How to pick a good photo?

How to pick a good photo out of hundreds shots? I had ask myself this question again and again but has no answer for it, as it seems like shots that I thought is nice always get different comment from other people. I had puzzle for sometime and has really no clue on that. Until today, when I had a stack of 3 months photo to process, I realize one thing - All these years, I had pick the "good" photo according to my memory on the event, not based on what I saw on the photo.

This sounds really a bit weird but, this is what I experience. Usually I used to pick out the "good" photo straight after the event, while the memory in my head is still fresh. This actually had somehow blinding myself as I was trying to pick out a photo based on what I remembered during that moment instead of the resulting image which sit in my storage.

A good photo come with 3 main components:

1. Good composition.
2. In focus.
3. Tell a story.

Good composition:
What makes out of a good composition? It means when you photograph an object, it doesn't somehow get cut off here and there, like a half headed man. Well, we can always argue about the artistic value of breaking the rules, but usually it turns out to be bad.

How about a shots that is too busy? Usually this type of shots can be saved, as cropping and tilting in post process is easy. When I decided to use this type of shot, it means that it has recorded down a very special moment. :)

In focus:
A photo in focus is really important, a sharp image really stand out. :)
There is only that much of unsharp mask you can apply in photoshop before it starts to get lots of noise and halo. So, make sure to pick a really sharp (in focus) photo. :) Unless you got no more choice. :P

Tell a story:
This is the most important factor out of the 3. A photo tell a story is priceless, no matter it is good composition or in focus or not. :P
Use this as the first priority when picking out a good photo. :)

Finally, Convocation!

It has always been my dream to complete an EE Master degree since my Bachelor degree graduation. After a good 10 years, finally I had the chance to complete my dream.

After one year of hectic schedule, sleepless night, juggling between family, works and studies...Finally, it comes to the end - Msc. Electronic System Design Engineering (USM).

So, there I go, back to normal life. More times with the family, and times to take out my camera from the dry box!

Paper Iphone dock

One of my friend who recently got himself an iphone 4s has start his craze over the accessories for the iphone. So, he showed me a vimeo which demonstrate the steps to make a DIY paper iphone dock. Well, why not give it a try? So, I started to try to DIY it.

Firstly, I tried on a thick paper (which is recycled from one of the useless printing), it is around 180gm I think. It is easy to cut and fold into the shape. When I tried to put on my iphone on it, it become like a sponge and totally can't stand the weight of my 3gs.


The stand model infront is what I use a 180gm paper. At the back is the 2nd model I build using a cardboard (mounting board) that I normally use it as the background for photo shooting. :P

So, no choice, have to bring out the thick cardboard to try it out. I was reluctant to use this because it is thick and hard to cut. For every line that I need to cut, I had to cut it 3 times repeatedly before it can really go through. I had really put some sweat on this work...

The assembly also seems harder where I need to use a pin to draw on the part where I need to fold it, or else there is no way to fold it (the cardboard is really tough).

Well, after make it into the shape, the iphone stand nicely there with charging cable attached! :P
Not bad after all.


Voila! Iphone stand nicely on the paper dock with sync charge cable attached. :P

Anyone interested can refer this website as well: dessinemoiunobjet

Reflections of my own experience and new year resolution!

Whenever I search through Google for photography tips, there will tonnes of results for me to go through. Well, sometimes if I'm lucky, I get some really good link which straight hit what I'm looking for. But most of the time, lots of time wasted before I get to something I want.

As a start, lets say I'll like to start learn about photography, I'll search for "photography beginner", "photography tips", "photography tutorial" and etc. And what is gonna hit is all the technical terms jargon which I have no ideas what it is about. Well, there are some good site which give a good guide for starts on photography.

Once I get used of some technique and understand a little bit of those technical terms, I start to hit some bottleneck. Then, I start to search for "Top 10 tips in portrait photography" and etc. And again, thousands of links for me to filter through. I'll say that there is no absolutely best site as most of them are talking about the similar thing.

As I fed up with search online, I start to buy magazine (thank god there is Malaysia version of DCM and Digital SLR Photography). There are really good information inside, yet there is lots of technical knowledge you need to learn. The worst part about magazine is the luring of the new fancy camera model and lenses, somehow I felt that it is trying to psycho me to purchase those expensive equipment instead of teaching how to utilize my current gears.

After years of messing around with technical information and soulless photo, I realize one thing that all these source of information are missing about photography -> The artistic and humanistic part of the photography. There are really very little site that talk about the mentality of the photographer should have, how to be a creative person (photography is about art!), and etc. I realize this when I read this entry of Chase Jarvis blog 10 Things Every Creative Person Must Learn. It is a very simple entry, with every single point hit right into my heart to realize that "This is what I'm looking for!".

Now, I set rules for myself when I'm out to take photograph:

1. Stay focus, I'm suppose to take photo, so take lots of photo!

2. 60D must always in my hand with power on, not in the bag or around my neck.

3. No 4square check-in when I'm with my camera, go hell 4square, taking photo is priority #1!

4. Prepare my mood for photography (I had bad EQ, so when I'm not in the mood, I might end up bring the camera out and back with 0 shutter click).

5. Probability calculation: If I get 1 good photo out of 100, and I want 10 good photo, I must press the shutter at least 1000 times.

6. Be hardworking!

7. Cycle 3 times a week (>=30mins), stamina count when it comes to photography as I need to drag around at least a few kgs. :P

Hmmm....these can be my 2012 resolution. :P

Epic fail, so I'm back. :P

lol, after missing for 15 weeks, finally the epic coming to the end. Well, master study in electronic engineering is really no joke, especially the timeline is only 15 weeks. With 3 subjects and works, it is proven that it took a huge toll on my time, energy and weight. Well, I have no problem with the weight loss thou. But, losing out time, both on works and family is no joke. I felt really sorry to all my colleagues that has to bare with my "MIA", all my subordinate who has been understanding and my wife especially as she has to take care of the 2 little cute monster who refuse to sleep until 11.30pm everyday without fail.

Well, enough said, it is really good to be back as a student, regain all the focus method I had deeply needed especially this past 2 years (has not been very good at concentrate on working for sometime. :P). Now that I had regain back all my skills, it is time to perform in work! And most importantly pay attention to my lovely daughter.

Now, time to clear up the pilling 3 months photo in my storage, has been owing too many photos to too many peoples :P; Prepare for the last test; Prepare for Chinese New Year; and most importantly, get back to reading all those books that I had pile up in the bookshelf!

Sometimes, you need to lose something before you start to appreciate it.

Lastly, some consolation for myself -> Failure is the Mother of Success!!!!!! Huat ar!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Ok, ciao......time to go process those photos. :P

Actual Wedding Day #1 - Joo Hwee and Chong Ghee

This is the first time for myself on official duty for actual wedding day photography, and my sister become my guinea pig. :P

So, how much had I prepare for it? First on the gear, I got myself Canon 60D December last year, read lots of DCM and Digital Photography magazine (of course Malaysia version, no money for the UK version. :P), went for A Day with A Pro event (on landscape, but who cares, and it is good that I actually went as from there I met the pro Kevin Chooi), got another lens Sigma 17-50 f2.8 HSM and finally the Actual Wedding Day Photography Workshop by Kevin.

So, with all the gears in hand, and LowePro S&F belt and lens changer, it is time for action....

The bride's house:




Makeup gears:








Makeup in action:






Wedding gown and shoes:








Bride:










The kids:




Chi Mui:






Arrival of Groom:


Heng Dai and Groom in action:










Get the bride:












At Groom's house:










Dinner reception:






So, that's what one noob photographer can do at an actual wedding day. For complete coverage, at least 2 photographers needed. :P

Canon Digital Photo Professional 3.10.2 updater release

The new version release on 11th Aug 2011 according to canon's website. I take a look on the update history, and the update is only for the support on one of the new lens...Below is the update history taken from the software site.


Update History

Changes for Digital Photo Professional 3.10.2 Updater for Windows;

Supports new lens (EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS II)

Below is the site for the software download:

http://support-my.canon-asia.com/contents/MY/EN/0200154001.html

Penang Suffolk House - Proton Exora VIP Test Drive...Woohoo.....:P

I had never in my mind think about give Exora a chance due to Proton's reputation for the past 10 to 15 years. When I first had a ride on my friend's Exora, it started to change my mind, seems like it is not bad. After I told my wife about it, she found a blog which tell about the Exora VIP test drive.

Well, I was thinking, why not give it a try, see will get the chance or not. Hence, I went to Exora's website, go through the "myth or fact" flash game, I entered in my information. While I didn't put a high hope on that I'm gonna be selected, I got a call from Proton end of June that I'm selected! :P

After double, triple confirmation call from Proton, I got the e-mail from them on the details of the VIP test drive. While I was thinking about bringing my whole family to give it a try, it ends up I can only go with my life partner -> my wife. :P From the hint I got, seems like it is gonna be a fun day for both of us. :)

The venue is set at a heritage site - Penang Suffolk House. When I first knew about the venue, I really blur.....because I had never hear about this at all (damn, even after 10 years stay in Penang. :P). So, I ask my best friend again -> Google. :P and seems like there are lots of site talking about it. And the official one is here.

When the day (03-07-2011) reach, we packed up and firstly send our kids to their grandparents first. When we reach there, we were 15 minutes late. :P Fortunately we are not the last....kekeke.....


It was drizzling in the morning, when we reach there, we were handed a nice blue proton umbrella for us to walk from car park to the main building of the Suffolk House. The umbrella really nice, I was hoping they'll give one to each of us, but no luck. :P


1985 to 2010, Proton 25 years already.......:P


After registration, we were passed a copy of the test drive programme schedule...


I took a look at the schedule, well, there are really lots of things gonna happen throughout the day, and seems like the real test drive only take around 1 - 2 hours.


Hmm.....there is even child development talk......:)


There is even a session about styling by Datin Sharifah.


And the best part about the test drive......a chance to win RM6000.00. :P


And that is not the end of it, there is still door gift and SPA voucher.....nice!

So, after the registration, we head towards the restaurant for......free breakfast! :P
The restaurant has 2 parts, indoor and outdoor seating. We chose the indoor seating...

The ambience is nice, the only thing is that the air-cond is at floor level, so you have to choose your seat wisely, else you'll be frozen. :P


It is buffet style breakfast, there are quite some choices. As usual, I took the bun and butter, scramble eggs with toasted bread, plus pastry, pair it up with a cup of hot coffee......


Wife happy, so am I. :P


Concentrate on the food.....


Nyam nyam.....

After the breakfast, there were still some time for us to kill before the program started. So, time for photo shooting. :P

At the entrance of the restaurant, there are some certificate displayed. I don't really take a look at it, so no idea what was those for.


Main hall leading to the restaurant. At the far end of the picture is the entrance to Suffolk House.


Lots of information board around the compound, which explaining the history and the restoration work done for the place.







The place even got an award of distinction for Asia-Pacific Heritage Awards.


There is a gift shop, you'll need to ask for help from the office to enter it.


Bamboo plants in the garden...


some of the old structure left outside the building.


Staircase leading to the upper floor...


Wooden top ceiling...


The upper floor hall, where the main event is held...


The tripod for the video cam, damn nice! :P


The beautiful chandelier which light up the room...


View from bottom.


The door open to the other side of the hall...

The event started around 10.30am, where there is introduction to the Proton crew, briefing on the day event and the test drive program, with the introduction of the Exora's feature and specifications. After that all the participants were splitted into 2 team - Team A and Team B. There are total of 12 Exora (hopefully I remember correctly. :P) and I'm in Team A car number 3...


As usual, I'm the one driving while my wife is figuring out how to use my 60D. :P


Following behind the red car #2 while listen to the instruction given by the lead car through walkie talkie.


Nice information panel, there are indicator of car door opening for each door, like! :P The most important......cruise control.....lol....:P


The steering wheel, don't know why I keep have a feeling that the steering wheel is small.....:P There are radio control and the handsfree answering button on it, airbag included. :P


This is how you drive an Exora. :P The gear panel looks too shiny, tad the cheap outlook, prefer it to be mesh.


The center control and the cd player, there are bluetooth handsfree feature as well. As usual, it is a Clarion unit. :P


Closer look at the cd player.


The gear knob is nicely done, and again, make the gear panel mesh please!!!!!


The GPS navigation unit come with Exora H-line, didn't try to use it, not sure how good is it.


arm rest for front passenger and driver. When it is down, it kinds of blocking the access to the handbrake, so it feel a bit awkward when you try to pull up the handbrake. If can change the handbrake to foot brake (like Rondo and Freed), should be nice. :P



The glove box at the front passenger side...



Sun visor with mirror for the front passenger, all the ladies will like this.


Door handle and auto window siwtch, was hoping that the plastic quality can be better.


2nd row and 3rd row seat, wide and comfy, nice!


Closer look at the 3rd row seat, wife can sit at the 3rd row comfortably, it is just ok for me. :P


The dvd player, nice nice. The sound is transmitted through FM to the cd player unit, still the sound quality are good.

So, we head out from Suffolk House towards Padang Kota Lama (Esplanade), for some really special testing on the Exora.


The setup at Esplanade, really surprise me and it seems like they had book the whole place there. There are police guarding the entrance to the car park area as well.


So, here come the first test on the Exora -> ABS testing. Yes, it means that you just slam on the accelerate pedal all the way.......and when you reach the cone, SLAM THE BRAKE!!!!! Shiok ar!!!!!!

After that, this is where you make a U-turn to start again. :P It feels nice for the first few times, after that you'll feel tired on your right leg. :P


Half of the Exora parked nicely besides while the other half being "tortured" through the ABS exercise.


2nd challenges, stuff the luggage into Exora! How fast can you do it? We did it in 29secs. :P Of course the bags are empty.


The 3rd challenge, blindfolded parking. This is the most fun one, we were supposed to do it in 2 minutes, with my wife giving instruction, we actually take our sweet time to go in and out the parking lot for nnnnnnnnnnn times. End up we took 6 minutes to complete it. :P lol......first time in my life that I was try to do side parking blindfolded, not bad. :)


While we are doing all the stunts, it attracts attention from tourists and passerby...Some even took photo.


After all the challenges, here come the busy part...interview! Again, 1st time in my life I ever get interviewed.


The videographer...we had a little chat about photography during lunch time.....in cantonese....lol....damn.....eventually they are all coming up from KL.


The interviewer...


The white #3 Exora......the one I was driving...


Another view of it.

Well, that conclude the test drive of the Exora, after that is time to be back to Suffolk House for free lunch!


It is really nice to back to cozy and air-conditioned restaurant after a few hours out. And the best part is the lunch is waiting for us. :P They even prepared a menu.


We were given choice of chicken or fish for the main course, while the appetizer and dessert is fixed.


Looks like the restaurant is managed by the same group as the Mansion 32.


Even the seats are fixed, just find your name and seat. The "C" = chicken and "F" = fish.


The standard appetizer, bun and  butter.


Always like this, and the best is that the bun is warm. :)


Mushroom soup! Creamy and full with mushroom.


The happy couple. :P


Here come the fish.


Closer look.


The chicken.


Another view. I personally like the chicken more than the fish. :P


The dessert, bread and butter pudding.





Some random shots around the restaurant.


Drop my pen's cover on the floor, and discovered the nice old flooring...


The Advance Styling course...


And we were selected to give it a try. :)


Then, the other course about financial planning -> How to save money to buy an Exora (just kidding. :P). The talk is actually inspiring. We were taught to start saving by keep all the one dollar note into the box, everytime you have one. Once it is full, get the money and save it up.


Then, tea time! lol......really nice event, feel like eating non stop. :P


Tea corner at Suffolk House.


One of the view around the place.


The other corner of the garden.


Happy wife before we call it a day...

So, we didn't get the RM6000.00 first prize, but at least we got the consolation, which is RM200.00 cash. Not bad as well. There are door gift before we left, it is a goodies bag, with a cute notepad for kids, a proton pen, recycle bag and towel (for girl)/torch light+multipurpose tools (for guy).


Last look at the Suffolk House before we hop on our Kenari to go home...


And we found out if we came here by ourselves, each person need to pay RM10.00 and seems like no photographing allowed. :P

Overall, it is a nice event, since I had lots of 1st time experience here......:P

Suffolk House GPS coordinate:  5°24'39"N   100°18'19"E
Suffolk House fb fan page: https://www.facebook.com/suffolkhouse?ref=ts&sk=wall