Wedding photography

Took up an assignment  a couple of months ago. The bride and groom are lovely couples, both in look and personality. I am sure you will agree too.

This is the first time I went solo. Started the shoot from about 7am and did not finish until almost midnight, with a couple of hours of rest in the afternoon. I don't think I will ever want to shoot solo again. Most boring, and rather tiring too.

Anyway, just thought I will share a couple of thoughts that another photographer friend shared. In this instance, I gave them a lot more images than they asked for. This should be a no no, as inevitably some not so good shots sneaked through.

Also, there may be some situation where the scene can only be 'covered' using a fish eye lens. That is also a no no, for most people cannot appreciate photographs taken with a fish eye lens. Let it be. If your 17-55mm could not cover the angle, forget it. Or check with your client (if you really want to cover the whole event) if they care about seeing images taken with a fish eye.

Last, but not least, ensure that you edit all photos really well, and discard those that may not make you look good. And good luck!

More photographs of paintings

Finished another small project. Photographing paintings by Shane Vink. Two of my favourites are as follows:

... and the artist

Assignments - Photographing Paintings

Just finished a short assignment - photographing paintings. This is rather challenging as the material used is rather reflective. Nothing that cannot be solved with the right positioning of studio lights. Giving you a sneak peak of one of the paintings that will soon be displayed in an art exhibition

Graduation photographs

They can't wait to get back to class after a gruelling photography session. They did not know that I will subject them to individual 'torture' after the group session!

This had been a very busy week, with three assignments in one week.

I took up this assignment with lots of apprehension - Graduation photographs of children in a kindergarten. I know that it is difficult to take photographs of children, especially when they are in a group. True enough, at different times (wrong timing for us), they are digging their noses, scratching their head, tugging at their gown, looking away from the camera, tilting their heads, bending down, disturbing the one standing next/behind/in front of them, etc.

Thank goodness, the only snag we hit was time. We ran out of time. Because of that, we had to return to the school the next day to complete the shoot. Otherwise, it had been a great experience, and of course I have to thank the headmistress for giving me a chance to do this shoot, knowing that I have not done it before.

Oh, for this assignment, the we include Yip. Great help.  Note the makeshift studio.

Candid Photography

Snapped this shot when I was in a car during a wedding assignment. Sweet, and knowledgeable.

Food Photography - Peranakan @ One Utama

Took these photographs a couple of months back. A sample of dishes (also called nyonya dishes, I believe) served by the restaurant, Peranakan Restaurant, is as shown.

I tell you, they are good, really good.

Oh, the shop, yes, the shop - you won't miss it.

Asian Geographic Photo Contest - Asia Without Borders

You might be interested in participating in this contest.

Not me. Somehow, I do not feel comfortable in having to pay to participate.

The making of 'Iron Man', and 'the amateurs'

Was pointed to Jeff Bridges website while 'surfing'. Wonderful site, and enjoyed the photographs presumably taken by Bridges. Thought you, too, may enjoy his site.

We must remember to document events/activities that we would fondly reminisce as we age.

Should we chase technology?

Read and re-read this posting by a friend of mine, Albert, in a photography forum, in response to some comments by a newbie. I hope he does not mind my sharing his gems of knowledge.

He said, "Please don't blame your camera if your pictures are not nice. The camera is just a tool and it's up to you to use your tool to get a job well done. Please remember it is the photographer who shoots a picture and not the camera. ...  Eye contact is also very important (this is in relation to portraiture) ..."
I cannot agree more, although I am still searching.

As an illustration, these two photographs were taken at about the same time, using different cameras. With the Nikon, I could not get the composition I want. The P&S, slightly better, but the two flowers in the distance could not be 'blurred'.

Nikon D300, 80-200mm F2.8/D lens

Lumix LX3

Image of a Prancing Horse

A client of mine is looking for an image of a horse with the fore legs raised. I guess something like what we see on a Ferarri. I don't have any, but would be happy to market your image to this client if it is indeed a 'prancing horse'