Shy@n Photo Blog

Charles Wedding

2010-12-12T22:00:00.002+08:00

Long Long time

2009-10-15T19:11:00.002+08:00

Its been a while since I update this photo blog.
Not been really taking much pictures but would be upload some Italy pictures soon.

So watch for it.

Suddenly swamped with lots of stuff so just need to find time to get everything in order.

Shy@N

Bali

2009-08-14T21:22:00.002+08:00

I love this picture ;)

Shy@n

I Promise to blog more here

2009-08-08T18:49:00.000+08:00

Been trying to blog and upload picture.
But well blogger seems to have this problem of upload pictures.

Argh!!

Shy@n

Bintan

2009-06-17T20:07:00.001+08:00

Just some snaps from bintan

Shy@n

Luke Birthday

2009-06-17T20:04:00.001+08:00

Luke is one happy boy =)

Shy@n

Quiet

2009-06-16T12:08:00.001+08:00

Sorry been quiet here.
Not flying at all.
No mood for new projects.

I guess I should start something again soon.
Maybe more hands on the EOS-1D camera =)

Shy@N

Hong Kong

2009-05-29T21:36:00.002+08:00

Shy@n

First Time Lapse Video

2009-04-29T13:52:00.001+08:00

Shy@n

Time Lapse Photography

2009-04-28T14:15:00.002+08:00

Time Lapse Photography.

Another project to pursue. =)

Check it out here

Shy@n

Another Bazooka from Canon

2009-04-23T17:27:00.003+08:00

Another big big bazooka from Canon.
This time Canon 1200mm f5.6.

I am just wondering what is the main purpose of this lens.
Planets and Stars photography?

I don't think Paparazzi uses them, I believe it should be freaking heavy!

http://www.canon-europe.com/For_Home/Product_Finder/Cameras/EF_Lenses/Fixed_Focal_Length/EF_1200mm_f56L_USM/

I wonder if I get it on my Cropped Camera 450D
1.6 x 1200mm is close to 2000mm

I probably can see into all the people's houses within a 5km radius.

ShY@n

Sigma 200 - 500mm f2.8 aka Bazoooka

2009-04-19T19:22:00.002+08:00

Need I say more?

Shy@n

Lukie and Mona

2009-04-11T17:53:00.002+08:00

Shy@n

Portraiture

2009-04-10T23:21:00.002+08:00

Monkey Luke.

I love MAC. Processing is lightning fast and the pictures viewed from the screen is amazing!

Shy@n

Canon 500D

2009-03-25T19:55:00.002+08:00

Omg I just read this here and Canon is coming out with 500D
Seems to rival the D90

Basically its like my 450D but with HD function.
Up from 12.1mpixel to 15mpixel.

Check it here.

CANON 500D

Shy@n

Bangalore Traffic

2009-03-23T11:19:00.001+08:00

Same as any developing country. Jams and more Jams

No Posts

2009-03-19T19:21:00.001+08:00

Been a little lazy recently
Not much projects in mind and not much time and mood to do anything.
Not much flying so not much pictures overseas.

Will do a photo project soon.

Shy@N

5 Seconds Rule

2009-02-16T13:49:00.000+08:00

I was reading a online magazine and came across an article which seems interest.
The 5 seconds rule.

It seems to best time to capture movement is between 4-6secs. Thus, the 5 second rule.
Fast moving subjects will be almost invisible in the frame which the other subjects will give the picture the element of movement.

Method suggested.
1) Tv priority 5 seconds
2) Tripod or on a stable footing
3) Low ISO to reduce noise
4) Remote shooting or Mirror Lockdown

And there you go, picture perfect, or so it seems =)
Will try once I have time and chance

Shy@n

Some more Pictures from Melbourne

2009-02-15T23:41:00.001+08:00

These are some of my favorite pictures from Melbourne.

Try my hand again on HDR. However, I forgot to use AV priority when taking the bracketed shots. Nevertheless, I am still happy with the results.

Shy@n

Melbourne

2009-02-08T13:00:00.000+08:00

Good Luck?

Shy@n

Some Favourite Pictures from My Trip

2009-01-29T17:43:00.000+08:00

Shy@n

Portraiture

2009-01-17T11:06:00.001+08:00

I want to try my hand at portraiture again soon.
I was reading my Digital Photo Magazine and there were some tips which I want to try.
I am hoping to achieve the B&W with some shadows kind of portrait.

Anyway I look this picture of a friend i took...time to find friends who like pictures to let me have a crack at it as well as find time to do it.

I think i have less time for my photo projects these days, working is starting so I better start reading my manuals!

I love Weddings

2009-01-14T18:16:00.000+08:00

I always love weddings!
I like taking pictures then because everyone is in the mood of love and happy =)

Some of my favourite shots from a good friend of mine, Charlene =)

Shy@n

I love Black & White

2009-01-11T20:47:00.000+08:00

Somehow, I always love effect that Black and White gives.
I still need to learn how to see black and white, and what type of pictures are suitable for B&W, but right now, I just process it as black and white the way I want =)

Anyway just came back from 2 Weddings. Took tons of pictures!

Lukie Boy

2009-01-11T10:55:00.000+08:00

Just just going through some old pictures and decided to do some texturing.
I realize I need more get more textures, either I go around and take textures or download them from deviate art (here)

I do like to take portrait shots. I will see if I can put together a collection when i am free.

Shy@n

Photos From Olympus 1050 SW

2009-01-03T17:08:00.000+08:00

Underwater Photography.

Underwater pictures and videos are surprisingly clear and good.
However, there is that lag i mentioned when you press the shutter.

Shy@N

Olympus Stylus 1050 SW Reviews

2008-12-31T11:30:00.000+08:00

I had my hands on the Olympus 1050SW as one of Christmas Presents.
Only used this camera twice, once during my friend's wedding and once when I was at Sentosa.

I like the feel of the camera. I like the black matt finishing and the stainless steel side give me a very well built solid impression of the camera. It is little heavier than most digital camera and it sinks. ( since it is made to be used in water it should have come with a floating strap so it doesn't sink)

As for the lens, it 6.7mm to 20.1mm f3.5 to F5.0, equivalent to 38mm to 114mm on a 35mm camera. That explains the slowness of taking a shot. Also I feel there is noise is quite pronounced at high ISO and that the flash is a little too harsh.

I will post pictures soon taken on different location and underwear.

Meanwhile this is the detailed review by Dpreview

Olympus 1050 SW Review

Shy@n

A Easy Project

2008-12-30T12:36:00.000+08:00

Been wanting to try this out, so since I got time might as well just give it a try.

Multiple Exposure in one Frame with Photoshop

1) Set up Camera with Tripod
2) Take multiple shots and be sure that you positions does not cover the one before.
3) Combine them in Photoshop in Layers
4) Layer Mask one by one to expose your desire subject
5) Combine the layer and process the picture as you deem fit!

Composition and exposure of this shot is rather crap, but well its a 5min job =)

Shy@N

DIY Bokeh

2008-12-26T01:13:00.001+08:00

I kinda got off track and tried a mini activity.

DIY BOKEH - The Link is Here

It is kinda of interesting but seems only for Lens which are about F1.8-F1.4 not sure about F4 but I would think that the bokeh would not be as pronounce as compared to large aperture.

How it works, I assume that light the is reflected from the main subject will be almost perpendicular to the sensor while the lights from back ground and all around will be entering the sensor like how a pin hole might.

Anyway here are my Pictures

Shy@n

Merry Christmas!

2008-12-25T15:03:00.000+08:00

Merry Christmas! =)

Well the portrait project got to wait.
Need to post and process Christmas Pictures first =)

Shy@n

New Project

2008-12-20T17:27:00.000+08:00

I am going to try portrait shots.
Black and White with shadows.

Will try some techniques and see how it works. Watch for it =)

Shy@n

Boys at Play

2008-12-08T20:14:00.000+08:00

Shy@n

Bokeh of 24-105mm F4 L

2008-11-27T20:33:00.001+08:00

I thought the bokeh of this Lens is actually not too bad.
Pretty sharp as well.

Shy@n

New Video by Dan Chung using Canon EOS 5D MKII

2008-11-25T12:16:00.000+08:00

One Night in Beijing

Video Here

Amazing stuff.......

Shy@n

Strobbing

2008-11-23T22:08:00.000+08:00

Tried my hand at strobing.
Just used long shutters with different settings in the flash.
Effect were not exactly great, time to do some homework in this area. =)

Ghostly images...viewers beware..

Shy@n

Night Shots

2008-11-21T17:23:00.000+08:00

I had a chance to try night shots last night.
Encountered a few problems.
1) If I use flash and quick shutter, the foreground is bright and lighting is harsh, but the background becomes underexposed
2) If I use long shutter no flash, everything turns out nice, but the subject have to stay stationary for a few secs until the shutter closed
3) Using 1st Curtain or 2nd Curtain flash. I can drag the shutter slightly such that I get nice exposure from the background, and the subjects do not need to be stationary for too long.

I am still on research which is the best way of doing it. I will try again with samples to share =)

Shy@n

Happy Birthday

2008-11-18T22:43:00.000+08:00

It was my good "sis" birthday. So I brought my 450D along with my new L lens, the 24-105mm.
Used Tv priority for this shot without flash. There was some lighting but I just managed to hand hold at 1/40.

Really happy with the composition of this shot. Did just a little post processing. Enjoy!
I would love it more if I had the candles more in focus!

Shy@n

TIme to Test My Flash and My New Lens

2008-11-16T14:33:00.001+08:00

Finally got more time these days.
Got a few projects lined up next week.
So watch this space =)

Shy@n

First L Lens Owner - Canon 24-105mm F4 L

2008-11-13T00:39:00.000+08:00

Had a meeting with a seller, Lionel from Club Snap.
Tried the lens and I so love it. The quality, the focus and the feel of the lens was fantastic. I can't wait to start taking pictures on it.

Reason why I selected the 24-105mm F4 was the fact it had a longer reach and IS function.Reviews for this lens has been fantastic so I am sure I would not regret.
Indoor wouldn't be a big problem because I have a external flash for that extra lighting.

It is a one month old lens and everything was as good as new. Bought it about 300 off retail. This would be the last purchase for the year. Time to tighten my purse string.

RC Shots

2008-11-09T16:01:00.000+08:00

Did some shooting a while back.
Main subject was my bro-in-law's rock crawler. Not much panning, but slight long shutter still good for depicting motion.

While we were there, there was this kitten in the drain. Somehow, it turn out to be rather engaging portrait of the kitten.

Shy@n

The Strobist...

2008-11-09T15:57:00.001+08:00

Now arm my a new flash, it time to try some lighting effects and strobing.

A good website with some lighting techniques can be found at this blog.

The Strobist

I am tempted to try my stroboscopic flash which my Canon 580EXII is capable of. =)

Canon Website on Flash

Will post once I got them. From what I know, it basically long shutter speeds with flashes of light.

Shy@n

Hasselblad

2008-11-06T12:05:00.000+08:00

Went for a Photo Shoot at Shirco House.
The distributor of Hasselblad is located there.
Basically in a nut shell, the Hasselblad is the F1 of cameras/DSLR
Medium Format Camera with a 80mm lens from Carl Weiss at 30K SGD (basic Model)

It a rather well made camera, but mainly to be used in the studio I feel.
The camera is huge and the lenses are huge too. But the pictures are crisp and sharp.
But it has to be at 30K entry level.

Check out the website here!

Shy@n

Proud Owner of Canon 580EX II Flash Unit

2008-11-05T01:20:00.001+08:00

Purchased an external Flash Unit yesterday from one of the members in Clubsnap.
Price was pretty reasonable for a 1 month old set. It was about 100 off the retail for the new one.
The condition was good and almost mint.

Time to try some flash effects!

Reviews for the Canon 580EXII can be found here

Next up, 24-105mm f4 L lens.

Shy@n

Update Soon =)

2008-10-27T11:27:00.001+08:00

Nothing going on.
Just been busy with work.

But a dilemma with regards to lenses came about
24-105mm f4 IS vs 24-70mm f2.8.

I guess I decided more on the 24-105mm against the 24-70mm.
1) Longer Reach
2) Indoor can be coupled with flash so a extra stop from 24-70mm doesn't matter
3) 24-105mm has IS giving me extra 2 stops
4) 24-105mm is lighter and smaller

So it seems its the 24-105mm f/4 IS L lens =p

Shy@n

Photo Fun

2008-10-19T22:32:00.001+08:00

Photofunia

Shy@n

LOMO Lubitel 166+ Camera

2008-10-17T11:23:00.000+08:00

Details can be found here

Lubitel 166+

Cool Retro camera.

Quoting from the site

'Shooting with the Lubitel+ is different than anything you have shot before. The combination of its glass lenses, the flexible 120 or 35mm format, fully manual everything, fully automatic nothing, peering into a waist-level finder, slowing things down with focusing and dialing in the correct exposure settings, and a myriad of other analog factors make it a full-bodied experience that activates all of your senses and brings you into a special and very intimate place."

At about 350USD, not a bad price. A good alternative to the hassleband =p

Shy@n

New Setup with Time.....

2008-10-13T13:29:00.000+08:00

I am thinking about getting a new set-up soon.
Not so soon of course but in the new future.

1) 12-24mm Sigma
2) 24-105mm f4.0Canon
3) 70-200mm f2.8 Canon

=p
But then again, maybe new lenses be out again then..

Shy@n

Flickr

2008-10-13T00:32:00.001+08:00

This is a test post from , a fancy photo sharing thing.

2nd Wedding Project

2008-10-11T19:00:00.000+08:00

Completed my second wedding project.
All pictures are mostly taken with the Canon 50mm F1.4 sometimes with flash but mostly without.

I really love the 50mm f1.4. Main focus was mainly people. Pretty happy with most pictures and I consciencely check to make sure that the depth of view was good as much as possible. Most are pretty good.

Slight editing and some changes to the temperature, didn't really like too much yellow, so opt for a more balance tone for the pictures.

All pictures are posted on fickr...couldn't resist leaving my camera hanging there..hahaha

Shy@n

Panasonic DMC-LX3

2008-10-11T13:05:00.000+08:00

DMC LX3 Compact SLR.

A not so new Panasonic camera that got my attention.
The function of a SLR but a miniture size.
Tempted to get it because of portability and can be used in situation when carry a SLR can be a pain =)

Pretty good specs and has a fast lens since it is using Leica Len with max aperture of F2.0 to min aperture of f2.8.

Should work pretty well indoor conditions.

So it can give the old Canon G9 a run for its money. As for the up and coming G10 with Digi4 processor, I still think in terms of size, function and cost LX3 wins hands down....

Tempting but with the downturn of the economy, I better tighten my purse string....=p

Shy@n

Can't Help it =p

2008-10-05T12:59:00.001+08:00

Shot with 100-400mm
Huge Lens but I am beginning to like it a lot.
=)

Few lenses that I am tempted to get it.
1) 24-105mm
2) 17-55mm
3) 70-200mm
4) 10-22mm

and of course many others.

Shy@n

Updating will be suspended temporarily

2008-10-04T10:28:00.000+08:00

I will be busy for the next 1.5months, so I guess I wouldn't have time to update the site.
But found out something interesting about 1st curtain and 2nd curtain. It DSLR way of doing double exposure. It's worth a try to get rather interesting effect.

Basically, using long exposure. 1st curtain if you want to capture the initial subject and then subsequently the motion. 2nd curtain if you want to capture the motion and then subsequently the subject.

This is a better explaination.

Front Curtain Sync
Generally, the flash sync fires at the instant the front curtain has fully opened. This is called front curtain sync, and it is used where it is desired that the flash freeze motion at the beginning of the exposure. Front curtain sync is adequate for most flash-photography. When making long exposures while also firing a flash, front curtain sync creates an effect where any motion blur - from ambient light - appears ahead of the subject, i.e. it appears to leave the subject behind. In the case of a moving motor vehicle in a night scene, for example, this can create an unrealistic effect since its headlamp and tail-lamp trails will extend out in front of it

Rear Curtain Sync
Some cameras offer the ability to fire the flash at just before the second curtain closes. This is called rear (or second) curtain sync, and it is used to freeze motion at the end of the exposure. When making long exposures while firing a flash, rear curtain sync creates the effect of motion blur trailing the main subject.

=)

Shy@n

Wedding Pictures

2008-09-28T18:14:00.000+08:00

Completed editing of my first Wedding Project.
I guess the style is a more coffee table book type of editing.
Composition was still the biggest challenge, but I guess those come with experience =)

Enjoy

Comment if any, are welcome =)

Shy@n

Tooth Relic Temple

2008-09-26T14:21:00.000+08:00

One of my projects which I had edited a while back.
All of them were taken using 3 shots EV brackets and combined with photmatix and fine tuned with photoshop.

As I was doing this project. I encountered this problem with Photomatix.
Maybe I do not understand the software well, or the 3 shots exposure pictures were not correct. Because, when I combined them together. I got an area of dark exposure compared to the rest. So to solve ths problem, I had to edit those areas in photoshop using levels in order to lighten the troubled areas. That is something that I got to find out soon.

Anyway here are some hightlights.

Shy@n

Dry Box

2008-09-25T23:51:00.000+08:00

I have decided.
I should get a dry box. Singapore Humidity is about 80-90% which is ideal for fungus growth. Right now it is not an issue because i am still actively playing around with my cammie. But sooner or later, with new bodies or new lens, I would need to store some away for a while. So might as well protect my investments by investing in a 40-50L dry box.

http://www.tkfoto.com.sg

They have pretty reasonable and cheap dry boxes. So time to get one.

Shy@n

Canon EOS 5D MKII

2008-09-24T14:55:00.000+08:00

Brother in Law forwarded this link to me...

http://blog.vincentlaforet.com/2008/09/20/something-very-interesting-is-comingboth-to-this-blog-and-to-our-industry/#more-1085

which then propelled me to go to the canon site to check out the EOS 5D MKII,
it is really really tempting. Retailing about 3.5kUSD

http://web.canon.jp/imaging/eosd/eos5dm2/index.html

I WANT TO UPGRADE...hahha
I must say, this is an addictive and expensive hobby.
There is never enough lens to have........

Shy@n

Bum Boat

2008-09-23T00:18:00.000+08:00

I just love textures..

Shy@n

Weddings..

2008-09-21T20:33:00.000+08:00

Had the opportunity to be the extra wedding photographer for a good friend.
Below is a preview of one of the picture I have taken.

The bride, the groom and bridemaid was heading down the steps of this old apartment off serangoon road. I didn't like the orginal shot so I added some texture to the picture for more effect. ( A good source for textures and brushes can be found at http://browse.deviantart.com/# )

Before

After

Another 2 essential tools for a photographer wannabe...

1)A Good CPU for fast processing
2)A harddrive ( A huge huge one)

Shy@n

Exhibtion

2008-09-19T10:44:00.000+08:00

Took some pictures at the exhibition hall at the entrance of the Esplanade.
Feel a little more confident with indoor shooting these days.

Been trying different settings. But the one which works for me now usually is using Tv priority especially when I am shooting without a tripod. This works also if you shooting moving objects. Setting I used these days, Tv 1/45 ISO AUTO/400 AWB/Custom WB. The lens does makes the biggest difference. If you got a lens with aperture from 1.4-3.5 this setting usually works well.

Anyway, the lighting at the exhibition was pretty good. It has daylight and some spotlights illuminating the subject. So there was no major issue.

My favorite Picture

My flickr has the rest of the pictures.

Shy@n

Painting

2008-09-15T00:59:00.001+08:00

Just done editing pictures which I took a week back. I still have a few photo projects that I had not edit. So that means i am really getting behind editing pictures. I just took another 400+ pictures this morning and afternoon. I was the spare photographer for Jay's and Chloe's Wedding. It was a little less stressful since I am not expected to churn out good pictures. ( I had a disclaimer when I took this project) Anyway i am relatively happy with most of the pictures. Although I think I could have done a little better and more careful when checking the shots once they have been taken.

These few favourite pictures were taken in the evening with slightly cloudy skies. I was using A-Dep mode with my 55-250mm EFS Lens with polariser.

Shy@n

Owner of a new Fish Eye Len

2008-09-12T18:57:00.000+08:00

Got my Zenitar 16mm Fish Eye Len.

I am reasonably satisfied with the lens. Good lens at reasonable price!

Pictures below are taken by Eric using the Lens.

This is one I took of Mister. A little hard to take a closer shot because he gets a little scared and would runaway...WUSS!

(more pictures to come....)
Shy@n

Henderson Bridge Revisted

2008-09-10T13:47:00.000+08:00

Finished with post processing of my Henderson Bridge Project.

I headed down to henderson again but this time in the day with melvin and eric.

The sky was slight hazy and cloudy. Occasionally we do get some sun but it is only for a fleeting moment.

Another good reason to take 3 shots exposure and combine them using HDR method and of cos with some post processing. One reason I think 3shots exposure is good because it capture the full tonal range. You get the clear blue sky without overexposuring the background. As you can see above, the one on the left is taken with polariser, ISO100, Monopod, F5.2 using my 55-250mm, Auto White Balance and Auto Bracket. The one on the right taken with the same set up using Av mode with 3 set exposure and combined together using Photomatix.

These are some of my favourite pictures

The "Dragon Body"
The "Photographer"
Vintage revisted
B&W Waves
Textures

To infinity and Beyond
The photographer photographed

Shy@n

Chinese Opera Show

2008-09-07T20:26:00.000+08:00

Done editing my Opera Show Pictures...
Anyway the picture turn out really well. Not much editing was actually neccessary.
The lighting that night was pretty good. It helps because the stage itself was pretty well lit.
For the pictures, I was using mainly Manual Setting. I had aperture set about F8-11 and shutter speed 1/30-45. It was appear to capture most of the image without overexposing them as well as preventing motion blurz.
These are some of my favourite pictures, the rest are at my flickr

For this picture,I needed to do some editing. I wanted the stage to be captured together with the audience. However, if I were to capture the audience I would risk overexposing the stage, but I were to capture the stage, I would be underexposing the audience. So I took 2 shots and i merge them together.

Shy@n

Texturing....

2008-09-03T23:36:00.000+08:00

Had a crack at some texturing on the pictures which I took yesterday.
I must say I am really quite happy with the final results.
Finally understood Layer masks. I have actually been using them without knowing what they are. Just following steps which I have read to achieve the effects I wanted.
Still new to most functions of photoshop but I am slowly getting use to it.
Maybe I should finish the tutorial that which I said I will complete.
Anyway I had 3 project lie up.
1) Post Processing of Wayang show
2) Picture taking of the southerm Ridge
3) Taking pictures of textures for blending
These are the few textured pictures which I had done. Enjoy

Shy@n

Zenitar 16mm f/2.8 Super Wide Lens...

2008-09-02T00:59:00.001+08:00

Still waiting for this lens which I wanted......still out of stock for the moment.
Reviews for this lens is pretty good for its size. So decided to dig up so dough to get this one. =)

Currently, no other projects on hand.
Just some basic editing of pictures that I had taken.

Bought a 1TB harddisk and upgraded my RAM to 2GB. Thus solving my harddisk space problem and the slow PS processing problem.

Anyway, after working for a while, finally decide to record some basic actions. Thus solving the same thing over and over again.

Basically, if you do not have the action windown at your tool panel, just go to window and check "Actions" To record an action, you can make your own folder then then click on the small folder icon to record new action. The just go through PS as you would normal do and stop when you are ready. So next time when you need to same feel layers and steps, just go to actions and play. All actions will be automated....that save you a few seconds I guess. =)

A few useful shortcuts for PS which I uses the most

CTRL +/- Zoom in/Zoom out
Space and mouse Move cursor
[ Brush Size Decrease
] Brush Size Increase
CTRL J Copy Selection and New layer

Shy@n

HDR

2008-08-28T10:12:00.000+08:00

I was experimenting HDR technique for a while but never got the effect that I wanted.
Somehow I feel the HDR from PS CS3 doesn't seem to be give me the effect that I wanted. Either the PS lacks in that area or I am too amatuer to know how to harness its capabilities.
Anyway I was experimenting with Photomatix, another highly recommended software from forums. It works pretty well.
A quick summary how to create a HDR.
1) AV priority
2) That at least 3 bracketed shots. Basically what I like to do is to set to continuous shot. Set my AEB and set it on a tripod and fire away. If you like take about 5 to give it a more dynamic effect
3) Use photmatix to merge them to create a HDR
4) Use Photoshop to tune up the pictures. Bascially I generally use Curves, Contrast and Saturation layers. The Others are for a need basis.

These Pictures are a little too dramatic but I like it that way. I was trying to push it all the way to its limit.

Shy@n

Fireworks! Fireworks!

2008-08-23T13:20:00.000+08:00

Headed down for the Firework Display Last night.
So had another crack with taking fireworks.
I did not really did my homework and find out what is the best way and what is the best setting to use. But I vaguely remembering some techniques I read a couple of weeks ago. So this time instead of using full aperture, I was trying out with F11 with 5" and other varying combinations, together with placing my cap on and off while taking the shots. Anyway, I was using the Canon EF 20-35mm lens hoping to capture more of the fireworks
I am reasonably happy with some of the results but I think there is a lot of room for improvement.
A few things I think I would probably need to find out which Lens is best for fireworks( I was thinking the fisheye lens, with 180deg field of view, I could easily capture the landscape and the full spectrum of the fireworks) The Timing to cover the lens. The exposure levels and the aperture settings.
Here are some of my best shots for that evening.

Shy@n

Hanoi!

2008-08-22T03:59:00.000+08:00

Well finished editing most of my hanoi Pictures.

There are too many to be posted here.

Here are some of my favourite shots. The rest can be found in Flickr.

The shots was taken mainly in raw and in different exposure.

In a way I was wrong to take every single shot at -2 0 and +2 EV compensation. (Waste Memory Space)

Here they are.

Shy@n

Portraits

2008-08-13T20:48:00.001+08:00

Taken using 50mm EF Lens.

Elaine's First Trial on my SLR

Shy@n

Henderson Bridge

2008-08-12T16:35:00.001+08:00

These night shots of Henderson Bridge was taken close to midnight last month.
I took these pictures using Maneul Mode.

Full Aperture and shutter of roughly 10" to 20".

The post picture processing using photoshop and photomatix for HDR

I realised that for HDR pictures, I should have used AV priority and used different exposure to get the shadow and highlight details. Nevertheless, I am relatively happy with the effect.

Shy@n

Hanoi Opera House Picture

2008-08-02T01:40:00.000+08:00

Took a break from editing other pictures to start on my Hanoi Trip.

The first batch I did was from my Hanoi Trip.

The pictures are taken on a clear blue day on one fine afternoon.

I took the shot using my 18-55mm Kit lens and 55-250mm lens.

Basically 2 filters. Polarized Filters and UV Filters. ( Polarized Filter realy helped to bring out the clear blue sky and reduce the glare from the bright sun)

I am happy with how the pictures turned out before and after editing.

Little Editing was required. Bascially I used the curve function ( to improve exposure and increase contrast), the sharpen edges and on occasion Hue/Saturation functions( to bring out certain colours). The rest are the usual Black and White technique treatment with some dodging and burning. Enjoy =)

Shy@n

Sorry been busy

2008-07-29T21:16:00.001+08:00

Been to Hanoi the last few days.
Took tons of pictures about 8gb worth!
I still have a project on hand to complete. So the Hanoi Pictures will have to wait.

Will post them once I finish editting.
Behind in lots of things.
Photo Editing.....Photoshop Tutorials..and other pictures which I want to edit...zzzzz

Shy@n

Photography In General

2008-07-23T13:55:00.000+08:00

After having started photography not too long ago, I must say my impression of photography has changed quite a bit.

I used to think what's so difficult of taking a few pictures. Point and shoot. The layman's point of view.

But having started reading and physically trying out photography, I realise taking a picture is easy, but capturing the moment and feeling and emotion is the greatest challenge.
The technical details of handling a camera, everyone can do it with enough time, but the art of taking a picture is one that come with one's creativity and experiences.

Digital age now has made photograph so much cheaper. We can take tons of pictures and delete them later on. I cannot imagine in the old days where those photographers who had to use film with no way of previewing their picture and only to know the results in the darkroom ( like a student waiting for the result of an important exams) These days with so many software around, a badly taken picture can be made into one that could make it to a magazine cover.

So do photographer and a photoshopper(as I call it) both consider artists in their own right?
I would like to think so.

By the way, I got my EF-S 55-250mm IS. Pretty decent lens at a rather affordable price. =)
I would test it out in Hanoi.

Next 2 items on my wishlist for my camere is the Zenitar 16mm f/2.8 Super Wide Lens w/EOS Mount as well as the Raynox DCR-250 Super Macro Lens. Seems to be rather decent and at a reasonable price too. Those would have to wait....Limited Budget.

Busy editing pictures these days. So will post as soon as they are done. =)

Shy@n

The Wonders of Photoshop

2008-07-21T23:41:00.000+08:00

Have not posted any pictures these days as I am experiment with photoshop.
I am currently just trying to go through some of the basic techniques and understand some of the functions.

The good thing is that now on the net, there are many resources which can help enlighten you about each aspects of photoshop.

There are a whole lot of video tutorials available online, which provides a very good introduction to all the various techniques these days. Texturing is one of the new technique which I just learnt today. It is amazing how a little texturing makes your picture look.

I am currently photoshopping some pictures which I took for a very good friend. Pretty happy with some of the results. I will have to show the characters in the picture first before I can release here.

I am thinking of getting 2 lens. One Fish-Eye Lens and a Canon EF 55-250mm IS lens.
That I guess will have to wait...

Watch this Space for new pictures!

Shy@n

Chimes as you know it....

2008-07-15T00:12:00.001+08:00

Before & After

Went through some tutorials on photoshop and decide to apply some methods which I have learnt. This was a picture of Chimes which I took one afternoon as I was passing through.

The orginal picture was unimpressive so I decide to do some editing.
Chimes being a place of joy and happiness for many wedding dinners.
So I decide to give Chimes an eerie and gothic feel.

Basically, I did some toning on the clouds.
Burn the shadows and Dodge the Highlights to increase the contrast
Then I apply the glow effect to give it that eerie feel

Shy@n

Fireworks!

2008-07-13T22:44:00.000+08:00

Took Fireworks at the NE Show yesterday.
Did some research about taking fireworks so that I have some clue on how to start.
Basically, from my research and my experiment. This is what I think is required for a start
Camera Settings
1) Manual Mode
2) Used the BULB setting to try different exposure time
3) Max Aperture to capture the fireworks
4) A Cord Shutter release button to prevent any shaking. Physically placing your finger at the shuuter release button on the camera might results in some shaking and blurred pictures
5) Tripod ( A big MUST HAVE)
Surroundings
1) A Location which is dark with no bright lights
2) Away from people as much as possible to prevent accidental kicking of your tripod or spoiling your shots by their camera flashes or heads appear in your shots
I am relatively happy with the results. The fireworks display was relatively long, but in my opinion it could be longer so I could have more shots and more practice.
Here are the results =)

Shy@n

Trying motion shots......

2008-07-13T17:25:00.001+08:00

Had 2 sessions of tennis the last week. One was at night and the other was in the afternoon.
So it was a good opportunity to try motion capture photography.

Tried using long exposure to capture motion shots to depict movement in the courts.
However, I can't seem to get the effect that I wanted.

Firstly, long exposure results in ghostly images. The subjects playing tennis is almost invisible, I guess it is due the fact that lighting is low and the subject moves so fast that the amount of light that the camera capture is too little to result in a more pronounce image.

Secondly, using short exposure, it like a freeze shot. Anything in between does not give me a good effect. I will investigate it further. To the get effect I wanted, I might need to take a few shots and moderate exposure and combine them in photoshop. Only then, I think I think the picture will have a sense of movement around the tennis court. So the trick could be just photoshop.

Shy@n

The Homeless Man

2008-07-12T02:24:00.000+08:00

Night Shots at Lower Pierce

2008-07-11T01:05:00.000+08:00

I was at Lower Pierce tonight.

The reservoir was empty and the water and the air was cool and calm, just like how it should be after the rain. There was still remanents of cumulus clouds and occasionally flashes of lightning.

The only thing that really caught my eye was the pavillion situated near the water edge.

Initially, I selected Tv (shutter priority) mode. And select 30". The exposure wasn't as ideal. So i reverted to the manual mode. I max my aperture to the widest setting, reduce my ISO to 100 and selected the BULB mode. I held intially for about 30 secs. And after a few trial and errors I got the ideal exposure and colours which I think was the best. The yellow halon lamp that was behind me , help create a redish tint to the bridge leading to the pavillion which I taught was pretty nice.

BEST PICTURE OF THE NIGHT

Shy@n

Photoshop photoshop....

2008-07-09T23:41:00.000+08:00

Still trying to make heads and tails of photoshop.....

My weak attempt here...Played with a few layers..namely the sharpening, the Hue and Saturation and the exposure layers....

Give me time..

Night Shots Long Shutter

2008-07-06T00:10:00.001+08:00

Tried my hand at some night shots using long shutters.

I was using a mono tripod so it tends to be a little shakey so the background is a little blur.

The street lightings also play a part in downplaying the effect of the long shutter.

The First Picture is taken at different exposure and using photoshop to merge the images together.

The second picture is blur but somehow I like the final effect

Next Project to try using a tripod and a place where is less lit.

Macro Photography

2008-07-05T23:45:00.000+08:00

Took these using the macro lens EF 100mm 1:2.8 USM

Subject matter was just the orchid that my sister planted at her place

I was quite happy with the results.

Introduction

2008-07-05T23:33:00.000+08:00

I bought my very first SLR Camera during the PC Show 2008.
I got the Canon 450D.

Before I got it I did my research and I was pretty happy with the specs and the price and the additonal push factor was the fact that my bro-in-law owns a Canon and he has already a couple of lens.

An excellent place to start to compare future digital cameras or SLR purchase is this site
http://www.dpreview.com/

As for me, the first thing I did was to read the instruction manual. It gives you all functions of your camera, the menu functions and the accessories which are compatiable with your camera.

Next was to understand the Canon EOS Camera. The site which i thought was most useful to me was this one. http://photonotes.org/articles/beginner-faq/

And of course forums. So far the ones I have been visiting for tips and price lists are
http://www.clubsnap.com/forums/index.php
http://forum.canongraphers.org/index.php?PHPSESSID=b5af83r3p16af3crb3it02vbs5&

Initially for a start to get a feel of the camera, what i actually did was just use the AUTO function. So it is a literally point and shoot process. Overall, I think the pictures turn out pretty good.

Next was to start playing with the the various functions of the camera. As they always say, Practice make perfect!