Door for an idiot like me

A friend bought me A Complete Idiot's Guide to Independent Filmmaking.

I was seriously puzzled.

"Thanks. But I'm not making any film." I said.

"You in the creative industry, and you take photographs, you should read this."

"But this is for wanna-be film-makers."

"Forget about the key subject, learn business point of it."

He was right! There are many doors opening for me, the question is whether or not I want to enter.

Out of Focus

I came to realise that many things in life is like photography, when subject matters, an out of focus shot deserves a mourning session.

When bought the National Geographic bag, we also picked up a Honeycomb Speedlight Pro Kit at a steal price.

Well... we really just picked it up without knowing how to work it.

We mounted it on our flash and started shooting away. I must say that the effect was mind boggling.

When you focus on the subject, the flash went somewhere else, when you refocus, something was not quite right with the picture...

Hmmmmm...

"How to focus like this?" We both wondered.

we found out 6 hours later - It was suppose to be used on off camera flash!

You know? When everyone else thought you pressed the button when the flash went "poof"?

Anyway... that was our adventure with new stuff :)

Today I read our home minister claim that a non-muslim leader entering the mosque is dirty. He was shock and humiliated and sad.

Poor thing...

I wonder which cult was he from.

Cheers!

Just to let you know...

I have put up comment moderation, because some idot like BibuBibu who can't read a word of English trying to sell fashion handbags here.

At least choose a fun post to advertise!

Anyway...

I've got new bag!

By...

RAW or JPEG?

When I first taking up photography with DSLR, I shot in JPEG. I can't remember why I switch to shooting RAW, but I have never turn back ever since.

I have been browsing through the archive, and I have found some pretty good photos that I have shot along the way.

Then, I have not taking post processing seriously, so my processing then was limited to just readjusting contrast, balancing the horizon, and cropping images.

For I have been shooting RAW and processing RAW file for almost a year now, though it feels longer than that! I forgot those photos I have in the archive was already processed.

I re-processed them and post it on the photo blog, titled "From the Archive".

A couple of days later, I realised if I want to make anymore changes, or to start over again to what I have already did to these photos, I can't!

I did not save a new copy and preserve the original one.

See, that's what processing RAW file for too long made me.

Processing RAW file not only allow you to recover the original, it also preserves every little bit of information you recorded in your camera, and the processing history.

Anyway, that's my problem with getting organise. So I have to brush aside the "if only..." to feel bad about it.

It still bug me when my friend told me they will never-ever going to shoot in RAW, though.

I do not believe in never-ever, because many of my never-ever was proven foolish after I put my hands on it.

I know many professional photographers shoot in JPEG as they probably already know what they want, and many of them have very good knowledge in lighting, which I am still learning.

And some, insisting they must shoot in RAW for whatever reason that you would argue until the cow comes home.

Anyways...

There's nothing wrong with shooting in JPEG, or in RAW. Like many things in photography, it can sometimes be a preference.

Why do I prefer to shoot in RAW? That is because I enjoy processing photos, and I want to give my work many a second chance.

Honestly, I do not think a processed photo that looks like a painting is a compliment, it only means it's either over saturated, or old fashion.

Well, it's still a matter of preferences.

A common sight in Bali...
Shot in JPEG with minimal post processing.

Missing the dateline

I was reluctant to process photos I took in Cambodia last year.

Well... I was not liking my photos then. I was not sure about my technical knowledge in DSLR. Besides, what I took, Alvin and Andrea probably have it in their can too.

So what's the point of showing off the same photo over again when the other 2 photographers already presented.

Until recently, when all the feelings of "Gosh! This is bad..." at first glance is gone, in a way, I was curious of how I did last year. I braced myself to browsed though over 3000 images I took in Cambodia.

I was surprised!

So I started processing photos for at least 2 weeks now.

I really enjoy it. These photos took me through those moments again.

The children laughter, the "One Dollar!!!!" ringing in my ears, the sound of the tuk-tuk battling the hot and dusty street full of portholes, the phase of confusion I was going through...

It gave me a moment to reflect...

It is all good now :)

I miss this little guy...

Visit my travel and photography blog if you have not been there.

Living and dying...

So... just a not so funny thought, after collected many near death experience stories.

If a person had an out of body experience. He/she saw what coming the day after, and he/she decided he/she didn't want to die.

So he/she came back to life, and keep on living.

Most have life changing experience, some just not sure why did they come back.

If death is a choice, why did they come back? And... why some of us don't?

Never ending dilemma...

When checking photos on my blog on Alvin's monitor...

"Why is my photo look so sharp on your monitor and soft on mine?"

"Your photo always look like that what."

Out monitor are calibrated, so it doesn't make much sense, innit?

So...

"But it looks darn good on mine!"

"Your monitor is old lah..."

"You mean I need to get a new laptop?!"

"Get a bigger camera and a bigger bag first."

Sien~~~

Welcome...

Light Clair

Maple Syrup from Canada.
A gift from a friend I have not met.