Anyway, to sort of celebrate the upcoming one thousand visits to this blog, here's a picture I took recently on the same day I took these :)
 |
| f/8.0 at 1/640sec, ISO 250 |
Thursday, January 20, 2011
reaching a thousand visits!
Okay that's a small matter, but still an achievement to say the least! I've had a very unproductive week so far this week, photography-wise. All those ideas are stuck in my head but I'm not doing them any favours by going to work almost every single day and not having my camera when the light is just sublime *smacks head*. Anyway, that's the challenge anyway right. To have things not going your way and to be strong enough to fight off anything that gets in your way. I'm gonna try and do some food & product photography this weekend, since I have a couple of days off from work. What I'm not looking forward to do is buying all those backdrops, I really don't have a clue where to start. That is when I'll be more thankful to the internet! I'm also not looking forward to making the food and having them ruined cause of me.... surely nothing can go wrong....
Anyway, to sort of celebrate the upcoming one thousand visits to this blog, here's a picture I took recently on the same day I took these :)
Anyway, to sort of celebrate the upcoming one thousand visits to this blog, here's a picture I took recently on the same day I took these :)
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
Lost in the modern era
With all the new gadgets and technologies introduced recently at CES 2011, are we spoilt for choices? Are we too greedy? Do we really need the best of everything? Shouldn't we focus on being a better human being than developing better robots and computers? You might argue that most of us need those gadgets for work, but there's already enough out there that are better than what we require them to do. I'm using a 2 year old Sony handphone, simple phone that I only use for calls, texts and a bit of gaming. Having said that, I am thinking of getting the Google/Samsung Nexus S. Simply because I'll need those widgets as those Android people call it, like Google Maps for example - I'm bad with directions! What's more is the ability to surf the web when I'm not at home, and who wants to bring a laptop when you're out at dinner? So, technology drives men nuts. But is it good or bad? Depends on what you're gonna do with it, I'd say.
Okay back to the photography side! I know I've been quite recently. So what has been going on? Well, I received my first paycheck on Saturday - January 15th worth RM200 as my salary for December. That was a welcomed event, cause I was running out of cash! I didn't hesitate on spending 'wisely' though. Yesterday I brought an ND & an ND Graduate filter (both ND4s) as well as the adapter and the filter holder. All I've done since was experiment with both filters and learn how to use them properly. So far, the results have been alright, not spectacular. But I know that will come with good practice! I'll use them more as days go by, hopefully I'll master it before February!
Earlier today I went out around the neighbourhood and took some shots. All were taken with a Nikon D700 and Carl Zeiss 2/35 attached.
Okay back to the photography side! I know I've been quite recently. So what has been going on? Well, I received my first paycheck on Saturday - January 15th worth RM200 as my salary for December. That was a welcomed event, cause I was running out of cash! I didn't hesitate on spending 'wisely' though. Yesterday I brought an ND & an ND Graduate filter (both ND4s) as well as the adapter and the filter holder. All I've done since was experiment with both filters and learn how to use them properly. So far, the results have been alright, not spectacular. But I know that will come with good practice! I'll use them more as days go by, hopefully I'll master it before February!
Earlier today I went out around the neighbourhood and took some shots. All were taken with a Nikon D700 and Carl Zeiss 2/35 attached.
 |
| f/2.8 at 1/500sec , ISO 250 |
 |
| f/4 at 1/400sec, ISO 250 |
 |
| f/3.2 at 1/800sec, ISO 250 also on my flickr |
Thursday, January 13, 2011
is the CZ 2/35 fast enough for (my) cats?
A couple of days ago, I was rather bored at home so I decided to take the CZ 2/35 out for a spin in the cat house. Somehow, my cats seemed intrigued at the lens, much more so than when I used the Nikon 50mm f/1.8. Hemm maybe cats have good taste. Anyway, I entered the cat house, they seemed very sleepy (as always!). Once I got in, they got hyper! I don't know what sort of vibe the Carl Zeiss lens brought, but it worked! My cats were running around, reaching for the roof, and biting my foot, typical. I fired off some shots and surprisingly, have a few keepers. Sure there wasn't as much as when I used the 50mm f/1.8 but remember that the Zeiss has no AF, so I had to rely on manually focusing the lens, as well as searching for the perfect spot to focus on through the viewfinder. The other problem I encountered was when my cats were moving (as you'd expect by using an MF lens), the difficulty in focusing back and forth is very annoying and frustrating. Though once my cats stood still, it was all natural, focus point on the eyes, and boom - nailed the focus. That may be down to the smooth focusing ring of the 2/35, or the bright viewfinder of the D700, or both.
So, would you want to use an MF lens when shooting animals? My advice, avoid it. Unless you're really patient and understand the typical behaviors of those animals, you're gonna have a hard time keeping up with where to focus, and ultimately producing a sharp, focused image. For me, I wouldn't mind using the 2/35 again when I take pictures of my cats, since I have a good relationship with them, and most of them would pose for me (you'll see what I mean!). I also know how to make them relaxed, or make them lose it and go nuts. For example, my cats have a habit of going hyper once I touch their back and belly - they'll start running around as if there's a race!
That's my opinion, of course I'll take more photos of my cats when I have the time (and their time as well!). Do you have any other way of dealing with focusing when it comes to animals or fast moving subjects? Share them if you will, by writing a comment :)
Enjoy the photos and let me know what you think of them :)
So, would you want to use an MF lens when shooting animals? My advice, avoid it. Unless you're really patient and understand the typical behaviors of those animals, you're gonna have a hard time keeping up with where to focus, and ultimately producing a sharp, focused image. For me, I wouldn't mind using the 2/35 again when I take pictures of my cats, since I have a good relationship with them, and most of them would pose for me (you'll see what I mean!). I also know how to make them relaxed, or make them lose it and go nuts. For example, my cats have a habit of going hyper once I touch their back and belly - they'll start running around as if there's a race!
That's my opinion, of course I'll take more photos of my cats when I have the time (and their time as well!). Do you have any other way of dealing with focusing when it comes to animals or fast moving subjects? Share them if you will, by writing a comment :)
Enjoy the photos and let me know what you think of them :)
 |
| this is also on my flickr |
Monday, January 10, 2011
DRC 2010/2011 - photos
As I mentioned on Friday, I was going away on a trip to participate in a Rotaract event all the way in Hulu Langat. Long story short, it was a memorable trip! On Friday itself, we were divided into 6 groups, I was in the Red group (GO REDDDD!). That night, we had a treasure hunt. From what I can remember (I just had 9 hours of sleep!), there was an obstacle course, and a bunch of other group activities. Oh, the highlight of the treasure hunt was when the groups had to find a type of fruit in an open space, and break it open without destroying it, eat it, and then combine the pieces back together. For my group, we had a watermelon - I found it :D, and ate it clean! We opened it up with a door key, and everybody were eating like a colony of monkeys! After that, we had supper..... yes after the watermelon was finished completely....
Saturday started early (too early for some!), the first activity was a morning exercise. The stretching, the bits of dancing, aahhh it was too much! We were then treated with a wonderful breakfast, 'nasi lemak'. Please don't directly translate 'nasi lemak' in English, I'll feel bad !! Afterwards, a Rotarian came in to talk about how he led an unconventional life. He has been a Rotarian for decades, and he has clearly won the hearts of many at the conference. After that was another talk, this time by a former model, who is now a terrific food blogger. You can follow her blog right here. Of course, being a model, a lot of guys didn't hesitate to try a shot at her! In the end, she was asked (more like forced!) to do a catwalk. Soon after, a bunch of guys also joined in! The pictures will show you what I mean. Next was the jungle trekking. The hike got us up to the waterfall. A breathtaking waterfall with freezing cold waters was the perfect place for all of us to have some fun and enjoy with nature. The walk back down was a little easier, thankfully! Then we were served with a barbecue dinner back at the cafeteria. I had some of everything! - chicken, sausage, fries, rice, coleslaw. I was thinking of having a go at it again, for the next round, but I was too full after that! After everybody had clean up, there was a plenary session/forum back at the hall. The District reviewed the activities they've done last year, and brought up some new ones for the year! I have to say, I'm not a member of any Rotaract club yet, but all the activities look spot-on fantastic! I can't wait to be part of it.
On Sunday, the day started off way too late for most of the participants. By 8.45, including me, there was only about 10 people having breakfast at the cafeteria! I guess they were all tired, most of them didn't sleep on Friday so it was understandable. After breakfast was the revelation of the guardian&angel game. Basically the guardian is supposed to take care of his or her angel. Everybody had one of each. My guardian was a good guy, he made sure I was okay the whole time, really appreciated that! However, I wasn't much of a good guardian myself. I knew who she was, but I guess it was weird having an older angel to take care of. On Saturday night, I told her that I'd get her supper. I didn't see her at all until the revelation of the game on Sunday morning! For most of the participants, it was a good way to get to know more of some of the others. Next was the final talk, to me, the highlight of the conference. Jason Lo - yes a local musician, and now the CEO of Tune Talk was the speaker. I have to say, I am now considering to switch to Tune Talk! As for him, he was hilarious! Musicians are known to be funny, but he was out of the ordinary. I've been looking up to him for bringing the local music industry to new heights, and now for being so honest about how the mobile service works. When he was done, a bunch of us took photos with him! Being a superstar here in Malaysia, he was natural in front of the camera. After that was the closing ceremony, the committee did a good job with the farewell video. Brought back the 3 day event into media form, to remind us of all the fun we shared. We then had lunch and head home.
I have to say, the people I've met from the last 3 days were very inspiring, and bring a lot of positives into my way of thinking. Are they naturally like that or Rotaract has helped them along the way? I think it could be both. Some of them are from Penang, way up North in the map of Malaysia, and some are from Johor, the most Southern part of Malaysia. They all came for the event to simply meet new people, gain new experiences, and learn more about Rotaract. Simply, the whole trip has made me want to change. And I'm ending this post with new resolutions for the year (its never too late!) ; to be more matured and talk more!
All of these were taken with a D700 and CZ 2/35 and sometimes SB-600
And with that, enjoy the photos! :)
Saturday started early (too early for some!), the first activity was a morning exercise. The stretching, the bits of dancing, aahhh it was too much! We were then treated with a wonderful breakfast, 'nasi lemak'. Please don't directly translate 'nasi lemak' in English, I'll feel bad !! Afterwards, a Rotarian came in to talk about how he led an unconventional life. He has been a Rotarian for decades, and he has clearly won the hearts of many at the conference. After that was another talk, this time by a former model, who is now a terrific food blogger. You can follow her blog right here. Of course, being a model, a lot of guys didn't hesitate to try a shot at her! In the end, she was asked (more like forced!) to do a catwalk. Soon after, a bunch of guys also joined in! The pictures will show you what I mean. Next was the jungle trekking. The hike got us up to the waterfall. A breathtaking waterfall with freezing cold waters was the perfect place for all of us to have some fun and enjoy with nature. The walk back down was a little easier, thankfully! Then we were served with a barbecue dinner back at the cafeteria. I had some of everything! - chicken, sausage, fries, rice, coleslaw. I was thinking of having a go at it again, for the next round, but I was too full after that! After everybody had clean up, there was a plenary session/forum back at the hall. The District reviewed the activities they've done last year, and brought up some new ones for the year! I have to say, I'm not a member of any Rotaract club yet, but all the activities look spot-on fantastic! I can't wait to be part of it.
On Sunday, the day started off way too late for most of the participants. By 8.45, including me, there was only about 10 people having breakfast at the cafeteria! I guess they were all tired, most of them didn't sleep on Friday so it was understandable. After breakfast was the revelation of the guardian&angel game. Basically the guardian is supposed to take care of his or her angel. Everybody had one of each. My guardian was a good guy, he made sure I was okay the whole time, really appreciated that! However, I wasn't much of a good guardian myself. I knew who she was, but I guess it was weird having an older angel to take care of. On Saturday night, I told her that I'd get her supper. I didn't see her at all until the revelation of the game on Sunday morning! For most of the participants, it was a good way to get to know more of some of the others. Next was the final talk, to me, the highlight of the conference. Jason Lo - yes a local musician, and now the CEO of Tune Talk was the speaker. I have to say, I am now considering to switch to Tune Talk! As for him, he was hilarious! Musicians are known to be funny, but he was out of the ordinary. I've been looking up to him for bringing the local music industry to new heights, and now for being so honest about how the mobile service works. When he was done, a bunch of us took photos with him! Being a superstar here in Malaysia, he was natural in front of the camera. After that was the closing ceremony, the committee did a good job with the farewell video. Brought back the 3 day event into media form, to remind us of all the fun we shared. We then had lunch and head home.
I have to say, the people I've met from the last 3 days were very inspiring, and bring a lot of positives into my way of thinking. Are they naturally like that or Rotaract has helped them along the way? I think it could be both. Some of them are from Penang, way up North in the map of Malaysia, and some are from Johor, the most Southern part of Malaysia. They all came for the event to simply meet new people, gain new experiences, and learn more about Rotaract. Simply, the whole trip has made me want to change. And I'm ending this post with new resolutions for the year (its never too late!) ; to be more matured and talk more!
All of these were taken with a D700 and CZ 2/35 and sometimes SB-600
And with that, enjoy the photos! :)
Friday, January 7, 2011
A weekend with the CZ 2/35 out in the jungle!
Hello!
I decided to join a trip out to the middle of nowhere (I hope not!) with some Roteractors. Its the District Roteract Conference 2010/2011 ! Having been part of the Interact Club in secondary school, it was inevitable that I would join Roteract once I leave school, and Rotary further on. It sounds like a fantastic event, I'm looking forward to it! Though I'm gonna miss the things and people I'm already used to :(
Oh, I'm ONLY bringing one lens for this 3 days 2 nights event, the CZ 2/35. Its already attached to my D700. Lets see how well this lens copes with the harsh conditions (not too harsh, please!) out in the wild. Let mother nature run its course!
Since I'm attending this event, I won't be online for a few days. I'll be back on Sunday. Hope for some refreshing portraits!
Have a good weekend, folks!
I decided to join a trip out to the middle of nowhere (I hope not!) with some Roteractors. Its the District Roteract Conference 2010/2011 ! Having been part of the Interact Club in secondary school, it was inevitable that I would join Roteract once I leave school, and Rotary further on. It sounds like a fantastic event, I'm looking forward to it! Though I'm gonna miss the things and people I'm already used to :(
Oh, I'm ONLY bringing one lens for this 3 days 2 nights event, the CZ 2/35. Its already attached to my D700. Lets see how well this lens copes with the harsh conditions (not too harsh, please!) out in the wild. Let mother nature run its course!
Since I'm attending this event, I won't be online for a few days. I'll be back on Sunday. Hope for some refreshing portraits!
Have a good weekend, folks!
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
My favourite images from 2010!
2010 was certainly a memorable year for me, in all aspects, it made me grow. One of those aspects are photography, and my way of seeing things have changed and I look at subjects differently now. I also approach subjects that I never did years before. So here's my pick for my favourites of 2010 !
Hopefully I'll take better pictures this year!
2011 ; expectations and predictions
So 2010 went by quickly, though those memorable moments last considerably longer. The year of the Tiger proved to be a decisive year for me, generally and photographically speaking. Having upgraded to the full frame format in the form of the D700, and having completed my SPM exams from late November onto early December, I am now looking forward to what's yet to come. On this post, I'll be talking about the things I'd like to see (again, photographically and generally speaking) as well as the things I hope to see, in 2011.
Every boy dreams about it, every boy wishes to get it as soon as they can - driver's license. So far, I've only gone for the talk, about the rules of driving and so on and so forth, pretty boring really. Okay I'm not gonna lie, it was VERY boring. They even gave us a book to read for the computer test (which I haven't gone for yet), and the book is simply torturous. I'd rather read a 5 year old's story book! Hopefully, I'll get my license before I enter college, would be a hassle if I have to miss my classes to attend my driving lessons.
Next, I would love to do some major upgrades to not only my room, but to my cat house! I visited Ikea yesterday to check out some decorative lights and I saw some pretty fascinating choices over there. I've never had floor lamps before, but I'm seriously considering buying it for the corner of my room, for some light reading and such. The ceiling lights were also very fascinating to look at, and they would particularly create some decent soft lighting in my room. As for the lights for the cat house, the lights I had in mind are similar to this. As much as I want to purchase all these lights, its really down to my parents. Though I hope they'd give me the green light!
I'm expecting a few new exciting products from Nikon AND Carl Zeiss (only these two because I'm only interested in buying more from these two brands). From Nikon, I don't care if they release a D700 replacement, supposedly be called the D800. I've only used my D700 for half a year, and I'm not interested to replace it as it is one helluva camera. As for lenses, I hope they decide to upgrade their wide-angle primes. A cheaper 24mm f/2 (the 24mm f/1.4 costs well over RM6,000!) will be a good addition to my camera bag, and would accommodate my CZ 2/35 well. As for the telephoto end, I would like to see Nikon update their 105 f/2 and 135 f/2 and remove the DC feature. The ones that have these two lenses may or may not like it, I would prefer not to have it at all. A 200mm f/2.8 VRII and a 70-200mm f/4 VRII would be nice additions too. The latter would be an awesome, flexible lens for traveling. Also, I would LOVE to see Carl Zeiss introduce a longer option in their lens line-up. Currently, their longest lens for Nikon (and Canon for that matter) is the magnificent 2/100 Makro. Personally, I wouldn't break the bank over a RM5,000-rated Macro lens (although the magnification is 'only' 1:2), and although many uses this as a portrait lens as well as macro, I can't justify spending so much on just one lens at this point of my life. Something like a CZ 2/135 with T* coatings would be a sweet deal, as long as the price is right! That would accommodate the Nikon 85mm f/1.8 I'm planning to buy, and would be the longer portrait lens option. Not to mention something cheaper on the wide end, maybe a 2.8/23. The close-focusing capabilities of the 2.8/25 and the amazing image quality the 2.8/12 produces make them have a high price-tag. Something cheaper on the wide-end from Zeiss would definitely interest me, and a lot of people!
As for my studies, I'm looking forward to get into a good college and pursue my dream of protecting the environment. The world is really asking for trouble with God. The attitudes of some people are really disappointing. How hard is it to throw garbage into the provided trash cans?! Seriously there's more than enough for everybody, but you only need one to throw the garbage into. And open burning? Don't get me started. Seriously, take care of the environment like you do of your home.
This year should be an exciting year. New camera gear, college, travels, everything new really! But I hope I can keep a close relationship with the existing gems I already have, my loved ones. Hopefully we won't drift apart as everybody pursue their own dreams and goals. I really have a good feeling about 2011, I think it's going to be fantastic!
Every boy dreams about it, every boy wishes to get it as soon as they can - driver's license. So far, I've only gone for the talk, about the rules of driving and so on and so forth, pretty boring really. Okay I'm not gonna lie, it was VERY boring. They even gave us a book to read for the computer test (which I haven't gone for yet), and the book is simply torturous. I'd rather read a 5 year old's story book! Hopefully, I'll get my license before I enter college, would be a hassle if I have to miss my classes to attend my driving lessons.
Next, I would love to do some major upgrades to not only my room, but to my cat house! I visited Ikea yesterday to check out some decorative lights and I saw some pretty fascinating choices over there. I've never had floor lamps before, but I'm seriously considering buying it for the corner of my room, for some light reading and such. The ceiling lights were also very fascinating to look at, and they would particularly create some decent soft lighting in my room. As for the lights for the cat house, the lights I had in mind are similar to this. As much as I want to purchase all these lights, its really down to my parents. Though I hope they'd give me the green light!
I'm expecting a few new exciting products from Nikon AND Carl Zeiss (only these two because I'm only interested in buying more from these two brands). From Nikon, I don't care if they release a D700 replacement, supposedly be called the D800. I've only used my D700 for half a year, and I'm not interested to replace it as it is one helluva camera. As for lenses, I hope they decide to upgrade their wide-angle primes. A cheaper 24mm f/2 (the 24mm f/1.4 costs well over RM6,000!) will be a good addition to my camera bag, and would accommodate my CZ 2/35 well. As for the telephoto end, I would like to see Nikon update their 105 f/2 and 135 f/2 and remove the DC feature. The ones that have these two lenses may or may not like it, I would prefer not to have it at all. A 200mm f/2.8 VRII and a 70-200mm f/4 VRII would be nice additions too. The latter would be an awesome, flexible lens for traveling. Also, I would LOVE to see Carl Zeiss introduce a longer option in their lens line-up. Currently, their longest lens for Nikon (and Canon for that matter) is the magnificent 2/100 Makro. Personally, I wouldn't break the bank over a RM5,000-rated Macro lens (although the magnification is 'only' 1:2), and although many uses this as a portrait lens as well as macro, I can't justify spending so much on just one lens at this point of my life. Something like a CZ 2/135 with T* coatings would be a sweet deal, as long as the price is right! That would accommodate the Nikon 85mm f/1.8 I'm planning to buy, and would be the longer portrait lens option. Not to mention something cheaper on the wide end, maybe a 2.8/23. The close-focusing capabilities of the 2.8/25 and the amazing image quality the 2.8/12 produces make them have a high price-tag. Something cheaper on the wide-end from Zeiss would definitely interest me, and a lot of people!
As for my studies, I'm looking forward to get into a good college and pursue my dream of protecting the environment. The world is really asking for trouble with God. The attitudes of some people are really disappointing. How hard is it to throw garbage into the provided trash cans?! Seriously there's more than enough for everybody, but you only need one to throw the garbage into. And open burning? Don't get me started. Seriously, take care of the environment like you do of your home.
This year should be an exciting year. New camera gear, college, travels, everything new really! But I hope I can keep a close relationship with the existing gems I already have, my loved ones. Hopefully we won't drift apart as everybody pursue their own dreams and goals. I really have a good feeling about 2011, I think it's going to be fantastic!
Monday, January 3, 2011
how does the CZ 2/35 fair in B&W?
 |
| go deeper |
This image was taken in One Utama shopping complex, at the Secret Garden on the rooftop. Quite a beautiful garden, though I wish they made it bigger.
This was of course not shot in B&W straight from the camera! It was converted to B&W in Lightroom.
What I first noticed is the contrast and details are superb, just like what I've heard. After this image, that interest to create B&W photographs has came back to me!
OH, how's 2011 treating you? :) Some of my friends have gone back to school earlier today (pity them!), while I got up so late I would have been punished for missing the assembly if I was still a schoolboy, that is.
I will try and update the blog as much as I can. By Thursday, I'd be working for 6 days in a row. Never thought I'd be a workaholic this fast!
Anyway, take care, and keep shooting!
Saturday, January 1, 2011
2011 is finally here !
first of all, Happy New Year to my family and friends, and dear readers! How was your New Year's celebrations? :)
On this New Year's Day, I have a lot going on. Firstly, I'm sending my dad to the airport. Sad sad. Why can't I follow him >.< Oh then I have to work after that - now I know how it sucks to work on a holiday, worst yet, on New Year's Day ! )#%&#%@&*$@
Anyway, I have this photo to show. I find it one of the best photos I've taken with the CZ 2/35, simply because I managed to squeezed in quite a lot on a lens that isn't so wide. Notice the wilted flowers in the background, I couldn't have included those in with my other lenses (or my brother's lenses).
Okay time to head to the airport. I'm bringing my camera of course! May you have a sublime start to the new year! :)
On this New Year's Day, I have a lot going on. Firstly, I'm sending my dad to the airport. Sad sad. Why can't I follow him >.< Oh then I have to work after that - now I know how it sucks to work on a holiday, worst yet, on New Year's Day ! )#%&#%@&*$@
Anyway, I have this photo to show. I find it one of the best photos I've taken with the CZ 2/35, simply because I managed to squeezed in quite a lot on a lens that isn't so wide. Notice the wilted flowers in the background, I couldn't have included those in with my other lenses (or my brother's lenses).
Okay time to head to the airport. I'm bringing my camera of course! May you have a sublime start to the new year! :)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)