New blog, new ways…

Hello everyone,

I’ve made a decision: starting today, I’m switching the entire blog back to English. After all, most people speak English. If you prefer reading in your own language, you can always install a translation plugin in your browser.

I’ve also reduced the image size from 1920 px to 1200 px. Everything looks great on my MacBook Pro. Is anyone experiencing any display issues? I’d be interested to know. I’ve adjusted the layout accordingly as well.

I’ve reorganized and reprogrammed my cameras. The Fuji X-T5 is now a dedicated black-and-white camera. The Fuji X-E5 is set up with color “films” and only two black-and-white film simulations. I use the Leica Q3 exclusively as a RAW camera, editing the files later in Photoshop or Lightroom Classic. For my JPEGs, I only adjust the histogram—nothing else. And AI, that detestable invention from the devil, is something I simply don’t use. AI has nothing to do with photography—the art of “drawing with light”—and, in my opinion, it fundamentally has no place there. Period. There is no debate about that.

Here in Manila, everything is as usual: a good, peaceful life and simple, good food. We’re back in the rainy season now. It’s less humid, but it rains harder, more often, and above all—in true tropical fashion—completely without warning. You walk across the street under bright sunshine, and suddenly… splash! You’re soaking wet. Just another spontaneous tropical downpour.

The family members who spent the last six weeks here have all returned home—to Germany and South Korea. In September, my nephew Kendrick will stay with us for a short stopover before he also moves to South Korea. He and his girlfriend will be working there as operating room nurses for the next several years. Kenny says he’ll earn significantly more money there, have much more regular working hours, and… in South Korea, he doesn’t have to worry about someone randomly punching him in the face.

My husband is doing well, and I’m becoming more and more interested in Buddhism and minimalism. Both are fascinating subjects, and they fit perfectly with a simple, modest, peaceful, and somewhat detached way of life.

In September, we’re flying to Vietnam for a week. Traveling, eating well, and taking photographs. What a life!

Best wishes from the tropics—for today!