Category Archives: Taiwan
Sayonara Michael … ;_;
You were one of the most original, creative, unique entertainers that this world has ever or will ever see.
Sadly the more amazing you are in this world the more shit people give you. People can criticize your looks and call you a molester (even though you were found innocent and you must be extra skeptical of accusers who stand to gain a LOT with their accusations.) But none of that can overshadow the fact that Michael gave more to this world than almost anyone. I grew up with him, and even now that I live on the other side of this planet I still sing his songs along side Japanese people at karaoke who know him just as well as I do.
It’s ironic that just this past Monday my 7th graders watched a video about the making of "We Are the World" a project that Michael played a significant role in.
I will definitely do a lesson about Michael Jackson to ensure that my students, who grew up after his era, understand his great contributions and don’t just see the distorted images that the media loved to paint.
I’ll miss you man … お疲れさまでした。さようならポップの王様。
William Milberry
Candid street shots from Taipei
While I was in Taiwan I did a little candid street photography of the people of Taipei. They fascinated me because I knew very little about the culture or history there. They struck me as clearly coming from Chinese origins but being extremely modern. Before visiting Taiwan I always kind of categorized "Taiwanese" with "Chinese" in my head, but they really are their own country and their own people.
Also, I love black and white but am fairly disenchanted with the flatness of B&W images that are derived from digital color images, so I’ve ordered a 35mm film SLR. I’ve never shot film before other than using a point-n-shoot for completely uncontrolled photos, so this should be a photography growing experience. I want to shoot some B&W film for a while …
Ⓒ2008 William Milberry, All Rights Reserved, NO USE, REPRODUCTION, OR REDISTRIBUTION OF ANY PHOTOS FROM THIS SITE ARE ALLOWED. I hate having to put this notice here, but jerks keep stealing my photos for use on their sites without obtaining proper permission.
The people of Taipei
I’ve always liked candid street shots, but never really had the confidence to do a lot of good ones. Good street shots require you to simple pull out your camera, aim it at a complete stranger, and take the photo regardless of who’s watching or if they might turn and see you.
In Taipei since I looked like a tourist and couldn’t speak the local language, I was partially absolved of the guilt and did some candid photos.
I loved this shot of a Taipei woman looking out the window of the train. I’m a bit upset because the train was moving at the photo is actually blurred, it only looks sharp in the downsized version here on the web.
Over the next few days I’m going to be posting more of my candid Taipei photos.
談水,台北,台湾 (Danshui, Taipei, Taiwan)
I can’t say why some places and scenes strike me, I just know that they do.
While on vacation in Taiwan I randomly hopped on Taipei’s train system and visited Danshui – the Northern-most stop. It is a boat harbor and a market street. Despite hazy, cloudy weather, the place had a wonderful feeling to it. I spent hours walking around, sampling different foods from vendors on the street, and enjoying the atmosphere. Next time I find myself in Taipei, I am definitely going to budget a few hours for another trip to Danshui.
This is a very somber, muted black and white image. It feels peaceful to me, not depressing (as it could possibly be interpreted as.) Quite to the contrary of this possible interpretation, I felt great after my visit there.
