12.17.09
Posted in Animals, Nature, People, Travel at 9:03 pm by Warren Williams
We took an hours drive to the Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary, only to find it was shut on Thursdays! Just nearby we had noticed the Pascoal Spice Farm – offering a view of the spice plantations and a restaurant set amongst some tropical forest. After a massive meal of chicken, fish curry rice and various drinks, we decided to wander amongst their walkways to burn off the food. Early on the path, we came face to face with this monster of a spider.. the size of a hand, it looked rather intimidating but was in fact quite harmless – something I only found out after shaking nervously a few inches away.
Shooting underneath, I was sure it was about to launch an attack
Angus and his nephew, Matthew
Jua Bridge, to Santo Estevam – the alternative longer route
Friendly villager of Santo Estevam, selling fried potato and samosa
Another villager awaiting her order
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12.15.09
Posted in General, People, Transportation, Travel at 8:29 pm by Warren Williams
After finally receiving some more adequate sleep, Angus and I ventured off via taxi to the north of Mumbai, to his family home in Evershine Nagar, Malad West. What a way to experience true Indian traffic firsthand! – The fairly short journey took a whopping two and a half hours, so I managed to admire the surroundings in the scorching street heat and snap a few shots.
Rickshaw driver
Our taxi being filled with CNG – commonplace in Mumbai
Pun of the recent movie “3 idiots” on the back of a rickshaw
Clearly on a road with no traffic
Once we had reached the neighbourhood of Evershine Nagar, Angus and I decided to have a quick wander around the small local streets.
Ripening bananas
Heavily loaded bicycle
Fresh pineapple
Street stall through a large drainage pipe
Friendly dog outside the apartment
Sunset from the 4th floor of the apartment
Right at this moment, we made a hasty getaway to the highway for our bus trip to Goa. Simply put; the WORST trip I have ever done. 7pm until 9am the following morning, as we traversed what seemed like the windiest roads possible on the journey south. Sleeping wasn’t possible amongst the winding roads, and bopping to the ring-a-ting-ting Bollywood movies on offer, with treble echoing around the bus. I strongly recommend anyone to fly down – or even catch a train.
Coca-Cola 3-wheeler truck whilst waiting for our bus
Zooming Rickshaw
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12.14.09
Posted in Landscape, People, Travel at 11:30 pm by Warren Williams
After arriving into Mumbai around 3am, I finally managed to have a couple hours sleep, before setting off for some sights around the incredibly busy city with Angus.
Temporary building supports?
Chemist in Vile Parle
From outside the hotel, near airport in Vile Parle
For lunch, we headed into Bandra by Auto Rickshaw – to meet a fellow photographer friend, Darryl Baptista who kindly offered to drive us around the city to see the main sights across the afternoon and evening. The 8km journey was a great first insight into Indian transportation and traffic – recording a video along the whole route – which only came to 70 rupees (NZ$2). I’ll try and share some videos once the photos are all online!
Church in Bandra
Angus waiting for Darryl in the shade
During our drive into the city, many workers were sleeping off the extreme heat
Driving across the newly completed Rajiv Ghandi Sea Link from Bandra to Worli, cutting commuting from an hour to just seven minutes
The famous Dhobi Ghat – Mahalakshmi, Mumbai
A sea of Blue
Gateway of India – following our quick view of Dhobi Ghat, we visited the large Gateway of India – located on the waterfront of the Apollo Bunder area in South Mumbai. This overlooks the Taj Mahal hotel, which was bombed in November 2008, and is still under refurbishment.
These happy strangers were eager to have their photo taken
Many boats returning from the Elephanta Caves – (City of Caves), which I’ve been told is a great excursion to do if you have the time
Gateway of India Arch
Darryl, Warren & Angus – before being told by a heavily armed policeman, “No Tripod!”
Later in the evening, Darryl Baptista took us along to his current photographic exhibition running in the Soul Fry Casa restaurant. His exhibition, “Bombay Duck to Peking Duck”, was a great display of seascapes from around Goa, Mumbai and afar to Hong Kong. It was great to see his selection of shots, and hear about his committments to travelling and showcasing these special areas.
Darryl Baptista – showcasing his photo exhibition – Bombay Duck to Peking Duck
Thank you Darryl for your tremendous insight and advice to my travels around Goa!
Jandals in the streets of Mumbai in an evening street stall
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12.12.09
Posted in General, Landscape, People, Travel at 6:02 pm by Warren Williams
With a permanent move back downunder, decided to meet with a few friends in Leicester Square for one final pub meal and drinks. With a quick wander through to Trafalgar Square, realised 500 Santas had come out to play…
Farewell to good kiwi friends Leanne and Aimee – after a great season watching the All Blacks
Hundreds of Santas – Nelson’s Column, Trafalgar Square
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10.25.09
Posted in Animals, Nature, People at 9:00 pm by Warren Williams
Richmond Park, is London’s largest Royal Park. Originally a deer hunting park, it has since become a great recreation and sightseeing ground to Londoners. Meeting up with several photography friends, camouflage outfits, and long lens – it was our task to capture the essence of the majestic Richmond Park.
Neal and Richard following the trails
Mushroom extreme close up with macro lens
First sighting of a deer
Stags
Ian – iesphotography.co.uk
Rutting stags
Running from hoards of photographers
Why did the deer cross the road?
In the dense forest
Stroll through Richmond Park
Tilt shift effects with the TS-E 24mm
Brett – brettbutler.co.uk
More Tilt Shift Effects
Old stag
Large antlers
Stag through the clearing at Richmond
Richmond Park is well recommended for a free walk around the 1000 acre woods and grasslands.
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10.17.09
Posted in People, Sport at 2:20 pm by Warren Williams
Bodies in Urban Spaces, is choreographed by Austrian Willie Dorner, featuring 24 performers who use their bodies in peculiar places…
Imposter 😉
Street Performer, alongside the Thames
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09.20.09
Posted in People, Wedding at 6:00 pm by Warren Williams
William & Natalie were married today at the world renowned Dorchester Hotel in London. Shooting alongside Richard Swaffields (swaffs.co.uk), we captured their special day from every angle possible. Shooting in the private wing for the ceremony, the penthouse suite balcony, and venturing across into Hyde Park for some fun shots. Congratulations on your beautiful day. 🙂
William, a talented pianist
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09.13.09
Posted in General, People at 9:55 pm by Warren Williams
The Mayor’s Thames Festival, is a yearly free event with plenty of food, music, arts and fireworks to finish off the weekend.
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09.07.09
Posted in Architecture, Landscape, People at 6:40 pm by Warren Williams
My friend and fellow photographer Michael from Los Angeles, dropped into London for a few days, after spending some time touring south-east Asia, and visiting some of my favourite spots around Cambodia. We met up for a couple of afternoon/evening shoots around the city, showing him a few sights worth seeing.
Michael’s Canon 1D II and my filter / tripod setup
Millennium Bridge & St Paul’s
Michael next to Westminster
Along the Thames outside St Thomas’ Hospital
Laying on the ground for this shot
Michael shooting long exposures first with my filters and tripod
Canary Wharf
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08.31.09
Posted in General, People at 5:00 pm by Warren Williams
After experiencing my first Notting Hill Carnival last year, I made sure I could attend again, to witness the culture of the Caribbean through their music, costumes and delicacies. Decided to use the Notting Hill Carnival as the 12th event for the London Photography Meetups group, where everyone had a blast, whilst trying not to get lost amongst the crowd of near 1 million people. Here’s a few of my favourites:
Happily gave this busker some change
The talented Ray Wise
Banana and Chocolate Crepe – Great way to follow up after Jerk Chicken and Rice
Jarvis getting in the swing of it
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08.11.09
Posted in Landscape, Nature, People, Travel at 6:30 pm by Warren Williams
After a night under the stars at Capo D’Orso, we made the 10minute drive into Palau to catch the ferry to the beauty islands of Maddalena and Caprera. With very little planning done for this trip, with having no idea till the last minute we were going to hire a car, we asked around and checked some tourist guides, which unanimously advised us to head to this north-eastern corner of Sardinia. The ferries themselves run frequently, however seemed costly for the relative short distance from the mainland. The reward however was the some of the most amazing clear waters I have ever seen.
First stop for the day, Isola Caprera, in the early morning before the crowds got in
Hazel, Adele, Ayla & Warren
Fishing in pristine waters of Caprera
Hues of Blue
Neck deep in ultra clear water
View from Caprera back to Maddalena
Ancient Ruins on Isola Caprera
Walkway to Cala Coticcio (So gobsmacked, I didn’t see my own shadow)
Cala Coticcio – One of the best beaches in Sardinia, and possibly the world
Only accessible by boat, or an undulating 40min walk
Clear Waters of Cala Coticcio
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08.07.09
Posted in Aviation, People, Travel at 9:00 pm by Warren Williams
After a whirlwind tour of Europe, what better way to chill than to head to the tropical waters surrounding beautiful Sardinia, Italy. Located in the Mediterannean, I was asked along by Ayla who was finishing off her Middle East/European tour with a week camping around northern Sardinia. The flight was only £15 at last minute, flying directly to the coastal town of Alghero.
RyanAir – EI-DCH (737-800)
The lack of rainfall very obvious over Sardinia
Alghero Marina, after catching the 70cent bus from airport to town (why can’t other cities be this cheap?)
After pitching the tent in La Mariposa, we treaded the few steps to the beach for the ensuing sunset
Ayla on the busy golden sands of Alghero beach
View from the beach access from La Mariposa towards Alghero – around 2km away
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07.28.09
Posted in Architecture, History, Landscape, People, Travel at 9:00 pm by Warren Williams
After our exercise in front of the Eiffel Tower, Peter and I took a walk along the Seine River, to the Louvre Museum to see Mona Lisa and other various art works and historic artifacts from around the world. Time flew in the expansive museum, and soon it was time to disappear to Montmartre in search of food and a visit into the Basilica of the Sacré Cœur with great views over Paris.
Mona Lisa
Trying to get a photo of Venus de Milo amongst hundreds of people.. fun
Entrance stairs to Louvre
Basilique du Sacré-CÅ“ur – Montmartre
It was actually my mums’ recommendation to visit here, from her trips she used to do to Paris whilst living in England during the 60’s and 70’s. Well worth the trip up here for a different artistic feel of Paris.
Inside the Basilica
Grand finale, of musician Youri performing some top hits
We met up with our Canadian friend, Ayla who has recently been travelling through the Middle East, Europe and into Paris. We all wandered back down to the Louvre Museum for the approaching sunset, with our cameras in hand.
Pete, the qualified physiotherapist gives Ayla some much needed calf treatment after arriving back at the Louvre
Long shadows at the Arc de Triomphe du Carrousel with Louvre in background
Opposite direction from the Louvre Glass Pyramid
The out of focus silhouette of Arc de Triomphe du Carrousel
Ayla & Pete checking their shots out
Another clear evening sunset over the Louvre Pyramid
Symmetry with the Louvre Pyramid
Twilight with Louvre
Eiffel Tower after 2am, with no lights on
Eiffel Tower Straight Up
From Pont de Bir-Hakeim the following morning at 6am
Feeling less creative than 24 hours, with no sleep
After a fresh shower in the hotel, the three of us went off to the Bois de Boulogne park for a picnic and relaxation before our returning Eurostar trip to London.
Bois de Boulogne – The largest park, west of the city, where we enjoyed a great picnic
Paris is an amazing city, and surprised I hadn’t visited before, despite only living just across the Channel for the past couple of years. It was also time to say goodbye to Pete in London, who was unfortunate enough to have me as company for the past four weeks. See you soon back in Aotearoa!
Aimee (another Kiwi friend), Peter & Warren say goodbye in Leicester Square, London
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07.27.09
Posted in Landscape, People, Sport, Travel at 8:00 am by Warren Williams
After just a few hours sleep from the great views around the Arc de Triomphe, we walked along to Trocadero to catch a glimpse of the sunrise over the Eiffel Tower. With some excess energy to burn, and missing out on some exercise recently, we had to improvise with our new surroundings…
Dawn over Eiffel Tower from Pont de Bir-Hakeim
A passing boat on the Seine stirs up some ripples
Cliche
Tai Chi
Jumping the Eiffel Tower
Imminent collision
Frogger in Paris
Pressups in Paris – Click for Larger
Dual Pressups
Eiffel Tower in early light
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07.26.09
Posted in Architecture, History, Landscape, People, Sport, Travel at 10:30 pm by Warren Williams
Paris has often been referred to as the City of Light, since the early 19th Century, when gas lamps first lit up Champs-Élysées. The weather continued to be great for us, as we strolled along the River Seine, visited Notre Dame, before seeing the final stage of the Tour de France. Following this, we watched the enormous street clean up act of Champs-Élysées, saw a few people brave a Haka, and finally watched a stunning sunset atop the Arc de Triomphe. Another splendid day.
Outside Notre Dame
Photography friendly rules inside Notre Dame – Thank you!
Sunbathers along River Seine on the hot summer’s day
Warren, Jason & Peter outside the Louvre
First view of Tour de France riders on final stage
Pelaton
Lance Armstrong (black helmet) peddling his way to 3rd overall
Empty Champs-Élysées after Tour de France – Sunset behind Arc de Triomphe
Haka (Maori traditional dance) next to Arc de Triomphe
Arc de Triomphe staircase
La Defense from Arc de Triomphe
Wide angle scene of La Defense, and impressive roundabout surrounding Arc de Triomphe
View down Champs-Élysées from Arc de Triomphe
Meow
The 10pm lights come on again for a dazzling 5min display
More Eiffel Tower Sparkles
La Defense Light Trails from Arc de Triomphe
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