Singapore - A Closed Chapter?

Now I have recently posted several posts on Singapore, although the photographs were actually taken about a year ago. But it seems like Singapore has become a closed chapter for me. You see, I just had my status of Singapore Permanent Resident cancelled due to several reasons. All male citizens and PRs of Singapore have to serve 2 years of National Service (Army) from the age of 18. Since I happen to be studying here, and because I don't see the need for wasting 2 precious years, which I could spend for studying - for college/university, I decided, considering also my parents' opinions, to go ahead and cancel my PR. NS in Singapore can be really treacherous and tough, and although it might take a big toll on you, it sure does build up your body and character. I'm saying this from hearing my senior friends' experiences serving the army. However, now that I've opted out of it and cancelled my PR, I'm doubtful if I can visit Singapore again - the country I grew up in. I'm pretty dejected about it, but well, I'm sure that if I become too overwhelmed I can always choose to return to Singapore after serving my 2 years. For now, I'm trying to move on with life, and see where it'll take me. Singapore was just a chapter in my life, and I'll be looking forward to the many chapters yet to have reached.

Summer's Here

Well now that it's March, Summer is on its way, or has already begun in my place in India. The past few weeks have been scorching hot with only a tiny few drops of rain, and that too, only once in a few days. While some of you might be freezing right now thanks to the winter snow, we here are sitting in the shade, our tongues withered to the root because of the intense heat and dryness. But it's nothing like some parts of India where it is three times warmer!

Anyway, now that my exams are finally over and my summer vacation is here, I'm looking forward to a lot of stuff: Going places, basically. We haven't really had a family holiday ever since we returned to India, as usually either my dad will be away or my sister will be occupied with work. Besides, this time I have a big task too, to find a good school that I could probably study (and stay) for the next 2 years, which are my Senior Secondary years (or Junior College). I have vowed to give it my best shot as how I perform these 2 years will pretty much determine how I'll emerge in the future.

Broken Glass

A pair of accidentally broken glasses didn't go to waste. They became models in my home-made studio.

The shape formed due to the broken glass



I smashed the pieces of glass into smaller pieces and lay them at the bottom of the pair. However the shadows formed by the glasses seem to have hidden the sparkle they were supposed to give.



I thought adding a fork to the photograph would be creative; as if it was the fork that broke the glass.





And here's a broken heart.



Eventually I had to throw away my models as they spilled tiny chips of glass all over my room!

Risk

Sometimes, we just have to take the risk, don't we?

Got this idea online; decided to give it a try.

Loneliness

I have become quite used to being lonely. Ever since I left Singapore in April 2010, loneliness was my company, he followed me wherever I went. I couldn't mix or get in terms, or even communicate properly with anyone here. I couldn't relate to my relatives. I have pretty much become a loner in life. Like a lonely candle, in the midst of all the darkness.

Like a lonely flower, new but almost going to wither.



I missed all my friends in Singapore, the only friends I truly had. However, over time, I sort of lost them too, as it was tough to keep in contact online. Like they say, long-distance relationships never work. But just recently, I chanced upon an old friend, and we had a great conversation. Surprisingly, he still remembered and saw me as who I used to be, not as a stranger or someone new. The problem is, not everyone is like him. I heard from him, all the news of my pals in Singapore, how they've completed their O levels, and how they were graduating. I thought about it and realized, I should have been doing the same. But where am I now? What have I become, other than a loner, a loser, a hopeless person, who although sometimes knows how to dream big, never gets to see what he wants? Like a motionless leaf, I look up and see my friends, whom I used to share a life with, all fresh and joyful, graduating and rising up, away from me, whereas I am stranded down here, unable to progress or move on with or enjoy my life.

Cats, Dogs and Cows

Took these photographs during the past few weeks. It's not always easy to photograph cats here as they usually scuttle off upon seeing humans.

This is my dog Titu in motion, behind him you see the crib and christmas tree.



And this little fellow was photographed near my friend's house. He's a calf, probably just a few years old.



Yeah, so that was Cats, Dogs and Cows! Forgive me for that silly title! Couldn't think of anything.

Looking Outta the Window

24th December. I was on my way to see a friend for his house warming. He lives in Singapore, just like I used to, and we were like, really great pals. He just had a new house built in India for his grandparents to stay, and for them when they come for vacations. On the way, we drove along a vast stretch of paddy fields and open sea, and looking out of my car window, it was a wonderful sight.

I stuck my head and camera out to grab this shot. The road was empty!



As we drove along a long bridge, I looked to my left to see the wide river joining the sea. It was just so bright, that you couldn't tell where the horizon was!



Here's a tourist houseboat, many of which you can see along the river.





I had a great time and reunion with my old friends. After 7 months of not having anyone to talk to about old times and school, it was definitely a rejuvenating experience.

A Walk on the Moon

I recently had a trip to the moon. As soon as I landed, I noticed the ground was filled with strange stumps sticking out a few inches, with a small crater surrounding each stump.

Alright, you know I'm kidding. These are just Tapioca trunks planted in the soil. Tapioca is a common food crop cultivated in Kerala, India. I spotted this plot full of newly planted stems and thought it would make a good photograph.

Week One

Sorry guys, for not posting anything for the last few days. From now on, I'll only be posting every weekend, as my exams are nearing and I have to focus more on my studies. But I assure you at least one post every Saturday and Sunday!
Anyway, now that 2012 is here, and so is 'Photography & Me', I'd like to tell you stories about my life, experiences, dreams, stuff like that. And I'll be posting more photos of various genres. Here are two shots I recently took of a tiny 'castle' I made with some blocks. I don't know if it has any meaning though. Just for fun. :-)





It was my Mom's and Dad's 20th wedding Anniversary on the 6th of this month, and we celebrated the happy occasion in a hotel. I took this random shot as I rested the camera on the table, and it turned out pretty fine.



To be honest, I don't really know what to do or post or write in this blog. I don't know how to start. The first week of 2012 seemed like any other week. I'll keep you updated, though.

Dragonfly Black & White

Sorry for the delay! I had been busy with school work and stuff. I haven't been shooting much recently, and my camera rarely exits the cupboard nowadays. However, there is just one shot I took of a dragonfly as it rested on a metal wire. I've been inspired by Vera to do black & white photography as well.

I might not post any photos for a while, but I will be back before long! Have a great weekend guys!

My Black and White Photography

I recently became interested in Black & White photography, after 'accidentally' decreasing the saturation of one of my photos. I understood the real beauty of black and white. But it isn't easy! So far, I've only captured a very few shots that when converted to B&W, looks fairly good. Here's the big Hindu temple I shot at Kanyakumari.

A thick dictionary!

Cars. Singapore is a perfect place to photograph sports and luxury cars. Catching them in action is even more exciting. Here's a BMW sports car as it zoomed past, after turning it into B&W.

And a luxury car, a Bentley soft-top. Hey, I might wanna try making an advertisement with these photos!

Last, a shot I captured of a waterfall in Munnar, India.