Processing - the continuation

I have managed to do some decent processing of the pics taken at Mt Emily - it has been themed with an eerie green glow considering the dilapidation of the place.  Looking forward to be going there for a shoot in the day again on my off days; there are still more pics to be taken at that place.

More works to be done as I need more time to process the handful of that day's shots.

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The contemplation of Sigma 50mm f1.4 EX DG HSM

After many days of skimming through lenses, it still looks more economical to import the Sigma lens from Tin Cheung, as it is much cheaper despite being a grey set...but I have to personally test the lens before deciding if it delivers the desired results.

Looking forward to this Sat's shoot at Dempsey Hill.

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Further lineup of abandoned places

A few more places lined up for those which are not forgotten by the world that is moving around:

http://ghostclubsg.blogspot.com/2010/04/abandoned-houses-places-property.html

Looks like there are more than meets the eye; and yet to be known to many around us....

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Flashguns line up

Been reading through a few 3rd party flashguns for my A500, such as Nissim, Yongnuo, Sunpak and finally came across this make on artworkfoto's site:

Tumax DPT386 AFZ for Sony,Olympus and Panasonic

 For the price, it's much more decent compared to getting a HVL-F58AM which is almost triple its price.

Another into my consideration list...

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Minolta AF MACRO 100mm F2.8(32) D

Just read about this lens that is identical to the Sony SAL100M28, which costs SGD1,248 for a new set, compared a used set can cost only SGD690.

The used set of Minolta AF Macro 100mm F2.8 can go as low as SGD500.

It seems to be receiving positive reviews, following is the sample shots from the lens.  Seeing those pics itches me on the settlement of a macro lens!

http://www.dyxum.com/reviews/lenses/Minolta-AF-100-F2.8-Macro-D_review99.html

http://www.dyxum.com/dforum/topic11628.html

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2 abandoned places swept into history

Today's plan was to find View Road Hospital and also Tong Watt Road old shohouses.

When I reached Tong Watt Road, what was left was only the steps to the five foot way, shophouses are almost fully demolished with only the front face, which are also covered in netting.  What a disappointment; so I decided to makedo with the conserved surroundings to build up the collection of conserved places.  Managed to get some shots of a colonial style building which is used by a childcare centre, near Oxley Rise.

Next destination was View Road, but after locating the place, it had now been named as "View Lodge" and houes foreign workers; on man...a double disappointment.

I had to eat as it's already 3; with limited choice, Macs settled my dinner before making my way back.  Spotted Seletar West Farmway and decided to take a peek.  The road is exceptionally long, and on the way back, found the dirt road to Seletar Jetty where fishermen lived.  The place is scattered with trash on the mangrove swamp, fishing equipment and huts built on wood.  That reminded me of those olden days where fishermen made their living on their catch.  It's surprising to see that such a trade still lives in today's world.

With the overpowering platoon of commandos, I had to move off soon as they're getting the better of me; furthermore, not adequately attired for the wild trail; soiled my shoes heavily with mangrove mud and decided to RTB.

Later on read online that the place had been under conservation status for decades and since 2008, it had served as a dormitory building...I must have missed capturing them in their lost state by 3 years.  Though the building stands, what had been stagnated since it was vacated had been lost.

On the bright side, the labour today are not too bad as I've also got some shots of the state-owned McCallum dormitories that was at the edge of SGH.

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Abandoned Places: Old French Embassy

An unexpected harvest today as I was actually on the hunt for Istana Woodneuk, which was known to be along Tyersall Aveneue.

Making a couple of rounds finally brought me to a building that is perched on top of a hill.  "I've found you" was what came to my mind at that moment.

I had parked my car elsewhere to prevent getting attention for a singular car that was parked by the winding road among those good class bungalows.  Here I am, after a distance by foot, I had reached the foot of the building.

The place was totally uninhabited, with overgrowing plants on the stairway, gaps of buildling and one look of the building, could tell it was made of wood.  A room that was dark brings about the sound of a fan - that sounded like there was a running computer within one of the rooms.  No matter.  Keep moving.

The latrine that looked older than my parents had stood there with a broken door, overgrown plants and an open roof.  Even the covered walkway from main building to the rear building, that looked like the kitchen, was also torn from the erosion over the years.

Intially, there was an uneasy feeling as it's the first time venturing to such a building, but after awhile of warming up with the solitude, the mind is open and I able to venture through those rooms freely.  Wooden planked stairs appeared sturdy with each step but the main door was locked.  In respect of the place, I won't open any unopened doors as they may be too poor a state.

After a good visual harvest of the place, I had made my way off, leaving memories of the place and thinking how it used to function in it's glorious days.

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