Barefoot Pilot Maldives

My New Smug Mug Slideshow!

2011-11-24T07:13:00.001+05:00

A new post is coming soon so in the meantime please have a look at my Smug Mug slideshow!

More From The Maldives

2011-11-09T00:03:00.000+05:00

Hi there and welcome to barefootpilot!

A blog that depicts the many images I have gathered while flying around the Maldives.

It is my pleasure to be able to highlight the many things that I am able to see as I travel this amazing country of the Maldives.

As a strolled around one day at the lovely resort of Soneva by Six Senses I happened upon some cool scenes.

The island is full of these awesome tree lined pathways. As you wind your way along it is difficult not to feel as if you are an uninhabited island.

Up high above the pathways you will find these guys hanging around. The curious fruit bats!

And down below little rabbits scamper about.

If you need to relax just a little then why not take a break and enjoy the view that the magnificent Indian Ocean provides'.

Leaving the Baa Atoll now and into the North Ari for a look at the lagoon where Constance Halaveli is located.

I will end this post with a shot of the south east side of the Vaavu Atoll. Not a breath of wind on this day!

Thanks for stopping by! If you are interested in seeing more of my work along with my wife's please visit our other websites at Images Of Victoria BC, SophiePhoto Blog, SophiePhoto , and our Facebook Page!

All the best.

Rob , one of the barefoot pilot!

Last Post Before I Head Back Home

2011-10-20T15:33:00.000+05:00

Hi there and welcome to my blog depicting the images I capture while flying barefoot around the Maldives!

I have put together a collection my most recent photo's in a two new books!

From The Pages Of Barefootpilot.blogspot.com Vol. II10in x 8in(25cm x 20cm)

and

From The Pages Of Barefootpilot.blogspot.com Vol. II13x11 inches (33x28 cm)

I am very excited about this and even more excited to let you know that they are both available as Ibooks for your Iphone or Ipad! So please have a look!

Well this latest tour of mine in the Maldives is drawing to a close. By this time next week I will be back in Canada. It will no doubt be a bit of temperature adjustment for me but I am looking forward to being home with my family. As much as I like it here in the Maldives it does feel like this last tour was a little long for me. I miss that family of mine!

I will miss ,however, getting these images of this amazing country! The past little while has been nothing short of a spectacular which I hope you will agree!

I love these islands! We pass them on the way through the Baa Atoll all of the time and I must have 100 or more pictures of them from various angles and heights!

Hows this for some calm water! I got this one while waiting on the floating platform at Constance Halaveli! To the right side of the image is Maayafushi Island Resort.

And speaking of Constance Halaveli!

A shot of our dock back at the main base in Male'.

I love a golden sunrise!

And so does Pawel!

Just hanging around! Much like I was on this day touring around Soneva, 6 Senses!

An ever so comfortable hammock!

As I mentioned earlier in this post the views of late have been nothing short of spectacular!

This shot and the preceding are of the Vaavu Atoll!

The glorious South Male' Atoll as it stretches in to the Northern Horizon !

Not many airports look like this!

As I close out this post, along with my latest tour I give you the glassy water of the North Ari Atoll as it stretches into the Southern Horizon.

I am so glad you stopped by for a look. I hope you liked what you have seen here! Please share with your friends.

More posts will come so check back soon. Even though I will be back in Canada for awhile I have plenty of images to keep me going !

All the best.

Rob , one of the Barefoot Pilots!

From Around The Captial City

2011-10-18T20:38:00.000+05:00

Hi there and welcome to my blog filled with images of the Maldives.

In this post I turned the lens towards the people of the city of Male along with other images that I found intriguing.

Male' is a city with tremendous appeal to the photographer in me. So much going on at any one moment! It is rare that I leave my apartment without my camera and that usually pays dividends in the form of photographic opportunities!I hope that you will agree as you browse my latest collection of images!

The streets of the capital city of Male'. Cars, motorcycles and people fill them.

A kind heart and warm smile can brighten the day.

Just hanging around outside the movie theatre with a cart full of things to sell.

Street corner scenes as I try to blend in and just observe.

I am not so naive as to believe that I blend in all that well but sometimes it does feel easier than others.

On this day I felt like I was catching the everyday scenes that best represents the Male' I know.

A busy city with people from all walks of life.

Tucked into the Southwest corner of Male' is a busy harbour, jammed pack with every shape and size of Dhoni imaginable!Such a bonus to be able to show you the birds eye view before I get to the images of what I captured at ground level.

Perhaps the reason I feel drawn to places like this is because I grew up in coastal town.

There is just something so appealing to me about a busy port.

What is so cool for the photographer in me is that I can walk around freely in this place. There is a good chance I would be not given such access to an industrial shipping yard back in North America.

Here though I go unhindered.

I admit I feel as if I am being watched as much as I am watching.

But for the most part though it is as if I am not even there.

I really like this one! The size of that anchor is just so intriguing to me when compared to the size of the dingy. Of course he was bringing out to a much larger Dhoni, but none the less!

A golden Mosque,Viyafaariveringe Miskiy, rising out of the green!

A city that loves the motorcycle!

The entrance to Viyafaariveringe Miskiy Mosque.

When I am far from home I see things in places others call home intriguing. As a result when return to the place I call home I realize how special and intriguing it is.

I hope you have enjoyed the images of Male'! I will be back soon with another post which will no doubt return to the birds eye view of a birds I view that this blog has become known for.

Take good care.

Rob one of the barefoot pilots.

The Golden Glow And The Deep Blue

2011-10-12T23:53:00.003+05:00

Hello and welcome to a barefoot pilot/photographers blog. An online photo journal dedicated to the Maldives as recorded through the lens of my camera!

The past few weeks the weather has been nothing short of spectacular. Mostly calm winds and clear sky's. There has been the odd rain shower but with them few and far between the only impact they have had is providing some awesome contrast to some of the following images!

On some of the days over the past week the mornings have been truly awe inspiring.Giving me the opportunity to capture the morning light in ways only seen every once and awhile. Brilliant gold and orange!

During midday the light conspired with the outstanding visibility to paint a canvas of deep blues and greens. Perfect weather not only for flying but also showcasing the amazing beauty of the Maldives!

Morning at the seaplane base. This one and the next one are quite similar , I admit! I really couldn't decide which one to post. So seeing how I am the editor as well as the photographer for this blog I made the executive decision to post both! This one is just moments before the sun rose.

And this one is taken just past daybreak! You just know the day will be a good one when it start like this!

Now the next two are taken on a different morning. Easily one of the most amazing sunrises in recent memories!

I have to admit when my alarm goes off at 3:50 in the morning I am less than thrilled to drag my sorry butt out of bed! When you are greeted by these sights you tend to be re-energized!

As the day gives way to the bright sun it often gets a bit hazy. Not this past week however! There were times when the visibility was 30 miles,50 km's, and then some!

The puffy clouds reflect from the glassy water below.

Who would argue with me when I tell them that the Maldives are truly amazing!

At times I have to admit I feel a little bit spoiled to have such a view!

I am quite certain there is the odd photographer who wishes he/she had the access that I do.

What do you think!

As I move around the Maldives there are times when we have the chance to hang out at the resorts we fly to. The next three images I got while walking around Constance Moofushi!

This one is of a shark herding fish!

Now the shark wasn't eating them, seemed more like he was just playing with them. This guy however was most definitely eating the little fish!

Beach chairs and chariot!

Up at Royal Island I managed to get a shot of this fellow pruning a Palm Tree.

Back at the seaplane base now for a shot of the boys walking in from a hard days work!

Putting the planes to bed for the evening on of engineers is giving her a once over in the dying light of the late afternoon sun!

I love catching people when they don't know I am there! Natural looking!

Captain Ben on his way out for one last trip!

And this happy fellow is done for the day!

No post of mine would be complete without some shots of the Twin Otter landing!

Love the Palm Trees in the background!

Now for some sunsets!

The day closes with a glow!

I have heard some say that sunsets are cliche. Maybe on some days but certainly not on these days.

Good night !

That's all for now. I hoped you like what you saw here! Please stop by again and share with others!

See ya!

Rob

One of the barefoot pilots!

My Latest Photo Book On Sale Now!

2011-10-07T21:30:00.003+05:00

My newest photo book is now available! There are two sizes to chose from a 13in x 11in(33cm x 28cm) and a 10in x 8in(25cm x 20cm)!

Here is a preview of the 13in x 11in(33cm x 28cm) !

From The Pages Of Barefootpilot.blogspot.com Vol. II by Robert McIntyre | Make Your Own Book

10in x 8in(25cm x 20cm)

From The Pages Of Barefootpilot.blogspot.com Vol. II by Robert McIntyre | Make Your Own Book

With Just A Few More Weeks To Go

2011-10-05T17:19:00.000+05:00

Hi there and welcome to my blog , a photographic montage of my travels throughout the Maldives.

I have been here for the past couple of months and I am due to leave in three weeks. Back to my family in Canada. I have to admit it is hard leaving them for extended periods of time but such is the nature of the career I have chosen. Thankfully I have an understanding family and the time I get with them on my off months is something I value very much! Needless to say that although it a great adventure here in the Maldives, flying barefoot and photographing all that catches my eye, I am really looking forward to getting home and spending time with my amazing family!

I have a number of images to share from the past week , along with few from weeks past. The weather has been simply outstanding lately and the flying has been quite enjoyable. Just yesterday I was landing up at resort and as we touched down we sere surrounded by a hundred or more dolphins. I wish I could say I have pictures to show you of that! Instead I concentrated on getting the passengers we had aboard the best possible experience as we followed them around for a few moments. Maybe next time it happens I won't have anyone on board and I will get a chance to take a few shots of my own!

In any case let me get to the images I do have !

First in the series are some shots from around the Capital City Male'. This one is looking towards the West.

An Aeorflot 767 on final approach to Male' International with the city in the background.

High above the Airport! You can see our seaplane base along with the waterways we take off and land on.

A very densely populated city atop a coral reef no more than 2 metres above sea level.

Buildings that are shaped in all manners to fit into neigbourhoods that are perhaps can be best described as a jigsaw puzzle in so far as how they are laid out.

Most definitely the preferred mode of travel through the narrow streets.

The every present Indian Ocean breaking into a wave as it crashes into the Eastern edge of the city.

Continuing along to the float base. I thought I would post some of the people I work with.In this one I caught our baggage handlers waiting for the next flight to arrive.

I think one of the great appeals of this job is the eclectic, if not at time slightly eccentric group of people that you get to work with!

I thnk most are getting used to the idea that I have a camera with me everywhere I go!

Working with this bunch really is a treat. I do enjoy the good days!

Moving on now to the atoll shots! Lets face it when the weather is good this place turns into a mural that can only be described as surreal! Looking towards the North on the East side of the South Ari Atoll with Lily Beach Resort in the foreground.

The Rasdho Atoll!

The Eastern Edge of the Vaavu Atoll!

The Western Edge of the Vaavu Atoll!

The North East corner of the South Male Atoll!

And of course I have to include a couple of Twin Otter shots! TMA on approach to the South Right waterway in Male'.

One of TMA's brand new DHC6 400 series! It looks pretty similar on the outside but I can tell you in the cockpit it is a very different airplane.

I am ending this post with this tranquil scene. As these fellow sail away I will do the same.

Thanks for stopping by and please come again!

Cia

Rob, one of the barefoot pilots!

Sunrise To Sunset, The Super Natural Maldives!

2011-09-30T14:28:00.002+05:00

I've been a busy guy these past few weeks. Flying around the Maldives photographing the amazing vistas this part of the world presents.

So many of my days start early and end around the time the sun is setting. Sometimes I feel a little depleted by the end of the week !On my final day of work week,when I am back in my apartment, I sort through the many images I have shot and it always re-energizes me!

Though I do download my images into my computer during the work week, it is very rare that I have the time to review what I have captured. This usually means that I have a number of photos to go through after 5 days of shooting! Then comes the even harder part which is how to to decide what to post!

I realize that I take a lot of pictures of my favorite plane but I also get some tremendous landscapes of this place called the Maldives! I do keep telling myself I have to do a better job to get more of my people shots up! I think that will be the focus of my next post or at least in part!

In the meantime please have a look at my some of my latest images in a collection I have called sunrise to sunset here in the super natural Maldives!

Some mornings are simply made for the photographer.

These momentary glimpses of, what I consider to be simply glorious light, do not last long and I am so happy I was up to capture and preserve this particular moment!

I just loved how the cloud had formed in this predawn moment. It was as if it what placed there by an unseen artist's paint brush!

Only moments away from the sun rising above the Eastern horizon.

This next sequence of shots is taken up at Palm Beach Resort . It is a rather "tight " landing area just beside the beach. I knew that Captain Angie and her crew were on their way in and I just had enough time to ready my camera.

I am glad I did ! In this one they are just passing beside us while we were tied to the jetty.

I soon realized that my timing became even better because as we were leaving so were they so I was able to snap off a few more them from 500 feet above them!

Like I said it is a tight area to land and take off in. There is only a narrow channel on the reef that is deep enough for us to use.

On a really low tide it is unsealable and we actually back onto the beach on the other side. Check out some of my earlier posts and you will see a few shots of how we do that!

After a great takeoff they are on their way! See you back at the base Angie!

Here is a shot from the other side of Palm Beach. I was backed up on the beach in order to allow enough room for my colleagues to land. I certainly didn't mind the slight delay, camera was ready as usual!

Continuing on 8Q-MBB landing at Constance Moofushi! A fabulous resort located in the South Ari Atoll!

The colours of midday are amazing. Even in the bright midday sun!

Back at the base in Male' Angie's husband Steve brings the Twin Otter in for a smooth landing on the North Right Waterway.

Our North Jetty at Maldivian Air Taxi.

And of course there are the Atolls! This is the the North East side of the North Male' Atoll !

An aerial view of Constance Moofushi !

Just a little North of Moofushi is the island of

Himendhoo.

The Western edge of the Lhaviyani Atoll.

A young guy enjoying a day on a Hobie Cat. In the background the island resort of Athuruga !

In the right corner is the island resort of Bathala and stretching to the south is the East edge of the North Ari Atoll.

As I flew along on another day I was able to capture this seen of the South East side of the Vaavu Atoll.

Again the majesty of the Vaavu Atoll!

Located in the Noonu Atoll the island of Holhudoo.

The South Eastern side of the Raa Atoll. Like cookies on a pan, these islands have the appearance of being placed there with purpose. A submerged mountain range now barely a metre above sea level. I am told that between the various atolls the water level plunges to depths of close to 4000 metres!

Another view of the North Male Atoll, along its North Eastern side while looking South.

And another one!

We were high above the Lhaviyani Atoll when I got the next series of shots! This is the South East side.

It is rare to be so cloud free! In fact on the next trip North there was scattered cloud everywhere. Still would make a nice picture but would not show nearly as much of the spectacular nature of this Atoll!

In the fore ground is the island of Thilamaafushi.

The Lhaviyani Atoll is a large one! I could not manage to get the whole thing in side my composition, even though we were 7000 feet high! Oh well I still think it is a great shot!

Almost done with this Atoll called Lhaviyani. In the foreground is the island resort of Kuredu folllowed by Kanahura and just east of it is Palm Beach Resort.

Bringing you back now to the Ari Atoll and the Constance Moofushi once again!

Looking North along the Eastern edge of the South Ari Atoll.

These hidden mountain ranges have really evolved into something truly wondrous and I believe the South Ari is evidence of that!

Leaving the Ari Atoll now with one more glimpse!

With setting sun I wind down this post! In this shot I caught Flat and his crew landing at the seaplane base in Male'.

The warmth of the colours that the setting sun provides is truly awesome.

It is as if it melts in to the Indian Ocean!

Glorious rays!

Well that is all for now. I hoped you enjoyed the images I have presented here. Please feel free to leave comments and of course share with all your friends!

From one of the Barefoot pilots.

Cia!

Rob

Part Two!

2011-09-29T09:37:00.000+05:00

Hello and welcome to my blog that showcases my adventures in the Maldives as seen through the lens of my camera.

As the title suggests this is a continuation of a previous post. I had so many images prepared last week that it seemed a little crazy to post them all at once! So here are the rest for you to see while I work on which ones to post from this past week.

I hope you will see something you like and stay tuned for my next post!

High above the city of Male'! Zoomed in with my 100 to 400 lens! The maze of streets that is the capital city!

I am always , or at least I like to think that I am, prepared for the shot. I got this one of my colleagues as they were landing beside us at the seaplane base.

On final approach South Right in Male'!

First thing in the morning I was able to find time climb on top of the Twin Otter that I was flying that day and get a quick shot of the passengers boarding their flight.

Captain Bob and his First Mate Jean Marie bringing her back to the dock at the seaplane base!

I am an equal opportunity photographer! I got this one as my brothers/sisters in the blue shorts slow to a stop after touching down in Male'.

Waiting to go! I love how the calm water reflects the red of our company colours!

And the reason they were waiting! A tipple 7 full of eager travelers!

I love the glow of the early morning and the late afternoon and on most days, more often than not, I bear witness to both! The sun is just nestling down behind the clouds.

On their way back home aboard a dhoni.

I am not the only one who likes taking pictures of the setting sun!

The golden light and calm waters. What better time to go swimming! The Otter floats gently moored to its buoy.

A dhoni crew.

Chatting it up with friends.

As I continue this guided tour through my images we return to the float base in Male'. The dock is full and the Twin Otters are awaiting the next trip.

The new Chief Pilot, Lasse, bringing the DHC6 to the dock in Male'.

When the water is calm the reflections are so intriguing to me. Crisp on top and like a blurry oil painting on bottom.

On the take off run North Left waterway in Male'.

And just before they launch, Ben looks over for a quick picture.

And in this one Bob is bringing her to the starting line at the seaplane base in Male'.

Touching down on the South Right waterway in Male'

As I was standing on the seawall watching the seaplane action it was hard for me not to notice these guys working their butts of in the afternoon sun.

One of our GRO's Sebastian watching as his customers are making it to the dock.

Under the watchful eye of the tower controllers the Otters are coming and going.

A job with a lot of responsibility and great view to boot! My thanks to the great effort the controllers make each and every day!

Jeff landing 8Q-MAN on the North Right waterway.

From high above the lagoon at Sun Island . The departing and arriving passengers are meeting each other as they pass from Twin Otter to Dhoni via the floating platform.

Here we are with that calm Indian Ocean providing a mirror like surface. No wind makes it pretty warm indeed but provides amazing photographs!

The view from the deck at Grand Centara Resort!

Now we return back to the base in Male' and some morning light!

It is a great time of the day to be on standby and also to have a camera in hand!

Love it!

And keeping those planes moving are the people of our maintenance department.

Thanks for stopping by. I am hard at work preparing more images so there will be another post very soon so check here again soon!

All the best and til the next time cia from one of the barefoot pilots!

Rob

Reflection!

2011-09-23T11:35:00.000+05:00

Hello and welcome to my blog , an online photo journal depicting my travels throughout the Maldives.

This past week was absolutely made for photography! Calm seas, amazing visibility and of course my birds eye view gave me opportunity to capture some truly spectacular images!

So much of my life's experiences are as a result of being in the right place at the right time. I feel confident when I say that this past week was an example of this. Everywhere and on everyday I found something that caught my eye that simply begged me to photograph it.

As I went through my photos,these past few days, one thing became very clear to me and that is reflection provides a compelling image.

It is my opinion that reflection is important in ones own life as well. I think it is important to reflect from time to time in order to evaluate the good aspects along with the not so good. Of late I have been doing just that and for the most part I feel good about what I see. None the less there are some things that leave me unsure where my next steps lie.Perhaps change is in order. Should I stay or should I go? Curious and cryptic, for that I do apologize but at the moment I am torn.

Without contrast photographs, in my opinion, are boring but not all contrast works. Contrast in ones life is stimulating but upon further reflection the reality of certain situations may be to unstable.For yourself and for those who count on you it is best to seek stability when available.Or at least this is my thought.

As I ramble on I realize that this text is going in directions I did not foresee! I think it best to leave this line of thought and just go on to the images!

As I said I found so many things to photograph this week and to be quite honest I really had a hard time narrowing down what to post! I actually came up with 64 and so many more I really wanted to share! In the end I decided to post way less and save the others for a future post, random facebook posts, Flikr and of course to my new Twitter account!

I really hope you find something that catches your eye! Please remember if you want to see the image pop out give it right click!

Reflections of a Barefoot Pilot!

Early morning at the seaplane base. Just prior to the sunrise. On this morning I was on call for the first few hours and considering the weather what better use of time could there be than to capture the many moods of a rising sun!

With a steady and unrelenting pace the sun peaks up over the Eastern horizon changing the yellow,orange and pink hue to the blue of the day.

As Ben and Peter pull out of the dock I am position to get a great shot. Even though the sun is strong and back-lighting this scene I think it works!

With the sun high above the base and the aircraft back from the first rotation of the morning.Like the natural symmetry of the Atolls that surround us the aircraft are lined up and awaiting their next flight.

Can be a very busy place this seaplane base of ours!

Our brothers and sisters who wear the blue shorts lifting off of the North Left waterway!

One of MAT's planes landing on the North Right waterway while in the distance TMA's setting up to land next.

Landing up at one the resorts we travel to.

And as I carry on this photographic tour of the Maldives I present you a daybreak shot of the island named Kamhadoo in the Baa Atoll.

Moving along on these "glassy water" days who would argue that I don't have the best view of the Maldives! This one is of the Eastern edge of the Ari Atoll as it stretches from South to North!

High above Grand Centara!

Truly a mirror like reflection provided by the windless day! In the foreground is Vilamendhoo Island Resort, then R Ranveli Village followed by the local island of Dangethi. All located in the South Ari Atoll.

Easily my most photographed chain of atolls. There is just something about the Ari Atoll that truly captivates me!

The resort of Vakarufalhi Island .

Maafushivaru Island Resort.

And high above Maafushivaru Island Resort!

Constance Halivelli.

The W Resort And Spa.

If I had to pick a favorite from the bunch this one could well be it! It as if the Indian Ocean that surrounds the Ari Atoll became a giant swimming pool. Not a ripple to be seen for miles!

Or maybe this one!

Or maybe this one! Okay I will stop now as really I can't pick a favorite! It is hard not to feel truly blessed on days like these. Mother nature conspired to give me a truly spectacular canvas to copy into digital form!

East side of Ari Atoll looking from the North to the South!

A couple of our aircraft loading up at one of the many lagoons throughout the Maldives.

A TMA aircraft on a floating platform waiting for the next load of travelers to take back to Male'.

My aircraft on this fine day moored to a buoy at Meedhupparu .

Strolling along I spotted this scene, shark ! A tiny one surrounded by a school of fish!

As the setting sun closes the day I felt it only appropriate to close this post with images caught just before the sun fades in the West.

Feel blessed to know you have a tomorrow.

And to end the post a look at the tower overlooking our base. A well deserved shout out to the men and women who guide us home in fair weather and foul!

Hoped you enjoyed my reflections.

Be safe and be kind.

Rob one of the Barefoot Pilots!

Getting It Done Through Rain Or Shine!

2011-09-15T19:53:00.000+05:00

Hello and welcome to my blog! Glad you made the time to stop by.

Even though the weather was not always the best this week , actually at times it was down right nasty,

I have a ton of images to post.

Quite a variety I have to say. Some rainy day fun highlighting the hard working Maldivian Air Taxi staff. Images from around the seaplane base here in Male'. Umbrellas,Kittens along with a young lady striking a pose on the steps of one of our Twin Otters.

So once again welcome to my blog which is a photographic journal of my life here in the Maldives.

Left click any image to open it up to a bigger size.

Now this is one thing I don't have a lot of these. Pictures of me that is!

So I was hanging around at Palm Beach Resort waiting for departure time when I spied these young ladies out enjoying the surf. As I mentioned the weather was not all that great this week but you know life is what you make it and the ladies definitely had the right spirit. Enjoying everything the Maldives has to offer!

Hanging around at the end of the sandbar, waves crashing all around.A perfect time to take a picture!

Got this one looking Northwest along the beach close to where we dock the aircraft. Palm Beach Resort.

There is no doubt this day was grey and the wind was building but the Twin Otter is made for days like these!

Are you ready for the rainy pictures? You know I am!

I realize that some of our passengers will have experienced delays and baggage that does not arrive when they do.

With the bad weather we have increased fuel requirements, got to be safe out there, and this means less baggage gets on the aircraft.Some times resort staff may have been bumped off or even paying passengers for that matter. I offer my apology to you for these inconveniences but I must say we employees are truly giving our best effort to have a safe trip without to much inconvenience. However when the monsoon roars into to town it is important for us to know our limits.

When you see the images in this post I am sure you will agree we give it our best effort.

When the rain does fall I often think of a poem written by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, "The Rainy Day, more specifically the following verse.

"Be still, sad heart, and cease repining;
Behind the clouds is the sun still shining;
Thy fate is the common fate of all,
Into each life some rain must fall,
  Some days must be dark and dreary."

As the rain starts to fall I grabbed my camera to record the scene around the seaplane base in Male'. In this shot I captured one of our hard working dock hands fueling one of our planes for its next trip.

Now the rain is really starting to fall as one of our Guest Relation Officers makes her way down to collect the arriving passengers.

I understand that this is terrible weather to be in whilst on vacation but an amazing photo op none the less!

Umbrellas make wonderful props!

Don't you think!

Of course some of us are not so lucky and are without an umbrella !

But as the title of this post suggests through rain or shine we do our best to get the job done!

It is hard to see and when the wind kicks up it is very challenging to maneuver on the water.

Not to mention landing in these conditions. Mind you it is usually much more challenging landing or taking off at the resorts because of the big waves that are kicked up by the strong winds.

It is very good to have an experienced crew!

Speaking of which here is a shot of one our cabin attendant, Anees , getting ready to hop off the plane to tie it to the dock. I should add that he is one of the fastest rope tiers we have. I am sure he would do well at a rodeo!

And as the crew approaches Arrish is ready with the umbrellas!

Here is one of TMA's aircraft coming in amid the rain!

And behind the scenes some of the new construction around our terminal. I thought it was cool how the water was dripping down like a waterfall. They are actually dry in there.

Okay enough of the rain! Here is one our birds in the main hangar undergoing an overhaul.

These guys working behind the scenes are important part of the team here at MAT.

On another day Captain Kirk taking her away from the dock.

While I was snapping away around the MAT base a TMA plane got close enough for me to get a good shot. I only had wide angle available at the moment so it was good of him to get a little closer!

Leaving the dock behind and off to the next destination.

Waiting for he next airplane and striking a pose!

Smiling faces warm my day!

Taking some time to relax and give me great pose. Azif and Moosa!

And here we have the lovely Syma took time out of her busy day to pose for me.

Maybe she should be on the next cover of the Maldivian Air Taxi inflight magazine. What do you think?

Not many hangar's are with out cats!I love these two guys!

Normally they hang around the staff canteen waiting for bits and pieces. Its those eyes and stripes that do it for me. They are pretty used to me by now and I have a soft spot for animals so I can't resist stopping to give them a pat or two!

Wow tons of photos on this post! I hoped you enjoyed them!

Till the next time so long for now from

Rob one of the barefoot pilots!

Sequence

2011-09-08T19:40:00.000+05:00

Hi to you all.

Thanks for stopping by for a look at my latest post.

This one is most certainly slanted towards images of the Twin Otter and all her glory. This past week I had a few awesome opportunities to get some great sequence shots of the aircraft either taking off or landing.

Hard not to feel a little spoiled by the chances my life offers me at times! I hope you will enjoy the images I was lucky enough to get this week.

Don't forget, you can click on the photo to get a larger version to pop up.

First up is 8Q-MBG launching out of the W Maldives Resort

We were on a charter in one of the executive machines and had to wait for our passengers to finish up some buissiness. Because our colleagues in 8Q-MBG were due in just after us we had to move off the jetty to allow them to drop off and pick up their passengers.

So we moved our aircraft out of their way which as luck would have it meant that we needed to moor on a buoy just across from the resort.

Once on the buoy I grabbed my camera and climbed on top of the plane and got ready to take some pictures!

And away they go!

Love it when a plan comes together for great sequence of shots! A good auto focus system is an advantage as well!

8Q-MBE coming in for a nice landing at Four Seasons Landa Giraavaru .
I found myself once again moored to a buoy to let the other aircraft drop off and pick up guests.

Once they were done and with the help of my able crew I brought my plane over to the floating platform.

Though there was an approaching rain shower I still managed to grab the camera and shoot a sequence of shots!

Off they go!

No use hiding it, sometimes it rains here in the Maldives.

Sometimes it really rains hard but this shower was only a fleeting one.

See you guys back at the base!

Speaking of back at the base got this one the other day as one of our planes approached the dock. Access most certainly has its privileges!

A start of a good morning!

A morning which lead to this! Love these atolls! Once again the edge of the North Ari

Such an awesome view I have of the Maldives! I got this one high above the Faafu Atoll!

Inside the Faafu Atoll, the island of Vashugari!

Entering the Western side of the Faafu Atoll I took the opportunity to take picture of that lovely and reliable PT6. Join the PT6 Nation !

Parked at the the Jetty at One&Only Reethi Rah

Hey now these two guys are definitely a contrast! Tholaal on the left and Neil Walton, who incidental is also an avid photographer. Check him out at Neil Walton Photography and his blog highlighting photographers from around Vancouver Island! Okay so Thoalall is not taller than Neil. I think the next photograph better represents their size difference!

Ha Ha! Okay I admit this is a bit exaggerated as well!

Thought I'd end this post with another shot of the men working high above the city. Barefoot and you thought that barefoot flying was unique.

Glad you stopped by for a visit please come again!

Rob , one of the barefoot pilots!

A Little Help From Your Friends

2011-09-01T18:29:00.000+05:00

Hey there and welcome to my blog chronicling my flying and photographic adventures here in the Maldives.

This past week I was seen running around our dock with my camera in hand taking as many pictures I could of the people that work at Maldivian Air Taxi, with the odd Trans Maldivian Airlines type in the mix. I would like to thank everyone who joined in to be a part of a photo montage I sent off to our good friend and colleague Ken Simkins.

I would also like to apologize to those of you that I didn't manage to catch. I gave myself a bit of time limit so I could get the message of support off to him within the week. I hope that those of you who I missed understand .

Thanks to all!

I posted a slideshow to facebook that was a low resolution version I sent of to our buddy. In this post I have managed to link the high resolution version of our efforts! Again many thanks I am told that Ken has seen the photo and later today he will be watching the slideshow.

I would like to share with you all a quote that the people of Tropic Maldives posted to my facebook wall.

"Your success is your true friends,
no matter how far you go,
without them you are nothing but a man with few badges and a name starts with "Mr".
Always keep your friends near reach."

With that in mind I hope you will enjoy Kens Slideshow!
(If you have the bandwidth may I humbly suggest you select 1080HD for the playback,selectable after you hit the play button.)

Even you counted all the people in this picture and multiplied them by ten you'd still not get to the number of people who are pulling for Ken to make a speedy recovery!

On some very special mornings the light conspires to give you a fleeting moment of golden bliss! I quickly grabbed my camera and hopped on top of the wing for this one!

Making it look easy Ulrik brings the lovely girl we call the Twin Otter to the dock!

Just after Ulrik shuts down the engines another one comes in for a landing on the South Right waterway!

Bringing her in for a soft landing is Pawel and his crew.

If you look behind the aircraft you can see how the airplane creates a wake of disturbed air. Now think about this for a moment, if a plane that weighs in at 12500 lbs ( fully loaded ) does that imagine what one weighing 500,000 lbs leaves behind! Beware of the wake turbulence!

I just love the look of this airport.

And again!

High above 8Q-MBA. With a good zoom and some selective cropping to give you a better view.

Captain Arif and his crew on final approach at Constance Moofushi .

There is something so magical , geometrical and symmetrical about how these Atoll's are laid out.

I am far from being able to explain it other than to say that these are the remnants of mountain ranges long since submerged.

Inside the ring water depths are in and around 40 metres, on the outside I have been told the water drops off to uncertain depths approaching 4000 metres!

The most lovely and trustworthy PT6-27A engine purring away as the coral reefs pass underneath.

On days like these it hard to imagine doing anything else than barefoot flying!

Love it when rain showers look like this.5 minutes and they move along! Wish they all did this but of course if they always were this tiny would make the job of flying barefoot way to easy!

Ah yes the North Ari atoll!

The jigsaw puzzle that is the Capital City!

And high above are the men who put it together!

Well I will end this post with a lovely sunset taken out at Sun Island Resort!

Hope you enjoyed you visit.

All the best from Rob one of the barefoot pilots!

Be On The Watch

2011-08-25T22:37:00.016+05:00

Hello and welcome to my latest post.

I am at loss for words at the moment. Life takes unexpected turns and to say the least this week I have bared witness to this ultimate truth.

Perhaps you have an old friend you haven't spoken to in awhile. No good reason why perhaps only because you are consumed with the day to day drama of your own life. You mean well. You intend to reconnect but haven't. What are you waiting for?

Do it.

I found this poem in the most unlikely place and decided to share an excerpt........

Your life is your life
don’t let it be clubbed into dank submission.

Be on the watch.
There are ways out.
There is a light somewhere.
it may not be much light
but it beats the darkness.

Be on the watch.
The gods will offer you chances.

Know them.

Take them.

You can't beat death
but you can beat death in life, sometimes.
And the more often you learn to do it,
the more light there will be.

Your life is your life.
Know it while you have it.

You are marvelous.

The gods wait to delight in you.

Charles Bukowski's (Part of the poem titled "The Laughing Heart" )

Some images for you consideration.

Riding the Dhoni is pretty routine here. On my way out to the airport one day I snapped this one. The colour of the water here is something else.

A pre-dawn moment at the seaplane base. A long exposure proving a cool effect for the lights on the dock.

On call in the morning provided me with some time to take pictures of the maintenance engineers running up one our Twin Otters.

Best to make sure the aircraft is tied in multiple places with very strong rope!

If I could only insert some sound! A very noisy operation!

A shot of TMA landing on North Right waterway at the Seaplane base in Male'

One of our executive interior aircraft landing in Male'

Singapore Airlines on final approach. Loaded with tourisst who I am sure are more than a little eager to check out the Maldives!

A view of the Capital City Male about an hour before sunset.

Male International Airport.

My friends on final approach at Constance Moofushi! Most certainly my favorite place to spend a night.

Smooth touch down!

The from the "office" just North of Constance Moofushi!

I never tire of this view!

It as if the Atoll goes on forever.

On certain days you can see right to the horizon.

Thanks for stopping by. If I can leave you with one thought it would be this, know someone you haven't seen or talked to in awhile call or write them and tell them how you feel. Sometimes you run of time and time is irreplaceable.

Until the next time.

Rob, one of the barefoot pilots.

Balance

2011-08-19T10:45:00.013+05:00

Hello and welcome to my blog showcasing images of the my experiences in the Maldives.

In this post I would like to begin by speaking about balance!

It is an important thing to have not only in a seaplane but also in life. When your life is well balanced your outlook becomes so my clearer and attainable. Knowing you limitations about how far you can stretch yourself before you balanced is lost is a good thing! If you happen to lose your balance there is a good chance you may fall.The trick is to know how to re-balance,pick yourself up, dust off and find your own center of gravity again!

Balance as it applies to the aircraft , for those of you who are not in aviation, is a key element when loading every aircraft. Out of balance can have a much more devastating result than losing balance in ones life. Altitude and gravity can join forces and the results are inevitably quite nasty indeed!

When you come aboard a seaplane you will at times be directed where to sit. In a lot of cases people don't quite understand why that is and may even think we are doing this for no good reason. Most do not realize that this goes on inside the larger jet aircraft they flew in. It is just that as a passenger on a big aircraft you are not face to face with the pilots and load masters who direct which compartments are to be filled in order to remain inside a safe margin of center of gravity.

I know that some of my passengers are upset when I won't allow the front seats to be filled with children who are eager to see us fly the aircraft while the adults fill the back rows. Believe me I do understand the excitement the kids have to see how we operate up there .None the less I have to balance the desires of my passengers with the safety of all those on board and sometimes this will mean that the kids will have to sit at the back of the plane. Believe me the alternative is not good! If we do not load the aircraft correctly a number of things can occur not the least of which running out of control input of the elevator.

So the next time you are here and the pilot asks you to sit in a certain place please remember we are only doing it to keep you and your fellow vacationers safe!

As far photography goes balance is also very important! From how you choose to compose your image to the white balance settings are key. Though I would argue that in some cases an image can become more compelling when you push the balance outside of the normal envelope!

I have been reading Ansel Adams "Examples: The Making of 40 Photographs" . It goes without saying that he is an amazing photographer and most inspiring. One of the many statements he makes is that a photographer should see the image before they capture it. Be compelled to take the image and the results will be there. With out inspiration it is likely the result will not be one with which you will be happy with.

Okay lecture over how about those images!

This past week the Western Monsoon relaxed itself and on a few days the visibility as been nothing short of breathtaking. I got a ton of pictures and I hope you will enjoy the following images as much as I!

In this one I managed to catch one of our aircraft touching down on the South Left waterway .

Equipment matters, knowing how to use it matters more! I love my 100 to 400 lens. I can be so far way and still manage to get a result that I have happy to share. In this one is a shot of our docks just in front of the MAT(Maldivian Air Taxi) passenger terminal.

The lineup of the various aircraft that bring the excited travelers to the amazing Maldives.
In the foreground one of the newest airlines to occupy the busy tarmac, Mega Maldives. A Maldivian based carrier.

Cruising along the though the Noonu Atoll
at 1500 feet I was able to capture this image of some of TMA's aircraft at the Hilton Maldives. How inviting does this look!

I am so happy I got this one, and a few more that hope to post a bit later, of our aircraft 8QMAF landing at Dhiggiri Island Resort.

After having the good fortune of timing for the last shot we found ourselves overhead our destination , Alimatha Aquatic Resort. As we did our per-landing inspection I was able to snap off a quick picture of 8QMBA tied to the jetty with all of the passengers at the top of the boarding ramp.

After we landed we waited for our colleagues to get under way to free up the fixed platform for us. Of course I took a picture!

And off they go!

Often times when we clear the landing area in Male' I able to take pictures of the Twin Otters as they land.

With a slight crosswind on landing the pilots get the upwind float on first to allow for a straight and smooth touchdown.

At first glance you'd be forgiven for thinking that this picture was taken while I was airborne myself. In fact it another landing airplane. I love the illusion I was able to create but those of you who know your planes will note that the flaps are extended!

A landing Twin Otter at Lily Beach Lagoon.

From 500 feet above Zitahli Resort and Spa.

South West end of the Lhaviyani Atoll.

South West end of the Lhaviyani Atoll.
from a different vantage point.

Maafushivaru Island Resort.

Another shot from the Noonu Atoll.

It has been a lot of fun capturing and sharing these images with you. I hope that you liked what you have seen and share the link!

I would like to send a shout out of welcome to those of you who are a part of the PT6 Nation! and PT6 Nation Facebook!

PT6A-27 + Twin Otter = KICK ASS PLANE

A proven formula!!

Thanks for dropping by! Interested in seeing some of my other work well then why not check out some of my other images at my blog at Images Of Victoria or Facebook under SophiePhoto!

Back soon with more images of the amazing Maldives!

Rob, one of the barefoot pilots.......

The Journey

2011-07-12T02:17:00.012+05:00

The Journey.

It can be hard to take the time to consider the journey at the moment it is happening. Life can be busy and at times overwhelming, all to easy to get lost in the fine print. I know for myself that there are times when I have to actively consider fleeting moments in bigger light rather than get bogged down with the tiny details which threaten the flavour of my journey.

When I am out with my camera , just on my own, I am more prone than at any other time to really savour the life I own. I think, I hope, that this helps me to take better pictures. To elevate the everyday that is my reality and share it with all that wish to give it their concern.

When I flew single pilot in the North of Canada I spent hours gazing at the tremendous scenery all the while considering the majesty of it all. I would also take the time to consider the journey I was on thus far and how it was that I came to be there at that particular moment. Context is important

I feel pretty lucky if not blessed to have the life I do. It seems that the fuel for my inspiration is never far away! I know that I am not the only one, that is a certainty! My friend James (Jimbo) Pearce has been kind enough to share his musings about his journey that has been and will be. A great poem for you to consider.

Thank you so much Jimbo for sharing it with me and my blog community!

THE JOURNEY

Under a cold and starry night, somewhere over a lonely sea,

Two PT6’s warm my soul and thoughts of my past .... they comfort me.

I am a lonely rogue of the sky,

I seek no remorse where I choose to fly.

An airman of fortune, at home anywhere,

A trusted friend, for those who will care.

I control my craft with defining grace

And tears of joy may stain my face.

I dive and roll and loop and spin,

The love of flight in the air so thin.

I skim the rivers in a Northern land

Of evergreens and rock and sand.

As the clouds and painted sky unfold,

The setting sun shimmers, like a sea of gold.

The billowing ramparts ascend to the stars,

Where the lightning explodes and the thunder jars.

The currents of air may pound my bones

And hail may slam my wings like stones.

And through the storm, I kept my head

And emerged intact, after all was said.

So I lived to fly another day

My head held high, it was my way.

Life may be hard, but Life is real,

For tough decisions, there is no appeal.

To err is human …. there are few regrets,

I am stronger now to face other threats.

Like an albatross, on the course of Life,

My destination …… beyond the strife.

Family and friends remain close to my heart,

A lonely existence when we’re apart.

A thousand departures and a thousand arrivals

They are always the same, to ensure my survival.

A cup of black coffee before I begin,

And when the sun goes down, I am into the gin.

My sense of humor is always alive,

My gutsy pride and my will to survive.

I am certain, I don’t push the odds.

I am old and wise, and there is a God.

In a far away land, I am but a squatter.

I chose the back roads …. I fly a Twin Otter.

Home from the Coral, home from the Ice,

Home from the North, I have paid a dear price.

So scatter my ashes on a gentle sea.

I am not dead …. Remember me.

JAMES (JIMBO) PEARCE

29 MARCH, 2011 at BAGUIO CITY, PHILIPPINES

This is a poem for all of the HOG pilots from all over the world. We are a special group of aviators and this poem will describe a little of all of us …. and a lot of some of us. It goes beyond the politics of aviation and reminds us of the pure joy of flight in one of the finest aircraft ever built. When the bullshit of life starts to over-whelm you, read this poem and remember what is really important to you. I hope you enjoy reading it as much as I enjoyed writing it. Many thanks and Happy Landings.

JIMBO

The City of Male' In Black And White Pt II

2011-06-16T01:31:00.025+05:00

Hi there and welcome!

My second post in my black and white series focused on the capital city Male'

My evololution as a photographer or perhaps better stated as I journey further into the world of photography I find myself looking for new ways to present subject matter.

I like black and white. In my mind gives a compelling perspective perhaps even more so than colour images.

I love being a photographer and I hope that the images I present here will speak to you even if you haven't been to the city. I really hope those of you who are there now or have been before recognize and see the city in new way.

The streets of Male' are narrow and most times filled with people. The city moves in its own unique way. You soon learn how to make it work for you though it requires you to adapt rather than push back.

Narrow streets navigated by motorcycles and cars. Just go with the flow and you will do just fine!

If you been to my blog before you will recognize this fellow! He is such a character and so willing to strike a pose.

As the school lets out the streets fill with people,cars,bikes and motorcycles. As I was walking along one day I stopped to record the scene.

I love these moments. I could barely manage my camera. In all of this though people were, for the most part ignoring me and allowing me to record this "normal" everyday event. I love the eye that having a camera gives me.

Just outside the Museum stands this amazing tree! I had to lie on the ground to capture this one! Well worth the effort.

Sunset in black and white.

On the dhoni ride from the airport to Male' I usually ride on the top as result I manage to get some pretty cool shots. I really like this one and I love the edge that the absence of colour gives this image.

On the main street of Majeedee Magu. I positioned myself across from the movie theatre and snapped away. The blur of the motorcycle gives the image "texture".

Down by the fish market is a great place to be as a photographer. So much going on. Bucket of Tuna anyone!

Not long before he fades into the crowd.

The similarities that coastal cities share is intriguing. Male's is something like 15000 miles from the Northwest coast of BC where I grew up, none the less this image could have easily been taken there. With a minor substitution on the type of fish in his hand!

Watching the fish come in to market.

Simply impossible for me not to take a picture of this guy. Love the attitude and that hair is awesome!

So many people crowd that fish market. So many stories waiting to be told.

As I stand with my back up against the wall of a warehouse full of people and goods, about 150 feet from this guy. It is hot,35c+. Noisy as well with the sounds of motorcycles,cars,boats,people, all moving about in a deliberate manner.There is also that odour of sea air mixed with,exhaust,fish,spice,dust and a thousand or more people moving about. In the middle of it all, this guy.

In some respects I guess I am a bit of a voyeur. I really mean nothing by it. When I have a camera,in particular one with a long lens on it, I really like to observe my environment.

As I said it is a bustling city but once and awhile you can be walking along and come across a silent nearly empty street. A city of contrast in black and white.

Waiting for a cab.

On most nights you will find these 3 sitting by one of the entrance lights on the North side of Male'

With a thunderstorm approaching from the West it is all smiles. I took so many of these guys I paid them twenty bucks! More to come ......

Seems so lonely. All around the cemetery though it is vibrating with activity.

High above Male'. These fellows work day in and day out. Mostly with very little in the way of power tools. In almost every case in flip flops. Blazing sun or pouring rain.

Thanks for taking the time to make it this far. I really enjoy putting these photos up here. I hope whether you are from Male',live there now or have never been that you have found some of these images compelling.

All the best.

Rob

The City of Male' In Black And White

2011-06-04T01:28:00.008+05:00

Hi there and welcome to the blog! My ongoing photographic adventure through the Maldives.

Over the next few posts I am going to put myself out there and explore the area of black and white photography. With such colour vibrancy here in the Maldives it may seem a little out of sorts to go black and white. I think, however, there is plenty of reasons to render these images in black and white.

The Maldives are a unique and inspiring place photograph.I feel that the obvious contrast between black and white along with the simplicity of an unsaturated image provide another layer to the environment here.One that is perhaps overwhelmed by the colour that is simply everywhere.

So the next few posts I will be making are of and about Male'. The city and the people. All to be rendered in black and white. These posts will be more about my perceptive and the way I photograph my surroundings as apposed to me telling stories about my life as a pilot.

From Rob the photographer, Male in Black and White part 1.

"Capital City, the Island of Male' "

"Hulemale"

"Capital City, the Island of Male' "

Stay tuned for Part 2.

Thanks for the time.

Rob
One of the barefootpilots!

A Few Parting Shots!

2011-05-16T19:18:00.003+05:00

Hi there!

Well I am on my way out of the Maldives. Coming back in a couple of months but I I do plan to keep on posting from back in Canada. Believe me I have more than enough images to keep me going, not to mention a few stories to go with them.

I normally post anywhere from 15 to 20 pictures a week but on this one it will be just the 5! I am simply to busy getting my stuff in order before I leave to focus on the blog this week. None the less I can't help myself and I have to post a few!

It seems every time I ride home on the evening Dhoni I see the same bunch fishing off the harbour entrance seawall. I actually have a ton more of this group that I plan sort out for another blog entry , here are few samples!

It was an amazing sunset after a day that at times brought heavy rain so the light was fantastic. Just a glow.

From the other side of the company Dhoni was this view! An awesome view I caught while sitting atop the Dhoni!

A proud Captain! You may recall Arif from a previous post I did. Well he has been recently upgraded to Captain. Does he look happy or what!

Just before I took the previous image I got this one of the boys landing in the Lagoon at Soneva.

Even with the added pressure of me taking the picture they still manage to grease her on for a smooth landing. Believe me they definitely knew I was taking their picture because I was perched atop the wing of another plane with that huge zoom lens of mine!

Anyway as I said a short post this week! As always thanks for taking the time to stop by for a visit!

See ya soon Maldives!

Rob
One of the Barefoot Pilots!

A Picnic ,A Rasdoo Walk About And Some More Images From The Past Week

2011-05-10T21:30:00.018+05:00

Hello and welcome once again or perhaps welcome for the first time!

Whether it is your first time or 50th time I am happy to have you come to my corner of the internet.

This is a site dedicated to the Maldives and the images I capture as I fly the sky's. Perhaps best summed up again by the Boys of the "Tragically Hip" from their song "Looking For A Place To Happen " there are a couple of line's in that song that really speaks to me.....

"I've got a job, I explore, I follow every little whiff And I want my life to smell like this" and of course "Looking for a place to happen making stops along the way "

This week I was on a picnic trip with people from China,Taiwan and Japan. First leg took us to the island of Heenfaru which is the picnic island then later in the day it was off to one of the local islands named after the Atoll of the same name, Rasdoo.

When we got to Rasdoo I did my own little walk about , taking advantage of my time there to take pictures. As I was walking around I bumped into a fellow named Ali. We got to talking and before long he invited me into his home! I met his family, he made me coffee and we chatted about stuff that was going on in the Capital City of Male'. He also showed me his new business which sold ice cream, milkshakes and fruit smoothies!

Now I felt pretty bad because I had left my cash in the plane which was tied to a floating platform at this point. Normally I would have my wallet with me of course but on picnic flight's we do a bit of swimming ourselves to pass the time and the company I work for allows us to fly in beach shorts after the first leg. This is an exception on these flights. I know rough life isn't it!

In any case Ali and his sister were more than happy to give me a free sample of ice cream and of course I am more than happy to promote their new venture any way I can. So if you are in Rasdoo any time soon please give Ali a call at 778.7438 ! He is sure to greet you and escort you to his store and in my mind you'd be helping a hard working gentleman make a go of it!

Inspiration was plentiful this week ! With the cooperation of the weather I was rewarded with some amazing moments to record. Lets get started shall we!

On this morning ,for whatever reason, my first flight was cancelled . So as the sun peeked out from the Eastern horizon I was ready with my camera. Way at the end of the Alpha Jetty my plane for the day sits alone awaiting the moment we light her up and go airborne for the first journey of the day.

While taking photos of the plane a couple of our traffic staff came down to strike a pose. I gave this one the black and white treatment. Seems to fit the mood! Love to know what you think!

On to the picnic I spoke about in the opening of this post.

The tide was low when we arrived at Heenfaru to we had to moor it to a long rope , one end of which is secured to the island the other is tied to a cement block out in the lagoon.

I really like this image! I had to wade around in the water with my camera so I was more than a little bit worried about my equipment. It was well worth the effort and I can report no equipment was harmed in the taking of this photograph ; ) !

On arrival to our second stop I left my crew at the cafe' , the tourists with their guide and walked the streets looking for interesting subject matter. This is one of a Dhoni in dry dock.

Palm trees are everywhere providing much needed shade on these hot and humid days!

Streets of Rasdoo. Such a different feel to them than that of Male'. Quiet and serene .

And here we have Ali!

Proudly posing in his new business. I love what having a camera does to enhance my world. I seek out images and as result I find myself in places or situations I may not have been apart of had I not had a camera with me.

In this case I got to meet Ali and his lovely family! Again if you find yourself in Rasdoo and looking for refreshment give him a call 778.7438 !

An old building that I had to photograph. Just something about it drew me to it. Can't really say why I felt so compelled to take a picture but sometimes you just do what you do. No need for explanation or reason. I just thought it would make a great image. I hope you agree.

So after my walk about around Rasdoo I hopped on the Dhoni with my passengers. While they were out snorkeling I stayed aboard and got this shot of some fisherman. I love the silhouette look that shooting this with full sun in the background caused. I love the black and white because I think it gives it a compelling look and feel!

One of the guides standing at the bow of the Dhoni. Keeping an keen eye out for the reef as we approach it in the bright sun.

I got myself as far forward as I dared to get this one of everyone getting ready to hit the water.

Here is a look from my office I am more than happy to share. This shot looking southwards at the North Ari Atoll.

Hanging around Athuruga Resort , by the restaurant that is located over the water. So many Reef Sharks! Very cool and again so glad to be taking the time to explore every island to its fullest extent.

On the days when the visibility is at its best I simply must take pictures of the Capital Male'! Such a unique looking city. A dot on the map in the middle of the vast Indian Ocean!

Hanging around the W Resort one day I was presented with this opportunity! A Heron patrolling the beach looking for a little lunch. He stopped here to pose in front of a Dhoni!

Again at the W Resort . Love the angles on this. How inviting does that swing chair look!

So ending the post here. A sunset over the Indian Ocean! The fleeting moments of the day that was as the sun lowers below the cloudy horizon.

That is all for now, I hope you enjoyed this look around the Maldives!

I am very happy to announce that I was asked to do an article for a new site promoting the Maldives! What an honour! Please follow this link to Island Maldives to check it out along with many other great insights into the Maldives!

Till the next time ......

Rob
One of the Barefoot Pilots!

Big Sky and Light Winds This Week!

2011-05-03T20:55:00.007+05:00

Well this week the Western Monsoon took it easy on us. Funny how the weather can work but I am sure the thousands of passengers we carried this past week were happy to be here with the sun shining on them. Though the wind was steady it was really of no consequence as it barely rose above 18 knots or there about. Makes our job look easy!

Photographic inspiration surrounds me at the best of times and at times it really seems as if there isn't anything I won't take an image of! This week, after a little bit of rain early on,you could see for twenty miles or more! The rain filters out the haze and really provides me amazing visibility to fly around in and to to take pictures of.

Not sure how long it is going to stay this way as we are due for some bigger storms none the less in the few weeks I have left here I plan to take full advantage of the circumstances! Now when I say in my remaining weeks this is not to say I am going for good, only to say I will be away for awhile ,soon to be back home in the loving arms of my family!

Okay on to this weeks pictures!

Just can't get enough of the way these coral reefs and the way stretch out towards the horizon.

Row upon row and with such perfection! This shot is of the Eastern side of the North Male atoll about twenty miles North of the capital city Male'.

In this one I captured the image of the Eastern side of the Lahviyani Atoll just after we left the resort of Palm Beach.

I will diverge a little here and show you this image of one my companies Twin Otters landing in Male on the West bound water way.

Another landing shot. On some days we shut down at a resort for a few hours. On this particular day, after having a lovely lunch at Diva resort, I was able to take this one of one our planes landing just over one of the sandbars. Love the little girl in the foreground enjoying the warm day, though it made me miss my sons!

On the way back to Male' I was able to get this one of Mr. Branch and his crew as he and his crew cruised by the Island Capital!

Here is one of our competitors making their way up to the BAA Atoll. Love how the cloud provided such a nice backdrop!

Down south in the Meemu Atoll. Simply breath taking, in my humble opinion!

Now I actually didn't do a picnic this week but non the less I wanted to share it with you. Tied out from the beach because of the low tide and changing sand! Not to worry though when everyone is in bathing suits it is really no big deal to walk to the beach from here.

A little look at the office.

Such a unique way to spend your vacation. A water villa that extends out onto the reef with your own private pool!

Just look at that water, how inviting is that water!

Hey thanks for stopping by . I love to share these images with all of you!

Till the next time,

Rob

One of the barefoot pilots!

The Changing Of The Weather From Calm To Monsoon!

2011-04-26T15:11:00.013+05:00

Hello and welcome to my Blog!

So glad you have found your way here. Perhaps its by way of the cards I hand out. Maybe you are a passenger I have had on board or possibly I have tagged you in a picture that I posted to facebook! Well no matter how you found your way here I happy you've found the time to check out some of the images I captured while touring the Maldives.

My wife and I are both photographers who own and operate a Studio in Victoria BC, Canada.SophiePhoto ! We are both passionate about the work we do and I think it shows!

Another week as come and gone. In my last post I wrote about my walk to work and how I felt it a bit surreal as I walk along listening to a great Canadian band "The Tragically Hip". This week I have tell you how surreal it felt to be listening to the Vancouver Canucks on CFAX as I went to work on the "fiver". Its a shame they lost though! Game 7 tomorrow!

Anyway enough of that its on to the images.

As the title of this post suggests the weather is a changing!The Western Monsoon is taking over the calm seas that we have enjoyed over the past month or so! The first of my images this week are from the remaining calm while the last ones are of the mighty Twin Otter at its best!

It's amazing to me how these Atolls are so symmetrically shaped on the defining edges . Here is the Faavu Atoll as I look to the North.

I am sure if you looked them from high above it would appear as if a knife cut a long them in a precise and decisive manner.

As you can see from this shot of the South Male Atoll there is a ring of coral reefs and Islands that surround a smattering of other reefs. It seems that all of the Atolls have this in common. A definitive edge surrounding a random grouping of islands and ringed coral reefs. Truly a spectacle I feel lucky to have seen!

The water so calm and inviting with little hint of what is to come. Soon the Western Monsoon will invade this tranquil setting and remind us all what power the Indian Ocean can bring.

Diverging slightly now to bring an image of the capital city Male'. A mosaic of colours and shapes. Like a crazy looking jigsaw puzzle randomly put together.

The airport in Male'. Ah yes a hint of the Western Monsoon as the storm clouds pass from West to East just North of the airfield.

I love this picture! The Dhoni reflected in the glassy Indian Ocean.

Catamarans all done for the day!

Wish you were here darling! Soon I will be swinging on a hammock back home and I would argue with just as good a view. None the less a great way to watch the sunset at Soneva!

So this is what it looks like when its calm!

And this is what its like when its not!

A true testimony to the engineers at De Havalind all those many years ago! Not to mention Pratt and Whitney and Wipline. I would also have to say the specialist' who fly them as well!

Skimming the tops or as we like to say tickling the tops just prior to stopping in a distance that I think even helicopter pilots would be impressed with, right Dad?!

The wind is as much fun for us as it is for these guys!

I think it is hard for anyone to look away from this pretty bird settling on the water, even if you have seen it so many times before!

Well that's it for this week! Hope you enjoyed it!

Till the next time so long from the Maldives.

Rob
One of the barefoot pilots!

Cast In A Golden Light

2011-04-19T19:36:00.014+05:00

"maybe then we'll talk
or sit silently
and listen to our thoughts
with illusions of someday
casting as golden light
no dress rehearsal,
this is our life"

..... From the song "Ahead By A Century" written and preformed by the best band on the planet "The Tragically Hip"

Often times I find myself walking to the morning "Dhoni", more often known as the "fiver" , listening to my favorite band. Something feels a little surreal in these moments as I wind my way through the narrow streets of Male'.

The call to prayer echoes as some hurry to the many Mosques in Male while others walk to the harbour to hitch a ride over to the airport.

There are the little old ladies who are doing there best to sweep the streets clean.Hunched over and determined. I can't help but to wonder, as I pass them by, what motivates them to be so diligent at this time of the day.

As my walk continues I will inevitably pass by a few security guards struggling to stay awake while sitting in, what appears to me, incredibly uncomfortable plastic chairs.

All the while I am loaded down with my backpack, my camera gear and clutching my travel mug full of black coffee.Such is my morning journey to work.

On some mornings I am called in on the "fiver" in order to be on standby until a later scheduled flight. Not always my favorite thing to do, I mean who doesn't like to get a little extra sleep. In any case on some days it is worth getting out of bed early as I hope the first of the images in this post will prove!

Predawn light is fleeting, gone in an instant as the sun rises above the Eastern Horizon. Turn your head at the wrong moment and you may miss something special. For those of you who turned your head I dedicate this shot to you!

The calm water of the lagoon, where the Twin Otters rest, reflects not only the planes themselves but the clouds that invite them to join them in their lofty heights.

I love the symmetry of this shot. Rows of propellers back-lit by the suns morning glow.

Before the engines roar to life and propellers disturb the still air of this glorious morning the passengers must be helped aboard. In this shot one our first officers Larrisa helps them safely board.

They head out on their way for the first trip of the day. No doubt the first of many!

Not to be out out done one of the aircraft from TMA is the next one to leave for the Atolls that make up the the many islands of Maldives.

Love that these guys called me over to take their photo. Something about the people of this country, photogenic and confident in who they are.I think this really translates to the images that I capture.

Thanks for the pose boys! You make it easy to take your picture!

The rain is starting to move in, slowly for now,just the odd shower here and there. As a result the air is much clearer and the visibility has greatly improved. I love the way these islands line up. It as if they were just planted there with purpose in mind.

It is an amazing time to record the Maldives. The transition between the Eastern and Western Monsoon brings clear sky's and because the seas have been calm for some time now the water is amazingly clear and blue.

A tremendous view indeed. I am sure few would disagree!

Time on one of the floating platforms provides a photo op! Here is Farish getting his picture taken, the floating platform reflected in the lens if his sunglasses.

I guess I am wandering from subject to subject in this post. I guess it is safe to say that when I have my camera in hand I find so many things that much more interesting.

I shot these images while walking the seawall at one of the resorts in the BAA atoll.

Thirty minutes before the sunset and the moon is high in the blue sky. I am so happy with the way this turned out!

Now this fellow appeared in this last weeks post and he sure to return in following posts. He was an amazing subject with so many "cheeky" expressions!

To end this week I leave you a shot of the main base in Male'. Most of our planes were there at this moment.

So happy you joined me here in the blogosphere. It is my pleasure to have presented these images and I hope you enjoy them as much as I!

All the best till next week.

Rob
One of the barefootpilots!

Thumbs Up from The Maldives!

2011-04-13T16:03:00.012+05:00

Hi there and welcome to the blog! I am so happy you have taken the time to visit my ongoing photo journal dedicated to the Maldives.

I have just "tweaked" my site a little! Now when you click on any of the photos in my posting a "light box" opens to display it. I think this is very cool just give them a click and enjoy!

There is no doubt in my mind that I find myself in a rather unique position as photographer who is also a seaplane pilot or is that a seaplane pilot who is also a photographer! To be honest I really don't want to pin myself down by just one or two categories. I think that throughout my life I have just followed paths that intrigued me most. Sometimes stumbling along and at other times with a dedicated purpose in mind. Now this is not all of the decisions I have made have necessarily been wise ones ! None the less they have made me who I am today and influence how I see the world around me which in turn influences my photographic style.

Speaking of influences I would like to diverge from my Maldives theme and start with a few shots my two amazing sons have captured. My wife and I try hard to influence them with what we consider to be the appropriate perspectives to guide them on their life's journey. You can't help but to feel a certain sense of pride when they take on something that you also love to do. Both of them have picked up the photography bug and I am so pleased to see the talent they already have.

So the first four pictures, although not of the Maldives, are from my son's!

Ben's photograph of a boardwalk! Love the perspective Ben!

A bit of self portrait with a butterfly, taken at the butterfly gardens in Victoria. Pretty tricky shot because Ben is actually using one our DSLR's!

Gabriel got this one with a Canon point and shoot! I have no idea how he managed to get so close! This is not cropped either! Amazing composition Gabriel!

Not to be out done by his older brother Gabriel also manages to get a very cool self portrait with a butterfly in hand!

So proud of both you guys!!!!

As I return to my photo's I start off with a sunrise at the seaplane base here in Male'. I always love it when my schedule allows me to get a few pictures of the rising sun!

Because my flight wasn't until 06:30 an amazing opportunity presents itself . We are still enjoying the calm water and clear sky's that dominate the period between the Monsoons. Though by the end of my week we had a little taste of what lies ahead and as I write this post the sky's darken with an approaching thunderstorm!

Often when I have a small break between flights I will go to the end of one our Jetty's and sit there with my zoom lens. Most everyone who see's me there gets into it and helps me with the shot! This one and the next are of my colleagues in blue shorts( TMA, the company uniform is blue shorts, and of course barefoot!)

Thanks for the big smile Captain!

Nice one with the cabin attendant standing outside as he prepares the ropes for docking while the tower controllers look on.

As we join the traffic pattern for a south bound left waterway landing I was able to capture this one of the twin otter taking off the north bound left waterway. No wind means you can easily takeoff in the opposite direction that you land in. Again another unique opportunity I was able to capitalize on !

Glassy water landing! People who don't fly seaplanes more often than not think that it is all to easy to land on calm water. Well I have to say there is a bit of trick to it and can be quite disastrous if not done correctly. Landing on a mirror like surface gives very little reference to how high you are as you enter the landing flare. You most definitely do not want land nose low! In this one Captain Laidman does it with style!

I was hanging around for an hour at Kanuhura Resort so I couldn't resist taking a few as we waited. I love it when I can get this perspective.

Back at the airport. I really like this one. such a unique looking airport!

Of course not everyone arrives by airplane. There are great many ships of all shapes and sizes that move in and out of the harbour here. To be sure some are more comfortable than others, this one looks to be very comfortable indeed!

Now how about some reefs to look at! I just love the view my office has on days like this! This one I got as we left the Lhaviyani Atoll heading south to Male.

Simply amazing! Need I say more!

This and the preceding shot are from the Ari Atoll! Photographers dream!

Love this little grouping of islands in the Baa Atoll.

My last photo of these two fellows, Arrish and Muez, got such a response I had to post another with a slightly different pose!

This one I simply adore. I was walking back to my apartment yesterday and as I passed by a school that was just letting out I scrambled to get my equipment together to capture the hoards of people that filled the street. As I was snapping away this fellow tapped me on the shoulder. We could really communicate through words because my Divehi is quite limited as was his English. But as I have mentioned before a smile goes a long way and he wanted me to take his picture as well! I was so happy to do it. So much character and joy in his face. I love that photography gives me these opportunities to really sample and savour the environment around me!

As I laid down on the beach to get this one I could hear one of my friends voices is my head. He describe the flight crew as hermit crabs! This is because we are often seen walking around the docks with backpacks, much like the hermit crab, carrying our stuff everywhere we go!

Seems once again appropriate to me to end with a sunset picture! A kayaker enjoying the last glimmers of the sun as it sets over the warm Indian Ocean. This shot taken at Filitheyo Resort in the Faafu Atoll

I am so glad you stopped by for a little visit.

Until the next post, so long from the Maldives!

Rob
One of the barefoot pilots!

These Are The People In My Neighbourhood!

2011-04-05T18:17:00.029+05:00

Hi there and welcome to www.barefootpilot.blogspot.com . A shout out to the returning visitors and new ones alike.

For those of you who have stopped by in the past you are probably noticing a number of design changes. A new background photo and a Fickr sideshow to name a couple. I am curious to know what everyone thinks of the changes so please feel free to comment!

Man where does the time go. I am half way through my latest visit here ! I have taken so many photos that I have trouble selecting which ones to post! I captured a lot of the "usual" images this week.The weather here has been simply fantastic again all week so I have got some awesome aerial shots along with ,wildlife and some truly stunning sunset/sunrise shots! If I do say so myself!

That being said I have taken inspiration provided to me by a photographer who's work I follow, Mr. Chris Orwig . I link to his website on the side navigation bar so please have a look at his work , of course I would prefer you do it after you check out mine! ; ). A while back he posted pictures of random people he took pictures of while touring around a few cities in the US. Very cool project. So I decided to something similar here in the Maldives.

I have mixed it up a little though because these are pictures, for the most part of people I know but feel need to be celebrated. Not all but mostly people who work behind the scenes here at Maldivian Air taxi along with some of the people around the area where I reside here in Male'. There also some of the front line people who guide our passengers to the aircraft and of course a pilot or two!

Shall we .......

These two guys Arrish and Muez caught me snapping away at the end of the Jetty and asked me if they could strike a few poses for the camera! Happy they did! They both work in the "traffic" section. They are responsible for rounding up and guiding the passengers on their way to and from the aircraft.

These two smiling pilots are Arif and Shafee. Arif is one our newest Captains. Shafee has been with the company for around 4 years, first as a dispatcher and now as First Officer. They caught me taking picture of the next fellows while I was up on the wing of one of our Twin Otters. They are flashing the sign that most of us have adopted from the surfer crowd. Seems appropriate to me as on some days we surf these planes onto some pretty big seas!

So as I said i was up on the wing of one plane taking pictures of the fellows washing the plane I was flying on this day. I love the "frozen water."

These guys work hard to keep the planes looking good! It is an important thing for this job to be done not only for keeping the aircraft shiny but also it is very important to keep rinsing the saltwater off.

These are the behind the scenes guys to be sure. Most passengers pay little attention to them but they have an important role to play within the airline. They go about their business at a steady and unrelenting pace. Rain or shine and more often than not with a smile!

I notice them and I hope these images will do them justice! Now I could have misundertood when I asked their names, but I did try to clarify. It is my understanding that they are both named Radha Krishna. They come to us from India.

As we move along I managed to convince one our maintenance engineers to take a moment so I could take his picture. He was a little reluctant but I was persistent! So Eddie relented and gave me a big smile!

Now if you have been to my blog in the past you may remember this fellow, Stephen one of our baggage handlers. Always working so hard and in all types of weather. He is from India though he spends much of his time in the Maldives earning money to send home to his family.

Maldivian Air Taxi has hired some new baggage handlers of late. Stephen was training Selvaraj on this day. Another guy from India. Seems to me like his training was going well and he is keen to learn. I know that Stephen takes great pride in his job and I sure he is a great guy to learn from.

This smiling guy is Sasi, another fellow from India. There is a bit of trend here! Maldivian Air Taxi has done well to find guys like him. Everyday he works so hard running bags to and from the airplanes! Always a big smile and handshake when I am greeted by him!

Saji hails from India as well and like the others has worked at MAT for longer than I have. I don't know how they do it rarely do I see them sweating or even a hair out of place! To think he has been at work for probably 6 hours at the moment I took this picture of him!

Ah yes we are on to Vijay. I don't think there has been a day when I have been at work that I haven't shook his hand! These guys also go unnoticed, for the most part, by the passengers. That being said they are a crucial link in the chain. Thankful a very strong link!

Vigil is in the foreground while Sasi peers over his shoulder! Again you can't help to notice how impeccable the grooming is! I can tell you by the end of the day I don't look this good! perhaps my Canadian/Celtic blood is simply to thick because I am sweating before I even get to work!

Ismath! I am sure at this point you see a theme! Smiling hard working guys who have come from India to find a better life in the Maldives. Or at least a job that that allows them to send money home to the family! If you are traveling with us one day and you recognize one these fellows I encourage you to take the time to say hi along with a "job well done!"

This fellow is named Mauroof and I believe he is actually from Sri Lanaka . I meant to get these photos printed for all of them on these last days off I have had. Unfortunately I got to preoccupied with other things. A terrible excuse on my part but I have made it a priority now. I think that these fellows deserve recognition for their hard work and in some little way I think they will be happy to have some nice pictures of themselves.

Big Raeef! Certainly one of my favorite cabin attendants! He has been with the company since the beginning and knows his job well! That knowledge combined with brute strength makes him a huge asset. Most especially when the winds are howling and the plane needs more than my control to bring into the dock safely!

Azmeel! Love working with this guy too. We have such good time flying together. His hands and feet at the controls are great, he knows when to work hard and knows when its time to lighten the mood with a good laugh!

As I move along I thought I would share a few more pictures of some of the people I meet around here in the Maldives. This guy is the man who cuts my hair. He does and excellent job to be sure and I always get a shave while I am there as well! I will also get a copy to Balamanikandan another young man who has left his home country of India. I know he looks a little stiff here. He speaks good English and I did ask to take his picture, I am pretty sure not many people ask him for a photograph and he didn't quite know what to think of it! I just walked by the 'Saloon" the other day and the whole crew got up and gave me a big wave as I went by!Love it!

Just across from the apartment I stay in there is another building being built. Now have to say it is one of the things that gets on my nerves. In my days off the sound of construction starts at 07:00 and goes to 19:00. Which is actually a slight improvement because on my last stay they went to all hours of the night. For whatever reason that has now been reduced.In any case I wanted to show how close these buildings are here. As I laid down on the ground the guys doing the building were looking over at me, probably wondering what I was doing.
I struck up a conversation and of course asked if I could take pictures of them as well!

They were patient with me! I love the perspective in this shot! Sarab looking down at me!

Here I have Ali giving me the big smile!

And finally Gadem, he is looking pretty serious here! Maybe wondering what the hell!

Of course what would a post of mine be with out and airplane! Launching off of the North Right waterway with the tower controllers looking on!

Thanks for stopping by! I hope you liked this little tour around my world here in the Maldives!

Stay safe folks, as I close this post I would like to send my condolences to the family friends of those on board UNO834, a CRJ200 that crashed in Kinshasa killing 33 of 34 people. A terrible tragedy and as I wait to here If I knew anyone on board I am filled shock. No more words can I offer other than those I have given.

Rob
One of the barefootpilots!

People, Places And Of Course Planes!

2011-03-29T21:29:00.012+05:00

Hello there ! Welcome to my online photographic journal of my adventures here in the Maldives! This past week I was once again enjoying the calm period that separates the Eastern and Western Monsoon. Not sure exactly when the Western Monsoon will come a knocking but in the mean time I will enjoy the lovely weather.

As it is with most weeks I have been quite busy flying around barefoot here in the Maldives, always with a camera by my side! I was looking for a theme for this week and I have decided to go with a wider spectrum than the week before.

I hope you will enjoy the people,place and planes I have had the privileged to photograph this week!

I will kick things off with this one I took while I was hanging around with a group of guests we were taking for a picnic and snorkeling day. I normally don't join them for the snorkeling from the Dhoni, usually just hang around the island of Rasdoo waiting for them to return. Really glad I went this time! Love this shot!

On the way back to home base one day we were able to catch up with my colleagues flying 8Q-MAO(the registration on the aircraft pictured here) . Flying by the Capital City of Male' with the airport in the background!

My friends pulled up on the beach at Palm beach resort. It is from the collection of images I got from the week before. This one was taken from the other side as we maneuvered around the island to set up our landing.

Nothing like a zoom lens and a great opportunity!

I keep saying it, I never get tired of this view! I can't imagine ever taking it for granted!

We were done for the day around 4:30 pm on this day so I had time to get some nice late day pictures. The next three are of Janick the water sports centre base leader taking his Seadoo out for a test run!

Looks almost as fun as flying a Twin Otter!

He really made it move! I have to say I was wishing it was me riding and him taking the pictures! LOL!

Okay I am kind of all over the place here as I am leading you back to the picnic day! Oh well I am all over the place here in the 'Dives so it kind of seems appropriate at times for my blog posts go that way as well! This shot is of the Dhoni Captain. While I was on top of the Dhoni Ismail came up for a little chat and graciously allowed me to photograph him.

On our way back to get the plane, Echo, the GRO in charge of the tour , came up to do a bit of modeling. This was to be her last tour , a few days later she was on her way home to Wenchuan in Sichuan province. I hope I got that right!

My two friends and partners for the picnic day. Love the cool pose here on the beach at Heenfaru! Mausim on the right and Azm on the left. Cool guys that I really enjoy working with!

Back at the base the boys caught me taking their picture! Big smile and a wave!

As I cruised the streets of Male today taking photos I asked this fellow and his friends if I could take their picture. They were happy to oblige! Samsoo looking pretty relaxed in this one!

In this one are , Malomeer and Kamal. Cool guys. We chatted for a bit, despite our language barrier. A smile and a kind word are universal!

I don't much in the way of up close portrait shots. that being said I am really happy I stepped out of comfort zone and composed this one.

The were so patient and gracious with me. I am not sure if I will see them again in this city of, by some estimates, 100,000 faces. If I do though I am confident they and I will stop to shake hands and to share a smile.

Back to the planes now!
In this one I caught Chris Tuttle and Cameron Mears landing at Velidhu resort! I got this one while standing on the wing of the aircraft I was flying. It is probably obvious, though I do consider myself a multi-tasker, I wasn't flying at the time! We had tied to a buoy to allow Chris and his crew to drop off their passengers at the Jetty.

An aerial shot of one our planes manoeuvring on the East side of Palm Beach resort. The guests often get some great photo ops!

Well as the post winds down I will end with a few sunsets and a sunrise. In this one I stood at the entrance of the Presidents Jetty to frame the sun and Dhoni as it traveled by!

A dhoni just across from the Presidents jetty.

Not a bad way to start the day. I just got to work as this perfect scene was unfolding. I quickly got the camera out a captured this sunrise.

So glad you found the time to check out my blog. All comments are welcome!

Till the next time...

Rob
One of the barefoot pilots!