Déjà vu… I saw yesterday on the BBC News that
Johnny Marr is to receive top NME honor.

You might ask what have I got to do with Johnny Marr?

First… This is my last post for a while, in a few days I am leaving for yet another very long Journey to Myanmar and Cambodia. I am really looking forward in meeting some new and old participants for my Photo Tours and Workshops. Please forgive me if there are no Blog posts for a few weeks, and only sporadic posts on Twitter and Facebook. But I make up for it once I return.

But now…Congratulations to a very nice person
and a super cool musician, called Johnny Marr.

Former Smiths guitarist Johnny Marr will be awarded with the Godlike Genius accolade at this year's NME Awards. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-21409581
The event takes place on 27 February at The Troxy, an east London gig venue.
Johnny Marr received also the best re-issue award for The Smiths Complete at last year's NME Awards

Well, it was way back in 1991 when I wrote and directed the music video "Get the Message" for the English band Electronic (Warner Bros., USA ) Johnny Marr and Bernard Sumner came to the Philippines from the UK to shoot the Video covering areas like the sand dunes in Ilocos, Vigan, Taal Volcano and many different places in Manila.

Credit must also go to a very good Filipino crew; lets not forget, it was 1991. Everything was shot using 35mm movie film, quiet a task them days, not to mention the postproduction.

For example our radio communications in the field looked like monsters… no iPhones them days and you almost needed an assistant to carry those huge things around.

Shooting out of a helicopter without a Gyro Stabilizer (not available) and shopping for a whole school in Ilocos; purchasing 50 pair of shoes, Pants, T-shirts etc. (at least the Kids where very happy with all their new cloths) and then there where the Kites… we had to bring in from Germany.

I never forget the face from the owner of the shoe shop…
Sir can I help you? Certainly… I need 50 pair of different sizes and color shoes!
I honestly had to reassure him that this was not a joke.

We had so many challenges those days but managed very well and ended up with a nice MTV. The whole Filipino Crew did their utmost best and performed outstanding.

I might add Johnny and Bernard are both super cool guys and exceptional Musicians and we had a real great time and lots of fun together.

Please Note:
There are actually two version of this MTV; the one on YouTube was reedited by Warner Bros. and is the one with the text blocks, but I never liked this version myself, the one that was used in the UK and the original one in my opinion was so much better.

Unfortunately I can’t find it anywhere, but see below the LINK to the Warner Bros. version:

Left to right: Johnny Marr and Bernhard Sumner
clip from the MTV 'Get the Message"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RBRXTWaTDp4

This was one of the first 35mm MTV production in the Philippines of the single “Get the Message”, that later enjoyed top ratings on international music charts.


Excerpts from an interview with Johnny and Bernard:
-The single was promoted by a colorful music video in which Marr and Sumner strolled through the Philippines and atop the still-active Taal Volcano.
Directed by Gunther Deichmann, whose published photographs in one of his Books had impressed Electronic. -


Excerpts from the BBC:
During a recent interview when ask What's the best song you've written?
Johnny replied:
The best song I've written is “Get The Message” by Electronic, with Bernard Sumner. It's great because I have no idea how it happened - I can remember starting with a bass line.
It was the second single from their 1991 debut album Electronic and was a commercial success around the world. It is a good example of Marr and Sumner's original concept of mixing the fluid synthesizers of New Order with The Smiths' rich guitar sound.


And for our Music and Guitar buffs out there check the LINK below:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?NR=1&feature=endscreen&v=6PD2qRyL470

Johnny Marr plays riffs from The Smiths, The The, The Kinks

Johnny Marr plays guitar and demonstrates the differences between five Fender amps at Seedy Underbelly Studios in LA during the mixing of The Cribs album "Ignore The Ignorant" in 2009. The opening riff is 'That Joke Isn't Funny Anymore', :22 'Dogs of Lust' by TheThe, 'All Day_ And All Of The NIght' by The KInks, 'What Difference Does It Make', 'Hey, Scenesters' by The Cribs and 'The Headmaster Ritual'. Not sure about the other (rifftastic) riffs.

Tags: Music, MTV, Film, Cambodia, Myanmar, New Order, Directed, Gunther Deichmann, Director, Bernard Sumner, London, The Troxy, The KInks, Get the Message, Electronic, postproduction, 35mm movie film, Video, Philippines, Johnny Marr, Musician, NME honor, guitarist, Smiths guitarist

Discover the undiscovered...
Myanmar/Burma & Cambodia 2013

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© Gunther Deichmann - www.deichmann-photo.com
Inle Lake - Myanmar/Burma

It is my pleasure and share with you that I have officially reached 10.2 million Hits and some 180,000 Visitors on my Website and Blog in 2012. (over a 12 month period)

Thanks to all my readers, friends, followers and supporters who made this possible.
This is certainly a new milestone and I try my very best to keep you posted with interesting articles and photos in 2013.


Next week I have a quick trip to Boracay Island and on Feb. 8 and 9 in cooperation with Power Mac Center a two-day photo workshop in Subic Bay (Subic Park Hotel in Zambales) on basic photography and digital photo management with an introduction to Aperture 3.

Interested parties may register at atc@powermaccenter.com or training_request@powermaccenter.com.

Read more also at: http://www.philstar.com/gadgets/2013/01/13/896137/power-mac-center-sponsors-workshop-gunther-deichmann-subic


Then by mid February I am leaving for some 3 weeks to Myanmar/Burma also know as the Golden Land and described by Rudyard Kipling in his novel Road to Mandalay. After Myanmar I am off to Cambodia for a few more weeks, a Country I have been visiting since 1992 with its ancient temples from the vast Khmer empire. The images on todays post are from both of these Countries.

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© Gunther Deichmann - www.deichmann-photo.com
Yangon - Myanmar/Burma

Our first Photo Tour and Workshop in 2013 is to Myanmar, this one is fully booked and so is our very special exploratory (very limited number of Participants) trip to Cambodia.

I like to call this one… rural exploration and the mighty Tonle Sap Lake… there is a lot more to explore and discover in CAMBODIA, besides amazing Temples and Monks, hence my reason for choosing different images for this post, more on this subject after my return…

After our special Photo Tour in Cambodia I am going to hang around for another 2 weeks for a very private Photo Tour and additional photography for confirmed articles.

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© Gunther Deichmann - www.deichmann-photo.com
A shy look in rural Cambodia

Now, if you have missed out on these trips, don’t worry we have additional Photo Tours and Workshops to Myanmar/Burma and Cambodia later in the Year; for all our destinations and more details check our Photo Tours and Workshop Calendar ASIA 2013.


Once I am on the road I have little time and at some destinations no Internet connections so posting anything will have to wait until I have returned. But I try my best and stay in touch via Face Book and Twitter whenever possible and thanks again for all your support. GD

Enjoy the images below:

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© Gunther Deichmann - www.deichmann-photo.com
At the Train station in Yangon - Myanmar/Burma

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© Gunther Deichmann - www.deichmann-photo.com
Inle Lake - Myanmar/Burma

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Worshipping at Ananda Temple Bagan - Myanmar/Burma




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Monastery Yangon - Myanmar/Burma




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Worshipping at Shwedagon Pagoda,Yangon - Myanmar/Burma




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© Gunther Deichmann - www.deichmann-photo.com
Working hard at the docks in Yangon - Myanmar/Burma




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Train station in Yangon - Myanmar/Burma




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© Gunther Deichmann - www.deichmann-photo.com
Reflections on the Tonle Sap Lake - Cambodia




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© Gunther Deichmann - www.deichmann-photo.com
Tranquility in the rural area of Cambodia




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Fisherman on the Mekong River, Phnom Penh - Cambodia




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Phnom Penh - Cambodia




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© Gunther Deichmann - www.deichmann-photo.com
Reflections on the Tonle Sap Lake - Cambodia




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Hundreds on their Bikes…workers traveling early morning to
the next town to work, Cambodia




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© Gunther Deichmann - www.deichmann-photo.com
Phnom Penh at night… Cambodia




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In front of the Grand Palace Phnom Penh - Cambodia




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In the streets of Phnom Penh - Cambodia



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Rural Cambodia…




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In the corridors of S 21 Prison as I have know it in 1992 in Phnom Penh, (now called Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum) and a stark reminder of the atrocities by the Pol Pot regime, one get the eerie feeling of been watched by Ghosts.

Tags: Calendar, Cambodia, Rudyard Kipling, MYANMAR/BURMA, Rural, S 21 Prison , Battambang, Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, Tours, Adventure Travel, TRAVEL PHOTOGRAPHY, Photo Workshop 2013, Photo Exhibition, Rural, Boracay Island, Workshop in 2013 , Photo Tour, Mekong River, Tonle Sap Lake, Teaching, Tutorials, Phnom Penh , Philippines, Subic Bay, Aperture 3 training, Power Mac Center

Digital Dark Room and Aperture 3 plus some more
interesting info on the Big Cat the Lion OS X

Hands on…The Digital Dark Room and Aperture 3, we finished yesterday our first session for this week, (three hours per session) now another 2 more to go and a special advanced one at the Power Mac Center on the weekend. All this week we have Aperture 3 action, and 3 more days next week.

The Digital Dark Room with Aperture 3 has been organized in cooperation with Power Mac Center and Filipinas Heritage Library. Special thanks to my Assistant Arj, Mark, Joseph and Jeoffrey from the technical support team at PMC for helping out behind the scene. And of course thanks for the ever so organized Cecille from the Filipinas Heritage Library.

Yesterday afternoon Aperture 3 and the Digital Dark Room at
Power Mac Center Makati, Manila Philippines

We show you the ultimate way of editing your photos with Apple's Aperture 3 software, creating proper back ups, how to add music to your Aperture 3 slideshow using GarageBand plus a lot more. The technical staff from Power Mac Center is also around to help with technical questions and trouble shooting on Apple's latest operating system the OS X Lion.

Very busy for the next few weeks, plus one more advanced course on Aperture 3 in September at PMC, all this before I have to get ready for my GD Photo Workshops to Laos, Cambodia and Myanmar.


See below some additional and interesting info on the OS X Lion

There is some good news and bad news, some older Mac's don't support Airdrop so if you installed Lion and can't find the AirDrop Icon then most likely your machine does not support AirDrop. However you can always use DropCopy and that works fine a cool little application, very useful also for your iPhone and iPad (Mobile DropCopy) to transfer files, OK on OS X Lion.


Read below specs by Apple re AirDrop...

OS X Lion: Can I use AirDrop with my computer?
AirDrop is one of the great new features of Lion that provides a really easy way to share files between supported, Wi-Fi enabled Macs, without having to connect through the local Wi-Fi network.
AirDrop will automatically discover all the other Wi-Fi-enabled Macs running AirDrop that are near your computer (this may take a few seconds). To make sure you’re in the Finder, click the desktop (the background area of your screen), or click Finder on the Dock.

Note: If AirDrop isn't listed under the Go menu or doesn't appear in Finder window sidebars, your Mac doesn't support this feature.
Macs that support AirDrop in OS X Lion
If your Mac is the same as, or newer than, the models listed below, then it supports AirDrop.

• MacBook Pro (Late 2008 or newer)*
• MacBook Air (Late 2010 or newer)
• MacBook (Late 2008 or newer)*
• iMac (Early 2009 or newer)
• Mac Mini (Mid 2010 or newer)
• Mac Pro (Early 2009 with AirPort Extreme card, or Mid 2010)

Tags: Philippines, Aperture 3, Power Mac Center, Tips, Tricks, Turtles, TRAINING, Techniques, Tutorials, Apple Mac, OS X Lion, Manila

Burning Midnight Oil…Installed OS X Lion and test driving…
So far I am doing some very good Lap times.

Don't know why this happen to me all the time…a coincident maybe, I mention in my last post on Sri Lanka that my next post would be from Thailand, but then came Lion OS X last night. Now I am test driving…mind you half a sleep so please forgive me for any grammar and spelling mistakes…I need another coffee.

Like before, every time I have to go on a trip, just days before (it happen with Aperture 3 and others) a major update got released, so last night I burned midnight oil and installed Lion OX.

Lucky I had a good internet connection and the downloading only took 3.5 hours plus another 45 minutes for installation and checking the system, I was done by 4:12 AM. I just realized this is the entire flight duration from Manila to Bangkok.
Most of us in the Philippines and in Asia general going to have some difficulty with good connection speed, the only draw back when downloading huge files.

You might ask why going through all this trouble and burning midnight oil, (BTW I love the Band) but I am a Certified Apple Pro Trainer for Aperture and have classroom session and workshops I need to know if there are any issues so I can trouble shoot when needed.

But now to my first observation and some tips for you to move over to Lion, first of all; Make sure you have a back up of your previous system and you updated Snow Leopard prior installation. Making a good back up is absolutely crucial, you never know what can go wrong, Time Machine is a good choice but you can also clone your hard drive via another software if you wish to do so, but make sure you BACK UP!

Lion OS X is only available via download for the Apple App Store and it is about 3.5Gig this is a big Baby for downloading, so a very good connection is important, don't try this with a dial up, which brings me to the next issue, there are some rumors that Apple is going to supply some Memory sticks for some US$ 69.00 with Lion OS X but they want be available until August and this is not sure either.
If you must get Lion now go to a friends place buy some wine and sleep on the couch over night, or ask your Boss if you can do it at work, a good connection and healthy relationship in this case with your Boss is important to.

Compatibility, I am still test driving but so far have not encountered any major issues and the Lion is doing just fine except for some minor issues and getting use to an all new experience.

The scroll bar is gone, well not quiet, it only shows now when you move the mouse or scroll on the trackpad then it will show, the new interface is slick and responsive very quirky, nice one.

Of course there are some 3rd party softwares which do not run and below is a list of some I encountered, not a big deal I can either do without them or a fix will be available soon.
Aperture 3, not a glitch running very cool, Motion 5 is also not a problem, as a matter of fact almost everything I am running from before is fine.

Mail is now very slick just like on your iPhone or iPad, love this new look, but you might have to get use to the new way of scrolling and if you don't like it then you can always set it up to your preference.

Older versions of Stuff it Expander is not running, very old version of Microsoft Office like Word are also not supported, Drop Copy has an issue but no need for that any more since Lion has now Air Drop build in and that works within 30 feet, perfect.
For some 3rd party software you might need to install the serial number again but other than that, all is fine.

A bigger issue is fotoQuote: OSX Lion and Cradoc fotoSoftware programs and an Update pre-announcement

Tags: Tips, OS X Lion, Peach Press, iPad, iPhone 4, Drop copy, Air Drop, fotoQuote, Motion 5, Compatibility, Rapid Weaver, testing, Backing up, Aperture 3, Install, testing, Software, Certified Apple Pro Trainer

POWERMAC APPLE CERTIFICATION COURSES &
PROMETRIC EXAMINATIONS NOW @

Power Mac Center becomes the first Apple store in the country to receive an Apple Authorized Training Center (AATC) offering IT Track certification.

Furthermore Power Mac Center offers introduction Seminars and special Courses on Aperture 3, Final Cut, Motion,
iLife '11 (iPhoto, iMovie, GarageBand), iWork, Aperture 3 - Photo Workshops, Photoshop CS5, Auto Cad and others.

Power Mac Center’s Classroom at Greenbelt 3 is now an accredited AATC and will begin to offer Apple certified courses to companies, schools, and individuals who wish to learn or expand their knowledge on Apple’s Pro applications.

Moreover, the new AATC is now qualified to offer Apple certification exams for professionals looking to establish their expertise, and better market their skills in the field of digital technology.

With already two accredited Apple Certified Trainers in its Greenbelt store, Power Mac Center continues to consistently train its employees to deliver quality educational services, with the end view of an AATC accreditation for its other flagship stores as well.
This worldwide recognition further raises the level of commitment of all Power Mac Center employees to a truly reliable and outstanding service as demonstrated by the global Apple workforce.

Visit : training.powermaccenter.com for a complete list of courses.

Special Easter Report from the Philippines…

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© Gunther Deichmann - www.deichmann-photo.com

Warning!
Some of the photos from this event can be very disturbing due to their graphic nature, I advise to view them at your own discretion.

If you like to view the images at your own discretion please go to my PhotoShelter Archives and Galleries and click this LINK or the image above.

A quick change from India and Nepal… I have posted today photos, a few hours after the event from the Easter “celebration” this Friday in Pamapanga about an hours drive from Manila. (Provided there is no traffic)

It was an interesting trip to say the least, another Idea, which came about in our good old Cave Wine Bar a few days ago. My good friends Hubert, Arj, Pierre and myself set of for Pampanga early this morning, just in time for this all day event.

But after a few hours I had some mixed feelings when I saw very young children taken part in this long traditional event, I don’t like to go into more details now, but this was one of the things I found very disturbing.

Please Note: Non of the Photos have been manipulated in Photoshop or other software in any way or form, using only Aperture 3 for the processing.

GD

Is this the last Fish?
The story behind the image...



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© Gunther Deichmann - www.deichmann-photo.com
"Is this the last Fish?" Manila - Philippines

A recent assignment took me to the Fish port of Manila...I visited the place many years ago and not much had changed over the years...except for the catch!

A lot less fish...amongst them juvenile species like Tuna, etc. not like before, mountains of fish...I started to think if this was just a bad day or the fish stocks getting depleted, but that we can figure out some other time.

Then of a sudden... I slipped, landing almost on my butt...oops...I looked around and there was this squashed fish right behind me...the culprit for me loosing my balance for a moment.

Hmm, this looks interesting, I took a few frames giving me the headline Idea..."Is this the last Fish?', now you might think this is a real fishy tale but it is indeed very true and you better believe me.

It was an interesting night, working only with available light and the Nikon D700 at ISO 400 plus the Nikon 50mm f:1.4 Lens. No Flash... no Photoshop! A few hours later I edited all the images in Aperture 3.1 and uploaded them into my PhotoShelter Archives & Gallery, check out (only 69 Photos) from the evenings take and CLICK this LINK or the Image above.

Besides the smell outside the loading area which was out of this world...WOW!!!. We had an interesting evening, finishing the night off with Hubert and Arj over some cold beers at the Cave Wine Bar.

BTW...my rubber shoes I wore that evening still getting fumigated...
GD

Delicious Colors...the Journey continues.

The Journey Through Color & Time continues in 2011 and I am looking forward to some exciting workshops in India and Nepal, followed by some other interesting and colorful destinations.

We have also just published the latest Calendar dates with new destinations for 2011 and 2012 and performed a major overhaul on the GD Photo Workshop site, just in time for the NEW YEAR.
Click this LINK for all the details.

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© Gunther Deichmann - www.deichmann-photo.com

Running paint...Malate, Manila, Philippines

But I managed to find some time in between to see some good friends and share a glass of wine...or was it more than one...
of course never leaving home without my little Leica D-Lux 4 camera; today's featured images are all from the past few days and I like to share them with you on my last post for 2010...simply "Delicious Colors."

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© Gunther Deichmann - www.deichmann-photo.com

The Blue Wall on the Roof-deck at Werdenberg "high above the Cave Wine Bar"

Now I like to wish everybody a colorful and very Happy New Year and please remember to take care of Mother Nature in 2011 and beyond... A Journey Through Color and Time continuos...
GD

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© Gunther Deichmann - www.deichmann-photo.com

The elevator wall on the Roof-deck at Werdenberg
"high above the Cave Wine Bar"



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© Gunther Deichmann - www.deichmann-photo.com

The last light on the Roof-deck at Werdenberg
"high above the Cave Wine Bar"


Just arrived...a few minutes ago.


The Philippines, made it on the Cover.

Cover and double page spread in the Jan. 2011
issue of "Faces" a children's Magazine from the USA.

© Gunther Deichmann - the first image & the start of a very long day,
processed to B&W using Aperture 3

A few images behind the scenes from last weekend's GD Photo Workshop...Intramuros in Manila Philippines and the American Cemetery Memorial Park plus after the shoot Workflow with 10 iMac's Aperture 3 and the cool team from the Power Mac Center.

© Gunther Deichmann - Wow what a group...

As you know I have only recently returned from Cambodia and had committed for this Photo Workshop in Manila...from Cambodia to Manila and soon in Singapore...Oh boy and that is only a week away. The month of October has been crazy!

First of all many thanks to all who participated in our GD Photo Workshop in Manila Philippines last weekend.

© Gunther Deichmann - Part of the group early Saturday morning,
far left; Luis Martin Harder is getting ready

My special and deep thanks go to Luis Martin Harder for his input, commitment and hard work together with the... Word for the World Christian Church and so many others who made this Workshop a real success.

My sincere thanks also to Pastor Raymond for all his kindness and support. To the Power Mac Center with their support team Andrew, Mark and Jeffrey, you have been outstanding and so supportive to make the work flow after the shoot very easy with Aperture 3 and taken some workload of me.

© Gunther Deichmann - Andrew, Mark and Jeffery from
Power Mac Center assisting the participants after the shoot.

It was real fun seeing all those cool images going through Aperture 3 without a glitch, we only did some basic processing but the organization of that many images was so easy using Aperture 3 plus it gave the participants a chance to see how efficient Aperture performs when dealing with large volumes of Photos.

Thanks again to the Power Mac Center Team, their help with this volume of Images certainly made my life a lot easier, I also like to mention Maleng Raysag from the PMC Education Devision who was instrumental in setting this up for us.
In addition the PMC also sponsored some prizes for the best Photos of the day, thanks again for you generosity, oh... before I forget my appriciation also for the cool baseball caps for every participant.

But importantly my thanks to the Participants who really gave all their hardest and performed extremely well...THANK YOU ALL SO VERY MUCH...YOU been so fantastic and super cool.

© Gunther Deichmann - blending in with the color



© Gunther Deichmann - lots of color and fun

We started at 5:30 AM last Saturday and everybody was on time, prior Saturday we had a short two hour briefing on Friday night with all the participants and organizers.
On Saturday morning we wondered around in the old part of Manila and I was on hand with advise and shooting techniques, after the morning session we went back to Makati to the facilities of the Word for the World Christian Church where a room was prepared with some 10 iMac units from the Power Mac Center.

© Gunther Deichmann - Exploring Aperture 3 on an iMac...



GD checking photos on his MacBook Pro...



Serious editing in progress with Aperture 3...

Now everybody had a chance to see Aperture 3 in action and we downloaded our morning take from the memory cards.
I may add that one of the participants was using an Nikon Film Camera (FM2) but we had the film processed the images burned on a CD and then imported those into Aperture.

© Gunther Deichmann - Aperture is making it easy
to select your best shot...

After some well needed lunch I gave a short talk about the morning shoot before we hit the road again for the afternoon session at the American Cemetery Memorial Park, this location proved to be a real challenge for all participants.
We returned around 6:00 PM cleared or Memory cards again and closed the event with some certificate, prizes and more talk on Photography and finished by 9:00 PM, it was a very long day indeed.

© Gunther Deichmann - Hmmm...very interesting at the American
Cemetery Memorial Park, Manila - Philippines

Luis Martin Harder a superb Photographer himself was instrumental in organizing this event, oh boy it did need some organizing with some 37 active participants running around in the field. I like to thank also Carlo who worked together with Luis behind the scene and of course Arj Muñoz my partner and friend who led a helping hand.

Almost done...it is getting late and the last few words.

Please forgive me, If I have forgotten to thank someone, I did appreciate all your help too.

I am sure some of the participants will upload some of their images to Facebook and Flickr, I have already uploaded some additional ones direct from Aperture 3 to my Facebook.

Just one more...& the last shot of the day.



© Gunther Deichmann - American Cemetery Memorial,
Manila Philippines. Processed in Aperture 3

God Bless and hope to see you next time at one of my Photo Workshops abroad or in the Philippines.
GD

A colorful Time Machine... Simplicity, Light & True Colors
of Boracay Philippines… from 1993 until 2008.



© Gunther Deichmann - Boracay 2008, true colors and
atmosphere of Boracay, Philippines

Sometimes we repeat ourselves, like the other day when I was looking for images in my PhotoShelter Archives and Galleries and I came across the ones from Borobudur and Yogyakarta in Indonesia. (previous post)
A coincident for sure…but it happen again yesterday when searching for particular images for an article on Cambodia.

I stumbled across the Philippines Boracay folder and out of curiosity I had a quick look, but then decided to share some of those photos with you, again a nice mix of film and digital. Time Machine as the name suggest's means going back in time... hence the reason the first photos on this post are the most recent ones, followed by the old-timers.

© Gunther Deichmann - Boracay 2008, colors, simplicity & light



© Gunther Deichmann - Boracay 2008, "The Mask"... simplicity.

© Gunther Deichmann - Boracay 2005, when I woke up in the morning...before brushing my teeth and going to the bathroom I spotted these cloth pegs on the Balcony...the rest you can see above...color, light & simplicity!

I might add that non of the Photos have been altered in Photoshop, well in 1993 Photoshop??? The Digital images have been processed using Aperture using minor adjustments only. Again an interesting mix between film and digital, besides light and color don't change, it is only the equipment and our way of processing today.

So, easy on Photoshop, filters etc.,...believe me, Mother Nature has the best light & colors we could ever ask for and that is a real blessing.

© Gunther Deichmann - Boracay 2003, colors & light with my
very first simple point and shoot Digital Camera, a Canon G2.



© Gunther Deichmann - "The Colors of Boracay"
& simplicity... film - Fuji Velvia 50 ASA
FM2 Nikon with a 20mm lens - 2002

© Gunther Deichmann - Boracay 1993, simplicity & colors on Kodachrome film
from the hill top with my then X700 Minolta using a 600mm Minolta lens.

Soon, very soon I stop digging in my Archives and share with you new images from Cambodia, so please stay tuned, I be reporting direct from our GD Photo Workshop base in Siem Reap at the Heritage Suites Hotel.
My special thanks to Shroff International Travel for all those complicated and ever changing travel arrangements in and out of Cambodia. Love you Guys!
GD

Mystical Asia QT 2:51min. - Best viewed in Safari Browser
File size: Approx. 18MB - DSL Broadband connection recommended.

I have been flood out the past few days with Photography and Aperture 3 workshops at the Power Mac Center at Greenbelt 3 Makati. Tomorrow I have another session the whole day at the University of the Philippines Diliman sponsored by Power Mac Center Educational Division, all this prior my departure for the US on Tuesday.

But I promised on my last post that I share with you yet another cool Multimedia Demo/Presentation and here it is, "Mystical Asia" a 2.56 min. QT file, using Photos from Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, Burma (Myanmar) Nepal and Tibet.

I finished this demo only a few days ago, amazing stuff you can create using a MacBook Pro and of course the cool Aperture 3 slideshow with GarageBand and my new "Girlfriend called Motion" from Final Cut Studio.

Endless possibilities...with a touch of Motion your Multimedia demos or presentations can look so different and really come alive.
Now sit back and enjoy "Mystical Asia".

Please note the video is best viewed using your Safari Browser we experienced recently that in Firefox some script codes appear underneath the QT window, the video will still play correctly but it looks a bit strange.
Hopefully this issue is disappear soon.

GD

The GD Photo Workshops in Asia...
confirmed dates for Sept. & Oct.
Cambodia, Nepal & Philippines.



© Gunther Deichmann - discover the
undiscovered in Cambodia

You find we go beyond the normal tourist locations, experience adventure with a touch of luxury in some of the best destinations in Asia. Discover the undiscovered with your digital camera.
Gunther has many years of experience in Cambodia and Nepal, you explore places seldom visit by others.

Understand light and composition, meet new people and immerse yourself in new cultures, getting the shot right in the first place is the main objective in these workshops. Learn how to see with your eyes and using the camera only as a tool to capture the ultimate image. Photoshop manipulation is not on the agenda.

At the same time master the after the shoot workflow, critique, tips, tricks and techniques, plus securing your Photos with the implementation of a complete back up system during our classroom sessions at the Hotel.

The workshops are for advanced amateurs who want to gain insight into how to make better photographs for editorial, stock sales or for personal satisfaction. A digital SLR camera capable of capturing RAW images is required. Students are encouraged to bring their own laptop.

Students will work in digital formats and for those with experience on Mac Computers Gunther will guide you through the understanding of Aperture. (including the latest version 3.0.3) He will also teach basic editing skills in Photoshop. Gunther is a certified Apple Pro Trainer for Aperture and has years of hands on knowledge using Photoshop as a photography tool.

For more info go to:

GD Photo Workshops

Cambodia, Siem Reap and Phnom Penh
PHOTO WORKSHOP in September 12 - 18, 2010
Final bookings must be made by latest 19th of July


PACKAGE PRICE: US $1,795.00 (airfare not included) for more details please email us at gdeichmann@mac.com

The price is inclusive of the following:

• 7 days and 6 nights stay inclusive of accommodation bed and breakfast at a 5star Boutique Hotel (Siem Reap)

• Ground transportation and guides including visit to the Tonle Sap lake

• Bottled water will be provided throughout the excursions.

• Heritage site permit fees.

• (only 4 more slots available)

Full details and outline of course will be send to you upon request.
Please Note: If you like to take part of the Phnom Penh extension additional fees are applicable, this is in addition to our Siem Reap 7 day Workshop and a great opportunity for those who like to add some extra days and explore/discover Phnom Penh and surrounding areas. Pls. send us an email for more information for the Phnom Penh extension.

7 days Angkor Wat and beyond...explore and discover the hidden Khmer treasures, please book this workshop early it is our most popular one.
Read what students had to say from our previous Photo Workshops in Cambodia & India.

© Gunther Deichmann - ancient Temples
& ritual Cambodia


© Gunther Deichmann - Siem Reap Cambodia

October 14 - 21, 2010 Bookings close by 9th of August.
Only 4 spaces remaining! 
Nepal, Kathmandu
A 7 day Journey into Nepal, final itinerary yet to be finalized, please stay tuned for more info very soon. Shortly we announce the price and upon request we provide you with a detailed Itinerary and Course outline.

© Gunther Deichmann - Sadhu Nepal

© Gunther Deichmann - Kopan Monastery in Kathmandu, Nepal

Oct. 29 -Nov01, 2010 Bookings close by 31st of August.
PHOTOGRAPHY LESSONS IN PALAWAN: Learn from the Pro. in cooperation with Power Mac Center Manila Philippines.
Four days of fun and learning travel photography..exploring nature's beauty in Palawan
Target: Amateurs and semi-pro (max 8 participants) please book this one early. Peso 12,000 (does not include Hotel and accommodation charges yet)
Philippines only! Course outline soon to be announced.
For registration: workshops@powermaccenter.com

© Gunther Deichmann -perfect camouflaged Monitor Lizard
cooling of in the lagoon on Dimakya Island Palawan, Philippines



© Gunther Deichmann - Flying Fox, - Fruit Bats
on Dimakya Island Palawan, Philippines

Hope to see you on one of our GD Photo Workshops,
GD

Aperture 3 essentials & basic Photography,
using your camera and understanding the
work-flow after the shoot.

July 23-25

Doing it right from the start and avoiding problems later, using your camera and Aperture 3 is really not that complicated.
Switching from iPhoto to Aperture 3 the easy way, organizing all your photos the correct way, create Aperture 3 slideshows, import and edit video (movies) in Aperture 3.
Correct your photos the professional way without the use of Photoshop, export your photos to Facebook with a click of the button...plus tips, tricks and techniques on photography.
This course is for amateurs and semi pros.

Course fee: Peso 8,500.00 per participant for 3 days
1 to 4 PM except on the last day there is an additional 1 hour (1 to 5 PM)

For details: www.powermaccenter.com

For registration: workshops@powermaccenter.com

See a basic course outline below:

Day 1. Short introduction and presentation on basic photography
3:00 hours.
Lecture on your camera and problems you’re facing
How to use your equipment and make the most out off it, hands on and learning the basics.
E.g. basic operation of your camera the a-b-c. tips and tricks.
Short walk around Greenbelt 3 with GD using your camera in the field.
Setting up your computer for Photography and uploading images.
A. The first upload to the computer using Aperture 3 or iPhoto ’09
Basic lessons on digital photography.
Q&A

Day 2.
3 hours
Another short walk in Greenbelt with GD implementing the lessons from day one.
Hands on and advise including some critique after the shoot and upload of images.
B. The digital workflow after the shoot, Aperture 3 or iPhoto more advanced training,
plus backing up your images the correct way.
Q&A

Day 3.
4 hours
Final lessons learned and discussion, plus more tips, tricks and techniques from GD on Photography.
Participants go out alone for about 30 minutes and shoot some simple assignments given by GD.
After they return evaluation and lessons learned, final editing and fine-tuning with Aperture 3 or iPhoto.
What to do with your photos after the final shoot and edit;
integration on the Mac e.g. creating slideshows, presentations with iWork etc,.
Q&A

Soccer fever in Manila, Philippines?

© Gunther Deichmann - from the car window, street vendor
selling soccer balls near Makati. Leica D-Lux 4

Today on my way to Makati this happy street vendor came up to my Taxi window trying to sell me a soccer ball, I can't recall seen a street vendor selling soccer balls. Must be connected to all the action in South Africa at the World Cup.
GD

Manila Day... & Fireworks over Manila Bay..

A quick shot with my small Leica D-Lux 4 from my window,
then into Aperture 3 and it was done, about 5 min. ago.

Guess who came for dinner...



© Gunther Deichmann - El Rio y Mar dinner time...

As promised here is the photo from my last day at El Rio y Mar…amazing this Lion fish arrived just in time for dinner.

If you read Part 3 from my recent Palawan trip then you might remember I was talking about my last night and dinner at the pier at El Rio y Mar.

Our group was sitting at the dining table at the end of the pier when suddenly one of the staff caught my attention. He was pointing at the steps at the end of the pier, so I walked over to him and to my amaze there was this Lion fish cruising around.

© Gunther Deichmann – almost like a painting... a Lion fish.
No need for Photoshop…
Nature provides all the texture and colors.

Maybe attracted by the light, or was he going to join us for dinner…we never know.
I instantly grabbed my camera, which was parked on the dining table only a few meters away.

To get more light onto this fellow I used the build in flash on my Nikon D700 this time…wow the light and the texture of the steps created this cool abstract image of a Lion fish.

© Gunther Deichmann – even he was not invited
I am so glad he dropped by.

What else can I say…never leave your camera behind, even if you have dinner with your friends.
BTW…there is some cool muck diving at El Rio y Mar and the Dugong Dive Center has a Dive Center right at the resort.

However in my case there was no need to take the plunge…the fish came “right to me,” or did he came for dinner?
GD

Dramatic skies, enchanting colors…
a tropical kaleidoscope.



© Gunther Deichmann - view from the Pier at El Rio y Mar,
Palawan Philippines

Oh… how I love this time of the year, the monsoon has finally arrived cooling things down a bit, a good time for some different photography.

© Gunther Deichmann - sunrise on the way to Calauit Island
Palawan Philippines

It started all on my last day on Dimakya Island, storm clouds rolled overhead, the first rain for this season had arrived. The day before on my way to Calauit Island we had painted skies at sunrise, an indication that things where about to change, great I thought.

You might think oh no…this bad weather is going to ruin everything…actually not, it is the other way around, well at least for me I just love this time of the year.
The ocean is so calm but the colors can be spectacular and lets face it we do need water, natures gift to man.

© Gunther Deichmann - near Club Paradise,
Palawan Philippines

© Gunther Deichmann - the Monsoon has arrived
Palawan Philippines

I said goodbye to Club Paradise and all those great people who made my stay so awesome, Dirk Fahrenbach from Dugong Dive Center and Juergen Warnke joined me for a short 20 min. boat ride to El Rio y Mar…which is just “around the corner.”

© Gunther Deichmann - arriving at El Rio y Mar,
Palawan Philippines

After my arrival I settled into my quarters (wow, these are very cool cottages) and had my usual cup of coffee first. Then I wondered around the Resort area which is nested in super healthy Mangroves, nature... again all around me.

© Gunther Deichmann - my home... sadly my stay was just to
short but I shall return. El Rio y Mar Palawan Philippines



© Gunther Deichmann - very healthy Mangroves just behind my
cottage during a tropical rain shower

Red Mangrove: Flowers of the red mangrove are fertilized and begin to develop.  The propagule or seedling, does not drop from the tree immediately, but continues to grow in place.  If there are no storms or other disturbances, the red mangrove seedling and its companions can advance the shoreline as they stabilize the soils beneath them.  In nature however, storms tend to keep the system in balance. 

© Gunther Deichmann - Human cutting of mangroves can cause severe erosion problems during major storms or tsunami. Mangroves are also a very important breeding ground for fish and other marine critters. Palawan has some very healthy Mangrove forest along its coastline.

I took it easy the first few hours, besides it was Sunday and now1:00 PM not a very good time to shoot anyway.
Then of a sudden... at 3:00PM all hell broke loose with a great tropical downpour, fantastic I thought, grabbed the umbrella and started to work at the Mangroves.

After about 45 minutes it was all over, the sky cleared up nicely with the clouds disappearing in the distance.

I went around the place and took some Photos of the Resort and at sunset I spotted this amazing dark cloud on the horizon in the bay. (see first photo above) Another wow left my lips before it went to dark and I got ready for our dinner at the pier.

© Gunther Deichmann - a cool night in tropical Paradise
El Rio y Mar, Palawan, Philippines

By now it was 7:00 PM and I thought…well that is it for today but then the big surprise…sorry folks you have to wait for this one…I promises in a couple of days you get to see it. My suspense again...

Unfortunately I could only stay one day in El Rio y Mar before hitting back to Manila, oh how I wished I could had extended my stay, but I shall return, a promise I will keep.

It was amazing how many photos I managed to take in such a short time, these are only a few on today’s post.
To top it all off, the image below was taken just 3 hours prior my departure, just after breakfast near the swimming pool area.

© Gunther Deichmann - Brown-throated Sunbird near the pool
area at El Rio y Mar, Palawan, Philippines

One thing is for sure if you travel to Palawan in the Philippines nature is all around you…as they say, it is the Philippines last frontier, but for me it is the lost Paradise or plain and simple Jurassic Park.
GD

From Jurassic Park to the Future...

It was a big day yesterday for Juergen Warnke Chairman of Club Paradise and El Rio y Mar...he decided to make the switch from PC to Mac. During my recent visit in Palawan I had a lot of chats with Juergen about the efficiency on the Mac and a week later we went together to the Power Mac Center to check out the units.

Juergen Warnke is all smiles at the Power Mac Center
Greenbelt 3 during his first test drive.

Being a Business man who travels a lot Juergen decided on the new Mac Book Pro 13 inch, I certainly going to help him with the initial setup and get him up and running in no time. He is also looking into an additional iMac for the Resort and a Cinema Screen for his office, the perfect combination. He now has all the Battery Power on the road and the luxury for the office.

After we left the Power Mac Center we switched for a Glass of Wine at my favorite Wine Bar the "Cave" and just in time for the World Cup Soccer game between Switzerland and Spain. Wow the win by the Swiss over Spain was just awesome.

Happy Switchers...Othmar Frei and Juergen Warnke at the
Cave Wine Bar at Werdenberg in Yakal street Makati.

Othmar Frei the GM of Werdenberg Corp. a good friend who switched also just recently to a Mac greeted us, it was only a couple of weeks ago that we both went to the Power Mac Center to get his Mac Book Pro i7.
So there you have it, two new-bees and happy switchers. Othmar I ask, how is your new Mac? Oh boy I should have made the switch a lot earlier, it is just so cool...just love it. Great... after that we had a few Glasses of wine and watched the soccer game.

Tomorrow I continue with my adventures from Palawan... "and then came the rain"...but that should never stop you from taken photos...almost like making the switch from a Pc to a Mac...it is never to late.
Until tomorrow,
GD

Part 2...endemic wildlife has its home on
Dimakya Island, Palawan Philippines

© Gunther Deichmann - at sunset Fruit Bats from the
second colony take off into the sky.

The endemic wildlife of Palawan is just so amazing…and you don’t have to venture very far to encounter Birds, Anteaters, Porcupines, Deer, Lizards and Turtles you just need a little patience “walk and talk” quietly and you find them on Dimakya Island
Home of Club Paradise.
Note: All images have been processed using Aperture 3 using only RAW file image adjustments and cropping.
No manipulation in Photoshop.

© Gunther Deichmann - my home for four days...Club Paradise,
Palawan Philippines

We all know that the diving is just so amazing in this area, from shipwrecks to an unspoiled immaculate house reef right in front of your cottages. Where Turtles roam and Dugongs feed on the adjourning sea grass beds not to mention all those critters and tropical fish on the reef. A paradise for underwater Photographers.

However as mention before in Part 1, on my recent trip to Palawan I concentrated on the wildlife above the waves where another paradise was waiting for me…

© Gunther Deichmann - The Brown-throated Sunbird (Anthreptes malacensis), also known as the Plain-throated Sunbird, is a species of bird in the Nectariniidae family. It is found in a wide range of semi-open habitats in south-east Asia, ranging from Myanmar to the Lesser Sundas and west Philippines

My second and third day on the island was blessed with encounters of Herons, Pigeons, Calamine Deer and of course the ever presence of Flying foxes — or Fruit Bats, but this time from a different colony at the other end of the island. (see the photo above)

© Gunther Deichmann - luck was on my side when I wondered through the Resort, when I spotted these Herons right next to one of the Buildings. Entertaining me for a few moments before they took off in the undergrowth.

Rufous Night-Heron (Nycticorax caledonicus). The Rufous Night-Heron hunts for food during night time. They primarily eat small fish, crustaceans, frogs, aquatic insects, and small mammals. They live near bodies of water such as rivers, streams, marshes, seas and lagoons. They fly at dusk to their feeding ground producing a "kwok" sound.
Rufous Night-Heron can be easily identified if it's young or mature because of its distinct color. The juvenile changes its color from spotted and streaked brown into plain brown with a black cap on top of its head when it becomes an adult.

© Gunther Deichmann - I spotted this CALAMIAN DEER close to the natural lagoon Dimakya Island on my second day, just a minute stroll from my cottage.

CALAMIAN DEER (Axis calamianesis). The Calamian Deer is also known as the "hog deer". The name "hog deer" arises from its habit of crashing through the undergrowth with its head down like a pig, rather than leaping over obstacles as other deer do. Hog deer are heavy-set and compact, standing only about 28" high at the shoulder.

Calamian Deer is an endemic species restricted in the Palawan Faunal Region and is considered endangered by the World Conservation Union (IUCN). They are found in the Calamianes Islands, Northern Palawan. Axis deer in general take readily to water and are said to be good swimmers. They are predominantly grazers, and they eat also fallen flowers and fruits of forest trees.

Of course my stay was way to short to capture all the endemic species like the Scaly Anteater or Pangolin, some of the Owls (I certainly heard them at night) and many other Bird species. I guess I have to make another trip and catch up with some of the other animals that have eluded me on this visit.

I also traveled to Calauit the famous Island with its African introduced species, but my report from this part of Palawan has to wait a bit, lets just concentrate on some of the Philippine endemic wildlife first.

© Gunther Deichmann - this photograph was taken on Calauit Island during my recent visit to Palawan. Deforestation has greatly reduced its numbers and the Philippine Bearcat is on the endangered species list

The Binturong (Arctictis binturong), also known as the Asian Bearcat, the Palawan Bearcat, or simply the Bearcat, is a species of the family Viverridae, which includes the civets and genets.
It is the only member of its genus. The binturong is neither a bear nor a cat, and the real meaning of the original name has been lost, as the local language that gave it that name is now extinct. Its natural habitat is in trees of forest canopy in rainforest.

It is nocturnal and sleeps on branches. It eats primarily fruit, but also has been known to eat eggs, shoots, leaves, and small animals, such as rodents or birds.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Binturong

© Gunther Deichmann - photo of Palawan Porcupine was taken on Calauit Island during my recent visit to Palawan.

The Philippine Porcupine (Hystrix pumila), or the Indonesian Porcupine or the Palawan Porcupine, is a species of rodent in the Hystricidae family (Old World porcupines). It is endemic to the island of Palawan in the Philippines. Common Name: PALAWAN PORCUPINE Scientific Name: Hystrix pumila Local Name: Durian / Landak
Conservation Status: Apparently stable, but these species are reported to be persecuted by farmers as pests in coconut plantations.A locally common to uncommon species found in primary and secondary forest in the mountains and in the lowlands.

This species also prefer caves, but are commonly found under tree buttresses or in rock crevices.It is an endemic species restricted in the Palawan Faunal Region. It has been recorded in the islands of Busuanga, Calauit, Coron, and on the Mainland at the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park, and the forested areas of El Nido.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Philippine_Porcupine

For the 3rd part I share with you some of the cool cloud formations, sunrise & sunsets that occur this time of the year…the onset of the monsoon and my favorite travel time, so please stay tuned for Part 3.

Just one more...
jumping with joy in Paradise.



© Gunther Deichmann - Club Paradise,
Palawan Philippines


Please Note: A Photo Workshop in Paradise - Oct 29-Nov 1

PHOTOGRAPHY LESSONS IN PALAWAN: Learn from the Pro. in conjunction with the Power Mac Center
Four days of fun and learning travel photography..exploring nature's beauty in Palawan
Amateurs and semi-pro (max 8 participants) please book this one early.
For more info pls. contact:

Email: 
workshops@powermaccenter.com
tutorial@powermaccenter.com

2/L Greenbelt 3, Ayala Center Paseo de Roxas Avenue, Makati City, Philippines 
Tel: 7297087
3/L TriNoma, Edsa cor North Ave. Quezon City
Tel: 9013981

For other Workshops in 2010 plus Cambodia and Nepal please go to:
http://www.deichmann-photo.com/gdphotoworkshop/page1/calendar.html

Jurassic Park? No... Club Paradise
Palawan Philippines - Part 1



© Gunther Deichmann - like... Jurassic Park..."Flying Foxes"
Fruit Bats & a Heron on Dimakya Island

Part 1:
All Photographs on this Blog Post taken the very first day (actually half a day, I arrived about 11:00 AM) on Dimakya Island
Watch out for part 2 & 3 more nature and interesting animals soon to follow on my Blog...plus a cool marine creature taken during our dinner at the Pier of El Rio y Mar...ha, ha my suspense again. Don't you love it!

I returned last night from Palawan the last Frontier in the Philippines...Nature at its best. The past week my Blog posts have been very thin and I didn't bring my MacBook Pro this time either...just the cameras and plenty CF Cards.

I knew if I had brought my Laptop the nights would have been very long, spending hours sorting the photos on Aperture 3 and having non or very little time for my good buddy Dirk Fahrenbach, plus Juergen Warnke was on the Island too this time.
Spending quality time with friends in "Jurassic Park" for a change...plus Aperture 3 worked so well that I am almost done with the editing the day after my return.

I left Manila on a Cebu Pacific flight to Busuanga and after about 50 minutes arrived at the new Busuanga Airport, wow things have really changed since my last visit here. I had been to Club Paradise before but that was many moons ago, so it was interesting to find out what changes had taken place besides the new airport. After a short jeepney ride I boarded the Boat from Club Paradise for Dimakya Island.

© Gunther Deichmann - arrived on Dimakya Island Home of
Club Paradise & Dugong Dive Center
Palawan, Philippines

Located on Dimakya Island and also the Home of my good friend Dirk Fahrenbach from Dugong Dive Center. Dimakya Island undoubtedly one of Asia’s Eden, the Philippine’s Last Frontier and the Calamianes group of Islands is perhaps one of the world's best-kept secrets among travel destinations and at the same time the Home of Club Paradise.


The Resort had also undergone some facilities changes including a Spa and the Dugong Dive Center is offering now some Liveaboards trips to APO Reef and other areas.
The islands house reef is world famous for its marine life and is frequently visited by Dugongs, as a matter of fact this season has seen a record number of these amazing animals right in front of the Resort... a divers paradise without a doubt.

Within few minutes of my arrival I spotted the Flying Foxes having the their usual midday rest...hanging upside down in the trees right next to the Resort. Oh this is great!
I checked into my cottage located right on the beach, changed into something more comfortable before setting off for a little exploratory walk with Dirk to the other side of the Island...but first we had a nice cup of coffee and a good chat...

Dirk...GD... some diving too? Absolutely NOT! What? Are you sick? No... I am going to have some fun running around in the Jungle and heat finding these other creatures almost everybody seems to forget about.
...there are plenty great shots of Dugongs and marine critters by good Underwater Photographers already, besides our good friend and excellent underwater photographer Tony Wu is going to visit you next year anyway and he is getting all those great underwater shots. As for me... I am getting sweaty and dirty trying to find some endemic animals on this beautiful island.
Dirk...GD you're crazy...yep I know!

Ok.,OK...but may be in a couple of days Dirk commented with a grin... sorry Buddy not this time. However in the evening I am having a couple of drinks with you. Dirk...I don't believe it....you left your computer at home...yes my friend, otherwise no drinks later...Dirk...oh I get it now...!

© Gunther Deichmann - A Monitor Lizard cooling off in the Lagoon on the Island, he was my very first encounter on day one. I followed him around for about 2 hours trying to get the perfect shot of him in his natural environment.

© Gunther Deichmann - Abstract reflections of nature in the lagoon. A natural attractant to wetland inhabitants and visitors, thus, wildlife around the lagoon area (such as herons, bulbuls and kingfishers) continues to inhabit the island. The climax vegetation and the hills are also preserved in their natural state. These areas provide habitat to other birds which area displaced in the flatlands.

© Gunther Deichmann - Just one more my "friendly" but very shy
Monitor Lizard in the Lagoon on the Island

© Gunther Deichmann - my lucky day... the Dugong Dive Center still had some hatchlings before their release, a great opportunity for me to get some shots at sunset.The Turtle protection program on the island is a joint effort between the staff and management from Club Paradise and Dugong Dive Center http://www.dugongdivecenter.com/turtle_program.html

The resort has engaged in an active tagging program for marine turtles to study their habitat range. From February to October 1991, 12 marine turtles were tagged using the markers from Pawikan Conservation Project of the DENR.

© Gunther Deichmann - Painted Sky - the end of day one...& what a day it was in Paradise.
A few more days and more exotic nature will follow, so please stay tuned for Part 2 and 3.

Before I am signing off today, (only today, plenty to come yet) a special thanks to all the staff and Management at Club Paradise & El Rio y Mar and of course to Dirk Fahrenbach and his staff from Dugong Dive Center.
Until soon...Save and Protect our Environment!
GD

Power Mac Center Redefined...
Party Time in Greenbelt 3 Makati

Open for Business again...but so redefined... the awesome newly renovated Power Mac Center in Greenbelt 3 Makati Manila Philippines.

Philippine All-Stars @ Power Mac Center
Greenbelt 3 Makati, Manila

It all started on Thursday the 27th of May 2010, after undergoing some major renovation the past few months PMC open its doors again with a big Bang, attended by celebrities, personalities and Press it was certainly a party to remember not to mention the great food and drinks.
Apple representatives from Singapore attended plus some "Super Heros" where walking the floor. Well, that was day one...the celebration continuous with yesterdays appearance of the famous Philippine All-Stars cool music and lots of fun.
If you need a new Mac, iPod Touch or what ever your heart desires drop in to this truly amazing...awesome new PMC and avail of up to 15% discount which is still available until Sunday. My good friend Luis Harder and Photographer did just that yesterday, walking out of the door with a new iPod Touch for his wife and a cool iMac for his office.
But there is so much more...ongoing Tutorial for GarageBand, Aperture 3 and other Apple applications check out the schedules and dates at PMC.

A cool new Classroom... and the nice redefined 1 on 1 tutorial room are now open...as a matter of fact we have an Aperture 3 Introduction on Sunday the 30th from 6 to...? Lets see, we might just make this one a bit longer, please drop by and join me and find out what Aperture 3 is all about. http://powermaccenter.com/services/training/learning_series

Todays Photos are from the last few days...however I am working on a nice fast slideshow from the event as well and we post this one later, of course it will be created using Aperture 3 and GarageBand, so please stay tuned.

Congratulations to the Staff and Management of the Power Mac Center not only for providing Manila with such a great store but for a super event.
The PMC is certainly redefined!
http://powermaccenter.com/stores
GD

Tags: Philippine All-Stars, Power Mac Center, Makati Manila, Apple Premium Reseller

Aperture 3.0.3 & the New MacBook Pro Core i7


© Gunther Deichmann - speed & motion, wild Horses
Northern Territory - Australia

I didn't use any speed test tools but my first impression running Aperture 3 on the new 15 inch MacBook Pro i7 are very good. A very nice performance increase from my previous 2.66 MBP.

We all know Aperture 3.0.3 likes power, this new Machine gives you certainly that extra performance without any doubt... I noticed big improvements during Import and Export in particular the speed increase when changing your Browser View or going up to full screen.

I really pushed it a bit the other day as I kept on toggling back and forth bringing in new Raw Photos on the screen…instantly they kept flashing in front of me.
Going from full screen to 100% Zoom is also extremely fast now, plus working with Brushes and other adjustments tools has improved dramatically.
Switching between Libraries is defiantly much faster there is almost no more waiting time.Very noticeable is also the speed increase when Aperture 3 updates the Library and Previews usually during exiting the software.

It is still too early for my final verdict but from what I have experienced up to now is already very impressive.
The other cool thing I have a lot more space on my hard drive now (comes with a 500Gig drive) great when you don’t like to carry all your external drives with you. 90% of the time I store all my Photos as reference files on external hard drives, but it is nice to know you have this extra space in times when you need it most.

As a matter of fact, a good friend of mine was so impressed that he went out yesterday to buy the new MacBook Pro i7…a hard-core PC user until now, he made the switch from his old PC to a Mac.
Please Note: If you migrating your system from your old Mac to the New one, have your Aperture 3 license handy you will be asked to enter it upon launching the software.
Other than that everything is just so much faster.

I post additional information once I have used the MacBook Pro i7 in the field and completed some more serious editing.
GD

The New MacBook Pro i7 & i5 15 & the 17 inch models are available at all Power Mac Centers in Manila.

Contact:
http://www.powermaccenter.com/index2.php
Email: info@powermaccenter.com

Please stay tuned also for the announcement of the Grand re-opening of the Power Mac Center in Makati Greenbelt 3, an amazing super cool shop that has undergone complete renovation these past few weeks.

Highly Recommended for Underwater Photographers!


© Gunther Deichmann - "The Pier"
Dumaguete, Philippines

In today’s electronic age it still amazes me how little thought has gone into the electrical outlets even in 5 Star Hotels or resorts. I always have to scramble for adapters, extension cords or move my bed or cupboards around the room, in most cases I can only charge one item at any one time.
As a Photographer this is sometimes a real nightmare since we do carry iPhone, Computers, Strobes and some other Gadgets with us today.

© Gunther Deichmann - Pura Vida Beach & Dive Resort
Dauin, Dumaguete Philippines

I stayed in many Resorts and Hotels and encountered the same problem over and over again, with the exception of Pura Vida Beach and Dive Resort, they are very much connected in more ways then one.

Pura Vida Beach & Dive Resort is located in Dauin, 15 kms south of Dumaguete City on Negros Island and was opened end of 2004. Build by divers for divers and is under Swiss Management.

An unusual number of electrical out lets seldom found in any other Resort or Hotel, they have it really worked out keeping the Divers and Underwater Photographers in mind. You never have problems here charging all your equipment in your cottage.
No need for extensions or trying to become an electrician upon your arrival, all their electrical outlets are convenient located and you have easy access to them.

© Gunther Deichmann - night dive, Helmut Gurnard
(Dactyloptena orientalis)

So if you’re an Underwater Photographer check out Sea Explorers and the Pura Vida Beach & Dive Resort in Dumaguette Philippines, besides great accommodation including a Spa it is also an Underwater Photographers Paradise. Dive right in front of the Beach, (super cool macro) or take a short trip across to APO Island.

© Gunther Deichmann - Nudibranch (Thecacera picta)

The Sea Explorers PADI Career Development Center (CDC) is located also directly in the resort.
Sea Explorers runs several dive centers on different islands in the Visayas and is one of the most experienced dive operators in the area.

© Gunther Deichmann - School of Jacks at APO Island

Fantastic dive sites with an unbelievable variety of marine life
World-class macro and night dives, a paradise for underwater photographers
Fun diving in small groups with experienced dive guides
Beautiful and inviting resorts in tropical atmosphere
Very good value for money as well as professional and personal service

Their Specialties includes:

Unique Island Hopping
Amazing Dive Safaris and Special Tours
First class education of PADI courses from beginner up to professional
PADI Career Development Center (Dauin, Dumaguete)) and PADI 5* dive centers

Pura Vida Beach & Dive Resort plus Sea Explorers are very well connected, not only from an electrical point of view, but also through out the many Islands and Dive sites in their area. So, on your next visit to the Philippines check out Pura Vida and go Island Hopping with Sea Explorers and this time you can leave your extension cords at home.
GD

iPhoto Slideshow & Aperture at
Power Mac Center TriNoma.


Power Mac Center TriNoma

Please join me at Power Mac Center TriNoma on February 15, 2010 from 5:30pm to 7:00pm
“Tell Your Story through Photos” - iPhoto Slideshow & Aperture plus a lot more...basic photo management and photo slideshow tools on your Mac.
Power Mac Center TriNoma
REGISTER NOW AND DISCOVER THE MACINTOSH ADVANTAGE!
Contact training@ powermaccenter.com • tutorial@powermaccenter.com • 0918-2680603 • 0922 8481577

Power Mac Center TriNoma

Please check out also the latest updates on the
GD PhotoWorkshops Calendar
@ http://www.deichmann-photo.com/gdphotoworkshop/