Travel Diary: Alor Archipelago, Nusa Tenggara Timur, Indonesia: Part 2
This is part 2 in the Alor series, so if you haven’t had a chance to look at those images, head here to check out part 1. Not that this is chronological, but go have a look there for more. In any event, Alor just kept delivering in not only photo opportunities, but just as an incredible place for me to be alive. Life seems to slow down for me whenever I’m here. The sounds of the ocean, the handshakes of the people I’ve met, the food… life becomes fairly uncomplicated and being present is the default rather than something I need to consciously tell myself to appreciate. It started to feel like a flow state, and I guess that’s all I can ever ask for…
This is part 2 in the Alor series, so if you haven’t had a chance to look at those images, head here to check out part 1. Not that this is chronological, but go have a look there for more. In any event, Alor just kept delivering in not only photo opportunities, but just as an incredible place for me to be alive. Life seems to slow down for me whenever I’m here. The sounds of the ocean, the handshakes of the people I’ve met, the food… life becomes fairly uncomplicated and being present is the default rather than something I need to consciously tell myself to appreciate. It started to feel like a flow state, and I guess that’s all I can ever ask for…
All of these on the Fuji x100v with the two little lens adapters. Also, I’d love to hear from you. I noticed in previous posts, the images were a bit bigger than some screens could show, so I’m trying this out. You can click on the images below for a larger look, but let me know your thoughts on how this looks compared to previous posts.
Travel Diary: Alor Archipelago, Nusa Tenggara Timur, Indonesia: Part 1
If you’ve been reading this blog for any length of time, you’d know how special this place is for me. Alor sits to the far east of Indonesia and while I first started going here for diving (and still do, really) three years ago, I’ve come to appreciate everything above water maybe just as much as the incredible underwater vistas that initially drew me to this awe inspiring place. I only had maybe 30-40 minutes to shoot before hopping on the dive boat each day, but that allowed for morning strolls right when the light was getting good. I ventured out on some afternoons right at golden hour to see what I could find and had a couple of surface intervals on little local islands that provided for some amazing opportunities to meet some incredible craftspeople. That said, shooting wasnt my priority on this trip
If you’ve been reading this blog for any length of time, you’d know how special this place is for me. Alor sits to the far east of Indonesia and while I first started going here for diving (and still do, really) three years ago, I’ve come to appreciate everything above water maybe just as much as the incredible underwater vistas that initially drew me to this awe inspiring place. I only had maybe 30-40 minutes to shoot before hopping on the dive boat each day, but that allowed for morning strolls right when the light was getting good. I ventured out on some afternoons right at golden hour to see what I could find and had a couple of surface intervals on little local islands that provided for some amazing opportunities to meet some incredible craftspeople. That said, shooting wasnt my priority on this trip, but even with the small windows where I could take some images, the opportunities were abundant. Right around the dive shop in Alor Kecil was my main area of shooting and after only a couple of days, I quickly noticed I was recognised as the hellos and handshakes started to emerge. I absolutely love this aspect of shooting when I travel. Using that magical little picture box as a way to break bread and meet new people is probably my favourite part of photography. It becomes not so much about taking photos for photos sake, but more of a record or documentation of all the amazing moments I get to share with people along the way.
For my fellow photo nerds, all of these were on my little Fuji x100v coupled with the two little 28mm and 50mm equivalent adapter lenses. It really is the perfect set up for quick and easy travel photography for what I love to shoot.
Travel Diary : Alor Archipelago, Indonesia
It’s hard to really convey into words about how special some places in the world are. That said, if there was a list, Alor is currently sitting at the top. These images have been waiting to get published for around a month. During that time, I’ve been staring at the screen trying to figure out how to say how incredible this place is and I don’t think it’s possible to really convey with words, my photos, or even the mix of the two. These images are from the small time I spent above water in between diving and seeing all the incredible creatures of the ocean. Time seems to stand still. I know I’ve spoken about how time seems to slow down in some places, but somehow in Alor it feels like the world just stops and you’re in that place you’re supposed to be. At least it is for me. I can’t get enough of it.
It’s hard to really convey into words about how special some places in the world are. That said, if there was a list, Alor is currently sitting at the top. These images have been waiting to get published for around a month. During that time, I’ve been staring at the screen trying to figure out how to say how incredible this place is and I don’t think it’s possible to really convey with words, my photos, or even the mix of the two. These images are from the small time I spent above water in between diving and seeing all the incredible creatures of the ocean. Time seems to stand still. I know I’ve spoken about how time seems to slow down in some places, but somehow in Alor it feels like the world just stops and you’re in that place you’re supposed to be. At least it is for me. I can’t get enough of it.
Every morning before heading out on the dive boat, I tried to catch sunrise and meander around the small town near the dive shop. Only after one day, I was recognised by half the people I came in contact with. I guess the western dude wandering around aimlessly is a bit noticeable. That being said, the people of Alor are so wonderfully friendly. I was greeted by handshakes, hugs, high fives and smiles. This was my second time to Alor and you can check out the photos from that trip here. I was pretty much convinced it was perfect on my first visit….until I came back and realised it just keeps getting better and has me counting down the days until I go back. I think I’ll make this a yearly trip, and I’d love to spend some real time here and setting in to a routine to really soak it all in. Hopefully some of these images will do this place justice.
As far as diving goes, I can’t say enough about the folks at Air Dive Alor. It feels like going to see old friends rather than just going diving. I feel lucky I’m able to call them friends now, and I can’t wait to get back for more epic hangs.
Travel Diary: Amed, Indonesia
Right off the heels of my Hanoi trip for work and what has seemed like a whirlwind since the Tet break, I headed back to Amed on the northern coast of Bali for a bit of a disconnect and some diving. If you’re in the area, check out Dream Divers Bali, they’re tops. I haven’t yet taken up underwater photography - diving, for me at least, is about completely not thinking about anything but whats in front of me. I’m afraid if take a camera underwater, it’s going to start turning into work. With the thousands of dollars that I’d likely spend on strobes, housings, ports, etc etc, I think there would be a nagging feeling in the back of my head that I need to recoup those costs. And I really don’t want diving to turn into work. It’s my zen place…. but maybe I should just let go of the idea that I need to get a return on investment….I’m not there quite yet, so no underwater photography shenanigans.
Right off the heels of my Hanoi trip for work and what has seemed like a whirlwind since the Tet break, I headed back to Amed on the northern coast of Bali for a bit of a disconnect and some diving. If you’re in the area, check out Dream Divers Bali, they’re tops. I haven’t yet taken up underwater photography - diving, for me at least, is about completely not thinking about anything but whats in front of me. I’m afraid if I take a camera underwater, it’s going to start turning into work. With the thousands of dollars that I’d likely spend on strobes, housings, ports, etc etc, I think there would be a nagging feeling in the back of my head that I need to recoup those costs. And I really don’t want diving to turn into work. It’s my zen place…. but maybe I should just let go of the idea that I need to get a return on investment….I’m not there quite yet, so no underwater photography shenanigans.
Anyway, between dives, I had my new toy, the Fuji x100v. I wandered through the small paths and streets around the dive shop snapping away like a tourist. I think I’m confident in now saying I’m happy never taking anything other than a fixed lens camera on my personal travel trips if it’s as capable as the little Fuji is. I didn’t miss my usual kit at all. The smaller camera allows me to have it on me all the time and it’s just so fun to shoot with. Normally, I’d never take the camera out in the airport, but I had some nice light and my camera was actually in my pocket, so grabbing it and taking a few shots was a breeze. Not to mention the in-camera multiple exposure feature which has me a bit excited. That said, I have zero clue what I’m doing in that whole regard, so down the rabbit hole of trying to figure it out I go. Scroll down to the last image to see the first little experiment in that whole kettle of fish. These are just some of the images from the short few days I had in one of my favourite places. For more of these types of images, head on over to IG and give it a follow!
Travel Diary : Komodo and Nusa Penida, Indonesia
It’s been crazy busy lately, so I’ve had a backlog of images from some travel earlier this year and I’m just now able to get to these. Over the summer, Komodo was calling and I definitely answered. The small town of Labuan Bajo was a dusty little town the last time I was there and while its still a small town, it’s definitely not dusty anymore.
It’s been crazy busy lately, so I’ve had a backlog of images from some travel earlier this year and I’m just now able to get to these. Over the summer, Komodo was calling and I definitely answered. The small town of Labuan Bajo was a dusty little town the last time I was there and while its still a small town, it’s definitely not dusty anymore. Looks like a substantial investment in infrastructure has led to a boom in development. Nicer roads, a massive increase in food offerings and considerably more tourists. It felt like a different place. It doesn’t look like its spiraled out of control, so I’m hoping it retains its laid back vibes for a bit longer.
Following Komodo, I popped back to Nusa Penida to see some friends and have a pitstop before heading back to Saigon. It’s always such a good look to not worry about going to see much and just slowing down to hang with friends. Only there for a couple nights, I didn’t get to shoot much, but the light was incredible and I couldn’t help but including a few frames in this post.
For the photographers, I travelled light and fast so I shot all of these on my little Fuji x100s.
Travel Diary : Alor Archipelago, Indonesia
A recent trip took me to the Alor Archipelago in Indonesia for a week of scuba diving. Yes, I know there are going to be questions about why there aren’t any images from the dives and I’ll be the first to admit, I don’t shoot underwater. At least not yet. Diving is about flow and meditation for me and the last thing I’ve wanted to to do when I’ve been underwater is to think about f,stops and exposure and composition That being said, it has been creeping into my mind lately, and I may…. maaaaaaay try to get into some underwater photography the future. No promises though. In any event, this little bit of paradise is just as stunning above water as it is below water, so during the times between
A recent trip took me to the Alor Archipelago in Indonesia for a week of scuba diving. Yes, I know there are going to be questions about why there aren’t any images from the dives and I’ll be the first to admit, I don’t shoot underwater. At least not yet. Diving is about flow and meditation for me and the last thing I’ve wanted to to do when I’ve been underwater is to think about f,stops and exposure and composition That being said, it has been creeping into my mind lately, and I may…. maaaaaaay try to get into some underwater photography the future. No promises though. In any event, this little bit of paradise is just as stunning above water as it is below water, so during the times between dives, I wandered around and took some little travel snaps to keep my creative juices flowing. Incredible vistas, traditional markets, and mountain villages are all the things I love about travel. Meeting new people and watching new horizons. These are just a few of my favorite frames and I can’t wait to get back. Perhaps there will be some underwater shots next time a post goes up about Alor.
Travel Diary : Indonesia
One of my favorite places on earth, Indonesia lures me back constantly with its beaches, rugged landscapes, underwater wonderlands, and general laid back lifestyle. This trip took me to Nusa Penida and Amed in Bali and the Derawan Islands in Indonesian Borneo.
One of my favorite places on earth, Indonesia lures me back constantly with its beaches, rugged landscapes, underwater wonderlands, and general laid back lifestyle. This trip took me to Nusa Penida and Amed in Bali and the Derawan Islands in Indonesian Borneo. From temples to island life, it has me already eager to get back. This selection could hardly do it justice, but these are some of my favorite frames. Hop over to my instagram to see more travel images and be sure to give it a follow for regular updates!
Nusa Penida, Bali
Derawan Islands, Borneo
Amed, Bali
