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Gear

"Melvin is sold out to the Nikon system (sorry Canon shooters). He shoots with Nikon D80 and Finepix S2 Pro dslr bodies. Mel loves using the 50mm f/1.8, and 80-200mm f/2.8D most. He also has a Tamron 17-50mm f/2.8, and a Tamron SP 90mm f/2.8 Macro. For lights, he has two 500W/s studio strobes, but prefers to carry an SB800 Speedlight "because it's not as heavy". He packs all these equipment in a lovely Crumpler 'Karachi Outpost' backpack. He has other nice stuff too, but just doesn't want to tell you."

About

"A native of Borneo, Mel only recently traded his headhunter's machette for a digital SLR and a SCUBA tank."

Archives

My Thoughts on Diving Wednesday, May 24, 2006 |

Frogfish sitting among sea sponges on Sulug Island reef, 25 m/80 ft.
Canon Powershot s1IS.

The thing I love most about living in this city (Kota Kinabalu) is that diving is not a luxury activity. A diver based in KL or Singapore would need to take a couple of days leave, and then embark on a long trip to a dive resort which requires an overnight stay. Then there's accommodation, food and transportation costs to pay, on top of boat and diving fees.

A diver based here need only take a 15 minute drive to the KK boat terminal, pay an all-inclusive diving fee, board the boat to the dive site, and splash! From car park to coral reef in just under an hour. What's more is that I can be home in time for afternoon tea. I just love KK!

The Big "Three-O" Monday, May 22, 2006 |

Real manggo slices adorn a delectable manggo cheesecake.
Possibly the best birthday cake imaginable! Nikon D70s, 50mm. Shot in available light.


I'm 30. It's official. I had a wonderful weekend, and a lovely day today. Thank you everyone, for your love and care, your birthday greetings, the hugs and handshakes, the smiles, and presents. I love you all! :o)

Flurry Of Activity Friday, May 19, 2006 |

Mt. Kinabalu at sunrise. Nikon D70s, 18-70mm. Click on the image for larger version.

I've been pretty occupied lately, mostly working on photography and website projects. And of course, not forgetting planning ahead for Glory Kids and Discovery Club. Parent's Day is coming next weekend, the crew is busy preparing for that.

I'll be shooting this Sunday afternoon at Tunas Bakti, a Boys' home in Menggatal. Using the shots for the up and coming Community Care section of the GCC website.

Another exciting project coming up is Operation K2, for which I'm doing the web design together with Kelvin Soo. I also just completed a short 'teaser' clip for Op K2, screening in Youth and main church this weekend.

Next month I'll be pretty tied up with the School of Impacting Pastors. Doing some reportage photography and setting up a blog for the event. I'll post the link on my blog once it is up and running.

I still wonder how my friend Louis Pang manages all his projects... wedding photography, publishing, advertising, phew! He's something close to Superman, lol!

To balance my work load, I'm going diving. Yes, makes a lot of sense doesn't it? I'll be taking my Advance Open Water Diver certification at the end of May. I'll be doing a total of 8 dives over 3 days. Going night diving for the first time (yes!).

Meanwhile I'm going diving with Hamilton and Glenn this Tuesday - doing some underwater filming. If you're looking for me then, just drop by Edgell Patches, just west of Sapi Island. :o)

Wow! Tuesday, May 16, 2006 |

Standing on the deck of a luxury cruiser en route to Manatani Island.
I assisted a world class photographer on a fashion photo shoot.
Shot by my good friend Louis Pang.

The last 4 weeks marked an amazing chapter in my life. I am still in daze, struggling to take it all in. I am thankful, awe-struck, and just simply amazed. Still taking time to reflect, so won't blog much right now. I'll be back.