Michael Zaw Photography

I use my fan site and blog regularly to keep in touch with the world and with the people who show me so much support. They've also both become awesome online spaces which allow me to spread the word about the many people, things and places I experience, and which I have mad love for. 

Michael Zaw is a fellow traveller, an awesome sound man and a good friend, who I've worked with for a few years now. He is also an amazing photographer. This isn't a term I use lightly - there are plenty of photographers in this world, but very few who produce images which make people stop in their tracks and stare. I've been honoured to witness his progress over the years and believe me, he makes me stop and stare all the time.

Mike's passion for capturing the moment is more than simply pictures telling stories. His knowledge of light, angles, composition and colours is fantastic, and his ability to find the moment and capture the shot, the essence, is borne of an ever improving creative intuition.

His pictures speak for his eye, yes, but I also believe they reflect what resides in his heart.

So go visit his site. Step into his world. Send him a message. Let him know what you see.

http://www.michaelzaw.com/

Perfect timing from Paulo Coelho's twitter feed yesterday

paulocoelho 

  

29/11 If someone hurts you, react. Forgiveness comes afterwards.about 6 hours ago from web

So I read a little Coelhobut I couldn't get to the centreof why I wanted answers to questions that I never enteredso I put down his clever noveland returned to my favourite spaceand there on his twitter feedwas the line that's all our saving grace it may not seem the right thingit may make no real senseBut who said you can't show hurtWho said you sit on the fence?
(Anita Kapoor)

Exactly 25 Days to Christmas

... and a season firmly divided into people making an effort and, not. 

Pot lucks between good friends, last minute do's, canapes or dessert-only parties aside, the personal/festive party scene in Singapore is an unfortunate and perpetually dismal BYE drive: bring your everything - booze, food, personality, guests. And do stay, because we'll need someone to help clean up later?

Having been invited to a few - and likely never another after this post - wine and chips parties (complete with cracked bowls, plastic cutlery, plates and cups) I've come to understand that in Singapore at least, parties are largely effort-lacking collegiate affairs, whether the hosts are 25 or 45. 

What happened to charm, style and generosity, dammit? When did entertaining become so, underwhelming?

I say do it well, or don't do it at all. Period.

I've recently come across a fab trade magazine that's followed a distinctly lifestyle mould. Within the pages of Cuisine&Wine Asia are a host of really cool story ideas, all based on getting the experience, recipe, personality or place across succinctly to the reader. 

It's a trade magazine for people in the food business, but it's one of the best of its kind on the shelves - focus, depth and information you want to garner, gather and keep all in - something sorely lacking across the publishing spectrum. 

I had the good fortune of helping C&WA test some fantastic champagne cocktails at Bob's Bar, Capella Hotel recently, and apart from being completely hooked on said cocktails, perusing the magazine after made it clear to me that we have no right being lazy about food, entertaining and giving our family and friends a really good time. 

With magazine's like these pulling together all the essential details one could possibly need to cook well and entertain fabulously - without breaking your bank account - there is absolutely no reason to be a lazy host.

Unless of course, you like plastic a whole hell of a lot. And all your friends do too. Indeed, your perogative.

Pre Xmas merriment to you all, and a fab recipe attached for a champagne and Pimm's (who knew!) cocktail served at Bob's that I have fallen in complete love with. 

Happy almost holidays, folks. 

When you're good, you're good

For a third year, Le Meridien Angkor has been recognised by the World Travel Awards as the best hotel and spa experience in Siem Reap. Kudos guys! 


The World Travel Awards are huge, the biggest of their kind. 


I love this hotel, stayed here for several days on our Cambodia shoot in 2006 and am thrilled they keep getting the recognition they deserve. They are indeed an all round fab experience. 


Discover/book: 


e-mail: reservations.angkor@lemeridien.com
call:  +855 63 963 900 
visit: lemeridien.com/angkor

Starwood Hotels and Resorts Preferred Guest Television channel - on location with Anita Kapoor and crew

What really goes on behind the scenes of a shoot? 


We work hard, but I can guarantee you, we ALWAYS have a good time and thank god for it. Passion gotta be fun!


All of these pictures were taken as we filmed for Starwood Preferred Guest TV, the in-room channel featured in all Starwood hotels across the world. Our work is for their Asia Pacific hotels and guests from 2006-present.




Enjoy!




http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=176757&id=44903367418&l=12ee3de8cd

The power of weakness

In researching ideas for a story, I came across the work of corporate consultant and co-author of "Success Built to Last", Stewart Emery, and started reading a little more around it.

This particular quote struck me and pulled into place an understanding I was unable to write as succinctly:

 "Weakness corrupts and absolute weakness corrupts absolutely."

(Stewart Emery)