Ziang's rssPhotography
Jump
15/06/09 08:08
ONE shot one kill. Sounds like a marksman, other than the fact that it’s a different type of gun.
Enough boasting. Technical parts aside, the girls do like this photo, other than me always picking up on the symmetries, the hair and the hand. It’s but a simple take of life, knowing that people have different expectations of what makes a good photo. To them, more than just a jump, it is also the joy of completing the climb, scaling the majestic mountain, a view to die for and completing a small sidequest where they can safely tuck inside a small corner of their memories.
What about you?
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Unexpected present
26/07/08 00:20
IT’s been days since my birthday passed, and it’s a pleasant surprise that I’m still getting a birthday present!
Adding to the latest collection, the newly unwrapped beauty - master’s guide. Hope it’d spark some creative juices
Thinking back, I guess I’m easily contented. A simple gesture like this makes my day better, and though today I couldn’t perform to a standard I would have wanted, I really felt guilty about it. Of course, sometimes being an assistant means you forego chances to shoot, which is totally fine - especially under tricky conditions. Murphy’s law set in today, and everything a photography hates came true - bad lights, glass ceilings (how can you even bounce?!), flash deciding to act up on you - and the list goes on. If I’m the one who’s doing the shooting, I think I would have panicked - my equipment really let me down badly.
Thank god that today I’m still the assistant, ha.
It was a really good experience of course, for you learn more under stress, quoting my other boss. The ability to think on the feet to churn out more variety to deliver helps if you gain more experience, especially when the normal table shots are negligible. It helps that the bride today was sporting, and goaded the groom into dancing, and eventually guests chipped in to enjoy the night away.
I must say I enjoyed this wedding even though it could have been worse. At least I saw what I liked - the couple really enjoying themselves. Most of the time, banquets were but a waste of time, an act to satisfy friends and relatives. It doesn’t help where anyone start to lose their temper or patience. What went through today was really the joy of 2 person getting together, and not a rehearsed act where people are going through the motion.
It makes taking photos an enjoyable experience
Thinking back on being contented, I guess I can’t help but reflect on what cheers me up - I guess it’s the feeling of acknowledgement from another person. I only helped my photography boss for 4-5 times and he offered to pay me a higher pay for helping out with assisting with photoshoots, which was really different comparing among the different jobs I had. And the fact that he bought me a present totally surprised me. Of course, different people have different perspectives on the motion of “gifting”, ha.
Oh well, shall not think back for now. Volunteering later, sleeping soon, tas!
albert . melissa
10/07/08 20:08
THEY always say fate
comes at the strangest of moments. I guess sometimes it really does
Albert and Melissa didn’t really hit off 10 years ago. I can still remember that there was once Melissa had a problem during one of the orientation game (pardon me, I might be wrong!), and Albert pops up to solve her problem, like Prince Charming saving a damsel in distress. After the ups and downs throughout the long path of courtship, they finally decided to settle down, happily ever after.
Pardon the fairytale mood, but yah, do enjoy the slideshow!
*click to view. do wait a while to load
Albert and Melissa didn’t really hit off 10 years ago. I can still remember that there was once Melissa had a problem during one of the orientation game (pardon me, I might be wrong!), and Albert pops up to solve her problem, like Prince Charming saving a damsel in distress. After the ups and downs throughout the long path of courtship, they finally decided to settle down, happily ever after.
Pardon the fairytale mood, but yah, do enjoy the slideshow!
*click to view. do wait a while to load
Flea mart @ Red Dot
07/07/08 10:09
DROP by Red Dot over
the weekend, and finally caught a glimpse of the flea mart over
there. It’s something new, apart from the normal stalls, with
performances, exhibitions (the polaroids), and even portrait
sessions going on.
Some pictures
cheering the performer
We’ll draw your...
Uncanny resemblance
Some pictures
cheering the performer
We’ll draw your...
Uncanny resemblance
Polaroids
06/07/08 03:25
ONCE upon a time, polaroids were a marvel of the time, bringing instant photography to its heyday. With advance in digital technology, though more steps are taken, we can at least see what we want to print on the go.
No wonder they have to go. We’d miss you...time for you to stay permanently in the museums
Bored?
04/07/08 17:03
Desolation
02/07/08 17:18
REALLY love this picture that Paul shot. We were loitering around the neighbourhood when he found and shot this gem, and send it to me for post process. Simple but meaningful picture - when you’re old, you won’t want to be forsaken or abandoned, alone sitting under the void deck waiting for judgment day.
From the hope and light of yester years till the bleakness and darkness that awaits...scary :p
Going home
02/07/08 01:00
Rescuing yourself
01/07/08 23:00
CRY I might have, if I did not buy this card. 2x it comes to my rescue, it does.
I owe Sandisk a favor, so shall help to advertise. The first is the ease of purchasing. The careless me forgot to bring a damn CF card, and thank god the airport is selling. I would have brought the camera for nothing.
Today, it saved me again - the recovery application that came along with it works wonder! Well worth the price of the card, in my opinion. Accidentally deleted the photos while watching TV, I was panicking till I recalled that the box contained a recovery disk - and it came with both PC and Mac version!
Very nifty, and very timely
you could WIN MORE THAN ONCE on this ticket!
30/06/08 14:32
Singapore Toy and Comic Convention
29/06/08 01:02
NEXT time, I’d ask
permission from the people I shoot.
Sigh. Clearly forgotten that the aim of the dumb competition is to gather free pictures for advertising, and I forgot to ask for model release. Submitted just one entry for the theme “not just child’s play”
Obviously I like the second one better, but heck la, no permission, ha. It’s just an excuse for a practice session anyway
Back to the conference, it was really crowded! Tonnes of people, cosplay, storm troopers, manga stalls, etc were there. More than just an eye opener, I guess this year Singapore’s really going all out to try to make it an “artsy” year, with SDF, this, Art festival, magic shows, etc..it’s even worse than the IT show! Comics and manga fans should not miss this, toy collectors too!
p.s. a couple of friends decided to fly aeroplane for dinner, and I got a bit offended as I was literally “thrown away”, oh well...
Sigh. Clearly forgotten that the aim of the dumb competition is to gather free pictures for advertising, and I forgot to ask for model release. Submitted just one entry for the theme “not just child’s play”
Obviously I like the second one better, but heck la, no permission, ha. It’s just an excuse for a practice session anyway
Back to the conference, it was really crowded! Tonnes of people, cosplay, storm troopers, manga stalls, etc were there. More than just an eye opener, I guess this year Singapore’s really going all out to try to make it an “artsy” year, with SDF, this, Art festival, magic shows, etc..it’s even worse than the IT show! Comics and manga fans should not miss this, toy collectors too!
p.s. a couple of friends decided to fly aeroplane for dinner, and I got a bit offended as I was literally “thrown away”, oh well...
Flowers and a little tissue
23/06/08 13:57
WHEN the going gets tough, the tough gets going.
It can be really tough on a couple - tears and stress, lack of rest - for the wedding. Well, just grit your teeth and finish what you’ve planned meticulously for the last couple of months or even years. After all, it’s just the beginning - there’s happily ever after waiting ahead
Mingwei and Huixin
20/06/08 13:25
GUESS weddings can be
tiring for all parties - be it the couple or the family. What’s
important is that you have your loved ones beside you supporting
you when it matters
Some pictures to share:
The sisters preparing the trials
The bride and the groom
Crushing the balloon
Counting the red packets
Eating the wasabi cane
Tying the hair pin
Walking to new home
Walking down the aisle
Consoling the tearing bride
Singing to the bride
Some pictures to share:
The sisters preparing the trials
The bride and the groom
Crushing the balloon
Counting the red packets
Eating the wasabi cane
Tying the hair pin
Walking to new home
Walking down the aisle
Consoling the tearing bride
Singing to the bride
Would you avoid this?
17/06/08 15:56
NAMES are there for a
purpose. There are good names and bad names according to all forms
of studies. We have seen a classic case of BATMAN BIN
SUPARMAN, which is a good laugh probably, though I’m not
making a joke out of him.
I think the following is a bad name though, and I must clarify first - I’m not anti-christian.
You can take it to mean “everyone lose building”, or “everyone lose loh”.
Both don’t sound nice to me for sure
I think the following is a bad name though, and I must clarify first - I’m not anti-christian.
You can take it to mean “everyone lose building”, or “everyone lose loh”.
Both don’t sound nice to me for sure
Dim sum at Yam Palace
15/06/08 17:23
REGARDLESS of whether
today has been commercialized, Father’s Day is a day where you’ve
got to celebrate for your dad...if you did for your mum.
Else he’d be jealous
Jokes aside, the food at Yam Palace is definitely worth a try. Like what my cousin mentioned, you can’t compare eating dim sum at Ipoh or Hong Kong - rather, is it up to your expectation. Those places have set too high a standard sometimes.
Ha. I guess though Yam Palace didn’t really excite, at least it didn’t disappoint my parents.
Some pictures...I’m actually salivating when I’m processing them ha.
Almond mango prawn balls
Fried seaweed Beancurd Prawn roll
Glutinous Chicken Rice
Oatmeal Green trea pumpkin balls
Yam Lychee Balls
The after-math
Else he’d be jealous
Jokes aside, the food at Yam Palace is definitely worth a try. Like what my cousin mentioned, you can’t compare eating dim sum at Ipoh or Hong Kong - rather, is it up to your expectation. Those places have set too high a standard sometimes.
Ha. I guess though Yam Palace didn’t really excite, at least it didn’t disappoint my parents.
Some pictures...I’m actually salivating when I’m processing them ha.
Almond mango prawn balls
Fried seaweed Beancurd Prawn roll
Glutinous Chicken Rice
Oatmeal Green trea pumpkin balls
Yam Lychee Balls
The after-math
Groom's nightmare
12/06/08 15:01
CHANCING upon an
entry at a local forum, I saw his angst being voiced out directed
to a wedding photographer wannabe who managed to flunk his most
important day.
The wannabe’s single statement sums up nicely about his knowledge on shooting:
“What is raw?”
And he is using a DSLR with kit lens. Not wanting to discredit any kit lens, a photographer’s vision is the most important when it comes to catching pictures.
But you really ought to know if you’re paid, you’re expected to deliver - and being inexperienced is not an excuse if it is the most important day of the bride and bridegroom’s life.
Flipping through several portfolios, I was a big disgusted by some supposedly “wedding photographer” who’s charging exorbitant rates and can only deliver a so-so standard - not that I am any better.
The point is - I don’t think I’m up to the mark yet, and I’m willing to learn, not to commit.
A guest from a previous wedding can sum this up as well:
“EH, camera-man...help us shoot”
Brutally honest, somehow people don’t acknowledge you as a photographer, but rather as a camera-man - a bit insulting, but I guess fits really well if you’re only shooting by snapping away happily without feeling any remorse for wasting the precious day away. You don’t call yourself a photographer if all you can do is to snap.
Sigh. What’s up with the world nowadays?
The wannabe’s single statement sums up nicely about his knowledge on shooting:
“What is raw?”
And he is using a DSLR with kit lens. Not wanting to discredit any kit lens, a photographer’s vision is the most important when it comes to catching pictures.
But you really ought to know if you’re paid, you’re expected to deliver - and being inexperienced is not an excuse if it is the most important day of the bride and bridegroom’s life.
Flipping through several portfolios, I was a big disgusted by some supposedly “wedding photographer” who’s charging exorbitant rates and can only deliver a so-so standard - not that I am any better.
The point is - I don’t think I’m up to the mark yet, and I’m willing to learn, not to commit.
A guest from a previous wedding can sum this up as well:
“EH, camera-man...help us shoot”
Brutally honest, somehow people don’t acknowledge you as a photographer, but rather as a camera-man - a bit insulting, but I guess fits really well if you’re only shooting by snapping away happily without feeling any remorse for wasting the precious day away. You don’t call yourself a photographer if all you can do is to snap.
Sigh. What’s up with the world nowadays?
Crazy inflation rates
09/06/08 18:26
This is not funny. If inflation got so bad and I’d need to pay 2 ringgit for a trip to relieve myself, something must be wrong. Adding 1ringgit more can get me a meal already!
It was an eventful trip to which I discovered a lot of things, not pertaining to the prices of course. I guess it is always good to chat with people whom you’ve not met for the longest of time.
BTW, thanks all who commented, will take the feedback seriously and improve
Adrian and Shing Hsiu
05/06/08 00:26
My first...
29/05/08 20:15
WEDDING.
Period.
Duh. Ha. Not me lah. I was helping out with 2 professionals who shot at a private function room.
It was everything they show on TV. And more, of course.
The anxiousness of the bride who couldn't sleep the night before, the groom who half panicked that the ring bearers might not be able to find the place, the very cute flower kids who bore the bouquets and walked in front of the brides, the tears from the parents, the laughters and emotions of everyone...
I could go on and on, but I guess a picture speaks a thousand words. Not mine, but from the professionals that day.
Shot by Amos from Reflections, posted at his site
Duh. Ha. Not me lah. I was helping out with 2 professionals who shot at a private function room.
It was everything they show on TV. And more, of course.
The anxiousness of the bride who couldn't sleep the night before, the groom who half panicked that the ring bearers might not be able to find the place, the very cute flower kids who bore the bouquets and walked in front of the brides, the tears from the parents, the laughters and emotions of everyone...
I could go on and on, but I guess a picture speaks a thousand words. Not mine, but from the professionals that day.
Shot by Amos from Reflections, posted at his site
I think...I'm falling in love with black and white
27/05/08 22:43
Support
25/05/08 11:27
IT was the first time
for me - shooting a wedding. It was quite a privilege, I guess, to
learn from 2 professionals who have different styles of shooting.
While there's no pictures to share for now, I must admit - it feels
really good to participate in one.
The bride who couldn't sleep the night before, worrying about her makeup, the groom who worried about the ring-bearer, giving him directions on how to get to the area, the emotions of the immediate families, friends, and of course, the 2 young cute bridesmaid (not sure if they're called that) that were the attention of the day (I think one is 4-6 years old, and the other maybe 8?).
Watching and observing how the whole procedure went was really an eye opener, and it was a day filled with laughters - and lots of photographs of course. With 3 photographers there, it was hard to imagine any less.
As the day ended, one professional sent me to a nearby market where I was supposed to meet some friends, and we talked a bit along the way. What strike me most was his words:
"I had a lot of support from my family, and my wife. Without their support, it is really very hard for me to strike a name for myself. The first few years were really hard - shooting without knowing what you wanted, trying to get a good network of customers...Of course, for now, it is manageable, but I can hardly imagine any Singaporean voluntarily wanting to go into this field."
I guess, with any line of work, support from the family is really the best morale booster one can get.
Another story hit me in the night.
A friend of ours is going through a rough shed. She met this guy, rich and well to do, working as a manager with good prospects in one of the night spots, and recently divorced. After being with him for 3 months, she discovered that she had his child, and admitted to him about it. The guy asked her to abort the child, but she insisted in keeping it. Guess what's the guy's response?
"I don't really know you well."
What a jerk. One simple sentence, and he's shirking all responsibilities away. I guess that must be one of the reason why his previous marriage failed. So what if you're rich? If you can't handle responsibilities, why indulge in a sexual relationship with your partner?
My friend's really strong, and she's getting a lot of support both from her family and her workplace. 5 months into pregnancy is not a simple task, to handle the stares of the society and work. It is a blessing that she's not getting the supposedly evil tongues and gossips that might ruin her.
It's always times like this that we really need support from everyone. At first they were suggesting about contributing to the baby shower, which I totally had no idea what it is about. I guess this would only be the start of how we can try to help out.
While it's not really a symbolization of support, I guess that's what friends are for
The bride who couldn't sleep the night before, worrying about her makeup, the groom who worried about the ring-bearer, giving him directions on how to get to the area, the emotions of the immediate families, friends, and of course, the 2 young cute bridesmaid (not sure if they're called that) that were the attention of the day (I think one is 4-6 years old, and the other maybe 8?).
Watching and observing how the whole procedure went was really an eye opener, and it was a day filled with laughters - and lots of photographs of course. With 3 photographers there, it was hard to imagine any less.
As the day ended, one professional sent me to a nearby market where I was supposed to meet some friends, and we talked a bit along the way. What strike me most was his words:
"I had a lot of support from my family, and my wife. Without their support, it is really very hard for me to strike a name for myself. The first few years were really hard - shooting without knowing what you wanted, trying to get a good network of customers...Of course, for now, it is manageable, but I can hardly imagine any Singaporean voluntarily wanting to go into this field."
I guess, with any line of work, support from the family is really the best morale booster one can get.
Another story hit me in the night.
A friend of ours is going through a rough shed. She met this guy, rich and well to do, working as a manager with good prospects in one of the night spots, and recently divorced. After being with him for 3 months, she discovered that she had his child, and admitted to him about it. The guy asked her to abort the child, but she insisted in keeping it. Guess what's the guy's response?
"I don't really know you well."
What a jerk. One simple sentence, and he's shirking all responsibilities away. I guess that must be one of the reason why his previous marriage failed. So what if you're rich? If you can't handle responsibilities, why indulge in a sexual relationship with your partner?
My friend's really strong, and she's getting a lot of support both from her family and her workplace. 5 months into pregnancy is not a simple task, to handle the stares of the society and work. It is a blessing that she's not getting the supposedly evil tongues and gossips that might ruin her.
It's always times like this that we really need support from everyone. At first they were suggesting about contributing to the baby shower, which I totally had no idea what it is about. I guess this would only be the start of how we can try to help out.
While it's not really a symbolization of support, I guess that's what friends are for
Rights of a photographer
23/05/08 13:08
AND so you thought
you have your own rights when people take pictures of you, and you
can demand them to delete the picture if you're not happy.
You can't get more wrong.
An interesting read here:
http://www.whirljack.net/jeremybrooks/2008/05/06/if-you-put-that-picture-on-the-internet-ill-call-my-lawyer/
Well, apparently if you're in the public, so long as the picture isn't for commercial usage, anyone can take your picture and post them up. I must admit that this is the first time I'm hearing this. Don't go around threatening with your lawyers only to discover your lawyer can't fight for you.
So much for your rights - the lack of it I guess
You can't get more wrong.
An interesting read here:
http://www.whirljack.net/jeremybrooks/2008/05/06/if-you-put-that-picture-on-the-internet-ill-call-my-lawyer/
Well, apparently if you're in the public, so long as the picture isn't for commercial usage, anyone can take your picture and post them up. I must admit that this is the first time I'm hearing this. Don't go around threatening with your lawyers only to discover your lawyer can't fight for you.
So much for your rights - the lack of it I guess
Mighty Mouse ain't so mighty after all
22/05/08 16:51
NOT wanting to sound
like a Mac evangelist, I really think the people who came out with
Mighty Mouse are either genius, or idiots.
Well, Apple has landed themselves in yet another lawsuit - with Man and Machine (another weird name, I know) filing lawsuits against both CBS (the cartoon Mighty Mouse) and Apple.
It seems like every company has rights to names. I'm sure CBS does have more rights since I've been watching the cartoon since I was young, but I swear this is the first time I've heard of such a company existing! Well, literally, a man and his machine :p
Anyways, back to the mouse. It's giving me huge headache over the scrolling problem, that I had to manually disintegrate it and clean the junk. Literally. While this isn't new, what the web did not suggest is that there are physics involved with the placement of the dumb magnetic screws that one wonders how in the world did such an item come out in the first place!
I think those folks really had a fun time experimenting with the left-right clicks and the stupid dirt attracting nipple, and really, every profession out there are marvels in their own rights.
Anyways, for those folks with a phobia, yet want to clean their mouse, my advice is - go ahead. It's not half as daunting as it is, and you'd be loving your bloody mouse as much as the first time you used it - if you don't hate it with constant cursing and swearing on how to fix the rollers back.
Some pictures to share
The mouse, dissected
The damn rollers, which is the culprit behind the insensitive nipple
Well, Apple has landed themselves in yet another lawsuit - with Man and Machine (another weird name, I know) filing lawsuits against both CBS (the cartoon Mighty Mouse) and Apple.
It seems like every company has rights to names. I'm sure CBS does have more rights since I've been watching the cartoon since I was young, but I swear this is the first time I've heard of such a company existing! Well, literally, a man and his machine :p
Anyways, back to the mouse. It's giving me huge headache over the scrolling problem, that I had to manually disintegrate it and clean the junk. Literally. While this isn't new, what the web did not suggest is that there are physics involved with the placement of the dumb magnetic screws that one wonders how in the world did such an item come out in the first place!
I think those folks really had a fun time experimenting with the left-right clicks and the stupid dirt attracting nipple, and really, every profession out there are marvels in their own rights.
Anyways, for those folks with a phobia, yet want to clean their mouse, my advice is - go ahead. It's not half as daunting as it is, and you'd be loving your bloody mouse as much as the first time you used it - if you don't hate it with constant cursing and swearing on how to fix the rollers back.
Some pictures to share
The mouse, dissected
The damn rollers, which is the culprit behind the insensitive nipple
very dry throat . very wet nose
16/05/08 15:16
And so it rains...
14/05/08 12:34
Never go against...
14/05/08 01:00
...YOUR stomach, for
that matter. Even if you're going on a shoot.
No prizes won for guessing where this is, the answer is pretty obvious.
I have my sensei to blame. Even though I'm not as frequent as I wish I could for training, the craving for salmon sashimi didn't die down.
Simple dinner set to cap off the meal, don't ask me for the exact name! I forgot!
No prizes won for guessing where this is, the answer is pretty obvious.
I have my sensei to blame. Even though I'm not as frequent as I wish I could for training, the craving for salmon sashimi didn't die down.
Simple dinner set to cap off the meal, don't ask me for the exact name! I forgot!
Colors
13/05/08 02:28
IT'S amazing how
colors change the mood of pictures.
Went for a fun shot with Paul, and his friend Faye, trying to learn how to shoot in manual. The shoot was was quite bad, though there were still some shots that I still like.
What's interesting is that during post processing, I accidentally hit the slider towards one extreme, finding that the accidental change suits the mood really welI...
Just to share 2 of them
This picture of Paul just cracks me up everytime I see it. Must be the hands! Yucks!
Went for a fun shot with Paul, and his friend Faye, trying to learn how to shoot in manual. The shoot was was quite bad, though there were still some shots that I still like.
What's interesting is that during post processing, I accidentally hit the slider towards one extreme, finding that the accidental change suits the mood really welI...
Just to share 2 of them
This picture of Paul just cracks me up everytime I see it. Must be the hands! Yucks!
Attack of the Chinchilla
10/05/08 23:41
Meetup
07/05/08 02:28
THEY often say that if you don't head for Petronas Tower, you've not been to Kuala Lumpur.
I couldn't agree more to that.
However, I've yet to step foot in the tower itself, and my cousin is virtually begging me to come back to shoot together. Probably will make a trip down here personally soon, ha.
While things have been busy, it is interesting that forking out some time to walk around does help to alleviate some stress. Especially when you discover someone else had the same interest as you.
Of course, in this case, it is my cousin.
The highlight of the night, however, isn't KLCC or Petronas Tower. It's a Mamak store called Steven's place.
The food was ok, with a local flavor to it, service was ok. What is interesting is that students visit here in flocks, and they are all using a smoking tube to smoke whatever-substance-they-call-it here. Guys and girls. Wow.
Okay, I'm a bit suaku, it's still the first time I saw such a gadget real life, ha. Didn't dare whip out my gun (no, not THAT gun down there) to shoot in fear of getting robbed, I stemmed my urge and consume the food.
Even the ending is interesting. After paying, the attendant placed a slip of paper with "PAID" on top. I won't run without paying for sure!
New lens
04/05/08 22:28
THIS time round, I'm
really using a new lens - not referring to my specs.
Decided to change one of my existing lens for a prime, and it didn't fail my expectations. As what primes do, you get sharper and brighter pictures as compared to using other lens.
The lens was given a trial after hanging out in Novus, in National Museum. Ignoring the huge red naked statue, it was the second time I visited the cosy nice bar - with nice ambience, and of course the company.
Paul is my girlfriend's colleague back in her ex company. He shared with us his extraordinary experience of battling cancer, to win it and how it change his view of life. Credit to him, I do honestly believe that one's perception of life changes after any traumatic experience.
I know mine did, hence this is how I turn out today, ha!
Btw, the vignetting is intentional, and I quite like what the lens can provide. After a stop down, of course, not wanting to shoot wide open.
AND no! I'm no gay
Decided to change one of my existing lens for a prime, and it didn't fail my expectations. As what primes do, you get sharper and brighter pictures as compared to using other lens.
The lens was given a trial after hanging out in Novus, in National Museum. Ignoring the huge red naked statue, it was the second time I visited the cosy nice bar - with nice ambience, and of course the company.
Paul is my girlfriend's colleague back in her ex company. He shared with us his extraordinary experience of battling cancer, to win it and how it change his view of life. Credit to him, I do honestly believe that one's perception of life changes after any traumatic experience.
I know mine did, hence this is how I turn out today, ha!
Btw, the vignetting is intentional, and I quite like what the lens can provide. After a stop down, of course, not wanting to shoot wide open.
AND no! I'm no gay
Using Nikon
02/05/08 23:56
NOPES, I've not changed ship and moved to Nikon, as the title suggest.
I always thought Nikon makes good lenses. Expensive somehow, but quality lenses. Many photographers can attest to that, which is why most people are swearing either by Canon or Nikon. For the mainstream that is. But I never thought they would provide spectacle lenses, which is actually a cheaper form of glass than professional camera lenses.
Not until I had my specs made that I know I could be more wrong in this.
The first week of wearing the specs is ok. I guess things look sharp - not like other brand of lenses aren't. Maybe the colors are better - don't ask me!
Nonetheless, the brand itself is a selling point - I'm sure most folks would choose Nikon lenses as compared to some other lesser known brands such as Hoya. A strong brand provides a certain promise to its loyal customers - in terms of durability, performance etc. This is a perfect marriage of convenience - since spectacle lenses are effectively optics, marrying to a brand known for its lenses is certainly a match made in heaven - sure win formula. By providing a differentiator, a brand is able to compete with others other than price - a boring yet the whole truth to why companies are building brands.
What about me, one might ask? A Canon user who use Nikon brands? Isn't that blasphemy?
Well, I guess I believe more in trusting what works best, than following a brand mindlessly.
I even have a Nikon NC filter to my Canon lens
I'm sure it is a fix
30/04/08 00:51
I was flipping
through a magazine which I've bought over the weekend, and suddenly
it occur to me I must shoot this.
This is the second time since I've received this. Not wanting to say this is a hoax, but isn't this a bit old time to use the sweepstake draw to tempt people into subscribing? Especially if I can be so lucky to receive it 2 times (though the first was a couple of years back, and they chased me for payment which I refused to pay).
And I thought this only happens overseas - referring to the ticket for 10000 pounds. I don't really qualify - I think they ignored the fact that the magazine has readers all over the world - thought I got 3 stars on the first ticket and 3 pounds on the second.
I don't think I'd send in the ticket. Then again, maybe I might choose to take part in Reader's Digest - I might just get lucky
This is the second time since I've received this. Not wanting to say this is a hoax, but isn't this a bit old time to use the sweepstake draw to tempt people into subscribing? Especially if I can be so lucky to receive it 2 times (though the first was a couple of years back, and they chased me for payment which I refused to pay).
And I thought this only happens overseas - referring to the ticket for 10000 pounds. I don't really qualify - I think they ignored the fact that the magazine has readers all over the world - thought I got 3 stars on the first ticket and 3 pounds on the second.
I don't think I'd send in the ticket. Then again, maybe I might choose to take part in Reader's Digest - I might just get lucky
Should I...?
29/04/08 14:03
回到地球表面' 08
27/04/08 13:03
AS per the title
goes, this post is to show some of the pictures taken during the
concert by MayDay, or 五月天. The night was spoilt again
by the organizers who have no knowledge of professional cameras,
judging only by the length of your lens.
DUH. Sometimes it's quite demeaning when the lack of knowledge is translated into pure ignorance on their part. Especially when they ask me to change to another lens of smaller length - I only had to remove the lens hood to make it shorter, ha!
Anyways, without further ado, the pictures. All low res, of course
DUH. Sometimes it's quite demeaning when the lack of knowledge is translated into pure ignorance on their part. Especially when they ask me to change to another lens of smaller length - I only had to remove the lens hood to make it shorter, ha!
Anyways, without further ado, the pictures. All low res, of course
Things you learnt part 2
25/04/08 16:25
By some stroke of luck, good or bad, I
managed to lose my air ticket - a bombshell on my already big holed
jeans. Nonetheless, shall try to forget how this made me so sullen.
The room was in a mess after the frantic struggle to find the
magazine, of course.
The day trip was ok. The orange route was the way I walked, which was a bit far by most standards.
Was dropped off at Central Market, where I walked about at Chinatown, or Chi Chong Kai, in Cantonese.
This street's famous for replica items...such as branded stuff, hotels and software.
The way they mistreated IP, you could see the IE icon used everywhere.
The food there, however was fantastic. Armed with the knowledge that the people there stole often but offered good stuff to eat, naturally, I went to get a couple of good stuff.
This auntie's famous here for her mua chee, a form of flour-made dessert. Her flavorings are:
Of course, with so much walking, a guy needed to drink. Not wanting to settle for any tom, dick, or harry, he'd choose the best!
The words literally translate to king of tea.
This packet of tea is my savior, for I could walk around without being disturbed. Somehow, if you're seen buying local stuff and wearing local clothings, they tend to disturb you far lesser.
Next up, a group of touters on the streets. They showed dark faces when you refuse their offers, be it transport or women.
The taxis were a sight to behold too. So many of them!
Not wanting to go up any of them, it was a long walk up till Berjaya Times Square. Spotted some interesting stuff, naturally.
Made a pair of specs by Berjaya TImes Square, and walk about the streets trying to find some shops which were supposed to be famous for cameras. It was a bit of a disappointment though as prices were so-so.
The shock of the day was the inefficient transport system in KL. The lrt was still ok.
The KTM isn't. It was a long and lonely wait. An hour! How can such inefficiencies happen in the town! And I had to rush back to get some work done...
Oh well. After the almost 2 hours wait, I swear to myself not to take the bloody train. The cab isn't cheap either. Probably they knew what they were in for - tourists money. A return trip cost me rm100...which was incredible but yet they reasoned it out to be a rainy day and huge traffic problems. Something you can't argue against.
The night was bad, with heavy rain.
Almost got knocked over by a car. Naturally (forgive me for being sexist) it was a female driver, who waved her hands up apologetically after she realized she was inches away from me. It wasn't my fault - with bright shiny umbrella and tshirt, and I was crossing the road in front of a carpark, the least she could do is to drive slowly instead of charging towards me.
Nevermind that.
KL towers was clouded in rain, and I can't find anyway of getting near it. With boss's sms ringing, I hadn't a choice but to try to make towards KLCC to get a cab back.
KLCC is worse - after comparing the various malls I went for the past 2 days. Too many branded shops that I can't really breathe. Due to the rain, the water display was deserted, and nobody was trying to get into the twin towers - something which I wanted to. After all, if you're going to KL, without visiting the twin towers, it's quite dumb.
Probably the picture is too small, but I really find the rain beautiful amongst the lights.
I guess the short day tour alone sort of compensated for the huge losses. Or does it? No one can be sure. Nonetheless, I guess I probably will head back there again - if only to get the cheap original Liverpool jersey
The day trip was ok. The orange route was the way I walked, which was a bit far by most standards.
Was dropped off at Central Market, where I walked about at Chinatown, or Chi Chong Kai, in Cantonese.
This street's famous for replica items...such as branded stuff, hotels and software.
The way they mistreated IP, you could see the IE icon used everywhere.
The food there, however was fantastic. Armed with the knowledge that the people there stole often but offered good stuff to eat, naturally, I went to get a couple of good stuff.
This auntie's famous here for her mua chee, a form of flour-made dessert. Her flavorings are:
Of course, with so much walking, a guy needed to drink. Not wanting to settle for any tom, dick, or harry, he'd choose the best!
The words literally translate to king of tea.
This packet of tea is my savior, for I could walk around without being disturbed. Somehow, if you're seen buying local stuff and wearing local clothings, they tend to disturb you far lesser.
Next up, a group of touters on the streets. They showed dark faces when you refuse their offers, be it transport or women.
The taxis were a sight to behold too. So many of them!
Not wanting to go up any of them, it was a long walk up till Berjaya Times Square. Spotted some interesting stuff, naturally.
Made a pair of specs by Berjaya TImes Square, and walk about the streets trying to find some shops which were supposed to be famous for cameras. It was a bit of a disappointment though as prices were so-so.
The shock of the day was the inefficient transport system in KL. The lrt was still ok.
The KTM isn't. It was a long and lonely wait. An hour! How can such inefficiencies happen in the town! And I had to rush back to get some work done...
Oh well. After the almost 2 hours wait, I swear to myself not to take the bloody train. The cab isn't cheap either. Probably they knew what they were in for - tourists money. A return trip cost me rm100...which was incredible but yet they reasoned it out to be a rainy day and huge traffic problems. Something you can't argue against.
The night was bad, with heavy rain.
Almost got knocked over by a car. Naturally (forgive me for being sexist) it was a female driver, who waved her hands up apologetically after she realized she was inches away from me. It wasn't my fault - with bright shiny umbrella and tshirt, and I was crossing the road in front of a carpark, the least she could do is to drive slowly instead of charging towards me.
Nevermind that.
KL towers was clouded in rain, and I can't find anyway of getting near it. With boss's sms ringing, I hadn't a choice but to try to make towards KLCC to get a cab back.
KLCC is worse - after comparing the various malls I went for the past 2 days. Too many branded shops that I can't really breathe. Due to the rain, the water display was deserted, and nobody was trying to get into the twin towers - something which I wanted to. After all, if you're going to KL, without visiting the twin towers, it's quite dumb.
Probably the picture is too small, but I really find the rain beautiful amongst the lights.
I guess the short day tour alone sort of compensated for the huge losses. Or does it? No one can be sure. Nonetheless, I guess I probably will head back there again - if only to get the cheap original Liverpool jersey
Things you learnt part 1
22/04/08 00:13
YOU know when you see
things like A&W and Tower Records around, that this must be a
place that is slightly backwards when compared to fast pace
Singapore.
You know when you see a pianist being caged up playing piano that he's not going to enjoy the same treatment he will if he is to perform elsewhere.
You know when inflation in Singapore might not be that bad after all if you discovered you're paying twice the meter from cab.
You know when Singapore doesn't really have good food when you taste heavenly food at Port Klang.
It's been a journey where I can't keep being amazed at. With a mega mall that easily dwarfed any in Singapore, you'd be surprised that both new and old things exist.
Then again, maybe it's just me.
It's one of those days where you find that you're rediscovering things that you'd feel satisfied. Food at Port Klang was really good. My aunt brought me to this restaurant called Coconut flower Restaurant, and boy, the food was good! The tom yam was a little sour, a little hot, but pleasant and sweet. The prawns were succulent, the crab was fleshy and tasty, the salted chicken tasted just nice and yet special...and it goes on and on.
The catch of the day is the coconut flower wine. Said to be fermented coconut, the taste was a bit overwhelming at first, but really sweet and tasty after that! Even my cousins were enjoying the drink as though it was a soft drink, when they're only primary school!
I think I really lacked good food, time to venture more!
You know when you see a pianist being caged up playing piano that he's not going to enjoy the same treatment he will if he is to perform elsewhere.
You know when inflation in Singapore might not be that bad after all if you discovered you're paying twice the meter from cab.
You know when Singapore doesn't really have good food when you taste heavenly food at Port Klang.
It's been a journey where I can't keep being amazed at. With a mega mall that easily dwarfed any in Singapore, you'd be surprised that both new and old things exist.
Then again, maybe it's just me.
It's one of those days where you find that you're rediscovering things that you'd feel satisfied. Food at Port Klang was really good. My aunt brought me to this restaurant called Coconut flower Restaurant, and boy, the food was good! The tom yam was a little sour, a little hot, but pleasant and sweet. The prawns were succulent, the crab was fleshy and tasty, the salted chicken tasted just nice and yet special...and it goes on and on.
The catch of the day is the coconut flower wine. Said to be fermented coconut, the taste was a bit overwhelming at first, but really sweet and tasty after that! Even my cousins were enjoying the drink as though it was a soft drink, when they're only primary school!
I think I really lacked good food, time to venture more!
How much?
04/04/08 23:26
The forsaken
31/03/08 22:23
WAS on my way home when I saw this...
One can imagine the number of Mainland workers and Bangladeshis working in Singapore. After a hard day's work, what they hope for is just some relaxation - throwing off their gloves and have a good long smoke.
The results? An old torn forsaken glove and a half smoked cigarette stump left on the floor.
Their fate is just like their owners - nobody even bat an eyelid to take an look at them.
Lonely and pitiful, aren't them?
My imperial guards
30/03/08 23:29
RECENTLY I've noticed
a friend's friend who got disillusioned by his lack of improvement
and nasty comments made by a mere acquaintance.
And we always heard the phrase it's not the camera, it's the photographer that matters.
Bullshit.
Both are as important la. Without the camera, you can only do a Cyclops and print in your mind.
Duh.
Oh well. First stage of suicide is always denial. We can't afford that! Chill and find out what leads to the comments. Maybe you do need some improvements. Shoot more and find out for yourself what's wrong dude
That aside, I caught the sleeping guards today. My girlfriend was asking me what's so interesting about shooting them. I guess I kind of like 2 heads on a shoulder? Sleeping imperial guards always make a good pictures? The symmetry of things? The best of both worlds?
Psst. That's me and my gf on the reflections
And we always heard the phrase it's not the camera, it's the photographer that matters.
Bullshit.
Both are as important la. Without the camera, you can only do a Cyclops and print in your mind.
Duh.
Oh well. First stage of suicide is always denial. We can't afford that! Chill and find out what leads to the comments. Maybe you do need some improvements. Shoot more and find out for yourself what's wrong dude
That aside, I caught the sleeping guards today. My girlfriend was asking me what's so interesting about shooting them. I guess I kind of like 2 heads on a shoulder? Sleeping imperial guards always make a good pictures? The symmetry of things? The best of both worlds?
Psst. That's me and my gf on the reflections
The evening sky
27/03/08 21:21
Odd one out
26/03/08 12:38
JUST decided to take
up this project which many has done.
A Picture A Day - A.P.A.D. Only If I can afford the time that is.
Guess what's wrong with this picture? I think the ad agency which outsource this project must have been lazy and forgotten to check every single alignment - bad bad stuff for the company. While one might think this is meant to be special, there is nothing to shout out if for the whole length of the station this is the only odd one out - unless Canon decides that it wants to revolutionize a new way of shooting.
My girlfriend likes this new series of cameras though. I guess sometimes small mistakes might just be overlooked - just don't do it too often
A Picture A Day - A.P.A.D. Only If I can afford the time that is.
Guess what's wrong with this picture? I think the ad agency which outsource this project must have been lazy and forgotten to check every single alignment - bad bad stuff for the company. While one might think this is meant to be special, there is nothing to shout out if for the whole length of the station this is the only odd one out - unless Canon decides that it wants to revolutionize a new way of shooting.
My girlfriend likes this new series of cameras though. I guess sometimes small mistakes might just be overlooked - just don't do it too often
Starry starry night...not!
20/03/08 02:00
AND so they said, "Star light, star bright..." when you were young, and sing "Starry starry night, paint your palette blue and grey..."
They must be blind. One can hardly find stars in Singapore.
Enough complaining. Went for a shoot with some folks, and out of the 40 odd pictures, I can't seem to pinpoint what I like.
Oh well. I hate buildings. Unless Sir Norman Foster build a banana to snatch attention away from our durian
Nalanda Trail
17/03/08 00:33
It's been some time since I visited
the museum, and this weekend alone I visited 2 of them! Of course,
the one worth mentioning more will be that of the Nalanda Trail.
Housed at the Asia Civilization Museum, the exhibition showcase a
series of Buddhism artifacts that was bewildering good, given that
their tools of the trade were powerful enough to create those
stunning exhibits. Just some pictures to show..
The exhibition
The Bronze Drum
The pattern on the drum
Sandstone figure of Buddha
Seated Buddha, from Burma
Bronze votive figures
Figures of young novices
The exhibition
The Bronze Drum
The pattern on the drum
Sandstone figure of Buddha
Seated Buddha, from Burma
Bronze votive figures
Figures of young novices
The day it rained...originality
14/03/08 00:58
Flipping through the Straits Times
today, I came across this interesting article.
http://www.straitstimes.com/Free/Story/STIStory_216239.html
At first, the idea seems quite fresh, and Straits Times seem to be pretty proud of this picture - from the fact that they hardly advertised the reporter and the settings they used for the shots.
Until just now.
I was flipping through some of the old photography magazines which I managed to get at a bargain price - people are getting rid of old stuff. Flipping through one particular issue, I chanced upon this:
http://www.pbase.com/mario_solka/image/88607546
Not posting the picture to respect the copyright issue.
For some background information, Mr Mario Solka shot that picture and came in second in 2004 for Popular Photography and Imaging Magazine
A bit disgusted. Maybe the reporter had the same idea, which came by 4 years late. If not, I think some crediting to Mr Mario Solka is somewhat deserved. Imagine if our national papers, or reporter, make use of an award winning idea, and gained credit for it.
Disgusting, aren't it?
Oh well. Nothing surprising. I guess sometimes trying too hard might not be the next best solution.
Time to move on.
http://www.straitstimes.com/Free/Story/STIStory_216239.html
At first, the idea seems quite fresh, and Straits Times seem to be pretty proud of this picture - from the fact that they hardly advertised the reporter and the settings they used for the shots.
Until just now.
I was flipping through some of the old photography magazines which I managed to get at a bargain price - people are getting rid of old stuff. Flipping through one particular issue, I chanced upon this:
http://www.pbase.com/mario_solka/image/88607546
Not posting the picture to respect the copyright issue.
For some background information, Mr Mario Solka shot that picture and came in second in 2004 for Popular Photography and Imaging Magazine
A bit disgusted. Maybe the reporter had the same idea, which came by 4 years late. If not, I think some crediting to Mr Mario Solka is somewhat deserved. Imagine if our national papers, or reporter, make use of an award winning idea, and gained credit for it.
Disgusting, aren't it?
Oh well. Nothing surprising. I guess sometimes trying too hard might not be the next best solution.
Time to move on.
Aperture tour @ Red dot
13/03/08 01:06
Attended this talk over at the Red Dot
Museum, and it was breadth-taking, to say the least!
In fact, I think if I had the knowledge of the product manager, I could have given a much more interesting talk than he did, though he didn't failed in his mission - to sell Aperture 2.0.
First takes:
1. 100+ features
I'm not kidding that it really meant business. I was into Photoshop and such for photos, until I discovered that Aperture can do the features that I needed Photoshop for! Tint for black, grey and white, definition and vibrance, white balance...these are just the bare minimals.
2. Ability to reference master files off external harddisk, keeping previews only in Library.
You can actually set the previews to fit your monitor screen size, or even higher, as per your demand. Finally I found some harddisk space back!
3. Filters - you can add vignetting and devignetting. Though barrel distortion is a good thing to have too!
4. Faster response time + tight integration
Come on! It's a Mac! Now the apps are tighter integrated, and everything works in a breeze.
I shoot with RAW exclusively, knowing that I can have a second chance if I didn't manage to get it right. Now, I'm even more inclined to this giant of an app! As what John Stanmeyer mentioned, we removed the gorrila from the backpack!
Keen to give it a try, if even for non-destructive images? Head down to
Apple.com/aperture now!
In fact, I think if I had the knowledge of the product manager, I could have given a much more interesting talk than he did, though he didn't failed in his mission - to sell Aperture 2.0.
First takes:
1. 100+ features
I'm not kidding that it really meant business. I was into Photoshop and such for photos, until I discovered that Aperture can do the features that I needed Photoshop for! Tint for black, grey and white, definition and vibrance, white balance...these are just the bare minimals.
2. Ability to reference master files off external harddisk, keeping previews only in Library.
You can actually set the previews to fit your monitor screen size, or even higher, as per your demand. Finally I found some harddisk space back!
3. Filters - you can add vignetting and devignetting. Though barrel distortion is a good thing to have too!
4. Faster response time + tight integration
Come on! It's a Mac! Now the apps are tighter integrated, and everything works in a breeze.
I shoot with RAW exclusively, knowing that I can have a second chance if I didn't manage to get it right. Now, I'm even more inclined to this giant of an app! As what John Stanmeyer mentioned, we removed the gorrila from the backpack!
Keen to give it a try, if even for non-destructive images?
Head down to
Apple.com/aperture now!
Chinese New Year
06/02/08 02:10
Everyone is expected to be in
Chinatown for the festive season. Well, almost.
I went and came back, not much for the better. Besides the crowds, the atmosphere wasn't really that much of a Chinese festival. More like a giant mix of cultures mixed with a oriental favor.
Waterloo Street was better.
Took quite a number of shots, will post some that I like.
Lantern next to lamp
Stairs that talk
Looking at destiny
Have yet to do any post production on the pictures...mostly. Think will have to start thinking of watermarking soon too.
By the way - Happy Chinese New Year to all!
P.S. The picture section shows the pictures I took for CNY. Do give comments yah?
I went and came back, not much for the better. Besides the crowds, the atmosphere wasn't really that much of a Chinese festival. More like a giant mix of cultures mixed with a oriental favor.
Waterloo Street was better.
Took quite a number of shots, will post some that I like.
Lantern next to lamp
Stairs that talk
Looking at destiny
Have yet to do any post production on the pictures...mostly. Think will have to start thinking of watermarking soon too.
By the way - Happy Chinese New Year to all!
P.S. The picture section shows the pictures I took for CNY. Do give comments yah?
Classic or Touch?
07/09/07 14:26
Well this is old news already, since excitement (if there is any to start off with) should died off within minutes from being announced. Which would you choose? The watered down version of the iPhone or the classic version of the iPod?
It is certainly quite interesting to see how people whine about the technical aspects of the Touch instead of focusing on the plus points. Whilst the Touch has limited memory, it is fast, and has multi touch. People who wants a hdd in the Touch is asking too much, aren't they? The price of nand flash drives are still crazy, and to have 160gig of that of the iPod? That might cost as much as a MacBook, goodness...
Well, people can't be satisfied, right? I'm just hoping that people will buy the Touch for me, ha! Not that interested in the Touch, since iPhone has better features, but then again, iPhone is technically a watered down version of a PDA phone as well...the Ultra series 12.1 still seem a better choice, for now! Okay, enough dreaming for now...