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SPECIAL FEATURE | A brief photo essay of Cotai, Macau's racy twin 
Looking through the fairy lights of the miniature Eiffel Tower replica at The Parisian Macao, towards Big Ben, the pride of The Londoner and an Instagrammer favourite/ photos: David Sutton In Cotai, simply follow the posing crowds and stories unfold at every turnArmed with a Canon 5D MKIV and a few lenses, Hong Kong-based photojournalist David Sutton has a walk through Cotai — the razzle-dazzle end of Macau — photographing mysterious monsters, weddings and imitation London. Also see our Macau Guide and try some of these Historic Macau Walks.   
YOU never have to walk far in Cotai before you stumble on a wedding shoot. Pre-nuptial photo shoots are a big thing in this part of the world and a vital component of the overall wedding story for many couples. But while the results may show sweet images of the young couple making sheep’s eyes at each other, the shoots themselves are a serious business. At least for the blushing brides who always seem to take control of the sets and art direction. I liked the way this young lady had confiscated the camera, while hubby-to-be stood in the wings waiting to be told what to do. (1/125sec, f/3.5, ISO 800). photo shoots are a serious business, at least for the blushing brides...
THE Taipa wetlands are a small but important oasis sandwiched between the narrow lanes and food vendors of Taipa Village and the glamour and glitz of Cotai. They occupy about 4,500 square metres and were created on part of what was once the coast of Taipa Island. These wetlands have since been inhabited by herons, dragonflies, butterflies and photographers. The latter can usually be found sitting patiently in hides waiting for something interesting to cross their viewfinder. The only wildlife I saw were three people out for a pleasant afternoon stroll. (1/250sec, f/9, ISO 160). the wetlands are inhabited by herons, dragonflies, butterflies, and cameras...
AUTOFOCUS is a wonderful thing. I was looking through the viewfinder at something completely different when a sudden blur of blue and black crossed my path and reformed itself into a horned demon. I managed a few frames. She didn’t speak or wait around for introductions; she waved her manicure at me and was gone. Disappearing into the throng of ‘influencers’ that occupy the spacious lawn opposite The Parisian. I don’t do selfies. I don’t even like having my picture taken, but it does bring other people a great deal of joy. Beefeaters, Royal Guardsmen, Kings, Queens and others are to be seen patrolling the Londoner; their job is to pose with people. When I go to places where Western tourists are rare, people sometimes ask for a selfie with me — not, of course, for my elegant beefeater looks. But it makes for a sweaty laugh. (left: 1/125sec, f/3.5, ISO 160; right: 1/80sec, f/4, ISO 400). 
ONE of the things I enjoy about The Londoner is that its mall music consists of a large playlist of British pop and rock from the 1960s to the ’80s. The soundtrack of my misspent youth can be heard all over the property, outside and in. You’ll hear The Rolling Stones and The Beatles, David Bowie and Elvis Costello and others. I’ve even heard Led Zeppelin. I do wonder if that is why this particular spot is so popular for people to just hang out and chill. Of course, the Eiffel Tower is just across the road, so it is a great Instagram spot as well. (1/1000sec, f/4.5, ISO 160). the soundtrack of my misspent youth can be heard all over The Londoner...
MAD dogs and... I was walking away from the 853 Fun Zone at the Lisboeta. I’d gone to see what was going on over there. Nothing much at midday on a Wednesday, it seemed, though I had treated myself to an agreeable bowl of wonton noodles. I’d arrived by LRT from elsewhere, but walking was the only way back to the main strip. It was hot and there was no shade. And then it appeared before me. I’d never seen the MGM COTAI from this angle. It reminded me of a pile of Lego bricks or giant glass shipping containers. At first, I snapped it quickly with my phone, but then I thought, nah, do the job properly, Sutton. You can’t let a little sun stroke stand in the way of art. (1/125sec, f/11, ISO 160). |
