A Glimpse of Le Tour de France

Le Tour de France is one of the most prestigious bicycle race and it’s something that always fill up the sports column in the newspaper. Cycling had never been a sport that I’ve followed closely but knowing that Le Tour de France cyclists were going to cycle past London, it’s a must to try catch a glimpse of these impressive racers.

Cycling from Cambridge to London in Stage 3, the cyclists past through the Olympic Park, Tower Hill and finally Big Ben before heading for the finish line near St. James Park. Living only minutes away from Westminister, it was the best chance to catch a glimpse of the cyclist during the finishing sprint near the Big Ben. Plus, it’s a great practice for my photography skills.

The crowd waiting anxiously

For the first time, I decided not to camp for a spot. The crowd was larger than I’d thought. It seemed like cycling is a big thing in Europe! Finding a spot was hard. So, I sort of gently slide in between spaces near the railing about an hour before the cyclists pass by to get a clear view. Probably offended some who waited hours at their spot >.<

The wait was bearable if not for the pouring rain. Somehow BBC is lying about the weather again. It was suppose to be sunny with light clouds but in reality, it was pouring for a good 30 minutes. The same incorrect forecast as Trooping the Colours. (I wonder if they do it on purpose so the crowd will turn up)

As fast as the wind, the cyclists pass by at the speed of light and the leader of the pack was gone within seconds. No courage to pan while shooting for more dramatic effect because everything happened so fast. Here’s a photo spam!

The insane things people to catch a glimpse of the cyclists

Cycling enthusiast riding by

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Becoming a Shutterbug

The art of capturing life moments using a camera is something I find intriguing. With photographs, moments in life could be immortalised and like the saying goes ‘a picture paint a thousand words’. The numerous photographs taken over decades, stored in albums in my grandma’s cupboard had a story behind each photo; something that spark my passion in photography.

Starting off with film cameras then a compact digital camera and finally a DSLR, I had absolutely no clue about the art of photography. Despite the aim of capturing the things as I see it, the only thing I knew was to click the small shutter button. For years, I’ve gasped in awe when looking at the mesmerising photos and wonder how such godly photos are captured. After 2 years or so of owning a DSLR, I finally picked up the basics of photography. Of the recent year, it had been a great learning curve.

Though still in the process of learning, I’m thankful for every baby steps I’ve moved forward so far. For fun, I’ve uploaded some of my photos onto 500px and surprisingly, it made it into the popular page. A small milestone in my long journey of becoming a true photographer.

Getting this in the inbox is truly a blessing

With the addition of a tripod, I’ve grown an obsession with long exposure photography especially taking photos of traffic in the night. The random result in every shot from the different cars and buses passing by is something I look forward to each time I attempt a long exposure shot.

Here’s sharing some of my favourite photos :)

Air Itam Market, August 2013
Some how the photo gives me an impression of loneliness in the old lady

Angkor Wat, September 2013
The first few shots taken using a tripod

Lake Geneva, December 2013
The beauty of mother nature is something worth capturing

Lucerne, December 2013
Loving the ability of capturing movements of the clouds with a tripod

St Paul's Cathedral, January 2014
My first attempt on a zoom burst

Lucerne, December 2013
One of the first few long exposure shots that got me addicted

BFI IMAX, January 2014

Westminister, February 2014
The 'tourist' compulsory shot over Westminister Bridge

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