Grass is Greener

As they always say, grass is greener on the other side.

But that's not the only message I'm trying to convey here.

If you look carefully, in the background is a chimney and smoke which shows signs of hope. In the foreground lies somebody's left behind shoes, which certainly looks like it has been there for a while weathered over the years, a sign of perseverance.

Vibrance in the Creek

Early morning down Gorge Road heading towards Kangaroo Creek in South Australia.

This place is vibrant and full of life during the springs. Don't just get carried away by the magnificent views along the road, pull aside where it's safe to do so and enjoy the nature's wonders.

Albert Bridge

Another part of Adelaide, a bit of Adelaide history should I say. Opened in 1879, it is one of the oldest road bridges built over 100 years ago. For those history fanatics, some more history of the bridge can be found here. It is situated just outside the Adelaide Zoo, home to the nation's only Giant Pandas! Yet another reason to visit Adelaide :)

Photo was taken just before sunset after bit of a drizzle as you can see on the footpath.

Albert Bridge of Adelaide

Really getting in touch with nature

Speaking of getting in touch with nature and being up close and personal, this photo is really getting in touch with nature. Butterflies are one of the most wonderful and fascinating creatures, yet can be quite friendly! Their metamorphosis cycle is very interesting changing from those ugly little hairy caterpillars into something  wonderful colours and flies!

Up close and personal - wildlife

Some wildlife photos to share.

In touch with nature

One word, serenity.

And that word, is one of the primary reasons why I enjoy photography. The experience and enjoyment of getting in touch with nature is very rewarding especially at times just to get away from that busy city life. Best of all, these priceless moments are captured not only in the memory of our human minds, but of course, thanks to technology, in those portable and non-volatile memory cards. Memory cards which can stay with us forever.

Below is photo taken at the Mt Lofty Botanic Gardens less than half an hour’s drive from the city centre of Adelaide. It features a beautiful lake with luscious green plants and vegetation which is particularly beautiful in the spring seasons as plants start to rejuvenate and flowers begin to bloom. Great place for a family picnic and a walk with nature.

Mt Lofty Botanic Gardens

Fast Forward

Fast forward 10 years.

Somewhere in the pacific ocean, 6000 kilometres south east of Tay Ninh. Destination... Adelaide, my new home.

A very unique city of Australia located in the southern central region, Adelaide is the heart of one of the world's most renowned wine regions. It is not only the capital city of South Australia (SA), but is also unarguably the wine capital of Australia. It's unique location, terrain and temperature is a key factor in producing one of the world's highest quality wines. Some of the well known regions include the Barossa Valley, Adelaide Hills and McLaren Vale. The brands, who havent heard of Penfolds, Rockfords and Henschke's just to name a few. If you have as much love for wine as photography, South Australia is a must visit. For more information, just head to SA Government's tourism website.

Wine is just one of the wonderful sides of Adelaide, there more to offer with plenty to see and do in, around and outside of the city. The busiest and best times to visit are earlier in the year where there's lots happening such as the Santos Tour Down Under, Clipsal 500 motorsport and the Adelaide Fringe.

Adelaide, the place I now call home is also the place I found my little interest in photography. I must admit, part of my interest in photography is thanks to Dad taking the family on those memorable day trips, picnics at the parks, and exploring the beauty of South Australia. Of course, it wouldn't have been complete without a family camera. Although it wasn't any SLR nor was it in fact a professional camera, Dad's old happy snap film camera which was enough to draw my attention. Thanks Dad!!!

Below are some photos of Adelaide, more to come so stay tuned.

My Photography Journal,
Khanh

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Sunsets over Adelaide

Reflections of Adelaide at the Riverbank

Autumn in the Adelaide Hills

Adelaide Balls, Rundle Mall

Bonython Hall

The Beginning

As with every story, there is a beginning. And then, is there an end ...

How about we start from where it all began...



Tay Ninh, Tay Ninh Province, Vietnam, my birthplace.
Located roughly 90km north west of Saigon (now known as Ho Chi Minh City), is a great place vibrant city/town boasting just over 1 million people in roughly 4000 sq km radius. It is famous for and also home to the Cao Dai religion. Pictured above in the background, is the original and first Cao Dai Temple built sometime in the early 1900s.

Unfortunately, although being my birth place, I have only had the opportunity to visit twice in my lifetime after leaving in the early 1990s. Most of the visits are more so busy with the relatives and haven't had the real opportunity to do any photography other than the usual happy snaps. As you would probably guess, the above photo is of course a photo taken with a modern digital camera which I have digitally modified to make it look antique with the sepia and grain effect.

Hoping to dig out some interesting photos of Vietnam and add to a future post. For now, thank you for tuning in! :)

Khanh

Hello World!

Hello and welcome to my Photography Journals. This is my first official blog and if you're looking at this, thank you for being one of the first viewers! Feel free to comment, post links to your blogs, website or share any photography ideas.

Just to introduce myself. My name is Khanh Nguyen and I, like many of you, am a photography enthusiast.

What does 'enthusiast' mean?
I am no professional photographer.
I don't live, breath and smell my beloved DSLR 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
I don't own tens of thousands of dollars worth of photography gear.

So what does it really mean?
I have a day job. I am married. Photography is my second love, after my wife.
I am passionate about photography.
I believe photography is not just about taking photographs, but it is rather the art of taking photographs.
An art, which as with all artwork, we all have different views and opinions. What's important, is that we  share these different views and through enjoying other's artwork, we gain inspiration and opportunities to improve on our own skills.

I hope to share my perspective on this art, seen through my lens to share with you, the world around us.

I hope you enjoy my upcoming blogs and looking forward to hearing and sharing ideas!

My Photography Journal,
Khanh.