Artistic Nude Model Shoot - Iveta Niklova

Felt rather apologetic that I did not get an opportunity to update my blog for a couple of days.

Reason is that I organised a model shoot in KL. The model we have, Iveta Niklova who is based in London, is such a brilliant model that taking good shots of her isn'd difficult.

Organising the shoot, getting the right number of photographers for the outdoor shoot, charging just the right amount to cover the expenses, that is tiring. Then again, with such good response, I may just organise another shoot in the not too distant future.

Got to thank my host with regards to the outdoor shoot. Excellent buildings, and fascade. Truly enjoyable in the company of wedding photographers, event photographers, bankers, all great companies. Best to show some pix now/here. Let me share three for now.

'Angels' from Starbucks

if you come across these people, stop, take a cup of their sampler, and then proceed to buy a decent-size serving! Really, posting this to show how AI works in our life. The top pix was taken with the on-board flash, while the second one was taken using existing light. Not very different. Impressive AI flash.

KL Skyline - 1

Took some photographs from a condominium near KLCC. The colour of the sky was really dramatic. Just could not resist giving some 'oomph' to the photo (2), using Nikon's proprietary software, ViewNX, with a very surprising result. I love the photo. Rather pleasing to the eyes, in my opinion

photo 1

photo 2

Video vs Still Photography

I took up an assignment shooting the interiors of a corporation. Was rather worried about the time I will need to carry out the assignment as there are lots of rooms and facilities (plus talents) to take photographs of.

My contact then informed me that we are to take stills at the same time as the video crew. I agreed, without any hesitation. I only thought of not having to use studio lights and that if the client can save money on talents, why not.

Why not indeed. What a nightmare.

My assistant and I were given worse than third class treatment. Come to think about it, the reason why they can be so loud is the number of people they have in their team. Let me recall. They have:

1 Director
2 Creative Directors
1 Director of Photography
1 Director of business something
1 Camera man
1 Camera man's assistance (wire puller)
1 cue card writer / displayer
1 heavy equipment carrier
1 clamshell carrier (the remote screen)
3 assistants (2 ladies and 1 guy)

The photograph shown (intentionally blurred) is of half their team!

Thank goodness my client came to my defence after I protested that I cannot get any good shots if they continue with their bullying. My assistant got lots of flaks although we are always making sure we are not in their way. I was contemplating packing up and let them have their fun. Oh, and guess what. They shot using available lightings. That is not the worse thing. Some shots of theirs took forever. What we could have done in 6 hours, we had to finish in more than 20 hours - most of the time waiting..waiting... Cannot wait to see their video.

Interestingly, I was reading a book on photography today, and the author who shoots lots of wedding photographs, encountered the same problem with some video crews.

The reason I post this - if any of you have an assignment where you have to work with a video crew, make absolutely certain that your client will be firm with the video guys in that they do not ride roughshod over everyone, including the client. Otherwise, you may want to decline taking up the job.

My entries for the BASF Petronas Conscience Camera Award contest

As promised, these are two of my entries.

An ant holding up an injured ant

A pair of mating butterflies

Results of the Conscience Camera Award - BASF PETRONAS Chemicals

This year, the theme is “Chemistry in Our Life”.

Photographers must interpret and capture photos that show aspect/s of the theme clearly. Every photograph must have a short caption (in English) clarifying the theme depicted in the photograph.

The prize is good, so I participated. I am happy that my 2 entries were shortlisted, but not happy that I did not take home any money.

Nevertheless, I wonder if a couple of the winning shots answer to the theme. More like 'Chemicals' and not 'Chemistry'!

Here are the winning, and not so winning shots, taken at the exhibition site. Oh dear, having a tough time arranging the photographs. Never mind, I will just label them, rather than arranging the photographs.

Shortlisted - cuties submitted by my buddy, Paul Chan and his kid

Ahh, two of my entries. Guess which 2

Consolation Prize

2 Consolation Prizes

1st Prize

3rd Prize

Another Consolation Prize

The Judges -

2nd Prize

More Consolation Prizes

and more...

and there are a couple more short-listed photographs which I missed out.

Premier Quality Hashish?

Checked the back of the T-shirt. The one highlighting premier Hashish. No luck. No treasure map leading to the halucinatory world of hashish. For now, Heineken will do.