10 October 07

By the Thaliastrasse Market...

Sometimes, when we, as photographers are on the street taking photos of buildings, city scapes, events, some people who happens to be in the area would shy away as we aim the camera. Surprisingly however, there would be some who would actually request for a photo and pose for you, like the man in the in the post (above).

I was taking photos of the apples, oranges and grapes after the Indian storekeeper gave me a nod to do so. The man, who said his name's Harald, came near and asked me (in an unfriendly, interrogating manner) what was I doing and if I was allowed to do it? I said I was allowed and was taking photos of the fruit...obviously. He asked if I also take photos of people, my reply: "Yes, sir, why?" - "Could you take a photo of me too?" =D So there goes the story behind this photo.

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As was suggested by Pusang Maganda, at Senor Enrique's blog, these people who came to us for photos need to be given a tribute because they do not actually ask for a copy of their photos. Though they were happy enough that we gave a few seconds of our time to focus our camera on them, a little space in our page is nicer. =)

So, do you have a photo of a stranger too? Some you randomly took or those who, like him came to you and ask for a shot? Please post your Stranger's photo too including a small anecdote--- then please let me know by leaving your link on this page. This is the Stranger's Portrait Challenge, show us your work!!!

12 February 2008

While walking near our home that day, I noticed the glow of this Gasthaus and decided to take a photo. We walk by this place everyday and I never really gave a good look on this small house-like structure until that time. Since the sun was nowhere to be seen, the lights made it appear so gloomy against the afternoon sky.

A Gasthaus is a traditional eating place for the locals where the menu can be requested to be altered depending on your tastes. They also serve beer and most of the time the guests have been buddies for a long time or gets to know each other as they frequent the place.

As I mentioned, we live near here. If you walk a little further on that side of the road, a playground follows surrounded by trees.

5 October 2007

We live on the 9th floor of that building behind the trees.

Like them, I admire the artworks of the artist (wearing brown jacket, blue bonnet). I have passed more than a couple of times looking for the right opportunity to click my camera. He seems against people photographing his works, I had simply clicked the camera while it was on top of my son's stroller. We passed by in a breeze and was I glad I did caught them actually - in frame.

This man draws portraits-on-the-spot...if customers do not carry a photo with them, they sit (notice the partly shown white chair) and pose for the artist, in the middle of the plaza!

I remember from a conversation with the artist that he said he comes from Vietnam.

12 February 08

The Rathaus is the City Hall of Vienna which serves as the seat both of the mayor and city council. It was designed (Gothic) by Friedrich von Schmidt and built between 1872 and 1883. The structure is built on #1 Friedrich-Schmidt-Platz, the street named after the designer. The Rathaus can be found on the other side crossing from the Parliament building.

The photo above shows the upper part of the vast structure. I took my lens a little lower and this is what you'll see:

The front lot has been renovated into an ice skating rink where fans of all ages can enjoy ice skating! It is called the Wiener Eistraum (literally: Viennese Ice Dream/Dream on Ice). The 4,000 sq.mtrs rink is open since January 26 and will be open to the public until March 9.

(Best viewed in large format, please click on photo)

19 September 2007

Meet my favorite photography subjects, Alexie, Daniel and Charlton. I make the most out of what I have at home...smiles and a camera equals a fun shot! The better part of it is that the photos get published at times. Below is a copy of the print which was in the November-December issue of MomsToday, a Parenting magazine in the Philippines.

12 February 08

When tired of walking, tourists get to see Vienna by bustouring, boat rides or by the 'Fiaker,' a calesa with (most of the time) open carriage. This reminds me so much of the Philippines, as my grandma would tell us grandkids that before the cars they used to travel long distances only by foot and later by calesa. Now, these carriages have evolved to a Classic vehicle among many cities.

Fiakers can also be rented for special occasions most especially weddings. More info here.

12 February 08

A few steps before the Parliament, one will see these busts. It serves as a memento of 3 Social Democrats...Jakob Reumann: once mayor of Vienna, Victor Adler: one of the ideological fathers of the Austrian republic and Ferdinand Hanusch: minister of social affairs. The date says 12 November 1918, and I was not sure if it meant that the busts were created then or if the three did something important that day.

After seeing the heads, just a few more steps and you'll see a butt!

Happy weekend everyone! May yours be full of laughter...