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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

diamond day Saturday, February 24, 2007 |

Diamond on Heliconias
Nikon D80, Tamron 90mm macro SP f/2.8 ~ available light

I'm almost done with the book! Shot A Mag's diamond ring as a final key photo for this project. Aside from her ring, Aunty Mag has been providing creative support along the way, something I really appreciate.

Well, it has been a tough assignment, really enjoyed the creative stretching it brought. And my heartfelt thanks to Ps William, a father and mentor who really knows how to bring the best out of you!

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JAM Session 2007 Friday, February 23, 2007 |

I'm working on a special project for GCC, in which some of my best images will appear on print. While working on the youth page, I had the chance to pull out some of my previously forgotten shots from past JAM Sessions. So for you guys out there, enjoy last year's pics. And get ready to JAM this year. Ham and A Mag, you guys inspire me to go on each day! And DC gang (especially ZETA crew), you guys truly rock my world. :o)













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Sneak Peek Thursday, February 22, 2007 |


Not saying much more than this... she's waiting for me at the post office. Will blog more once I pick her up. If you know what I'm talking about, check out the Crumpler website. My new sweetie is a Karachi Outpost. Yessshhhhhh!

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Portraits Tuesday, February 20, 2007 |

Cynthia and Mel are back in KK for the holidays! Thought it would be nice to set up a family photo session since the whole gang was here. We were supposed to have the photo shoot done at Kinabalu Park, but last minute decisions changed all that. I couldn't think up of any new locations to do this, so I took the easy way out and went back to a familiar place. (Louis and Jasmine would definitely recognize the place!) It was a fun 1 hour shoot, after which we trooped to Little Italy for dinner. Sweet!

Nikon D70s & D80, 80-200mm f/2.8D, 50mm f/1.8D ~ Available Light

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Happy Chinese New Year Saturday, February 17, 2007 |

I spent my evening with the Vun clan, having reunion dinner at Menggatal. According to Reuel, I'm officially 70% Vun. It's a long story, and believe me you don't want to know.

Hitched a ride with Aunty Mag and Uncle Wong to Menggatal. Arrived early and glad I did. The mini lion dance troupe was in full swing. They were at it last year, but this time they really had their act together. So glad I managed to capture those fleeting moments as the sun set. I hope the images I recorded will help them relive their happy childhood memories 25 years from now.

So as you celebrate the new year and meet relatives and friends, amidst the abundance of food and hong baos, remember to snap a photo or two. Or in my case, 200+ frames. Have fun!

Happy New Year everyone! :o)

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Charge Up! Confrerence 2007 Monday, February 12, 2007 |

If you're reading my blog, chances are you're a photography gigster like me (or on the way to be one). Don't ask me what gigster means, I just stole that term from the Crumpler Bag website, lol!

The cool people from LiveWire Media are bringing a super once-in-a-lifetime event in KL this March. My good friend and photography wiz Louis Pang will be giving a 2.5 day seminar, sharing the secrets of his trade. In his own words:

This is not just a talk. There will be practical assignments and shoots as well. I will demonstrate how I shoot, camera settings, shooting considerations, how I fire flashes remotely for outdoor and location shoot, and most importantly the Lightning Fast Workflow that allows you to edit and process 2000 pictures, colour & exposure corrected in under 5 hours (when many take over 2 days). The whole idea is to empower you so that you can enjoy the same professional quality and finishes in your photography.

Louis normally charges RM350 PER DAY for something like this. Total conference cost for 2.5 days? RM180 (LiveWire members) and RM200 (new people) if you register by FEB 15th.

You can get the Conference Form Here.

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Shooting A Pro Saturday, February 10, 2007 |

The "Belly Button" Shot
Photographer : Louis Pang
Nikon D200, 12-24mm f/4 ~ SB800 speedlight triggered remotely

Hey guys, check out this post on Louis Pang's blog. It's got a familiar face in it, haha.

Proud to say that I had the awesome, awesome, awesome privilege of imaging one of the biggest names in the wedding photography scene. It was a tough assignment. Just how do you photograph someone who is so much more capable in that field? To be honest, I did have quite a few sleepless nights prior to the shoot. I quote Louis, "Nothing is easy. But then, nobody wants nothing."

Louis and Jasmine
Nikon D200, 50mm f/1.4 ~ Available light

So I just gave it my best shot. One thing I know about portrait photography is this: the subject must be relaxed. Forget lighting. Forget depth of field. Forget composition. To me, a forced smile is just as bad as an out-of-focus shot. (Hey Louis, not talking about you here ok? Lol!) I guess this is where I am in my element as I like to make people laugh.

Photographer : Louis Pang
Nikon D200, 80-200mm f/2.8 ~ Available light

I learned so many things on that one shoot alone. The three hours spent working with Louis and Jasmine felt like an equivalent of 4 to 6 months trying to figure things on my own. It's really cool to have a friend who really knows his stuff!

Jesselton Wharf
Nikon D200, 80-200mm f/2.8 ~ Available light

At the end of the day, we wrapped up the shoot and called it a day. And what a day it was, shooting the dynamic duo from Tawau. Thanks for your friendship, you two are really somebody special in my life. :o)

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