JamieJakov Blog

Sunrise Photography

March 25th, 2016

Ever since I got a new DSLR and lenses, I have been intrigued by the opportunities it has given me in terms of my photography. I have been trying out various angles, lighting, scenery (whenever I travel) and try get photos that would leave my viewers amazed. And I thought I was doing pretty well. But as with anything, there will always be someone who is better then you. Even though that sounds discouraging, I believe that its important to befriend that person and ask them to teach, to mentor you until you acquire skills similar to theirs.

That is exactly what I have done with my photography. First, my Singaporean friend Darrell showed me the ropes, taught me the basics of manual shooting. Then in Japan, our Turkish gaijin Burak showed me some tips and tricks with night photography, moving objects and just refined my skills overall. While I was away, my potato friend Seb learned a lot about photography and pretty much taught me how to post-process photos in Lightroom to make then even better. Now after starting my new job at WiseTech Global, I have met yet another person who has amazing skills, that I would love to learn – Anton. Please check out his photos on his website FotoForge and Facebook Page. He loves taking photos of the environment: landscapes, seascapes, buildings, anything. And he invited me to take photos of the sunrise at Maroubra beach. And as you can imagine, the views were stunning. Take a look:

Malaysia 2016

March 17th, 2016

And so I find myself in Kuala Lumpur International Airport, sitting at my gate, having waved another goodbye to my parents, on my way back to university and work life in Sydney. The holiday is over, even though it feels like it has only just begun.

Malaysia is a great country, with very calm and kind people, good food and interesting places. Over the pas week and a half we have explored KL and its surroundings, visited the new “capita” Putrajaya, and even went to good old port town Malaka. Oh did I mention we fed monkeys? We fed monkeys! All this before setting down in a beach resort on the tropical island Langkawi. We spent a good week in Langkawi just laying on the beach/by the pool, playing games of Uzhgorod style “Hungarian Joker” and shopping around the local boutiques.

Alas the holiday is over and now I must catch my flight back to my home down under. See you space cowboy.

Photos on my:

The Apple vs FBI debate

March 16th, 2016

You have probably heard about this case, but for those that haven’t: the FBI have ordered Apple to create a version of iOS that would allow the FBI to access a terrorists smartphone in hopes of finding some valuable clues to the case and possible links to other terrorists. What they affectively want is for Apple to compromise their own security “for this one case” and then “un-compromise” it again. Let that sink in.

Travel to over 50 countries – check.

March 6th, 2016

Last time I updated my visit country list, it was at 47. Well as of today, I’ve passed the 50 mark. Now I shall enjoy my holiday in unique country that is Malaysia. Expect photos!

The full list of countries is right here: Read More ▷

Singapore 2016

March 6th, 2016

For my family travels this year, we decided to head over to Malaysia. However, on the way there, I got a great opportunity to visit my friends in the small island-country-city – Singapore.

After arriving there and meeting up with my good buddies from urbanest – Wilmer and Darrel. I checked into the Ruck Sack Inn in Little India, which got refurbished recently, so it was a rather pleasant environment for me to stay for 2 night, plus it was cheap. We met up with Mr. Schumacher – Nian, and proceeded to a traditional Singaporean chilly crab restaurant and then drinks afterwards. Man, what can I say, the chilly crab was amazing, but it made me realise how bad I am at eating crab.

The next day was fully packed as well: Gardens by the Bay, walking around downtown and CBD, Funan Centre, Bay area at night and some great satays for dinner. And finally the last day was spent in Little India, Chinatown and just out and about the area, all the touristy stuff.

Huge thanks to Wilmer, Darrell and Nian for the warm welcome in the 30° hot Singapore. And now I am off to see my parents in Kuala Lumpur.

Photos here: