Last Embers Of The Day

The View Is Part Of The A La Carte Menu

Photograph copyright: DAVID McMAHON

Every single photograph I've posted on this weekly theme has depicted a door shot from the outside. This week, for the first time, I've shown you the view from inside, looking out through a set of open doors.

While we were in Langkawi, Malaysia, last July, one of the first things I did when we checked in just before midday was to ask one of the lobby staff where the western horizon was. You see, I simply needed to orient myself in order to keep track of where the sun rose and set – which is one of those vital pieces of information when you carry a camera.

I wondered if the beach sunsets would rank with some of the vivid sky shows we often get in Melbourne, even on a winter’s day. I’m sure the tropical Malaysian island also gets some flaming colours across the horizon, but it didn’t happen in the week that we were there.

Midway through our stay, though, I shot this while we were at the pierside restaurant, Captain’s Grill, which looks out over the Indian Ocean. It’s not often you can take a shot like this from inside a restaurant, is it?

Yes, you read that right. I did take both these shots from where I sat in the restaurant. But there are a couple of things to note.

Firstly, I had my favourite 18-125mm lens on my Pentax, which allowed me several variations in composition. Secondly, I was actually facing east - so the sun had already set behind my back when I noticed the brief flare of pastels in the sky.


For earlier posts in this series, check out The Doors Archive.

Cloud Seeding

The Top Seed Might Lose To The Second Seed

Photographs copyright: DAVID McMAHON

There's always a way to capture a skyscape, even if you're looking in the opposite direction. We were in Malaysia and had just finished breakfast at the Sheraton Langkawi in July this year when we walked out into the warm tropical air, where the clouds were just beginning to disappear.

So instead of turning my camera towards the horizon, I turned away 180 degrees and instead took a shot of the horizon, faithfully reflected on the plate-glass windows of the restaurant. Look carefully at the first image (above) and you'll see I've composed it very carefully, to give you some clues.

First, there are two dark vertical lines that actually show where each new pane of glass begins. And the gold horizontal lines are part of the Sheraton insignia.

Now have a look at the photo below and you'll see I've used a slightly different composition - and yes, I've framed the shot so you can actually see me on the right. Yup, I was wearing red-and-white flowered shorts. A bloke's got to cherish the chance to get away from wearing a business suit, a tie and shiny black shoes. Right?


This final shot (below) was taken the next day, in more or less the same place. Have a look at the colour of the sky this time. Blue and beautiful. Bright sunshine. Clearly defined shadows. The islands in the distance seem to be sitting atop a glassy blue sea.

Tropical paradise? Without a doubt. Are we planning our next holiday? More than likely. See y'all in Langkawi ....


For other participants in Dot’s concept, go to Sky Watch HQ.

True Blue

The Day When Sky And Water Almost Merged

Photographs copyright: DAVID McMAHON

Before you dive into a pool, what's the first thing you should do? Always check to see if you need to take a photograph first. These shots were taken while we were in Langkawi, Malaysia, in July this year.

The two wisps of cloud seemed to have been made-to-order in the first frame, because they literally emphasised the brilliant blue of the sky and the reflection in the water of the pool. There was no one in the pool at the time, but the ripples were caused by the caress of the tropical breeze.

The time elapsed between the first and second frames was only three minutes, but it's interesting to see that the clouds haven't even changed shape. There was only a minute between the second the third shots, but all three shots were framed differently, using the surrounding trees as counterpoints to the sky.

There's an interesting perspective at work in all three of these frames. The blue of the ocean is one segment and the blue of the Sheraton Langkawi pool is the lower segment and I can't help but wonder if you realised that when you first looked at these shots.

The furled white flag is actually planted on the hotel's private beach, directly below the pool. The point at which you can see the angled reflection of the flag itself is the point at which the pool perimeter ends and the ocean begins.


Visit TNChick, creator of Photo Hunt. Today's theme: "Blue".

Winnie The Pool

Recline And Fall Of The Roamin' Empire

Photographs copyright: DAVID McMAHON

There's nothing like the sound of ocean surf to create a completely chilled-out atmosphere. In July we travelled to Langkawi, Malaysia, for a well-deserved family holiday.

It was a great tropical escape in the middle of the Australian winter - yes, July is winter for us, believe it or not. And I have to say that the relaxation at the Sheraton was wonderful.

There were no alarm clocks. There were no deadlines. We didn't have to be anywehere at a particular time. The most stressful decision of the day was what time we would stroll down to the breakfast buffet.

Yes, I spent a fair bit of time in the pool, or by the beach, or stretched out on the banana lounges under the tall trees beside the cool water of the pool.

Lazy? Well, yes, compared to my normal pace of life. But, hey, that's what a great holiday is all about, isn't it?

Visit TNChick, creator of Photo Hunt. Today's theme: "Lazy".

In The Pipeline

Happy To Go With The Flow

Photograph copyright: DAVID McMAHON

You could be forgiven for thinking that this was shot in Spain, where the red-and-yellow colour scheme would be a great representation of the colours of the national flag. But no, this was taken in Malaysia.

It was our first full day in Langkawi. A brief early-morning storm had just gone through and the sky was starting to clear. I was fairly high up on the hilly 40-acre property that is home to the Sheraton and I’d shot a series of skyline shots, as well as some close-up frames of raindrops glistening on flowers and shrubs.

I guess it’s funny how your perception is heightened when you have a paintbrush, a sketch pencil or a camera in your hands. Every object in your immediate surroundings becomes a potential focus of interest.

With this in mind, I began walking downhill towards the hotel’s swimming pool, which is set against the backdrop of the Andaman Sea. That’s when I spotted this pipeline on the side of one of the villas that dot the property.

My initial instinct was to compose a tight horizontal frame, concentrating on the large lug nuts and segmenting the frame into a yellow-on-top and red-on-the-bottom essay. As I was about to hit the trigger, I noticed the green creeper emerging from the lush soil below.

Immediately, I changed the composition from horizontal to vertical, with the aim of including a solitary leaf. I guess that’s a gentle parable of life, isn’t it? No matter how heavily we rely on technology and man-made objects, we can never ignore the power of Nature.

Visit Mama Geek and Cecily, creators of Photo Story Friday.

Dry Humour

Why Use Pool Towels? Photograph 'Em Instead

Sheraton Langkawi, July 2008. Photograph copyright: DAVID McMAHON

The Fall Collection

Maybe Winnie The Pool Lives Here

Photograph copyright: DAVID McMAHON

This was taken at the Sheraton Langkawi. Has the image got you intrigued? Are you trying to work out what I've shot? It's simply a manmade waterfall outside the dining room. The blue sky and the reflection made it an irresistible image, even more than the cascade down the right-hand side of the frame.

Happy Hour

Followed By Another Happy Hour, And Another

Photograph copyright: DAVID McMAHON

Funny how pina coladas are synonymous with beach holidays, don't you think?

If you jump on a plane right now, there's still time for you to get to Langkawi so we can down a few cocktails together. Let me tell you that Mrs Authorblog and I have spent time at some of the world's top beach resorts - and it's very hard to beat the Sheraton Langkawi. It's not just a great hotel, but the friendliness of the staff is the icing on the cake.

That, and the speed at which pina coladas are delivered. Come on down!

Iron Oar

Up The Creek, Without A Puddle

Photograph copyright: DAVID McMAHON

At the Sheraton Langkawi, I was on my way down to the beach when I noticed these two kayak oars propped up against the lifesaver hut. The light and shade and the strong colours were like a magnet. I just had to photograph the sight. Yup, I even carry my camera on my way to the beach - just in case I see shots like these.

Summer Sails

Time For The Big Board Meeting

Photograph copyright: DAVID McMAHON

Light and shade, combined with strong colours, are a great combination. These three windsurfer sails drying in the tropical sun simply stopped me in my tracks. I shot this at the Sheraton Langkawi. Then I did the right thing. I put my camera away and headed straight for the water.