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 Watching The World Go By (Redux). On Union Square, these two guys are enjoying the sun and the sights. It’s Sunday night; hope you had a blessed weekend like I had! Leica M9 with 50mm Voigtlander Nokton at 1/3000s, ISO 160, aperture unknown, straightened.
Permalink Walking Past Golden Gate. This is a photograph worthy of a smart tourist (ahem!).  When you see a shop named Golden Gate, the city that comes right on top of everyone’s list will be San Francisco, and they will be all correct! In other words, this is the Golden Gate from a vastly different angle.  Which goes to show that there are more ways than one to (figuratively) skin a cat. Because usually, there is no one single way or the right way, just the least worst way to do it for a particular situation. Leica M9 with 50mm Voigtlander Nokton at 1/250s, ISO 800, aperture unknown, straightened and cropped.
Permalink The Peek Scala’s Bistro is a relatively dimly lit restaurant, so a curious tourist is determining if he should spend the money or lunch at a less expensive eatery. This is good financial management, my friends. Leica M9 with 50mm Voigtlander Nokton at 1/1000s, ISO 1250, aperture unknown, straightened and cropped.
Permalink How does my hair look? Next to Scala’s Bistro is the Sir Francis Drake hotel, where the porters are not all male. And this lovely porter (or is it porteress?) is checking on her hairdo just like many others of her sisters. It is a delightfully tender, somewhat private, moment that has happened in the middle of the day.  Wherever you are, whenever it is, feel free to enjoy whatever personal downtime you have. You’ve earned it. Leica M9 with 50mm Voigtlander Nokton at 1/125s, ISO 160, aperture unknown, straightened and cropped.
Permalink Watching The World Go By. Back on the streets of San Francisco, I come across a couple of people-watchers. These are distinct from the species found in Paris but nevertheless watching the world go by is an interesting activity. But take note: you would also want to not just watch but more importantly participate in the world. For it is in the experiences and our reactions to them that enrich our lives to no considerable end. Leica M9 with 50mm Voigtlander Nokton at 1/3000s, ISO 160, aperture unknown, straightened.
Permalink Helpful Waiter. At Scala’s Bistro just off San Francisco’s famed Union Square, a couple seem pleased with the food recommendations from their waitstaff. Putting myself in the waiter’s shoes: if I want to do a job well, I have to ask myself if I am helping or value-adding in one form or another.   Leica M9 with 50mm Voigtlander Nokton at 1/125s, ISO 160, aperture unknown, straightened and cropped.
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Permalink Nature vs Man. In the suburbs of Sausalito, on the walls of this power sub-station creep a local vine. It’s branches may be sparse right now but there is no doubt that it will multiply and engulf the wall in time to come.  This is the power of persistence, the power of slowly but surely, the victory of the tortoise over the hare! Leica M9 with 50mm Voigtlander Nokton at 1/250s, ISO 200, aperture unknown.
Permalink Day Out by the Sea #2. Further down the Sausalito coastline, this couple and their friends are walking the promenade along the seafront and enjoying the view of the watery expanse. If you’ve worked too hard for too long, you know you need a break. So go ahead and take one. Leica M9 with 50mm Voigtlander Nokton at 1/360s, ISO 160, aperture unknown, straightened.
Permalink A Positano in the Making? The residents of Sausalito get to enjoy a great seafront. There are still spaces between the houses now, but will there still be such a few decades? Anyone who has seen the Mediterranean town of Positano in Italy will know what I mean.  So, be careful what you build. Think about the consequences of your actions in time and on others. Leica M9 with 50mm Voigtlander Nokton at 1/250s, ISO 160, aperture unknown.
Permalink I’ve got a pair of scissors at home… These two Sausalito natives are enjoying their autumn life by the water’s edge. Despite coming from two different cultures, they manage to connect using a smattering of english and a healthy dose of universal sign language. One simply does what one has to do to get one’s point across to the other side. Keep trying and don’t give up! Leica M9 with 50mm Voigtlander Nokton at 1/500s, ISO 160, aperture unknown, straightened.
Permalink Day Out by the Sea. The waterfronts of Sausalito are famous for its views of San Francisco, which can be spotted right of picture in the distance. The bridge at centre links SF with neighbouring Oakland. What a great view, eh? I thank God for making something that can be enjoyed by one and all! Leica M9 with 50mm Voigtlander Nokton at 1/500s, ISO 160, aperture unknown, straightened.
Permalink Watching Me Watch the Pumpkins. Sausalito, California, USA. While strolling down the main street facing the water, I peek at a cafe and spotted these three pumpkins. It was only later that I realised that someone was watching me photograph these veges.  Reminds me of things which we don’t notice at the spur of the moment but discover later, for good or for worse. Serendipity is what some call it. Ignorance is bliss is what others say. Leica M9 with 50mm Voigtlander Nokton at 1/45s, ISO 200, aperture unknown, straightened.
Permalink The Special One. No, this is not about former Chelsea football club coach Jose Mourinho. We’re still at Muir Woods National Park and looking at a special tree with a Y-shaped branch. Some people get picked on because they are different from the rest. No matter, whatever the world calls different is what God calls unique and special. Instead of listening to people who only focus on the physical nature, focus on finding your true identity. When you achieve that, you will truly know that you are The Special One! Leica M9 with 50mm Voigtlander Nokton at 1/30s, ISO 1600, aperture unknown.
Permalink Held Up By Friends. Muir Woods National Park, California, USA. A tree has toppled over, but his friends on the other side of the path refuse to let him fall, holding onto his branches solidly.  And thus visitors to the park are able to walk underneath the triangular opening safely and surely. Do you know your friends? Are they the sort who will not abandon you and hold you up when you fall? Leica M9 with 50mm Voigtlander Nokton at 1/30s, ISO 1000, aperture unknown, straightened.