Filoli Gardens

Filoli - "Fight for a just cause; Love your fellow man; Live a good life" . The meaning behind this gem of a country manor located about 25 miles south of San Francisco, set on a sprawling estate and surrounded by impressive, absolutely immaculate gardens.

We spent half a day at the splendid grounds two weekends ago. A fabulous Spring day with temperature in the high 60s and lots of sunshine. The perfect setting for outdoor photoshoot. Tulips, camelias, azaleas and wisterias were in glorious blooms; there were splashes of gorgeous hues everywhere! Unfortunately, there were a lot of bees too. I got stung by a bee while attempting to take close-up shots of the blooms. Fortunately, I had my first aid kit which I always carry in my camera bag. A tip to all of you who love to do outdoor photoshoots: make sure you bring a first aid kit with you!

The anti-histamine I was taking for my allergies was a perfect antidote to the bee sting. So once the "excitement" from the bee incident died down, we continued on with our photoshoot. Despite the bright conditions, one can still get some good pictures without running into the risks of over-exposure. Finding a middle tone is key; try shooting in shaded areas or where the lighting is consistent. If the condition is not too windy, you can try taking some macro shots too. There's always plenty of interesting objects and perspectives when it comes to the macro world!

Do visit this link for more images of the magnificent Filoli. Enjoy!

PLACES

Santorini, Greece May 2009



Stockholm, Sweden May 2009

Why Waste that middle name?

My wife and I were trying to decide how to name this blog. We knew we'd use my name but it's not quite as straightforward as one might think!

Chinese have 3 important names: the last (family) or surname as it's called back home and your given names: first and middle. Some people, well, actually majority of the people now have additional first names - Christian names like John, Jim or Joe. So that means if you're Chinese and have a Christian name, you end up with two first names! So then comes the dilemma - which first name do you use?

Back home, friends and family will call you by your first and middle name, unlike in the Western world, where middle names are rarely used. As in most Chinese families, each name has been carefully chosen, its meaning studied and pondered upon many times. My middle name - Hann means "Diligent". To me, that's a beautiful, well-thought name which is sadly, underused and appears just as an initial most of the time here. What a waste.

And that, dear readers, is the story behind this name D.HaNN

Why waste that middle name your parents have given you?!