both sides in the background.

Homeless Man & No Littering

Homeless Man & No Littering

© 2005 Martin Liew

Homeless Man & No Littering I paid a visit to the National Library today to check out Eye e City 2005 photo exhibition. I took part in the event last year and one of my pictures was selected, as shown above. I know this is not related to night photography but I just wanna share my joy with every reader here. Here's how I came about making this picture:

31st Dec 2005, Saturday morning. I arrived early at Waterloo Street and walked around for some interesting things to shoot. As I took the escalator up a level above the hawker center, I saw this homeless man sleeping soundly on the floor. I walked past him but as I turned back to look again, I spotted the "No Littering" signboard on the wall. As the wall was curved outwards, the old man's body lay just along the contour comfortably as if he was performing some yoga.

Initially, I wanted to shoot the old man as the main subject but upon seeing the whole scenario, it occurred to me that the old man and the signboard have contrasting implications. It somehow creates an awareness of homeless folks wandering and sleeping in the street with no one to look after them. These people are literally treated like "garbage" and the No Littering sign board speaks for them. Don't neglect these people and their welfare. This can be a serious social problem if attention isn't paid to them.

Nikon D70s • 18-70mm standard kit lens • B&W conversion in Adobe Photoshop with Level adjustment and minor dodging.