Documentr

This photoblog documents the thoughts of Jonathan SC Yang: about living in a city, what it does to him, and how he responds to his surroundings. Jonathan resides in the sunny, and alternately rainy, tropical island of Singapore.

Permalink UNDER THE TREE Lijiang Old Town, in Yunnan Province, China. These two friends are sharing some bonding time beneath the shade of the tree’s leaves. What a blessing to have a friend to share our thoughts and feelings with. It’s the weekend, so why not look for a friend or loved one to the same? Leica M8.2 with 35mm Summilux at 1/360, ISO 1250, aperture unknown
Permalink THE MOON BRIDGE Nearby the teahouse in Hama Rikyu Garden, Tokyo. Weekend is upon us once again, so let’s enjoy the wonders of nature and the creativity of man. Look how all the elements come together to form a harmonious whole. Leica M8.2 with 35mm Summilux at 1/750s, ISO 320, aperture unknown
Permalink DWARFED, BUT NOT OUTSHONE A view of the teahouse at Hama Rikyu Garden in Tokyo. It is dwarfed by the ultra-modren Conrad Hotel behind it. Despite being undersized, the teahouse has a special, classical charm about it, a flavour of its own. It goes to show that we don’t need to be unnecessarily concerned with being bigger, better or stronger. We just need to be ourselves, our unique selves. Now, that’s something special! Leica M8.2 with 35mm Summilux at 1/750s, ISO 320, aperture unknown
Permalink SEE YOU SOON! Outside Tsukiji Market in Tokyo, Japan. A man tells a friend that he’s on the way to their agreed destination. When we’re meeting someone we cherish and enjoy being with, there’s asense of excitement and expectation. That’s the same feeling I get whenever I pray for all the bad in this world to be turned into good when Jesus comes again. Maranatha! Leica M8.2 with 35mm Summilux at 1/1000s, ISO 320, aperture unknown
Permalink SIDE BY SIDE Tsukiji Market in Tokyo, Japan. These dollies are for transporting fish. Big, ice-cold, frozen tuna. When there’s a job to be done, it’s better done as a team than as an individual. Side-by-side always beats one-on-one. The bible has a saying: One of us can put a thousand to flight, two of us can send a legion fleeing (that’s ten thousand in modern day language). Leica M8.2 with 35mm Summilux at 1/1000s, ISO 320, aperture unknown
Permalink FOCUSED Sushi shop near Tsukiji Market in Tokyo, Japan. This chef is full of concentration behind his serving counter, because one little cut in the wrong place can ruin the serving of sushi or sashimi. Multi-tasking is over-rated in this case. Can a sushi chef do two things at once? Don’t think so. And so we shouldn’t in especially critical moments. The new mantra is: single-tasking when it counts, and multi-tasking when it counts. Leica M8.2 with 35mm Summilux at 1/250s, ISO 1250, aperture unknown
Permalink READY FOR USE Oyado Koto no Yume Ryokan in Takayama, Japan. This modern ryokan has exceptional, old style service. After taking off your shoes, hotel staff will store it safely until your next use. Following which you’d be led to an array of indoor slippers to choose from. They’re always neatly arranged, ready for use at any time you require. It’s really difficult to always be standby. People aren’t slippers, we need rest and relaxation to function at full capacity. Our bodies were made for a nightly sleep. So, while you work hard, please also remember to rest hard. Leica M9 with 50mm Voigtlander Nokton at f/1.1, 1/1/45s, ISO 500
Permalink STILL HASN’T FOUND WHAT HE’S LOOKING FOR Forus shopping mall near Kanazawa Station in Japan. This youth appeared in a makeup shop and proceeded to look high and low for a specific brand of something. Disclaimer: I was there because I was accompanying my wife! Most times, the good things in life don’t come easily or quickly. We need to put in the effort to attain it, and when we do, it’s like having gone to heaven and coming back. Just look at sporting champions who have won a cup, a league, or a race. Priceless, isn’t it? Leica M9 with 50mm Voigtlander Nokton at f/1.1, 1/750s, ISO 160
Permalink THE CHARACTER OF A COUPLE Kenrokuen in Kanazawa, Japan. This couple was in the garden over lunchtime garden watching and locals and tourists (like me) go by. Sometimes one can surmise the character of a person by what they wear and body language. I’m guessing the man is quite a brash sort, given the cocky crossed-legged stance and look-at-me belt buckle. The woman appears tobe more subdued and compliant, yet has an certain individualistic streak, as can be seen by her fur-like jacket lining. Leica M9 with 50mm Voigtlander Nokton at f/8, 1/90s, ISO 160, shot from the hip and cropped
Permalink ENJOYING THE GARDEN #3 Kenrokuen in Kanazawa, Japan. These two ladies are enjoying a stroll through the pristine gardens. This is the weekend, why not seek out a long lost friend to reconnect? Leica M9 with 50mm Voigtlander Nokton at f/8, 1/360s, ISO 160
Permalink ENJOYING THE GARDEN #2 Kenrokuen in Kanazawa, Japan. This lady was parked on her bench for a long time, watching the people coming and going. This is the weekend, why not find a spot of nature and enjoy it? Leica M9 with 50mm Voigtlander Nokton at f/8, 1/90s, ISO 160
Permalink ENJOYING THE GARDEN #1 Seisonkaku Villa next to Kenrokuen. This woman is strolling at her own pace through the garden and villa, both of which are masterpieces in their own right. This is the weekend, why not enjoy it at your own pace? Leica M9 with 50mm Voigtlander Nokton at f/8, 1/45s, ISO 160
Permalink SO MUCH IN LOVE Forus shopping mall near Kanazawa Station in Japan. This middle-aged couple is obviously much in love. They were holding hands everywhere they went. Weekend is up, and your family and loved ones are longing to be with you. It’s a blessing to have them walk the journey of life with you. Leica M9 with 50mm Voigtlander Nokton at f/1.1, 1/90, ISO 160
Permalink THE MIDDAY TRAIN Train Station in either Kyoto or Kanazawa. We’re waiting for the train with only a few other travellers on platform 2. Weekend has come up and for those of us still at work, it’s time to pack up and board the train for home. Your family and loved ones are waiting for you. Leica M9 with 50mm Voigtlander Nokton at f/8, 1/180s, ISO 160
Permalink THEIR STOMPING GROUND Sidestreet in Takayama. These two schoolmates stride home together after a day of learning and playing. As a child, I sometimes felt that my future was ahead of me, that the world was my oyster, my portion, my stomping ground. Many years later, at this present moment, the future is taking place now. Looking back, I’ve been very blessed as to how my life has turned out thus far. Hence I look forward to the rest of my life with gusto, with faith, and with anticipation. Leica M9 with 50mm Voigtlander Nokton at f/8, 1/250s, ISO 160