Kek Lok Si @ CNY

I have never taken a shot at Kek Lok Si Temple, particularly during CNY. I have a pretty good view from grandad’s house, but never good enough for a proper shot.

So this year, after getting to know a bunch of guys who sometimes goes through extreme circumstances for a good shots, I decided to tag along to some private location and learn some tips from the pros ( amongst the pros, we had a STAR sports photojournalist with us ) . I even got a shot of the moon, a much better one than my previous attempt.

Happy New Year!!

Nikonian Annual Phototrip 2008

It was an intense 3 days of photography workshop. This event was conducted by trainers from the Nikonian Academy. All types of photography workshops were conducted and one of the highlights was to meet Jim Liaw, the reknown Malaysian wedding photographer who is now internationally famous for his work. A very down to earth person despite having achieved so much with his art in photography. He definitely inspired me a little bit more in pursuing this art in photography and hopefully turn it into a profitable business one day.

This time round to encourage more female photographers, the organizers opened the Best Female Photographer contest category. It was a chance for me the put my work and what I have learnt during the workshop to the test…. lo and behold, yours truly got 1st prize ! It was a pleasant result and was truly happy with the prize, though the bikini was something I’d probably give away. Here is the winning shot and some other model shots.

The winning shot

Model 1

Model 2

Model 3

See more at my Flickr site : http://www.flickr.com/photos/truly_ming OR click on the link on “MY ARTWORK”

First attempt at food photography

My first project for a client was to photograph food for a organic vegetarian restaurant website. Since it is my first attempt on a job, it was quite a daunting task. I was experimenting at every shot not knowing which is the best angle and lighting. Nevertheless, got some pretty good shots though still have lots to improve.

Stay tuned for a glimpse of the completed website………….

Tomatoes on Vine

bitter gourdAlfafa

Beet Root

Tomatoes in Box

 

Alfafa

Soy Dessert

Salad

Set meal

 

 

 

Full Moon 15 Oct 2008

One thing I really love about my apartment is the balcony view. It faces the sea and the east. I get great sunrise every morning, and even get good moonlight shots ( depending on the moon position ) like tonight. Height at 11th floor is also good positioning.

Here’s some shots taken from my balcony of the full moon. An improvement from my past attempts at photographing the moon, though not pro quality yet

 

shoutout! : vacancy for salesperson

A friend of mine is looking for someone to man a push-cart stall selling handbags at Gurney Plaza new wing starting sometime mid october. If you are interested, please drop me a note and will get you in contact with the owner.

Lata Kinjang, Tapah 1st Oct 2008

I have wanted to visit Lata Kinjang Waterfalls for the longest time. The waterfall visible from the North- South Highway is a rare sight. Somehow, never managed to gather enough people who were interested in making the trip there…or maybe I did not ask the right people. This time round I had a purpose to go there and therefore could find people who wanted to go there for the same thing….PHOTOGRAPHY. With no long trips planned for the Raya holidays, me and a few friends set out on this photography and eating road trip.

 

Of course, since Lata Kinjang is situated in Tapah, Ipoh is a must stop for FOOD ! Researched on all famous must try food and shops hoping that in one day ( or more like few hours in Ipoh ) we could try it all !

 We set out from Penang at 5.30am, a short breakfast stop in Ipoh and we reached Lata Kinjang about 9.30am. The sky was still cloudy so the surrounding light still permited us to try our skills in shooting waterfalls. As many photographers would know, its tough achieving a good waterfall pics in bright light as we need to bring the shutter speed down really low and that would only over expose the pictures. Takes skills with some help of filters to achieve the right exposure and effect. This is my first attempt to shoot waterfall, needless to say, didn’t get many good pictures. Polarized filter didn’t help much as many would know, what’s needed is a neutral density filter ( too expensive for my budget! ). The water spray from the falls just worsened the condition to shoot with me trying to balance myself on slippery rocks, steadying my tripod and at the same time having to make sure I don’t drop my camera into the water!

Lata Kinjang Waterfall

Attempt at getting the silky smooth waterflow

Another attempt

 

 

 

Other than waterfall

Mini Orchids

Rubber Tree Seed

2 bugs at IT!~

It is not difficult to get to Lata Kinjang. On the NorthSouth highway, southbound, exit at Tapah, Perak toll plaza. As you reach the first traffic lights, turn right heading towards Chenderiang. There are signs immediately as you exit the toll, so just follow the sign. I am surprised that the signs were pretty good ( considering most of the time road signs in this country can make you lose your way! ). From the main road, it is about 8km to reach the waterfall. Look out for the smallest 2 lane bridge before reaching ( width for one car, made to allow 2 lanes of opposite direction traffic, very interesting……. ). 

 

 

 

DIY Light Box

So, I was suppose to be finishing my work yesterday night, but decided to play with my new project. Me and my photography buddy, Micheginny ( her blog name ) decided to do some cheap DIY photography projects. Got all the stuff that I needed to make a mini light box, so what the heck, work can wait . So if you cannot imagine what is a light box, here it is.

I was so excited about the finish work, just had to get my camera and shoot away. Here are some of the product shot. Got hold of everything I can find that can fit in the box to photograph. Love my penguin fan !

                

  

Sacrifice by Bob Fitts

A sacrifice no one else can give……

My first honorable mention

Recently, one of my photography work was selected for an exhibition by Nikon during a roadshow at Ikano. Full picture is in my gallery. Here’s the shot taken of the display as I could not make it there.

Mine is the flower.

No more paying electricity bills ?

I had a little something to be happy about in the recent budget announcement. The “rakyat” no longer need to pay electricity bills if they only rake up bills below RM20 each month! My bills normally comes in below that amount cause I DO NOT sleep with the air conditioning unless its really hot and humid. However, since my cell groups buddies found out about that, they are out trying to make sure I too have to continue contributing to TNB. Looks like I will be having frequent company at my home…..