Through the Classroom Window
"The Shy One"

© Gunther Deichmann - A student from the Public High School in Chuuk Micronesia, 2008.
From the article "The Forgotten Ones."

© Gunther Deichmann - Chuuk Micronesia,
High School Grounds

It is not known when the islands of Chuuk were first settled, but, based on archaeological evidence, these islands had originally been settled more than 2000 years ago. It is also not known with certainty where the original inhabitants came from. Based on archaeological evidence, it seems that, after about 200 AD, there was no continuous settlement until about 1300 AD.

More at Wikipedia:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chuuk

Map of Chuuk: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Map_Chuuk_Islands1.png

© Gunther Deichmann - a Chuukese blowing the Shell as a welcome sign - the language of Chuuk belongs to the enormous Malayo-Polynesian family, one of the major branches of the Austronesian language phylum.

Chuuk is also with its vast, shallow, beautiful lagoon a Mecca for wreck divers. A major shipwreck site from WWII, Truk Lagoon is unquestionably the world's best shipwreck diving destination. Here, more than 50 hulks have been transformed into ship-reefs, holding the very best of the undersea world and maritime history at one site.

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

BOROBUDUR & YOGYAKARTA

© Gunther Deichmann - Borobudur Kodachrome 25

“The most beautiful thing we can experience is the mysterious.
It is the source of all true art and science.” - Einstein

It was during the good old Kodachrome days when I visited Borobudur in Indonesia.

While searching for some images the other day it all came back to me…the good old days! Well the days aren’t so bad either now, but my memory started to flash in front of me again.

No Photoshop and very BIG Computers them days… film was it, period.

During my visit to Borobudur I observed the sun and thought it be so nice if I could get the sun to break just through the openings of the stupas…so I waited.

Patience paid of and I managed to squeeze in just a few frames, bracketing the exposure as much as possible and then? Ha, ha NO LCD screen either.

© Gunther Deichmann - Borobudur
Kodachrome 25

I had to wait a few weeks before I got back to Australia, send the film for processing to Melbourne since Kodak was the only Lab who could process Kodachrome at that time.

After the boxes of slides arrived I looked with excitement for those images from Borobudur, once I found them amongst all those others my grin was brighter then the light table…remember no Computer…well only those super large ones which nobody could afford.
In short, this is the story about the image above. (first one)

I am actually planning a Photo Workshop to Yogyakarta, Borobudur and the near by Volcano. If you interested please let me know, this one promise to be very cool and affordable, I post the dates (2011) once I finalized the details, so please stay tuned. I guess this time around it will be all digital.

© Gunther Deichmann - Batik in Yogyakarta, Kodachrome 25

Now I am looking forward to yet another amazing ancient structure this time in Siem Reap, Angkor Wat and surrounding areas. Our Photo Workshop starts by September 12 and includes Phnom Kulen and the mighty Tonle Sap Lake.

Maybe Mr. Einstein visited these places too, who knows but he certainly has a point.

GD


Below some excepts from Wikipedia…for more go to:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Borobudur

Borobudur, or Barabudur, is a 9th-century Mahayana Buddhist monument near Magelang, Central Java, Indonesia. The monument comprises six square platforms topped by three circular platforms, and is decorated with 2,672 relief panels and 504 Buddha statues.
A main dome, located at the center of the top platform, is surrounded by 72 Buddha statues seated inside perforated stupa.
Borobudur is the biggest Buddhist temple in the ninth century measuring 123 x 123 meters. It was completed centuries before Angkor Wat in Kamboja.
All relief panels in Borobudur temple reflect Buddha's teachings. For the reason, this temple functions as educating medium for those who want to learn Buddhism.
The monument is both a shrine to the Lord Buddha and a place for Buddhist pilgrimage.
Borobudur a UNESCO World Heritage Site

Jogjakarta City (also Jogja, Yogya, Jogjakarta) is a city in the Yogyakarta Special Region, Indonesia. It is renowned as a center of classical Javanese fine art and culture such as batik, ballet, drama, music, poetry, and puppet shows.

The Road less traveled...


© Gunther Deichmann - On Mekong River Cambodia 1992
shot with Kodachrome 25 ASA

I just finished the Itinerary for the Journey after our Photo Workshop in Siem Reap Cambodia, and for those who would like to join, please contact me for more details as this trip is only for a very limited number of participants.

Traveling by road and stops I have selected including a couple days in Batambang with it's amazing Colonial architecture, along the majestic Tonle Sap Lake traveling south to Phnom Penh.

© Gunther Deichmann - Cambodia 2009
Rickshaw in Phnom Penh

© Gunther Deichmann - Cambodia 2009
By Ox Cart if weather permitting to the remote temple of
Bantey Ampoeu (part of our Siem Reap Workshop)


© Gunther Deichmann - Cambodia 2009
The remote temple of Bantey Ampoeu (part of our Siem Reap Workshop)

Cambodia & other Photo Workshops please click this LINK

GD

My Tribute to Kodachrome...

I am glad it is Steve McCurry who has taken the last roll of Kodachrome on the road for its final Journey, who else could do it better justice then him. Kodak gave the last roll ever produced to McCurry. Read the article on the last roll of Kodachrome

Of course there where so many others who loved, treasured and created some amazing images with this extraordinary film, legends like Ernst Haas, Pete Turner and Eric Meola used it all.

© Gunther Deichmann - Bathurst Island NT Australia 1980



© Gunther Deichmann - Outback Cattle Muster Tennant Creek
N.T. Australia1983


© Gunther Deichmann - Tennant Creek N.T. Australia 1983

© Gunther Deichmann - Thorny Devil near Alice Springs
N.T. Australia1983

I can't remember how many rolls I have shot prior the digital age, thousands I guess and the slides which are still with me look as good then ever. I used Kodachrome exclusively in Australia and in many other parts of the world, on my Magazine assignment covering the Mekong River in 1992 I carried no less than 300 rolls with me.

© Gunther Deichmann - APSARA Dancer Phnom Penh,
Cambodia 1992


© Gunther Deichmann - Outback Railway station, Australia 1982


© Gunther Deichmann - Spain 1991

Sydney Australia 1995


© Gunther Deichmann - Paris France 1991 shot with
Kodachrome Tungsten film 40 ASA

Would I shoot Kodachrome again if I had the chance? The answer is yes...I just love this "canvas." Unforgiving... but so true to its saturation, performance and stability, in my opinion it was the best film ever made.
The images on this post are all shot on Kodachrome 25 ASA except for the photo of the Eiffel Tower in Paris, here I used the hard to get Kodachrome Tungsten film at 40 ASA.
GD

See below some quotes; you find a lot more tips, information and other quotes in the article.


"Don’t dwell on it if you miss a great shot."
There are always plenty more opportunities around the corner."


"Sometimes it is better to take home a memory than the Photo.
Let the images come to you, instead of chasing the images."


"Focus on your use of light and the composition.
Use your LCD preview as little as possible;
review your images at the end of the day."

GD

Join me on one of my Photo Workshops in Asia, for more information and dates please go to
GD Photo Workshops and click this LINK.

During and in between flights...


Natural light coming from the aircraft window

I am on my way home but still have a few more hours to go, my stop over in Singapore is quiet long so I decided to do an edit in Aperture 3 using Photos from my quick trip to the USA.
All Photos are taken at various airports and inside the aircraft from Manila to Hong Kong, San Francisco, Korea and back to Singapore where I am posting this blog at 4:54 AM, my next flight to Manila is not until 9:00 AM.

Using only available light

Within the next few days and after I catch up with a good sleep I post some cool new Aperture 3 tips but please give me a few days rest first.

See below a Photo Kaleidoscope from all my stops and from inside the aircraft... killing time and taken photos what ever took my fancy, wondering around between Gates, waiting for the next connection using only the iPhone and my little Leica D-Lux 4.

Now I am going to have some early breakfast and wait for my final connection back home.
GD

Cambodia & beyond...last call for reservations

We are getting very close to our final bookings for our GD PhotoWorkshop in Cambodia from the 12 to 18th of September 2010, we have only 3 more spaces available and our bookings will close by July 25th.
For more info please go to:
http://www.deichmann-photo.com/gdphotoworkshop/page1/calendar.html

A complete Course outline is available up on request, please email me and I send you the PDF file, thank you.
http://www.deichmann-photo.com/contact/contact.php
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

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

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

"Nature's gift to man, so easily abused,
yet seldom appreciated." GD

Strangely no tech or Aperture 3 talk today...you might wonder why? Actually very simple...going through my PhotoShelter files the other day organizing my latest Photos from India and Nepal when I ended up in my other Galleries and got stuck somehow in Australia.

© Gunther Deichmann - Whistling Ducks at Sunset, Kakadu National Park

Photos I have taken long ago, a stark reminder that we should take care of our Planet before it is to late.
Images from one of my favorite places...the wetland of the Northern Territory, immense rich on fauna and flora, but if you ever venture to this part of the world you need time.

The best time for Birds for e.g. is just before the onset of the wet season when large groups of different Birds congregate at the remaining water holes or at the edges of swamps.
White-bellied Sea-eagles, Black-necked Storks or also called Jabirus (Aboriginal word) Whistling Ducks by the thousand and huge flogs of Magpie Geese and the ever present Kingfishers and Cockatoos. (see photos below)
The end of the dry season is just buzzing with life but not only with Birds there are Reptiles and interesting insect all around at small Billabongs and water holes.

© Gunther Deichmann - left: aerial over wetlands Kakadu National Park.
right: a single flower in a swamp during the wet season with
a storm brewing on the horizon

Keep an eye out also for the Frill-necked Lizard and if you lucky enough he might just run like you have never seen a Lizard run before... on his hind legs upright almost like a human posture, comical and amusing. (see him in action below)

Then of course the ever so impressive Saltwater crocodile who makes his home just about anywhere in the Top End of Australia...so beware where you go for a swim... you never know where one of these guys is waiting.

I am leaving next week for Palawan in the Philippines, another Natures Paradise getting a break from Manila it be interesting to see what awaits me on Dimakya Island 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.

My Blog posts and Tweets will be a bit thin starting next week, but I make up for it after my return in about a week,reporting more from this great destination in the Philippines.

See below some excepts from Wikipedia & more photographs with Links to the wetland and wildlife of northern Australia in particular Kakadu National Park and surrounding areas.
GD

Kakadu's flora is among the richest in northern Australia with more than 1700 plant species recorded which is a result of the Park's geological, landform and habitat diversity. Kakadu is also considered to be one of the most weed free national parks in the world.
The name Kakadu comes from the mispronunciation of ‘Gagadju’ which is the name of an Aboriginal language spoken in the northern part of the Park. Kakadu is ecologically and biologically diverse. The main natural features protected within the National Park include:
four major river systems:
East Alligator River,
West Alligator River,
Wildman River;

and the entire South Alligator River;

Kakadu National Park is also UNESCO World Heritage Site

The environment referred to as ‘the Stone Country’ features ‘resurrection grasses’ that are able to cope with extreme heat and long dry spells followed by periods of torrential rain. Monsoon forests often develop in the cool moist gorges dissecting the stone country. The southern hills and basins support several endemic plants that are only found in Kakadu such as Eucalyptus koolpinensis near Jarrangbarnmi (Koolpin Gorge). Lowland areas form a large proportion of Kakadu National Park and are mainly covered in eucalypt-dominated open woodland with the ground layer consisting of a large range of grasses including spear grass, sedges and wildflowers.

© Gunther Deichmann - Water Lily at sunset

The floodplains, which are inundated for several months each year, feature sedges such as spike rush as well patches of freshwater mangroves (itchy tree), pandanus and paper bark trees (Melaleuca). Varieties of water lilies, such as the blue, yellow and white snowflake, are commonly found in these areas. Estuaries and tidal flats are populated with varieties of mangroves (39 of the 47 Northern Territory species of mangrove occur in Kakadu) that are important for stabilizing the coastline. Mangroves serve as feeding and breeding grounds for many fish species including the barramundi.

© Gunther Deichmann - Salt Water Crocodile at yellow waters
Kakadu National Park, Northern Territory Australia

On the tidal flats behind the mangroves, hardy succulents (samphire), grasses and sedges grow. Isolated pockets of monsoon forest grow along the coast and river banks. These forests contain several impressive trees, among them the banyan fig, which can be recognized by its large, spreading aerial roots, and the kapok tree, which has a spiny trunk, large, waxy red flowers and pods full of cotton-like material.

© Gunther Deichmann - left: White-bellied Sea-eagle Kakadu National Park
right: Jabirus at Yellow Waters Kakadu National Park

White-bellied Sea-eagle (Haliaeetus leucogaster), also known as the White-bellied Fish-eagle or White-breasted Sea Eagle, is a large diurnal bird of prey in the family Accipitridae.
It is resident from India through southeast Asia to Australia on coasts and major waterways. It is a distinctive bird. The adult has white head, breast, under-wing coverts and tail. The upper parts are grey and the black under-wing flight feathers contrast with the white coverts.
The White-bellied Sea-eagle is one of the largest raptors in Southeast Asia, and the second largest bird of prey in Australia after the Wedge-tailed Eagle (Aquila audax) which stands up to 1 m.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/White-bellied_Sea_Eagle
Black-necked Stork
Scientific name: Ephippiorhynchus asiaticus- Family: Ciconiidae- Order: Ciconiiformes
The Jabiru isn't just a large stork, it's the only Australian stork. Often seen at yellow waters in Kakadu National Park Northern Territory Australia. More on Jabirus http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jabiru


The frill-necked lizard (Chlamydosaurus kingii), also known as the frilled lizard or frilled dragon, is found mainly in northern Australia and southern New Guinea. Its name comes from the large frill around its neck, which usually stays folded against the lizard's body. The lizard's diet consists mainly of insects and small vertebrates. The frill-necked lizard is a relatively large lizard, reaching up to 91.4 cm in length.

© Gunther Deichmann - almost human like posture,
a Frill-necked Lizard on the run

The frill-necked lizard is so called because of the large ruff of skin which usually lies folded back against its head and neck. The neck frill is supported by long spines of cartilage which are connected to the jaw bones. When the lizard is frightened, it gapes its mouth, exposing a bright pink or yellow lining; the frill flares out as well, displaying bright orange and red scales. This reaction is often used to discourage predators or during courtship. The lizard is also capable of bipedal locomotion. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bipedal
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Frill-necked_Lizard

Tags: Kakadu National Park

Photographs - Nepal...
Travel through Culture & Time

Wow it is done…just finished uploading the latest images (high resolution) from Nepal from my recent trip in Feb/March 2010.
Due to other commitments Nepal got a bit delayed, the latest Photos from India have been on my PhotoShelter Archives for some time.

© Gunther Deichmann - Sadhu Kathmandu Nepal Feb./March 2010



© Gunther Deichmann - Sadhus Chest, Kathmandu
Nepal Feb./March 2010

Nepal: Amazing – bizarre – colorful – and ever so strange, but at the same time very beautiful. Check out the selected Images in my PhotoShelter Gallery, of course there are a many more in the archives if you can’t find what you’re looking for in the Gallery just type in the Search box.

© Gunther Deichmann - Kopan Monastery Kathmandu
Nepal Feb./March 2010

© Gunther Deichmann - Kopan Monastery Kathmandu
Nepal Feb./March 2010

Animal Sacrifice – Fossils – People - Buddhist Temples & Monasteries – Monks – Cremations - Hindu Ceremonies & the ever so strange Sadhus from Kathmandu in Nepal “A true Journey through Color, Culture & Time.”
Click this LINK or the Photos and go direct to the latest from Nepal.

© Gunther Deichmann - Hmmm what is the Riot Police doing at
my doorstep?"Little Tibet" Kathmandu Nepal Feb./March 2010



© Gunther Deichmann - Red and Yellow Kathmandu Valley
Nepal Feb./March 2010

Non of the photographs have been manipulated, all photos have been processed using a MacBook Pro i7 and Aperture 3.0.3
The Photos on this Blog post are only a small taste what is stored in my PhotoShelter Archives and Galleries.
GD

Just one more... and then there was light.

© Gunther Deichmann - amazing Sun-rays lasting only a few minutes and then the light
was gone, from the top of the Monkey Temple Kathmandu, Nepal Feb./March 2010

PhotoShelter LINK

2010 © Gunther Deichmann - Journey Through Culture & Time -
Aperture 3 slideshow 2:19 min. Also on YouTube and Vimeo.
Pls. Note: Color might vary at different Screens.

I had a little time on my hands today plus I was in the right mood...so I created this short Slide show presentation in Aperture 3.0.3 using a Video Clip which I had prepared previously and using three different soundtracks.

Everything worked flawless and I encountered no problems at all...as a matter of fact it was pretty straight forward and easy.
I like the Share or Export options in Aperture 3, you can send it almost anywhere never leaving Aperture 3, this is only a short clip but the possibilities are there.

I created the sound tracks (3 different ones) in GarageBand some time ago and had them handy in my iTunes Library.
The Globe at the beginning of the slide show (Movie .mov) I made last week, the original lengths had been some 2.5 minutes. I just dragged the .mov file into my slideshow trimmed it down with the Movie setting in Aperture 3 to approx. 37 sec.added text, images and the three soundtracks...then hit Export and I was done.

This coming week (on Friday the 7th) we have an Aperture 3 launch at the Power Mac Center in TriNoma where you can see the same presentation in high resolution on a large screen. There will also be an introduction to Aperture 3 Q & A plus Raffle & cocktails.
For more information please contact the Power Mac Center @ info@powermaccenter.com
Tel: 470 1917 - 18

May 7 at Power Mac Center TriNoma

Aperture 3 Launch with Talk and Q&A with GD

Program:
6:30 pm Registration
7:30 pm Start of Talk and Q&A
      (Snacks to be served to all participants)
9:00 pm Software tryout with Melvin Tosino and Mark Agarin at 1 on 1 Tutorial Room
       Raffle

GD

Amazing, awesome, colorful and very chaotic
Varanasi…India’s oldest city.
"A True Journey Through Color & Time."

© Gunther Deichmann - performance of Ganges Aarti in the early
evenings at the Riverbank on the Ganges,Varanasi, India 2010

© Gunther Deichmann - Ganges Aarti Ceremony in the early
evenings, Varanasi, India 2010

The last Photos from my recent trip to India are now residing in my PhotoShelter Archives, well… almost all, I am still working my way through the Nepal Photographs. Hopefully I am done with them shortly too, but India is done, thanks to Aperture 3 and a patient wife who let me work without interruption these past few weeks so I can finish my editing.

© Gunther Deichmann - there is a lot of Laundry today...
at the Ganges Riverbank, Varanasi, India 2010

Varanasi also commonly known as Benares or Banaras is a city situated on the banks of the River Ganges in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh, regarded as holy by Hindus, Buddhists, and Jains. It is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world and probably the oldest of India.

© Gunther Deichmann - hanging the Laundry...
Ganges River Varanasi, India 2010

© Gunther Deichmann - I just love those colors...
Varanasi, India 2010

Varanasi is one of the holiest places in Buddhism too, being one of the four pilgrimage sites said to have been designated by Gautama Buddha himself (the others being Kushinagar, Bodh Gaya, and Lumbini). In the residential neighborhood of Varanasi lies Sarnath, the site of the deer park where Gautama Buddha is said to have given his first sermon about the basic principles of Buddhism.

© Gunther Deichmann - sunrise over the River Ganges
Varanasi, India 2010

© Gunther Deichmann - worshippers bathing in the sacred waters
of the Ganges River, Varanasi, India 2010

Watching the sunrise over the mighty Ganges River and observing the numerous rituals along the riverbank is mesmerizing, where hundreds of worshippers can be seen bathing in the sacred waters. The riverbanks are lined with a chain of stone steps called Ghats, stretching from one end of the city to the other. Ghats are part of the religious landscape of this city.

From Varanasi we traveled by road to Lumbini in Nepal (Buddha’s Birth Place) and then continued to Kathmandu, a fantastic Journey through Culture and Landscapes.
As mention above the Photos from Nepal will be shortly available too in PhotoShelter, another week and I am done with the editing. To view all the photos from Varanasi and others from my recent trip to India please go to my PhotoShelter Gallery & click this LINK.
GD

Just two more...photos from the car window...
along the road from Varanasi to Lumbini in
Nepal, the Birth place of Lord Buddha.

© Gunther Deichmann - Rural area near Varanasi, India 2010



© Gunther Deichmann - waiting for local transport in a
small rural town between Lumbini (Nepal) & Varanasi, India 2010

My PhotoShelter Archives & Galleries: http://www.photoshelter.com/c/gdeichmann


See below excepts from Wikipedia on the Ganges Arati Ceremony in Varanasi.

The purpose of performing arati is the waving of lighted wicks before the deities in a spirit of humility and gratitude, wherein faithful followers become immersed in God's divine form. It symbolises the five elements: 1) space (akash), 2) wind (vayu), 3) light (tej), 4) water (jal), and 5) earth (pruthvi). Communal Aarti is performed in the mandir; however, devotees also perform it in their homes.
To witness the performance of Ganges Aarti in the early evenings is almost a must, provided you can handle the immense crowd of people.
Hindu devotees performing the "Puja" with lighted lamps. The view is very mesmerizing and the ambience is spectacular in the backdrop of the beating of cymbals and bells as well as the incessant chantings. "
Aarti (from the Sanskrit term Aradhana) is a Hindu ritual, in which light from wicks soaked in ghee (purified butter) or camphor is offered to one or more deities. Aartis also refer to the songs sung in praise of the deity, when offering of lamps is being offered.
Read more @ http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aarti

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

A Journey through endless
Colors & Expressions - India & Nepal...



© Gunther Deichmann - "Old Delhi" - New Delhi India
Click on this LINK or the Photo above & go direct to the NEW Photos

Please Note: If you don't see the India and Nepal images you might
have to refresh your Browser, previous Photos where from Cambodia.

Going through some 15,000 photos can be quiet a task even for Aperture 3 but I am almost done now. I have uploaded today only a small selection of Photos (50) under the category "Small Taste of the Latest" from India and Nepal.
I decided to use the theme; "People...Colors & Expression" for this Gallery, other images from Monasteries, People, Religion, Landscapes and way of life, etc., will follow in my PhotoShelter Gallery soon.

All Photos have been processed with Aperture 3.0.2 including exporting and watermarking. This has been a great trip all around from our Photo Workshop experience in India and then to the edge of the Himalayas in Nepal.

I might mention also that both of my Nikons the D700 and D300S performed without a glitch. If you're interested to join me on one of my Photo Workshops Adventure Travel with your Digital Camera, please contact me or check out the Calendar dates for 2010 on my GD PhotoWorkshop site by clicking this LINK.

I hope you enjoy this small selection of Photographs from India and Nepal as I have enjoyed these two very special and amazing places.
GD

Behind the Scene in India...the fun images
from our last GD Photo Workshop.

© Gunther Deichmann - Behind the Scene...
Jaipur, Rajasthan India 2010
To view the photos you can also click on the image above.

I just uploaded the images from "Behind the Scene India" into the Gallery all taken during our last GD Photo Workshop February/March 2010. The Image Gallery from the Students work will follow sometime next next week.

The current Gallery "The Students Work" is still active with Cambodia but will be replaced very soon with nice Photos from the participants during our last GD Photo Workshop in India. I am still waiting for a few more images and we're done.

In the meantime enjoy the images Behind the Scene from India; from the streets of New Delhi, the Taj Mahal in Agra and Jaipur in Rajasthan.
Please Note: If you click the LINK and you see Photos from Cambodia you might have to refresh your Browser to view this new and entertaining set of images from India.

As soon I have the students work uploaded I let everybody know, I am very proud of them, they did a great Job and you get to see some excellent images very soon.

Shortly I am going to share with you also some of my images from India and Nepal, in my Gallery "Small Taste of the Latest" and of course a much broader selection will be available on my PhotoShelter Gallery soon too. However I need a bit more time, have to do a lot more fine tuning and editing in Aperture 3 prior publishing those.
Enjoy "Behind the Scene from India...
GD

15000 images later...Aperture 3

© Gunther Deichmann - Hand made paper production,
Kathmandu Nepal, March 2010

Three days after the release of Aperture 3... I left for Nepal and India starting a 4-week journey including my Workshop in Rajasthan these are my honest and first impression of Aperture 3.

I just got back 10 days ago and like to give you now some serious feedback how Aperture 3 performed…straight out of the box.

You might ask, oh… that is a bit risky using this new and not tested latest software for a major trip like this
Not really, I have been using Aperture since day one, made my Hardcover book Journey Through Color & Time using Aperture 1.0 360 pages with tons of images from scanned tiff’s to the very first digital ones.

So when Aperture 3 was released only days prior my departure I felt confident in using the new release without any hesitations.
I installed Aperture 3 almost on my way to the airport, well almost some 48 hours prior my departure, had a quick look and from then on I used Aperture 3 shooting some 15,000 plus images.

© Gunther Deichmann - and there was light...
one of those moments... lasting only few minutes
Kathmandu, Nepal March 2010

Did I encountered some problems? Not really except for one or two glitches which got fixed with a Software update half way through my Journey, I installed that one in New Delhi. (3.0.1) And now only few days ago we received another super update, Aperture 3.0.2

Let me describe some of the new features I used for most of the time during my recent trip, they not only impressed me but made my editing on the road so easy… just awesome, sometimes pushing my MacBook Pro and Aperture 3 to the limit.

• Switching between Library’s is a breeze, now I can have for e.g. a Library for different Countries or what ever I see fit at a click of the button. It was good timing with the new release of Aperture 3, I created a brand new Library for my recent trip (actually two, one for India and one for Nepal) but can always go back to my previous ones at a mouse click. (Note: you might have to reprocess your images if they had been previously processed in Aperture 2, but that is also not a big deal if you choose only one or two photos. If you like them all to be reprocessed then depending on how many images you have this could take some time) For me this is a great new feature when dealing with thousand s of images, less strain on your machine.
• I love the new Import panel with all its options to choose from, including creating a back up already during Import. Check it out and set up your import panel to suit your workflow.
• Seeing your adjustments when you use the all-new Quick Fix in new Preset panel is very cool. Very nice is also the quick adjustments for different light conditions, changing the White Balance to tungsten, flash, fluorescent , etc., very easy now. I used it under some mixed light conditions in Varanasi, India. Also easy access to the adjustment panel right next to the Preset panel. Plus creating your own presets is real awesome…I use my own for sharpening, tailor made now for my Camera models.
• Switching your Machine to 64 Bit at the start improves Apertures performance, the only drawback is that other software might not work and you have to go back to 32 Bit, but soon or later others will follow and make it compatible also for 64 Bit.
• I love the all-new full screen Browser, bringing your editing to another level and speed.
• I also noticed a vast improvement on the RAW conversion, an excellent improvement, less tweaking and time required for image corrections now. A real time saver.
• Due to my type of Photography I don’t use the new build in Faces so much, but the new Places has some real benefits in particular if you have a GPS unit attached to your Camera. On my trip I used my iPhone to record the info and later imported the data into Aperture 3. I guess now I have to get my GPS attachment to avoid this work-around.
• Wow…the "Z" Key, a very cool improvement changing your zoom capabilities from 100% up or down, then hitting Z again to go back to full screen, very nice touch.
• Oh these Curves…gorgeous Curves…now they have been added, something which I missed in previous versions.
• Of course the new color-coding is very handy and useful, I started to use it now during my fine-tuning and more precise editing.
• Very nice touch: More information is displayed above your Metadata panel (this info is only visible when you click on the Metadata Panel), see screenshot below.

• I use the activity Monitor a lot especially during export, again more information is now available.
• During my Photo workshop in India all participants installed Aperture 3 and after a short intro they where all up and running without any major problems…in other words the learning curve or upgrading from Aperture 2 to 3 is relatively easy.
• We had two Lightroom users in our Group, both of them where very impressed, as a matter of fact one of them has switched now to Aperture 3 and the other is following shortly.
• Now, if your SLR has a Video function look no further, Aperture 3 will import all your Videos, with or without sound and you can edit all of that right in Aperture 3 creating awesome slide shows/presentations on the fly without ever leaving Aperture 3. Once finished you have all the export functions at your fingertips. BTW... The new slide show is so slick with a lot more new additions.

I am working on a nice presentation right now and in due time you get to see it on my Blog and You Tube/Vimeo.
To top it off you can also get this magic frame from your Video you might have missed in your still shot, just select New JPEG from frame and you’re done. (see screenshot)

Using for demo purpose a Video still from my iPhone

If you like to change the music you have easy access to your iTunes Library and you can import even previous Movies you have on file into Aperture 3, creating some awesome looking presentations mixing stills with videos. Yes, you have that magic Media Browser at your fingertips in Aperture 3.

Is that all? Oh no there is so much more… like, new Brushes, Chromatic abrasions (our underwater Photographers going to love this one) Flags, more adjustment tools etc., etc. and in due time I introduce them to you too.
I only mention some of the new features I used on my recent trip and of course the others which have always been part of Aperture.

The coolest part about Aperture is that you can customize your workflow the way you like it or the type of Photography you do, Aperture 3 has just become even more flexible.
Shooting a lot of images like I have done on my last trip, Aperture 3 performed just AWESOME!

Tip:
For those of you who have problems remembering some short cuts, here is a tip how you can customize your keyboard to suit you:

For example:
Commands with more than two or three keyboard shortcuts are sometimes difficult to remember e.g. like the Highlight Hot and Cold areas.
The default: Option – Shift – H
I use this one a lot, but on a bad day I sometimes get mixed up with this short cut so I changed it to S
How can you do this? Very easy…go to the top left hand side click Aperture and after that you see the drop down menu, click on Customize, a keyboard will show. (see screenshot) now you can customize your shortcuts like I have done with the Highlight Hot & Cold Areas.

Aperture is very customizable, it all depends on your need and type of Photography.

In my next Post I introduce you to the behind the scene images and a new Gallery with photos from the participants which where taken during our recent GD Photo Workshop in India.
Until soon,
GD

Déjà vu in Nepal…



© Gunther Deichmann - a mixed bag of just about everything
including a Monkey skull & Fossils, all for sale.
Kathmandu, Nepal

Déjà vu in Nepal…some of you might remember my passion for fossils, which goes way back during my time in paleontology.
Whenever I travel to different destinations in the world I always keep an eye out for those creatures long gone but been part of our evolution and my earlier life.
Last month on my first day in Nepal I strolled like so many other times before the Bazaars and local Markets in the narrow streets of Kathmandu.

I guess it came as no surprise to find many Ammonites and other interesting fossils on display wherever I went. Mixed with other religious and bizarre souvenir items; ugly ashtrays…cool looking masks, Gurkha Knifes (that be a challenge to get them on the plane) false and real gemstones, Buddha Statues, Prayer Wheels and lots of items made from Pashmina Wool…plus so many other obscure items, the list goes on and on. (Pashmina refers to a type of fine cashmere wool and the textiles made from it.)

© Gunther Deichmann - Ammonites & other fossils some of
them still enclosed in the Geode
Kathmandu, Nepal

Fossils always have been part of my life and I do have a very good understanding of them, their origin, age and the process of being fossilized.
What was new to me after some research; I discovered that these fossils are for sale mainly to the locals, their Believe in those fossilized creatures was something very different I found out.

Most of those fossils on display where broken but if luck is on your side you might spot a complete Ammonite.
I had a real great time with the Vendors to show me the good ones...
Trying to sell me the damage ones first… I persisted and soon enough they showed me the good stuff. Hey Guys …I do know my Fossils.

© Gunther Deichmann - everything you might desire...
Kathmandu, Nepal

Word got out fairly quick that there was this strange foreigner with a camera who had a keen interest in Fossils…and soon I had just about every Vendor on Durban Square chasing me, showcasing their very best Ammonites.
Sure I would have loved to buy a whole bunch of them…but these Rocks are very heavy and Excess baggage is expensive, so I contended myself with a couple good specimen.
Read on below, how Ammonites are treasured in Buddhism and Hindu faith throughout Asia

And for those of you who are interested in Nepal, why not joining our PhotoWorkshop in October, for details go to the
GD PhotoWorkshops site or click this LINK.
GD

Ammonite Fossils

The name Ammonite comes from the Greek ram-horn God called Ammon. Ammonites are the most widely known fossil; they are cephalopods and first appeared in the seas 415 million years ago, in the form of a straight shelled creature known as Bacrites. During their evolution three catastrophic events occurred. The first during the Permian period (250 million ago), only 10% survived. They went on to flourish throughout the Triassic period, but at the end of this period (206 million ago) all but one species died. Then they began to thrive from the Jurassic period until the end of the Cretaceous period when all species of ammonites became extinct.

Ammonites were animals that lived in the sea. They are now extinct except for one of their cousins the Nautilus, a truly living fossil found in the deeper part of our Oceans today.

Their name is derived from The Egyptian God Ammon. Ammon's sacred animal was a ram, and an ammonite looks like a ram's horn. Pliny the Elder called ammonites the Horns of Ammon.
Ammonites were cephalopods. Living cephalopods include octopuses, cuttlefish, squid and nautiloids. Extinct cephalopods include belemnites.

Ammonites found in the valley of the Gandaki River in Nepal and northern India are called Saligrams.
Because saligrams sometimes contain fragments of pyrite and quartz crystal, some people claim that there is gold or diamonds inside the fossils. Those sparkling black fossils are what gave the Kali Gandaki (Black Gandaki) its name.

They are considered the direct symbol of Lord Vishnu, as one of Vishnu's avatars (incarnations) was stone (Sri Saligram). Saligrams have markings called 'chakras', resembling the discus held in one of the six hands of the god Vishnu. Vishnu's chakra is a Hindu symbol of absolute completeness, with the eight spokes indicating the eightfold path of deliverance. The radial chakra markings in saligrams are actually the ribs of the ammonites. The fossils are kept in temples, monasteries and households as natural symbols of Vishnu and water in which they have been bathed is drunk daily.

For many people who have faith in the Hindu religion, the ammonite is one of the many forms of their Lord Vishnu. They keep the fossil in their worship room and worship it. Saligrams are mentioned in Sanskrit texts dating back to the second century BC.

In Account of the Kingdom of Nepal (1819), F. B. Hamilton described saligrams as objects of mystery and magic, respected throughout South Asia.

Resources: More LINKS and info below on Ammonite Fossils and their connection to various believes and religions.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ammonite

http://www.shaligram.org/shaligramselection.html

http://english.ohmynews.com/articleview/article_view.asp?at_code=355158

http://www.artbit.co.in/index.php/122/128

http://gwydir.demon.co.uk/jo/fossils/ammonite.htm

My gratitude & thanks to all participants
for taken part in our recent completed
GD Photo Workshop in India.




© Gunther Deichmann - "The Group shot"

I only got back a few days ago, but today I like to take the opportunity to thank all participants who joined my recent Photo Workshop in India, at the same time I like to thank also our fantastic Driver who took care of us where ever we ventured, he made certain that our Journey was a safe one.
Thanks also to our Guides at different locations from New Delhi to Jaipur in Rajasthan. In the coming weeks when I have received some images from the students I post some of their photos on my GD PhotoWorkshop site but also an Album again from behind the scenes...there are some real funny ones.

Furthermore once I am done with my editing I create another Album from my recent trip to India and Nepal, which you're going to find soon under a "Small Taste of the Latest"... currently featured Cambodia.
My gratitude to Shroff International Travel for a superb Job, organizing this difficult but rewarding Journey, thank you so very much. More info about recommended Hotels and accommodation from India and Nepal will also follow soon.
Please stay tuned for much more in the next few weeks...for other Aperture 3 Seminars & Photo Workshops in 2010 please click this LINK.
GD

© Gunther Deichmann - Mug shots during our encounter in Jaipur with a street
Photographer using a 150 year old Camera



© Gunther Deichmann - Lots of fun on our first day in old Delhi


Just one more...thank you India!



© Gunther Deichmann - Varanasi, India

Kopan Monastery Kathmandu Nepal...



© Gunther Deichmann - large gathering of Buddhist Monks
at the Kopan Monastery, Kathmandu Nepal

The Journey has come to an end...the last Blog post from on the road, but more to come when I am back in the Philippines. And don't forget to check out the Calendar dates on my GD Photo Workshop site, Introduction into Aperture 3 plus some cool Aperture & iLife '09 Seminars at the Power Mac Center Manila.
For questions and special requests, you can call 729-7087 or 88, or email at:
training@powermaccenter.com

Learn and see how Aperture 3 can help your workflow,
"15000 images later...working with Aperture 3 using images from my last Journey"
March 19, 2010 Introduction to the all New Aperture 3
Power Mac Center in TriNoma

Also our GD Photo Workshop in Nepal during October 2010 is filling up fast, only four (4) spots available, please go to the GD PhotoWorkshop site for more info @ October 15 - 22, 2010 (DATES CONFIRMED)
"ACCEPTING RESERVATIONS NOW”

© Gunther Deichmann - eyes that seem to follow you...Kathmandu, Nepal

Now back to my post... Monastery Colors in Nepal,one of my last visits in Kathmandu was at the Kopan Monastery a Tibetan Buddhist monastery near Boudhanath, on the outskirts of Kathmandu, Nepal.

© Gunther Deichmann - a Monks office...

I have always been fascinated by Tibetan Buddhism and the Kopan Monastery was high on my list, today I like to share with you a few images...colorful and graphic & no manipulation has been applied in any way using only at times the Quick Fix in Aperture 3.

© Gunther Deichmann - I Love Tibet!

Since I am still on the road I keep the text brief and let the images speak for themselves.
Enjoy the "Monastery Colors"

© Gunther Deichmann - Monks Books



© Gunther Deichmann - gathering of Buddhist Monks
at the Kopan Monastery, Kathmandu Nepal



© Gunther Deichmann - Head gear



© Gunther Deichmann - the yellow table...



© Gunther Deichmann - Tibetan Tea pots and Monks



© Gunther Deichmann - taken notes...



© Gunther Deichmann - blue reflections in oil lamps



© Gunther Deichmann - who open the door?

Just one more...



© Gunther Deichmann - Pashmina Wool from Nepal

Excepts from Wikipedia on Pashmina Wool:
The fiber is also known as pashm (Persian word for Wool) or pashmina (Persian / Hindi word driven from Pashm) for its use in the handmade shawls of Kashmir, India.The woolen shawls find written mention in Indian texts between 3rd century BC and the 11th century AD. However, the founder of the cashmere wool industry is traditionally held to be the 15th century ruler of Kashmir, Zayn-ul-Abidin, who introduced weavers from Turkestan.
In the 18th and early 19thcentury Kashmir (then called Cashmere by the English), had a thriving industry producing shawls from goat down imported from Tibet and Tartary through Ladakh. The down trade was controlled by treaties signed as a result of previous wars.The shawls were introduced into Western Europe when the General in Chief of the French campaign in Egypt (1799-1802) sent one to Paris. The shawl's arrival is said to have created an immediate sensation and plans were put in place to start manufacturing the product in France.
More at: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cashmere_wool

Until next time...GD

An afternoon at the
Bouddhanath Stupa in Nepal



© Gunther Deichmann - Prayer Flags and Shadows
at the Bouddhanath Stupa in Kathmandu Nepal

The Journey is coming slowly to an end, 6 more days before I am hitting back home, I have not written many Blogs during this Journey one of the major factors been...I have been very tiered spending long hours shooting and some limitation with the internet connection.

© Gunther Deichmann - Cleaning oil lamps at the
at the Bouddhanath Stupa in Kathmandu Nepal

I make up for it once I get back... over 15,000 images by now, Aperture 3 loaded straight out of the Box before my trip performed absolutely flawless all RAW images have been stored on my external Lacie Drives as reference files. I encountered no problems and my editing has become even faster now using the new preset adjustment tools...Quick fixes takes care of most issues.
We arrived in Kathmandu a couple of days ago and went out this afternoon to visit one of the biggest Stupas called Bouddhanath located in Little Tibet, when refugees entered Nepal from Tibet in the 1950s, many decided to live around Bouddhanath.
A very special mention I have to give to our our Guide Lil Tapa who has been a book of knowledge together with a great personality and sense of humor, thank you so much Lil! Everything this afternoon reminded me so much of my time in Tibet in 2006 and I sincerely hope for a free Tibet one day.
GD

© Gunther Deichmann - a lone Bird, Prayer Flags and Shadows
at the Bouddhanath Stupa in Kathmandu Nepal



© Gunther Deichmann - inside the Monastery
at the Bouddhanath Stupa in Kathmandu Nepal

See below some excepts from Wikipedia:
Boudhanath (Devnagari: बौद्धनाथ) (also called Bouddhanath, Bodhnath or Baudhanath or the Khāsa Caitya) is one of the holiest Buddhist sites in Kathmandu, Nepal. It is known as Khāsti by Newars as Bauddha or Bodh-nāth by modern speakers of Nepali.[1] Located about 11 km (7 miles) from the center and northeastern outskirts of Kathmandu, the stupa's massive mandala makes it one of the largest spherical stupas in Nepal.[2]
The Buddhist stupa of Boudhanath dominates the skyline. The ancient Stupa is one of the largest in the world. The influx of large populations of Tibetan refugees from China has seen the construction of over 50 Tibetan Gompas (Monasteries) around Boudhanath. As of 1979, Boudhanath is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Stupa is on the ancient trade route from Tibet which enters the Kathmandu Valley by the village of Sankhu in the northeast corner, passes by Boudnath Stupa to the ancient and smaller stupa of Cā-bahī (often called 'Little Boudnath'). It then turns directly south, heading over the Bagmati river to Patan - thus bypassing the main city of Kathmandu (which was a later foundation).[1] Tibetan merchants have rested and offered prayers here for many centuries. When refugees entered Nepal from Tibet in the 1950s, many decided to live around Bouddhanath. The Stupa is said to entomb the remains of a Kasyapa sage venerable both to Buddhists and Hindus, for more info go to: Wikepedia

A morning on the Ganges at Varanasi, India



© Gunther Deichmann - Sadhu, Varanasi India

Thanks again to Jamie who has taken the writing burden of me for the moment, our few days in Varanasi have been very interesting to say the least.
Strolling around the Banks of the Ganges yesterday afternoon a very excited Bebet came running over to me...hey GD do you you know who this guy is over there? Oh man it is Steve McCurry! Well, why I am not surprised...Steve does some Photo Workshops in India and has travelled this part of the world a lot.
I said...wow cool and before we know we where standing at the shorelines of the Ganges and having a quick chat with Steve before we departed in different wind direction doing what we all do best creating images.
Thanks to Bebet insistency and before we parted ways we had a quick photo taken of the three of us, indeed a small world even for indian standards.
GD

A brief encounter with Steve Mc Curry, at the banks of the Ganges
River in Varanasi India, March 2010

Gunther Deichmann - Steve McCurry - Bebet Gaudinez,

Tomorrow we 're leaving via land to our next destination Nepal with a stop over at Lumbini, located in Nepal and is considered the birthplace of Gautam Buddha., after Lumbini we continue on to Kathmandu where we spend another 5 days or so.

© Gunther Deichmann - Varanasi view from the Ganges,

BTW...if you have not done so download the latest Version of Aperture 3 (Version 3.01). I am getting close to some 8000 images and Aperture has been performing just fine, no major glitches. FYI...I am working exclusive with Reference files stored on my external Rugged Lacie 360 Gig Hard drive plus I am using an identical hard drive for backup.

See below excerpts on Lumbini from Wikipedia:
Lumbini is a Buddhist pilgrimage site in the Rupandehi district of Nepal, near the Indian border. It is the place where Queen Mayadevi is said to have given birth to Siddhartha Gautama, who as the Buddha Gautama founded the Buddhist tradition. The Buddha lived between roughly 563 and 483 BCE. Lumbini is one of four magnets for pilgrimage that sprang up in places pivotal to the life of the Buddha, the others being at Kushinagar, Bodh Gaya, and Sarnath.

© Gunther Deichmann - Varanasi India



© Gunther Deichmann - early morning bathers Varanasi India

Varanasi: Holy land of spiritual rites and rituals, cultural and religious centre, renowned learning hub, home to 4 universities and centuries old architecture. Up till now, I’d always secretly thought of Varanasi or ‘Benares’ as Florence and Venice put together. Perhaps I was swayed when I read that Mark Twain said: “Benares is older than history, older than tradition, older even than legend and looks twice as old as all of them put together.”
But Varanasi is no Venice. Nowhere else do I feel able to say that that today is yesterday, tomorrow is today, and yesterday will be tomorrow. (GD will say that I’m tending towards the inclinations of becoming a sadhu..). Like many places of worship, Varanasi has given me great insight, but short of turning GD’s photography blog into a book on metaphysical musings, he has kindly asked me only to write of the essence of our experience here so far. (and not with-holding the fact that the tailor is also waiting for me to try on my superbly handmade silk Indian Alibabá pants: in all 10 colors!)
The highlight of our 3-day stay here was centered on the famed River Ganges, which true to its good standing is rich with daily rituals of life and death, myth and legend.

© Gunther Deichmann - colors of Varanasi India

We left the Radisson hotel promptly at 5:30am this morning glad of the chill in the moist air (the afternoon humidity accentuates the acid pong of omnipresent urine) and arrived at the bank of the river in less than 20mins. The driver was not a bit surprised to be battling giant busloads of tourists on the narrow dust-lined streets: We had passed the harmonious phase of the lull before the storm, which we were told was meant to crack at daybreak, when the frenzy of yesterday takes place all over again.
There was already a flurry of activity as we edged towards the bank of the Ganga: sadhus painting their weathered faces into cracked mirrors, flower sellers mulling about while mendicants braced themselves for another day, and shop keepers literally shifting the dust from one place to another with feather-dusters.
A shout and our boat arrived as a sudden scuffle between two boys over a piece of naan bread begun. Most of the out-of-towners like us were here to go boating on the river at sunrise; with the only difference being that GD had specifically requested a motorized vessel instead of the usual row-boat, not that there was any speed to the finish but riding against the current was not going to be easy without technology, even on holy waters.

© Gunther Deichmann - early morning bathers Varanasi India

Taking in the length of the river, GD was unruffled by the bustle (that’s cos he hadn’t had his coffee yet! haha), while Bebet and I prepared our cameras, all of us waiting for first light to awake to a slice of river life and an abundance of prayers. The silence was broken only by the motor’s humming, GD’s occasional observation about the light, Bebet’s anthropological reflections and one particularly curious devotee, sashaying on a lone rock a foot at a time and crooning at the top of his lungs. Kumar our guide, explained that he was praying for himself, for success and good health, to which I thought: fair enough, at least he knew he didn’t have the slightest prayer to make it to Bollywood, if that was remotely on his wish list.

© Gunther Deichmann - cleaning the small temples along the
Ganges in the morning, Varanasi India

© Gunther Deichmann - an early morning head shave in Varanasi India

In no time the sun was up and out. We clicked our cameras like drum beats in symphony to the chattering motor. Throngs of men and women were standing on the steps and bathing in the river, soaping themselves and brushing their teeth just a stone’s throw away from where some others were squat, depositing their breakfast or dinners on the starched soil. Naked children shivered on the banks with frowns on their faces, uncertain whether this was altogether fun or not. The townsfolk scrubbed their laundry in the greenish waters and beat them against the rocks. Women rung out their multi-colored saris and draped them upon the ground. We noticed others crouching higher up on the steps in the distance shaping cow dung into flat patties to sun bake them for later use. Yoga enthusiasts and sadhus sat crossed-legged in meditation upon higher ground.

© Gunther Deichmann - colors of Varanasi India

The sun continued her journey while the people offered their prayers to the morning, cleansing their minds and spirits along the holy river until we arrived back to the ghat where we begun our morning and disembarked. With one backward glance at the blurred hubbub against the sandstone walls I left the river Ganges with one thought: this was yesterday and this is tomorrow.
Jamie

The Incredible Colors of India...



© Gunther Deichmann - Jaipur Rajasthan, India Feb. 2010

We just arrived back in Delhi from Rajasthan and Agra...now I am fighting with the connection and I am very tiered, some of the Photo Workshop participants have to catch the plane back home about right now, they just had enough time for a quick shower in our Hotel.
Hey we're going to miss you guys!
I am leaving with Jamie and Bebet tomorrow afternoon for Varanasi and then overland back to Nepal, another 12 or so days to go before hitting back home.

© Gunther Deichmann - Jaipur Rajasthan, street vendor selling
colorful powder, India Feb. 2010



© Gunther Deichmann - Jaipur Rajasthan, India Feb. 2010

The colors of Incredible India; only a few images today need to do a lot more editing when time permits, but many more to come in due time, plus I put up a nice Gallery when I am back home.

© Gunther Deichmann - Holi Festival Jaipur Rajasthan,
India Feb. 2010

© Gunther Deichmann - Holi Festival...the roads are covered with
colorful powder,Jaipur Rajasthan, India Feb. 2010



© Gunther Deichmann - Jaipur Rajasthan, amazing colors
during the Elephant festival India Feb. 2010

Gunther Deichmann - Jaipur Rajasthan, amazing colors
during the Elephant festival India Feb. 2010

In the next few days I have no internet connection but try my best to stay in touch once I get to Kathmandu in Nepal, until then enjoy the images.
GD

Happy Holi from Jaipur in Rajasthan India...

© Gunther Deichmann - Happy Holi in Jaipur

The GD Photo Workshop Gang or better known now as "Baba G and the Shutter Bugs"... thanks to Tony who took out the copyright on the spot for this new tagline.

© Gunther Deichmann - Happy Holi in Jaipur

© Gunther Deichmann - Bebet is really
in the Mood... our onboard Sadhu.

After spending "2 hours" in the shower and trying to get all those beautiful colors off my body...never mind the clothes I have found the Time to wish everybody a very Happy Holi... India's most colorful Festival...& where everything goes.
The whole Gang... except for two using now Aperture 3, we installed it a few days ago in New Delhi, the performance is great and I had no complaints so far. But now back to Holi...an amazing festival as Jamie will explain below, thanks Jamie that you volunteered to do the main write up tonight...giving me a welcome hand and break.

© Gunther Deichmann - Some of the Gang Members...

Bonfires, twigs, pyres and leaves
Evil spirits burn as Holi proceeds!

With a shake, a nod and cheery Happy Holi! greetings from everyone to anyone who was anyone and ‘no-one’, it would appear that the Indian caste system literally dissolved into a puff of rainbow powdered dyes and colored water today.
Rajasthan was alive with a different spice and we daren’t say we weren’t pre-warned. We were told that on Holi, everything and anything goes. And they weren’t joking either.

Jaipur was vibrating with wild celebrations, drum beats of Indian rock and roll ala Shankar and its stimulating sisterly companions, raving bashes not only of the carnivalesque kind but apparently even veiled beatings and the none too unusual vengeance murders that ‘happen’, but as we were reassured, those only ‘happened in other cities and very rarely in Jaipur so not to worry Ma’am and Sir’. Well homicides or not, I’d secretly pocketed my pepper spray under my white cotton shirtdress, just in case the crowd got a little too piquant for my taste.

© Gunther Deichmann - Jamie is getting her "Make up"
applied by a local



© Gunther Deichmann - the Boys having fun in the streets of Jaipur

The crew was ready and itching to go shoot some color. Truth be told we’d been primed the night before, armed with hair oils, super skin moisturizers, caps, camera “condoms” in all shapes and sizes, throwaway t-shirts, shorts and the lot.

Ok, ok I confess I was the only one with the excessive concern for hair oils, cream based moisturizers, shower caps, disposable cotton underclothes, emergency eye drops, SPF 50 lip balm and goodness knows what else I had stashed in my sling bag. Another one bites the advertising dust! Newspapers (and Tony) had been playing up the dehydrating effects of the dyes on skin and hair, and GI Jane as I may be, I’d certainly had no wish to walk around Incredible India with post-Holi skin lesions or a kerosene scrubbed frizz.

© Gunther Deichmann - Tony is getting his picture taken
by a 150 year old Camera



© Gunther Deichmann - Amazing, old meets new...
the "shutter bugs" & the local street photographer

The glow of the warm afternoon sun didn’t let us down, and neither did Bebet’s smooth cone shaped crown – fondly Pink city’s extremely popular pink duomo of the day! Luis was busy keeping out of trouble while GD, his usual monkey self, got the children squealing around him, unable to decide whether they thought he was funny or scary or both.
I didn’t blame them – a seriously hot magenta, violet and salmon colored faced GD is quite a hair-raising sight! The rest of the crew stayed on track, a yellow-green Joerg staying cool and entertaining the locals with amusing conversation (or was it the other way around) while a blushing red Tony kept the beggars from pulling our clothes and cameras. Hubert was cool as a cucumber sauntering back and forth across the streets, side stepping the cows like a weathered local.

© Gunther Deichmann - 150 years later...but still in use,
the processing is done right on the street.



© Gunther Deichmann - Jamie's turn in front of the
old Plate camera...but please don't move...

And suddenly “150 rupees only, 150 rupees just you look Sir top quality photograph black and white please you look only”. No thank you no thank you no thank you no no no no no and then we stopped. We’d gotten so used to the mendicants following us around for the past 2 hours, pushcarts, trolleys, gypsy children and all across town that literally the replies (as polite as we attempted to remain) just came out of us naturally.

Right on the yellow powdered street hung a few carpets on a stairway which acted as a backdrop in front of (lo and behold) a 150 year-old plate camera, impressive in size as well as quality and sharpness . We later found out that the owner and his brother had inherited it from his ancestors and they have been in the photography business since ‘a very long time Ma’am’. Old meets new!!

Thousands of dollars of equipment strapped to our necks, I found it oxymoronic that for 150 rupees ($3 USD), each of us were as excited as kids on Christmas morn and happy as pie with our old fashioned black and white photos that were washed and developed in a pail of water on the street, ready in less than 10 minutes, and hey, it came with a negative too. Now since the digital age, we haven’t been that pleased with a self-portrait in a long time! What better way to end a picture-perfect day?
Holi Hai!

© Gunther Deichmann - back at the Hotel for some cold
Beers before the "two hour" shower.

Happy Holi...



© Gunther Deichmann - the start of Holi a priest during last nights
Pre Holi event blessing everybody with multi colors.

I am in a bit of a rush today...need to get out in the street again with my students to celebrate the Holi Festival the most colorful of all Indian Festivals in Jaipur Rajasthan India.

© Gunther Deichmann - Holi has started...

So please forgive me if this will be a very short Blog today, we're having a great time and the highlight will be later tonight, yesterday we went crazy at the Elephant festival which was so fantastic. Today we're going to get covered in color from top to bottom and last night we participated at a Temple the pre Holi event, with huge fires lit up all over town.

© Gunther Deichmann - the night before Holi

Sorry have to run now...but so much more later, thanks also to Aperture 3 uploading has been easy and fast, I am already at some 4000 images.

© Gunther Deichmann - it is going to get a lot worst today...

GD

Bizarre - Mysterious - Colorful & so amazing...
Kathmandu Nepal.



© Gunther Deichmann - Buddhist Eyes...
Kathmandu, Nepal, Feb. 2010

I made it... my first post since I left Manila... I am not going into many details today, I rather let the images speak, only a few today a lot more when my connection is good, lets see and wait. The worst scenario... I have to do it when I get back home after the 16th of March.
Arrived in New Delhi this afternoon after 4 days in Kathmandu Nepal...a little sad that I had to leave but I am going to be back there in about two weeks after my PhotoWorkshop in India.

Contrast!

© Gunther Deichmann - Oh no...I did not set this one up... I was getting ready to take a shot of this unknown Guy with a Nikon taken notes when out of nowhere this Sadhu appeared and stood right next to him. Interesting, it seems that our fellow had to Yawn and our Sadhu had his eyes closed...like trying to put him to sleep. Well, that is sort off my interpretation. Kathmandu, Nepal, Feb. 2010

Internet connection is Ok now, and I am using the spare time to write this long overdue post before all my students arrive later tonight, tomorrow we're busy exploring the old part of Delhi, the first part of our Indian Journey.
Nepal was very cool (literally it was freezing in the evenings and early morning). A lot more later on some bizarre Animal sacrifice and Cremations along the River... from the colorful living to the colorful dead.

© Gunther Deichmann - Sadhu
Kathmandu, Nepal, Feb. 2010

A lot more soon from this amazing place in the Himalayas called Nepal, with old tradition of Hindu & Buddhism, as a matter of fact I be visiting the Birth place of Buddha in about 10 days which is just across the border from India in Nepal..."
The Journey Through Color & Time" continuos.

© Gunther Deichmann - Eyes through red...
Kathmandu, Nepal, Feb. 2010

© Gunther Deichmann - The Wall...
Kathmandu, Nepal, Feb. 2010

© Gunther Deichmann - Bizarre... the Old & New.
Kathmandu, Nepal, Feb. 2010

Now a little about Aperture 3 from the road and straight out of the Box pushing it in the past few days, no complains... I can truly say Aperture 3 performed super and I encountered no major problems after some 3000 images in 4 days. A lot more on Aperture 3 on the road later...now I have to concentrate on my students and show them around Incredible India.

© Gunther Deichmann - Sadhus blessing...
Kathmandu, Nepal, Feb. 2010




© Gunther Deichmann - Sadhu & blue...
Kathmandu, Nepal, Feb. 2010



© Gunther Deichmann - Coca Cola and Blue...
Kathmandu, Nepal, Feb. 2010

Just one more...



© Gunther Deichmann - The Spoon...
Kathmandu, Nepal, Feb. 2010

Once I am back in Manila, I upload a new Photo Gallery with some of the latest images from Nepal & India...please have patience as this could take some time, I have a few more weeks to shoot yet.
Enjoy the first taste from Kathmandu, please stay tuned for a lot more...
GD

A new Journey begins....


© Gunther Deichmann - Incredible India

In a few hours another Journey begins...leaving first for Thailand and Nepal then to India for the start of my GD PhotoWorkshop. Meeting everybody in New Delhi before leaving for Rajasthan to celebrate the Holi Festival. After the Workshop back to Delhi, I then continue my Journey to Varanasi one of the holiest places in India and travel over land back to Nepal.
I try to update my Blogs as much as possible but that depends on the internet connection and if I am not to tired in the evenings.
I am all packed now, Aperture 3 is prepared and ready for the Road show, I am really looking forward to see my students in Delhi very soon for an exciting Photo Workshop in Incredible India.

© Gunther Deichmann - the colors of India...

I guess that is it for the time being, I try to report along the way, but that depends on the connection.
Thanks to the staff from Shroff International Travel for making all the arrangements, specially Arjun & Sheena who have been fantastic.
GD

BTW...did you know that when you start up Aperture 3 it is in 64 Bit? You might noticed the difference if you have 4 or more Gig of Ram installed. However there are some issues when you work with previous installed Plug-ins, but nothing to worry Aperture 3 makes it easy.
Most of the plug-in if not all at the moment work only in 32 Bit and if you like to use them you have to restart Aperture 3, click on the image you like to edit (in my case I use the Noise Ninja Plug-in) click on the right mouse button, a small drop down menu appears and you see edit with Plug-in (32 bit) this will restart you Aperture 3 in 32 bit mode and stays like that until you close Aperture 3. Once you open Aperture 3 again you're back to your 64bit.

In a few days I am leaving for my main trip this year, plus my GD Photo Workshop in India where my lucky students have the opportunity to study and work with Aperture 3 in the field. I try to report from our locations whenever possible, of course like always depending on the Internet connection, speed and availability.
Check out also my Calendar Dates on the GD Photo Workshop site; "Introduction Aperture 3" at Power Mac Centers Manila Philippines, starting March 26.
GD

Another very new cool addition is the Zoom option (Z key) if you press this now say on full screen you have a new small thumbnail window, but now you can zoom in more, not just 100% very cool and so handy. Say you have zoomed in to 150% and like to go back to your 100% just hit the z key and you're back to your starting point of 100%. Personally, I find both of these new addition extremely useful for my particular workflow and I have to praise the engineers for an excellent job by in incorporating it into Aperture 3. Great Job Guys!
GD

Recent visited places from Mindoro Isl., Puerto Galera, City
of Batangas, Makati and Manila shown as Satellite Map

If you're not using a Digital Camera with a GPS function that is Ok. just use your iPhone and whenever you stop or from the Car window take a quick shot. Later import the photos from your iPhone into Aperture 3 activate Places and the rest is easy. I be writing a lot more about this cool addition from the road. Click on the Places icon at the upper right hand side at the toolbar to get you started.

Recent visited places in Makati and Manila shown as Road Map

10 days ago I went to the Island of Mindoro/Puerto Galera and I took some happy snaps with the iPhone, then on the way back I also stopped in Batangas and then back to Manila. Of course there have been some gaps where I didn't stop to get some images but all the rest had been recorded, very accurate I might add, see the attached screenshots. Map options are Satellite - Road or Terrain.
Ok the only "drawback" is that my wife from now on always knows where I am or I have been, ha, ha. but that is fine with me too, nothing to hide.

Recent visited places in Makati and Manila shown as Terrain Map

To activate your Places before they work you have to go first to the Aperture 3 Preferences settings and activate it, then click on the Advanced setting a small drop down menu appears and you see Look up Places, the default setting is on Never just click on the Automatically and you're done.
Again an excellent new addition to Aperture 3 and as you can see I am getting fine tuned for my big trip starting next week.
GD

Tags: Places, , GPS logging, Nepal, ASIA, Google Maps, , Kathmandu, Philippines

© Gunther Deichmann - Pushkar, India 2009

So here we are back into Photography, Aperture 3 is certainly going to make our workflow more easy and more fun, GPS and Places, the new Curves, put back from the Trash, Chromatic Aberrations the list goes on and on.
We have also color coding which some of us find very useful for on the road editing, however I have a slight grin on my face and you might ask why. Very simple, some of our Underwater Photographer recently complained and nagged non stop about updates being to slow from Apple.

Some even went as far and switched to Lightroom, again my magic word is patience...are they going back to Aperture 3 now, it looks that way.
My advise as an Aperture user from day one and as a Certified Trainer, get to know one software real well and stick with it, in due time and it is happening right now changes will happen, remember “Rome was also not build in one day” have patience, good things take time. And The Time is NOW.
Thanks to the Apple Aperture Team for a Job well done!

As for my travel photography, I am more then excited, but then again I need to get those images first. You all know I am leaving very soon and if all goes well I have Aperture 3 running and give it a real good and realistic Road test for some 4 weeks in the field trying to post images with the new Facebook function , Locations via Places, the new video function and for sure I am going to work with the new Curves.

Please stay tuned and I try my very best connection permitting to file real reports from the field, or you might say Aperture 3 straight out of the Box.

The web is totally saturated at the moment, the talk of the Town is Aperture 3, but now I am looking forward to some cool Photography and only then I write more in details about all those new features which certainly sound all very exciting.
For the latest info on Aperture 3 and all the new features pls. go to: http://www.apple.com/aperture/whats-new.html
GD

© Gunther Deichmann - Rajasthan India 2009

Places
Now you can use GPS location data to explore your photos by the places they were taken. Better still, find them on an interactive map.
Organize your library by location, location, location.
If you’re shooting with a GPS-enabled camera, Aperture 3 uses reverse geocoding to convert location coordinates into familiar location names, then displays those locations on the Places map. If you’re using a separate GPS tracking device, the path of your photo journey appears on the map when you import a track log. You can even extract locations from iPhone tracker apps or your iPhone photos. Which means you can instantly find all your Yellowstone photos, for example, without typing the word “Yellowstone.” Photos can be organized by country, state, city, or a point of interest such as Old Faithful or the park visitor center.
Put your photos on the map.
If a photo doesn’t include GPS metadata, simply drag the photo to the spot on the map where you shot it. A pin appears. Then, when you’re searching for photos, use the map’s navigation menu to quickly find the location. When you click the pin, Aperture displays all the photos taken there.
Easy course corrections.
If you need to change the location of your shot, drag the pin on the map across the street or across the country. The GPS data associated with the photo updates automatically, so you know where your photos are at all times.More info @ http://www.apple.com/aperture/whats-new.html

© Gunther Deichmann - Aperture 3 embraces
you with open “arms”...

BTW...now our Underwater Photographer going to love the new Curves Tool and Chromatic Aberration Filters, (and not only our Underwater Photographers) I just hope they had the patience and waited for the all NEW Aperture 3 and if not they might have to switch back to Aperture now. For all New features go to http://www.apple.com/aperture/whats-new.html
GD

Just a few more...
New Auto Buttons
Quickly make exposure adjustments by using the Auto buttons now available in the Exposure, Levels, and Curves adjustment bricks.
Chromatic Aberration Filter
Remove the color fringing that can occur along edges due to optical issues by using the new Chromatic Aberration filter. The adjustments can be brushed in or brushed away as needed to achieve desired results.
Powerful New Curves Tool
Use the new Curves tool to adjust exposure and tweak color. Curve adjustments can be applied to luminance, RGB, or individual color channels. You can set the black, white, and midtone points, as well as place custom points along the curve using a target tool. All Curves adjustments can be brushed in or brushed away as needed to achieve desired results.
Linear or Gamma-Corrected Mode
The Curves tool can operate in two different modes — Linear and Gamma-Corrected — depending on which best suits the image. Linear mode is best when dealing with extended range data and highlights, while Gamma-Corrected mode can be especially helpful when working with shadows.

Range Support in Curves Tool
Because the Curves tool supports the “extended range” data sometimes available in RAW images, you can set the Range control in Curves to Extended in order to see the “out of range” highlight data that you may be able to recover. You can then use controls in the Curves tool to pull blown highlights back in and improve detail in highlight areas. Alternatively, you can set the range to Shadows and focus on the lower-left quadrant of the tone curve to make extremely precise Shadow adjustments.
Quick Brushes
Use the new Quick Brushes pop-up menu in the Adjustments toolbar to gain immediate access to 15 ready-to-use brushes for the most common enhancement tasks. Quick Brushes include Skin Smoothing, Polarize, Intensify Contrast, Tint, and others.

“Painted Skies & Oceans”
the Colors of Micronesia.



© Gunther Deichmann - Dramatic Sunset & Rainbow over the Pacific.

A dramatic sunset in the Pacific, the Image above taken between Chuuk (Truk Lagoon) and Pohnpei in Micronesia.

The Federated States of Micronesia is an independent, sovereign nation made up of Pohnpei and three other states; Chuuk, Kosrae, and Yap. Together, the FSM comprises approximately 607 small islands in the Western Pacific spread over almost 1,700 miles (2,700 km) from east to west just above the equator some 2,500 miles (4,000 km) southwest of Hawaii and about 1,800 miles (2,900 km) north of eastern Australia, above Papua New Guinea.

© Gunther Deichmann - Sunset over the famous Truk Lagoon,
a Divers paradise for WWII ship wrecks

Chuuk or better known amongst the Scuba Diving community as Truk Lagoon is a must for Divers who like to explore the amazing WWII wrecks in this Lagoon. A whole Japanese fleet was sunk here during the WWII. Great Visibility and little current makes this a perfect destination for Wreck Divers.

© Gunther Deichmann - A lone Coconut tree at the edge of
Truk Lagoon, Chuuk Micronesia



© Gunther Deichmann - dramatic clouds over the
Palau Rock islands, Micronesia

Palau is also know as one of the best Dive destinations in the world, diving highlights include Blue Corner and the Blue Hole, plus so many others. In 2009 Palau became also the first Shark Sanctuary in the World, one of Natures best kept secret with its amazing bio diversity below and above the waves. Check out Sam’s Tours for all your scuba diving activities in 2010.

© Gunther Deichmann - a small island just in front
of the Palau Pacific Resort




© Gunther Deichmann - typical Pacific sunset, Palau




© Gunther Deichmann - Islands at sunset, Palau Micronesia




© Gunther Deichmann - Coconut trees at the edge of
Truk Lagoon, Chuuk Micronesia



© Gunther Deichmann - aerial view at sunset, Rock Islands Palau



© Gunther Deichmann - view from inside a
cave in the Palau Rock Islands, Palau



© Gunther Deichmann - sunset at the Palau Pacific Resort also known as PPR

Check out the GD PhotoWorkshop site for all the Calendar dates in 2010
including a trip trip to Palau Micronesia in June 2010
Adventure Travel with your Digital Camera!

“Small Taste of the Latest” updated with a
selection of Photos from my last trip to
Cambodia in December 2009.


© Gunther Deichmann - Angkor Wat Cambodia Dec. 2009
View more images in the Gallery click on the Photo or go to
“Small Taste of the Latest”on the menu bar.

In September 2009 we had our very cool and humoring GD Photo Workshop in Siem Reap and then in December I had to return to finish a few projects on my own, namely the very soon to be launched Heritage Suites Hotel and Heritage Adventures websites. They be up very, very shortly and I keep you posted. Only a few more days and I announce the NEW LINKS to you.

During my last trip in December 2009 I did spend more time at the Hotel then shooting but I guess that’s life and work, however I had to show my good friend and webmaster Arnold around a bit since it was his very first trip to Cambodia, plus I had to finish a couple other things deep in the Jungle. I know my suspense again but unfortunately I can’t share these images with you yet, all pending on a publication later this year. I know, shrouded in secrecy again, sorry about that.

But I made a small selection from the last trip today which I can share with you, just a mixed bag from Siem Reap and Phnom Penh.
What I like about Cambodia so much, no matter how often I go back, say for example Angkor Wat I always find and discover new things or the light is just in my favor like on the day I took Arnold for the first time to Angkor in the afternoon.

© Gunther Deichmann - Ta Phrom, Cambodia Dec. 2009
Click on the Photo for more.

While he was dazzled and overcome by this architectural master piece trying to catch his breath, I just wondered around and played with the light.
The next morning at 5:30 we left for Ta Phrom with a perfect sunrise and a slight cool breeze, a welcome change from the normal humid condition earlier in the year. Besides my Jungle trip (more on that later) that was all the time we had exploring Siem Reap this time around.

© Gunther Deichmann - Phnom Penh, Cambodia Dec. 2009
Click on the Photo for more.

Due to unavailability of flights from Siem Reap (sort off lucky for us) we chose to drive from Siem Reap to Phnom Penh, a town I know only to well, again we only had two days but since I know my way around it was easy to get to the right places at the right time.
Located along the Mekong River, Phnom Penh has a lot to offer for visitors and Photographers alike, charming French restaurants and Bars lined up along the “Boulevard” overlooking the Mekong, and behind you the majestic Grand Palace with its famous Silver Pagoda.

© Gunther Deichmann - Phnom Penh, Cambodia Dec. 2009
Click on the Photo for more.

Thanks to Aperture 2, editing was fast and smooth, plus I have finished all my tagging, key wording etc., uploaded all the latest images into Archives from my Agencies and in a few days everything will also be on my PhotoShelter Archives and Galleries.
I hope you’re going to enjoy this small selection of Images from our last Journey, Cambodia is certainly one of my favorite destinations in Asia, more very soon on PhotoShelter.
GD

NEW look for the GD Photo Workshop site in 2010...
Adventure Travel with your Digital Camera.

Screenshot: The NEW Home page

It has been long overdue but this morning at 4AM we had it pretty much licked.
Thanks to my good friend and web guru Arnold for hanging in there with me until the early hours in the morning.
http://www.gdphotoworkshop.com

My old and rusty GD Photo Workshop site is gone and a new one took shape by 4 AM.
Now directly wired to my Blog (press the button GD Photo Workshops) plus on my main site, nicely integrated, ha, ha how I love this word and YES it was all done on a MacBook Pro. No need for many words, it is all self-explanatory.
This one is easier to update and has already all the PhotoWorkshop dates for 2010, India being the first, starting in February and the participants getting very excited already.
A lot of rambling the other day on tech issues, so I keep this one brief plus I have to catch up with some more sleep, so I am not sure on that one either since my good Buddy Dirk from the Dugong Dive Center in Palawan is on the way to me.
Take a moment and check out the NEW site and if you feel up to it join me on one of my Photo Workshops in 2010 or 2011.
Enjoy, I hope you like it.
GD

2010 GD Photo Workshops in Asia

Happy New Year to you all and I hope you can join me on one of my Adventure Travel Photography Workshops in 2010.
We are in the process and updating our GD Photo Workshop website and that should be done shortly, a new look with more information and the Calendar for 2010. In the mean time we make all official announcements on this Blog.
For those of you who live in Manila I am also conducting regular Seminars and Photography related Workshops on Aperture 2, iLife and Pages at Power Mac Center in TriNoma and Greenbelt 3 Makati. (please contact the Power Mac Center for schedules and details)

© Gunther Deichmann - New Power Mac Center, TriNoma

For Bookings and other PhotoWorkshop inquiries please click this LINK for feedback and what previous students had to say CLICK HERE.

© Gunther Deichmann - Rajasthan India 2009

Leaving in late February 2010 our first GD Photo Workshop will take us to India where we celebrate at the same time the magic of “Holi” India’s most colorful festival. Other Photo Workshops been finalized for Palau in Micronesia (Natures best kept secret) an amazing Journey into Myanmar/Burma, Laos and of course once again one of our favorite destination Cambodia later in the year.
In Cambodia we’re not only visiting the famous Angkor Wat and other well known temples but this time we go way beyond... exploring hidden Khmer treasures deep with in the Jungle of Cambodia. For those who like to stay on we extend our stay and travel from Siem Reap to Phnom Penh for an additional 3 to4 days.
We keep our Groups to a minimum of eight (8) participants to give you the very best value and attention. These are field-Photo Workshops, followed by honest critique of your images and process. There are almost daily critiques and informal gatherings, all providing an opportunity to share your work and having fun doing so, stress is not part of the agenda.

© Gunther Deichmann - Laos

Digital photography has changed the way photographers create images, both in terms of the actual work with the camera, and the possibilities that exist in the digital darkroom. Instead of waiting a day or more for film to be processed, the photographer can now relate to the image while still at the location. This presents possibilities for improved exposure and composition, as well as new visual discoveries and insights that arise from seeing the image immediately after it has been exposed. In the digital darkroom, precision adjustments for color and tonal balance, contrast, and sharpness allow for unparalleled creative and technical control.

© Gunther Deichmann - Laos

The workshops are for advanced amateurs and experienced professionals 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 are expected to have basic digital photography skills including image capture, downloading, editing, etc. For those with experience on Mac Computers Gunther will guide you through the understanding of Aperture. He will also teach basic editing skills in Photoshop. Gunther is a certified Apple Pro trainer for Aperture 2 and has years of hands on knowledge using Photoshop as a photography tool.

Work Shop Outline
The program offers a combination of presentation, exploration and discovery. On most days, we will be learning exposure and capture techniques with our digital cameras in the morning & afternoons then using Adobe Photoshop and Aperture for exploring the digital imaging workflow at lunchtimes and in the evenings.
During the workshop we will provide direction to photographers looking to improve their photography as they travel on personal trips, or photograph on assignment. Our primary focus in these work shops is on the technology of shooting digitally and learning to tell the stories of other people's lives. The entire world of the photographer is reviewed as we discuss gaining access, researching places and story ideas, as well as understanding the complete digital workflow.
We will cover using digital cameras, and all of the gear needed to be fully prepared to go out and cover stories while traveling. Daily lectures and discussions will also include how to use strobes and a portable digital darkroom. Throughout the week you will photograph various editorial assignments: picture stories, point pictures and captions writing.

© Gunther Deichmann - Phnom Penh Cambodia Dec. 2009


© Gunther Deichmann - near Phnom Penh Cambodia Dec. 2009

You will photograph for example places in Cambodia and the other destinations while learning from one of the best travel photographers around. Gunther covers all aspects of the shoot: how to solve technical problems, how to work with people, gain access, digital workflow on the road, and how to use a small strobe. You will learn how to research a story, select a destination, prepare a shooting list, edit your pictures and ways to share your work with a larger community.
Gunther will work with students in critique sessions and in the field, sharing his working knowledge and techniques.

© Gunther Deichmann - Palau Micronesia,
No Photoshop used here, this is a natural reflection.

General Workshop Information
A successful workshop begins with advance knowledge and good preparation. Take the time to do a little research on the area(s) you will visit. This document is intended to inform you of what lies ahead and assist you in fully preparing yourself to take maximum advantage of the learning environment workshops with Gunther.
Students will be pushed to photograph not only scenes and environments, but also the people and life for example in Siam Reap and Angkor Wat, Cambodia or India. People that are naturally timid about approaching people will learn techniques and be exposed to ideas and a spirit that will help them go forward with their photographic communication including photographing people.

© Gunther Deichmann - Myanmar/Burma

Students will spend much of their time exploring and photographing the rich daily life for example, the Angkor Wat Ruins and the colors of India.
Gunther will discuss technique, intent, composition, and the creative use of the camera and lens. He will review and critique your portfolio, and works-in-process, discuss careers, getting published and give you an idea of where you are, and what to do next to become better, but most important you will learn how to see things in a different light.
For Gunther’s Bio please click this LINK.

Happy without teeth…
what ever happen to the Tooth Fairy?


© Gunther Deichmann - Phnom Penh, Cambodia Dec. 2009

You might ask why I have chosen these images for today’s post…it is very simple… Happy New Year To YOU All! Hopefully 2010 will bring peace, laughter and more happiness.

© Gunther Deichmann - Tibet smiles at 4800 meters
80 plus years old but still smiling.

Happy without or only a few teeth…people I have encountered from the high Plateau in Tibet, to the markets and temples of Bali and to the Banks of the Mekong River in Cambodia. Natural smiles and expressions, so natural that it is almost unbelievable but it is so true.
I decided to share some of these images with you today and hope they make you smile too, just like me every time I look at them. Smiles from wonderful people I encountered with during my travels.

© Gunther Deichmann - Bali, one or two more to go...

No Camera and Tech talk today…2009 was packed already and I am sure we see a lot more of it in 2010...besides Christmas shopping is over, well at least for most of us.

© Gunther Deichmann - Bali...so happy.

Today I like to take the opportunity and express my gratitude and sincere thanks to all those people who made my Journeys save and filled my heart with laughter and even sadness at times.
Thanks to my family, friends, clients, guides and supporters but especially to those people I've taken photos off, may our path cross again.
Have a great and fantastic 2010… take care of our precious environment and if you get the chance…even the slightest… don’t forget to laugh with or without teeth!

© Gunther Deichmann - Bali... now that is a Melon.

A very happy New Year - prost Neujahr - bonne année - onnellista uutta vuotta - gelukkig Nieuwjaar - ath bhliain faoi mhaise - selamat tahun baru - godt nytt år - szczliwego nowego roku - feliz ano novo - gott nytt år manigong bagong taon - sawatdii pimaï - kung hé fat tsoi - xin nian kuai le / xin nian hao - godt nytår - eutichismenos o kainourgios chronos - felice anno nuovo, buon anno - S novim godom - sreno novo leto - Cung Chúc Tân Xuân
yeni yiliniz kutlu olsun

GD

The mood & colors from the last
few days in Cambodia...

The year is coming fast to an end and I am looking forward to some very exciting Journeys in 2010. Myanmar – India - Nepal & Cambodia are confirmed trips…plus what ever else crops up in between, with me you never know.

© Gunther Deichmann - the mood of Angkor Wat
the day before we left for Phnom Penh Cambodia

Before I am going into the family Christmas mood I like to share with you some more interesting escapades from the recent Cambodian Journey including a bit on Aperture 2.
I have also included a disturbing Photo…a stark reminder of the dark past in Cambodia with its Land Mines; its scars are still visible today and for many years to come.

© Gunther Deichmann - the Gate of Bayon
Temple, Siem Reap Cambodia

Please spare a moment for those unlucky ones among us, be it in Cambodia or elsewhere in the world. Lets not forget them, may our thoughts be with them not only during Christmas but all year around. Thank You!

© Gunther Deichmann - a stark reminder...
the scars of War! Phnom Penh, Cambodia

As you know I have just returned from Cambodia a few days ago in time to spend Christmas with my family. Arnold my Web Guru and myself left Siem Reap on the 18th of December by Car for Phnom Penh where we spend a few days roaming around.

Sadly we had to leave the good company of the Heritage Suites Hotel behind, already missing Didier, Vorana and Jam plus the super friendly staff, but I will return soon. Siem Reap has become almost my second home now, plus there is still so much to more explore and to discover.

© Gunther Deichmann - last light on the way to
Phnom Penh Cambodia

© Gunther Deichmann - the fisherman on the way to
Phnom Penh Cambodia

A lot of changes have taken place in Phnom Penh since my first visit in 1992 and again in 2005, I have been spending more time these past few years in the Siem Reap area.

© Gunther Deichmann - Sunday afternoon at the Mekong River
in Phnom Penh Cambodia

Phnom Penh brought back memories from the past especially when we had dinner at the FCC (Foreign Correspondence Club) my hangout from the earlier days.
A must on any ones list if you visit Phnom Penh, great food, cold Beer and a cool atmosphere, this time around they had a great Gallery of Photos from my famous Rock stars on the walls; Garry Moore, Chrissie Hynde's from the Pretenders, Jimi Hendrix, David Bowie, Pat Garrett from Midnight Oil, Rolling Stones and just about everybody else from the good old days… plus a cool Blues/Jazz Band was playing on our first evening in Phnom Penh.

But you also find walls covered with Photos from the Vietnam War and the horrific reign of the Pol Pot Regime, some disturbing images but it is the reality from the past or even now in the streets of Phnom Penh where you see people with out their limbs.

Been connected is important these days, good Internet connections are all over Phnom Penh like in Side walk Café’s and Restaurants. Getting around is also not a problem you find Tuk Tuk’s and Motorbikes on every street corner.
If you don’t have any accommodation booked, then you should check out a very cool guesthouse called the “Eye of the Mekong House” at 30 street 110 - run by a very charming Frenchman called Nikolas. Great place with spacious rooms, good Coffee, very affordable and right in town just a stone throw away from the Mekong River.

The new Nikon D300s proved to be fantastic in every aspect during my last trip but I need more time for the Video…lot more details on that one later.

© Gunther Deichmann - A Christmas Tree???
Phnom Penh, Cambodia

Let me finish today with the word “patience” there has been some whining and complaining re. Aperture 2 updates been to slow and some Photographers are thinking switching to Lightroom…
New Camera models have been popping up non-stop in 2009; now we blame Apple and other for not keeping up… sad! What ever happen to patience? From my past experience when Apple has done something they did it real well and not using some Beta version like Adobe with Lightroom. Would you buy or work with a Beta Version of a Camera? As a serious Photographer I don’t like to test things, I like them to work…don’t forget who came out first with the almost perfect Digital Photography workflow…Aperture was way ahead and made things possible which had been very difficult before and could only achieved with Photoshop.

© Gunther Deichmann - Color Steel...Phnom Penh, Cambodia

Patience…all real GOOD things take Time and I am sure Apple will come up with something soon enough…they have always done so in the past, maybe a bit slower but for sure it will be awesome and no need for Beta testing.
Now I have to get this Blog out... move my Magic Mouse and get back to my red wine and Midnight Oil plus the Kids are waiting. Cheers!

Wishing you a Merry Christmas and a GREAT 2010!
GD

The spirit of light in Cambodia…

Yes, all good things come to an end sometimes…but not for long, I shall return very soon to this ancient land with its Temples hidden deep in the Jungle.

© Gunther Deichmann - APSARA & light Angkor Wat Cambodia Dec. 2009

I wish all my readers, family members and friends a fantastic Christmas season and might the New Year bring what you have been wishing for. As for me, I am leaving tomorrow Siem Reap for Phnom Penh and after a few days back to Manila just in time to spend Christmas with my family.

© Gunther Deichmann - corridors & natural light
Cambodia Angkor Wat Dec. 2009

This trip has been very strenuous but ever so rewarding, met new friends…
a musician composer from Las Vegas (we had a great chat about my music and Garage Band), a Doctor, an Eye specialist and his wife from London and some others. PS. according to him my Eye sight is still Ok... hmmm and since his wife is also a Medical Doctor my Blood Pressure is fine too...must be the good wine at the Heritage Suite Hotel.

© Gunther Deichmann - Buddha Bless Cambodia Dec. 2009

Our stay at the Heritage Suite Hotel (Arnold my Web Guru and myself) was as great than ever, with the superb company of the Management and staff, in particular the GM Varona and Jam from Marketing, not to mention the ever so entertaining Didier from the Heritage Adventures. Thanks to you all...
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year...your hospitality has been outstanding!
I announce some very interesting news soon regards to the Heritage Adventures and the Heritage Suites Hotel once we’re back in Manila.

© Gunther Deichmann - early morning at
Ta Phrom Cambodia Dec. 2009

My gratitude to Nikon Singapore once again for providing me with an excellent replacement Nikon D300s Camera for my damaged D2X.
I have not finished testing it completely…but I am more than happy so far with it, considering it received some real punishment during this trip.

© Gunther Deichmann - early morning at
Ta Phrom Cambodia Dec. 2009

Can you imaging how happy I was when Apple announced a few Days ago the RAW file update for Aperture 2, which of course included the Nikon D300s just in time for my test drive in Cambodia. All photos on this Blog have been edited using Aperture 2 and almost no corrections have been applied.

© Gunther Deichmann - novice Monk at Angkor Wat Cambodia Dec. 2009

Sorry I have to keep this Blog post brief today, need to pack my things yet and I rather let the images speak…a lot more photos will follow but due to some pending publications I can’t share them at this time.
I am wishing every body a great Holiday Season…take good care and be good.
From Siem Reap in Cambodia…Buddha Bless!
GD

Straight out of the Box & into the
Jungle of Cambodia...

© Gunther Deichmann - Cambodia Dec. 2009,
Nikon D300s and the 50mm f:1.4 G Lens

Well not quiet out of the Box but almost… I picked up the Nikon D300s and the new 50mm 1.4 G Lens in Singapore. The D300s is the replacement unit for my water damaged D2x…remember the Rice Paddy incident in September…thanks to Nikon Singapore for providing me an excellent deal and rescuing my totally water drenched 180 2.8 mm lens. They did a great job, my special thanks to Jonathan from the Service Center at Nikon Singapore.
I only had little time to go through the Manual but since I am a Nikon user from way back it was fairly easy to work my way through the D300s.

© Gunther Deichmann - Red Bananas, Cambodia Dec. 2009,
Nikon D300s and the 50mm f:1.4 G Lens

The first time I used the Camera was at Phnom Kulen shooting some rare red Bananas, yes you have heard right, RED Bananas, supposedly only found in the Jungles of Phnom Kulen.
It was here that I used also the new 50mm f:1.4 G lens for the first time, I am truly impressed with excellent image quality even at f:1.4 wide open with superb color rendition.

© Gunther Deichmann - Butterflies at Phnom Kulen Waterfall,
Cambodia Dec. 2009,
Nikon D300s and the 50mm f:1.4 G Lens

An hour or so later I set the D300s up for some Video footage at the Phnom Kulen
Waterfall, easy operation but before I post the results I have to do some editing first of the clips, sorry not enough time at the moment.
After the red Bananas I shot some Butterflies at the Phnom Kulen Waterfall and then we went deeper into Jungle to a very special Cave only using the D300s with a mix of Lenses... fighting darkness, water dripping from the ceiling and Bat shit.
A lot more from this very special place later, yes I know my suspense again…but all good things take time!
I have another super early start tomorrow, so I finish now with my first verdict that the D300s is an outstanding Camera and with the 50mm f: 1.4 G Lens just awesome. All images have ben processed using Aperture 2 with almost no adjustments.
Thanks to Didier from Heritage Adventures for providing all the transportation and logistics.

Just one more from this afternoon at Angkor Wat...

© Gunther Deichmann - an afternoon at Angkor Wat
Nikon D300s with 50mm f:1.4 G Lens

But now its time to go to bed, G, night... until very soon.
GD

© Gunther Deichmann

I keep today’s Blog brief, as a matter of fact it is just to say hi from the Heritage Suite Hotel in Siem Reap my quarters for the next ten days.
A lot of exciting things are planned; test driving the Nikon D300s and exploring some remote places in the Jungle. Finishing what I missed on my last trip plus there is some additional work to be done for the Heritage Adventures and Heritage Suite Hotel.
Busy and exciting days ahead, plus my Webmaster is flying in today to help on a project but more on that later.

Oh before I forget, the Wi-Fi connections is just out of this world at the Heritage, excellent reception in all rooms now or you can relax at the poolside for some early morning surfing and listening to the native birds tweeting.
OK., that’s it for this morning, a lot more in the coming days, you just have to stay tuned or subscribe to my RSS feed.
GD

© Gunther Deichmann - magic Cambodia!

Once in Siem Reap I fill you in with more details…oh no, not my suspense again.

At the same time I am test-driving the recently released Nikon D300s not only for the images but also for its Video capabilities, which should be very interesting.

However I do give the Ox Cart a miss this time, don’t like to loose another Camera, you might remember from one of my previous Blog post when I lost my Nikon D2x in the rice paddy.
The last month of the year is taken care off now; another very exciting trip is in the middle of January 2010 until the end of the month. Then on February 24 our Photo Workshop in Rajasthan India starts... until March 4. After our Photo Workshop in India I have another very big and exciting surprise but that one has to wait too… yes I know, my suspense again, sorry about that.
Don’t worry I let the cat out of the bag soon enough, you just have to stay tuned. I know, a lot of riddles today!