John Ragai's Travel Life: 2014

Friday, November 28, 2014

KL Street NightWalk.03

My KL Street Nightwalk series continued with my lastest night walk on Wednesday, November 26th, 2014 and this time, my brother Wak Li companied me for the walk. I reached Pasar Seni LRT Station at around 5.57PM and went straight to our agreed meeting place which is Yusoof Restaurant, next to Central Market.

Wak Li is half way having his Teh Tarik and Roti Canai when I meet him. After a short rest, we headed for Petaling Street and the shooting started.

These are the images that I have taken during our walk until 8.30PM on that night.

All images taken with Olympus OM D E-M1 with lens Olympus Digital ED 12-40mm f2.8 PRO and Olympus Flash FL-600R. (Need to practice more with RC and off-camera flash.)

My favourite Patterns and Lines

Brother Wak Li having his meal before the walk.

KL Street NightWalk.02

After my first KL Street Nightwalk.01 on November 11th, 2014, I felt within me arose the interest of shooting at night which prompted me to go for another KL Street NightWalk.02 on November 20th, 2014. This time around I added the flash namely Olympus FL-600R Wireless Electronic Flash into my shooting when the sunlight goes off.
Another bonus for this time were the gathering of my fellow street photographers from our Street to Street Malaysia group namely Agoes Alwie, Wan Zuharuddin, Dr. Yamin Ismail and Wak Li. While the other two members (Syed Omar Al-Ghamidy and Mambo Jumbo) were not coming for the NightWalk.

Let me share with you the images which I have taken during the KL Street NightWalk.02

All images taken with Olympus OM D E-M1, lens Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 12-40mm f/2.8 PRO and using the Olympus FL-600R Wireless Electronic Flash when it's dark.

Cutting

KL Street NightWalk.01

I have purchased a new Olympus OM D E-M1 on Sunday, November 9th and I will be using this camera for the upcoming important Church event namely the Unveiling and Blessing of Welcoming Christ Statue on November 16th, 2014. This means I have a few days to practice on the camera function and the first thing come to my mind was Street Photography. But the problem is I am working during the week days. Thus I make a decision to practice in the dark street of Kuala Lumpur after office hours.

From this first KL Street Nightwalk, I learn several good lesson especially about metering, focus, mode and shutter (in low light and different light quality) beside the buttons on my camera which will help me in the future Nightwalk and night official event.

This is my first KL Street Nightwalk which is a tough way to practice but I like the challenge. Challenges make the learning stick.

These are the images taken during the KL Street NightWalk.

All images taken with Olympus OM D E-M1 and lens M.Zuiko Digital ED 12-40mm f2.8 PRO

New Photography Gear: Olympus OM D E-M1 (Silver version)

When I took up Olympus OM D E-M5 as my backup camera in April 2011 to my Nikon D7000, I dream that one day I will have enough money to purchase the bigger brother of OM D E-M5 namely OM D E-M1. My Olympus OM D E-M5 is a silver version as I love the classic looks.
The initial launch of OM D E-M1 was black which looks elegant and sexy. I love it. But on October 2014, OM D E-M1 silver version hit the Malaysian market. Maybe this is the one that I have been waiting for.

On one good Sunday, November 9th, 2014, we purchased the silver version of Olympus OM D E-M1 at DY Divine, Digital Mall, Section 14, Petaling Jaya.

Why Silver version?
The silver makes it not that obvious I have changed my photography gear amongst my photog friends.

Did I ever thought of other camera before I make the final purchase?
I have FOUR awesome cameras in mind namely Olympus OM D E-M1, Fujifilm X-T1, Sony A7r and Nikon D750 (earlier was D610). Sony and Nikon pinch my pocket and if given a choice I will pick Nikon D750 as I grow up my photography with Nikon. I valued that precious moment of learning and growing with Nikon camera. Nikon D7000 era is where I learned photography seriously and practice and practice until I can get the picture I want.

The tough choice is between E-M1 and X-T1 as I love both but when I started getting serious with photography, I used to screw up my Olympus UTough 810 which I always treat as a DSLR. By the way, Olympus UTough 810 is a waterproof compact camera which I also infuence my wife and I to get a weather-sealed camera. Sound crazy and childish, right? When you don't have the money to get the real one, sometime you dream on and treat the one you have as the real one. That little camera teaches me alot on Aperture, Shutter speed, ISO, EV and their usage in photography. During this time also I learn how to properly hold a camera. That's why when I got my Nikon D7000, I shoot like crazy with the knowledge I gained.

The thought of puchasing a Fuijifilm X-T1 ended when I reach the counter and my wife ask me, "Have you make up your mind?" Deep inside I have this thought, "Should I have a deeper pocket, I may get both."

The dream become a poison for OM D E-M1.

Olympus OM D E-M1 on Display

OM D E-M1 having shower

OM D E-M1 - Skeleton

As Olympus gives me choices, I go for Olympus OM D E-M1 Silver version.

Thus my Nikon D7000 has a competitor for event photography.

And my lens looks more sexy and smaller.

Tamron SP 17-50mm f2.8 VC and M.Zuiko Digital ED 12-40mm f2.8 PRO
(25.5mm-75mm and 24-80mm)

Next is the test run of this new camera as I need to familiarise myself with it's function real fast. The venue will be the KL Street. See you there.

Friday, November 7, 2014

New Opening: dal.Komm Coffee

As I walk from Maybank to HSBC Bank in UPTOWN, Damansara this afternoon, I can not help but eager to know more of one new coffee drinking outlet opening which I later known the outlet as dal.komm Coffee. The unique name and beautiful bouquet of congratulating flowers at the side and entrance of the outlet drive my wife to push me to press the auto-door.

Reluctantly I pressed the auto-door and a soothing music with friendly smiles of the staffs greet us. Not bad for first impression.

I am not a heavy coffee drinker but I love roasted coffee once awhile and not to forget Alicafe Tongkat Ali and Old Town White Coffee original, two of my favourite.

Superb interior design with soothing music and well trained staffs with friendly gesture and fast helping hands with alert eyes for the guests in need for their help.

Location wise, it's very strategic as at it's back is Maybank and at the side is HSBC. A Good place to catch-up with friends after office hours or cut a deal with customers.

The offering: Customers seemed satisfactory and my wife seems happy with her take-away drink.

Here is the images taken during our visit to the outlet taken with Olympus OMD E-M5 and lens 45mm f1.8

Street to Street : Photo Exhibition.01

After months of planning, selecting, printing and arranging, a group of passionate Malaysia Street Photographers which comprise of Alifga Wausin aka Agoes Alwie, Dr. Yamin Ismail, John Ragai aka Moment Catcher, Mahfuz Jaffar, Syed Omar Al-Ghamidy, Wak Li aka Rosli Natiman and Wan Zuharuddin finally made their works display to the public on Sunday, October 12th, 2014 by the river bank next to HSBC, Kuala Lumpur. Initially it was planned to be at Laman Medan Pasar which is in-front of HSBC.
Most of these street photographers are from Fotografi Jalanan Malaysia(FJM) and also from KL Street Photographers(KLSP). Please note that you may also find these two groups on Flickr.
What being done before the event?
Alifga Wausin is the main co-ordinator, Wan Zuharuddin takes care of printing while Syed Omar Al-Ghamidy in-charge of arranging the sequence of photos. I believe the rest have their own tasks to make the event a success but I am just being there and hopefully I can help more in the future event. Thank you for your hard work, team. Thank you also goes to those who come to support us.

Here are the images of the event today.

All images taken with Olympus OM-D E-M5 with 12-50mm f3.5-6.3 and 45mm f1.8

Agoes gives his last touch

Olympus Street Photography Walkabout-Petaling Street

Greetings dear friends and I would like to share with you another wonderful day of fun in the street of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Last Saturday, September 6th, I have joined Olympus Street Photography Walkabout-Petaling Street which was organised by Robin Wong, a recognised Malaysian Street Photographer and the event fully backed by Olympus Malaysia. It's being a privilage and really glad to walk and shot with Robin Wong and the awesome Olympus users. I am also glad to see a few familiar faces like Luke Ding, an Admin for KL Street Photographers on Facebook and Flickr and Amir, who is also a KL Street Photographer member. Beside I also meet for the first time my Facebook fiends like Johan Sopiee.

I specially thanks Robin Wong for lending me his M.Zuiko lens 25mm F1.8 which I plan to purchase but I have to get a real feel of it in the street first. Verdict: It's awesome lens for street and meet my shooting style.

On the other note, I am admin for a Flickr group called OMD Street Photographers. Feel free to join the group if you are on Flickr. You also may join KL Street Photographer (Flickr) and KL Street Photographers (Facebook)

I started off my journey from Kelana Jaya LRT Station at 8.33AM where my beloved wife Agnes dropped my off and I thank Robin Wong for arranging this walk to start at 9.00AM instead of his normal time of 8.00AM. I reached at Pasar Seni LRT Station at 8.55AM and made a good rush to Central Market, our meeting place for the event.

Here is our fun and joyful journey through the street of Petaling Street.

All images taken with Olympus OM D E-M5 and lens 25mm f1.8 or otherwise stated.

Luke and Amir

Robin taking out his M.Zuiko 25mm f1.8 for me.

From here onward, I am using loaned M.Zuiko 25mm F1.8

500px Global Photo Walk 2014-Kuala Lumpur

On Saturday, September 6th 2014 was a hectic day for me as my wife and I have to wake up early in the morning to participate in our company Charity Run event. And after the event, I plan to go to Kuala Lumpur to participate in another event namely 500px Global Photo Walk 2014.

Side note: On September 1st, I have twisted my lower back muscle which left me in pain even to walk and what more to run or a long walk. It was even pain while I sit. On Friday, I was still on pain killer to relieve the pain and in desperation, I make a deal with my God whom created me and I know He always love me that if He allow me to run without pain on Saturday, I promise to read and meditate on one verse of the Holy Scripture each day. Actually this is for my own good as lately I am abit lazy to read the Holy Scripture.

My prayers being answered and I ran the race comfortably where I led the first 1.5 KM. After that I slow down due to not enough stamina and finished the race at number 7. I took photos for the event before I have a short shower and head for Kuala Lumpur. My beloved wife, Agnes dropped me at Taman paramount LRT Station and I arrived at Pasar Seni LRT station at 10.15AM and took my first shot at 10.17AM which was the first below image.

I never thought that I will met those who joined the 500px Global Photo Walk but as I walk towards Petaling Street from Central Market, I heard someone called, "JOHN!!, JOHN!!". I thought my ears play a fool on me. Sure enough it's no other then my group friends whom had walked the street with me the week earlier. Wak Li is the one who called me.

Below are the photos taken during our walk on that day. Eventhough the theme for the 500px Global Photo Walk was Patterns and Signs instead recorded their moments for the day beside shots of strangers in the street.

All photos taken with Olympus OM D E-M5 and lenses M.Zuiko 12-50mm f3.5-6.3 & 45mm f1.8