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I'm kind of excited for a shoot on Saturday. Shall be shooting apparel for my ex-boss-turned-entrepreneur, Sherolynn! Basically we will be shooting a new batch of clothing for her business, A Beautiful Closet. Image below for illustration purposes only.

Image courtesy of fash-eccentric.com

I'm interested to see how I would approach this shoot the second time, because we had a really good time shooting previously, with Cher Ng our model, but more so our friend. Somehow I believe that there will be something new for me to try out, and something fresh to experience.

I am really tempted to obtain a flash before the shoot, because I've been toying with the idea since the start of last year. Flash or lens? Flash or lens?

But now I'm pretty sure I want a flash, because I believe it would bring to me a new sensibility in the images that I choose to produce, especially with off-camera flash.

Nonetheless, looking forward to it!

I'm Back!

Feet, originally uploaded by misterthomas.

It definitely feels good to be back blogging on blogger. Don't get me wrong, blogger hasn't been mistreating me; In fact, I have been the one neglecting the blog. I guess school work has really dealt a blow to my social life and whatnot. Nonetheless, I am now back to blogging.

I don't think people(if at all) visit this blog now, but it doesn't matter. Really. Because I think keeping a journal of my own progress will benefit me in the long run(somehow lah).

Thanks to school, I enjoyed a period of being content with whatever equipment I have, and was really happy to hear my friend exclaim, "Thomas, you really know your camera well huh!"

I guess that is the most important thing for anyone dabbling in photography: To know your tools well, and be willing to work with whatever you have.

Again, thanks to school, I was forced away from photography into painting, drawing and other stuff. I can say it was beneficial to me, because it really got me into thinking about images in terms of the formal elements and principles of art. Which I realise that I have unknowingly started appreciating in any image, more so in photography.

More on that next time I guess. For now, I shall continue working on the blog. In the meantime, I shall start posting some of the images that I have taken over the past few months!

As I begin to feel the many anxieties that result from knowing more photographers (really talented ones), I inevitably begin to ask myself what makes me call myself that as well. Am I only a maker of photos, or am I something more? If so, what?

I would like to think that my insecurities are getting ahead of me, but the contrast in the work is substantial. As others take off in all directions, I look at them with envy. I know for a fact that neither envy nor jealously will take me anywhere - Only action can.

But even so, I am not quite sure how to respond when I think of this question:

Where exactly do my passions lie?

There are some who come for a realization of their career. Others are here to sharpen their industry-ready skills. I come here, without much clue, lacking clarity in vision, and quite simply unsure of the future. What do I want to be?

All I know is I want to take photos, so take photos I will.

James 127

1 month ago, I was being asked to be the photographer for James 127 camp. I guess it never is something that you get used to, knowing that your task is to take photographs, while simultaneously you would very much like to take part in the activities, being able to interact with your group more.



As the camp progressed, most of the apprehension of what to expect from the camp faded away as the activities began to briefly touch on issues such as child prostitution, poverty, child slavery, etc. As most of the activities were held indoors due to a rainy day, I struggled to keep my iso low inside. Luckily, my prime lens were fast enough to keep the shutter speed acceptable.

Looking forward to taking photographs for youth camp!

Anyway, I'm learning to create slide shows for my photos, I wonder what do professional photographers use for their slide shows?

majun: adventures of the underpass

What better way to have a first real photo shoot than to have a trusted friend as a model? So I took the opportunity for a pre-flight meet up with Miss Ma to end with a photo shoot. I didn't really have anything in mind, only vague visions of catch lights in the eyes, pretty bokeh, and great lighting. So terms of an objective I really could have done better. Here are the photos:

Things started off slowly, since I didn't really know where to start, and how. Neither did Majun, so we began with more talk than photographs. Still, I got her to laugh a little. Initially, I was going for a contemplative mood, but obviously being the happy person Majun is, I didn't get the chance to reveal that side of her.




So, we spent a great part of the shoot at this underpass, where I saw great light coming down, as well as a wind at the entrances at the tunnel. So I got her to throw her hair around for about an hour or two. Kudos to her for not complaining.




Learning points:

• Always have what you really want in mind. Be specific.
• Things may not always go as planned, be flexible.
• At any point, make sure you know where the nearest toilet is.
• Edit ruthlessly.

To the last point, I ended the shoot with 135 photos. But for the sake of quality, I painfully whittled it down to these 6 which I actually can accept. It can be demoralising, to have so many of my own photos being rejected, never to see the light of day. But I know it will be worth it...

arielle

safe, originally uploaded by misterthomas.

I am thankful that I listened to my urge to take out my camera for some quick shots of Arielle, and that's when I was rewarded with this shot.

Recently I've also been taking up a personal A Photo A Day project, and I guess it's really a good way to learn to see. And to follow up on what you see with what you shoot.

people stared at me while i took this

people stared at me while i took this, originally uploaded by misterthomas.

I like this photo, but having taken this photo i can't really see this photo with an objective perspective. Nonetheless, it managed to make what would have been a lousy day much better.