empty

I miss the big country. The violence of the weather, the sheer size of the landscape. Most of all, I miss nature. Singapore is so many things but alas, not natural. Everything here is outlandish, larger than life. Perhaps the weather in this image I took in California a couple of years ago is also as prodigious in its own way as Singapore is.

Two hours after I took this image, the rain had washed the road out leaving all timorous motorists stranded. However, I was in the world’s best off road car; a rental Ford Mustang convertible, which ploughed through the rushing waters. Although it leaking into the footwells as the water level rose above the base door height, the car made it. I can still recall the sight of several scared drivers disappearing behind me in my rear view mirror, all huddled motionless in their pick up trucks.

Third year running for me to participate in the 24Photography artist’s group. Each year, 24 photography artists document New Year’s Day. Each of us are assigned an hour to capture the day through our eyes and relate it to that year’s theme. This year, the chosen theme is Empty.

I was based in Hong Kong for most of December this year and although I was allotted 12 noon GMT, this translated to 8pm in Hong Kong. The city is one of the most vibrant and hectic places on earth, so following the empty theme appeared complicated at first. I wanted to focus on the hyper realism of the city, which I accomplished through using HDR to enhance the already bright end of day colours.

As usual, the exhibition will open on 24th February in Berkeley Square, Mayfair. Nearest tube station is Green Park.

Useful links:
24Photography website: http://www.24photography.org/
Twitter: http://twitter.com/24photography
Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/24photography