Our man in Tokyo

And I ride and I ride and I ride 2007 wasn't just about my masquerading as Anton Corbijn. I kept up the travel photography and was pleased my keeper ratio (the number of good photos to 'Meh!' photos) increased over the course of 2007. Early in the year I made a fleeting trip to Shanghai where I joined thousands of other tourists snapping photos of the Oriental Pearl Tower and the city's rapidly expanding skyscraper district opposite The Bund. I wrote at the time how at that time of year the city's cold and grey streets seemed to cry out for black and white photographs. I'm looking foward to going back again soon and capture more of the city before it's cleared to make way for all that development.

In May, I traveled to the small southern town of Tübingen in Germany to participate in one of Chris Marquardt's photo workshops (see separate entry below). While I was in Germany I also took the opportunity to visit Berlin - still my favorite European capital, although looking very different from the city I first visited as a university student back in '95. One thing thing that hasn't changed: Berlin still has the coolest nightlife in the world. Sure, not everyone will enjoy ordering their drinks from a guy dressed up like Interpol's Carlos D and being yelled at for mispronouncing Caipirinha in German, but it works for me.

On the way back from Germany, I made a quick stop in Hong Kong where, despite monsoon-like rain, I got some nice images of Victoria Harbor from the back of a Star Ferry. I wish I'd had longer to wander around the Kowloon's backstreets and try more of the delicious food on offer.

Finally, in late October, I had an unexpected opportunity to visit my friend Feodor in Cambodia. I met up with the Scourge of Moldova in Phnom Penh, where we spent three days mostly lamenting that we'd never been to Russia together. I then bid him a brief farewell and traveled north west to Siem Reap and the Temples of Angkor. There is little I can say that will do the experience justice. I suggest you just check out the photos.

'Scuse me while I geek out for a moment Both Nikon and Canon released new DSLR cameras in the second half of 2007. Nikon's D300, with its amazingly low noise at high ISOs, large LCD screen and 51 point AF system, currently tops my wish list. Their other offering is the D3x, Nikon's first foray into the full-frame camera market. While many Nikon DSLR users have long been jealous of their Canon brethren, upgrading to a full-frame camera comes with a price-tag too hefty for most. Not to be outdone, Canon meanwhile released the 40D, a 'prosumer' offering with a 10 megapixel sensor and the ability to improve highlight detail. There are also rumors about the EOS 7D which is set to replace the very popular 5D. If the Canon fan-boy sites are to be believed, this ought to be an amazing camera.

TFTTF workshop host, Chris Marquardt

Touring Tübingen Still with me? One of the most enjoyable events of the year was taking part in the TFTTF photo workshop. I learned a great deal while I was there - about studio lighting, about Photoshop, about dealing with cooperative models and uncooperative weather. It was in Tübingen that I had my first real introduction to Lightroom. It was also fantastic to meet so many like-minded souls (Tobi, I will model for you anytime, but only if you let me borrow your lederhosen).

And what of 2008? On the travel front, there are plans to visit family in Melbourne in January. Later in the year I'm hoping to return to Germany. I also have a Canadian friend threatening to hold a wedding in Halifax in the summer. As far as my photography goes, the next year is also shaping up to be very exciting. There are a number of workshops that I'd like to take part in. Friends of mine have been talking about putting together a join exhibition for February or March. I've also started teaching myself about food and macro photography - something which until now I've had little experience in.

Finally, 2008 promises to be a big year for this blog... stay tuned for more news soon.