THE BEST IN LIFE

Photography Lesson: Composition

2012-02-24T21:39:00.008+01:00

Korean kimchi served on Danish Normann Copenhagen Familia plate designed by Ole Jensen. Thank you, Maangchi, for the kimchi recipe. Go here for Maangchi's recipe: http://www.maangchi.com/recipe/kimchi-kaktugi

The wooden board was washed ashore by the waves to the small island of Fårö in the north of Gotland, Sweden. Thank you, Bibbi, for lending me the board.

PHOTOGRAPHY LESSON:
COMPOSITION:
In the photo above, I use the one-third-rule for the composition. 1/3 rule gives a more dynamic composition than symmetrical composition.

But sometimes, you need to take a symmetrical composition to give an impression of balance and formality, like when you are inside a church or a mosque.

The photo below is using a symmetrical composition. I just want people to focus on the detailed shape and look of the kimchi, right in the middle. Even though there are many kimchi fans out there, kimchi is still unknown to many. Hence it is important to give a very detailed look on the dish so people can see it clearly.

MAKE IT AS A DISCIPLINE TO COMPOSE YOUR IMAGE CORRECTLY ON THE SPOT. That way you do not need to crop your images. Of course, you can play around with the composition when you crop your image, but that means your pic becomes smaller.

TEXTURE IN FOOD PHOTOGRAPHY:
An old used or weather-beaten wooden board with beautiful texture gives a warm natural feeling to the food presentation. Do not use new or laminated wood because the texture looks artificial and cold. They are not as beautiful as weather-beaten board.

LIGHTING:
Overcast (mendung) day gives an even soft light for food photos. Except when it is windy like today. I have to make sure the mint leaves are not blown away by the wind.

EQUIPMENT:
You need a sturdy tripod and a good smooth ball head to get quality photos. The depth of field in food photography can be f/22 and even f/32. Handholding the camera is not favorable especially on overcast day because you risk camera shake. Always invest in good photography equipment. It is better to buy one good item than having to buy various items with lower quality.

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Food styling and photography © www.alextjoa.com

Rumi: Although I may try to describe Love, when I experience it, I am speechless

2012-02-14T22:14:00.000+01:00

"Although I may try to describe Love, when I experience it, I am speechless."
— Rūmī

__________________________
If you think this photo is inspiring, feel free to tag and share it with your friends. If you have one favorite short quote, less than 10 words, from the Bible, Quran, holy books, or wise people that you would like me to put on one of my photos, please let me know.

Thank you.

Photo © www.alextjoa.com

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About the photo:
"The Sultan Ahmed Mosque (Turkish: Sultanahmet Camii, Ottoman Turkish and Arabic: مَسجِدُ السلطان أحمد pr. masjedu alsultane Ahmad) is a historical mosque in Istanbul, the largest city in Turkey and the capital of the Ottoman Empire (from 1453 to 1923). The mosque is popularly known as the Blue Mosque for the blue tiles adorning the walls of its interior.

It was built from 1609 to 1616, during the rule of Ahmed I. Like many other mosques, it also comprises a tomb of the founder, a madrasah and a hospice. While still used as a mosque, the Sultan Ahmed Mosque has also become a popular tourist attraction."

— Wikipedia

Photography Lesson: Be yourself

2012-02-12T21:40:00.008+01:00

Just like in life, you need to be yourself when it comes to photography. Each one of us is unique and equally precious. Each one of us has a talent that we can share with others. In the beginning of your photography journey, you may learn from others, but at the end of the day, you will most likely develop your own style that suits your liking and soul best.

Lady Gaga, an American singer famous for her outré fashion statement, and Teresa Teng, a legendary soft-spoken and feminine Chinese singer can teach us a lesson about being ourselves. They two have contrasting styles. Lady Gaga, after a restrictive early life, finally found her own way where she can express her unique visual creativity. Teresa Teng as we know never tried to be a rocker yet thrived in being the soft-spoken singer whose videos are still watched by millions of people on YouTube despite her passing seventeen years ago. Each one of them teaches us to be ourselves and do what we like best.

There are many styles in photography and ways of taking photos. I was once in a photography workshop with a Pulitzer-nominated photographer who was always ready with his two cameras, shooting constantly even when he was sitting in the bus. While another participant of the workshop preferred to take less photos. There are some who love to do street photography and black and white photography, some who love color photography, some who avoid Photoshop, some who love to use Photoshop, some who love the cities, and some like me who love landscape photography and stand in the cold for hours to find the right moment. There are still many more styles out there.

Some like to carry light cameras, some like to carry DLSR cameras. I have seen some photographers who deliver stunning impressive images with just their Lumix cameras. Camera gears are your tools, your painting brushes, but you are the master, the artist. So use the right gear to deliver the result you want. Camera gears and technical aspects are not always a guarantee that you take a great picture that evokes human emotion. Master the technical aspect but at the same time do not be too bogged down by it.

When you choose to learn from me, you will get a piece of my soul. I am inclined to minimalism, because this is the lifestyle I like best. I prefer to spend time to think and prepare for my photography session in quietness and peace. For me photography is a communion with the divine, and I feel that it is necessary that I have an uncluttered mind. In style, I think I am close to Anne Geddes' way of taking photos. Meticulous and calm. I also tend to observe and read the invisible. Some wedding photographers are talkative and lively. Some like Joe Buissink, pensive, but he captures some of the most memorable profound images because he reads the invisible in his quiet observation. I believe that a peaceful mind is more efficient and can accomplish more than a hurried, panicked, stressed, restless busy mind. For me, quality is more important that quantity, and less is more.

If you learn from another person, you may get a different style. I admire people who can combine different props with different patterns harmoniously. I love to observe their works. It takes a special skill and talent to do so, but as I have mentioned above the style that is close to my heart is minimalism.

I like the work of John Pawson. His architectural masterpiece truly shows that less is more. Minimalism must not be less is less. Otherwise you get a dead austere concrete space. Pawson's minimalist architecture shows rich beautiful natural textures and uses the best materials, fine marble and 45-cm-wide 15-meter-full-length Dinesen wooden planks with unbroken lines instead of laminated parquette. The craftsmanship of the details is high, and the thinking process to produce such outstanding less-is-more design is substantial. Minimalism is indeed a lifestyle, the way you think and live.

So remember the important point: be yourself.

You have your own style and personality. We cannot say that Victoria Beckham who looks polished in every occasion and who owns a luxurious fashion brand is more correct or more precious than the plain-looking Annie Leibovitz who delivers some of the world's most stunning photos. Each person has his or her own personality and style. The worst is to force Victoria Beckham to look like Annie Leibovitz, and vice versa.

I share you a piece of my soul, but at the end of the day, you will find your own style. I hope with the understanding and acceptance of being yourself, you will get a secure and confident foundation in your photographic adventure and lifelong learning.

Rumi: If people but knew their own religion, how tolerant they would become, and how free from any grudge against the religion of others

2012-02-11T23:21:00.000+01:00

“If people but knew their own religion, how tolerant they would become, and how free from any grudge against the religion of others.”
— Rumi

__________________________
If you think this photo is inspiring, feel free to tag and share it with your friends. If you have one favorite short quote, less than 10 words, from the Bible, Quran, holy books, or wise people that you would like me to put on one of my photos, please let me know.

Thank you.

Photo © www.alextjoa.com

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About the photo:
"Hagia Sophia (from the Greek: Ἁγία Σοφία, "Holy Wisdom"; Latin: Sancta Sophia or Sancta Sapientia; Turkish: Ayasofya) is a former Orthodox patriarchal basilica, later a mosque, and now a museum in Istanbul, Turkey. From the date of its dedication in 360 until 1453, it served as the Greek Patriarchal cathedral of Constantinople, except between 1204 and 1261, when it was converted to a Roman Catholic cathedral under the Latin Patriarch of Constantinople of the Western Crusader established Latin Empire. The building was a mosque from 29 May 1453 until 1931, when it was secularized. It was opened as a museum on 1 February 1935.[1]"
— Wikipedia

Psalm 46:10: Be still, and know that I am God

2012-02-10T14:16:00.003+01:00

"Be still, and know that I am God."
— Psalm 46:10

"The Silence is the rest of the mind in God."
— Dr. Joseph Murphy

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© www.alextjoa.com

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About the photo:
This photo was shot close to midnight and shows icebergs floating in Atlantic Ocean of the coast at the glacial lake Jökulsárlón in Iceland.

"Jökulsárlón (lit. "Glacier Lagoon") is a large glacial lagoon in southeast Iceland, on the borders of Vatnajökull National Park. Situated at the head of Breiðamerkurjökull, it evolved into a lagoon after the glacier started receding from the edge of the Atlantic Ocean. The lake has grown since then at varying rates because of melting of the Icelandic glaciers. The lagoon now stands 1.5 kilometres (0.93 mi) away from the ocean's edge and covers an area of about 18 km2 (6.9 sq mi). It recently became the deepest lake in Iceland at over 248 metres (814 ft) depth as glacial retreat extended its boundaries.[1] The size of the lagoon has increased fourfold since the 1970s.[2][3][4][5] It is considered as one of the natural wonders of Iceland."
— Wikipedia

Rumi: Let the beauty of what you love be what you do

2012-02-03T23:52:00.005+01:00

“Let the beauty of what you love be what you do.”
— Jalal ad-Din Rumi

_____________________
"Your pictures are especially paramount. You speak a different language - that of timeless grace, a healing balm, which is the need of the hour. I can see that in your work, Alex. Meticulous, devoid of ostentation, clear, minimalist...TRUTHFUL. No add-ons. Beauty in brevity. Your work radiates such care and attention to detail."
— Z, Malaysia

Thank you very much, sis Z, for such profound beautiful words.

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Photo location: Almedalen, Visby, Gotland, Sweden
© www.alextjoa.com

My business cards

2012-01-31T14:48:00.002+01:00

Above are my environmentally friendly business cards made of organic fruits' biodegradable packaging. That is the side effect if one eats lots of fruits.

This one is my pop-up 3-D origami architecture business card. How do you like it?

Sushi AOI, Visby, Gotland

2012-01-30T13:51:00.005+01:00

I give this compliment not because Rika Yamagata is my friend, but because her sushi is truly the best sushi I have ever tasted outside Japan. She has the sensitivity and understanding of the philosophy behind sushi making which cannot be copied. Take a look at www.sushiaoi.se.

Food styling and photography © www.alextjoa.com

Japanese sushi meets Gotlandic nature in a fine art culinary experience.

Akantus, Visby, Gotland

2012-01-30T13:45:00.003+01:00

Akantus Design & Inredning
S:t Hansplan, 621 56 Visby
0498 - 21 28 88
info@akantusvisby.se

2012-01-27T13:38:00.000+01:00

Teach your children to love green smoothie. Try to always incorporate green leaves in your smoothie. Children who have healthy eating habit and consume green smoothie have better learning concentration. They have no sugar addiction and have more sensitive taste buds that can appreciate the pure and wonderful taste of natural ingredients. Trust me, green smoothie is delicious, and its health benefit is tremendous.

Children who are used to consuming green smoothie do not have candy, cookie, and junk food craving. Instead they will cry for fresh berries and fruits while you walk through the fruit section at the supermarket.

One of my favorite smoothies is blueberry, spinach, apple, and cinnamon. The cinnamon is a nice touch for winter time.

Since the color of the blueberry is so dominant, you will not see the green color of the spinach. Thus the smoothie looks appetizing. This is a great smoothie for children who are not keen in eating green leaves. It tastes great, but they do not see the green color.

When you incorporate green leaves in your smoothie, you will also have more energy and feel full for longer time, meaning that you eat less.

Food styling and photography © www.alextjoa.com.

Chili Mango Soup

2012-01-24T18:44:00.003+01:00

Ingredients:
1 ripe mango
1 apple, if you wish. Optional.
1/2 onion
Juice from 1 lime.
1 tbs ginger
1 tsp chopped chili pepper or more if you like it spicy.
4 ice cubes

Mix everything until smooth in your blender. If you use Vitamix, you will get a very smooth creamy raw soup.

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Gong xi fa cai

2012-01-23T19:04:00.002+01:00

恭喜发财. 红包拿来.

"Chinese New Year is the most important of the traditional Chinese holidays. In China, it is known as "Spring Festival," the literal translation of the Chinese name 春節 (Pinyin: Chūnjié), since the spring season in Chinese calendar starts with lichun, the first solar term in a Chinese calendar year. It marks the end of the winter season, analogous to the Western carnival. The festival begins on the first day of the first month (Chinese: 正月; pinyin: Zhēngyuè) in the traditional Chinese calendar and ends with Lantern Festival which is on the 15th day. Chinese New Year's Eve, a day where Chinese families gather for their annual reunion dinner, is known as Chúxī (除夕) or "Eve of the Passing Year." Because the Chinese calendar is lunisolar, the Chinese New Year is often referred to as the "Lunar New Year"."
— Wikipedia

Turkey: Sultan Ahmed Mosque

2012-01-17T17:24:00.002+01:00

"The Sultan Ahmed Mosque (Turkish: Sultanahmet Camii, Ottoman Turkish and Arabic: مَسجِدُ السلطان أحمد pr. masjedu alsultane Ahmad) is a historical mosque in Istanbul, the largest city in Turkey and the capital of the Ottoman Empire (from 1453 to 1923). The mosque is popularly known as the Blue Mosque for the blue tiles adorning the walls of its interior.

It was built from 1609 to 1616, during the rule of Ahmed I. Like many other mosques, it also comprises a tomb of the founder, a madrasah and a hospice. While still used as a mosque, the Sultan Ahmed Mosque has also become a popular tourist attraction."

— Wikipedia

Turkey: Sultan Ahmed Mosque

2012-01-17T11:09:00.002+01:00

Lawar Babi

2012-01-13T15:18:00.003+01:00

Lawar babi, pork lawar, from Galungan festival served on banana leaf with white rice topped with bawang goreng (fried shallots) and fresh watermelon juice, Bali, Indonesia. Food styling and photography © Alex Tjoa.

"Galungan is a Balinese holiday that occurs every 210 days and lasts for 10 days. Kuningan is the last day of the holiday. Galungan means "When the Dharma is winning." During this holiday the Balinese gods visit the Earth and leave on Kuningan.

Occurring once in every 210 days in the pawukon (Balinese cycle of days), Galungan marks the beginning of the most important recurring religious ceremony that is celebrated by all Balinese. During the Galungan period the deified ancestors of the family descend to their former homes. They must be suitably entertained and welcomed, and prayers and offerings must be made for them. Those families who have ancestors that have not yet been cremated, but are still buried in the village cemetery, must make offerings at the graves.

A "penjor"
Although Galungan falls on a Wednesday, most Balinese will begin their Galungan 'holiday' the day before, where the family is seen to be busily preparing offerings and cooking for the next day. While the women of the household have been busy for days before creating beautifully woven 'banten' (offerings made from young coconut fronds), the men of our village usually wake up well before dawn to join with their neighbours to slaughter a pig unlucky enough to be chosen to help celebrate this occasion. Then the finely diced pork is mashed to a pulp with a grinding stone, and moulded onto sate sticks that have been already prepared by whittling small sticks of bamboo. Chickens may also be chosen from the collection of free-range chickens that roam around the house compound. Delicate combinations of various vegetables, herbs and spices are also prepared by the men to make up a selection of 'lawar' dishes. While much of this cooking is for use in the offerings to be made at the family temple, by mid-morning, once all the cooking is done, it is time for the first of a series of satisfying feasts from what has been prepared. While the women continue to be kept busy with the preparations of the many offerings to be made at the family temple on the day of Galungan, the men also have another job to do this day, once the cooking is finished. A long bamboo pole, or 'penjor', is made to decorate the entrance to the family compound. By late Tuesday afternoon all over Bali the visitor can see these decorative poles creating a very festive atmosphere in the street.

On Wednesday, the day of Galungan, one will find that most Balinese will try to return to their own ancestral home at some stage during the day, even if they work in another part of the island. This is a very special day for families, where offerings are made to God and to the family ancestors who have come back to rest at this time in their family temple. As well as the family temple, visits are made to the village temple with offerings as well, and to the homes of other families who may have helped the family in some way over the past six months.

The day after Galungan is a time for a holiday, visiting friends, maybe taking the opportunity to head for the mountains for a picnic. Everyone is still seen to be in their 'Sunday best' as they take to the streets to enjoy the festive spirit that Galungan brings to Bali.

The date for Galungan and other special Balinese days is shown on the Balinese Calendar. Galungan is also celebrated in the rest of Indonesia such as in the Balinese communities spread over Sumatra."
— Wikipedia

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Lawar

2012-01-13T15:00:00.004+01:00

Lawar made of the shell of a very young coconut and chicken meat served on banana leaf with white rice topped with bawang goreng (fried shallots) and teh manis (sweet tea), Bali, Indonesia. Food styling and photography © Alex Tjoa.

"Lawar is a dish created from a mixture of vegetables, coconut and minced meat mixed with rich herbs and spices, originating from Bali, Indonesia. This dish is easily found in restaurants and warungs in Bali. Some types of lawar usually add the meat blood mixed with spices to add taste. Lawar spoils easily should be consumed immediately; it is usually good for half a day before going bad.

Lawar is named according to its ingredients, for example lawar mixed with pork is called lawar babi (pork lawar). Lawar which uses young jackfruit is called lawar nangka. Sometimes lawar is named according to its color: lawar merah (red lawar) and lawar putih (white lawar). Lawar padamare is the type of combination of several types of lawars. Lawar is served with steamed rice and other meat dish such as babi guling (roasted suckling pork)."
— Wikipedia

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Sate Pelecing

2012-01-13T14:58:00.004+01:00

Sate plecing Arjuna, pork satay with chili sauce, served with fresh papaya and lemon juice, Denpasar, Bali, Indonesia. Food styling and photography © Alex Tjoa.

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Sate Babi

2012-01-13T14:46:00.003+01:00

Sate babi, Indonesian pork satay on Danish Royal Copenhagen "Ole" plate designed by Ole Jensen. Food styling and photography © Alex Tjoa.

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Fig

2012-01-12T16:57:00.008+01:00

French fig on Danish Royal Copenhagen "Ole" plate designed by Ole Jensen and Japanese Ukihashi chopsticks designed by Mikiya Kobayashi. Food styling and photography © Alex Tjoa.

PHOTOGRAPHY LESSON OF THE DAY:
Minimalism starts from the mind. It is a lifestyle. You can have a house designed in a minimalistic style but if your mind is cluttered, in two weeks your minimalistic house will be cluttered.

Minimalistic photography also comes from the mind. The mind must be clear to see that less is more. It takes more contemplation to create a minimalistic but rich photo.

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The girl with tattoo: Imagine Stieg Larsson's Lisbeth Salander and Marie Antoinette Street Wear

2011-12-24T22:54:00.004+01:00

Marie Antoinette Street Wear Dress Trianon from French Toile de Jouy. Lining from cotton with lace.

Order online at: http://www.etsy.com/shop/MAStreetWear?ref=pr_shop_more
Ships from Sweden

Fashion designer and collection © Berith Sernelius Meier
Model: Dorothea Barre
Photo © www.alextjoa.com

Swedish Hasbeens goes Viking

2011-12-01T14:07:00.008+01:00

For an elegant and timeless fine art wedding photography in Gotland, Sweden, contact alextjoa.com at gmail.com. Photo © www.alextjoa.com.

______________________
VIKING COLLECTION

Tindra Viking woolen jumper with trumpet sleeves. Warm, light, and elegant.

Ragnarök long wide woolen skirt. Elegant and feminine. High waist with Viking ornaments.

The Viking Collection is couture fashion made in Sweden. Order online at:
http://www.etsy.com/shop/TheVikingCollection?ref=pr_shop_more

Made to measure and ships from Sweden.

Fashion designer and collection © Berith Sernelius Meier
Model: Emelie Nyberg
Shoes: Swedish Hasbeens Lace-up 455 Boot
Photo © www.alextjoa.com

Swedish Hasbeens goes French with Marie Antoinette Street Wear

2011-12-01T13:44:00.012+01:00

Marie Antoinette Street Wear Reversible Coat Rosace with Swedish Hasbeens boots.

Order online at: http://www.etsy.com/shop/MAStreetWear?ref=pr_shop_more

Fashion designer and collection © Berith Sernelius Meier
Model: Dorothea Barre
Shoes: Swedish Hasbeens Lace-up 455 Boot
Photo © www.alextjoa.com

Ships from Sweden.

Swedish Hasbeens, Marie Antoinette Street Wear, and fluffy Gotlandic cat Satine

2011-12-01T13:35:00.009+01:00

Marie Antoinette Street Wear Jacket Nocturne in black silk with Swedish Hasbeens boots.

Order online at: http://www.etsy.com/shop/MAStreetWear?ref=pr_shop_more
Ships from Sweden

Fashion designer and collection © Berith Sernelius Meier
Model: Dorothea Barre and fluffy Gotlandic cat Satine
Shoes: Swedish Hasbeens Lace-up 455 Boot
Photo © www.alextjoa.com

Swedish Hasbeens goes French with Marie Antoinette Street Wear

2011-12-01T13:33:00.005+01:00

Marie Antoinette Street Wear Jacket Versailles in silk with Swedish Hasbeens boots.

Order online at: http://www.etsy.com/shop/MAStreetWear?ref=pr_shop_more
Ships from Sweden
Fashion designer and collection © Berith Sernelius Meier
Model: Dorothea Barre
Shoes: Swedish Hasbeens Lace-up 455 Boot
Photo © www.alextjoa.com

Marie Antoinette Street Wear

2011-10-08T05:16:00.024+02:00

Order online Marie Antoinette Street Wear collection, prêt à porter 2012. Designed and made to order in Sweden. Ship worldwide. Price range 150 USD-550 USD per piece.

Fashion designer and collection © Berith Sernelius Meier
Model: Dorothea Barre
Photo © www.alextjoa.com