Travel Photography

Jan 31 2017

7 First Impressions of Stockholm, Sweden
(From a Street Photography Perspective)

I’d never made it up to any of the Scandinavian countries before, but since summer had just begun and I was already up in Moscow, I decided it was as good of time as any to capture some of it. So in early July, I took a flight from Moscow to Stockholm, Sweden to see what it was all about.

Exploring Stockholm on foot gives a tranquil feeling for a photo walk. There’s a mixture of older architecture, modern lifestyle, and beautiful nature all in a city that gives a very organized vibe. The city is also spread across multiple islands so you’re surrounded by water whatever direction you decide to take. It gives an interesting and relaxing atmosphere for street photography.

Beneath this picturesque yet modern exterior, there’s more character to find in Stockholm, though, if you look for it. So here are my first impressions of Stockholm, from my personal Street Photographer perspective…

Jan 29 2017

Street Shot Sundays
Photo of the Week:
“Lakeside Gym”

Street Shot Sundays Story & Stats

Story:

This Sunday’s Street Shot of the Week was taken at Hoàn Kiếm Lake in Hanoi, Vietnam. Hoan Kiem Lake is one of my favorite spots in the city. Right in the heart of Hanoi, it’s one of the more unique city lakes you’ll find with the amount and variety of activity it attracts. The morning has a more calm and peaceful atmosphere, while the day gets busier with tourists and locals until night when it can become the most active and crowded.

Just before sunset is my favorite time to come here. This is also when the lakeside gym fills up with a mix of characters coming to workout. In the evening, old gym equipment is brought out in small area lining the lake. Complete with free weights and everything, there’s a group of regulars that come ready to workout. They take it serious too.

It’s a humorous spectacle that attracts plenty of tourist camera phone pics from afar. With my flash, I decided to get up in the middle of it all, though. After a few photos and laughs, it was clear they didn’t mind at all (Although, they did have me get in a set on the bench before I was fully accepted).

Below are a few pics I made while hanging out at Hanoi’s lakeside gym.

Stats:

Camera: Fujifilm Xpro1
Lens: Fujinon XF 18mm
Focal Length: 18mm (27mm full frame equivalent)
Aperture: f/11
Shutter Speed: 1/60
ISO: 800
Flash: Fujifilm EF-X20

Jan 23 2017

Hare Island: Summer in Saint-Petersburg, Russia

Summer on Hare Island

If I was to pick my favorite city I visited this year for photography, it might be Saint-Petersburg, Russia. While maybe surprising to some with all the cities I visited in 2016, most of those surprised probably haven’t been. Saint-Petersburg is a special city unlike any other.

It was actually my second time in the city, but my first time visiting during the summer. And if you’re planning on visiting, the time of the year makes a big difference. With its location so high north, the length of the days range greatly depending on the month. So not only is the weather much better during the summer, the daylight also lasts 20+ hours. On top of that, the city really comes alive once June hits.

Zayachy Island

Saint-Petersburg was originally built on 101 islands. After some engineering in the early 20th century, it was reduced down to 42 islands connected to each other by bridges and canals. This is a big part of what gives the city such a beautiful, interesting and unique atmosphere.

hare-island-shooter-files-17 — Hare Island from across the river

Zayachy Island, also known as “Hare Island,” is a very small island in the center of Saint-Petersburg connected by two pedestrian bridges. In 1703, Peter the Great began construction of the Peter and Paul fortress here, which is a big tourist draw today. The grass, sand and stone surrounding the fortress is also a popular spot for the locals, especially in the summer. They come to lay out in the sun, take a dip in the water and enjoy the city view by the river.

The large grass area fills up with activity, but the most interesting spot is around the fortress where you’ll find a more secluded area with a large fort wall and stone shore. Since the wall faces the sun, it heats up and becomes a warm spot for locals to lay against in relaxation. Combined with the mix of characters it attracts, it can create a very interesting, slightly surreal scene. I found it so unique that I came back here multiple times during my visit to Saint-Petersburg.

Here’s a short series of photos I made while experiencing some of Saint-Petersburg’s summer heat on Hare Island.

Jan 18 2017

33 Street Photography Photos from One Week in Saint-Petersburg, Russia

I don’t hide my love for Saint-Petersburg, Russia. If you asked me to pick 3 cities anywhere in the world that I’d like to return for street photography, Saint-Petersburg would make the cut without hesitation. So much so that I do plan on returning for a longer stay this year.

While I’d been before, this last visit was my first time during the summer. The 20+ hours of sunlight and warmer weather really brings the beautiful city to life, and all the character it contains. I could go on and on about all the things I love about the city, but I’ll save that for other posts. This one is about the photos.

So here’s 33 photos that I was able to capture during my time in Saint-Petersburg…

Jan 15 2017