Samantha's Photoblog

Away (8 - 23 Feb 2012)

2012-02-06T08:25:00.000-08:00

I will be going to Japan between 8 to 23 Feb 2012.

Any emails sent to me, I will only be able to respond after I return on 23rd Feb.

--Samantha

Japan (July2011) Osaka & Takayama

2012-01-08T10:37:00.000-08:00

Just to share some of my Japan travel pics taken in back in July 2011. I went to Japan again in Nov 2011 (no time to sort out the pics taken on this trip yet), and will be going again in Feb 2012 (8/2-23/2).

Looking out of the window of a Shinkansen

Train at outskirts of Osaka

Osaka subway line

Osaka's Glico man billboard at Dotonbori area

Looking out of the window of the train ride between Nagoya to Takayama

Takayama

Takayama's Historic Town Preserved area

Shirakawa-go (about 50mins bus ride from Takayama)

Overview of Shirakawa-go

Shirakawa-go

Ben & Yuanling

2012-01-08T09:40:00.000-08:00

Zhangjun & Bertina

2011-11-23T05:35:00.001-08:00

Yet another of my friend got married. :) I've known Zhangjun since our Pre-Primary school days in Hua Yi Primary School when we were both 6 yrs old. Thanks to Yahoo groups, Friendster & Facebook, I was able to locate many of my primary school friends since the school itself had already closed down back in 1991.

Here are some pics of the day, congratulations to the both of you!!

Ryan & Pauline

2011-11-21T08:54:00.001-08:00

I have known Pauline ever since I started my job at MediaCorp about 8 years ago. Although we were both from the same course in Ngee Ann Poly (Film, Sound & Video) however somehow we didn't know each other back then, until we both ended up at MediaCorp. We were both Asst Producers with the Chinese Drama unit and our 1st project together was the Channel 8 sitcom (Family Combo II 门当户对2).

After which, we worked together again in 3 more Channel 5 productions ("Police & Thief" season 5, "Red Thread" & the more recent "PayDay").

She was part of my JieMei entourage for my own wedding back in 2007 and I'm very happy to see that it's her turn now. :)

Congratulations to both of you Ryan & Pauline...and Pauline, don't bully Ryan arh... :)

Bill & Aana

2011-09-13T00:13:00.000-07:00

Japan day 3: Hiroshima

2011-08-26T21:24:00.000-07:00

Hiroshima: http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2160.html

1 last visit to the torii gate area during low tide before leaving Miyajima in the morning.

Hiroshima in the background

A passenger asking directions from a Tram driver

Atomic Bomb Dome

Peace Memorial Park

Inside the Peace Memorial Museum

Shopping street

At a Okonomiyaki stall. Apparently Hiroshima is famous for its Okonomiyaki.

Lots of bicycles everywhere too...

Waiting for Tram at Tram station

Japan day 2: Miyajima

2011-08-19T03:29:00.000-07:00

Wikipedia on Miyajima: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Itsukushima
Miyajima guide: http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3401.html

One of the bests days out of the trip. It was relaxed, and the deers on the island makes interesting subjects for photography. Most tourists usually just go to Hokkaido, Tokyo, Osaka and Kyoto when they go to Japan. However for this trip, hubby and I decided to go to places where Singaporeans tend to skip. We were at Kobe the day before, so in the morning we had to take Shinkansen (bullet train) from Kobe to Hiroshima, and then transfer a local train to Miyajimaguichi station, and then take a short ferry ride to Miyajima itself.

Enjoyed wading out into the icy sea waters during low tide to take photos of the torii gate. Yes, it is summer time (and I still have the sunburn to prove it) but somehow the sea water was soo cold. We stayed overnight at 1 of the hotels on the island and the food and seaview was fantastic!

Taking Shinkansen (bullet train) from Shin-Kobe to Hiroshima, then transferring local train to Miyajimaguchi

The famous Torii gate at Miyajima

1st deer we saw after we arrived at Miyajima. This guy was so hungry he ate my airline baggage tag on my luggage bag.

Fighting deers

During low tides, people tend to walk out to the Torii gate and take photos.

I'm back!! Japan day 1: Kobe

2011-07-06T08:56:00.001-07:00

Am finally back in Singapore after a trip to Japan with the hubby. Will be posting more travel pics here once I'm done sorting through them. Japan is such a lovely place, especially Kyoto. Have been there twice over the past year and fell in love with that place.

First up: Kobe (Day 1)

On board the Haruka Express train from Kansai Airport to Shin-Osaka station.

While walking around our hotel area in Kobe, I happened to look up and saw this interesting view of the messy cables being framed by the neighbouring buildings.

Not sure if this bike is being abandoned, but saw this while walking along Kitano area in Kobe and loved how this shot turned out after converting it to black and white.

Random street lights at Kitano in Kobe

Vanilla ice cream between 2 pieces of wafer "buns" which makes it looks like some sort of Ice-cream bun. Very yummy.

Saw this while walking along the streets, wonder whose shirt is that.

Chinese Lanterns at Chinatown, Kobe

Chinatown in Kobe

Harborland in Kobe. Seems to be a popular place for couples to go dating in Kobe.

Ferris wheel in Harborland, Kobe.

Wei Ping & Priscilla

2011-06-08T07:25:00.000-07:00

Darren & Effie

2011-06-07T07:24:00.000-07:00

Updates...

2011-06-05T06:58:00.000-07:00

I'm currently taking a 4 months break from wedding photography (April to early July) due to my involvement in the production of an upcoming MediaCorp Channel 5 sitcom.

Will be accepting new bookings for dates between end-July till Dec 2011.

Email me: samantha@secretphotography.com.sg

---Samantha

Stanley & Elizabeth

2011-01-16T22:14:00.000-08:00

Felix & Felicia

2011-01-16T21:45:00.000-08:00

Sorry for the lack of posts for the past 2 months. Ever since returning from my Japan trip in Dec, I've been busy with post-production of photos for a number of weddings and I didn't really had time to update this blog.

Here's an entry for the wedding of Felix & Felicia at a nice and cosy restaurant (OChre).

Children Photography: Wahab & Aziz

2011-01-16T21:31:00.000-08:00

Japan trip 2010 - part 2 (day 3 & day 4)

2011-01-02T05:49:00.000-08:00

Day 3 (Kyoto to Tokyo) 29/11/10

We started off the day by going to the Fushimi Inari Shrine that's just 2 stations away from Kyoto station.

I love the colors of this shrine, will make a very nice location for engagement/wedding photoshoots.

The shrine is actually very large, however due to our limited time (since we have to catch the 1pm Shinkansen back to Tokyo) so we only explored probably 10% of the place.

After arriving at Tokyo in late afternoon and checking in to our hotel, we had dinner and then headed out to a Onsen (hotspring) themepark at Odaiba.

Day 4 (Tokyo - Sensoji Temple, Ameyoko, Akihabara) 30/11/10

We had quite a few Taiyakis on this trip and they were all very nice. Crisp on the outside, soft and fluffy inside.

Camera: Panasonic Lumix LX-5 compact camera

Japan trip 2010 - part 1 (day 1 & day 2)

2011-01-02T01:21:00.000-08:00

This is my 2nd trip to Japan (my 1st was back when I was 12yrs old). Absolutely loved the place and food!

I brought along my new compact camera (Panasonic Lumix LX5) for this trip since I don't feel like lugging around my DSLR while travelling.

Day 1 (Singapore to Tokyo via Narita airport) 27/11/10

Day 2 (Tokyo to Kyoto) 28/11/10

Unavailable between 27 Nov to 9 Dec 2010.

2010-11-10T21:54:00.000-08:00

I will be in Japan between 27 Nov to 9 Dec 2010.
Will only be able to respond to emails and enquiries after I return on 9 Dec 2010.

--Samantha

The Zoll Family

2010-11-06T22:18:00.000-07:00

Benjamin & Amy Zoll, together with their lovely Harper & Ida.

Scot & Sandy

2010-11-06T09:53:00.000-07:00

Mervin & Michelle

2010-11-06T09:16:00.000-07:00

Desmond & Mabel

2010-10-18T08:06:00.000-07:00

It's a small world. After our initial meet-up session a few months back, we realised that we actually have a common friend (yes, Marie...I'm talking about you). And not just that, their AD date 12th September...is also my own wedding anniversary date. :)

Congratulations to both of you Desmond and Mabel...

Bali (Indonesia): Francis & Hsuan

2010-10-03T02:43:00.000-07:00

Derek + Jacqueline

2010-09-22T07:41:00.000-07:00

Date: 10 Sep 2010

Bali (Indonesia): Walter & Bernice

2010-09-19T22:30:00.000-07:00

This is my 1st time to Bali. Loved the scenery (esp Sunset/Sunrise) over there. Was a very rushed trip so didn't really had much time for shopping at Kuta (will definitely return in future). Weather have been very kind to us, ranging from cloudy to sunny (not as scorching hot as I expected).

Anyone else wanna go Bali? :)

Date: 26 to 29 Aug 2010

Shawn & Barbra

2010-08-10T14:47:00.000-07:00

Their casual outdoor photography here.

Wedding date: 24/07/10

Children Photography: Arwen

2010-08-03T00:52:00.000-07:00

Introducing children photography...

Spent a nice leisurely Sunday afternoon with Jeff, Ellen and little Arwen.
Ellen is one of my dearest friends and Arwen was born the same year I was married. Actually, Arwen did attended my wedding...in Ellen's tummy :)
Goes to show that time passes by so quickly and it's been 3 years ever since.

I loved the spot we came across with tree swings, nice place for bridal photoshoot too...

Premium photobook sample have arrived!

2010-08-01T00:39:00.000-07:00

The front of the box which contains the Premium Photobook.

Debossed logo on the box

Inside the box: a disc holder on 1 side (can opt not to have it) and the Premium Photobook beautifully wrapped with black cloth and silver ribbon on the other side.

Front of the Premium Photobook

Sample shown here uses textured paper (additional S$30 top up option)

Currently, prices for the Premium Photobook is at:

- 8 x 8 inches: S$280

- 12 x 12 inches: S$380

It is 40 pages and comes with the box.

For the cover, you can choose to either:

Material wrapped: Fabric wrapped with a small window of your photo (material and window as shown above)

Photo wrapped: use a photo of your choice to fill the entire cover (glossy)

For Material wrapped option, the default material is black fabric wrapped as shown in the image above.

However, there are upgrade options should you prefer other materials :

-- Leather wrapped cover: S$18.00

-- Wood wrapped cover: S$18.00

-- Suede wrapped cover: S$28.00

For Photo wrapped option, the default is a glossy image on the cover.

Likewise, there are other upgrade options:

-- Anti scratch protection (Matt): S$30.00 *strongly recommended*

-- Image on canvas: S$35.00

For the inside pages, the normal default is a normal non-textured paper with a slight sheen.

However, you can choose to upgrade to textured paper (shown above) with top up of S$30.00

Arwen

2010-07-25T20:44:00.000-07:00

Little Arwen...

New namecards

2010-07-18T11:23:00.000-07:00

I ordered my new namecards from www.moo.com 2 weeks ago and they just arrived 2 days ago!!

The thing about the usual namecards is that they only allow 1 design to be printed on all the cards.

However, for moo.com, different images can be used for each individual card.

Love them so much....

Shawn & Barbra

2010-07-14T00:28:00.000-07:00

I got to know Shawn and Barbra through my dear friend Pauline and her sis Diana. They chose to do their engagement photoshoot at Botanic Gardens and National Orchid Garden. It was my 1st time inside the National Orchid Gardens and I liked the yellow flowery walkway there. The Band Stand gazebo was...as usual...full of wedding couples taking photos there. I think we saw like 3 couples there (plus their photographers and assistant).

I was very worried on the day of the photoshoot since it was raining when I left my place (western Singapore). When I arrived at Botanic Gardens, the sky looked as if it's going to downpour anytime. But we were very lucky that the rain went to take a coffee break or something, cause we only had a very slight drizzle for like 10mins and then it stopped. I guess the dried chillies in my camera bag worked...again. :)

Huh? Some of you might ask...what dried chillies? Let me explain...

For some previous couples who have worked with me, you'll know that I have kind of a superstitious belief that bringing some dried chillies along will help ward away the rain. This habit of mine started way back during the days when I was working with MediaCorp where such a practice is a norm for outdoor filming days. Till now, I felt that it worked for me (be it during my MediaCorp days or my Secret Photography days...) and so I chose to continue this little tradition of mine.

Date of photoshoot: 10/7/10

Introducing the 4R mini album

2010-07-14T00:19:00.000-07:00

Since generally photobooks aren't exactly cheap, and individual 4R prints are easily misplaced, so here's the solution, the 4R mini album.

It is 4R sized (4 x 6 inch) with a dark grey (almost black) hardcover. The photos are glossy.

This product is available as an optional add-on to all my packages at the rate of:

1st album: S$50.00 (up to 32 photos) or S$65.00 (up to 48 photos) or S$80.00 (up to 64 photos)

2nd album onwards (album identical to the 1st album): S$45.00 per album (up to max of 64 pages)

Recommended for couples who wants to give something to both sets of parents and couples doing casual outdoor photoshoot.

Music syncing licence from Friendly Music website at USD1.99

2010-07-01T06:03:00.000-07:00

I came across this website (Friendly Music) that basically allows the usage of the music from their website (at 1.99 per track) for your own created wedding montage.
Since you will be purchasing the license so it means that you can upload your video with the music on youtube (and other websites) without fear of being removed due to copyright infringement.

(excerpt from the Friendly Music website's help section).
What is Friendly Music?
Friendly Music lets you upload your videos to YouTube or other websites without having to worry about whether they'll be muted or taken down because of the music they contain. Friendly Music gives you over 30,000 copyright-cleared songs to choose from by artists from all over the world.

Ok, so when I pay Friendly Music for a song, what am I buying?
You're buying what's called a "sync license" (short for "synchronization license") from the company that owns Friendly Music, Rumblefish, Inc. The purchase allows you to use that song as part of the audio track of one (1) video that you can upload to User Generated Content "UGC Network(s) such as YouTube, Animoto or Photobucket, for non-commercial purposes only.

For more in-depth details, please go directly to Friendly Music website's Help section here.

Music Copyright licence for music used for wedding montage.

2010-07-01T05:36:00.000-07:00

For those who are considering creating your own wedding montage (slideshow) with copyrighted songs/music for the background, please note:

(excerpt from the Recording Industry Performance Singapore website)
"Ad-hoc Licence for the for Reproduction of Sound Recordings into a videocassette tape or VCD or DVD as background music by per wedding couple for their wedding videography or photo montage. Rate per Qualifying Wedding Videograph S$90.00 "

Direct link to the RIPS official website for more info and application form:
www.rips.com.sg/wedding/

Dedric & Joanne

2010-06-30T08:35:00.000-07:00

Had a really enjoyable day with Dedric and Joanne. Very warm and friendly family too, especially Joanne's dad who kept piling food on my plate. Haha...thanks uncle. :)

We went to Marina Barrage for a mini-photoshoot after their wedding luncheon and boy were we surprised to see so many people at the place on a weekday afternoon. Teenagers everywhere...flying kites, having picnic, lazing around, running around...

I guess I must be getting old to overlook the fact that there's such a thing called the June school holidays...

Date of wedding : 17 June 2010

Joey & Juliana

2010-06-21T03:32:00.000-07:00

Date of Wedding: 9th June 2010

Mark & Rong Rong

2010-06-10T10:19:00.000-07:00

Date of wedding : 6th June 2010

Zaw Htut Aung & Phyu Hnin Pwint

2010-05-21T08:54:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to both of you, Maung & Snow. :)

Wedding date: 15th May 2010

Nikon 85mm f1.4

2010-05-19T21:01:00.000-07:00

Added a new lens to my camerabag. Welcome Nikon 85mm f1.4 :)

Updated website look

2010-05-18T11:52:00.000-07:00

I've been thinking about changing the look of my website since 2 months ago, and today I've finally got down to committing to it. It's not really a big change however I'm pretty satisfied...for now. :)

old version

new version

Shengwei & Xiaosi

2010-05-11T06:59:00.000-07:00

Have known Shengwei since my secondary school days. We were in the same class for 2 years and I remember him seated behind me playing table football (involving some scrunched up ball of paper and pencil boxes and staplers) with another classmate.

Congratulations old friend and your beautiful wife.

Date: 2nd May 2010

Hong Yap & Samantha

2010-05-10T02:50:00.000-07:00

Date: 1 May 2010

Penang Trip (March)

2010-03-16T10:57:00.000-07:00

Went on a trip to Penang recently to visit some friends (and good food).
Here's to share some of my fav pics from this trip.

And of course...Penang food....

Wedding of Glenn & Dawn

2010-01-18T06:50:00.000-08:00

Date: 17 Jan 2010

Engagement photoshoot: Adrian & Rebecca

2009-12-28T21:44:00.000-08:00

It's been a looong time since I've been to the Botanic Gardens. I believe the last time I've been there was for filming a scene for a Ch8's sitcom (Family Combo II) at a small area just outside Ginger Garden about 5yrs ago. However I didn't had time to explore the rest of the Botanic gardens back then.

This time round, I am glad to be able to spend a leisurely morning there and explore the rest of the Botanic garden (well, most of it anyways, since it's such a huge place). There's been so much changes here since my primary school days.

As we all know, it has been raining almost daily in the month of December. We were very lucky that the weather on this day was pretty ideal...only began to drizzle just when we were about to leave Botanic Gardens and also during our lunch. :)

Date of photoshoot: 28 Dec 09

Engagement photography: Jianian & Jacqualine (session 2)

2009-12-19T04:02:00.000-08:00

Here are some photos taken from our 2nd photography session.

I can still remember the heat from the scorching sun. Poor Jianian was in semi long sleeves.

Other than the sun, the other thing that I remember from this photoshoot, is that darn monkey that keeps following us around.

Date of Photoshoot: 19 Dec 2009

Late entry: Penang Food Trip 14/8/09

2009-12-14T10:45:00.000-08:00

I happened to come across my Penang trip pics, so thought of sharing.

Just a warning: do not read this on an empty stomach. :)

In August, my hubby and I went to Penang to visit some friends for a short trip. I brought my DSLR along since I thought I might be able to use it to take the usual travel shots which I have been doing in my Batam entry and Phuket entry. However, it was not to be. Why?

Thats because this was a non-stop food trip. Yes. Our dear friends brought us to their fav street food outlets all day long and the only time we had to digest our food is during the time we were in the car from 1 location to the next. :)

Malaysian Airline food: Nasi Bryani (i think), tastes not too bad.

A famous street stall's Fried Kway Teow (Not Gurney Street).

I believe they call it "Sister's Char Koay Teow"

Verdict: very spicy, kindly oily but still not bad.

Seafood Bee Hoon. Nice and Cheap. Not sure exact location.

A lesser known Fried Kway Teow stall which is only patronised by locals.

I'm not too sure of this location either, only remember that it is near residential area, is a small hawker centre by the roadside, opposite a school, has a temple by the junction.

Verdict: my fav. not too oily, nice succulent crunchy prawns, RM3! I had 2 plates. :)

To help curb my craving for such Fried Kway Teow in Singapore, I go to a restaurant at International Business Park (Penang Place) for their Penang Buffet. :)

This is another famous stall that is patronised by locals and lesser known to tourists. In Singapore, this is called Prawn Noodle, but in Penang, they call this Hokkien Mee. They mix the yellow noodles together with Beehoon, and their prawns are deshelled and sliced into half. This also came with 1 soup spoon full of chilli paste to be mixed in with the soup.

Verdict: I love the thick soup (not the bland soup we get in Singapore) and the spiciness. Am still trying to find prawn noodles that tastes like this in singapore. Any suggestions?

I've eaten "Hokkien Mee" from another regular outlet at Penang and it tastes very nice too (though my Penang friends says that it is sub standard), so I guess, when you go Penang, whichever Hokkien Mee outlet you order from, it should be pretty decent. :)
.

Engagement Photography: Jianian & Jacqualine (session 1)

2009-12-14T00:15:00.000-08:00

This is session 1 photoshoot for the couple, cuz they've got 2 engagement photoshoots.

We went to Sentosa beach for this day...however we realised that it wasn't such a good day for it since it was a day after Zouk Out. Imagine: trash on the sand, white plastic chairs everywhere, large white tentages across the beach area...we kept spending time trying to shift the chairs in the background ourselves.

But all things considered, we had a pretty fun time on this day as this is the 1st time I've seen someone brought so many of her own "props" to the photoshoot. :)

Date of photoshoot: 14th Dec 2009

Engagement photography: Joshua & Ivy

2009-12-12T23:35:00.000-08:00

I've done photoshoots at the shophouses of Emerald Hill, Boat Quay, Clark Quay, Arab Street...but never Ann Siang Hill... So when Joshua asked me for some location suggestions, I suggested Ann Siang Hill and they gamely agreed to give this place a try.

This place is so confusing. We came to a few deadends....haha.

Rex and Sheleen's wedding

2009-12-06T10:02:00.000-08:00

Sheleen and Rex...I've known both of them since 1994 during our secondary school days (Greenridge Sec).

Rex is my senior and Sheleen is my junior. Time passed...its year 2009 now.

Congrats to both of you...

Wedding of Billy & Julie

2009-12-02T20:28:00.000-08:00

Julie, I salute your "sisters" with the things they came up with. haha.

And Billy, you have 2 really good "brothers" who went along with the many "activities" the jie-meis managed to come up with.

Congratulations Billy and Julie.

Date: 28 Nov 2009

Cedric & Amelyn / Jimmy & Eelynn / Ken & Janet

2009-12-01T01:50:00.000-08:00

2 weeks ago, I had the opportunity to take pre-wedding photos for 3 couples.
6 of them are friends so we all had a lot of fun that day. We also celebrated the birthday for 1 of the groom too.

Initially, I was very worried about impending rain (weather forecasted heavy rain with thunder) however weather turned out pretty good with just some heavy clouds but no rain.

Cedric and Amelyn

Jimmy and Eelynn

Ken and Janet

Date of photoshoot : 22 Nov 2009

Camera: Nikon D300 + Tamron 17-50mm + SB600

Location : City Hall / Esplanade

Anna

2009-12-01T01:00:00.000-08:00

Its been awhile since I last posted on this blog. Been real busy with my new website and wedding photography photoshoots. New website is http://www.secretphotography.com.sg/

Last month, I had the opportunity to do a shoot with Anna.

Photoshoot Date: 11 Nov 09
Location: Clark Quay, Singapore

Secret Garden 2 photoshoot

2009-09-01T10:05:00.000-07:00

Christina:

More pics to come...

Date: 25 July 09

Model: Rachel, Mathilde, Christina

Bridal Photoshoot: Shawn & Peiling

2009-07-25T05:39:00.000-07:00

Date: 20th June 2009
Camera: Nikon D300 + Tamron 17-50mm + SB600.

Casual photoshoot: Humphrey & Dilys

2009-06-19T00:20:00.000-07:00

Date: 16 June 09

Camera: Nikon D300 + Tamron 17-50mm + SB600

Casual fashion photoshoot

2009-06-19T00:12:00.000-07:00

Liting:

Angela:

Amelia:

This photoshoot was held last month. Somehow I just realised that I hasn't uploaded this here.

So anyway, here it is...

It started out as a very sunny day, and then out of the sudden, dark clouds came and started pouring during our break time. But thankfully, rain stopped after our break so we only had a short delay.

Date: 30 May 09

Models: Angela, Amelia, Liting

Location: Vivo City's skyroof

Camera: Nikon D300 + Tamron 17-50mm f2.8 + SB600

Photoshoot using my new Nikon 50mm f1.8 Prime lens

2009-05-27T07:00:00.000-07:00

Debuted my new Nikon 50mm f1.8 lens on this day.

I liked the bokeh but takes some getting used to since I'm already so used to my Tamron lens.

Date: 24 May 09

Location: Boat Quay

Models: Claire & Paula

Camera: Nikon D300 + Nikon 50mm f1.8

Beetle Car Bridal Photoshoot

2009-05-23T02:58:00.000-07:00

Date: 23 May 2009
Model: Mandy
Location: Yishun & Seletar
Camera: Nikon D300 + Tamron 17-50mm f2.8 + Nikon SB600

Random photo taken during filming of Red Thread

2009-05-18T12:34:00.000-07:00

Julian Hee

I was part of the production team of the Ch5 drama (Red Thread) and sometimes during the filming in between takes, I whip out my compact camera (Fujifilm F31fd) and take photos of the cast's continuity costumes/props/for fun...etc.

Julian was just taking a break while waiting for the set to be ready and I saw his reflection off the bar's countertop. So I took a photo of it. Couldn't really post them earlier before Red Thread's telecast.

I've a few more to be posted but some contains spoilers on episodes which have yet to be aired so it's best not to reveal them at this stage.

Date: 22nd Dec 2008

Camera: Fujifilm F31fd.

Photoshoot (Amelia / Tiffanie / Vivian)

2009-05-17T02:08:00.000-07:00

Went to photoshoot yesterday organised by Mervin. I didn't slept at all the night before so I was pretty much zonked out throughout the photoshoot. Had a fun morning and enjoyed myself.

So, here are the photos I took.

Amelia:

Tiffanie:

Vivian:

All 3 girls

Date: 16 May 2009

Camera: Nikon D300 + Tamron 17mm-50mm f/2.8 lens

Location: Emerald Hill, Singapore

Models: Amelia, Tiffanie, Vivian

50mm Prime lens

2009-05-17T01:50:00.000-07:00

Finally bought the Nikon 50mm f/1.8 lens from Cathay Photo last friday at $190.
Hasn't really played around with it yet, probably will next week.

Went to a clubsnap photoshoot yesterday and will be uploading the photos soon.

Shaun & Yanying's wedding

2009-05-06T12:12:00.000-07:00

Date: 14 Feb 2009
Camera: Nikon D300 & Tamron 17-50mm f2.8 lens

Phuket Trip

2009-05-05T11:23:00.000-07:00

Just back from a Phuket trip with some friends and my hubby.
Rainy & cloudy almost everyday therefore sunset shots wasn't really ideal.

Tuk-tuks & dogs everywhere on the streets and since my hotel had many cats roaming the hotel grounds so I took quite alot of dogs & cat shots.

Lost the lens cap of my Tamron 17-50mm lens on the last day of the trip. I guess I didn't affixed it properly on the lens and somehow it came off without me knowing since I usually sling the camera over my neck & not in my camera bag.

Date: 30 April to 4 May 2009

Location: Phuket, Thailand

Camera: Nikon D300 & Tamron 17-50mm f/2.8 & Nikon 18-200mm VR

Casual Photoshoot

2009-01-18T23:12:00.000-08:00

Date: 17 Jan 2009

Model: Rebecca

Camera: Nikon D300

Lens: Tamron 17-50mm f2.8

Flash: Nikon SB600

Wedding photoshoot

2009-01-18T00:28:00.000-08:00

;

Date: 17th Jan 2009

Model: Rebecca

Camera: Nikon D300 & Tamron 17-50mm f/2.8

Nikon D300 & Tamron 18-50mm f/2.8 lens

2009-01-10T21:06:00.000-08:00

Just bought a Nikon D300 (SGD2050 inclusive GST + 4GB CF card + Nikon camera bag + camera armor) from John 3:16 & a Tamron 18-50mm f2.8 (SGD620 inclusive GST) from Cathay Photo on Friday evening.

Hasn't really tried out the camera yet...gonna start reading the manual either today or tomorrow.

Life is good :)

Jurong Bird Park

2008-12-07T22:32:00.000-08:00

Oh. and Jason took this shot of me. :)

Camera: D40 (Nikkor 18mm - 200mm VR lens)

A last look at my primary school...

2008-12-07T20:08:00.000-08:00

As some of you may remember in 1 of my previous posts, I've visited my old primary school's compound and took some photos of it. This time, I managed to enter the building itself and took a walk round the building before it will be demolished next year (2009).

Good bye, Hua Yi Primary School...

Sitex

2008-11-27T20:10:00.000-08:00

Hasn't been blogging here for quite awhile...and probably won't have time to do so till end Dec.

That's because I'm filming almost everyday until 31st Dec.
Not much spare time to go out take photos...too darn stressed.

I had some time before my filming yesterday and I headed to Sitex to check out the prices for Nikon D300. Boy was I disappointed. -_-

Here are the prices:
D700 (Body only):
$4,499 (with 2x8GB CF card, Lowepro bag, Lenspen, Shooting tent, Screen protector, Card reader, Tripod)
.
D300 (Body only):
$2,699 (with 1x4GB CF card, 1x8gb CF card, Lowepro bag, Lenspen, Shooting tent, Screen protector, Card reader, Tripod)
.
D90 (kit 1-with AF-S DX 18-105mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR)
$1,988 (2x8GB SD card, Cleaning kit, Nikon bag, Screen protector, Card reader, Tripod)
.
D90 (kit 2-with AF-S DX 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR)
$1,788 (2x8GB SD card, Cleaning kit, Nikon bag, Screen Protector, Card reader, Tripod)

Defence TechX at Science Centre

2008-11-08T06:09:00.000-08:00

Went to the Defense TechX at Science Centre today with Alf.

Quite a small exhibition area but surprised to see sooo many children around.

Teachers bringing students & Fathers bringing their children.

The Huge Dinosaur at the Science Centre's entrance.

Kids playing at the water fountain area at the Science Centre.

Date: 8 Nov 2008

Location: Science Centre (Singapore)

Camera: Nikon D40 (18-200mm VR)

Taking photos

2008-11-07T07:16:00.000-08:00

These are some photos of me taking photos at Batam trip...courtesy of Adrian and Alfred.

Yes, all of us (except Alfred) have lied down on the floor in front of the Holiday Inn spa area to take photos.

Batam

2008-11-02T09:19:00.000-08:00

Just returned from a 2 day 1 night trip to Batam in Indonesia over the weekend with the same group of friends whom I went to Admiralty Park with.
.
We stayed at the Holiday Inn Resort which was just a 5min walk (or 3min shuttle bus) away from the Waterfront Jetty. Had good weather (but kinda overly sunny for my taste) and only rained on the early morning of our departure (which didn't really matter since I was still asleep then so it didn't affected our plans).

Date: 1st & 2nd Nov 2008

Location: Batam, Indonesia

Camera: Nikon D40 (18-200mm VR)

Kranji War Memorial

2008-10-31T04:18:00.000-07:00

It was REAL sunny today. I think I got sunburnt from this trip since it's mostly open air with no shade.

Tried to kneel on the granite steps to take some low angle shots and it was @#$%^ burning hot!
.

Date: 31 Oct 08

Location: Kranji War Memorial (Singapore)

Camera: Nikon D40 (18-200mm VR)

D300 hunting

2008-10-30T08:55:00.000-07:00

I am hoping to upgrade my camera body to either a D90 or D300. After much deliberation...I finally decided on a D300. Came across someone selling a 2nd hand D300 body at $1850 therefore I decided to go check out the 1st hand's market rate today.
.
Therefore I went to the Peninsula and Funan area today to do some scouting. Was pleasantly surprised that the overall price is less than what I anticipated. (I thought it would be in the 2200-2300 range) :)
.
Cathay Photo - $2120
John 3:16 - $2100
Alan Photo - $2033
B**** - $1926
.
The above rates was quoted to me for body only...includes GST but no CF card.
.
The $1926 price was sooooo enticing to me that I made the decision to buy it today. Was originally planning just to check out the prices today then make a decision of whether to get a 1st hand or 2nd hand..therefore wasn't really planning on buying it today..
.
But then...when I told them that I want to buy the body only kit they started trying to sell me their battery (3rd party 5000 mAh @ $150 & 8Gb CF card @ $120). Then I declined saying I only want the body kit don't want the additional accesories. Then they offered me to trade in the original Nikon Batt (1500 mAh) that comes with the D300 kit for the 3rd party's 5000 mAh batt for additional top up of $85. I respectfully declined again. So eventually they said they rather not sell the body kit if I'm not buying the accessories. -.-
.
Later when I went to other camera outlets and ask for the rates for their 3rd party batts & CF card's price....I was quoted $29 for regular 3rd party batt (not sure if it's the same 5000 mAh) and $80 for 8Gb CF card. -.-
.
Next time when I do "market research"...I should say upfront "How much are you selling the D300 if I DON'T intend to buy any other accessories from u?"
Don't waste my time and brain cells over making the decision to buy and then you say "sorry I don't sell the body kit if you don't buy the accessories from me".
.
Though Cathay Photo and John 3:16's prices are a tad higher but I had the best service level from these 2 outlets. Even if eventually I don't buy the D300 from them...I'll definately consider these 2 places first when I get my other accessories/lens...etc in future.

Duxton

2008-10-30T05:58:00.000-07:00

Took these today while out with another team for filming. I enjoy following other teams out for filming when I'm not the main AD (Asst Director) for the day...hehe...My original intention today was just to follow the production bus to their location at Duxton since I intend to go to City Hall area to check out on camera prices...but then I hanged around the filming venue and kaypoh for awhile before I left them to take MRT to City Hall.

The cat just lazed around on the pavement the whole time I was there so took some shots of it...

The owner of the pink shoes is my fellow AD (Yes Kay...I was bored enough to take photo of your shoes today..lol)

Oh and by the way...in case some of you may be wondering why do I keep using "..." and that's because my comma key is spoilt. Time to start sourcing for a new keyboard :(

Date: 30 Oct 08

Location: Duxton

Camera: Nikon D40 (18-200mm VR)