I was feeling a bit guilty for not attending any of Mindsblog gatherings so far due to busy schedule (and the fact that I’ll be the oldest fella around didn’t exactly motivate me). So, when the Mindsblog admin announced a photoshoot outing at Batu Caves, I gave my standard “will try to come if nothing else crops up” reply, but told myself I’ll be there.Latest update showed 11 people confirmed (minus myself), so I was hoping to meet many new faces. And I won’t be the oldest since Selian was coming too 🙂

Thus, on Saturday morning, managed to drag myself out of bed, settle dog-walking, garden watering, and a quick breakfast before speeding off to Batu Caves. Had to utilise my racing skills to reach Batu Caves at 9.13am (left at 8.36am, that means 37 mins from Puchong to Batu Caves).

I was ready to apologise for being late, but to my utter dissappointment no one was there! Immediately called the person in charge, who was on the way. Next person to arrive was Rames. I’ve seen his blog before, and he is good. As for me, hmm…like land and sky, if compare with him or Selian.

Anyway, managed to get some tips and advice from Rames, and we decided to start shooting away while waiting for others to arrive. The weather was cloudy and quite a number of tourists were milling around. We did not go up the stairs, but just took photos at ground level. The main attraction without a doubt were the pigeons and the monkeys. Oh ya, Lord Muruga’s golden statue as well.

I was tired by around 10.00am, and told Rames that we should take a break. By then, the organiser arrived – Amutha, who brought a guest, Parimala. We adjourned to Rani Restaurant. Being the ever-inquisitive (kepoh) person, I think I may have irritated the rest with many questions. Sorry guys 🙂

We resumed our activity at about 10.40am, and decided to go up the stairs into the main cave. Selian joined us halfway up the stairs. So, that’s 5 people already. We spent more than 1 hour in the cave taking shots. While up there, another two people turned up – Pushparaaja and Sundra (hope i got that correct). Up to 7 people now.

We came down at about 1pm. Took some group shots. The next activity was to enter the Kalai Kudam (Art Cave) but since I have other commitments (well, have to show I’m busy person ma!!!), I took leave.

Ok, that’s for the reporting part. Now the comments and opinions:

1. I think those who promised to come must inform the organiser if they can’t make at last minute. This will spare us from waiting unneccesarily. No point giving your name, but then go AWOL. Especially the models. 🙂

2. In future, a small tutorial/lecture/talk on photography concepts will be useful so that it will inspire bloggers to learn more about their camera. Nothing heavy, but some basic ideas and theories will suffice (err..are theories considered heavy?)

(update: Ronaldo scores. Man Utd 2-0 WBA). So, now you know what I’m doing at 2.00am.

3. Should structure the event so that we have a timeplan and focus. For example, 1 hour at ground level, 1 hour in cave, and so on.  Will ensure better use of time.

Overall, I had a good time and met new friends.  I liked Rames and his positive attitude. He is easy-going and willing to share his knowledge. Parimala was vivacious and bubbly (hehehe…i hope its the correct English word to use!), a welcome addition to the group. Didn’t really got a chance to talk to Pushparaaja and Sundra. Fret not, we shall meet again.

(update: Berbatov scores his first goal for Man Utd. 3-0 now).

Ok, I’m going off-tangent here. The main reason for the outing was to take PHOTOS, not chit-chatting with people. I’ve uploaded the pics at Picasa. I’m not into editing, so its WYSIWIS (What You See Is What I Shot). Images are JPG and resized from 700-800kb to 70-100kb. Originals are in RAW.

(update: Nani scores. Man Utd 4-0 WBA. Looks like the Big Four all scored at least 3 goals)