Chromystic

Aging... with a smile

Sun, 11 Oct 2009 05:33:25 -0800

Tengalle (Sri Lanka) - I saw this old lady passing by and asked if I could take a photograph (pointing to the camera). The old lady started giggling timidly not knowing what to do.

When I showed the picture on the screen she stared in awe. I suspect she had never seen herself before in a photograph.

Immensus

Fri, 18 Sep 2009 01:50:12 -0800

This photo was taken three days before returning to Portugal, in a place called Gintota (Sri Lanka).

I used a hard edged Graduated Neutral Density filter to reduce the brightness from the sky.

Just Do It!

Wed, 16 Sep 2009 16:55:13 -0800

While visiting the outskirts of Galle (Sri Lanka), I had to cross a bridge to go over the river. Looking down I found this old lady washing the clothes, so I watched for a while waiting for a nice picture. After a few minutes, she grabbed a t-shirt from Nike and stretched it on the water. It was the decisive moment I was looking for.

The Dawn of a New Day

Tue, 15 Sep 2009 00:42:07 -0800

Following the story on Yara Forest, from where I had already presented "Majestic", I thought it would be interesting to show an overall view of the scenery described.

A new day, a new dawn, a rainstorm on the way, a 17mm lens... and a little bit of patience. When light plays the magic, the wait is always worth it.

Water Buffalo

Sun, 13 Sep 2009 10:47:59 -0800

Buffalos are the real workhorses in Sri Lanka. The big paddy fields are their working places, arable land used for harvesting rice, managed preciously by their paws as heavy tools for working the land.

It would be impossible to use tractors, as the swamped lands swallow everything lower than 5 feet tall. For them, it's home, work and leisure... all in one!

Majestic

Fri, 11 Sep 2009 07:58:24 -0800

While volunteering in Sri Lanka I lectured on a course about advanced photography. Many of my students were already professional photographers, covering weddings and events, so it was a bidirectional relation where everyone contributed to the overall knowledge. Having such passionate students, I was often invited to photograph in places recommended by them. Yara (I'm not sure if it is spelled this way) was one of those places, a forest in the middle of nowhere, with a big lake right in the middle.

It was early in the morning but the Sun was already shining through the canopies. After a while walking through the dense vegetation, we found this colossal tree. The size of the roots was unbelievable, but it was the sheer size and majesty of the trunk that make me capture this moment. The Sun gave the final touch.

A grateful thank to "Melinda" for showing me such a lovely place.

Blessed by Nature

Fri, 14 Aug 2009 22:05:35 -0800

While driving through Kotova in Sri Lanka, I found a place where a natural fountain was being used to shower and wash. Many people were in a queue to get their turn on this blessing of nature.

Breaking the Boundaries

Thu, 6 Aug 2009 06:30:55 -0800

The magic moment where two different cultures meet together in perfect harmony.

Catarina takes out her necklace and gives it to this little Sri Lankan little girl.

Different languages, different cultures, different generations... and perfect understanding! No need for further translation.

The Red Monk

Tue, 28 Jul 2009 23:58:47 -0800

While walking along the Galle Old Town I found this Monk having his weekend stroll.

Soccer volunteering project in Sri Lanka

Mon, 27 Jul 2009 00:45:11 -0800

Two little kids from a poor school in Sri Lanka play soccer for the first time in their lives. The soccer field is an open space in the middle of the jungle, there are no goals and no field boundaries. When the ball flies out into the trees, they run to get it, barefooted.

Monkeys Family

Fri, 24 Jul 2009 21:16:21 -0800

As I was about to get ready for the morning classes, I saw a group of monkeys jumping on the trees. I immediately grab the camera and ran to find out a good vantage point from where to capture them.

After a while, I found this family of monkeys staring straight at me.

To know more about my volunteering adventures in Sri Lanka, visit the blog.

Gate 11

Thu, 16 Jul 2009 18:28:43 -0800

Gate 11 - Starting point of the Volunteering in Sri Lanka

Imagine

Sun, 28 Jun 2009 13:28:55 -0800

The last two weeks have been absolutely crazy... lots of work photographing new concepts and seasonal events, editing hundreds of pics, and planning the trip to Sri Lanka.

Yesterday I had the pleasure of attending the "Tourist Guide - I'm Here - Porto" book debut co-authored by a friend of mine - Sérgio Fonseca from "Objecto Anónimo". The book is very comprehensive; it's loaded with interesting information about the city, the people, the gastronomy and the culture; the design is very modern and creative and the photos are of high quality. If you plan to visit Oporto (Portugal) I highly recommend this book. You can buy it straightly from Amazon: Tourist Guide - I'm Here - Porto.

"Imagine" is a photo captured during the coffee break of the book debut session. It conveys the story of a girl resting, thinking with a stare look to nowhere, while a little boy steps in staring with innocent curiosity to the girl lying in the pouf. Both subjects seem to be in a state of trance, overly enhanced by the harsh light coming from the odd looking window. "Imagine" is yours to decipher.

Maternity

Mon, 15 Jun 2009 01:31:51 -0800

It takes "two" to make "one". Four hands, one bond... and time.

Fantasy Land

Thu, 4 Jun 2009 13:00:45 -0800

Canoe Shak - Lake Louise - British Columbia - Canada

Finish Line

Tue, 2 Jun 2009 01:40:02 -0800

On the last night of my 250 km, 4 day bike trip around the island of Corfu, I slept on a rock facing the Mediterranean Sea and Albania. The sun was coming down fast, creating this gold line that connected Albania to Corfu. A boat suddenly appeared, just in time to cross the "finish line".

Beauty and the Beast

Sat, 30 May 2009 13:48:03 -0800

After a sweating saturday afternoon, with temperatures rising to 36 degrees Celcius, the mood was set to go for a walk in the park. It was already dark with just a dim light coming from the park lamp posts, and the sweet serenity of a warm cozy evening inviting the romance.

Post-process: Conversion to B&W and a mild S-Curve

Camera: Canon 5D
Lens: 50mm at F/1.4
ISO: 800

Bullet Holes

Thu, 28 May 2009 07:55:00 -0800

Signs with bullet holes - Crete South Coast - Greece

What... Pigs!!?? Where??

Tue, 26 May 2009 06:11:18 -0800

I've been having a lot of work lately, planning a two month trip to Sri Lanka, and making an extreme makeover of Chromystic's studio, both in size and functionality. All of this work is stealing some of the time I use to update both the blog and photoblog, but I hope to recover most of it in the next days.

And here is one to cheer you up. Have a great day!

AMR - The Music Sculptor

Sun, 17 May 2009 03:54:36 -0800

AMR goes beyond music, mixing senses, moods and feelings in his work. The natural ability to create visual scenarios from music puts him at the level of artists like Jean Michel Jarre or Michael Oldfield.

Caged in Time

Fri, 15 May 2009 08:00:31 -0800

We are born, we live, and we die, there is no running away from it... we are forever caged in time.

Sunset Cranes

Wed, 13 May 2009 06:13:00 -0800

Harbour cranes at sunset

Once upon a time...

Fri, 8 May 2009 02:40:58 -0800

Canadian Rockies - British Columbia - Canada

Infinite Sparkle

Wed, 6 May 2009 15:23:58 -0800

A light that never fades...

Tower Antenna

Wed, 6 May 2009 01:03:15 -0800

This huge structure is located in "no man's land", on the top of a big inaccessible mountain where the only road available is closed to traffic.

It took a whoie day to get to the top, but the fantastic views make it all worthwhile. I ventured a little and went beneath the structure. This is the result.

Polarizer filter used.

Power Source

Tue, 5 May 2009 01:42:32 -0800

This photo is part of a set of advertising pictures created for light testing and setting experiments.

The battery and the formula one replica were photographed independently, and then mixed in the post-production.

Tales from Agra

Sun, 3 May 2009 03:08:21 -0800

A photo from my collection "Tales from Agra".

Double Duty

Thu, 30 Apr 2009 02:25:19 -0800

Becoming a ballerina...

Rowing in Paradise

Tue, 28 Apr 2009 10:00:11 -0800

Lake Emerald - Rockies - British Columbia - Canada

Vancouver

Tue, 28 Apr 2009 04:33:50 -0800

Downtown Vancouver - British Columbia - Canada

Misplaced

Mon, 27 Apr 2009 15:04:04 -0800

The shadow never lies, hidden in its own conspicuity and obviousness.

Dead and Reborn

Sun, 26 Apr 2009 11:06:37 -0800

Fires are by far the most catastrophic natural hazard in Portugal. The area of Portugal is about 9239 square kms. In 2004, the worst year in two decades, there were 425.000 hectares (1.050.000 acres) of burned land. That is 4.250 square kms (1.641 square miles) of land. It's the rough equivalent of 600.000 football fields. Half the size of Portugal!

Forests are easily consumed by fires because of the owners and government negligence in the land cleaning process and as the consequence of many criminal acts related to vengeance, construction benefits, negligent careless ignorance and pyromaniacs.

But nature eventually wins over man. The ashes give birth to a new generation of life, just like Fenix... nature cannot die.

Fire Chief

Sat, 25 Apr 2009 13:05:42 -0800

During the Carnival of Venice I found this little boy standing at the doorway of a street store.

The colors of the store combined perfectly with his outfit. I didn't have to ask... he smiled back as soon as I picked the camera and shoot.

Beat by Beat

Fri, 24 Apr 2009 13:55:16 -0800

On location photo assigment. Two flashes used - one with a snoot direct into the girls face, the other one with a small flag reflected in one of the drums golden pans.

The background was too bright and filled with distracting objects. I used two pieces of black velvet tapped to the walls.

The model was sprayed with water to give a sweaty look.

Conversion to b&w.

Living in a Dream

Thu, 23 Apr 2009 15:34:36 -0800

The sky had a mixture of red and brown, with the subtle warm pallete of the sunset competing against the eerie polluted air from the devastating fires of the last days.

The water was still, calm and observant, reflecting the day of those around her.

Three logs rising, naked and lifeless.
One tree reflected, gracious in happiness.
The moribund truth living next to a dream,
The never ending deception
Of what it is, or what it seems.

Paradise for Two

Wed, 22 Apr 2009 14:19:44 -0800

Algarve Coast - Portugal

Bass & Soul

Tue, 21 Apr 2009 11:20:03 -0800

Feel the Bass... feel the Soul!

Young Ballerina

Mon, 20 Apr 2009 13:04:21 -0800

A real ballerina having a playful rest at the piano

Struck by Light

Sat, 18 Apr 2009 09:47:41 -0800

Any great artist requires some sort of "light" to ignite creativity - a moment, a feeling, a gesture... or a thought - it will shine until it fades.

Another day without...

Fri, 17 Apr 2009 02:52:56 -0800

Light coming from the window. Big reflector on the left.

Tofino Express

Thu, 16 Apr 2009 06:12:57 -0800

Tofino - Vancouver Island

I've seen the Light

Tue, 14 Apr 2009 10:47:47 -0800

Model name: Lucas

Age: 16 years old

Light: big softbox (front right); 90cm white reflector (left); subject is 1 meter away from the background

Would you like a cup of tea?

Sun, 12 Apr 2009 13:40:05 -0800

This photo is part of a set of advertising pictures created for light testing and setting experiments.
There is a small softbox (60x80cm) in the front, to the right. On the left there is a flash pointing straight to a white reflector (the reflector is next to the cup). A set os small hand-made "V" reflectors were positioned to light the leaves and the brand independently.
In photoshop I added some warmness to the greens.
The liquid in the cup and the smoke were created after the picture was taken.

Heart Stopper

Thu, 9 Apr 2009 10:18:24 -0800

Someone who steals your heart and sucks the life out of it.

Misty Lake

Tue, 7 Apr 2009 08:58:08 -0800

The morning mist comes alive with the first rays of light.

Dark Memories

Mon, 6 Apr 2009 09:02:01 -0800

There are places where spirits never sleep, ruins that were once mighty palaces, stones that decayed and lost their feet.
There are places with mysteries never solved, dancing spirits with stories still untold, and the last who might remain...
The old house, is still the same.

Hideout

Thu, 2 Apr 2009 14:01:30 -0800

Model: Helena, 12 years old; golden reflector as main light.

Genesis

Wed, 1 Apr 2009 16:13:01 -0800

"When God began to create heaven and earth, and the earth then was welter and waste and darkness over the deep and God's breath hovering over the waters, God said, 'Let there be light.' and there was light"(Genesis chapter 1:3); the "firmament" separating "the waters which were under the firmament from the waters which were above the firmament;" dry land and seas and plants and trees which grew fruit with seed..." (Book Of Genesis)

Divine Intervention

Tue, 31 Mar 2009 02:27:41 -0800

Studio shot - black background; strip softbox on the right; strip softbox on the left; ratio 2:1 between the two.
Post-processing: conversion to b&w and levels fine-tuning.

Strategic Bomber Cockpit

Sun, 29 Mar 2009 16:00:00 -0800

Strategic Bomber cockpit. Tried to convey the nostalgy and crudeness in the overall ambiance by applying contrasty curves and a mild, slightly duotoned, b&w.

Hide and Seek

Sun, 29 Mar 2009 05:20:00 -0800

When there is no more place to hide, it's time to improvise.

The Wandering Angel

Sat, 28 Mar 2009 07:10:00 -0800

An Angel left her heavenly throne,
And floated 'mid the starry skies,
And there awhile the spirit shone,
Bewildering upturn'd mortal eyes.
The stars at once look'd faint and dim,
As if the lark sang morning's hymn;
So clear and lustrous was the light
That from her radiant presence beam'd,
The atmosphere around grew bright,
And o'er the clouds a glory stream'd.
Oh ! who can paint the glow intense,
The vast unstain'd magnificence
That lies about the home of God!
The pure effulgence of that clime
Imbues with splendour, through all time,
Those who its paths of joy have trod.

By John Bolton Rogekson

Two Babies and a Crocodile

Fri, 27 Mar 2009 08:22:40 -0800

Playing with toys during a "scouting" session.
Story in the blog.

The Blue Crown

Thu, 26 Mar 2009 15:44:08 -0800

Playing with water droplets.
Items used: one sink, one pyrex, two flashes, one blue gel, one flash trigger and one plastic bag.
Number of tries: a lot!

Heading to Victory

Thu, 26 Mar 2009 15:36:03 -0800

During a motorcycle championship in Braga (Portugal). Reigoto, n. 22, won the race.

Runway Mystic

Thu, 26 Mar 2009 15:30:18 -0800

Portugal Fashion 2007.

Drifting in Thoughts

Thu, 26 Mar 2009 13:40:00 -0800

During a ferry crossing from Karpathos to Santorini (Greece) I found this girl looking in the horizon.
The combination of the hair flowing in the wind and the sunset invited me to make a silhouette.

Beauty in Pink

Thu, 26 Mar 2009 13:30:00 -0800

A portrait of my niece, Catarina.

Lake Moraine

Thu, 26 Mar 2009 13:20:00 -0800

One of the highlights of my 2004 expedition to British Columbia (Canada) was the Rocky Mountains. The weather kept changing all the time, but the sceneries were always outstanding.
This is a photo of Lake Moraine, one of the many crystal blue lakes in the Rockies.

Car Explosion

Thu, 26 Mar 2009 13:00:00 -0800

Car Explosion