Reference Books for Wedding Photography

I'm not a big fan of wedding photography, but since the trend nowadays is when you holding a dslr, you are assumed to be good at wedding photography, I had been ask to be one of the photographer of my good friends wedding.

Usually, I'll just attend and then take as much photos as possible to avoid losing any great moments, this time I'll like to do it differently (especially I had another mission next year for my sister's wedding).

I always read a lot from magazines to learn up some new ideas and skills to improve my photography skills, but wedding photography is really something different. It needs very good skills with no chances for you to try and error. So, with all these problem, I always wonder what I can do next. Of course the best way is to learn from a sifu (as an engineer, I always doubt I can be dedicated enough to learn from a pro. :P)

So, while I was doing the common reading on facebook, I saw Canon Malaysia entries where there are 20% discount for the Digital Wedding Photographers reference book on MPH online, I said to myself "why not give it a try?". There I went to the website mphonline and ordered 2 books:

Well, it is not considered cheap if you did a search from Amazon, but at least I get a free delivery and I thought it should be fast since it is from the same country where I lived for 32 years.

After ordering, I excitingly wait for its arrival. But then, it took 1 month for the books to actually reach my house (Damn, I'll not use the online service anymore. It is too slow.....). Nevermind, at least it reach my house. :)


So, MPH actually using GD Express. As I check the history of the delivery, it is delivered in 2 days time when GD Express got it (kudos to the company).


After unpacking, can see that the books are properly wrapped with thick foam to protect the books. There is another layer of bubble wrap as well.


Tada, the books and the receipt for tax claim. :P


These are the 2 books that I bought.


Original price before the 20% discount.


Frontpage of the books. Yes, one of it is from the famous Rick Sammon. :) I like this book very much after reading half of it. Well, again, I can read, I can learn, but can't practice it before any wedding photography mission.....=.="


Close up of both books author name.


I really love this book. :)


This book provide a good check list which every photographer can use before any photography trip. :)

Using Nikon lens on Canon EOS......now is possible

Saw this on dpreview where Novoflex release an adapter to mount Nikon F mount lens on Canon EOS, finally something I had dream of happened...Novoflex adapter

Panasonic updates firmware for LX3

Date/Version	Description
2010/7/29 Ver 2.2	Optimization of software processing. *Change in software version has no effect on camera performance.

Check out for more on Panasonic LX3 site at LX3 Firmware version 2.2

Teluk Bahang - Penang Butterfly Farm

Penang Butterfly Farm, another tourist place that I think I might not visit if not because of photo session organized by Canon. But I never regret to revisit this place, and in fact, after this trip, I will definitely keep revisiting it again and again. :P
Why? Well, thanks to my new toys! Canon EF 100mm f2.8 USM. :P I never know that I can get these much of nice nice nice nice (In my opinion) shots.

Ok, below are the shots that I think it is worth to show the world. :P
Oh ya, all photos are shot with my new toy (Canon EF100mm f2.8 USM). :)


I never knew that the butterfly actually holding a drop of water at its tongue until I blow up to full size to check the sharpness. This photo is with no extra sharpening in any photo editing tools. I just love the sharpness of this lens. :P


Some people don't like to use flash for macro shots, some people say macro shots needs sophisticated flash system. I got no money, so I just snap on my 430EX on my 350D and shoot shoot shoot. Voila! Sometimes some accidental shadow add depths to the photo.


Black and white butterfly......


Only if I have 5D or 7D, I can reduce the noise at the background. :P




Another nice shot with some accidental shadow.








One of my favourite shots, The green glowing cast on the butterfly is caused by my flash is behind a leaf! I just love this shot. :P


A type of very energetic butterfly, they keep moving non-stop, even when they are feasting on the flower! I shot this by using continuous shutter and this is the only ok shot out of 30 shots. :P One of my favourite as well.






Guess, what plant is this? :P


Koi in the pond. Since my lens is 100mm on a APS-C camera, I have to distance myself far away to be able to get this shots.


Climb climb climb! Caterpillar on closeup! I never realized they are so cute!




Another favourite shots of mine. :P

















Penang Butterfly Farm:
Address: 830 Jalan Teluk Bahang, 11050 Penang
Phone number: 04-885-1253
GPS coordinate: 5°26'50"N   100°12'54"E

Batu Ferringhi - Tropical Spice Garden

After N-years of last visit to Penang Tropical Spice Garden, here I'm again at the place. Usually I pay no interest to actually re-visit the place due to the entry fees and my "tiny" interest in the spice plant. Well, since there is an outing organized by Canon Penang branch, so why not give it a try again? As the trip actually visiting 2 places - Tropical Spice Garden and Penang Butterfly Farm, I bought a Canon EF 100mm f2.8 USM Macro lens. And the conclusion is......I'm really glad that I bought the lens. Now I'm fall in love with Macro lens sharpness and details it gives.

The place located at Batu Ferringhi, opened from 9.00am to 6.00pm daily and there are guided tours for you from 9.00am to 12.30pm (Monday to Friday) and 9.00am to 5.00pm (Saturday, Sunday and Holidays). It is a private park so the entry is not cheap: Tropical Spice Gardens charges

The only problem for visiting the park is that there are very limited parking area, so be early. :)
As I had the macro lens with me, the series of photo is more towards close-up rather than a scenery capture.

Main pond area:










Floral:













Little bamboo......this is how bamboo looks like while it is still young.









Some surprises when you walk around the park:


Miscellaneous shot:

The big swing where you can get the aerial view of part of the park.


There is a Spice Museum within the park, lots of the traditional tools shown there.


Spices on sale at the souvenir shop.




The old rubber sheet making machine.


Red, Green and Orange path...

It is a nice place for family to spend quality time while enjoy the nature and sea breeze......

The website: Tropical Spice Garden
Address: Lone Crag Villa, Lot 595 Mukim 2,
Jalan Teluk Bahang,
11100 Penang, Malaysia.Contact Number: 604 - 881 1797
GPS Coordinate: 5°27'42"N   100°13'46"E