Mercedes AMG GT S solarbeam on Yangmingshan - front view right
Even without moving, this photo illustrates the dynamics of the AMG GT S Coupe. For its launch back in 2015, Mercedes AMG used a very special metallic paint called "solarbeam". When you look at the car, you immediately understand why this name was chosen. The strikingly vibrant color shines even on cloudy days as if the car had integrated sunlight. Therefore, I took a lot of photos on a half-day round trip around Taiwan's Yangmingshan National Park mountain roads and the nearby coast.
(Yangmingshan, Taiwan, December 2015 - Image ID 201512-TW-08)
Mercedes AMG GT S solarbeam meets bamboo forest
One of my favourite backgrounds for the iconic AMG GT S Coupe is this bamboo forest. For its launch back in 2015, Mercedes AMG used a very special metallic paint called "solarbeam". When you look at the car, you immediately understand why this name was chosen. The strikingly vibrant color shines even on cloudy days as if the car had integrated sunlight integrated. Therefore, I took a lot of photos on a half-day round trip around Taiwan's Yangmingshan National Park mountain roads and the nearby coast.
(Yangmingshan, Taiwan, December 2015 - Image ID 201512-TW-06)
Mercedes AMG GT S solarbeam meets dog near Yehliu Geopark
Even this dog takes a closer look at the AMG GT S performance coupe parked near the Yehliu Geopark. For its launch back in 2015, Mercedes AMG used a very special metallic paint called "solarbeam". When you look at the car, you immediately understand why this name was chosen. The strikingly vibrant color shines even on cloudy days as if the car had integrated sunlight. Therefore, I took a lot of photos on a half-day round trip around Taiwan's Yangmingshan National Park mountain roads and the nearby coast.
(Yehliu, Taiwan, December 2015 - Image ID 201512-TW-04)
Mercedes AMG GT S solarbeam parked in front of Buddhist temple
Another nice contrast to the AMG GT S Coupe is this colorful buddhist temple on the road to Wanli. For its launch back in 2015, Mercedes AMG used a very special metallic paint called "solarbeam". When you look at the car, you immediately understand why this name was chosen. The strikingly vibrant color shines even on cloudy days as if the car had integrated sunlight. Therefore, I took a lot of photos on a half-day round trip around Taiwan's Yangmingshan National Park mountain roads and the nearby coast.
(Yangmingshan, Taiwan, December 2015 - Image ID 201512-TW-07)
Mercedes AMG GT S solarbeam in Yehliu fishing harbor
The modern design of the AMG GT S Coupe meets the picturesque scenery of a traditional fishing harbor. For its launch back in 2015, Mercedes AMG used a very special metallic paint called "solarbeam". When you look at the car, you immediately understand why this name was chosen. The strikingly vibrant color shines even on cloudy days as if the car had integrated sunlight. Therefore, I took a lot of photos on a half-day round trip around Taiwan's Yangmingshan National Park mountain roads and the nearby coast. (Yehliu, Taiwan, December 2015 - Image ID 201512-TW-03)
Mercedes AMG GT S solarbeam on Yangmingshan - rear view left
A rear-view of the AMG GT S Coupe showcases automotive design at its best! For its launch back in 2015, Mercedes AMG used a very special metallic paint called "solarbeam". When you look at the car, you immediately understand why this name was chosen. The strikingly vibrant color shines even on cloudy days as if the car had integrated sunlight. Therefore, I took a lot of photos on a half-day round trip around Taiwan's Yangmingshan National Park mountain roads and the nearby coast.
(Yangmingshan, Taiwan, December 2015 - Image ID 201512-TW-09)
Mercedes AMG GT S solarbeam sideview near Yehliu Geopark
The smooth aerodynamic silhouette of the AMG GT S Coupe contrasts with the sharp edges of the rocks near Yehliu Geopark. For its launch in 2015, Mercedes AMG used a special metallic paint called "solarbeam". When you look at the car, you immediately understand why this name was chosen. The strikingly vibrant color shines even on cloudy days as if the car had integrated sunlight. A perfect model to take lots of photos on a trip around Taiwan's Yangmingshan National Park mountain roads and the nearby coast.
(Yehliu, Taiwan, December 2015 - Image ID 201512-TW-05)
Pink hibiscus flower - Wet Red Bricks Series IV
Rainy days often provide exceptional opportunities for photographers. One just needs to overcome the inner bastard, and get outside. Once you start to explore nature, one can capture unusual images of otherwise very frequent and common motives. Mai 2013 had quite a lot of these lousy days with the so-called "Plum Rain" (big waterdrops!) in Taiwan. I decided to explore the neighborhood, and found quite a diverse collection of leaves and flowers on a driveway with red bricks. Amongst them this beautiful pink hibiscus flower... And no, I didn't pick it - just arranged it a bit on the bricks.
(Taipei, Taiwan, May 2013 - Image ID: 201305-TW-04)
Yellow white plumeria flower - Wet Red Bricks Series II
Rainy days often provide exceptional opportunities for photographers. One just needs to overcome the inner bastard, and get outside. Once you start to explore nature, one can capture unusual images of otherwise very frequent and common motives. Mai 2013 had quite a lot of these lousy days with the so-called "Plum Rain" (big waterdrops!) in Taiwan. I decided to explore the neighborhood, and found quite a diverse collection of leaves and flowers on a driveway with red bricks. Amongst them this nice two-color tone plumeria flower... And no, I didn't pick it - just arranged it a bit on the bricks.
(Taipei, Taiwan, May 2013 - Image ID: 201305-TW-02)
Yellow and green tree leaves - Wet Red Bricks Series VI
Rainy days often provide exceptional opportunities for photographers. One just needs to overcome the inner bastard, and get outside. Once you start to explore nature, one can capture unusual images of otherwise very frequent and common motives. Mai 2013 had quite a lot of these lousy days with the so-called "Plum Rain" (big waterdrops!) in Taiwan. I decided to explore the neighborhood, and found quite a diverse collection of leaves and flowers on a driveway with red bricks. Amongst them these two-colored leaves, that look like Autumn, even though I took the photo in Spring.
(Taipei, Taiwan, May 2013 - Image ID: 201305-TW-06)
Bright yellow leaf (Wet Red Bricks Series - V)
Rainy days often provide exceptional opportunities for photographers to capture unusual images of frequent motifs. Mai 2013 had quite a lot of these days in Taiwan. I decided to explore the neighborhood, and found quite a diverse collection of leaves and flowers on a floor with red bricks. This yellow leaf was particularly attractive.
Green tree leaf (Wet Red Bricks Series - III)
Rainy days often provide exceptional opportunities for photographers to capture unusual images of frequent motifs. Mai 2013 had quite a lot of these days in Taiwan. I decided to explore the neighborhood, and found quite a diverse collection of leaves and flowers on a floor with red bricks.
Beige colored plant tuft (Wet Red Bricks Series - I)
Rainy days often provide exceptional opportunities for photographers to capture unusual images of frequent motifs. Mai 2013 had quite a lot of these days in Taiwan. I decided to explore the neighborhood, and found quite a diverse collection of leaves and flowers on a floor with red bricks. Not really sure which plant this is from?
Cherry tree pink sakura spring blossoms - I
Cherry blossoms are probably amongst the most photographed flowers in the world. Especially in Asia, people will go out every year in search of the perfect sakura shot. Different weather conditions, another tree, new angles, creative post-processing - there are many ways to add something new to the collection. During the years living in Taipei, the large cherry tree in the garden of our neighbor spoiled us with stunning visuals (eye candy!) in all shades of pink. Combine this with a beautiful dark blue sky, and you get the perfect setting for photographers to take a whole series of images.
(Taipei, Taiwan, February 2014 - Image ID: 201402-TW-001)
Cherry tree branch with pink sakura spring blossoms - V
Cherry blossoms are probably amongst the most photographed flowers in the world. Especially in Asia, people will go out every year in search of the perfect sakura shot. Different weather conditions, another tree, new angles, creative post-processing - there are many ways to add something new to the collection. During the years living in Taipei, the large cherry tree in the garden of our neighbor spoiled us with stunning visuals (eye candy!) in all shades of pink. Combine this with a beautiful dark blue sky, and you get the perfect setting for photographers to take a whole series of images.
(Taipei, Taiwan, February 2014 - Image ID: 201402-TW-005)
Cherry tree branch with pink sakura spring blossoms - IV - Photo Painting
Cherry blossoms are probably amongst the most photographed flowers in the world. Especially in Asia, people will go out every year in search of the perfect sakura shot. Different weather conditions, another tree, new angles, creative post-processing - there are many ways to add something new to the collection. During the years living in Taipei, the large cherry tree in the garden of our neighbor spoiled us with stunning visuals (eye candy!) in all shades of pink. Combine this with a beautiful dark blue sky, and you get the perfect setting for photographers to take a whole series of images.
(Taipei, Taiwan, February 2014 - Image ID: 201402-TW-004)
Cherry tree pink sakura spring blossoms - II
Cherry blossoms are probably amongst the most photographed flowers in the world. Especially in Asia, people will go out every year in search of the perfect sakura shot. Different weather conditions, another tree, new angles, creative post-processing - there are many ways to add something new to the collection. During the years living in Taipei, the large cherry tree in the garden of our neighbor spoiled us with stunning visuals (eye candy!) in all shades of pink. Combine this with a beautiful dark blue sky, and you get the perfect setting for photographers to take a whole series of images.
(Taipei, Taiwan, February 2014 - Image ID: 201402-TW-002)
Taroko Gorge suspension bridge
One of the most beautiful bridges on the Central Cross-Island Highway near the Tianxiang Recreation Area. Whilst the river carried little water when we visited, during rainy and especially typhoon season, massive amounts of water run down the narrow gorge.
(Taroko Gorge, Taiwan, March 2013 - Image ID: 201303-TW-15)
Tianfeng Pagoda
A landmark within the lush green of the slopes of the Taroko Gorge: the Tianfeng Pagoda. No matter if you driving up- or downhill, it is impossible to miss it - even at night when it is beautifully illuminated.
(Taroko Gorge, Taiwan, March 2013 - Image ID: 201303-TW-16)
The final climb
The Central Cross-Island Highway isn't really a highway. It's rather a spectacular and narrow mountain road with countless tunnels, bridges and breathtaking views after every turn. The final ascent towards the summit is amongst the steepest parts of the journey.
(Taroko Gorge, Taiwan, March 2013 - Image ID: 201303-TW-14)
Changchun Shrine and waterfall
This eyecatching shrine in an idyllic location is located in the lower part of the Taroko Gorge, and a popular tourist stop. As beautiful as it is: the shrine was actually build in memory of the workers who died during the construction of the mountain road.
(Taroko Gorge, Taiwan, March 2013 - Image ID: 201303-TW-17)
Tunnels deep inside Taroko Gorge
To make the extremely deep and steep gorge accessible to visitors, engineers had to drill a lot of tunnels into the marble rock. The Taroko Gorge is one of the most spectacular roads I have ever driven - breathtaking new views behind every corner.
(Taroko Gorge, Taiwan, March 2013 - Image ID: 201303-TW-12)
Obstacle in flowing water - rock meets mountain river
Hiking in mountain areas is an experience for all senses. What continues to always fascinate me is to watch and to listen to the numerous streams and rivers running downhill. Unfortunately, many gorges are so steep and inaccessible, that it is almost impossible to enjoy their beauty. But one can always find a peaceful spot where it is possible to sit down, and watch how the rocks divert the flow of water. But only with a long exposure photo, one can truly appreciate the contrast between movement and static obstacle. I took this image in the breathtakingly wild Taroko Gorge in Taiwan.
(Taroko Gorge, Taiwan, March 2013 - Image ID: 201303-TW-11)
Taroko Gorge river beauty
Cool water runs down between huge boulders against a backdrop of mountains with dense green vegetation. As a photographer, the Taroko Gorge offers hundreds of spots for scenic photo shots
(Taroko Gorge, Taiwan, March 2013 - Image ID: 201303-TW-10)
Foggy spotllight tree
Such a relaxing and peaceful scene: a single tree standing out from the forst on a high mountain slope. The fog and the limited amount of available created an almost fairy-tale like scene.
(Taroko Gorge, Taiwan, March 2013 - Image ID: 201303-TW-09)
Relaxation for body, mind and soul
Enjoying the breathtaking beauty of Taroko Gorge in style from the warm rooftop pool at Silks Place Taroko Hotel. Absolutely beautiful and so relaxing for body, mind and soul !!!
(Taroko Gorge, Taiwan, March 2013 - Image ID: 201303-TW-13)
Scenic cable car lake view
An absolute must for every tourist visiting the popular Sun Moon Lake in Nantou District: taking the cable car to enjoy stunning scenic views over the lake and its surrounding mountains. Definitely worth it!
(Sun Moon Lake, Taiwan, March 2013 - Image ID: 201303-TW-01)
Wenwu Temple overlooking Sun Moon Lake
Easily accessible from the ring road surrounding Sun Moon Lake, most visitors will stop at the popular Wenwu Temple. Apart from the impressive interior, it is worth walking up to the top to enjoy a spectacular rooftop view over the lake.
(Sun Moon Lake, Taiwan, March 2013 - Image ID: 201303-TW-07)
Staircase in white and blue with safety net
No pain, no gain. In order to enjoy a fantastic panoramic view over the famous Sun Moon Lake in Central Taiwan, a little physical effort is required. To get up to the viewing platform of the 46m high Ci'en Pagoda, one needs to climb up this beautiful white and blue staircase. Instead of just rushing up and down this hexagonal construction, it is worth stopping now and then, and have a look up and down. The simple design with just three colors will blow architecture and art fans away
(Sun Moon Lake, Taiwan, March 2013 - Image ID: 201303-TW-04)
Ci'en Pagoda Sun Moon Lake
One of the major tourist attractions in the Sun Moon Lake area, not only because of the stunning architecture and colours, but also for its platform being a great sightseeing spot.
(Sun Moon Lake, Taiwan, March 2013 - Image ID: 201303-TW-03)
Stairs with half-open blue metal door
After enjoying a fantastic view over the famous Sun Moon Lake, visitors will exit the tower via this decorative blue & white staircase via the half-open door with metal bars. Coming down from the 46m high Ci'en Pagoda, the return is a lot easier than the way up the equally colored staircase. The design with just three colors is so simple, and yet extremely eyecatching. A nice way to say good-bye... And after the last visitor has left, the bars ensure nobody can enter unauthorized.
(Sun Moon Lake, Taiwan, March 2013 - Image ID: 201303-TW-05)
Tree fern waterfall
Timeless beauty, and so relaxing to just sit down and to watch and listen to the sound of the falling water.
(Taipei, Taiwan, January 2013 - Image ID: 201302-TW-15)
Wulai Falls sakura blossoms
Taking close-up photos of cherry blossoms is very popular throughout Asia. Doing so in such a spectacular setting as the Wulai Falls gorge adds a little extra aspects to this morif, usually captured against a blue sky background.
(Taipei, Taiwan, January 2013 - Image ID: 201301-TW-10)
Into the gorge...
Looking down, visitors enjoy a beautiful view of the bottom of the gorge with its clean turquoise water, constantly fed with supply dropping down from the forest area above. Simply relaxing and so beautiful.
(Taipei, Taiwan, January 2013 - Image ID: 201301-TW-11)
Thin Wulai waterfall
About an hours drive from Taipei is the popular tourist attraction of the Wulai Falls. The water dropping into the steep rocky gorge with its lush sub-tropical rainforest green is absolutely beautiful
(Taipei, Taiwan, January 2013 - Image ID: 201301-TW-09)
Yangmingshan crater fumes
Something special about Taipei is the close vicinity to both the sea and relatively high mountains. Yangmingshan is a popular recreation and hiking area for citizens, with vast grasslands, and some craters and fumeroles giving testimony of its volcanic origin.
(Taipei City, Taiwan, February 2013 - Image ID: 201302-TW-08)
Wulai Falls close-up
Zooming in on the water running down the steep cliff also reveals a number of plants growing in this very wet environment.
(Taipei, Taiwan, January 2013 - Image ID: 201301-TW-12)
Lantern festival musicians
One integral part of the Festive Season are the lantern festivals. These exhibitions are extremely popular, resulting in huge crowds visiting them in the evenings. And whilst this band of musicians doesn't really play their traditional instruments, they are just fascinating.
(Taipei City, Taiwan, February 2013 - Image ID: 201302-TW-10)
A colourful snake
One integral part of the Festive Season are the lantern festivals. Artists put up huge figures, animals and other objects, which are beautifully illuminated in countless colours. These exhibitions are extremely popular, resulting in huge crowds visiting them in the evenings.
(Taipei City, Taiwan, February 2013 - Image ID: 201302-TW-09)
Illuminated percussion lanterns
One integral part of the Festive Season are the lantern festivals. Artists put up huge figures, such as these musicians with their illuminated drums and other instruments. These exhibitions are extremely popular, resulting in huge crowds visiting them in the evenings.
(Taipei City, Taiwan, February 2013 - Image ID: 201302-TW-12)
On the beach with a smile
This poor fish stranded and died on a sandy beach in the Tamsui area. Despite of this misfortune, it still seems to smile at everyone walking by. Somehow sad!
(Taipei, Taiwan, January 2013 - Image ID: 201301-TW-06)
Waiting for customers
On weekends, these tables are usually very busy, packed with families enjoying food and drinks outdoors. Due to the bad weather, I found them completely empty...
(Taipei, Taiwan, January 2013 - Image ID: 201301-TW-05)
Lover's Bridge
The fisherman's wharf in Tamsui is a popular weekend destination for families living in Taipei. Lot's of restaurants cater for the culinary needs of the visitors. One of the most popular spots for couples is the pink-coloured "Lover's Bridge", even on days with really bad weather.
(Tamsui, Taiwan, January 2013 - Image ID: 201301-TW-04)
Bold architecture
One of the first places fto visit obviously was Taipei101, the cities main tourism attraction with its 101 floors. Putting such a high-rise skyscaper in a earthquake hazard area required innovative architectural solutions, with a gigantic metal pendulum installed inside the building.
(Taipei, Taiwan, January 2013 - Image ID: 201301-TW-03)
Construction vs. ferris wheel
The colourful Miramar feeris wheel has been in operation for quite some time, whereas new high rise buildings are coming up in the Dazhi neighborhood.
(Taipei, Taiwan, January 2013 - Image ID: 201301-TW-08)
The power of plants
Keeping your eyes open is often rewarded with unusual discoveries. I found this small plant growing out of a wooden pole at Huanshan 1914 Creative Park. Almost impossibe, and yet nature found its way...
(Taipei City, Taiwan, February 2013 - Image ID: 201302-TW-07)
Red plastic stool rows
Year-round, the Liberty Square in the center of Taipei is used as a venue for many events. Whilst not the most comfortable seating, these chairs are waiting for the visitors to arrive.
(Taipei, Taiwan, January 2013 - Image ID: 201301-TW-02)
City Wildlife
Even within the densly populated greater Taipei area, nature still has its places of refuge. Many public parks with lakes and ponds of all shapes and sizes provide home to a number of birds.
(Taipei, Taiwan, January 2013 - Image ID: 201301-TW-01)
Symbolic pineapple presents
One of the most common and popular fruit year-round, but especially during New Year celebrations is the pineapple. It symbolizes wealth and prosperity, and presenting it to someone has this wish for the upcoming year attached symbolically.
(Taipei City, Taiwan, February 2013 - Image ID: 201302-TW-03)
Yellow lanterns
Yellow and red are the dominating colours for the countless lanterns decorating temples, businesses and private homes.
(Taipei City, Taiwan, February 2013 - Image ID: 201302-TW-02)
Red lanterns at night
Not much to say about these very decorative and almost romantic red lanterns. They are not limited to the Festive season, but obviously more common during winter months.
(Taipei City, Taiwan, February 2013 - Image ID: 201302-TW-04)
Burning candles in the wind
During Chinese New Year season, a lot more people than usual visit the large number of temples inside the Greater Taipei metropolitan area. They usually come with the entire family, and pray together for a good year ahead. Thousands of candles are lit every day, creating a very festive mood. As a foreigner, it is very interesting to observe the permanent flow of people coming and going. When it comes to taking pictures, I think it is better to focus on the temple, its interior and candles than photographing unknown people performing their religious rituals.
(Taipei City, Taiwan, February 2013 - Image ID: 201302-TW-01)
