Fujifilm, Fo Guan Shan and a Mud Volcano..

Fujifilm, Fo Guan Shan and a Mud Volcano.....

As much as I love my Nikon kit I have been looking for something lighter to use on travel assignments. As you may know if you have read my blog before I really enjoy my little Fujifilm X100, however there are a couple of niggles with it. I have the first generation X100 and it is slow to focus, sometimes painfully so, using it purely as a rangefinder is great, set the focal distance and learn to mentally measure the correct distance. Sounds hard but becomes second nature with practice. Although the glass is a delight on the X100, being fixed 35mm has run me into a few issues, Looking at how much I love the feel from the X-Trans sensor I figured Fujifilm was probably the way for me to go for my new travel outfit.

I got my hands on the Sony A7, undeniably a very capable camera, but I can't get over how lovely the images from the X-Trans sensor are. There is something that is just different and almost organic feeling about them, a bit like film. I also wanted to move away from an SLR feeling camera and keep it small, along the lines of my X100. The obvious choice in the Fujifilm range which offers me all I need and more is the Fujifilm X-E2. Having made up my mind I set about getting one and am happy to announce to all, that haven't figured this out from my Instagram posts and Tweets, I now have one and it is bloody awesome!

Every shot in this blog (except the photograph of my X-E2 which I snapped on my iPhone in a cafe) is made with my Fujifilm X-E2, it is with me all the time now. I have found only one draw, if I use the camera in a studio situation with flash then the live EVF (Electronic View Finder) is basically black. One drawback, which I can work around is nothing as everything else about the camera is all positive, and I have lots more to learn about it too.

I found myself heading to Kaohsiung and decided the best test would be to only take my Fujifilm X-E2. It is a good practice to enforce your restriction, what became apparent by doing this was that there are very few restrictions with the X-E2 and the 18-55mm kit lens as you will see.

Enjoy these......

First of course, the new tool. Say hello to my fantastic X-E2, pretty little thing isn't it.

Only taking this little Fuji, I felt the freedom to move. No more trappings of lens choices, speedlights and heavy bags full of kit, just me the available light this little camera. I felt a sense of purity, and also a bit odd leaving everything behind in the north.

Arriving in Kaohsiung and meeting Mrs. L at the hotel, I dropped my bag off and we headed out to our favourite Japanese beer house in Kaohsiung.. 

Ever since my old days of shooting 35mm film I was never the biggest fan of grain. I used Agfa 50iso film and Provia 100 mostly. I still shoot on Provia now, I guess I have been a loyal Fuji man for all my photographic life. My Nikons do ok at higher ISO settings but I still feel the noise is too much sometimes. The X-E2 is a revelation for me. I am happy to crank it right up and am not worried at all, it is amazing. In the cab here shooting at 2500iso hand held at 1/20th the Fuji takes the conditions in it's stride.

Scooters are the most common choice of transport here in Taiwan, it is mind boggling during rush hour as they stream along the roads, pavement, pathways, hell anywhere they feel they want to go, they just go. I had seen a few custom and trick scooters but this was the first slammed Rukkus I have seen here. With an 18-55mm lens I could open up the zoom and fit this all in, that would have been an issue with my X100 and it's 35mm fixed focal range.

The skilled Chefs, prep the tasty treats on the menu ready for a busy night.

Cold and refreshing, Orion on tap is the perfect choice to accompany the Tapas like grilled assortments on offer.

Good Sushi in Kaohsiung, but you'd expect nothing less in a Japanese restaurant in Taiwan's largest port town. Some places are better than others, this seared tuna salad was every bit as delicious as it looks.

Kaohsiung is beginning to remind me a bit of Brighton. The younger folk displaying a sense of their own fashion and style as an arty community grows in the town. I get the sense it is experiencing somewhat of a regeneration. Having enjoyed their meal, these Taiwan hipsters turn to their phones to socialise, a bit too typical a scene at the dinner table for my liking, maybe I am just getting old. One thing I really love about the X100 is how unobtrusive it is, the X-E2 follows in the same footsteps. It is subtle, quiet and allows you to go about getting shots without being too blatant or disruptive.

One last shot before before bed, and totally different conditions. The view from the 35th floor of the Grand Hi-Lai Hotel looking out over Kaohsiung.

The next day I decided I wanted to head out, having sorted my driving license and the sun being in the sky, it made sense to hire a scooter. The last time I was on two wheels was before I left the UK to move to Taiwan. However it was, as the say, just like riding a bike. Having had a little look about onine, I made my way to the Fo Guan Shan Temple (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fo_Guang_Shan). Having the freedom of the scooter meant that if I saw a sign or got curious then, as is my way I would just turn and head off along that road. I found myself very happily riding along next to the river without a care in the world.

My ride for the weekend, not quite the bike I am used to but it was a total joy just to be out on two wheels again. I hired this from Louis's Scooter Rental in Kaohsiung 24hrs for NT700 (http://www.scooters-kaohsiung.tw/). Louis is a nice bloke, he speaks English well and the scooter was in good order, i.e it did going and stopping both quite well.

About and hour after setting out from the shop I reached my destination, the huge and impressive Buddhist Temple.

Although it was a Saturday, and there were already buses arriving the Temple was still fairly empty. This had changed by midday as I was leaving. It seems that in Taiwan, if you want to avoid the crowds, arrive early and be heading away around lunchtime. 

In the UK I never much enjoyed going to church, I always felt uncomfortable in those places, however I am quite happy in a Buddhist Temple. The atmosphere is tranquil and welcoming, here there was a constant soundtrack of chanting punctuated with announcements over the tannoy, but it wasn't overly intrusive. I am not a religious man, however if I were I know I would prefer progression to oppression any day of the week, for now though I will forge my own path.

There was a fun instillation of these fellows on both sides of the almost symmetrical approach to the temple itself. Hopefully you can get an idea of how huge the statue of Buddha on top of the temple really is.

He really is a big lad.

Remember to look up when you are visiting these places, the ceilings often hold impressive features like this glorious lotus flower centre piece light.

I can only wonder at the amount of hours/years of work that went into this amazing carving made in one piece of tree.

Zooming in with the Fuji 18-55mm lens I can show you a better impression of the detail in this carving, stunning isn't it.

Having spent a couple of hours or so it was time for lunch and so I made my way back to the scooter. On the way I passed a display of lanterns. They took their inspiration from modern and traditional themes. Above a scene from "Finding Nemo" and below the more traditional influences.

Confucius. 

"Humanistic Buddha Land".

"A thousand prayers voiced. A thousand prayers answered."

Grilled Sailfish at Pasadena Bouchon.

Mrs. L and I both enjoy eating out when we can and discovering new places is always good. On the cards this evening, Pasadena Bouchon, a French influenced restaurant. The food was good, as was the wine and service, however the seating was a little more lounge than restaurant. I'd say it is worth checking out though if you are down this way and fancy something a bit posh.

A good travel camera has to be versatile, you can see from the shots above I have already used the X-E2 in a multitude of different and challenging conditions. Food photography is one of the most challenging. Obviously I didn't have a chance to set up a studio to make this and had to rely on my knowledge of settings and the camera's capability to create the shot I wanted. One of the most important things with food is to get the colours correct, the auto whiteblalnce performed well in tricky, mixed lighting conditions to produce a pleasant food photograph. Again having confidence to raise the ISO (2000 here) really helped in the dimly lit environment of this stylish restaurant.

Obviously wanting to get the most out of my NT700 scooter I was up early the next day and ready for an adventure. My friend Michael had suggested I make the trip to the "Wushanding Mud Volcano" as it isn't too far from Kaohsiung.  What fantastic visions the thought of this place created, hot bubbling mud spewing from giant open craters like huge open wounds to the Earths core, clouds of rising steam creating an atmosphere of the land that time forgot...(cough) we'll come to that.

Don't forget I am running my new camera through it's paces here, so first thing first. What good is a travel camera if you can't grab shots quickly as they present themselves? Street photography is a huge part of travel work, well for me anyway. 

If you enjoy making street photography then do yourself a favour and get a camera from the Fuji X range. My X100 rangefinder performed well, as I said the autofocus is painfully slow. The newer generation X100 cameras, the X100S and X100T have addressed this and are fast and accurate. I wanted greater lens options, other than when using flash I have become a fan of the live EVF. It is really good to see exactly what you will get when you press the shutter release and the exposure compensation dial makes adjustments instant and easy. I am so impressed that I expect sometime down the line I will invest in an X-Pro (sharing lenses with the X-E2 is a bonus) and maybe even the XT range from Fuji too. 

"Ok ok we get it, you love the Fuji gear, but what about this incredible eighth wonder of the world, the mud volcano?" I hear you ask, well......

I had got into the scooter, having had it for a day or so and I can tell you the road to this place was brilliant fun to whizz up with the throttle pinned. How you ride is your choice, I am not in anyway responsible for anyone else's actions. That is my disclaimer made, to enter the volcano zone, you too will have to sign a waver on the way in. Having signed my life away it was with some trepidation I walked past the sign above and onwards to the prehistoric landscape ahead of me, what monsters laid in wait at the end of the path?

Bravely I peered at the active monster towering above me, mud flowing freely from the crater at the summit

What lay beneath...a giant mud octopus perhaps...

Or just a lot of hot air, gently bubbling up in a really placid and laid back manor.

(I am not a videographer, this is filmed on my X-E2 using the built in mic and cobbled together roughly on Windows Movie Maker...I may make more videos though, I am thinking about a fashion thing somewhere along the line.)

OK, so it wasn't the violent expulsion I had imagined, it turned out to be a bit of a hillock with some very relaxing bubbling gurgles, more a meditative experience than a shock and awe one. Am I complaining, not in the least bit. If you are in the area, go and check it out. If you are on two wheels, then this is the perfect contrast to the maniacal road up to it which is worth the trip in itself.

Off this road lead a few slightly less well manicured affairs (dirt tracks), like a moth to a flame off I set. Hell, I am on a rental so as you know, you gotta ride it like you robbed it. Don't tell Louis, but I got air haha..

This panoramic from up on top of the hill near the Mud Volcano was made in camera using the stitched panoramic mode, pretty impressive. There are many great features built in this panoramic mode is not new to me, it is also in the X100, it has been refined as you'd expect. What is new to me is the wifi connection and in-camera processing you can do. It is perfect for behind the scenes captures and direct posting to instagram (obviously via my phone), I love this.

Finally I will leave you with this, a beautifully painted old single story house in Kaohsiung. I spotted walking to the station to head back up north to Taipei. With my X100 this would not have been possible to make, using the 18-55mm on my X-E2 it was a breeze. This is exactly what I wanted it for. Little did I realise that I would be able to use it for so much more. I had planned on writing about a few other things my new partner and I have been up too, I think this is a long enough blog for now though so I'll leave it until next time. Lots of very interesting things have been going on, I have been super busy, the busiest I have ever been and hopefully that will continue.

As ever, thank you for taking the time to look at my work, please go ahead and share it, leave a comment or ask a questions you may have.

Should you need a photographer feel free to get in touch anytime, I am always happy to hear from people around the world regarding any work they would like to talk about. You can reach me here or through my website: www.duncanlongden.photography

Hit me up on Instagram, Tumblr and Twitter for all the most up to date news and exclusive photographs.

The next blog will be in a couple of weeks, so until then, have fun and don't be a stranger.

Cheers,

Duncan.

It's cold outside....

It's Cold Outside.

As I mentioned in my last blog, it was snowing in the UK while I was there for a few weeks over Christmas and New Year. I love the snow, it always creates such a beautiful change in the landscape, plus we get to go sledging, there are few more enjoyable simple pleasures. The Snow didn't last too long but Mrs.L and I made the most of it whilst we could.

My Fujifilm X100 is a constant companion for me, it may be the first generation from Fujifilm but it really is an excellent piece of kit still. I am hoping to get some more kit from Fujifilm and develop my relationship with them over the coming year, I hope my Nikons don't get upset with me. There is a mind boggling amount of photographic equipment available these days, but as I am asked fairly regularly what I choose to shoot on and why I keep my research and knowledge up to speed as best I can. We all know photography hardware is a fast moving area, more megapixels, faster processors, better focus systems etc. The reason I have chosen Fujifilm is for their sensor development, it is unique and different, I come from a film background, it seems to me that Fujifilm and the X-Trans sensor are the closest to the feel from film, I don't mean it is emulating film perfectly, but the feeling I get from the images is similar. It's a bit like the difference between vinyl records and cd's, for me one is warm and embracing whilst the other is clinical and cold. Their lenses are solid and the optics are clean and sharp, so it seems the sensible way to go. (you can check out their range here: http://www.fujifilm.com/)

The above shot is from my X100, just a little in camera adjustment for colour temperature to make a lovely warm photograph of the low winter sun over the snow. The little Fuji handles the contrast in the scene very well.

Another from my Fujifilm, I had never been here before, I will be returning though. It looks like a scene from Lord of the Rings, or Harry Potter. Really beautiful colours among these gnarly and atmospheric twisted trees on this flat white day in Bradgate Park.

One of my favorite places, and a regular visit with my camera when I am home in the UK is Beacon Hill in Leicestershire, I never tire of making photographs here. The light is never the same, there is always something new as the seasons change, so be sure to take your camera back to the same place from time to time.

Having received requests about availability of my photographs for purchase (very flattering I must say, so thank you), I have opened an account on Fine Art America. They have created a very user friendly place to buy art from. If you are not familiar go and check it out: http://fineartamerica.com/profiles/duncan-longden.html?tab=artworkgalleries. I am posting more work regularly on there, I have plenty to add so am gradually working through my archives. You can really tailor your order to fit what you want, size, finish, frame etc. It is well worth checking out, there are some great artists selling their work there, and it is affordable too, especially when you are getting something well made to have and enjoy forever.

Travelling sends your body clock haywire, I have learned not to fight it. If I wake up, I get up, so I am often out as the sun rises, a perfect time to get those deserted shots and lovely dawn light. This photograph of a playground may not be for everyone, I like the stillness of what is usually a noisy, busy place. I am also influenced by Bill Brandt, although I don't embrace his love of grain and high contrast, well not all the time anyway.

I have become fascinated by this tree up on the Beacon Hill after photographing it for the first time a year ago. I just love its windswept shape, even on a still day it is so animated. As I said above, I am a strong believer in revisiting the same place to make photographs time and time again, never say "I photographed that already." it is a new photograph everytime you press the shutter. Remember that that exact moment in time you just captured will never happen again. 

My friends in the UK seem to have difficulty believing that it gets cold in Taiwan, but believe me it does. Not wanting to go out and feeling like I needed some studio time I set about making some shots of liquids.

First up, plain water. I don't have fancy timing triggers so it was trial and error. It is tempting to over complicate shots like this, but it isn't needed. Like the water, keep it simple. If you're wondering, no it is not a composite, it is a one shot photograph pretty much straight out of camera.

Milk was fun, a little more complicated with the lighting and certainly a bit more messy. I am very pleased with this results I made.

Continuing with liquids, it was time to get a little more complicated with my lights. I am not a Whisky drinker, I prefer Rum, however my father in law is, so I grabbed a couple of interesting bottles and began to build the set and lighting rig. I wanted to make a different feel for each so chose to place one on a gray background and the next shot on a white. The decision to shoot on white was to emphasize the blue tone in the glass, again keeping my shots simple looking, uncluttered and focused on the product. 

This is not all I have been doing since I got back. I made a couple of fashion tests and have organised a full on, full team fashion shoot this coming Friday (the 27th). Looking out of my window at the fog though this may take on a different aesthetic than I had anticipated. All part of being a good photographer, work with what you have. Thinking about it, fog would work really well actually for the amazing outfits we have lined up. Living on a relatively small island always results in changing conditions. I will be off to have a real scout around the location I have picked on tomorrow, as ever though, there is a back up just incase. 

I am looking forward to getting started shooting a range for a new client, their concepts should be heading my way toward the second half of March, I love the products so that should be lots of fun.

I have sorted out my driving license, the first photographic outing was made a couple of days ago and resulted in two stunning seascapes, even if I do say so myself. 

I also had an wonderful weekend in a small village called Dabang which is in the Alishan area of Taiwan. This area is known for its beauty, if you ever visit Taiwan, you have to make a stop in Alishan. I was there for a Warrior Festival, what a fantastic experience. Since getting back to Linkou, I have made the first steps towards heading back to make proper portraits of the Tribes people in the village and hopefully some from the surrounding area too. Taiwan is friendly, Taiwanese indigenous people are the most friendly in my experience, generous, caring and always great fun. I am really looking forward to a return visit.

In future blogs I will post photographs from the warrior weekend, the fashion tests and shoot, bring you news from the National Geographic Photography competition I was a judge for (the magazine should be out soon.), and hopefully lots lots more.

As I mentioned above, head over to my Fine Art America page, there is also link in the sidebar somewhere I think.

Thank you for taking the time to look at my work, please go ahead and share it, leave a comment or ask a questions you may have.

Should you need a photographer feel free to get in touch anytime, I am always happy to hear from people around the world regarding any work they would like to talk about. You can reach me here or through my website: www.duncanlongden.photography

Hit me up on Instagram, Tumblr and Twitter for all the most up to date news and exclusive photographs.

The next blog will be in a couple of weeks, so until then, have fun and don't be a stranger.

Cheers,

Duncan.

Back in Taiwan again...

Back in Taiwan

Christmas and New Year was spent in the UK, I will write more on that in a week or so as I am working through the landscapes I made whilst there. We had lovely crisp winter light and even a bit of snow, it's been a while since I was braving the cold to make a shot but it was well worth it.

I am happy to be back in Taiwan now, four weeks away is enough. Thankfully there are a few things in the pipeline, it looks as though the start of the year is going to be a busy one. The busier I am the better, I am looking forward to working with new clients and continuing to grow my relationship with existing ones. 

Being back it was good fun to hit the streets of Taipei with my trusty Fujifilm X100, it really is a great camera to have slung on your shoulder to grab those moments on the streets, enjoy these shots, all from the last seven days.

Punters queue for (in my opinion) the best Guabao (割包) in Taipei. It's funny but boy I missed some of the food while I was away...

Guabao is a delicious pocket of steamed bread filled with braised pork belly, fried greens, coriander and shaved peanut.... 

This fabulous street delicacy is one of my favorite Taiwanese foods, for those in the UK, don't be mislead by Jamie Oliver's foodie faux pas when he stated Guabao is Korean, it is Taiwanese and no messing.

Living just outside Taipei I am often on the bus into town, obviously it depends which part of town I am going to as to where I get off. I couldn't resist grabbing this shot at Songshan Airport, it presented itself to me as soon as I stepped of the bus, I guess it pays to always be ready.

I think this is one of the most popular shots taken in Taipei. I have shot this view a few times and I will shoot it plenty more I expect, after all it always looks different as the weather changes. If you want to make it for yourself, head on over to Nanjing North Road MRT station.

The weather is beginning to pick up in Taiwan, although it is still a little chilly in the morning, come midday it is quite pleasant. I love this sun worshiper, he was making the most of it with his tea on the decking at The Breeze Center Mall.

Sadly the view is not that fantastic from The Breeze. This is a fairly standard look for apartments in Taiwan, it isn't everyone's cup of tea, but I find them quite charming.

Betelnut is everywhere in Taiwan, you may have heard of the famous "Betelnut Beauties". Although it is a curiosity to see pretty young girls in skimpy outfits selling this stuff to punters from booths at the roadside. I'll leave the photographing of "Betelnut Beauties" to everyone else, I have started to make some shots documenting the variety of premises Betelnut is sold from, I am going to call it "Betel Huts".

It was lunchtime, the stores lining Lane 312, Bade Road, Sec 2 were all doing well. This guy was certainly enjoying his noodles.

Want something to drink, look about and a you may find a vending machine, these were tucked behind a logistics company in Neihu. Loving the improvised dumpster weather protection. I think I will stick to 7-11 though thanks.

Preferring something natural smelling to freshen their cars you often get people walking among the traffic waiting at the lights selling Yulan flowers (玉蘭花). More often than not the people selling are older generations and female, this lady takes a well deserved rest as the traffic flows.

My day in Taipei done, I was soon back on the bus and heading home. I had looked at this "Betel Hut" before, the bus stopped right by it so I grabbed the shot while I had a few seconds. This is a perfect example of why I find the huts so interesting, they are run down, pealing, colourful and in someways dangerous looking. 

One last thing before I finish up, if you have read my previous blogs (if you haven't go back and check them out, you may enjoy them), you will know that I have been involved with National Geographic Traveller UK's photography competition as a judge. I spent time over Christmas and New Year looking at the entries and making my decisions, needless to say it was not easy. I was also interviewed by the magazine (it was edited a little but not to worry), which appeared in the last issue, if you didn't see it have a read here...

As ever, thank you for taking the time to take a look at my work, feel free to share it, leave a comment or ask a question.

Should you need a photographer based in Asia, get in touch for a chat, I am always very happy to hear from people regarding work. I am also very happy to travel anywhere in the world I am required. 

I added a link to my Instagram account, look there it is at the top of the page. Don't be shy come along and follow me on there you will see shots that won't appear anywhere else.

You can also find me on Twitter and Tumblr.

My website is: www.duncanlongden.photography 

Like I said at the start, I will be following this up with a more news filled blog with what is coming up, and some lovely landscapes from the UK.

Cheers for now,

Duncan.

  

One Year in Asia.....

One Year in Asia.

One year in Asia and what a huge change in my life. Taiwan certainly is, different to the UK but I have grown to love it here very quickly. My life has changed so much in one year, it is actually quite dizzying writing this and thinking about where I was a year ago compared to where I am now.

The wooden panel closing on the box crate with all our stuff in it and being towed away not to be seen again for three months. Saying farewell to friends and family, getting on the plane, nervous and excited about what the future held and if I could make it as a photographer in Taiwan, seems both like yesterday and a million miles away.

Arriving in Taiwan, I found the realisation this is home now, settled quite easily. I set about putting feelers out to find the lay of the land and discovered one of Taiwan's greatest assets, how friendly the people are, this friendliness continues to impress me. What a beautiful place filled with, in the majority of my experience so far, really lovely people. Making contact with the photographic community here was a breath of fresh air after the often hostile London experience. Unsurprisingly some of my best friends are photographers in the UK, but these guys I have known for years. A lot of the newer photographers I met (new to me anyway) in London, held a certain degree of animosity toward other photographers, I will honestly hold my hands up to being guilty of this from time to time, here though it seems to be somewhat different. Perhaps some of the animosity in London is because 37% of all UK based photographers are there gunning for the work. From what I have learned this year, I know if I were to return to the UK and apply my new knowledge, life would be very different. This year really has been a great experience, not only culturally but vocationally also, as you will see by the end of this blog, I have learned a lot and come along way. There is still along way to go, but with all the support I have received from all of you, even if this is the first time you have looked at my blog (I hope it won't be the last), I am so grateful, it really is appreciated. I get very excited if I get 100 page views, if you guys all shared my blogs, and it started to really grow I think I may burst. Don't let that put you off though ok, get sharing, make comments, ask questions and engage with me. I make my photographs and write these blogs to reach out and engage with all of you, so a little return is very welcome.

After a couple of months in Taiwan I had met a few people and got my first shoot. It was for Travel in Taiwan (click to see issue), I had made a meeting and shown what work I had. When I got the call to ask if I wanted to shoot I was very pleased, better still, they wanted me to shoot for two features. The first was of an organic Kumquat farmer on his plantation in Yilan. and the second was a portrait of an Indigenous artist named Demedeman.

Around the same time, I found myself getting involved with a project called Tap Root. The project was bringing together Maori people from New Zealand, and Indigenous Taiwanese people, as they share a common history. Happily I found myself enjoying my first train journey in Taiwan as I headed down to Taichung . Here I was to meet up with the group and hang with them to document their visit for a couple of days. What a great bunch the Maori's were, it took a minute for me to ingratiate myself with them, but by the time we got off the bus to the night market they clocked I was very relaxed, positive about Taiwan and all about joining in the fun with them. I am happy and proud to call these warm-hearted people I met and photographed friends. Although we only spent a couple of days together it was a great experience, and one I found at times very moving, especially being there when they performed the Haka infront of the Indigenous Taiwanese. Thanks to links such as Facebook we stay in touch, and continue to joke with each other. I received a new nickname, "Duncle". I am told that uncle is a term of endearment, however I am not totally convinced that they're not making a little joke at my expense. If they are, I think it's cool they are relaxed enough with me to do so, what a compliment. 

English is most certainly not the first language in Taiwan, it is Mandarin, there is also definite distinction between the way Chinese speak Mandarin and Taiwanese speak Mandarin. Of course there are older dialects spoken in Taiwan, one thing at a time though, alright? I had started school to learn the language fairly quickly after I got here, other than the couple of days shooting the above projects I was making the journey on a daily basis to school. I was being taught BoPoMoFo, a phonic learning system here in Taiwan to begin the process of learning Mandarin. I want to learn enough of the language to communicate, ideally I will be able to converse properly in a few years. For now though a basic level as a foundation is better than nothing at all. I enjoyed the first month of classes, the teachers were lovely and the class was fun, it seemed I was moving forward. After the month in class it was time to head back to the UK for a couple of weeks visit, school was on hold so I would just have to practice on my own for a bit.

Prior to leaving Taiwan for the UK, I had designed a 7 inch promo book from my on going portrait series. I had had it printed and mailed it out to editors with a plan to contact them once back in the UK to follow up. Hitting the phone I managed to make arrangements to head down to London and meet some editors. It was a very positive experience, boosted my confidence and reassured me that I was moving in the right direction. I am a big fan of actual printed work, I take great pride in my portfolio. Given the choice between being handed an iPad (other devices are available), or a leather bound book, with beautifully printed images on high quality paper, which would you prefer and be more impressed with? I want my book to reflect that I appreciate quality, I aspire to create quality photographs consistently and want to show this to the best of my ability. Judging from the reactions I got this is what I had begun to achieve. The phone wasn't suddenly ringing off the hook, but the meetings had boosted my confidence and that was just what I needed.

The trip to the UK was short but sweet and soon enough I was back in Taiwan, deciding I should concentrate on school again I booked myself on to the next level course. Having enjoyed the teaching styles of the two teachers my class had for the first month I had hoped for the same teachers again for this months course. Sadly this did not happen, the course was split into spoken language and written characters. I was very happy to discover on of my previous teachers would be taking the character class, but the language teacher was new. Honestly, I struggled. I could not really understand my new teacher at all.  I was the only person in the class coming from a western country with a Germanic based language, the rest were all from Asian countries. I am not suggesting that all Asian languages are the same, of course they aren't. I know that they are not all tonal languages also, however some of the structure is similar and also some of the sounds and rhythm. My ears had tuned in to my previous teachers, but I could not for the life of me tune in to the new one or understand a word of what she was saying. It was depressing, I found myself stressed about going to school, we do not learn well in a stressed environment. What I should have done was get a refund and looked elsewhere, but I pressed on, it wasn't to last. The final straw came when the one teacher that I could understand from my previous class was replaced by a lady whose voice just sounded like a squeaky door. To the surprise of my predominantly female, and mostly Japanese classmates, I stood up, put my books in my bag, apologised, and walked out of the class. Have I given up on the language, of course not, I am learning by myself, my listening comprehension has improved, my vocabulary is growing and I am doing ok. I can't have a conversation just yet, it is going to take a while but I can manage to get about and do what I need to. I even managed to open a bank account all on my own the other day, check me out. My goal is three years, I think that is realistic if I continue to practice. My Taiwanese friends and family are helping me too, like I said they are very friendly, nice and above all patient with me.

Freed up from the three hour commute and two hours in class it was back to concentrating on work. My wife's old boss got in touch, two of her daughters wanted to know if I would teach them photography. I wasn't sure if I could but I thought why not give it ago, and so began a month of lessons. Amanda and Alisha were good students, they were keen and I think would have been with me everyday given the chance. I tried to keep some structure, starting with camera basics, exposure, depth of field, different types of lenses etc... I wanted to make it fun too, I know I learn better from practical lessons and so we would set up lights, make product shots, portraits, balance and overpower sunlight. I would set them projects, they would mostly fail to do them, but it didn't really matter as long as it gave them something to think about. The feedback was good, I hope they learned something and will put that into practice in the future. Actually, having recently spoken with Amanda, I am sure that they will. 

I organised a photoshoot for my students so they could put into practice what they had learned and really experience what it was like on set for real. As a result of the annual tomb sweeping ceremony here in Taiwan the girls had to pull out of the shoot which was a real shame. Not wanting to cancel and let down the model and make-up artist (mua), I quickly found an assistant and continued with the shoot. The shoot itself was ok, I learned a lesson about how fast we can loose the light in Taipei, and also that common sense and logic is not something everyone is blessed with. I came away from the shoot not one, but two umbrellas lighter than when it started. On a very positive note though, I met Crystal for the first time. She was our hair and mua, this was a meeting that has gone on to prove rather fortuitous. Crystal is not only a hair and mua, she is a stylist with a fantastic eye. If that is not enough, she is a talented musician and one half of Dronetonics. Dronetonics are a band based here in Taipei, they have just recently released their first album, and are well worth checking out. A month or so later we made a shoot together and not long after this I was making promo photographs Dronetonics. We are working on making a couple of fashion concept shoots which I am buzzing about, these will be shot before I leave in a few weeks to spend Christmas in the UK.

I guess we are about 6 months in now and as you can gather I'd been getting along ok, I had had a couple of magazine shoots, a project which raised my profile, a few good meetings in the UK a month of teaching photography and found someone who is great to work with. It was at about this time I got a call from Marcus. I had met Marcus to get tickets for a Grandmaster Flash gig, which was excellent by the way. Marcus is a DJ, promoter and creates events in Taiwan with two other guys, together they make up Frog in a Sock. Each summer they hold weekly pool parties, I was approached and asked if I was interested in shooting the parties for them. It sounded like fun, there was a tickle in it, although not huge, it would also provide a good opportunity to build my reputation. The pool parties gave me a chance to meet a lot of people and get my work seen and also give people the chance to see how I go about my business. The first party was a challenge to say the least, the whole six hours I was at the pool it rained torrentially. I worked hard that day and no messing, not to mention the efforts in post. These efforts paid off, the guys were pleased and the feedback from the girls at the party was good, I was booked again, not just for one, but for every party I could make it to. Thankfully the weather for the rest of the summer was glorious, the reputation for the party grew, in no small part as a result of my photographs. My ethos for the party is to get into the scene, I shoot on a wide angle for the party so I can get close to create a sense of involvement for the viewer, I want them to feel part of it. My shots clearly reflected the fun people are having and by engaging with my subject and having fun while I was making the shots I soon became known around the pool. The people knew I would make them look good in my shots, my reputation was definitely growing, as was my friend base. The numbers grew at the pool, the last party I could do was attended by over eight hundred, and the poolside was full up by 15:00. I have to say that I felt proud of that, obviously it wasn't all down to me, but I felt part of something, it felt good and was fun too. As a result of the pool parties growing reputation and success the season was extended by two weeks, the grand finale saw the pool side heaving with over one thousand revelers enjoying the last throngs of the Taipei summer. 

Along with everything else I have continued shooting my portrait series, having made a couple more by the second third of the year. Joe Henley a writer I met whilst shooting for Travel in Tawian was the first, he is also a musician, singing in several bands, one of which is Revilement. I spoke about Joe in my last blog as he commissioned me to make his portrait for the jacket of his novel. The second portrait was of a Peruvian DJ, living in Taichung who was/is studying vinyl art, as in record sleeve design I think this is part of what he does, I wasn't quite sure to be honest, it had been a rushed morning getting down to see him for this portrait. One thing I can tell you for sure is that he was a Red Bull freestyle finalist in Taiwan this year, has started producing his own tunes, and is also a polyglot, very impressive. His name is Zynko.

I can hear you all wondering why I didn't stay and shoot the last few parties at the pool, after all it sounds like so much fun right? It is simple, something very exciting happened. It was the most exciting thing all year so far, and very exciting for my career too. I got a shout from National Geographic Traveller UK (NGTUK) with an assignment for me. They wanted me to go to Japan for them to make photographs to illustrate an article. I was to go to Tokyo to photograph street food and the Tsukiji Fish Market, then off to document Hakone and Ryoken (traditional inns and hot spring spas). I wrote about this a couple of blogs back, so go and check that for a full story. The article appeared in the October edition of the magazine, both in print and on the digital version. As a result of this work and connection with National Geographic I have been interviewed by the WPO (World Photography Organisation) and featured on their site (click the link to see this), I have also recently been interviewed by NGTUK, I'm to be featured in the January/February issue. To top all that of I have had the great honor of being selected as a judge for the NGTUK photography competition. These interviews have only happened in the last few weeks, along with being asked to judge such a prestigious competition I am buzzed from it for sure and it feels great.

I covered the nightmare I came back from Japan previously too. The nightmare of hard drive faliure and the massive re-organisation of all my files. I am doing my best to stay up to date with it now, so far so good, and Backblaze seems to be running well and doing it's job, it was a hard lesson learned, and I was lucky to have already backed up the originals. The only thing really lost was hours of post processing work, it could have been so much worse. 

During one of my visits to Hong Kong I had made some contacts and shown my work, from these I received a commission to shoot a portrait. The portrait was of a very successful Taiwanese artist and the man behind Franz Porcelain. I went along to the location and scouted out where I wanted to make the shots, I was going to be pressured for time so the more preparation I could do the better. The morning of the shoot arrived, the shot list was fairly straight forward. The aim was to make three portraits in different locations in the building, we had been told we had an hour for this. After that the client wanted some product shots. Finally, if we could, I wanted to get into the design room to photograph the craftsmen and women at work. It was lucky I had gone along to scout the location, as soon as we got into the building and up to where we needed to start setting up, we were informed that our shoot time had been cut dramatically. It would seem that we were feeling the fallout from a previous photography crew taking all day, and too much of Mr. Chen's time a week earlier. So now we had 30 minutes to set up the lights in three locations and make the portraits. The rest of the shots needed to be done and in the bag by lunchtime before the staff went out to eat.. We were up against it for sure, so without further a do it was all hands on deck. Needless to say we got it done, it wasn't perfect but we made it, Mr Chen's comment was that we were very efficient, sometimes there is just no time for faffing. A few months later I received the copy, it turned out looking pretty good. I would like to say thank you to Michael Geier for stepping up to assist on this shoot, he will say he didn't do anything, but this was not true, it was a difficult shoot and he proved himself invaluable. 

Shortly after this shoot for Silkroad, I was back in Hong Kong again. It was a longer visit this time, three weeks in Hong Kong followed by three weeks in the UK. Knowing I was going to be visiting for a while it seemed prudent to make sure I wasn't idle. Arrangements had been made to shoot several portraits for "The Collectors" while I was there. In total I managed to shoot six, I could post them here, but I am planning a new gallery on my website for all the fresh portraits I have made this year for the series. They are a whole different blog anyway which will appear in the future. Making all the new friends and contacts in Hong Kong was really cool, in keeping with all the other people this project has lead me to meet, they were all lovely, warm and friendly. I very much am looking for to my future trips to Hong Kong, no longer will they be predominantly solitary affairs, but a great opportunity to catch up with people, hang out and experience more of  Hong Kong. I did end up on a nightbus adventure after having a drink with one of the people that I photographed. I went on a three hour excursion to the New Territories, it wasn't that I got on the wrong bus, it just happened to be going the wrong way!

Of course I made other photographs in Hong Kong/Kowloon it is an interesting place to photograph as you will have seen from my work previously. I even started playing around with some time-lapse experiments, I have bit to learn but it is fun to play around with and will get around to finishing them up at somepoint. For now though I will post a couple of shots of our view from the apartment in Kowloon.

After Hong Kong it was back to the UK, I didn't do too much other than pop in to Conde Nast Traveller which was cool. I had had a meeting in Hong Kong which was great, in this meeting I received advice about who to approach with my portrait work once back in Taiwan, to some degree this was repeated during my meeting at Conde Nast. It is very satisfying that my portrait work is rated by some top editors around the world, my favorite subject to photograph is people, and above all their portraits. On this trip to London I didn't have time to organise a meeting with the Conde Nast suggestion, I am back next month and into the new year so will try then. However as soon as I got back to Taiwan I was on the phone and the next day in for a meeting. It was one of the best meetings I have ever had. My work really impressed, a week later I was getting a commission for my first shoot for my latest client. The client is GQ Taiwan, prior to the actual shoot we met up a couple of times to discuss and scout locations. I got in touch with Choncy, she had wanted to assist on my Silkroad shoot and I'd said I would be in touch for the next one and so I was. We met and went through the lights and what was going to happen, I got an immediate good feeling about Choncy, she knows lighting having worked in film making for a while, but she isn't experienced with flash. She is attentive, keen and fun, so I knew I needn't worry about her during the shoot. The day of the shoot arrived and we all met up. Our model for the day was Taiwanese artist Huang Po-Chih, we were introduced and then all jumped in the van to hit the first spot. I don't think there is anything nicer for a photographer to hear from his/her client than "I love it" from the very first frame. The day continued at pace, not all the shots were so easy, by the end we were all tired, we made some really beautiful photographs and everyone was happy. The feature is in the current issue of GQ Taiwan and looks great. I am really looking forward to a continued and growing relationship with GQ as well as lots more shoots. Last week I popped in to pick up a couple of copies of the magazine and say hi, I was delighted to received an invite to attend this years GQ Taiwan Men of the Year Award, it will be great fun, and a chance to make new contacts, can't wait.

 Prior to the GQ shoot I had photographed an event, it was a good job and the clients were very happy with my work. I am never really more happy than when a client tells me I have done a good job and says thank you, oh and when the cheques come in ofcourse. They where so impressed with my work that I have been invited to go to a British Chamber of Commerce Taiwan (BCCT) meeting where I will get a chance to meet a good amount of possible new clients, this is a great opportunity, one I am looking forward to very much. Next week is set to be busy, interesting and good fun, with the GQ awards at the start and the BCCT meeting at then end, it is all good.

The weekend approaching I am away with the family to Sun Moon Lake and Alishan, two of Taiwan's most famous and beautiful locations. It will be lovely to get out and into the countryside for a couple of days, I have been to Sun Moon Lake a few times, as far as I know though, Alishan will be a new experience. I have looked at it before on line and know it is very beautiful, I just hope the weather is doing something that helps me make a good photograph.

I shot a few rolls of film (Fujifilm Provia 120) last week making Crystal's portrait and spent all day yesterday scanning the shots. There is something really satisfying about shooting on film, the feel still can't be replicated fully on digital cameras I think, perhaps I am just a romantic, but I will not apologise for that. The shots look gorgeous, I will definitely be running  rolls through my Mamiya RZ more regularly.

So as things continue to tick along nicely it has been great to look back over this, my first year in Asia. It has been a fantastic year. I feel like I have come quite a long way since packing that crate and stepping on the plane. I am extremely proud to count National Geographic, GQ, Bauer Media, plus a few others among my client list now. Being interviewed and featured by the WPO, and the upcoming feature in NGTUK is wonderful, all my hard work is getting recognised and is paying off, it feels great. I will try to keep my feet firmly on the ground, Mrs. L and my friends will no doubt give me a slap back to reality if I don't stay in check. I will continue to push myself as hard as I can and keep working to make the best photographs I can and be the best I can be for my clients, current and future. When this time comes again next year I hope that I have as many interesting experiences to tell you about, that I continue to shoot the editorial work and also start to build my commercial client base. That sounds like a good plan wouldn't you agree?

Without the appreciation and support I get from all my family, friends and people around the world who so kindly take the time to engage with me about my work, whether that is a "like"/"share" on facebook, a "+1" on Google+, "likes" and "follows" on Instagram, Tumblr and Twitter or actually writing to me and having a chat, it always feels wonderful, respect to all of you, thank you.

I will ask as I always do, please share my blog around as much as you can. I love to make photographs, I think the passion I have for my work is obvious to see. I do still need to make it work though so the more who see my work and my passion the better, hit the share buttons at the foot of this page..

If you have any questions or comments, there is a box bellow as are all the links you need to keep up to speed with what I am doing and the photographs I am making.

It goes without saying that I am always very interested in any work you may have for me, if you do have a shoot you want me to make for you don't hesitate to get in touch to discus what you need.

I really hope you all enjoyed this blog, I haven't written so much for a good while, it wasn't boring was it?

Until the next time....

Cheers,

Duncan.

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