Shadow & Light

I’m putting together a series of still life photographs for my collection aptly titled Still. This photo was taken at Kahanda Kanda hotel in Galle, Sri Lanka.

Three Sisters

A smile never fails to brighten up someone’s day. Here are three lovely sisters from Galle Fort, Sri Lanka, with smiles worth a million dollars. With that, I wish you all a great week ahead!

Tamarind Hill

Here are more pictures of Tamarind Hill, Galle. The boutique hotel has 11 rooms and two suites all exquisitely decorated with antiques and objects d'art. The food as I’ve mentioned in my previous blog is outstanding – must try the rice and curry set. The manager, Mr Manoj and his staff are warm and friendly. They really made me feel at home. I highly recommend this lovely hotel.

Twiglight Zone

I love nightfall when the sun goes down and the sky is bathed in pink and purple hues. And I love shooting silhouettes of people and plants against the beautiful backdrop.

This picture was taken in the gardens of Tamarind Hill, Galle. I stayed two nights there and loved everything about it – great food, romantic ambience and elegant décor. The owner of the hotel happens to be Sri Lanka’s most sought-after designer, Nayantara Fonseka aka Taru. She did a magnificent job with the hotel. A must-stay if you’re in Galle.

Miss Sad

Here’s a picture of gloom. I couldn’t help but notice this pensive looking lady walking very slowly along Church Street in Galle Fort. The sadness in her eyes was intense. I wonder what’s bothering her? The global financial crisis maybe?

Dusk Ritual

There is a thriving muslim community in Galle Fort. At dusk, you can see men in traditional garb gathering at the Meera Masjid mosque, adjacent to the Galle Lighthouse for evening prayers.

The Lady and Her Bird

I shot this picture at Kahanda Kanda hotel, inland of Galle. Whilst I did not really enjoy my stay there (it’s a sanctuary for insects so mosquito repellant is a must), I had a field day taking pictures of the hotel which I must say is quite photogenic. And the food especially the curried pumpkin soup was delicious.

Sunset Rendezvous

I took this photo at Galle Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The 400 year old fort built originally by the Portuguese is very quaint and atmospheric, it’s like stepping back in time. The best time to walk along the ramparts is at dusk. In fact, it’s a daily ritual for many Sri Lankans, especially lovers who’d hold hands or sit on a stone bench, whispering sweet nothings as the sun sets. A truly romantic sight.

Surrender to Serendib Part 2

Sri Lanka used to be called Ceylon and sometimes Serendib. Like its latter namesake, there is something bewitching about this teardrop shaped island. Behold these beautiful landscapes, seascapes, sunrise and sunset shot at Galle and Balapitiya. They are enough to make you want to pack your bags and surrender to Serendib, huh?

Surrender to Serendib Part 1

I’m back! The last 10 days in Sri Lanka was amazing. Even though I had a few misadventures – got a health scare (salivary gland infection which made my face swell up like a moon), cut my knee while getting off a boat and almost got ‘mugged’ by a drunken man, I had a wonderful time there. I took close to 1,000 photos. It’s exhausting, I’m practically with my camera 24/10, despite the hiccups, it was a very rewarding experience.

Over the next few days, I will be showcasing my favourite photos from my newest collection titled “Surrender to Serendib”, right here on my blog. To kick things off, here are some portrait shots taken in Galle and Balapitiya, South West of Sri Lanka. They say “there’s no such thing as a free lunch”, and that adage holds true in Sri Lanka! Be prepared to pay your models 250 rupees or more for every picture taken (don’t say I never warn you!). I was lucky I took these gems free of charge.