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Taoist Temple Checheng, Taiwan

Photography by Ian Jukes

There are a lot of festivities at this time of year in Taiwan!

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A Project without a Goal is a Hobby

A simple but powerful message today. Thanks to Tiago Forte for giving me the inspiration to make this!

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Kingfisher Wall Mural Kaohsiung

Local mural makes for an interesting background

Some people say that art doesn't figure greatly in Taiwanese society, but if you look carefully, you will find it hidden down alleyways or on the sides of buildings. I didn't have too much time in the location and it's pretty quiet. If the right person or people came along it would make a wonderful background for a street portrait.

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Plan Your Shoot Using a Sun Tracker

Sometimes it's better to go out with a plan for your photography. This is true if you have a specific style in mind or if you have limited time.

The Shoot

I was looking for high contrast scenes in densely, built-up city locations. It's important to know where and when the sun will be.

The Apps

I have a few apps that tell me the position of the sun, but I find Sunseeker to be the easiest to use. Find the location that you want to shoot, then line up the sun and it will tell you the time that will work for you. Depending on your location, and time of day, this can be a short window of opportunity.

The Result

I managed to get a few keepers, but I was not over the moon with any of them. That's not the fault of the app, or my gear, it's me!

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The Ice Factory

Want some ice?

This shot is taken inside of a local ice factory. It's just around the corner from my apartment. I don't think I want to buy any ice from here, but the quality of light inside was really soft. Possibly because the last time the skylights were cleaned was fifty years ago!

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Make Your World a Happy World!

Have a great weekend folks! Make your world a "Happy World", although I wouldn't recommend going to a place like this unless you like lose money! • • • • •

kaohsiung #高雄 #taiwan #asia #life #ricohgr #ricoh #ricohgr2 #리코gr #gr #streetlife #urbanandstreet #urbanphotography #neonsign #sign #gambling #slot #arcade #happiness

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Couch 2 5K Week Two Done!!

It's great to get out early in the morning!

I'm continuing in my quest for improved fitness. I finished week two of the program without too much trouble, which was very surprising! This is not to say that I'm in good shape though, in fact, this has made me realise how delusional I was about my body and it's condition. I honestly thought that I was in good shape because I ride an E-bike 15km a day. Err, nope!

Any of you out there struggling with obesity, high blood pressure, high cholesterol? Maybe it's time to stop being delusional about your body and knock it into shape? Go to your doctor, get a check-up and tell them that you want to change your life. THEN DO IT!!

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Ricoh GR iii Highlight-Weighted vs Multi-Segment Metering - A Quick Comparison

Just a very quick post to demonstrate one of the unusual, but great features of the Ricoh GR iii - Highlight-Weighted metering. This is the only camera that I know of that has it. On those bright, sunny days when there are lots of harsh shadows around this feature really comes into its own.

This is a very simple shot taken at an MRT station in Kaohsiung.

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Seafood Restaurant Carousel

A seafood restaurant near Love River Kaohsiung.

I was looking for an image to use for a two-slide carousel on Instagram. This one seemed to fit the bill. I really like the mural on the lefthand how it combines with the interior of the restaurant. It's a very basic place and no, I didn't eat there.

For the Instagram post, I split this into two square images (1080x1080). I think the result is pretty interesting. What do you think?

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My Guide to Going Light!

Could you carry your camera bag with your little finger?

So, here it is folks, my guide to gear. Is it the best way to do it? For me, yes, for you, maybe. Either way, have a look and see what you think.

Background

Over the years, I owned a lot of different equipment; when I started out, I was into full-frame DSLRs and all the large glass that accompanies them. I had a large number of camera bags and cases to carry the myriad of gear. I was in the "more is better" category.

When mirrorless cameras appeared, I got hold of a Sony A7 MK2 and a Nikon V1. I liked the Sony camera, but not the lenses, way too big and too expensive!

In 2016, I sold everything and switched to Fujifilm. I still love to shoot with my X-Pro2! I have a few zooms, but my go-to lenses are the weather-resistant F2 23mm & 50mm. They are compact, well-made, have stunning performance, and a great price.

When I moved to Taiwan in 2017, my focus shifted away from studio work toward documentary and street photography. This move allowed me to reduce the amount of gear needed.

For two years, I used a Peak Design 10L Everyday Sling. On paper, it should be the perfect bag, not too big, lightweight, albeit expensive. As you guys know, it is tough to find the ideal camera bag. I find that it does affect my mood when I'm out shooting if there is something that feels out of place, or not quite right. The Peak Design bag looks pretty, but after using it for a long time, I can safely say that I hate the f**king thing. Its main compartment is too big for my X-Pro2 but too small to carry a laptop easily. The front pocket is too small and gets compressed by the straps when carrying a tripod. These faults are trivial compared to my main gripe. This bag is just so damn uncomfortable to carry for any length of time. I have never had a bag that gave me so much shoulder pain! After one hour of walking, I'm already thinking about going home due to the dull ache caused by the strap cutting into me. Yes, ok, I could have modified it, but should I need to with a bag that costs this much?

What am I trying to achieve?

These are the contents of my bags. More or less!

My goal is to have as much versatility as possible in a small, light package. These are my goals:

Two camera bodies with prime lenses fitted (28mm & 85mm).

The ability to shoot gimballed video.

Wireless sound recording.

POV(point of view) video.

Weatherproof without the need to mess around with a cover.

Enough battery power to shoot for the whole day.

Can carry a laptop or iPad for in the field editing and uploading. Notice the word CAN

light enough to pick up with my little finger :) Hahaha!

The Bags

My messenger bag and camera insert

Timbuk2 Lightweight Messenger S

If you have never seen or owned one of these bags, get one. It is a no-brainer. Even if you don't use it for camera gear, it's a great choice to take to the coffee shop or a meeting.

Ok, so why this bag?

It is compact and lightweight

It has excellent internal storage, many pockets and even two, interior, water bottle pockets (get reliable, lockable flask).

It is waterproof.

It is super comfortable.

It is great for riding a bike and has an extra strap to stop it from swinging around and bashing into your legs.

They look very cool.

Tenba BYOB 9&10

These are camera inserts that come with dividers to keep your gear organised. Very high quality and offer adequate protection. They also have useful side pockets for stashing batteries and lens caps etc. I own both the 9 and 10(bigger), but I usually go with the 9 as it's perfect for carrying the essentials. The beauty of these bags is you can take them out if you want an empty messenger bag. I often walk around with my Ricoh GR iii, so I don't need all the other stuff. I can put it into the handlebar bag on my bike. Two seconds and I'm ready to go.

Think Tank Pee Wee PPR

It's a small wallet for holding memory cards and small batteries. Perfect for a power-hungry camera like the Ricoh GR iii.

The Cameras

The three cameras that I carry, I also use this iPhone!

Two is better than one! I dislike swapping lenses in the street, it's slow, cumbersome and risks getting crap on your sensor or dropping a lens on the floor. I like to shoot with primes although sometimes I'll take along a zoom if I think I will need it.

Fujifilm X-Pro2

The X-Pro2 is my baby! Almost four years old now, and I still love it. This is the versatile camera of the two. It has the 50mm F2 typically on it, but obviously, I can swap it as the shoot requires.

Ricoh GR iii

I used to shoot at 35mm most of the time, so adapting myself to the slightly wider 28mm of the Ricoh GR iii was not too difficult. It is easy to get close to subjects with this camera, and I mean really close!

Killer features:

size - it's so small and light.

snap focus (single, fast press will jump the focus to the distance you set. I usually use 1 or 1.5 meters).

Highlight protection metering mode. I have never had another camera with this option. It will stop the highlights from being clipped. Very cool in high contrast, sunny environments.

Three user presets. Usually, I go, meh, who needs them? Not in this case! They really are extraordinary. The preset will put everything back to their chosen settings, including shutter speed, aperture, ISO and the focusing distance, if manual. Great for those who like to use zone focus.

iPhone SE (2020)

This new bang for the buck iPhone shoots great video footage (4K 60). This is my go-to video camera as the other two are mainly for sills only. Everyone carries a phone, right? May as well get one with great features!

GoPro Hero Session 5

I can mount this in the hot shoe of my camera and shoot POV as well as film my crazy surfing exploits (note to self - learn to surf!).

Ancillaries

The bags and cameras are covered, let's talk about the small things now.

DJI Osmo Mobile 3

Yes, I know there is a new version out, but it's not that much better. I'm a novice when it comes to video, but this thing is a blast to use. Stick the phone in and away you go, excellent. The strange thing is that no-one seems to care about being filmed by this, but try it with a large DSLR and see what happens. I often shoot with this in my left hand whilst shooting with the Ricoh GR iii in my right hand. The gimbal is a distraction, and nobody sees the diminutive Ricoh GR iii! I can also shoot a load of cool stuff, motion time-lapses, panoramas etc…

Saramonic Blink 500 B3 (lightning version)

Sound is an incredibly important aspect of video making. I couldn't rely on just the iPhone's mic. The Saramonic Blink 500 receiver plugs into the bottom of the phone, and you can clip the transmitter to your belt. I also has a lavalier mic that you can clip to your shirt. Awe-inspiring bit of kit!

Tripods

I carry two, small tripods. The DJI version that came with the gimbal and a small Gorillapod.

Miscellaneous

Bullet Journal and stationery.

Bullet Journal, pens, highlighter etc

I don't always take this as books are weighty, but I do like to scribble down my thoughts, and the bullet journal is a great way to do that!

Power Bank and cables

Shooting video will drain the battery on your phone, so it makes sense to carry one. I could also use it to charge the Ricoh GR iii battery at a push.

Peak Design

Despite slating their bag earlier, I still use a lot of their gear. The eagle eyed among you will have noticed the red tags used to clip on the various straps that Peak Design make.

I use the capture clip on my belt on my left side, that's where the X-Pro2 lives when not in the bag, the Ricoh GR iii lives in it's own case on my right hip. On my wrist I have a Peak Design Cuff. This lets me use the same strap on both cameras!

In the messenger bag I also carry a Peak Design Slide Lite, so I can attach a regular style strap to either the X-Pro2 or the Tenba BYOB 9. Incidentally, I also have the PD Field Pouch which makes for an awesome lightweight bag setup when combined with the strap.

Help me to help you!

The gear list that follows has affiliate links that help to maintain this site. There is no extra cost to you. Thanks for your support!

Any questions? leave a comment!

Timbuk2 Flight Classic Messenger Bag

Tenba BYOB 9

Fujifilm X-Pro3 Mirrorless Digital Camera, Black - The new one! 2020-09-12

Ricoh GR iii

DJI OM4 - The new one! 2020-09-12

THINK TANK Pee Wee Pixel Pocket Rocket

Peak Design - Capture camera clip for V3 camera.Black.

Peak Design Cuff Camera Wrist Strap Ash 

Peak Design SLL-AS-3 Slide Lite, Mirrorless Camera Strap, Ash

Peak Design The Field Pouch

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Have a Wonderful and Creative Weekend!

A fisherman catches a container ship

So the weekend is almost here! It's time to go out and be creative. Have fun with whatever you do, try to look on the bright side and do something rememberable!

It's better to do one awesome thing than to do many many average things. Life should be about creating memories, don't let this weekend blend into insignificance!

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Kaohsiung Sugar Factory

Some of these images were posted before, but that was using a different gallery module. I wanted to repost them again using the Modula plug-in. There are also a few extra images that were not shown before.

The sugar refinery dates back to 1902 and was built during Japanese rule. Two of the factories were damaged during the Second World War and were rebuilt. Due to the decline in world sugar prices, the factory was closed and turned into a museum which opened in 2006.

It's an interesting place to visit and can get busy at the weekend. From a photography point of view, inside the factory has some wonderful light and would be a great place to take some portraits. To visit, take the red line of the MRT. The museum has free entrance.

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“There are always two people in every picture: the photographer and the viewer.”

“There are always two people in every picture: the photographer and the viewer.”

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Taking pictures is like tiptoeing into the kitchen late at night and stealing Oreo cookies

“Taking pictures is like tiptoeing into the kitchen late at night and stealing Oreo cookies.” - Diane Arbus

As a street photographer, I often feel this way. It's like you're taking the essence of the moment often without your subjects knowledge. The more you do it, the easier it gets. I still feel it though. Get out there and practice, practice, practice.

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Paolyta B

Paolyta B is some kind of Taiwanese alcoholic, herbal, energy drink. This gentleman sells it in this little store behind one of the shipyards. This bottle is for display purposes as it gets decanted in empty water bottles. Probably as some form of disguise in the workplace.

I bought a couple of bottles and I must admit it made the bike ride home more entertaining. I can imagine it easing the suffering of folks that work out in the fierce heat all day long. If you see it and haven't tried it, go for it, but in moderation!

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A Visit to the National Stadium Kaohsiung

Yesterday, the Taiwan national football team were playing a friendly game against Taichung Futuro. One thing I miss about living in Taiwan is English football and my favourite team West Bromwich Albion! When I heard that the Taiwan National team were playing in Kaohsiung, I decided to pay a visit. The stadium is very impressive, it was built for the world games in 2009 and has a capacity of 55,000. It was designed by Japanese architect Toyo Ito. The design resembles that of a semi-spiral dragon. The ceiling is comprised of many solar panels. These panels not only provide power for the stadium, but they also put back into the national grid.

I couldn't believe how few spectators there were, probably less than 100. This was amazing considering the National team were playing, and it was free to get in. The game ended in a 4-1 victory to the national team.

it would be wonderful to see the profile of football raised in Taiwan, who knows, maybe that will happen in the future.

Here is a link if you want to know more about the local team Tai Power FC

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architecture #instablackandwhite #architecturephoto #architecturephotograpy #hotshotz_architecture #gr3 #grist #ricohgr #streetshot #taiwantravel #exploretaiwan #taiwan #kaohsiung #stadiumporn #ricoh

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Local Night Market in Kaohsiung, Taiwan

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I have a vibrant night market just around the corner from my apartment. You can buy all kinds of things, food, clothes, fashion accessories and more. It also makes a great place for street photography.

The world around us is constantly changing, I'm seeing more and more local businesses being forced out by online competition. We need to document this change for future generations to see.

Taiwan is a pretty relaxed place to do street photography, which is a welcome change from my days in the UK. I always tell myself that we don't need to have a reason to take photographs. We just need to keep a social record. The biggest challenge is finding a way to make your work visible, that doesn't cost a fortune.

If you are interested in learning more about photography in Taiwan, or about how to show your work let me know.