12 Apr | Leica Explore: Evening Light Study - Sultan Abdul Samad & The River of Life with Sanjit Das & Suzanne Lee

This evening photowalk explores the shifting character of Kuala Lumpur as daylight recedes and artificial light begins to define the city’s spaces.

Beginning with a short pre-walk workshop session in the late afternoon, we will focus on slow, intentional photography in the warmth of sunset, observing how light transitions through its subtle hues into the depth of blue hour. As the city transforms, participants will study how civic architecture responds to changing light and how photographers must adapt exposure, timing, and framing with equal sensitivity.

The photos is not on postcard imagery, but on:

• Transitional colour temperature
• Layered light (sky vs façade vs street lamps)
• Reflections and symmetry
• Movement within static monumental space
• Slow-shutter storytelling at twilight

This is a controlled study in light discipline.

The challenge for this photo walk is to create art when the natural light fades and the city lights take over.

Structured Itinerary (Deliberate Light Progression)

5:00 - 5:45 PM | Intro & Briefing
Meeting Point: Royal Selangor Gallery BSAS at Dataran Merdeka

• Group introduction and short presentation/discussion led by Sanjit with route briefing by Suzanne
• Discuss quick techniques and tips.

5:45 - 6:45 PM | Phase 1: Warm Decline (Pre-Sunset Softening)
Area: Sultan Abdul Samad Building (inside and outside)

Objective:

• Capture last directional light grazing façade textures
• Explore shadow depth under arches
• Frame clock tower against fading warmth
  

Exercises:

• Single focal length constraint (discipline exercise)
• Managing balancing light and shadow for architectural preservation
• Human scale vs monument scale framing

This is the final chance to photograph natural light dominance.

6:30 - 7:30 PM | Phase 2: Transition to Blue Hour
Area: Move toward River of Life and surrounding area

Objective:

• Capture first appearance of artificial lighting
• Work reflections in the river
• Introduce slow shutter techniques (1–5 sec handheld stabilization or tripod if permitted)
• Study colour contrast: sodium streetlights vs cooling sky

Focus:

• Symmetry and reflection compositions
• Leading lines along the river corridor
• Movement blur from passing pedestrians

This is the most technically demanding segment.

7:30 - 7:55 PM | Phase 3: Full Blue Hour & Architectural Illumination
Area: Return to frontal axis of Sultan Abdul Samad Building
Now the façade lighting dominates.

Objective:

• Balanced exposure between lit architecture and cobalt sky
• Explore silhouettes in the foreground
• Long exposure to smooth crowd movement
• Clock tower framing against deepening sky

Advanced Technique:

• Highlight retention control
• Controlled underexposure for mood
• Colour harmony vs dramatic contrast choices

This is the peak visual payoff.

7:55 - 8:00 PM | Final Frames & Wrap Up
Area: Sultan Abdul Samad Building

What to Expect

• 1:1 Interaction: Sanjit and Suzanne will spend time with each participant during the walk, offering feedback and guidance on technique, composition, and storytelling. Feel free to seek them out anytime.
• Build confidence in photographing street scenes with a variety of natural lighting.
• Develop a narrative eye, learning to see connections between moments rather than isolated frames.
• Practical insights on methods to handle street photography in diverse environments.

What’s not included

• Camera. Please bring your own camera and a light tripod.
• Transport/food/meal/drinks