Pages of INK

Every year when there are events with fireworks, I see an ever increasing number of photographers setting up shop around the venue with their tripods and huge fancy cameras hours before the show even starts. Wrestling with them for space tires me out so I’ve made it a point to avoid such places and just enjoy whatever I can over TV instead. This year’s National Day was different though – wifey wanted to bring the kids to see fireworks in person so we decided to watch the show from the waterfront in front of MBS. Not keen to also bring a tripod along and take similar shots as the thousands of photographers and tourists around the venue, I resorted to just flipping and tossing my camera around as fireworks after fireworks streaked upwards and exploded into the night sky.

The Flame

Amoeba

Tidal Waves

Over the past 2 years where I’ve really taken to photography not just as a serious hobby but as a means of extra income, trying a hand at almost every genre I can think of that involves people (portraits, fashion, weddings, travel, events, etc) one remains the most difficult to master – children/baby photography. Unlike most other subjects, babies are extremely hard to photograph due to their unpredictable nature and total disregard for any form of authority even when the poor “guy-in-charge” is prancing around flapping his arms and lips around like a bird with its tail on fire trying to coax a smile for that one perfect photo. If any of my portrait or wedding clients had seen me in action during a shoot yesterday of two lovely twin baby girls, I’m sure they would’ve put me in a straitjacket in no time.

But you know, as bad as it sounds, it’s all worth it in the end!

Really wonder how their parents can tell them apart.

It was the end of the shoot, so we showered her with toys, literally!

Taking interesting baby photos does involve taking risks. Calculated risks of course. As parent’s, the last thing we want is our little one putting something dirty into her mouth or falling down. But sometimes, with a bit of faith, and lots of luck, things do come together.

Posing for photos helps babies work up an appetite.

She was still a little wobbly but babies have more perseverance than you think.

On the other hand, shooting, I mean photographing children, is as challenging but for different reasons. By a certain age, a child either decides that he/she likes or hates having a camera pointed at his/her face. Some kids even develop a kind of sixth sense and know right away when there’s a camera aimed at them. And there are some kids who just love the camera so much that they can’t stop wanting to do cute things for you. Just like these two below.

Kids can make themselves almost comfortable anywhere.

This kid’s uncle calls him Ronaldo. I think he looks like a young Antonio Banderas.

At the end of the day though, it’s all about genuinely loving kids (yes, they can tell if you’re faking it!). And lots of practice practice practice.

Speaking of which, I love practicing on Ashley!

She can close her eyes, but when she opens them, I’m still there.

Irving is currently available for family, children and baby portraits. My standard package:

• Studio Session: $150 per hour
• Location Session: $200 per hour
• No limit on change of clothes or number of family members in the photo
• 5 high resolution artistically processed images per hour of photography
• All non-artistically processed images returned via DVD/digital download
• Canvas prints available on request.

Lake Tekapo

Almost didn’t shoot this (tired, too early in the morning, foggy, etc) but for wifey’s incessant reminders that "we made it this far". We were just about done shooting when the gorgeous sun came out from behind the clouds, and thankfully dad-in-law was on hand to hold my huge reflector, filling the shadow’s nicely.

On the image, I received a few comments that the scenery looks almost unreal. Yes, New Zealand is that gorgeous. With the right equipment (an ultra-wide angle lens) and enthusiastic subject, it all simply came together.

Wanaka

Received a wonderful tip from the hair stylist, Debbie, on where to take pictures around Wanaka and it’s almost certain that I wouldn’t have found this place otherwise. The hills were filled with tussock or snow grass (their equivalent of our lalang, except much nicer). If Zhiyi looks extra elegant in this photo, it’s thanks to the wonderful makeup and hair services of Carla Lucas and Debbie Forrest respectively. You can contact them here if you’re ever thinking of doing a shoot around Queenstown or Wanaka.

Note: See the larger version by clicking on the image, and going to “All Sizes” in the next page, as the facial details just look mashed in the thumbnail.

Opotiki

It was dreadfully overcast when we decided to shoot on our 2nd day in Opotiki, but as we were about to wrap up, the sun miraculously decided to poke through the clouds just as a flock of seagulls entered my frame. And to top it off, we wouldn’t have returned to the beach for a second round had we not discovered that Zhiyi had dropped her earrings at the very spot she is standing in the photo above when we were there earlier. Serendipity!

More to come!

16 Aug 2009 – 2009 has been a really eventful and rewarding year for me photographically. I started the year from where I left off in 2008 – doing test shoots for models, the odd paid portrait shoot and numerous paid and pro-bono wedding gigs. I also made massive investments in gear, lighting and education, with the hope of further honing my craft to a level where I have the confidence to execute my vision without worrying too much about the technicalities. And, of course, to also further enhance the revenue generating capabilities of my passion.

Speaking of revenue, one thing that surprised me this year was that I managed to sell a few canvas prints of some fine art street photographs I took in Shanghai. As a people photographer, I earn from photographing portraits, events and weddings, so this reaffirmed the fact that to be a good photographer, one must really stretch himself to go beyond his comfort zone and train his eye in other photographic disciplines.

Anyway, that aside, I think the biggest highlight for me this year was being invited by Lance Lee, a prominent local fashion and commercial photographer, to participate in a joint fashion photography exhibition with a few other local professional photographers. The T-Show was the brainchild of Luke Elijah, a prominent local stylist, featuring wardrobe from his boutique and shot on location at The Cathay. The experience of shooting for the exhibition can only be described as gruelling and I must admit, there were times I did feel that I was in way over my head. Nonetheless, the experience really thought me how to work under pressure, solve problems on the spot and take control of a shoot.

I’m proud to say that not only did I survive (want to see my scar? ), but I also managed to contribute 6 out of the 15 photos on exhibit. The exhibition is now headed to Hong Kong and the pool of photos has since grown to about 20. Really hope I get the chance to do something again like this next year!

The first group of colleagues – Jowena, Fendy and Hendrik – coming to see my exhibition.

Hendrik trying to look cool like the photo whereas Jowena is tickled by the topless twins!

My long suffering and ever patient wife and daughters finally seeing the fruits of my labour.

Click here for a link to all the photos I took for the exhibition.

As I’m typing this, Zhiyi is now lying in bed waiting to give birth, having fallen asleep after being administered with epidural. Just five hours ago, I got woken up by Zhiyi complaining of pains and how she felt like the baby was going to “drop out”. Barely five minutes after I crawled into bed.

“Maybe you ate something wrong.”
“But it hurts.”
“Yeah, try sleeping it off. That’s what I do.” I mumbled as I started drifting out of consciousness.
“There’s blood!!!”

Groan.

One hour later, after a shower and some frantic packing, we were at Mt Alvernia checking-into a delivery ward. This was followed by a nurse doing some preliminary checks and hooking up the baby heartbeat and contraction monitor. According to her, Zhiyi’s cervix had dilated 4cm. Once it get’s to around 10cm, that’s when the huffing and puffing and pushing will start. In other words, just a few more hours to go!

That’s the baby monitor on the right.

Photonut INK is up to something…

Thumbs up and good to go!

Here’s how I lit the shot: SB900 at 1/128 power zoomed in to 200mm and gelled CTO on a Gorillapod dangling off the surgery lights. I was really scared of getting caught by the nurse so quickly grabbed around 5 frames before she came back into the room.

Everytime is a good time to Strobist!

Dilation History

• 23/03/2009 5pm – 2cm
• 24/03/2009 4am – 3cm
• 24/03/2009 6am – 4cm
• 24/03/2009 8am – 6cm
• 24/03/2009 10am – 7cm
• 24/03/2009 12pm – 9cm

Still waiting…

This is starting to sound like a countdown.

Anyway, being pregnant isn’t easy. Not only does Zhiyi have to carry around an additional 14kg of tummy, she has to spend hours posing for her photonut hubby too. And this is all he has to show for it…

Here’s looking forward to 25 March!

Zhiyi really looks like she can pop any time now! We’re also getting close to a name so a big thanks to everyone who has chipped in with suggestions. All I can reveal for now is that it was one of those very nice suggestions that we received! See, it pays to ASK.

Zhiyi, Ashley and Baby in High Key

Ashley feeling around

Squeeze

Babies just bring a smile to your face don’t they!

Here’s the setup:

Photography Notes:

• Cloth (e.g. tulle) make for good backdrop material as well as makeshift, um, garments. You can get them from Arab Street at a fraction of the price compared to Spotlight. Bargaining is a must as most shops there give a very high starting quote.
• Putting a huge light source behind the cloth backdrop allowed for a high key look and, if controlled well, highlights the flow of the fabric. Notice how the lines lead the viewers eyes towards the subject.
• No f-stops numbers this time as this shoot was done 2 weeks ago. Note to self: make notes!

Visiting a farm meant lots of opportunities to take portraits of a different kind. Unlike portraits of people where care must be taken in choosing a flattering angle to shoot at or selecting a lens focal length that doesn’t cause subjects to look distorted (e.g. big nose, disproportionate head size, etc), animals aren’t as fussy as their human counterparts.

In fact, the animals in the next couple of shots took a huge liking towards my camera and kept trying sniff out the source of the rapid “click, click, click” sounds. This allowed me to get very close and take shots from a unique close up angle.

Sheep are known to be timid, but not this one. This sheep got so close he left snot and moisture on my lens, but nothing a quick swab with the t-shirt couldn’t fix. Also, when they are in so close, you absolutely have to go into manual focus mode. I chose to focus on the eyes and leave the rest of the sheep’s face a blur.

While I’m a strong advocate of getting out there to make or chase the pictures you want, sometimes, it pays to be patient for good pictures to come your way, literally. I was sitting on top of a log reviewing pictures when this curious alpaca saw me from afar. Slowly and gradually, he started making his way towards me and before I knew it, he was a mere few feet away. Sensing the opportunity, I lifted my camera up as if offering food and he couldn’t help but stick his nose in for a whiff. Two clicks were all I had before he decided to move on to greener pastures, so to speak.

It’s been awhile since Ashley stepped in front of the camera for a “studio shoot”. But today after taking a shower, she was in a pretty good mood and jumped on it when I popped the question. In awfully humid Singapore, I think anyone would be in a good mood after a nice cool shower!

Nothing fancy this time round with just her in her Barbie sleeping gown and a basic one light set up against a slate grey background. The key to making a photo work is not so much the equipment and setup but the skill to coax the right expression out of your subject. Once we got the rhythm going, Ashley even came up with some poses of her own.

Note: Each image can be clicked on for a bigger version.

Rabbit ears. Ashley thought of this one herself!

Drying off my wet hair.

Another Ashley thought of pose.

After the shoot, we swapped places with Ashley directing me how to pose while she snapped away. I must say, she has talent, though her photos are not something I dare to post up.

Here’s the setup:

While I wrap up a couple of event photos, here are some others that I took in recent weeks to submit to an informal monthly company photo competition. Nothing fancy and no prizes at stake, just a chance to further hone my photographic technique and vision and have fun in the process. Hope you like the images. Constructive comments and critique are always welcome.

Taking the Plunge

Really wanted to include a skateboard in this picture to “complete” the feel of the jump. From the lack of a skateboard in the photo, you can immediately tell that I need to start making younger friends. Very much younger.

Hang Time

I got Merv jumping and jumping for this photo till his ankle was sprained for the next month or two. However, after looking at the photo, all the effort was worth it (though I’m positive Merv will disagree).

Lines

I can’t recall when the last time I saw such dramatic cloud patterns in Singapore was, considering the atmospheric pollution and high humidity. Nonetheless, I woke up early one Saturday morning to see this outside my bedroom window, bathed in the most wonderful golden light. It turned out to be a beautiful day.

A Transient Place

We spend a third of our lives sleeping, but yet there is that lingering feeling that the bed is our most underutilized piece of furniture. It is a place where we alternate between consciousness and dreams. It is a place where we transit from one day to another.

Midnight Snack

Or as some would prefer to call it – an early breakfast.

The Unusual Suspects

If something were to go missing in the house, would anyone suspect the appliances?

Note: The shape of the shadows were inspired by the movie poster of The Usual Suspects. Great movie I heard, though I must admit I haven’t watched it.

Finally, here’s a recent favourite of mine that was taken inside an abandoned building somewhere at Dempsey.

Dancing in an Abandoned House

Apart from being a freelance model, Lynnie (above) provides really good makeup services. I’ve only just started working with her on some shoots, but she brings a lot of energy and enthusiasm to a photo session and even contributes posing tips here and there!

WARNING *shameless plug* If you’re interested in taking some makeover/portrait photos, do feel free to drop me a note! I currently offer very reasonable rates and am willing to consider doing TFCDs* for guys/gals/kids/babies who possess an X-factor that I would love to have in my portfolio.

*Trade for CDs – a collaborative process between a photographer and a talent (who contributes the time to model in exchange for photos) rather than a commercially driven one.