I was being approached several times to submit my photography portfolio. Without one, it's hard for people to hire me for any assignments. You can see those that I've uploaded from the link below.

Nesohu's Gallery http://www.nesohu.com/DAlbum/

While I'm busy preparing the web portfolio, please feel free to entertain yourself with with this clip "10 Optical Illusions in 2 Minutes"

[via Gizmodo via Engadget]

Labels: Entertainment, Photography

Besides the AngPow that dad gave me earlier in the morning, I've receive 2 more presents after I came home.

Despite sending me SMS, Pringles greetings, and IMs all day, Shiau Fei sent me a parcel with a bluish Birthday card as well as a nice key chain from Singapore. Thanks Fei, appreciate it a lot.

This morning, I've received an anonymous SMS that makes me ponder all day.

Smser: "Happy Birthday! How are you doing? U put ur birthday alarm in my hp really works leh. Haha"
Me: "Thanks. But who is this?"
Smser: "Seems like u take a lot of ppl's hp to put alarm on ur birthday woe."

I'm like...SHIT. Who's this? Melissa? DianNi? SueYee?...
Smser: "No la. The one who torture ur ty bear la. Know?"

How could I EVER forget that??? Goh Yi Chen - The TY Bear torturer! :)) Finally found out who this person is! Finally~!~

Received late greetings from Josh, ChangWah, SueYee and....It's Jack again. He Smsed me a good news. The photo that I've taken for him a couple of weeks back actually won a contest! It's not some "Pariah" contest, but it's Jobstreet's "I love my job". Congrates to the body builder-cum-model Jack Chuang.


Jack helping up one of his clients

This win sends me a message, "Son, if you dare to go out and try...the prize is your's".

Next contest: FlyFM's RM10,000 cash prize. Question is...."29% of households don't have what?" Come on guys...help me up!

Labels: Myself, Photography

I was talking with a few of my MMU Photography Club juniors earlier on (namely Fabian, Daniel Yee and JiunKei). Turns out that there are a lotta changes since graduation.

Fabian is still sticking with Pentax, and with the help of his "sponsor"-cum-aunt, he already upgraded his *ist DS to K10D. Good for him!

Daniel however is a bit of a surprise to me. 3 years ago, he quit photography for the sake of his then-gf. He sold off his 300D, EOS 30 and a series of F4L lenses and concentrate on Pak-Tor-logy. But now that he's already working and dump/ed his then-gf, he started all over again with the Pentax brand. With K100D, K10D, DA12-24, Tamron 28-75 F2.8, 75-300 and a flashgun 540FGZ. That's much more gears than I've bought after working for 2 years!!!

JiunKei also shocked me. He used to approach us (MMU Photography Club) to help with his MovieMaking hobby. Turns out he's now a proud owner of 400D and some lenses. Through his contacts, he got quite a good access to the F1 as well as MotorGP races. Looking forward to more photos from this video-turn-photog.

As for me, I'll prefer to safe up the money and let the gears pay for itself. Now that my Toastmasters contest journey comes to a pause, I should start to look for ways to fund for my expensive hobby.

Labels: Friends, Photography

Instead of collecting mandarin oranges in the river, I'm supposed to prepare for another contest this Saturday. I'll be representing my club in the Area contest. The pressure is building up, and to release tension this is what I did...



As you can see, if you zoom in 100%, you can actually see the statutes in the pagoda. That's simply amazing. I only spent 10 minutes there as I was late...and this is one of my last shots. No sharpening needed...

I'm glad what my RM 6xxx camera can do for me. Never regret the upgrade. Now, back to my speech preparation.

Labels: Photography

I choose to stay home today since I don't spend much time with them since Qi came back. But since they have their own schedule, I went out to take some pictures.

I heard the sound of people racing from my room. So I took out my camera and went to the racing track near my place. Turns out there are a few people there practicing for a competition later this month. Here's the best shot of the day.

Labels: Photography

You should know by now that I spend a lot on photography, and these stuffs cost a BOMB!!! As you might have all know these stuffs depreciate pretty fast. In no time, equipments worth thousands of $$$ will end up in the junkyard. Well, today I’ll share with you how I get my money back. Instead of leaving it in their boxes, here’s what I do: - I sold them.

Word of mouth can only travel that far, so I usually put my stuffs online @ FIZ, RS and FK. And through experience I did learn the “negotiation skill” required. Let me share that with you.

1. Canon S1is (Buy: RM1900 Sold:RM1000) - Big mistake. I even gave away extra accessories like Lens Hood, Circular Polarizers, and Rechargable Batteries which costs at least RM500 more. Desperate sell that time as it’s my first time…lose quite a lot.



2. Nomad Jukebox (Buy: RM800 Sold: RM50???) - One good example of what happens if you keep ur broken gears in the attic for 5 years. Yet I still get a good bargain rite? :P



3. Toshiba Satellite (Buy:~RM4000 Sold: RM100???) – Old stuff, used it for my studies in MMU. I still remember the specs: Celeron 600MHz, 128MB RAM, 6GB HDD… those were the days. After turning on for 5 years, the LCD rots, and the computer died of old age. Can’t believe it's still worth smth thanks to Alex who sold it for me through lelong. Best part is my dad’s brings its bag to work today.



4. DCM2006 (Buy: RM88 Sold: RM80.) – Do you know even magazines can get a good price at the 2nd hand market? Sold mine on lelong for 90% of the original tag. This month, I’ll be putting up my DCM2007 series for sale as well. Do check out this page for updates.



5. Lowepro Orion Trekker II (Buy:~RM250 Sold: RM150) - I bought it from Hong Kong (CNY’06). After 15 months of extensive usage, I managed to sell it to a gentleman in East Malaysia (Jun’07). The buyer transfer the money to my account without looking at the stuff. He even paid me for the postage. Cool~!



6. Sigma 70-300 APO Macro (Buy: RM720 Sold: RM550) – Who says GIANT Hyper market sells only groceries? I sold this thing right at the car park of GIANT! I was asking for RM650, but that Samaritan managed to bargain it down to RM550 after testing the unit up. Lesson learnt: survey before you buy.



7. Nikon SB-600 (Buy: RM800 Sold: RM600) – This one is interesting. Adib invited me out to have a look with a few of his macho friends. At the beginning I was a bit scared, but eventually he bought it from me with RM600 in cold hard cash. $$$ BLINK $$$



8. Nikon D70s (Buy: RM4200 Sold: RM1850) –You might think I’m stupid selling it off at such a cheap price. But think again, after 34k exposures each exposure costs me only 7 cents! And if I continue keeping it, it’ll mostly stay in the dry box and collect dust. Thanks to Mayki who got it off my shoulders.

At first I intend to sell items 7 and 8 for RM 2,500. Eventually I get back RM2450 selling it separately thanks to my bad negotiating skill. Finally I close the deal by reducing the price by RM50 if they pay up by the end of the week. BAM, they finally paid me in full this morning. So, now you have it. These are all the stuffs that I’ve been putting up on the web and all managed to sell pretty well. So what else will you be expecting from me in the near future?

1. A retired brand less HIFI system with decent speakers (BUY:RM300 RSP: RM50)


2. My CPU: Asus T2 Casing, PIV, RAM: 1G, HDD: 120G, 16x DVD Burner (BUY: RM2500 RSP: RM888.88)


3. Samsung 17” LCD (Rechipped): (BUY: RM1000 RSP: RM 300)


4. DCM2007 (BUY: RM120 RSP: RM120)

More stuffs to come, with pictures attached. If you happen to be interested in the above stuffs do give me a ring at MAXIS-453 2074.

Labels: Photography, Tech

Hello readers,

I haven't been updating much as I have tonnes of stuffs/ new interests coming in.

Good news is that my Nikon D70s has already came back from servicing. Costs me RM480 for both my camera and flash, but that's maintenance cost required for this hobby of mine. Once received, I've helped my company photograph the Annual Dinner F.O.C. I think that it's not beneficial to me, but yet, it's a good opportunity for me to test out my camera after not using a camera for > 1 month.

In my Toastmasters progress, I've already completed 8 assignments. The time taken to prepare each assignment is shorter, but quality of the delivery is not being neglected in any way. I am thinking of publishing all my assignments for the benefit of other Toastmasters who are looking for a topic. Will find one fine day to work on that.

What else? Ok, I also found out that I never have enough money. Flipped through some books on Personal Finance which changed my life. As I started to draw out my cashflow, I noticed that there ain't no savings for rainny days or marriage. You can say that I can be described as "Kais pagi makan pagi". Since then, I've added PFblogs into my GoogleReader. Some of those articles are really informative, especially by this guy Ramit Sethi. Depends on what you are looking for, generally these sites are has articles which suits everyone's needs.

Technical wise, I've suceed in getting my hp 6515b laptop installed with Ubuntu Gutsy Gibbon (7.10). I've made it earlier, just need to press "Alt+F1" to prompt the username input. Now the system is updated. Pending installation of Broadcom drivers, SCIM input, and misc other applications to make my laptop an ultimate FOSS power house.

Dad has some trouble working around with Vista, but with Ubuntu...he shouldn't have any problem working around it. You muz see how tech wise my parents are. Mom is searching for travel plans for March 2008 already over the web. My sister also prefer Ubuntu if not for the slight compatibility issue on Feisty earlier. Will install 7.10 for her once I've got mine running smoothly.

This weekend I will most probably be busy with International Dance Competition @ PISA and right after that, will visit Gurney Drive to cover the Loy Khartong festival. Sunday will be Little Penang if nothing else come up.

You must be wondering what I'm doing in the office while I've been doing all these stuffs on my "free time". Well, not everyone talks about their work. Kennysia has been travelling the world, but he insists that he has a 9-5 job. How I wish I'll be able to get paid trips like his. Stay tuned for more updates.

Labels: Myself, Photography, Ubuntu

Now that I’ve finished reading about the D3, and also the D300, it’s time to write a nice round up. But before that, I’ve found a nice link from Photography Bay. It’s so funny I almost pee my pants laughing. Read this first, and you’ll have more understanding when you read the actual specifications on the brochures [Link: Nikon Malaysia D3 D300]

So now, let’s start with D3. 12.2MP doesn’t sound much today but Full Frame (FX format) means that Nikon listens to their customers. Like the D2x, D3 has crop format as well:- the 5:4 and DX format. Meaning to say that all your DX lenses can still be used, no problem with that. And since the competitor has a whooping 10fps with AF focusing problem, Nikon decided to put the camera to manual focus to reduce the processing information, and reached an extra frame per second -> 11fps. Even with the AF on, the difference isn’t significantly less, 9fps sounds like a lot to me. Superbly high ISO of 6,400 (25,600 with boost). Besides, the 3” LCD also promises 1700 view, with 900+k pixels.

What about D300? You must think that it might be a crippled D3. But NO, it’s almost as good in terms of specs. 12.2MP CMOS DX, 6fps (8fps with MB-10 battery pack), High ISO of 3,200 ( 6,400 with boost), same 3” LCD like the D3. D200 uses the CAM1000 processor which looks inferior as compared with the 2000 CAMs on the D2X. But both D3 and D300 uses the new EXPEED CAM3500 sensors, which I believe is what Nikon uses to capture so many frames per second (fps). Besides, automatic sensor cleaning has been integrated… it’s like who doesn’t in Year 2007. Live View is also written in the spec sheet, but I still doubt how they does that with the mirror down.

Other things that are already there (uniquely Nikon) – builts like a brick, wireless transmission for up to 5 cameras, D-lighting, great ergonomics, easy to reach buttons, and weather-sealing. Nikon never disappoints. If D200 is “The 200% camera”, this camera definitely worth to claim “the 300% camera” title.

What's a camera without a lens. Nikon came well prepared with the announcement of 5 lenses to complete the GMA factor (Gaya Mesti Ada). 3 super teles with VR -> AF-S 400mm, 500mm and 600mm at an aperture of F4, and as for the wide side, there is the super wide AF-S 14-24mm f2.8 and also the standard AF-S 24-70mm f2.8.

Foot note: I wrote this article after reading both the announcements once. Trying to test out my “photographic memory” for my future Toastmasters speeches.

"Woohoo" today is my happy day.

Labels: Photography

I was too preoccupied with my Toastmasters event lately, hence too busy to do a write up (which every photo enthusiast is doing on the web). So now here’s my opinion from the pre-release, without any “hands on”.

DSLR war is on again. Canon has announced 2 new cameras lately – EOS 1Ds MkIII and EOS 40D. Let’s talk about the RM32k camera first. 1Ds has been Canon’s flagship camera with full frame. With Mk II, we have 16.7MP, while Canon boosted up the pixels to 22.1 on their Mk III. These additional pixels are targeted for the commercial photographers who need to print large, but do not want to be burden by the weight of medium formats. As for 40D, they have increased the pixel count by 20% to 10.1MP.

That’s not what impresses me most. Even though the pixel count increases, they did not affect the sensor area of each pixel. Meaning the noise will not be affected (hopefully). These cameras have the LiveView technology, and Dust Removal that Olympus first introduced. Too bad the 4/3’s sensor isn’t that popular. Canon also includes the 14-bit ADC that we’ve seen on Fujifilm since their S2Pro. Hopefully this translates to a wider dynamic range.

Canon also increases the continuous shot buffer for 40D to 6.5fps ( 5fps on 30D). There’s spot metering and they have finally listen to the customer to indicate alert when the memory card compartment is open. Both cameras came uses CMOS sensors which translate to lower noise, lower battery consumption and all.

So, how does the other brands responded? Right after the announcement, Sonly announced a 12.5MP CMOS sensor that can shoot at 10fps!!! That’s like totally puts the EOS 1D MkIII in history.

Wait, the Nikonians has also came up with a fight. The D3 is out!!! Wait, is that all you can do? 12.1 MP? No! We have finally made it to FULL FRAME!!! With only an estimate of 20 sensors per wafer. I don’t think it’ll come cheap.

Back to reading more about the updates. Will write a summary of what Nikons have to offer. For those who can’t wait….you can always visit my trusted DPReview.com. Till then…ciaoz!

Labels: Photography

Labels: Photography, Travel

Aki, one of my favourite Japan GT babes is in Penang for a publicity stunt. Love this girl. She doesn't age a bit even after 2 years. That's the benifit of being paid to get cute and act young. How can people age with such good life? Just pose for the camera and sing out some songs.

Didn't take much pictures as I've to balance quite a few tasks over the weekend. But I'm glad I managed to bring home some jackpots.... With Aki is another girl known as Momoyo. She has a great body and she is very friendly and smiles all the time.

When I was getting an autograph from the ladies, Aki asked if she can have one of the photos I took of her. I was reluctant, but promised her to print one for her by end of the month. My face immediately turns tomato red when she hook my last finger to symbolize our little promise. Haha... guys :P


That's a photo of Aki with Momoyo. More photos can be found at my Picasa Web Albums.

Labels: JapenGT, Photography

Despite being a Nikonian, I'm impressed by the virtual tour provided by the Canon Japan. Some of you might be thinking, "Why these idiots morgaged their house and divource their wives for photography." It's because they understand and are obsessed with the process of manufacturing, precision, accuracy and perfection of these glasses.

These terms like ED, UD, Florite and Aspherical glasses are things lens makers write on the specifications of their products. The more of these terms the merrier. Click on the link if you're interested in my all time favourite hobby.

Labels: Photography

At the 14th evening of the lunar new year, SP Setia organized a publicity event to promote their terrace house. Besides talking all about their properties, they hired some dancers from China to perform for the public. Here are a few of my satisfactory shots, still not good enuff though...will havta work hard on my rusty skills.

[1] Dancers from China


[2] Dancers from China II


[3] Dancers from China III - Color a bit weird, still need to work on it

Labels: Photography

PMA is around the corner, and we can expect to see various camera makers coming out with new gadgets to boost their market. This morning I'm quite happy with both the DA* lens offered by Pentax - The DA* 16 - 50 mm F2.8 ED AL [IF] SDM and the DA* 50 - 135 mm F2.8 [IF] SDM.

Things me likes are their SDM (USM/SWM equi), weather sealed (Nikon, hear me out!), feather weight and specifically designed for Digital. It'll be a perfect match for K10D if i haven't commit myself too much to Nikon. Can't wait for the reviews and MTF charts.

Another interesting announcement is the Canon's 1D MkII. Here are the key features and why I hate them.

Key features

10.1 Megapixel APS-H CMOS sensor ( standard nowadays dun ya think? )

10 fps continuous shooting for up to 110 frames (who would want to shoot the same image for 110 times?)

Dual “DIGIC III” processors (following the CoreDuo concept???)

New auto focus system with 19 cross type sensors, 26 AF assist points (Hm...okey)

EOS Integrated Cleaning System (Can't deny this is good, Nikon...come on!)

ISO 3200 (expandable to H:6400) (Wonder what the noise level would be like)

3.0” LCD with Live View mode (Yeah Baby~!)

Wider, brighter viewfinder ( ...)

Picture Style1 ( so amateurish)

14-bit image (will be interesting if it matches the competitors like Fujifilm)

What about Nikon? So far only P5000 digital compact sounds promising and some L (low cost) series for beginners. New lenses coming soon? Unlikely...

Labels: Photography

Date Picture Taken: 2/10/2005 7:44 PM
Camera Model: Canon Powershot S1 IS
EXIF: F/6.3; 2sec; 14mm


(click to enlarge)

Date Picture Taken: 1/28/2006 11:37 PM
Camera Model: Nikon D70s
EXIF: F/8; 2sec; 120mm


(click to enlarge)

Date Picture Taken: 2/21/2007 7:38 PM
Camera Model: Nikon D70s
EXIF: F/13; 4sec; 40mm (+0.5EV)


(click to enlarge)

3 years, same subject, different shot. Will it be "finally" ??? Nope...will continue to take again next year. But for now, that's the best my kit lens can do.

Labels: Photography

Click on image to enlarge

Get to know this place from pictures shown in RojakStudio. But the time it strikes us to visit was when I went to a camera shop to buy a light stand. The image taken was rather marvellous. Without the money to hire professional models, nor am I keen enough to wait for the sun to be at the right spot, here's a DI (Digitally-manipulated Image).

I've been there twice, once with Irene, and the other time with Lincoln and Shiau Fei. We loved the freshly made nutmeg juice and also the cookies they baked. Too bad they closed before sunset, cause I believed the view from up there will be spectacular.

Let me know if you managed to find out what is wrong, or what I played with. Answers will be revealed later. Too tired to blog now. Good night world.

Labels: Photography

My effort pays off when I received a call from Canon Marketing Malaysia (Penang) that I won the 3rd price in the Photography Contest held in E&O Hotel back in September 2006.

It's the first time I won anything on a photography competition. I did have my pictures published on magazines, but never won anything till now. It's a Canon Selphy CP710 compact printer which worths RM450 in the market. Not planning to keep it, so if anyone interested can leave me a message. I plan to sell for around RM350~RM400.

---

So, here's on smth else.

Met up with Ming Zheng last weekend in Pacific. It's a coincidence that we were there shopping. Got the pillows from her and also a cute box of sweets that she got for me and Irene from Singapore. I believed it's her 1st time down there, muz be smth new to her.

Thanks for the present mui. Still "she bu de" open and eat such a cute lil package.

Labels: Friends, Photography