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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

Raindrops Thursday, August 31, 2006 |

Raindrops on a taro (yam) leaf.
Nikon D70s, 50mm f/1.8. Shot in available light.

It's raining outside. Thought it would be appropriate to post this pic for you all. :o) Download larger version for desktop wallpaper (800 x 600), click here.




Coffeotography Monday, August 28, 2006 |

Black coffee with star anise, set on robusta coffee beans.
Nikon D70s, 50mm f/1.8.
Main light : Jinbei 500w strobe (softbox) at lowest power setting.
Fill light : Nikon SB800, diffuser attached.

Things are starting to return to normal after Superclub. I was too busy running the event to take any pics, but it sure was a blast. 300 kids and 4 days, just awesome. Using my off days to update my portfolio on iStockphoto. If you want to open an account with them, ask me for a referral. I'll send you an invitation that will get you 3 free credits in your account, worth US$3. You can use the credits to buy my pics (just kidding!). Oh yeah, iStock membership is free.

Those of you who know me really well will understand my love for photography and coffee. Guess that's why I'm working on combining both for my latest project "Coffeotography". I know, the spelling is just so wrong. I like. :o)

The Lake Isle of Innisfree Friday, August 11, 2006 |

Two Fishermen on a jetty (Kuala Penyu).
Nikon D70s, 80-200mm f/2.8.


The Lake Isle of Innisfree
by William Butler Yeats

I will arise and go now, and go to Innisfree,
And a small cabin build there, of clay and wattles made;
Nine bean-rows will I have there, a hive for the honey-bee,
And live alone in the bee-loud glade.

And I shall have some peace there, for peace comes dropping slow,
Dropping from the veils of the morning to where the cricket sings;
There midnight's all a glimmer, and noon a purple glow,
And evening full of the linnet's wings.

I will arise and go now, for always night and day
I hear lake water lapping with low sounds by the shore;
While I stand on the roadway, or on the pavements grey,
I hear it in the deep heart's core.

Peace... Be Still Sunday, August 06, 2006 |

Young tendril of a creeper plant.
Nikon D70s, 50mm f/1.8, shot in available light.

I apologize for my previous post. My emotions were raw, and I was hurting. A moment of agony in the eye of an emotional storm. Fortunately the dark clouds have long since gone. The wind has died down. The sun is out. A quick survey of the aftermath and I breathe a sigh of relief. All is well, no harm done.

I thank Louis for recommending Secrets of the Vine by Bruce Wilkinson. Reading (well, listening actually, as I got hold of the audio book) it caused an abrupt change in my thinking pattern and attitude. The insight Bruce has into John 15 is phenomenal. His book gave me an insight into this passage of Scripture that I have never had before. Healing and forgiveness flowed. I am changed. Relieved. Blessed. Thankful. Peaceful. Still.

Judge Not Friday, August 04, 2006 |

Drummer: Anson Lau. Nikon D70s, 50mm f/1.8.
Main light: 500w Jinbei strobe at full power, honey comb with yellow gel placed directly to the right of drummer. Key light : SB 800 Speedlight, manual slave at 1/32 power, tungsten correction gel angled at drum set, below left of drummer.


It's not possible to please everyone. I accept the fact that we're all created differently. Sometimes my preferences annoy another. And there are times other people annoy me. Life is full of trivial issues which are not worth pondering for more than a moment. It's one of those F.I.D.O. things: Forget It and Drive On. I like to laugh about such things, it amuses me to no end.

Then there are those who take themselves a little bit too seriously. Judge, jury and jailer rolled into one. I have been having a hard time with this lot. Always nit-picking and finding fault. Life is already hard as it is, but with people like this around it gets only harder. To you I can only say this: Judge not, lest you be judged.

I have taken my case to the highest court. I have no other place to turn to, no other recourse. He Who sees all things is not blind, neither is He partial. I pray for this judgmental spirit to end. I am tired of baseless accusations. I plead for hypocrisy and double standards to cease. You who judge me, watch out! Judge me, and you will answer to my Judge.

Night and day I pray for vindication. Into Your hands I commit my life.