Grand Prix Macao

During my recent trip to Macao, I was lucky enough to see the Macao Grand Prix race from very close and took several photos. The one I am posting today shows how close the drivers get during the turns to the concrete walls. In general, the track looked quite dangerous in my opinion, though I am not a regular fan of the racing sport. I chose continuous focus on my camera and was quite surprised how sharp images I could get with 5D mark ii and the cheapest 70-200 lens that I use mainly for private/travel purposes (it is very light). More than half of the photos were completely sharp; not a bad result given how many people complain about the focus system of the camera. Camera spec: Canon 5D mark ii with 70-200 4L at 200mm, F5.6 @ 1/2000, ISO 800.

Galaxy Casino

I am sitting right now at Hong Kong airport, getting ready for my flight to Amsterdam, and browsing through the photos I took at Macao. Couple of days ago I visited the newest Galaxy Casino in Macao (or rather Taipa) opened just a couple of months ago. The entrance is impressive and I especially like the background of the entrance to the casino. I was lucky enough and in just a few minutes four girls arrived to pose for me, and I didn't hesitate I took this photo. The colors are great but it is interesting also compositionally as it is symmetric both vertically and horizonally with nice reflections of the background on the floor (being polished every 30 minutes). I just wished I had a wedding couple at this great location ... Camera spec: Canon 5D mark ii with Canon 17-40 4L at 19mm, F5.0 @ 1/50, ISO 2500.

Bride in Red

I am travelling these days, visiting the city of Macau. Couple of days ago I was at a famous place of St. Paul's Ruins where a wedding photography is taking a place almost constantly. I saw this beautiful bride and while the photographer was getting ready for the next shot, I smiled at her and she kindly allowed me (with her eyes) to take a photo. I really like the colors of the background and her dress, the negative space in the image and her soft expression. What I pity I didn't get her email to send her this photograph ... Camera spec: Canon 5D mark ii with Canon 70-200 4L at 200mm, F4 @ 1/320, ISO 2500.

Look at You

Let me finish the photo series I took in South Africa with this one. I was walking nearby the camp and was able to get quite close to the animal featured on the image. The backlight created a beautiful separation from the background and I was very happy about the result. I have also recently photographed several engagements and weddings, so next time I promise to post more of these photos. Camera spec: Canon 40D with Canon 70-200 F4 at 200mm, F4 @ 1/250, ISO 800.

Not Any Closer

Here comes another image from my recent trip to Mabalingwe Nature Reserve in South Africa. Right in the camp where we were staying I had the change to meet this nice ape. I tried to get closer but just at the point I crossed the border, the animal showed me an angry face and I pushed the shutter. Apart from the animal's expression I also like the uniform and pleasing background without any distractions. Camera spec: Canon 40D with Canon 70-200 4L at 200mm, F6.3 @ 1/800, ISO 400.

Zebras in Backlight

One of my favourite animal photos from my trip to South Africe are these two zebras. The image is compositionally interesting but what sells it for me is the light. I know that backlighting works very well for human portraits and now I know that it suits animals equally well ... Camera spec: Canon 40D with Canon 70-200 4L at 200mm, F5.0 @ 1/400, ISO 200.

African Sunset

There days I am travelling in South Africa and one of the many amazing things to see is the sunset. Today's image is an example of one that I captured during couple of days ago. We were on a game ride and this photo was taken shortly after the sun completely disappeared, hence the high ISO setting. I have taken many more animal photos too that I will post shortly, so come back again soon. Camera spec: Canon 40D with 70-200 F4 at 91mm, F4.0 @ 1/125, ISO 3200.