Barefoot Pilot, Photographer Maldives

Where In The Maldives Did I Take The Pictures?

2012-10-05T20:30:00.003+05:00

I thought it would be really fun to post a map of some of the various places that I was lucky enough to find myself taking pictures while in the Maldives!

These are by no means the only places but I think it gives you a pretty good sample! Zoom in check out the little pins for info about the place and a click the link to see a cool image. You can also switch views to map or Google Earth mode.

This is the first time I have ever tried such a thing and I am curious to know what you think! Please come pay me a visit on Facebook and post to my wall any comments you may have. Just follow this link. Robert McIntyre Photography

I hope you will enjoy your virtual tour of the Maldives!

View Maldives in a larger map

I Just Launched My New Facebook Page!

2012-09-24T01:01:00.001+05:00

I have been working really hard to the launch of my new Facebook page and it is now up an running!

Come over and join me on Facebook.

Click the like button, say hello and while your at it why not share with your friends.

Robert McIntyre Photography Victoria BC

Promote Your Page Too

Paradise Pilot.

2012-09-17T15:50:00.001+05:00

Are you curious about other pilots who have travelled to the Maldives?

This young woman has just recently arrived to follow in the bare footsteps of those before her!

Paradise Pilot

The Barefoot Pilot/Photographer

2012-09-12T19:33:00.000+05:00

Hi there and welcome to my blog here at Barefootpilot.blogspot.com !

I have just had an electronic book added to Apple Ibooks! If you have an IPad or IPhone and would like a collection of some of the images I have been lucky enough to photograph while in the Maldives please have a look! From the Pages of WWW.Barefootpilot.blogspot.com Volume II

You can also buy in print or for download to your desktop or laptop computer via the link below.

From The Pages...

13x11 inches (33x2...

By Robert McIntyre

Book Preview

I have also so started a new Blog which highlights my current adventures as a photographer and pilot in Africa. It can be found at Robert McIntyre Photography

I have enjoyed my time in the Maldives and I feel very lucky to have such an opportunity to work there not only as a pilot but as a photographer as well!

Maldivian Air Taxi has published Inflight Magazine Issue #19 with an artcle featuring yours truly! Please have a look at it and some the other articles printed in it. A good read about an amazing country and the best way to fly, Barefoot of course!

Maldivian Air Taxi Inflight Issue 19

I just saw this quote from Mark Twain via the amazing photographer Timothy Allen .

”Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.” – Mark Twain

All the best !

Rob
Robert McIntyre Photography

Imagine!

2012-02-13T14:43:00.000+05:00

A short film by Captain Kirk Allen!

The Twin Otters

2012-02-06T01:55:00.004+05:00

More From The Maldives

2011-11-09T00:03:00.000+05:00

Hi there and welcome to barefootpilot!

A blog that depicts the many images I have gathered while flying around the Maldives.

It is my pleasure to be able to highlight the many things that I am able to see as I travel this amazing country of the Maldives.

As a strolled around one day at the lovely resort of Soneva by Six Senses I happened upon some cool scenes.

The island is full of these awesome tree lined pathways. As you wind your way along it is difficult not to feel as if you are an uninhabited island.

Up high above the pathways you will find these guys hanging around. The curious fruit bats!

And down below little rabbits scamper about.

If you need to relax just a little then why not take a break and enjoy the view that the magnificent Indian Ocean provides'.

Leaving the Baa Atoll now and into the North Ari for a look at the lagoon where Constance Halaveli is located.

I will end this post with a shot of the south east side of the Vaavu Atoll. Not a breath of wind on this day!

Thanks for stopping by! If you are interested in seeing more of my work along with my wife's please visit our other websites at Images Of Victoria BC, SophiePhoto Blog, SophiePhoto , and our Facebook Page!

All the best.

Rob , one of the barefoot pilot!

Last Post Before I Head Back Home

2011-10-20T15:33:00.000+05:00

Hi there and welcome to my blog depicting the images I capture while flying barefoot around the Maldives!

I have put together a collection my most recent photo's in a two new books!

From The Pages Of Barefootpilot.blogspot.com Vol. II 10in x 8in(25cm x 20cm)

and

From The Pages Of Barefootpilot.blogspot.com Vol. II 13x11 inches (33x28 cm)

I am very excited about this and even more excited to let you know that they are both available as Ibooks for your Iphone or Ipad! So please have a look!

Well this latest tour of mine in the Maldives is drawing to a close. By this time next week I will be back in Canada. It will no doubt be a bit of temperature adjustment for me but I am looking forward to being home with my family. As much as I like it here in the Maldives it does feel like this last tour was a little long for me. I miss that family of mine!

I will miss ,however, getting these images of this amazing country! The past little while has been nothing short of a spectacular which I hope you will agree!

I love these islands! We pass them on the way through the Baa Atoll all of the time and I must have 100 or more pictures of them from various angles and heights!

Hows this for some calm water! I got this one while waiting on the floating platform at Constance Halaveli! To the right side of the image is Maayafushi Island Resort.

And speaking of Constance Halaveli!

A shot of our dock back at the main base in Male'.

I love a golden sunrise!

And so does Pawel!

Just hanging around! Much like I was on this day touring around Soneva, 6 Senses!

An ever so comfortable hammock!

As I mentioned earlier in this post the views of late have been nothing short of spectacular!

This shot and the preceding are of the Vaavu Atoll!

The glorious South Male' Atoll as it stretches in to the Northern Horizon !

Not many airports look like this!

As I close out this post, along with my latest tour I give you the glassy water of the North Ari Atoll as it stretches into the Southern Horizon.

I am so glad you stopped by for a look. I hope you liked what you have seen here! Please share with your friends.

More posts will come so check back soon. Even though I will be back in Canada for awhile I have plenty of images to keep me going !

All the best.

Rob , one of the Barefoot Pilots!

From Around The Captial City

2011-10-18T20:38:00.000+05:00

Hi there and welcome to my blog filled with images of the Maldives.

In this post I turned the lens towards the people of the city of Male along with other images that I found intriguing.

Male' is a city with tremendous appeal to the photographer in me. So much going on at any one moment! It is rare that I leave my apartment without my camera and that usually pays dividends in the form of photographic opportunities!I hope that you will agree as you browse my latest collection of images!

The streets of the capital city of Male'. Cars, motorcycles and people fill them.

A kind heart and warm smile can brighten the day.

Just hanging around outside the movie theatre with a cart full of things to sell.

Street corner scenes as I try to blend in and just observe.

I am not so naive as to believe that I blend in all that well but sometimes it does feel easier than others.

On this day I felt like I was catching the everyday scenes that best represents the Male' I know.

A busy city with people from all walks of life.

Tucked into the Southwest corner of Male' is a busy harbour, jammed pack with every shape and size of Dhoni imaginable!Such a bonus to be able to show you the birds eye view before I get to the images of what I captured at ground level.

Perhaps the reason I feel drawn to places like this is because I grew up in coastal town.

There is just something so appealing to me about a busy port.

What is so cool for the photographer in me is that I can walk around freely in this place. There is a good chance I would be not given such access to an industrial shipping yard back in North America.

Here though I go unhindered.

I admit I feel as if I am being watched as much as I am watching.

But for the most part though it is as if I am not even there.

I really like this one! The size of that anchor is just so intriguing to me when compared to the size of the dingy. Of course he was bringing out to a much larger Dhoni, but none the less!

A golden Mosque,Viyafaariveringe Miskiy, rising out of the green!

A city that loves the motorcycle!

The entrance to Viyafaariveringe Miskiy Mosque.

When I am far from home I see things in places others call home intriguing. As a result when return to the place I call home I realize how special and intriguing it is.

I hope you have enjoyed the images of Male'! I will be back soon with another post which will no doubt return to the birds eye view of a birds I view that this blog has become known for.

Take good care.

Rob one of the barefoot pilots.

The Golden Glow And The Deep Blue

2011-10-12T23:53:00.003+05:00

Hello and welcome to a barefoot pilot/photographers blog. An online photo journal dedicated to the Maldives as recorded through the lens of my camera!

The past few weeks the weather has been nothing short of spectacular. Mostly calm winds and clear sky's. There has been the odd rain shower but with them few and far between the only impact they have had is providing some awesome contrast to some of the following images!

On some of the days over the past week the mornings have been truly awe inspiring.Giving me the opportunity to capture the morning light in ways only seen every once and awhile. Brilliant gold and orange!

During midday the light conspired with the outstanding visibility to paint a canvas of deep blues and greens. Perfect weather not only for flying but also showcasing the amazing beauty of the Maldives!

Morning at the seaplane base. This one and the next one are quite similar , I admit! I really couldn't decide which one to post. So seeing how I am the editor as well as the photographer for this blog I made the executive decision to post both! This one is just moments before the sun rose.

And this one is taken just past daybreak! You just know the day will be a good one when it start like this!

Now the next two are taken on a different morning. Easily one of the most amazing sunrises in recent memories!

I have to admit when my alarm goes off at 3:50 in the morning I am less than thrilled to drag my sorry butt out of bed! When you are greeted by these sights you tend to be re-energized!

As the day gives way to the bright sun it often gets a bit hazy. Not this past week however! There were times when the visibility was 30 miles,50 km's, and then some!

The puffy clouds reflect from the glassy water below.

Who would argue with me when I tell them that the Maldives are truly amazing!

At times I have to admit I feel a little bit spoiled to have such a view!

I am quite certain there is the odd photographer who wishes he/she had the access that I do.

What do you think!

As I move around the Maldives there are times when we have the chance to hang out at the resorts we fly to. The next three images I got while walking around Constance Moofushi!

This one is of a shark herding fish!

Now the shark wasn't eating them, seemed more like he was just playing with them. This guy however was most definitely eating the little fish!

Beach chairs and chariot!

Up at Royal Island I managed to get a shot of this fellow pruning a Palm Tree.

Back at the seaplane base now for a shot of the boys walking in from a hard days work!

Putting the planes to bed for the evening on of engineers is giving her a once over in the dying light of the late afternoon sun!

I love catching people when they don't know I am there! Natural looking!

Captain Ben on his way out for one last trip!

And this happy fellow is done for the day!

No post of mine would be complete without some shots of the Twin Otter landing!

Love the Palm Trees in the background!

Now for some sunsets!

The day closes with a glow!

I have heard some say that sunsets are cliche. Maybe on some days but certainly not on these days.

Good night !

That's all for now. I hoped you like what you saw here! Please stop by again and share with others!

See ya!

Rob

One of the barefoot pilots!

My Latest Photo Book On Sale Now!

2011-10-07T21:30:00.003+05:00

My newest photo book is now available! There are two sizes to chose from a 13in x 11in(33cm x 28cm) and a 10in x 8in(25cm x 20cm)!

Here is a preview of the 13in x 11in(33cm x 28cm) !

From The Pages Of Barefootpilot.blogspot.com Vol. II by Robert McIntyre | Make Your Own Book

10in x 8in(25cm x 20cm)

From The Pages Of Barefootpilot.blogspot.com Vol. II by Robert McIntyre | Make Your Own Book

With Just A Few More Weeks To Go

2011-10-05T17:19:00.000+05:00

Hi there and welcome to my blog , a photographic montage of my travels throughout the Maldives.

I have been here for the past couple of months and I am due to leave in three weeks. Back to my family in Canada. I have to admit it is hard leaving them for extended periods of time but such is the nature of the career I have chosen. Thankfully I have an understanding family and the time I get with them on my off months is something I value very much! Needless to say that although it a great adventure here in the Maldives, flying barefoot and photographing all that catches my eye, I am really looking forward to getting home and spending time with my amazing family!

I have a number of images to share from the past week , along with few from weeks past. The weather has been simply outstanding lately and the flying has been quite enjoyable. Just yesterday I was landing up at resort and as we touched down we sere surrounded by a hundred or more dolphins. I wish I could say I have pictures to show you of that! Instead I concentrated on getting the passengers we had aboard the best possible experience as we followed them around for a few moments. Maybe next time it happens I won't have anyone on board and I will get a chance to take a few shots of my own!

In any case let me get to the images I do have !

First in the series are some shots from around the Capital City Male'. This one is looking towards the West.

An Aeorflot 767 on final approach to Male' International with the city in the background.

High above the Airport! You can see our seaplane base along with the waterways we take off and land on.

A very densely populated city atop a coral reef no more than 2 metres above sea level.

Buildings that are shaped in all manners to fit into neigbourhoods that are perhaps can be best described as a jigsaw puzzle in so far as how they are laid out.

Most definitely the preferred mode of travel through the narrow streets.

The every present Indian Ocean breaking into a wave as it crashes into the Eastern edge of the city.

Continuing along to the float base. I thought I would post some of the people I work with.In this one I caught our baggage handlers waiting for the next flight to arrive.

I think one of the great appeals of this job is the eclectic, if not at time slightly eccentric group of people that you get to work with!

I thnk most are getting used to the idea that I have a camera with me everywhere I go!

Working with this bunch really is a treat. I do enjoy the good days!

Moving on now to the atoll shots! Lets face it when the weather is good this place turns into a mural that can only be described as surreal! Looking towards the North on the East side of the South Ari Atoll with Lily Beach Resort in the foreground.

The Rasdho Atoll!

The Eastern Edge of the Vaavu Atoll!

The Western Edge of the Vaavu Atoll!

The North East corner of the South Male Atoll!

And of course I have to include a couple of Twin Otter shots! TMA on approach to the South Right waterway in Male'.

One of TMA's brand new DHC6 400 series! It looks pretty similar on the outside but I can tell you in the cockpit it is a very different airplane.

I am ending this post with this tranquil scene. As these fellow sail away I will do the same.

Thanks for stopping by and please come again!

Cia

Rob, one of the barefoot pilots!

Sunrise To Sunset, The Super Natural Maldives!

2011-09-30T14:28:00.002+05:00

I've been a busy guy these past few weeks. Flying around the Maldives photographing the amazing vistas this part of the world presents.

So many of my days start early and end around the time the sun is setting. Sometimes I feel a little depleted by the end of the week !On my final day of work week,when I am back in my apartment, I sort through the many images I have shot and it always re-energizes me!

Though I do download my images into my computer during the work week, it is very rare that I have the time to review what I have captured. This usually means that I have a number of photos to go through after 5 days of shooting! Then comes the even harder part which is how to to decide what to post!

I realize that I take a lot of pictures of my favorite plane but I also get some tremendous landscapes of this place called the Maldives! I do keep telling myself I have to do a better job to get more of my people shots up! I think that will be the focus of my next post or at least in part!

In the meantime please have a look at my some of my latest images in a collection I have called sunrise to sunset here in the super natural Maldives!

Some mornings are simply made for the photographer.

These momentary glimpses of, what I consider to be simply glorious light, do not last long and I am so happy I was up to capture and preserve this particular moment!

I just loved how the cloud had formed in this predawn moment. It was as if it what placed there by an unseen artist's paint brush!

Only moments away from the sun rising above the Eastern horizon.

This next sequence of shots is taken up at Palm Beach Resort . It is a rather "tight " landing area just beside the beach. I knew that Captain Angie and her crew were on their way in and I just had enough time to ready my camera.

I am glad I did ! In this one they are just passing beside us while we were tied to the jetty.

I soon realized that my timing became even better because as we were leaving so were they so I was able to snap off a few more them from 500 feet above them!

Like I said it is a tight area to land and take off in. There is only a narrow channel on the reef that is deep enough for us to use.

On a really low tide it is unsealable and we actually back onto the beach on the other side. Check out some of my earlier posts and you will see a few shots of how we do that!

After a great takeoff they are on their way! See you back at the base Angie!

Here is a shot from the other side of Palm Beach. I was backed up on the beach in order to allow enough room for my colleagues to land. I certainly didn't mind the slight delay, camera was ready as usual!

Continuing on 8Q-MBB landing at Constance Moofushi! A fabulous resort located in the South Ari Atoll!

The colours of midday are amazing. Even in the bright midday sun!

Back at the base in Male' Angie's husband Steve brings the Twin Otter in for a smooth landing on the North Right Waterway.

Our North Jetty at Maldivian Air Taxi.

And of course there are the Atolls! This is the the North East side of the North Male' Atoll !

An aerial view of Constance Moofushi !

Just a little North of Moofushi is the island of

Himendhoo.

The Western edge of the Lhaviyani Atoll.

A young guy enjoying a day on a Hobie Cat. In the background the island resort of Athuruga !

In the right corner is the island resort of Bathala and stretching to the south is the East edge of the North Ari Atoll.

As I flew along on another day I was able to capture this seen of the South East side of the Vaavu Atoll.

Again the majesty of the Vaavu Atoll!

Located in the Noonu Atoll the island of Holhudoo.

The South Eastern side of the Raa Atoll. Like cookies on a pan, these islands have the appearance of being placed there with purpose. A submerged mountain range now barely a metre above sea level. I am told that between the various atolls the water level plunges to depths of close to 4000 metres!

Another view of the North Male Atoll, along its North Eastern side while looking South.

And another one!

We were high above the Lhaviyani Atoll when I got the next series of shots! This is the South East side.

It is rare to be so cloud free! In fact on the next trip North there was scattered cloud everywhere. Still would make a nice picture but would not show nearly as much of the spectacular nature of this Atoll!

In the fore ground is the island of Thilamaafushi.

The Lhaviyani Atoll is a large one! I could not manage to get the whole thing in side my composition, even though we were 7000 feet high! Oh well I still think it is a great shot!

Almost done with this Atoll called Lhaviyani. In the foreground is the island resort of Kuredu folllowed by Kanahura and just east of it is Palm Beach Resort.

Bringing you back now to the Ari Atoll and the Constance Moofushi once again!

Looking North along the Eastern edge of the South Ari Atoll.

These hidden mountain ranges have really evolved into something truly wondrous and I believe the South Ari is evidence of that!

Leaving the Ari Atoll now with one more glimpse!

With setting sun I wind down this post! In this shot I caught Flat and his crew landing at the seaplane base in Male'.

The warmth of the colours that the setting sun provides is truly awesome.

It is as if it melts in to the Indian Ocean!

Glorious rays!

Well that is all for now. I hoped you enjoyed the images I have presented here. Please feel free to leave comments and of course share with all your friends!

From one of the Barefoot pilots.

Cia!

Rob

Part Two!

2011-09-29T09:37:00.000+05:00

Hello and welcome to my blog that showcases my adventures in the Maldives as seen through the lens of my camera.

As the title suggests this is a continuation of a previous post. I had so many images prepared last week that it seemed a little crazy to post them all at once! So here are the rest for you to see while I work on which ones to post from this past week.

I hope you will see something you like and stay tuned for my next post!

High above the city of Male'! Zoomed in with my 100 to 400 lens! The maze of streets that is the capital city!

I am always , or at least I like to think that I am, prepared for the shot. I got this one of my colleagues as they were landing beside us at the seaplane base.

On final approach South Right in Male'!

First thing in the morning I was able to find time climb on top of the Twin Otter that I was flying that day and get a quick shot of the passengers boarding their flight.

Captain Bob and his First Mate Jean Marie bringing her back to the dock at the seaplane base!

I am an equal opportunity photographer! I got this one as my brothers/sisters in the blue shorts slow to a stop after touching down in Male'.

Waiting to go! I love how the calm water reflects the red of our company colours!

And the reason they were waiting! A tipple 7 full of eager travelers!

I love the glow of the early morning and the late afternoon and on most days, more often than not, I bear witness to both! The sun is just nestling down behind the clouds.

On their way back home aboard a dhoni.

I am not the only one who likes taking pictures of the setting sun!

The golden light and calm waters. What better time to go swimming! The Otter floats gently moored to its buoy.

A dhoni crew.

Chatting it up with friends.

As I continue this guided tour through my images we return to the float base in Male'. The dock is full and the Twin Otters are awaiting the next trip.

The new Chief Pilot, Lasse, bringing the DHC6 to the dock in Male'.

When the water is calm the reflections are so intriguing to me. Crisp on top and like a blurry oil painting on bottom.

On the take off run North Left waterway in Male'.

And just before they launch, Ben looks over for a quick picture.

And in this one Bob is bringing her to the starting line at the seaplane base in Male'.

Touching down on the South Right waterway in Male'

As I was standing on the seawall watching the seaplane action it was hard for me not to notice these guys working their butts of in the afternoon sun.

One of our GRO's Sebastian watching as his customers are making it to the dock.

Under the watchful eye of the tower controllers the Otters are coming and going.

A job with a lot of responsibility and great view to boot! My thanks to the great effort the controllers make each and every day!

Jeff landing 8Q-MAN on the North Right waterway.

From high above the lagoon at Sun Island . The departing and arriving passengers are meeting each other as they pass from Twin Otter to Dhoni via the floating platform.

Here we are with that calm Indian Ocean providing a mirror like surface. No wind makes it pretty warm indeed but provides amazing photographs!

The view from the deck at Grand Centara Resort!

Now we return back to the base in Male' and some morning light!

It is a great time of the day to be on standby and also to have a camera in hand!

Love it!

And keeping those planes moving are the people of our maintenance department.

Thanks for stopping by. I am hard at work preparing more images so there will be another post very soon so check here again soon!

All the best and til the next time cia from one of the barefoot pilots!

Rob

Reflection!

2011-09-23T11:35:00.000+05:00

Hello and welcome to my blog , an online photo journal depicting my travels throughout the Maldives.

This past week was absolutely made for photography! Calm seas, amazing visibility and of course my birds eye view gave me opportunity to capture some truly spectacular images!

So much of my life's experiences are as a result of being in the right place at the right time. I feel confident when I say that this past week was an example of this. Everywhere and on everyday I found something that caught my eye that simply begged me to photograph it.

As I went through my photos,these past few days, one thing became very clear to me and that is reflection provides a compelling image.

It is my opinion that reflection is important in ones own life as well. I think it is important to reflect from time to time in order to evaluate the good aspects along with the not so good. Of late I have been doing just that and for the most part I feel good about what I see. None the less there are some things that leave me unsure where my next steps lie.Perhaps change is in order. Should I stay or should I go? Curious and cryptic, for that I do apologize but at the moment I am torn.

Without contrast photographs, in my opinion, are boring but not all contrast works. Contrast in ones life is stimulating but upon further reflection the reality of certain situations may be to unstable.For yourself and for those who count on you it is best to seek stability when available.Or at least this is my thought.

As I ramble on I realize that this text is going in directions I did not foresee! I think it best to leave this line of thought and just go on to the images!

As I said I found so many things to photograph this week and to be quite honest I really had a hard time narrowing down what to post! I actually came up with 64 and so many more I really wanted to share! In the end I decided to post way less and save the others for a future post, random facebook posts, Flikr and of course to my new Twitter account!

I really hope you find something that catches your eye! Please remember if you want to see the image pop out give it right click!

Reflections of a Barefoot Pilot!

Early morning at the seaplane base. Just prior to the sunrise. On this morning I was on call for the first few hours and considering the weather what better use of time could there be than to capture the many moods of a rising sun!

With a steady and unrelenting pace the sun peaks up over the Eastern horizon changing the yellow,orange and pink hue to the blue of the day.

As Ben and Peter pull out of the dock I am position to get a great shot. Even though the sun is strong and back-lighting this scene I think it works!

With the sun high above the base and the aircraft back from the first rotation of the morning.Like the natural symmetry of the Atolls that surround us the aircraft are lined up and awaiting their next flight.

Can be a very busy place this seaplane base of ours!

Our brothers and sisters who wear the blue shorts lifting off of the North Left waterway!

One of MAT's planes landing on the North Right waterway while in the distance TMA's setting up to land next.

Landing up at one the resorts we travel to.

And as I carry on this photographic tour of the Maldives I present you a daybreak shot of the island named Kamhadoo in the Baa Atoll.

Moving along on these "glassy water" days who would argue that I don't have the best view of the Maldives! This one is of the Eastern edge of the Ari Atoll as it stretches from South to North!

High above Grand Centara!

Truly a mirror like reflection provided by the windless day! In the foreground is Vilamendhoo Island Resort, then R Ranveli Village followed by the local island of Dangethi. All located in the South Ari Atoll.

Easily my most photographed chain of atolls. There is just something about the Ari Atoll that truly captivates me!

The resort of Vakarufalhi Island .

Maafushivaru Island Resort.

And high above Maafushivaru Island Resort!

Constance Halivelli.

The W Resort And Spa.

If I had to pick a favorite from the bunch this one could well be it! It as if the Indian Ocean that surrounds the Ari Atoll became a giant swimming pool. Not a ripple to be seen for miles!

Or maybe this one!

Or maybe this one! Okay I will stop now as really I can't pick a favorite! It is hard not to feel truly blessed on days like these. Mother nature conspired to give me a truly spectacular canvas to copy into digital form!

East side of Ari Atoll looking from the North to the South!

A couple of our aircraft loading up at one of the many lagoons throughout the Maldives.

A TMA aircraft on a floating platform waiting for the next load of travelers to take back to Male'.

My aircraft on this fine day moored to a buoy at Meedhupparu .

Strolling along I spotted this scene, shark ! A tiny one surrounded by a school of fish!

As the setting sun closes the day I felt it only appropriate to close this post with images caught just before the sun fades in the West.

Feel blessed to know you have a tomorrow.

And to end the post a look at the tower overlooking our base. A well deserved shout out to the men and women who guide us home in fair weather and foul!

Hoped you enjoyed my reflections.

Be safe and be kind.

Rob one of the Barefoot Pilots!

Getting It Done Through Rain Or Shine!

2011-09-15T19:53:00.000+05:00

Hello and welcome to my blog! Glad you made the time to stop by.

Even though the weather was not always the best this week , actually at times it was down right nasty,

I have a ton of images to post.

Quite a variety I have to say. Some rainy day fun highlighting the hard working Maldivian Air Taxi staff. Images from around the seaplane base here in Male'. Umbrellas,Kittens along with a young lady striking a pose on the steps of one of our Twin Otters.

So once again welcome to my blog which is a photographic journal of my life here in the Maldives.

Left click any image to open it up to a bigger size.

Now this is one thing I don't have a lot of these. Pictures of me that is!

So I was hanging around at Palm Beach Resort waiting for departure time when I spied these young ladies out enjoying the surf. As I mentioned the weather was not all that great this week but you know life is what you make it and the ladies definitely had the right spirit. Enjoying everything the Maldives has to offer!

Hanging around at the end of the sandbar, waves crashing all around.A perfect time to take a picture!

Got this one looking Northwest along the beach close to where we dock the aircraft. Palm Beach Resort.

There is no doubt this day was grey and the wind was building but the Twin Otter is made for days like these!

Are you ready for the rainy pictures? You know I am!

I realize that some of our passengers will have experienced delays and baggage that does not arrive when they do.

With the bad weather we have increased fuel requirements, got to be safe out there, and this means less baggage gets on the aircraft.Some times resort staff may have been bumped off or even paying passengers for that matter. I offer my apology to you for these inconveniences but I must say we employees are truly giving our best effort to have a safe trip without to much inconvenience. However when the monsoon roars into to town it is important for us to know our limits.

When you see the images in this post I am sure you will agree we give it our best effort.

When the rain does fall I often think of a poem written by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, "The Rainy Day, more specifically the following verse.

"Be still, sad heart, and cease repining;
Behind the clouds is the sun still shining;
Thy fate is the common fate of all,
Into each life some rain must fall,
  Some days must be dark and dreary."

As the rain starts to fall I grabbed my camera to record the scene around the seaplane base in Male'. In this shot I captured one of our hard working dock hands fueling one of our planes for its next trip.

Now the rain is really starting to fall as one of our Guest Relation Officers makes her way down to collect the arriving passengers.

I understand that this is terrible weather to be in whilst on vacation but an amazing photo op none the less!

Umbrellas make wonderful props!

Don't you think!

Of course some of us are not so lucky and are without an umbrella !

But as the title of this post suggests through rain or shine we do our best to get the job done!

It is hard to see and when the wind kicks up it is very challenging to maneuver on the water.

Not to mention landing in these conditions. Mind you it is usually much more challenging landing or taking off at the resorts because of the big waves that are kicked up by the strong winds.

It is very good to have an experienced crew!

Speaking of which here is a shot of one our cabin attendant, Anees , getting ready to hop off the plane to tie it to the dock. I should add that he is one of the fastest rope tiers we have. I am sure he would do well at a rodeo!

And as the crew approaches Arrish is ready with the umbrellas!

Here is one of TMA's aircraft coming in amid the rain!

And behind the scenes some of the new construction around our terminal. I thought it was cool how the water was dripping down like a waterfall. They are actually dry in there.

Okay enough of the rain! Here is one our birds in the main hangar undergoing an overhaul.

These guys working behind the scenes are important part of the team here at MAT.

On another day Captain Kirk taking her away from the dock.

While I was snapping away around the MAT base a TMA plane got close enough for me to get a good shot. I only had wide angle available at the moment so it was good of him to get a little closer!

Leaving the dock behind and off to the next destination.

Waiting for he next airplane and striking a pose!

Smiling faces warm my day!

Taking some time to relax and give me great pose. Azif and Moosa!

And here we have the lovely Syma took time out of her busy day to pose for me.

Maybe she should be on the next cover of the Maldivian Air Taxi inflight magazine. What do you think?

Not many hangar's are with out cats!I love these two guys!

Normally they hang around the staff canteen waiting for bits and pieces. Its those eyes and stripes that do it for me. They are pretty used to me by now and I have a soft spot for animals so I can't resist stopping to give them a pat or two!

Wow tons of photos on this post! I hoped you enjoyed them!

Till the next time so long for now from

Rob one of the barefoot pilots!

Sequence

2011-09-08T19:40:00.000+05:00

Hi to you all.

Thanks for stopping by for a look at my latest post.

This one is most certainly slanted towards images of the Twin Otter and all her glory. This past week I had a few awesome opportunities to get some great sequence shots of the aircraft either taking off or landing.

Hard not to feel a little spoiled by the chances my life offers me at times! I hope you will enjoy the images I was lucky enough to get this week.

Don't forget, you can click on the photo to get a larger version to pop up.

First up is 8Q-MBG launching out of the W Maldives Resort

We were on a charter in one of the executive machines and had to wait for our passengers to finish up some buissiness. Because our colleagues in 8Q-MBG were due in just after us we had to move off the jetty to allow them to drop off and pick up their passengers.

So we moved our aircraft out of their way which as luck would have it meant that we needed to moor on a buoy just across from the resort.

Once on the buoy I grabbed my camera and climbed on top of the plane and got ready to take some pictures!

And away they go!

Love it when a plan comes together for great sequence of shots! A good auto focus system is an advantage as well!

8Q-MBE coming in for a nice landing at Four Seasons Landa Giraavaru .
I found myself once again moored to a buoy to let the other aircraft drop off and pick up guests.

Once they were done and with the help of my able crew I brought my plane over to the floating platform.

Though there was an approaching rain shower I still managed to grab the camera and shoot a sequence of shots!

Off they go!

No use hiding it, sometimes it rains here in the Maldives.

Sometimes it really rains hard but this shower was only a fleeting one.

See you guys back at the base!

Speaking of back at the base got this one the other day as one of our planes approached the dock. Access most certainly has its privileges!

A start of a good morning!

A morning which lead to this! Love these atolls! Once again the edge of the North Ari

Such an awesome view I have of the Maldives! I got this one high above the Faafu Atoll!

Inside the Faafu Atoll, the island of Vashugari!

Entering the Western side of the Faafu Atoll I took the opportunity to take picture of that lovely and reliable PT6. Join the PT6 Nation !

Parked at the the Jetty at One&Only Reethi Rah

Hey now these two guys are definitely a contrast! Tholaal on the left and Neil Walton, who incidental is also an avid photographer. Check him out at Neil Walton Photography and his blog highlighting photographers from around Vancouver Island! Okay so Thoalall is not taller than Neil. I think the next photograph better represents their size difference!

Ha Ha! Okay I admit this is a bit exaggerated as well!

Thought I'd end this post with another shot of the men working high above the city. Barefoot and you thought that barefoot flying was unique.

Glad you stopped by for a visit please come again!

Rob , one of the barefoot pilots!

A Little Help From Your Friends

2011-09-01T18:29:00.000+05:00

Hey there and welcome to my blog chronicling my flying and photographic adventures here in the Maldives.

This past week I was seen running around our dock with my camera in hand taking as many pictures I could of the people that work at Maldivian Air Taxi, with the odd Trans Maldivian Airlines type in the mix. I would like to thank everyone who joined in to be a part of a photo montage I sent off to our good friend and colleague Ken Simkins.

I would also like to apologize to those of you that I didn't manage to catch. I gave myself a bit of time limit so I could get the message of support off to him within the week. I hope that those of you who I missed understand .

Thanks to all!

I posted a slideshow to facebook that was a low resolution version I sent of to our buddy. In this post I have managed to link the high resolution version of our efforts! Again many thanks I am told that Ken has seen the photo and later today he will be watching the slideshow.

I would like to share with you all a quote that the people of Tropic Maldives posted to my facebook wall.

"Your success is your true friends,
no matter how far you go,
without them you are nothing but a man with few badges and a name starts with "Mr".
Always keep your friends near reach."

With that in mind I hope you will enjoy Kens Slideshow!
(If you have the bandwidth may I humbly suggest you select 1080HD for the playback,selectable after you hit the play button.)

Even you counted all the people in this picture and multiplied them by ten you'd still not get to the number of people who are pulling for Ken to make a speedy recovery!

On some very special mornings the light conspires to give you a fleeting moment of golden bliss! I quickly grabbed my camera and hopped on top of the wing for this one!

Making it look easy Ulrik brings the lovely girl we call the Twin Otter to the dock!

Just after Ulrik shuts down the engines another one comes in for a landing on the South Right waterway!

Bringing her in for a soft landing is Pawel and his crew.

If you look behind the aircraft you can see how the airplane creates a wake of disturbed air. Now think about this for a moment, if a plane that weighs in at 12500 lbs ( fully loaded ) does that imagine what one weighing 500,000 lbs leaves behind! Beware of the wake turbulence!

I just love the look of this airport.

And again!

High above 8Q-MBA. With a good zoom and some selective cropping to give you a better view.

Captain Arif and his crew on final approach at Constance Moofushi .

There is something so magical , geometrical and symmetrical about how these Atoll's are laid out.

I am far from being able to explain it other than to say that these are the remnants of mountain ranges long since submerged.

Inside the ring water depths are in and around 40 metres, on the outside I have been told the water drops off to uncertain depths approaching 4000 metres!

The most lovely and trustworthy PT6-27A engine purring away as the coral reefs pass underneath.

On days like these it hard to imagine doing anything else than barefoot flying!

Love it when rain showers look like this.5 minutes and they move along! Wish they all did this but of course if they always were this tiny would make the job of flying barefoot way to easy!

Ah yes the North Ari atoll!

The jigsaw puzzle that is the Capital City!

And high above are the men who put it together!

Well I will end this post with a lovely sunset taken out at Sun Island Resort!

Hope you enjoyed you visit.

All the best from Rob one of the barefoot pilots!

Be On The Watch

2011-08-25T22:37:00.016+05:00

Hello and welcome to my latest post.

I am at loss for words at the moment. Life takes unexpected turns and to say the least this week I have bared witness to this ultimate truth.

Perhaps you have an old friend you haven't spoken to in awhile. No good reason why perhaps only because you are consumed with the day to day drama of your own life. You mean well. You intend to reconnect but haven't. What are you waiting for?

Do it.

I found this poem in the most unlikely place and decided to share an excerpt........

Your life is your life
don’t let it be clubbed into dank submission.

Be on the watch.
There are ways out.
There is a light somewhere.
it may not be much light
but it beats the darkness.

Be on the watch.
The gods will offer you chances.

Know them.

Take them.

You can't beat death
but you can beat death in life, sometimes.
And the more often you learn to do it,
the more light there will be.

Your life is your life.
Know it while you have it.

You are marvelous.

The gods wait to delight in you.

Charles Bukowski's (Part of the poem titled "The Laughing Heart" )

Some images for you consideration.

Riding the Dhoni is pretty routine here. On my way out to the airport one day I snapped this one. The colour of the water here is something else.

A pre-dawn moment at the seaplane base. A long exposure proving a cool effect for the lights on the dock.

On call in the morning provided me with some time to take pictures of the maintenance engineers running up one our Twin Otters.

Best to make sure the aircraft is tied in multiple places with very strong rope!

If I could only insert some sound! A very noisy operation!

A shot of TMA landing on North Right waterway at the Seaplane base in Male'

One of our executive interior aircraft landing in Male'

Singapore Airlines on final approach. Loaded with tourisst who I am sure are more than a little eager to check out the Maldives!

A view of the Capital City Male about an hour before sunset.

Male International Airport.

My friends on final approach at Constance Moofushi! Most certainly my favorite place to spend a night.

Smooth touch down!

The from the "office" just North of Constance Moofushi!

I never tire of this view!

It as if the Atoll goes on forever.

On certain days you can see right to the horizon.

Thanks for stopping by. If I can leave you with one thought it would be this, know someone you haven't seen or talked to in awhile call or write them and tell them how you feel. Sometimes you run of time and time is irreplaceable.

Until the next time.

Rob, one of the barefoot pilots.

Balance

2011-08-19T10:45:00.013+05:00

Hello and welcome to my blog showcasing images of the my experiences in the Maldives.

In this post I would like to begin by speaking about balance!

It is an important thing to have not only in a seaplane but also in life. When your life is well balanced your outlook becomes so my clearer and attainable. Knowing you limitations about how far you can stretch yourself before you balanced is lost is a good thing! If you happen to lose your balance there is a good chance you may fall.The trick is to know how to re-balance,pick yourself up, dust off and find your own center of gravity again!

Balance as it applies to the aircraft , for those of you who are not in aviation, is a key element when loading every aircraft. Out of balance can have a much more devastating result than losing balance in ones life. Altitude and gravity can join forces and the results are inevitably quite nasty indeed!

When you come aboard a seaplane you will at times be directed where to sit. In a lot of cases people don't quite understand why that is and may even think we are doing this for no good reason. Most do not realize that this goes on inside the larger jet aircraft they flew in. It is just that as a passenger on a big aircraft you are not face to face with the pilots and load masters who direct which compartments are to be filled in order to remain inside a safe margin of center of gravity.

I know that some of my passengers are upset when I won't allow the front seats to be filled with children who are eager to see us fly the aircraft while the adults fill the back rows. Believe me I do understand the excitement the kids have to see how we operate up there .None the less I have to balance the desires of my passengers with the safety of all those on board and sometimes this will mean that the kids will have to sit at the back of the plane. Believe me the alternative is not good! If we do not load the aircraft correctly a number of things can occur not the least of which running out of control input of the elevator.

So the next time you are here and the pilot asks you to sit in a certain place please remember we are only doing it to keep you and your fellow vacationers safe!

As far photography goes balance is also very important! From how you choose to compose your image to the white balance settings are key. Though I would argue that in some cases an image can become more compelling when you push the balance outside of the normal envelope!

I have been reading Ansel Adams "Examples: The Making of 40 Photographs" . It goes without saying that he is an amazing photographer and most inspiring. One of the many statements he makes is that a photographer should see the image before they capture it. Be compelled to take the image and the results will be there. With out inspiration it is likely the result will not be one with which you will be happy with.

Okay lecture over how about those images!

This past week the Western Monsoon relaxed itself and on a few days the visibility as been nothing short of breathtaking. I got a ton of pictures and I hope you will enjoy the following images as much as I!

In this one I managed to catch one of our aircraft touching down on the South Left waterway .

Equipment matters, knowing how to use it matters more! I love my 100 to 400 lens. I can be so far way and still manage to get a result that I have happy to share. In this one is a shot of our docks just in front of the MAT(Maldivian Air Taxi) passenger terminal.

The lineup of the various aircraft that bring the excited travelers to the amazing Maldives.
In the foreground one of the newest airlines to occupy the busy tarmac, Mega Maldives. A Maldivian based carrier.

Cruising along the though the Noonu Atoll
at 1500 feet I was able to capture this image of some of TMA's aircraft at the Hilton Maldives. How inviting does this look!

I am so happy I got this one, and a few more that hope to post a bit later, of our aircraft 8QMAF landing at Dhiggiri Island Resort.

After having the good fortune of timing for the last shot we found ourselves overhead our destination , Alimatha Aquatic Resort. As we did our per-landing inspection I was able to snap off a quick picture of 8QMBA tied to the jetty with all of the passengers at the top of the boarding ramp.

After we landed we waited for our colleagues to get under way to free up the fixed platform for us. Of course I took a picture!

And off they go!

Often times when we clear the landing area in Male' I able to take pictures of the Twin Otters as they land.

With a slight crosswind on landing the pilots get the upwind float on first to allow for a straight and smooth touchdown.

At first glance you'd be forgiven for thinking that this picture was taken while I was airborne myself. In fact it another landing airplane. I love the illusion I was able to create but those of you who know your planes will note that the flaps are extended!

A landing Twin Otter at Lily Beach Lagoon.

From 500 feet above Zitahli Resort and Spa.

South West end of the Lhaviyani Atoll.

South West end of the Lhaviyani Atoll.
from a different vantage point.

Maafushivaru Island Resort.

Another shot from the Noonu Atoll.

It has been a lot of fun capturing and sharing these images with you. I hope that you liked what you have seen and share the link!

I would like to send a shout out of welcome to those of you who are a part of the PT6 Nation! and PT6 Nation Facebook!

PT6A-27 + Twin Otter = KICK ASS PLANE

A proven formula!!

Thanks for dropping by! Interested in seeing some of my other work well then why not check out some of my other images at my blog at Images Of Victoria or Facebook under SophiePhoto!

Back soon with more images of the amazing Maldives!

Rob, one of the barefoot pilots.......

The Journey

2011-07-12T02:17:00.012+05:00

The Journey.

It can be hard to take the time to consider the journey at the moment it is happening. Life can be busy and at times overwhelming, all to easy to get lost in the fine print. I know for myself that there are times when I have to actively consider fleeting moments in bigger light rather than get bogged down with the tiny details which threaten the flavour of my journey.

When I am out with my camera , just on my own, I am more prone than at any other time to really savour the life I own. I think, I hope, that this helps me to take better pictures. To elevate the everyday that is my reality and share it with all that wish to give it their concern.

When I flew single pilot in the North of Canada I spent hours gazing at the tremendous scenery all the while considering the majesty of it all. I would also take the time to consider the journey I was on thus far and how it was that I came to be there at that particular moment. Context is important

I feel pretty lucky if not blessed to have the life I do. It seems that the fuel for my inspiration is never far away! I know that I am not the only one, that is a certainty! My friend James (Jimbo) Pearce has been kind enough to share his musings about his journey that has been and will be. A great poem for you to consider.

Thank you so much Jimbo for sharing it with me and my blog community!

THE JOURNEY

Under a cold and starry night, somewhere over a lonely sea,

Two PT6’s warm my soul and thoughts of my past .... they comfort me.

I am a lonely rogue of the sky,

I seek no remorse where I choose to fly.

An airman of fortune, at home anywhere,

A trusted friend, for those who will care.

I control my craft with defining grace

And tears of joy may stain my face.

I dive and roll and loop and spin,

The love of flight in the air so thin.

I skim the rivers in a Northern land

Of evergreens and rock and sand.

As the clouds and painted sky unfold,

The setting sun shimmers, like a sea of gold.

The billowing ramparts ascend to the stars,

Where the lightning explodes and the thunder jars.

The currents of air may pound my bones

And hail may slam my wings like stones.

And through the storm, I kept my head

And emerged intact, after all was said.

So I lived to fly another day

My head held high, it was my way.

Life may be hard, but Life is real,

For tough decisions, there is no appeal.

To err is human …. there are few regrets,

I am stronger now to face other threats.

Like an albatross, on the course of Life,

My destination …… beyond the strife.

Family and friends remain close to my heart,

A lonely existence when we’re apart.

A thousand departures and a thousand arrivals

They are always the same, to ensure my survival.

A cup of black coffee before I begin,

And when the sun goes down, I am into the gin.

My sense of humor is always alive,

My gutsy pride and my will to survive.

I am certain, I don’t push the odds.

I am old and wise, and there is a God.

In a far away land, I am but a squatter.

I chose the back roads …. I fly a Twin Otter.

Home from the Coral, home from the Ice,

Home from the North, I have paid a dear price.

So scatter my ashes on a gentle sea.

I am not dead …. Remember me.

JAMES (JIMBO) PEARCE

29 MARCH, 2011 at BAGUIO CITY, PHILIPPINES

This is a poem for all of the HOG pilots from all over the world. We are a special group of aviators and this poem will describe a little of all of us …. and a lot of some of us. It goes beyond the politics of aviation and reminds us of the pure joy of flight in one of the finest aircraft ever built. When the bullshit of life starts to over-whelm you, read this poem and remember what is really important to you. I hope you enjoy reading it as much as I enjoyed writing it. Many thanks and Happy Landings.

JIMBO

The City of Male' In Black And White Pt II

2011-06-16T01:31:00.025+05:00

Hi there and welcome!

My second post in my black and white series focused on the capital city Male'

My evololution as a photographer or perhaps better stated as I journey further into the world of photography I find myself looking for new ways to present subject matter.

I like black and white. In my mind gives a compelling perspective perhaps even more so than colour images.

I love being a photographer and I hope that the images I present here will speak to you even if you haven't been to the city. I really hope those of you who are there now or have been before recognize and see the city in new way.

The streets of Male' are narrow and most times filled with people. The city moves in its own unique way. You soon learn how to make it work for you though it requires you to adapt rather than push back.

Narrow streets navigated by motorcycles and cars. Just go with the flow and you will do just fine!

If you been to my blog before you will recognize this fellow! He is such a character and so willing to strike a pose.

As the school lets out the streets fill with people,cars,bikes and motorcycles. As I was walking along one day I stopped to record the scene.

I love these moments. I could barely manage my camera. In all of this though people were, for the most part ignoring me and allowing me to record this "normal" everyday event. I love the eye that having a camera gives me.

Just outside the Museum stands this amazing tree! I had to lie on the ground to capture this one! Well worth the effort.

Sunset in black and white.

On the dhoni ride from the airport to Male' I usually ride on the top as result I manage to get some pretty cool shots. I really like this one and I love the edge that the absence of colour gives this image.

On the main street of Majeedee Magu. I positioned myself across from the movie theatre and snapped away. The blur of the motorcycle gives the image "texture".

Down by the fish market is a great place to be as a photographer. So much going on. Bucket of Tuna anyone!

Not long before he fades into the crowd.

The similarities that coastal cities share is intriguing. Male's is something like 15000 miles from the Northwest coast of BC where I grew up, none the less this image could have easily been taken there. With a minor substitution on the type of fish in his hand!

Watching the fish come in to market.

Simply impossible for me not to take a picture of this guy. Love the attitude and that hair is awesome!

So many people crowd that fish market. So many stories waiting to be told.

As I stand with my back up against the wall of a warehouse full of people and goods, about 150 feet from this guy. It is hot,35c+. Noisy as well with the sounds of motorcycles,cars,boats,people, all moving about in a deliberate manner.There is also that odour of sea air mixed with,exhaust,fish,spice,dust and a thousand or more people moving about. In the middle of it all, this guy.

In some respects I guess I am a bit of a voyeur. I really mean nothing by it. When I have a camera,in particular one with a long lens on it, I really like to observe my environment.

As I said it is a bustling city but once and awhile you can be walking along and come across a silent nearly empty street. A city of contrast in black and white.

Waiting for a cab.

On most nights you will find these 3 sitting by one of the entrance lights on the North side of Male'

With a thunderstorm approaching from the West it is all smiles. I took so many of these guys I paid them twenty bucks! More to come ......

Seems so lonely. All around the cemetery though it is vibrating with activity.

High above Male'. These fellows work day in and day out. Mostly with very little in the way of power tools. In almost every case in flip flops. Blazing sun or pouring rain.

Thanks for taking the time to make it this far. I really enjoy putting these photos up here. I hope whether you are from Male',live there now or have never been that you have found some of these images compelling.

All the best.

Rob

The City of Male' In Black And White

2011-06-04T01:28:00.008+05:00

Hi there and welcome to the blog! My ongoing photographic adventure through the Maldives.

Over the next few posts I am going to put myself out there and explore the area of black and white photography. With such colour vibrancy here in the Maldives it may seem a little out of sorts to go black and white. I think, however, there is plenty of reasons to render these images in black and white.

The Maldives are a unique and inspiring place photograph.I feel that the obvious contrast between black and white along with the simplicity of an unsaturated image provide another layer to the environment here.One that is perhaps overwhelmed by the colour that is simply everywhere.

So the next few posts I will be making are of and about Male'. The city and the people. All to be rendered in black and white. These posts will be more about my perceptive and the way I photograph my surroundings as apposed to me telling stories about my life as a pilot.

From Rob the photographer, Male in Black and White part 1.

"Capital City, the Island of Male' "

"Hulemale"

"Capital City, the Island of Male' "

Stay tuned for Part 2.

Thanks for the time.

Rob
One of the barefootpilots!

A Few Parting Shots!

2011-05-16T19:18:00.003+05:00

Hi there!

Well I am on my way out of the Maldives. Coming back in a couple of months but I I do plan to keep on posting from back in Canada. Believe me I have more than enough images to keep me going, not to mention a few stories to go with them.

I normally post anywhere from 15 to 20 pictures a week but on this one it will be just the 5! I am simply to busy getting my stuff in order before I leave to focus on the blog this week. None the less I can't help myself and I have to post a few!

It seems every time I ride home on the evening Dhoni I see the same bunch fishing off the harbour entrance seawall. I actually have a ton more of this group that I plan sort out for another blog entry , here are few samples!

It was an amazing sunset after a day that at times brought heavy rain so the light was fantastic. Just a glow.

From the other side of the company Dhoni was this view! An awesome view I caught while sitting atop the Dhoni!

A proud Captain! You may recall Arif from a previous post I did. Well he has been recently upgraded to Captain. Does he look happy or what!

Just before I took the previous image I got this one of the boys landing in the Lagoon at Soneva.

Even with the added pressure of me taking the picture they still manage to grease her on for a smooth landing. Believe me they definitely knew I was taking their picture because I was perched atop the wing of another plane with that huge zoom lens of mine!

Anyway as I said a short post this week! As always thanks for taking the time to stop by for a visit!

See ya soon Maldives!

Rob
One of the Barefoot Pilots!

A Picnic ,A Rasdoo Walk About And Some More Images From The Past Week

2011-05-10T21:30:00.018+05:00

Hello and welcome once again or perhaps welcome for the first time!

Whether it is your first time or 50th time I am happy to have you come to my corner of the internet.

This is a site dedicated to the Maldives and the images I capture as I fly the sky's. Perhaps best summed up again by the Boys of the "Tragically Hip" from their song "Looking For A Place To Happen " there are a couple of line's in that song that really speaks to me.....

"I've got a job, I explore, I follow every little whiff And I want my life to smell like this" and of course "Looking for a place to happen making stops along the way "

This week I was on a picnic trip with people from China,Taiwan and Japan. First leg took us to the island of Heenfaru which is the picnic island then later in the day it was off to one of the local islands named after the Atoll of the same name, Rasdoo.

When we got to Rasdoo I did my own little walk about , taking advantage of my time there to take pictures. As I was walking around I bumped into a fellow named Ali. We got to talking and before long he invited me into his home! I met his family, he made me coffee and we chatted about stuff that was going on in the Capital City of Male'. He also showed me his new business which sold ice cream, milkshakes and fruit smoothies!

Now I felt pretty bad because I had left my cash in the plane which was tied to a floating platform at this point. Normally I would have my wallet with me of course but on picnic flight's we do a bit of swimming ourselves to pass the time and the company I work for allows us to fly in beach shorts after the first leg. This is an exception on these flights. I know rough life isn't it!

In any case Ali and his sister were more than happy to give me a free sample of ice cream and of course I am more than happy to promote their new venture any way I can. So if you are in Rasdoo any time soon please give Ali a call at 778.7438 ! He is sure to greet you and escort you to his store and in my mind you'd be helping a hard working gentleman make a go of it!

Inspiration was plentiful this week ! With the cooperation of the weather I was rewarded with some amazing moments to record. Lets get started shall we!

On this morning ,for whatever reason, my first flight was cancelled . So as the sun peeked out from the Eastern horizon I was ready with my camera. Way at the end of the Alpha Jetty my plane for the day sits alone awaiting the moment we light her up and go airborne for the first journey of the day.

While taking photos of the plane a couple of our traffic staff came down to strike a pose. I gave this one the black and white treatment. Seems to fit the mood! Love to know what you think!

On to the picnic I spoke about in the opening of this post.

The tide was low when we arrived at Heenfaru to we had to moor it to a long rope , one end of which is secured to the island the other is tied to a cement block out in the lagoon.

I really like this image! I had to wade around in the water with my camera so I was more than a little bit worried about my equipment. It was well worth the effort and I can report no equipment was harmed in the taking of this photograph ; ) !

On arrival to our second stop I left my crew at the cafe' , the tourists with their guide and walked the streets looking for interesting subject matter. This is one of a Dhoni in dry dock.

Palm trees are everywhere providing much needed shade on these hot and humid days!

Streets of Rasdoo. Such a different feel to them than that of Male'. Quiet and serene .

And here we have Ali!

Proudly posing in his new business. I love what having a camera does to enhance my world. I seek out images and as result I find myself in places or situations I may not have been apart of had I not had a camera with me.

In this case I got to meet Ali and his lovely family! Again if you find yourself in Rasdoo and looking for refreshment give him a call 778.7438 !

An old building that I had to photograph. Just something about it drew me to it. Can't really say why I felt so compelled to take a picture but sometimes you just do what you do. No need for explanation or reason. I just thought it would make a great image. I hope you agree.

So after my walk about around Rasdoo I hopped on the Dhoni with my passengers. While they were out snorkeling I stayed aboard and got this shot of some fisherman. I love the silhouette look that shooting this with full sun in the background caused. I love the black and white because I think it gives it a compelling look and feel!

One of the guides standing at the bow of the Dhoni. Keeping an keen eye out for the reef as we approach it in the bright sun.

I got myself as far forward as I dared to get this one of everyone getting ready to hit the water.

Here is a look from my office I am more than happy to share. This shot looking southwards at the North Ari Atoll.

Hanging around Athuruga Resort , by the restaurant that is located over the water. So many Reef Sharks! Very cool and again so glad to be taking the time to explore every island to its fullest extent.

On the days when the visibility is at its best I simply must take pictures of the Capital Male'! Such a unique looking city. A dot on the map in the middle of the vast Indian Ocean!

Hanging around the W Resort one day I was presented with this opportunity! A Heron patrolling the beach looking for a little lunch. He stopped here to pose in front of a Dhoni!

Again at the W Resort . Love the angles on this. How inviting does that swing chair look!

So ending the post here. A sunset over the Indian Ocean! The fleeting moments of the day that was as the sun lowers below the cloudy horizon.

That is all for now, I hope you enjoyed this look around the Maldives!

I am very happy to announce that I was asked to do an article for a new site promoting the Maldives! What an honour! Please follow this link to Island Maldives to check it out along with many other great insights into the Maldives!

Till the next time ......

Rob
One of the Barefoot Pilots!