Ranan Samanya Photography
fashion runways, portraits & personal branding, environment, and documentary photography
Dennis and Verlina: into the future
I have almost completed editing Dennis and Verlina’s wedding and couldn’t wait to share them with your all, but for now this one will have to do. While they’re looking into their bright future, allow me to share one line from Saint Patrick, as Dennis is a strong believer in God:
Christ beside me, Christ before me, Christ behind me, Christ within me, Christ beneath me, Christ above me.
spiky fruits of the mangrove
Here’s another favourite nature objects of the Sebung River mangrove, Bintan, after the numerous snakes from mangrove snakes to phyton and viper and the cute silvered leaf monkey. Pandanus has bright coloured fruits. This particular Pandanus affinis, however, has its fruits deep red with yellow lining between the spikes. The colour combination makes it distinct in the dominant green of the mangrove. This species lives in the damp area on the banks of Sebung River in the freshwater part. Many of the 600 pandan species fruits are edible, but I’m not sure about this one. Anybody want to try?
This is an HDR of three frames with 2 stops interval, with shutter speed from 1/160s to 1/10s, handheld.
medieval Samosir
I am fascinated by the modesty of these Samosir houses, just a few hundred meters from the Catholic Church of Maria Claret in Sangkal, Simanindo (on the background). These are traditional wooden houses on elevated ground with typical North Sumatra roof made of corrugated zinc sheets, and ficus trees nearby. The trees’ aerial roots and the stone structure in the foreground created what my daughter sees as medieval look.
As a matter of fact, quite a number of places of the Northern Samosir that we passed by looks medieval… or perhaps even older than that!
The picture is an HDR of three frames with 2 stops interval.
these old hands
Wow, WordPress reminded me that three years ago I started this blog. So here we are today, with 199 posts and hopefully counting, and a great community to share with (yes, you!).
This quick snap was taken inside one of the many antiquated motorised rickshaws in Jakarta, with drivers as old as or even older than the vehicles.
Thank you for following my blog and have a great weekend!
Mara over the Edge
One of the main reasons I chose Grand SwissBell Hotel when I visited Medan, north Sumatra, apart from its strategic location, is the Edge. The Edge is the hotel’s signature fine dining rooftop open-air restaurant. Alas, when Mara, my daughter, and I went there, all the open-air tables were occupied. We ended up sitting inside near a window, where I exercised picture taking with the beautiful super low-light sensitive Fujifilm X100S.
One of my better result here, straight JPEG from the camera without any post-processing. Beautiful bokeh of Medan’s night city lights on the background, and Mara’s face lit entirely by the table’s light. Thank you for dropping by and have a blessed weekend!
little egret of Toba Lake
It was the first late afternoon on Samosir island, Toba Lake, North Sumatra. We were lazying by the pool near the edge of the lake. Out of nowhere this Little Egret (Egretta garzetta), or burung bangau kecil, also known as kuntul kecil in Indonesian, came close. Apparently it was preying for the abundant pora-pora fish (Mystacoleucus padangensis).
It was not afraid of us humans, but it would fly off when I was getting too close. I lowered myself on the ground on my stomach, changed my lens to 70-200mm, and by doing this I was able to creep forward closer and took quite a number of pictures.
The indonesian Little Egret has an all black feet. This one with yellow fingers is a migrant from mainland Asia.
I hope you enjoy the pictures and have a good weekend!
a fine patisserie in the middle of Toba Lake
Who would expect sweet delicious pastries, wholesome brown bread, home-made jam and gouda cheese in Samosir island, in the middle of Toba Lake, North Sumatra? I came to know about Tabo Cottages from a friend who is in travel business. When My wife and I reviewed the place in TripAdvisor, and read about Annette’s (the owner) specialty in homemade pastries, plus the ability to plunge into the lake from the cottage, we immediately called and reserved a room.
My choice of pastries include strawberry cake, cream cone and coconut crumble (both pictured above), and chocolate muffin. All very reasonably priced, less than IDR 20,000 (around USD 1.50) a piece. Savour them with a sip of tea (or coffee if you prefer), late afternoon by the pool, or at the room’s terrace, while enjoying the view of Toba Lake.
Come morning light, assorted wholegrain bread, soft and warm, awaits you at the dining area (also overlooking the Lake). Get a slice or two (or most probably more), top it with gouda cheese and fresh tomatoes. I would also personally recommend the tamarillo home-made jam, and tamarillo juice. Oh, and don’t forget the pancakes, they are as thin as pancakes should always be.
Samosir – almost Europe
For a moment, let’s forget the complexity of environmental issues of Toba Lake, Samosir and their surroundings. For a moment, let’s enjoy this little piece of area on Samosir, with different shades of green and a tint of red. Fresh air…, no…, cold fresh air. Bratkartoffeln, wholesome bread (both I believe made popular by Annette, owner of Tabo Cottages) and different pastries. And quietness. Just like Europe. Just for a moment.
I hope you enjoy the picture.
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