Bali Bustle

cerbervs — Sat, 22 Dec 2012 22:58:00 GMT

Having recently returned from Bali after not having had a holiday overseas for seven years I was surprised how easily I slipped back in to the role of being a travelling adventurer.
It was down to me to face the arduous task of heroically and selflessly diving from massage parlour to the beach and, if the wind was in the right direction, even the local bars!
The sights, sounds and smells of Legian; The region I stayed in, south of the island, were breath taking. The whole area seemed to be constantly moving, and it was only a trained eye who knew which way that actually was.
The traffic was erratic, but at the same time quite exhilarating, and once you had worked out the Balinese highway code... which, in all fairness only consisted of one word, 'Survive' then you were free to experience the vastly diverse culture of that region.

The people of Bali are ever so friendly and would always make an effort to make you feel welcome. In the short time I stayed there I had already begun to forge some good friendships with some of the hotel staff and local business owners.

Once I had initially absorbed myself in their way of life a bit, I ventured out into the humid city with my camera, hoping to capture some of the thrills and excitement that Legian had to offer. Most notable of events was when I photographed a man on a horse and cart that smiled at me, exactly the same time his horse 'smiled', bearing it's teeth as well.
The image was, unfortunately obscured from condensation where I had recently left the air conditioned hotel room. So there began my first lesson in photographing in a humid climate.

Travelling from Perth to Bali was an enjoyable experience, made better by the friendly transfer rep. and driver who were keen to make the start of our trip a fun and memorable one.

Night life in Legian is as fast paced as as the daytime traffic. The lights from all the bars and the music is quite invigorating and combined with the friendly staff of the bars, you are sure to have an enjoyable evening. Meal prices are exceptionally reasonable and you can survive quite comfortably on a small amount of money.
It is always recomeded to tip the staff, especially if you wish to return again another night.

I hope to return to Bali again in February where I hope to take more pictures of the life and pace of Legian. I hope I will be fortunate enough to capture some of the local religious festivals, with the bright floral offerings and smiling worshippers.

My Scholarship entry - A 'place' I have visited

cerbervs — Sat, 22 Dec 2012 22:53:09 GMT

I am an Englishman who now has the privilege to call Western Australia my home.
I studied Art and Design at Chichester college, where we touched on photography, photograms and other processes. Since that day I had always had desire to create images and share them with friends and loved ones.
It was only with my father's passing in 2009, when I came into some money, was I able to afford my first DSLR, a trusty canon 1000D starter pack.
When I got my hands on the camera and went into the big wide world, I was like a greyhound let out of the stocks. I was out every weekend capturing images and began to share them with my friends and, to my surprise started getting very positive feedback from them, which spurred me to continue doing something that I love so very much.
It wasn't long before friends were approaching me asking me to photograph events they were holding, or birthdays parties etc.
2012 was the first time in 7 years that I was able to go on an overseas holiday and explore Bali with my sister, and our friends.
The busy streets excited me. Everywhere I looked I saw one photo opportunity after another.
My photography helps me relax and appreciate this amazing world we live in.