Sammuel's Photography Life

Daffodil

2010-03-08T01:59:00.000+08:00

The daffodil is the national flower of Wales. One species, Narcissus obvallaris, grows only in a small area around Tenby. In Wales it is traditional to wear a daffodil or a leek on Saint David's Day (March 1). This has led to suggestions that the word "daffodil" may have been influenced by the name "Dafydd," a Welsh form of "David" (see Etymology).[citation needed] However, in Welsh, the daffodil is known as Cenhinen Bedr (Peter's Leek). Quoted from wikipedia

hehehehe funny funny

2010-01-10T03:58:00.001+08:00

It's Easter!!

2009-04-11T17:35:00.001+08:00

My Oly wishes every visitor a Happy Easter :D

More shots from Taiwan

2009-04-06T18:56:00.002+08:00

Shots from Wen Wu Temple

YES!!

2009-04-02T16:43:00.002+08:00

My photo got nominated in DCM April issue!

Got to try harder to win it! :D

Earth Hour

2009-03-28T20:24:00.001+08:00

LIGHTS OFF~~

Taiwan continue..

2009-03-28T02:03:00.002+08:00

Shot in Formosa Aboriginal Park, Taiwan.

More shots from Taiwan

2009-03-19T20:39:00.002+08:00

Taiwan continue..

2009-03-18T22:32:00.002+08:00

Taiwan continue..

2009-03-15T20:12:00.001+08:00

Still in Fo Guang Shan....

Taiwan continue..

2009-03-12T20:34:00.003+08:00

Shots taken from Fo Guang Shan

Taiwan continue..

2009-03-09T20:50:00.002+08:00

We went for a train ride in Taiwan. It was sort of a historical train, which they used to transport goods in the old days..but that ride was sort of a marketing gimmick, why? coz it stop in one place, what place? places which was specially built for tourist shopping purpose.. in this case.. it was a milk farm..

so the train ride 1st

More shots from Taiwan

2009-03-06T23:36:00.003+08:00

This aunty looks famous, so I tried her shark meat balls. NICE

I was attracted by the huge block of peanuts!

If i'm not wrong, she's cutting black sugar cakes

Taiwan mochi! Damn nice i tell u!! There's a joke when i bought the mochis, but it's not good to say it here.. ehehe

All shots above are shot in here. Jiu Fen Lao Jie 九份老街

Taiwan continue..

2009-03-05T23:26:00.002+08:00

The Promoters in TAIWAN night market

Taiwan night markets!!

2009-03-04T00:42:00.002+08:00

Lady squashing lime juice

Selling sausages

The crowd in Taiwan night market is sumthing not to be joke of

Cream puffs!

And turkish ice cream

Another chihuahua

2009-03-02T16:01:00.000+08:00

Taiwan; Temple Street continue...

2009-02-28T22:04:00.002+08:00

Drink seller. I'd order the "hua li cha" taste good even thought i didn't know wat it is :)

Chihuahua!!

Dog's cloths seller. TAIWAN IS A DOG OWNER HEAVEN!! we bought a stack home for our chihuahua

Taiwan; Temple Street continue...

2009-02-27T22:20:00.002+08:00

Temple street continues...

A guy promoting Bags for sell, they were selling 100TWD each, all standard price. Cheap, but not very nice actually ehhe. Taken at 1/250s, f5.0, ISO100

Balloon Seller, LOOK at the dolphine! It's saying HI!! Taken at 1/640s, f4.8, ISO 100

This shot of a kid concentrating on his toy while not realising I'm taking a photo of him. Take at 1/250s, f6.3, ISO100

A guy walking out of the temple. I'm so bored of shooting in conventional angle, so I included persons from the temple too. This adds context to the subject. Adding to the being there factor. I like how the guy in pink appeared in this photo as I deliberately waited for the guy to come before firing the shutter. I'm starting to love street photography. Taken at 1/200s, f6.3, ISO 100

Taiwan continue...Temple Street

2009-02-26T22:17:00.002+08:00

Like its name suggest, this street we went was really full of temples, ranging from different gods which I don't even know which is which. But Tell you what, temples in Taiwan was way grander than what we have in KL. Though not as big as Tien Hou Temple, but certainly is alot nicer. Didn't really took pictures of the inside since I'm not familiar with the customs there. So.. i guess better be safe.

But anyway, usually this street did not have so much stalls along as what was shown in these pictures. Since the day I went there was the 1st day of chinese new year, so it is a fiesta there! LOTS of FOOD!!! Lots of stuffs u could buy!! LOTS LOTS LOTS of everything!!

Here a picture shown the seller selling little pouches, just look at her expression!! Taken at 1/400s, f6.3, ISO 100

Here's one of the picture I took from the inside of one of the temple. Jus a quick snap on the candles. Taken at 1/160s, f6.3 ISO 800

A picture of Pagodas found in the same street too. This is where you suppose to go in, which is from the dragon mouth, and go out from the tiger mouth. Taken at 1/1250, f3.5, ISO 100

Ah, one of the temple. I like this picture, look at the Father and his daughter. It added a little drama to the photo. Taken at 1/800s, f3.5, ISO 100

This is one of my favourite too. The old man's gesture of looking back and the kid next to him too was looking at the pagoda, as if the picture was telling you that, the subject of the picture was the pagoda eventhough you might look at the old man and the child too. Taken at 1/1600s, f3.5 at ISO 100

Tried to image host it.. but too slow.. So i posted it the traditional way. Anyway, for a larger view, just click the pictures :)

A little more pictures!!

2009-02-25T22:18:00.002+08:00

Too many pictures I just don't have the "feeling" to resize it one by one.. Basically my laptop now is so messy, everywhere is pictures.. need a little time to clean it up. but till now, just a little bit more pictures..

Lavender, Shot in Sun Moon Lake, Taiwan
LAVENDER SMELLS SO GOOD!! OVERWHELMINGLY GOOD!!!

Needless to say, Taipei 101

Taiwan continue..

2009-02-20T00:22:00.005+08:00

Like I previously said, Taiwan is almost a food heaven, no, it is a food heaven for me!!

Since the first day being there, our tour guide told us one thing. Whether or not Taiwan was a nice place for a holiday, whether or not Taiwan's food was amazing, it all depends on what sort of mood you bring together with you to while you are in Taiwan.

I find it not very true. To tell you the truth, I never liked Taiwan. no, not even its food. My girlfriend used to tell me how she wish she could be at Taiwan, saying how great it is to be there. I'm not very sure at that time though. Another thing is, i'm pretty sure many people would recognise there are a lot of food programme in chinese channels like TVBS and other taiwan related channel. I rather find foods in Taiwan disgusting. especially those slimmy fine noodle soup or what they call "mien xien". no i really can't accept that.

I'm a rather more adventurous kind of traveller, so I'd try lots of Taiwanese food.. so, mien xien is the priority.. I had it several times in the taiwan restaurant in The Gardens, named Fong Lye. and surprisingly!! I FREAKING LIKE IT!!!!!!!!

When i'm in Taiwan.. me and my girlfriend "pandai-pandai" went to xi men ding even before the tour bring us there. and we found this Ah Chung mien xien. Not sure if its good, but one thing for sure is that LOTS of people lining up for it!! yes and i mean really lots of people. but heck, we've already seen the whole xi men ding the night before.. So i decide to line up too..

turn out??? THE BEST I'D EVER HAD!!!

Finally..

2009-02-18T22:14:00.003+08:00

Finally I'm done with my assignments.. really got very busy previously..
I don't even had the time to place any CNY stuff in my blog. Since I've gone to Taiwan even before CNY

Taiwan was such a nice place to visit. Especially to those who are a little adventurous, you'll find alot of stuffs in the street. For those who had a big appetite like me, oh my god.. their night market was so full of local snacks! CHEAP and TASTY!!

Most importantly, I've shoot thousands of pictures, but only a few would pass my test and would be exhibit in here and hopefully in Digital Camera Magazine too. Hopefully.. but here are just some of them.. need some time to get lazy after so many assignments done..

Hey!! look! another Olympus user!!

Some street photo i took in one of their famous temple street. that street really is, full of temples

Taken this shot in Love river located in Kaohsiung. Nothing particular there.. but manage to shoot someone shooting

Shot this in Danshui, left over donut, strange enough, it is on top on a rubbish bin

hopefully, more to come!

Sumthing to keep the blog alive~

2009-01-17T00:50:00.003+08:00

All shot in AWB, 100mm f2.5, so skin colour appear to be yellowish.
This is my 1st fashion photos, and was encountered accidentally as I happen to be there with my camera.

Assignment again....

2009-01-09T22:00:00.001+08:00

I will not be updating for a moment.

I got assignment to do...

but heck, even if i don't have assignment to do, i won't be updating as much too.

Most important, the thing that is destined to come has came!

It'a WAITING for me...

2009-01-07T22:56:00.001+08:00

Can you hear it?!!

can you?!!

HEAR IT?!!

It's!!!!

Call...ing me!!!

It is here!!

Waiting for...

ME!!!!

It's calling!!!

Something is coming....

2009-01-05T17:15:00.001+08:00

Something....

S....o....mething.......

SOMEthin...g............

is

Coming..........

2008-12-26T21:20:00.001+08:00

FINALLY~~
It's done!
totalling up 2493 words
refering 12 cases
and only one book heheheh!!

But one more to go.. Land assignment

ASSignment ah........

2008-12-24T13:01:00.001+08:00

Long time never update...
What happened?

assignment... still another half to go..

Dilemma ~~

2008-11-30T14:56:00.008+08:00

Both was almost the same price, both was useful, both was what I want, but I could only choose

one.. How? how? how.....? Maybe I should just consider the pros n cons of these two stuffs.

Olympus FL-50R: To those who didn't know what is this, this is a flash light, or to some, would address

as flashgun. So what's the use of it? Its pretty simple, just to flash. As simple as that, flash.. to fill in

more lights to the subject you wanted to capture. To enable you to play along lights.

Reason I wanted it? Simply it's so damn cool when it was attached to my DSLR. That's my real intention.

My second reason was, to be able to use focal plane flash. My built-in flash light only enable me to x-sync

at maximum shutter speed of 1/180th second as opposed to this flash light which can go 1/8000th second.

What's the use of this? So i can use aperture-wide open under bright sun when taking portraits or macro

shots.

Now the Garmin Nuvi 205W: It's a on-road use GPS. GPS stands for Global Positioning System. What's

the use of it? To guide you in the road that you had never ever dare to explore.

Why I wanted it? I'm a little pissed of the question of "how to go there ah?" then "what road?? jalan what?"

with that device, I'm a road warrior in just a few poke on the screen away.

The thing is this: Do i really need this? I know how to go to my college, I know how to go to Mid Valley,

KLCC, Time Square. Basically, that's where i only goes. Plus, the more I go out, the more money i use.

But then, isn't google maps enough? maybe yes, maybe no. But money is what i do not have enough..

So? how? Flash-light? or GPS?

Then another thing come.. I wan to buy a Gucci...

Anti-Prejudice T-Shirt!!

2008-11-20T14:37:00.003+08:00

Hey guys, I've got something to promote here. It's a T-Shirt project which was waiting to be reality in Digital Camera Magazine Malaysia forum. I'm playing a part in the project too.

In order for this project to be successful, a minimum order of 50 t-shirts orders must be placed. The best thing is this, it is going to be a very limited edition T-Shirt in Malaysia.

Here's what you have to do if you are interested;

1: Sign-up an account in www.my-dcm.com/forums so the project manager can contact you easily.

2: go to this thread click here.

3: tell the user clementgan that you wanted to place an order.

ps: he accept only cash bank-in via Maybank.

the price of the shirt is only RM29, he's not taking any profit, and add RM10 for poslaju if you intended the t-shirt to be sent to you.

*click on the picture to see the T-Shirt design, we had opt for FONT A for the front of the T-Shirt. :D

Macro Photography~

2008-11-14T22:35:00.003+08:00

Macro photography, the type of photography I am interested even before I had my DSLR.

I remembered how I used to shoot macros using those compact point and shoot by simply press the macro button, or the button with a lily/flower icon. I recalled how fascinating macro focusing was! It enable the camera to focus closer than it normally does, but the most amazing thing about macro in PNS camera is how it is able to blur out the background while having your subject in focus which will not be the case of normal shooting mode in PNS due to very high depth of field as a characteristic for PNS's small sensor as opposed to DSLRs.

At that time, I never cared too much about composition, the background and everything else. For me, a simple photograph shot with macro mode was already satisfying. I did not possessed any photography skills at that time. Or to put it with better words, I shoot totally based on my instinct. Not only that, I wasn't orientated in learning more, as a matter of fact, I never thought searching it online.

But this had changed, this year alone, I have had been focused more on Macro photography, I learnt the meaning of Macro, what is macro lenses, the technique, and how to criticize another's macro works. But I have not yet master it. I've recently learnt that there is something called a Garden Photographer. I was fascinated of their works. As compared to mine, I'm way behind.

But this is the thing, without certain commitment, there would be no good result and I am ready to put some effort. But sometime, after a period of fruitless efforts. The morale of photography in me was very, very discouraging. But then, who would never fail right? Time will tell, I'm still young as compared to the experts. Well all the best to myself in my effort part.

Efforts aside, what have I learnt along was some technical points. I realize some of the lens brand does market label their lens as Macro lens while it can't do a real 1:1 magnification ratio. These are usually implemented to super-telephoto-lenses which has a closer focus length. So as a little advise, do your research before deciding on your purchase.

Well, yes it is a good point on buying such lenses, you can have a telephoto lens as well as a macro lens. I can't tell you what is the real deal here. But thing are made for a reason. You wan macro, buy macro lens. A macro lens, have a long barrel for close focusing.

manufacturers call it a micro, which might actually be scientifically more precise, but can be confusing, since it goes against the established convention. A macro lens might be optimized to provide its best performance at a magnification of 1:1.

Olympus E-30 finally

2008-11-09T15:53:00.018+08:00

Olympus E-30

The Olympus E-30. The latest body from Olympus Imaging corp. Due to release around mid 2009. No price yet, but the features are all out. Set at the level between E-520 and Olympus's flagship E-3. The Olympus E-30 is design for beginner, amature as well as professionals in heart.

The image sensor uses a newly developed High-Speed Live MOS Sensor featuring 12.3 megapixels. In combination with the high optical performance provided by Four Thirds lenses, this sensor captures high-resolution images that accurately reproduce your composition with exquisite detail, rich gradations, and natural colours.

New Image Processing Engine, TruePicIII+

The TruePicIII image processing engine is the powerhouse that enables the 12.3-megapixel Live MOS Sensor and high-resolution lenses to manifest their full performance. This image processing engine is now complemented by the new Art Filter function, combining to create the TruePicIII+ image processing engine for enhanced image quality and enhanced creativity that takes you beyond the limitations of conventional photography.

Outstanding subject detection, tracking performance and processing speed
11-Points-Full Twin Cross Sensor

Each cross sensor element at each of the 11 distance-measuring points of the AF system is composed of 2 horizontal and 2 vertical lines, for a total of 44 distance-measuring points. Thanks to the incorporation of a dedicated AF engine employing the latest distance-measuring algorithm and capable of simultaneously computing all distance- measuring data, accurate distance measurement is possible throughout the luminance range, assuring high AF accuracy with any Four Thirds lens. All this is done at incredibly high speed, making the E-30's AF just as fast as the super-fast AF of the E-3.

5-fps, sequential shooting

Working together, the High-Speed Live MOS Sensor with increased readout speed, TruePic III image processing engine with increased processing speed, and high-precision mirror mechanism enables high-speed sequential shooting at 5 frames per second.

Freedom to work with your expression and objective.
MULTI-ASPECT

The E-30 provides nine aspect ratios including the standard 4:3, as well as 16:9 for impressive, cinematic-style images, and 6:6, which is available with medium-format cameras. With Live View, you can select the aspect ratio before shooting and check it on the LCD monitor during shooting.

Multiple Exposure functionality that can be previewed with Live View.

Multiple exposure is possible with both Live View shooting and viewfinder shooting. In Live View shooting, previously shot data*2 is used as the base for a multiple exposure, and the final image can be modified right on the LCD by overlaying a new image.

HyperCrystal II, Swiveling LCD

The LCD monitor uses a 2.7-inch HyperCrystal II LCD featuring a wide viewing angle of 176° in any of the four directions and high visibility even under sunlight. Dual-axis construction allows it to swivel in both the horizontal and vertical directions so you can shoot pictures at any angle from low to high.

Face Detection & Shadow Adjustment

During Live View shooting, the camera detects up to 8 faces and focuses on them automatically. If the faces are silhouetted against back light, the gradation auto function is activated to capture both the faces and the background clearly. Face detection is also available in picture playback. The desired face can be selected and magnified instantly to allow easy review.

Auto Focus Live View

The E-30 is equipped with an 11-point multi-area high-speed imager AF*1 for fast, accurate autofocusing, as well as the ability to detect and focus on the subject's face automatically. Together with AF Live View, which lets you focus and shoot while viewing the subject on the LCD, these features make the E-30 as easy to use as a compact camera.

6 types of ART FILTERS
The E-30 comes with six Art Filter functions that you can apply to your pictures. Before you take the picture, you can preview the filter effect right on the LCD in Live View mode. Aperture and shutter speed can also be set to achieve exactly the shot you want. Thanks to this high-speed creative filtering process, you'll be able to enjoy fun, hassle-free creative photography.
POP ART
This effect enhances colours, making them stronger and more vivid, creating high-impact pictures with a pop art feeling.

SOFT FOCUS
The soft tone creates an ethereal, otherworldly atmosphere for beautiful images with a fantasy-like feel.

PALE & LIGHT COLOUR
Utilizes muted colour tonalities to create a gentle light. The subject floats serenely in its own world, like a misty memory or the landscape of a dream.
LIGHT TONE
Subdues highlights and shadows to reflect the ambience of a perfectly illuminated scene. Both the shade and highlight areas are rendered softly to provide a sophisticated feel.

GRAINY FILM
This effect recreates the rich, grainy look and tonality evoked by monochrome pictures, giving images a dramatic feel.

PIN HOLE
This unique colour tone reproduces the peripheral vignetting and unique colour tone of photos taken with a toy camera.

My friend's in YouTube!!

2008-11-05T22:17:00.001+08:00

Hey readers, Hope you can spread this around! so my friend there will be heard by the world! hehe he's a good singer eh?

Sunflower sneak peek!!

2008-11-02T12:51:00.003+08:00

One of the many shots I'd taken last few days. Oh, in case you didn't know, its a macro shots of sunflower. Oh my, kua chi coming out ehhehe!!!

By the way, this is my 1st time seeing a real sunflower. I have had a funny story about sunflower though. It happen in my house back in KK. I'm not sure who planted some sunflower under the place where my mom dry her laundries, so then one day my sister was drying up her laundries too, then she find there's some wild plant had over grown and touches her laundry and without a second though, she cut them all off. Okay when my father came back from work, he realize his sunflower has gone!! well the rest, i think you could have guessed what had happen. All the hard work and patience, was cut off as if wild plants.. poor dad, heart broken..

Here's the LensPen

2008-11-01T21:49:00.004+08:00

My next purchase after the bag in KLPF was this Lenspen! I'd placed my eye on this long time ago but because of no free shipping if just buy the lenspen, I've decided to forego this. But i saw it in KLPF! Great! no need to ship to me, I can just buy now!

How much is it? Surprisingly cheap! RM30! Even thought you could get them at RM27 in yamiya.com.my but like I said, no free shipping for purchases below RM100, hence, RM27 may be more expensive than what i'd paid for in KLPF.

But, bear in mind, LensPen is not intended for permanent usage. According to its manufacture's claim, you could use it for only 500 times. Which i think, is worth for RM30!

But you might ask, aren't micro-fiber cleaning cloth good enough? Well, the answer is yes, but to a certain extend only. Indeed, that micro-fiber cloth does a good job in cleaning lenses, but its durability is not as long as you might think. After some prolonged usage, such cloth tends to trap too much foreign matters such as dust or dirt, when it couldn't hold, the cloth tends not to trap such matters anymore unless, you wash it.

Whereas, Lenspen does not only trap dust like micro-fiber cloth does, but it replenish its performance with just half a twist of the cap. The secret lies inside the cap. I'm unsure what is it inside, but i assume its some sort of sponge like material covered with carbon. Like newspapers, carbon could clean oily finger prints and that's how lenspen works!

Not only Lenspen does a better cleaning job, but it does it really fast! Once I used Lenspen,my lenses is what I would call, cleanest of all time!! Oh, it does comes with a brush too!!

Here are the pictures!

Just a light push, the brush will come out. I'm not very sure if this is an anti static brush, but its rather soft to my opinion. According to the instruction, you must use this brush to sweep off dirts before using the other end to clean the lens. Make sense, there would be a risk of scratches if in any event, hard dirts got tray under the cleaning head.

This is the heart of the lenspen. I assume its made out of suede leather material, as I find similarity to suede. I dare not touch it, as it make affect its performance. Behind there, it is the cap. After using the lenspen, you should place the cap back and give it half a twist to replenish it.

Clean, clear, oil free lens in just few simple step! Highly recommended!

This is where my money has gone!!~

2008-10-31T20:46:00.005+08:00

As you may know I've been to KLPF!! How can a person who likes photography so much not buy anything for there?! Well, as for me, I've bought my 1st real photography purpose bag! It is a Lowepro Inverse 200 AW. And I'd like to share how good it is and why I bought it! Oh besides, I've bought a Lenspen too!

Before that, I'd like to take this opportunity to explain why I did not update my blog as often as it used to be. But first, a million apology to those, if any (optimistically), who are keen on my updates. I've been shooting sunflowers lately. Yeap, finally something to shoot at! Since I considered it as some sort of project for myself, hence I shoot RAW. For those who are not familiar with it, I also dunno how to tell you, cuz i don't know what RAW stands for, but its good cuz you could adjust the exposures n WB later on. But the drawback was you have got to process each and every picture you took. Well that would explaint why I did not update for so long already. But I'll try my best to!

So, here's the bag!

The front of the bag. Oh, in case you didn't know, it is a waist bag instead of a conventional design of back pack. As you can see here, like every other Lowepro bags, you can find the rubber Lowepro badge in front. I was surprised that Lowepro made the effort to coloured the wording in Gray instead of white which its original logo was. I guess the reason behind this was to endure some stain at a certain level. Great job on small details.

A tag describing its model. If you don't like it, i guess you could easily cut it. Otherwise, its best to leave it alone.

The left side view of the bag. Note the strap, it's one of the reason why I had chosen this rather than other brand's offering. So, what's the wonder of this strap? For those who uses a waistbag or belt pack, or waist pouch, or whatever you call it, when it became heavy, the weight would tend to tilt the bag towards bottom as a result of lack of support. With this strap, this problem was cleverly overcomed. Its a perfect fit! Tighten it, and it would tilt down!

The right side of the bag. Note the larger pocket, reason for it being larger than the one on the left side is, it's for you to place your water bottle. Yeah, Lowepro read my mind!! At last, a special, easily accessible compartment for water bottle. Quenching your thirst after a hot day photo outing!

The back side of the bag, I found it very well padded not only to protect your costly equipment but also for your comfort. Compared to other brands, this was a better option. But I'm a little concern of the pad's durability even thought such a bag comes with a limited life time warranty.

Lowepro even went further to offer a second choice of carrying the bag. Instead of being a waistbag, it can be a sling bag too! So the call in yours as the strap comes as standard!

In the front of the bag, you can find two pockets, one with zip and another does not. It was sufficient enough to place your manuals etc, while the non-zip pocket was larger, but I did not have much confident in unzipped pockets! be safe than sorry!

This is the cool part! At the bottom of the bag, you could find two strap. Its for your tripod!! I personally suggest tripods no longer than 30cm would be just fine. Longer than that could destroy the aesthetics of the bag!

This is the inside of the bag! Well padded! Ample space for mid-size DSLR with standard zoom lens, and there is enough space for a flash gun and an additional telephoto lens! Small you may think, but don't forget, I still have a back for a backpack! For frequent used gears, I could put in this bag, while others, can be in my backpack! I believe in this setting, I could bring more gears! Oh, one more thing, the separators are fully customizable. Lowepro calls it Slip-Lock.

Even the inner side of the cover was made used of media storage. The pockets are made of Tricot fabric, no worries of scratches done to your equipments!

For those who didn't know, you should look for this red seal to make sure this is a genuine Lowepro bag. Otherwise, check its importer, its Technical Photo System in Jalan Segambut.

Now, most of the photography specific bags features an all weather cover, ie, water-proof cover. Please don't take it wrong, its not water-proof to the extend that you could dive with it. So I decide to do a little test on how water-proof it is!

First, this bag was, claimed by Lowepro, made with water-resistant fabric. How water resistant? I've drop some droplets on the surface of the bag without rain cover.

Look!! It's not soaking in!! This shown that the fabric was, at least, water repellent! It does not soak into the fabric. But I could not tell how long it could hold. Nevertheless, a light shake would easily shake off the droplets. By the way, the zip was cleverly hidden under the fabric, saving you sometime to deploy the rain cover.

This is how it looks like when the rain cover was deployed. It is actually built-in to the bag. Remember the all-weather tag picture above? It was a pocket for this cover actually. Now, how does it perform?

Not surprisingly, the water was not soaked in. Yet I'm not sure how long it could hold, but I'm confident that it could hold up to a reasonable time!

Now, how much did i paid for this? It may sound expensive for lay person, but for us, photography hobbyist, its definitely a good price. I bought it from Keat Camera Service booth for RM350. But I'm so surprised what this bag is capable of. Especially its design, of which not every bag designer could have ever thought of. I believe this is not a design simply came out from the design room, but from real outdoor experience! By the way, the boss of the shop was really friendly! very very recommended!

KLPF~

2008-10-22T22:01:00.002+08:00

Walao!! Long time didn't update my blog already. But I really have nothing much to post lah. I've ran out of "good to post" pictures already. I'm just not very good in photography I guess. But anyway, I've been to KLPF recently, and took a little, really, a little pictures only lah.

Reason for that? walao, every photogs are like flashing their gigantic flash guns, so just kinda paiseh to shoot around hehehe. But anyway, I'm so happy to see Olympus' booth showing off a little. While Nikons even shown off their D700, Olympus didn't even thought of displaying their flagship E3. Kinda disappointed lah. But at last i saw the real "made-to-order" ZD 300mm. So cool.. you don't have to imagine, but its a real equiv. 600mm lens at a size that is shorter than your 30cm ruler that you used to play swordplay!! At that point of time, I started to realize what portability means! In case you didn't know, that 300mm lens' lenses' surface was so smooth that imagine that piece of glass was a baseball field, and none of any area has the irregularity more than a strand of hair. Oh the price? you can buy a car hahah

Getting lazy of blogging already...

2008-10-05T18:53:00.003+08:00

Not the best shot around. But at least better than nothing to post..

My gf play photoshop hehe

2008-10-03T21:45:00.002+08:00

haha, I'm a clown!!! hehehehe funny lah~~

Nissin's er..... noodle lah...

2008-10-02T12:56:00.002+08:00

Bought this in Jusco few days ago. I'm not very sure what flavour this is, but it has sumthing to do with pork's bone. But i'm sure its nice! Look at the packaging!! walao.. i also wonder if ever i could shoot a photo like that one in the packaging!

The backside

Here's what that is interesting. 3 layer noodle? must be very good!

Inside the packet. As you can see, got noodle of course, seasoning powder in the black/metallic sachet, while the blue one was the sauce. Walao i tell u, when i ripped the blue packet, the strong mouth-watering aroma of pork just burst out!! Just like how the "racoon" ,in the "Over the Hedge" movie, open the can of potato chips!!

Like normal instant noodle, you boil the water first, then cook the noodle while empty both flavour sachet into a bowl. When the noodle is cooked (approx 3 min.) DO NOT POUR THE NOODLE IN FIRST. Pour the boiled water into the bowl, dissolve the flavouring first then only mix in the noodle. Then serve.

The Noodle: Springy, tender texture. Almost like our local "sang-mien" but not as "crunchy". Not too soft, but the surface of the noodle wasn't as "smooth" as those made-in-korea "Shin" noodle. Overall, exceptional textured noodle!!

The Soup: 9/10!! Full of flavour! That would best describe the soup. A little creamy though. Like local "fish-head beehun" without the fishy taste of course. It full of pork flavour! So strong that even your mom's pork bone soup also cannot be comparable.

Sammuel Chan RECOMMENDED!!

Kuala Lumpur Photography Festival 08'

2008-09-28T12:16:00.002+08:00

Oh great!! Photography festival!! I'm sure there's lots of cameras to see!! There are seminars too!!

Photography seminars and forums allow visitors an opportunity to interact with professional photographers - Steve Chong, Arthur Teng, Eric Peris, Victor Chin, Kelvin Chan, Foo Kok Kin, Khairul Azhar Ramli, Rarindra Prakarsa (Indonesia), Lin Sheng (Taiwan) and many more.

Slide shows and travel tips: allow visitors an opportunity to interact with some professional backpackers, experienced travelers, famous hosts of television shows and book authors - Eric Ma, K.S. Lo, Shann K, Tong Xing, Chok Yen Hau, Ou Yang Shan, and Lim Ai Lin.

Camera sellers, manufacturers, retailers, nonprofits organizations, and partnering organizations will promote the latest and best photographic equipment, cameras, digital and video equipment, related accessories and merchandise. Rich product information and expert advice on a wide range of digital cameras, camcorders, and photo printers are also available.

The new Olympus... Coming soon~

2008-09-27T22:29:00.003+08:00

The new Olympus E.... dunno what name.. its true, Olympus hasn't decide on its name yet. But i can tell you this is between the Olympus's flagship model E-3 and E-520. So this is the mid-range DSLR offering by Olympus. wuah...

Sam's Buttery Banana Toast~~

2008-09-24T21:56:00.002+08:00

Oh my.. What have I done? This is suppose to be a blog where I could share my work. What am I doing, posting what I had cooked?! After some time of consideration, heck, there's photo anyway!

I came out with this idea while I was watching television. I thought, why not put ROTI PISANG IN THE LITERAL WAY?!!! Scroll down to view the end product!

Step 1: Get banana(duhh) and slice it up! Like this!

Step 2: Get a piece of sandwich bread, preferably Gardenia, since it was very fluffy. Spread margarine/butter *salted, over the bread evenly. The amount should be moderate.

Step 3: After preparing both banana n bread, arrange it tidily on the side which had butter on it. *remember to spread a little butter on the banana to prevent burning it. (oh please use non-stick pan). Hold the bread on your palm, and cap the bread with the pan UPSIDE-DOWN. So you won't mess the banana. Now, the "unbuttered" side should be on top like this. Put the gas on LOW.

Step 4: Check gradually to prevent burning the banana by using a spoon and lift the bread a little and peek inside. Preferably, let the banana got burnt a SLIGHTLY like below. Prior to that, the top side of the bread should be a little warm but possible to touch, lay your palm on it, lift the pan with the other hand and turn it upside-down and you have just remove the bread without messing the banana again. Now, put the unbuttered side back to the pan and toast it a little. As mentioned above, check gradually until your preferred toasted level.

Viola!! Once removed from heat, you'll get Sam's Buttery Banana Toast!! Roti Pisang, The Literal Way!!

How does it taste:

Before indulging the masterpiece, Strong, Pleasing, Sweet aroma of banana was just overwhelmed while complementing the mouth-watering butter's aroma. Once in mouth, soft textured banana was balanced off by the crunchiness of perfectly toasted bread. While mildly caramelized natural sugar from the banana was so pleasing while not too overwhelming to make off the welcoming taste of butter. Highly recommended for banana lovers and those who crave for a little snack in late night, it can even be the best food to jump start your day!!

Sammuel Approved!!

Food again

2008-09-21T21:30:00.002+08:00

Sauteed mushrooms!!

hehe fried rice with love! yummy oh! got couple fried eggs also hehehe

Micro Four Third a.k.a M4/3~~ finally here!!

2008-09-19T21:03:00.004+08:00

Panasonic DCM-G1. The first Micro Four Third (M4/3) mount camera. This is the new format which emphasize portability instead of traditional bulky Digital Single-lens Reflex camera with interchangeable lens ability. And, look, it comes with 3 choices of colours too! This is the trend now, but could this be the future?

The reason M4/3 was significantly smaller than traditional DSLR was the absence of the mirror box which reflect lights into the pentaprism and to the viewfinder. Therefore, you can see that the size is reduced about half. Since the distance between the rear element and the sensor reduced, there was no crop factor applicable. Its the full frame of 4/3.

Look, no mirror. And as you can see, the sensor was fixed to the camera's body. It was not surprising though, since panasonic does not utilize sensor shift vibration compensation solution like Olympus, but implementing such feature into the lens, more or less similar found in canon's IS or nikon's VR. Oh, its a 12.1MP sensor!

Look at the number of pins too. It was increased to 11 pin. According to fourthird.org, such implication enables faster communication speed between the camera body and the lens.

Not only that the camera body's size was reduced, the lens too was made smaller. And the result seems pretty obvious.

For the time being, Panasonic has only released two lenses which you can see was the 14-45mm and 45-200mm. With both lenses, you are well covered from wide-angle to super telephoto range. To be release in 2009 was 14-140mm, 7-14, and a prime 20mm. In my own opinion, these lens should be higher in quality for more demanding users.

Enough mentioning how small the G1 is, a picture speaks for itself. Note, the middle camera was the new G1, while in the right side was a typical sized DSLR, there, you can see how much the size was reduced. And at the left side, you have what is often called a Pro-sumer camera (near DSLR) or, for some, mistakenly calling it a semi-DSLR. Notice that the G1 was only slightly, and i really mean slightly larger than a pro-sumer. but what you get is, interchangeable lens system, and faster focusing speed and total control over your camera similar to DSLR.

Here is a better size reference with hands on the camera. Look how portable it is.

Oh, and the focusing speed? From half pressing the shutter, to getting in focus, to previewing the image, it only takes a mere 3-second!! certainly not the fastest, but could be sufficient for you. What's more is, it comes with a swivel screen!!

Overall, this is a very new path an imaging company has taken, but would it worth the risk? In my own opinion, I think this idea would come out with a good result provided that the price is fair enough. Preferably, on par with entry-level DSLR. Reason being, most compact users find it hard to accept a large bulky camera while compacts has an edge over its size and had not much to compromise in term of getting of what is a clear photograph. The Panasonic G1 could act as a bridge for transition from compacts to DSLR, in a more acceptable manner. Look, it comes with colours too, which is in line with the compacts trend. I believe there are people in this world who demand portability over performance, what's more is, the rule has changed, size at almost no expense of performance and quality. M4/3 could be the future!

Food~

2008-09-17T14:14:00.002+08:00

Taken at 1/160s, at f3.5, ISO 100
Taken at 1/50s at f3.5, ISo 100

I shot these yesterday when my gf was making spaghetti for dinner before launching to class. I was too hungry that I forgot to shoot the spaghetti itself hehe. Nevermind lah, as least i got mushroom n clams.

Prosperity Flower *maybe

2008-09-14T20:46:00.002+08:00

Taken at 1/320s at f5.6, ISO 100

I took this photo around May. I haven't had my macro lens yet, so this was shot with my 14-42mm kit lens. Speaking of kit lens, there is always a perception in most of amateur photographers, of which is, kit lens are simply a "way" of marketing. So to push the sales a little, hence, kit lens are sometimes, in my opinion made at least, a level lower quality than non-kit lenses. Reason being, to promote sales of other lenses. Hence, manufacturer tends to resort in a way to design its kit lens to a certain limitation so to encourage their customers to come back and purchase higher quality lenses, which also means higher price too.

I'm not sure what others think of, and also if anyone using Olympus DSLR, encounters problems of having to look hard for Olympus lenses or accessories. This problem has happened to myself, and recently I found out, what us called a satisfying answers. Camera shops tend not to keep stocks of Olympus lenses. There is a reason for that. Prima facie, it could lead a thought to others that Olympus's products are not good/unpopular. Resulting lesser demands on such brand's products while having preference of other major brands. I simply had to object such thoughts, and I sincerely admits there are some lemons do exist in Olympus range, but, as if others do not?

There's a reason being low demand, and which, I find it quite logical. I give you, fellow readers, a situation to think of. There are different types of apples in the world, from japanese fujis, to grape flavoured Grapple. So one day, you bought a typical Red Delicious apple and ate it, and it was not favorable by you, so what would you do? If you are desperate enough, you may have gone back and ask for an authentic Japanese Fuji, and you'll keep on eating it if you like it. Same goes with kit lenses. When kit lenses does not satisfy you, you will have such "crave" for better quality lenses. But the thing is, what if you kit lens taste as good as the Japanese Fuji you've just ate? Would you spend another thousand of monetary medium to purchase better ones? Remember, we are not talking about an apple anymore. It's wallet-unfriendly precision imaging tools we are talking here.

Now, scroll back above and look at that photographs I've took. That's authentic Olympus Zuiko 14-42mm f3.5-5.6 Kit Lens that was, without fail, bundled with my Olympus E-510. I can't be certain of you, but for me, it sure taste like the Fuji specially imported from Fujisaki, Aomori, Japan. Now, you know why Olympus was unpopular? I hope you do. Happy Photographing

Jasmines~~ smells good!

2008-09-10T20:44:00.002+08:00

Taken at 1/100s at f4.5, ISO 400

I took this photo hand-held, so a little out of focus already. But I loved the mood behind it.

Taken at 1/100s at f4.5, ISO400

Another photograph of jasmine flower here. As mentioned above, I did not use a tripod, and as a result, a little out of focus too. hm.. heck lah, it smell nice anyway hehehe

At Tin Hau Temple~

2008-09-09T23:34:00.002+08:00

I got this shot not long after I bought my camera. I coincidently happened to be in Tin Hau Temple and so i decided to test some shots since this temple was a very popular shot for photo shooting. I didn't have very much experience back then. But I guess if i don't shoot, I won't be able to learn anything. Anyway, I just shot a few photos only and I guess this was the best of all. Most of them was either underexposed or overexposed, out of focus and has bad composition. But heck, newbie mah heheh

Look, my dog damn SYOK lah~~~

2008-09-08T22:30:00.004+08:00

photo taken at 1/3s at f3.5, ISO 100

Say Hi to Leng Jai!! Oh sorry, he is busy relaxing in my girl friend's arm. So he probably would care to respond to you. Look at his face!! so syok loh him! jealous jealous jealous!!!

Mid Autumn aka MoonCake Festival

2008-09-07T21:04:00.002+08:00

Mid-Autumn Festival

The festival is intricately linked to the legends of Chang E, the mythical Moon Goddess of Immortality. There is also a folk tale about the overthrow of Mongol rule facilitated by messages smuggled in moon cakes.

Because of its central role in the Mid-Autumn festival, mooncakes remain popular even in recent years; although with certain modifications. Part of the reason is that people are becoming more health-conscious. Traditional mooncakes are made with lard, and a lot of sugar. Another reason for its popularity is that the traditional mooncake has undergone much successful diversification. In fact, it has become so popular that many mooncakes are bought by businessmen who give them to their clients as presents. For many, mooncakes form a central part of the Mid-Autumn festival experience such that it is now commonly known as 'Mooncake Festival'.

Mooncakes in other places!!

Taiwan

The most traditional mooncake from Taiwan is filled with yam. Today, Taiwanese mooncakes have been influenced heavily on Japanese and European pastries, many mooncakes are made with finer and health conscious ingredients. As a result, Taiwanese moon cakes are wide in variety that include low fat, lard free and ice cream versions. Popular modern flavors include green tea, chocolate and many others.

Indonesia

In Indonesia, local mooncakes are different from other varieties. They are circular like a moon, white, and rather thin. Fillings may include chocolate, cheese, milk, durian, and jackfruit. It is called "kue bulan".

Japan

In Japan, mooncakes are sold year-round, mainly in Japan's Chinatowns, pronounced in Japanese as "geppei". Azuki (Red Bean) paste is the most popular filling for these mooncakes, but other sorts of beans as well as chestnut are also used. Unlike some types of Chinese mooncakes, mooncakes in Japan almost never contain an egg yolk in the centre.

Vietnam

In Vietnam, mooncakes are known as bánh trung thu (literally "Mid-Autumn cake") and may contain a variety of fillings, such as savory roasted chicken, shark fins, mung beans, coconut or durian.

Cambodia

The most popular mooncake filling in Cambodia is Durian (they are even more expensive than ones with lotus seed). Durian filling is prepared in the same way as durian jam which is eaten as a dessert in Thailand.

*reference from wikipedia

Hehe!! My girlfriend made me loving RED EGG!!!

2008-09-06T22:43:00.003+08:00

My girlfriend made red eggs for me so I took a picture of it for remembrance! So red ler, she never let me know the secret behind it. Hehe.

YES!!! MY HARD WORK PAYS OFF!!!

2008-09-05T21:28:00.004+08:00

My internet connection had encountered problems and i have to cut off myself from the cyber world for a few days and it was not a good experience. But in 3rd of September, It wasn't that bad at all! MY PHOTOGRAPH HAD BEEN SELECTED to be one of the HotShots in Digital Camera Magazine malaysia september issue!! I was so happy even though my submission wasn't the winner photograph, but to be able to stand among them was such an achievement for me. Now I can aim higher already! hehe

ps:hehe not only my photograph was in there, my girlfriend's work's there too! cuz she's the one who shoot my portrait hehe.

This was the magazine!

Look at my blog's banner, you'll see something very familiar here heheheh!!

I hope that it wasn't my last selected submission, and certainly this was not the best on september, there are still too many good photographers around in Malaysia who did not find it interesting to send their work to this mag. But for a newbie like me who started photography since this year march, i'll be terribly happy already. While some people may not think it was anything great, well, i hope i could someday think like you too!

Beware of Fakes!!

2008-09-02T00:30:00.003+08:00

Last year, I've noticed several small computer shops selling CF cards even SD card very cheap. No doubt, it was counterfeit goods. But I do not have proofs. He is what i found! So fellow photogs, check yor CF cards hehe

*click on the picture!

Night Blooming Cereus

2008-09-01T16:38:00.000+08:00

Night Blooming cereus was a kind of flower that bloom only at night. To be exact, only in midnight. It was a cactus flower, and that cactus is the very same family as the cactus that provide us Dragon Fruit! I've googled around and found this was one of the types, as there are alot more different cereus.

I did not own a macro lens when i shot this. These was done with my 14-42mm kit lens with flash.

This was taken in the second night. Which i find, was the best. Too bad that i failed to realize the red stem as a distraction. Still newbie at that time. But i used my hand to create a slight shadow around the petals. So to emphasize the light to the middle of the flower.

This was another shot I got as a result of experimenting different angle. I dial the white balance slightly cooler to give a little blue mystifying effect.

I shot this in the 1st night. Its worst that the 2nd night. Trial n error mah ehehhe

As mentioned above, this was one of my 1st trial. Not very good indeed.

While it only blooms at midnight, it will die the next morning. This was taken around 8am. Such beauty last so fast..

My result's out!!

2008-08-31T17:32:00.000+08:00

My exam ended in mid-june. Then until last week's friday, my transcript was finally released!! I'd passed my 1st year!! hurraz!! hehe so happy ler.

I used to fail before taking up law. And that consistent failing started when I'm still in my form 4. I'm in science stream. I drop biology, and exchanged it with reka-cipta since all my seniors said that it was very easy to get an A for it and that it was helpful if you are going to take up engineering courses in College. Well, due to my bad hand-writing and delayed, i mean really delayed project, i got a C5 for it in my SPM. Nevertheless, i still remember my form 4 was disastrous! I had the whole of my report card painted RED! meaning i've messed up all the subjects. well i guess my english and bahasa went through. And it was hell when report card day was father's day coincidently. Not sure if it's really coincident or the teachers set the date purposely.

Well i guess you know what happen when my dad view my report card. He gave such respond "this is the greatest father's day gift ever" oh my..

But hey! now i'm different! I passed my A-level! even got an A in Law in As Level! Now I passed my 1st year law degree! So folks, if i can make changes, you can too!!!

My trip to Hat Yai with Nokia 7390

2008-08-30T14:08:00.000+08:00

Last year I'd been to Hat Yai, Thailand with my girlfriend's family. I did not own a DSLR at that time, and my old Canon Poershot A80 was broken by me, so the only camera I could rely was the humble pinhole camera in my Handphone, the Nokia 7390.

The camera in my handphone was, indeed, very simple. No more information other than 3 megapixel sensor and equip with Auto Focus function. I'm not sure about its lens.

But the image quality was fine if the light allows. In dark situation, noise problem would come. This, however, was nothing to be surprised of as its sensor size would be reasonably small in order to fit into a handphone.

Even activating the camera takes a considerable amount of time, which, as a result of, several great moment had been missed. Either it's due to my inefficiency, or, the camera was just too slow.

Text wouldn't be a good medium to express while pictures speaks a thousand words. So, here goes.

WELCOME TO HAT YAI

This was taken on a temple which was located on top of a hill. While I can't be sure what this temple was named, but this temple's wall was covered with coins! Due to my camera's limitation, I did not intent to have a shot of it.

This was found on the roof of the temple i'd mentioned above. Not exactly sure what it's for, but i guess it's design was nice.

The street of Hat Yai. I personally loved this shot since it contain a very traditional medium, which is the dragon dance, while such view was contrasted by the marie france billboard above.

If you will, look closer to this shot and you would find a small dot of light behind the elephant! I was kind of surprised that they are concern of the animal's safety in the road too! It actually was a backlight for use in a bicycle. But instead of fixing it on the tube frame of a bicycle, it was fitted on the elephant's tail.

Again, this place was located on top of another hill. I'm not very sure why there are so much elephants statue here. But i guess they must be donated by the devotees. However, this temple was also located inside the city's park!

While on the top of the hill, there was massive elephant statue, at the mid hill, you could find this giant buddha statue. As you can see here, the statue was under going a restoration process!

Up the the last day, we had a little walk in local markets. While browsing around, i found this cat sleeping on those plastic wares which, surprisingly, are for sale! But it was just too comfortable to be awaken!

New DSLRs-what a hype!

2008-08-27T21:25:00.001+08:00

D90 of Nikon, announced at 27th August 2008, that's today! in Amsterdam! A mid-class DX format DSLR and 1st of its kind, a DSLR with movie recording function! 100,000 shutter cycle, with max 4.5fps, 11 point AF. live-view! 420-pixel RGB sensor too!

My opinion: walao, these giants are releasing so many new DSLR, Olympus would have a hard to catching up! I've been told that its imaging system are par with the D300! But no price available yet ler. But previously, i heard rumor that this D90 has the universal vibration reduction the uVR. It has the ability to give you 10-stops advantage. But dunno if its true or not.

D700, Nikon's answer to Canon 5D. A full-frame 12.1 MP sensor, exactly the same as D3 with dust reduction! carbon/kevlar shutter which withstand 150,000 shutter count, 51point AF 15 cross

My opinion: walao!! full-frame at lower price woh! same low noise quality as Nikon's flagship D3 woh! who also wan leh! but no money.. pity pity....
Canon Eos 50D, the new predecessor* model for Eos 40D. Not full frame but has APS-C 15.1 mp and new DIGIC 4, extended ISO range of 6400-12800 and improved noise reduction ability! NEw Creative auto mode. Able to do 6.3fps. Body only $1399 us dollar estimation!

*thank Guest for the correction :)

My opinion, even canon comes out with sumthing new! APS-C sensor with 15.1MP superb noise control oso! the thing is, it has yet to be release in malaysia. Canon fans got to wait lur.

sigh.. Olympus has got no breathtaking new models like what Canon and Nikons have produced other than announcing the micro 4/3 system which gave me a little worries that 4/3system would stop production. I'm not sure what's wrong with Olympus, brand-conscious photographers owez say Olympus no good. I even heard someone told me that if you are using Olympus or Pentax in 'L' college, your friends would owez bug you with the "why that brand?" question.

Seriously, in my opinion, a DSLR is a mere tool that enable you to capture a scene that you intended to. All those new features only helps you to take a photo easier, it does not improve your overall photographing skills. So I wanted to express this, it does not take a certain camera brand for you make good photos, but it takes a little passion in photography. Happy shooting fellow photogs!

p/s: Olympus is going to announce something big in Photokina 08'. wait and see..

My Macro Works!

2008-08-26T20:39:00.000+08:00

Since my purchase of my DSLR, I've only used my kit lens. I never thought that it has limits as i thought that it was suitable for all situation multipurpose lens! To be honest, I don't even have very much photography knowledge when I bought my Olympus! I don't even know Live-View was a trend feature! I don't even understand the meaning of focal length!! Then I put continuos efforts to learn more and i realise that I loved Macro Photography! Then, I made my 1st lens purchase, the Olympus Zuiko Digital 35mm f3.5 macro.

Due to its 2x crop factor, my 1:1 magnification is actually 2:1 on 35mm sensor! The photos that the lens made was incredible! Below are to proof! :) May you be so kind to leave some comments if you like them :)

Macro on Daisy found in Kinabalu National Park (i got my pants some dirt to get this photo!)

One of the 1st photographs I took after I bought my Macro lens

One of them too! Incredible details! look at those pollens!!!

Pine Resort, Kundasang, Sabah

2008-08-25T12:27:00.000+08:00

Pine Resort was located in Kundasang,Sabah. One of the hottest tourist spot in Sabah due to the location of Mount Kinabalu. This was a resort which utilized Pine trees as its resort's theme and successfully won 3 consecutive best landscape award in national level! (if i'm wrong, it should be two). And again, fresh air is guaranteed!

The walkway to the restaurant and reception

One of the chalets

The welcoming corridor to Pine Resort

Prior entering, you would be greeted by enormous pines! Try visiting in Christmas! All the pines will be lit up by thousands of little bulb! Pine Christmas, ever tried?

Organic pattern of pines, only be found in Pine Resort!

And they have got little fish pond too

They even set up a HotPot on my balcony of my room upon my request! Best Service!

The Pines' Restaurant

Mount Kinabalu

2008-08-24T19:35:00.000+08:00

Welcome to Kundasang, Sabah!! The place where you can find one of the world oldest rainforest and the highest mountain in south east asia. Sitting approx. 500metres from sea level, fresh air are guaranteed!!

It is also the place where climbers will have to go in order to conquer Mount Kinabalu which claims the highest mountain in south east asia region which stand as high as 4095m above the sea level. Chinese in Sabah call it "shen shan" aka, God Mountain, such a name comes from the meaning of Kinabalu, which in Kadazan language stands for God. They, the Kadazans, believes that their ancestors' spirit will go to the mountain after death.

Despite of countless legends and myth being told to the younger generations, the Mount Kinabalu was itself, an inactive volcano. However, its lava still lies beneath which provides hot springs in Poring. However, the interesting part is, Mount Kinabalu has many faces, viewing the mountain from Kota Kinabalu would be different from viewing it from Poring. Certain faces has its story, like there's one i know of was "the waiting pregnant women" I'm not very sure of which side you have to be in order to view it, i got to ask my dad for it, you could actually see a pregnant women actually laying on top of the mountain, tales were there to say that she was made pregnant by a chinese merchant (old old days, where chinese sail to borneo for hasil hutan), he promised that he would come back from china for her, so she climb up to the summit of the mountain to see if there is any ships, but not surprisingly, the merchant never came back.

Tales aside, but the mountain do has some unexplainable myth which relates to those who got lost in the mountain, if you guys still remember the most recent one was the caucasian siblings. I've climb the mountain before, seriously, i can't see there is any way you could get lost along the trail, it's simply unreasonable, but somehow, some folks blame it to the mountain gods, hence, the rule of mountain hiking must be followed there ie. no calling the real name and sort of.

Anyway, to those who wish to climb the mountain, you will get a certificate of one of the two types, one was the one where you only reached Laban Rata, which was the last check point before reaching the summit, the second one was, the cert to be given to those who reached the summit. however, bookings of guides and accommodations in Laban Rata is necessary.

Mount Kinabalu in dusk! Just nice, the mountain was caught between both different light.

This was shot in the morning, the sky was very nice but a little too bright, it rings a bell in me! TIME FOR HDR!!

My trip back to Sabah, My hometown, *konon the land below the wind~~

2008-08-23T21:20:00.000+08:00

Take off from LCCT!!! I setup my camera in the SkyBus before bording the plane just to get the panning effect right! hehe, the result not very great lah, but not bad ler i guess..

My 1st stop, the Monsopiad Cultural Village, if not becoz of my friend from KL come to visit, I oso dunno KK got such attraction. Since we're late being there, this was the only dance we manage to watch. Bad news is, we missed a lot. Good news is, We saved the best performance!! Hurray~ :)

This guy doesn't look like orang asli, but more to Indian to me hehehehe :)

Okay, i guess he realise I'm talking bad bout him.. :~(
Their feet moved so fast in this!! LOOK!! MY CAMERA OSO CANNOT CAPTURE THIER FEET LEH!! FAst leh?!!

The Performers!! Me n my friends took picture with them too!!

The house of skull! We were instructed to say a phrase before we go in, er.. it was kadazan language, it sounded like this "Siou Do Mohoing", meaning, excuse me, I'm coming in!

Our Tour Guide.. Not bad ler.. average English speaking skills, even the OZ can understand them! hehe

A tourist from OZ trying out how to grind rice grain! He was happy doing so!

Fuiyoh!! Calling alcoholics! This one is good oh! Call the Montoku! In this picture, it was the distilling process of Lihing(inside the can) after boiling it, it comes out to the Black Jar, inside was, the Montoku! 40%-50% Alcohol oh!! but lihing was nice and mild. The alcohol content was on par as beer. The taste? Anyone tasted Japanese SAKE? yes? Add alot of sugar to it, you'll get Lihing! hehe Best Served Chilled!

Day 1=Photography to me

2008-08-22T23:54:00.000+08:00

Wow, I finally started to do this after blogging has been around for sometime. I'm not pretty sure what to do about in here, but I have one aim in my mind through this blog. I wanted to let others see what I saw, what I think and what I felt by using photography. I'm not very very good at it, but trust me, I'm trying to improve! So i hope I could improve somehow!

I find this hobby isn't that easy, why is that so? 1st, it's very expensive, heck I've already spend RM3000 on equipment, and I'm still very far behind of what a complete system! I did not realize this at first, not until I started taking a lot of pictures! I thought all I need was a camera body, 1 bundled lens, and viola!! I'm off shooting nice picture!

NOT!! I realize that i needed more! The thing is, what is it that is missing? So I consult my fellow local forumers, some recommended according to my need, while others tell me to be happy of what I had, and even instruct me to remember that to take nice photographs, the photographers' skills was more fundamental than his equipment! Well, i find it true in my situation to a certain extend. Cuz I realise one thing, everything has its limit! And we just have to accept that.

I remember when i bought my 1st lens, the Zuiko Digital 35mm. It had shown me what my kit lens is missing. B..O..K..E..H.. Simply that's the limit of my kit lens and I have to spend RM760 for it! And the result? Great macro! But it is also true that no matter how good your equipment is, if you don't have the skills, you are not going anywhere. I know a guy who has the money, and own several DSLR or different brand! This guys must be loaded!

Sadly, his photographs.. my oh my.. it is just not worth the effort for me to describe. But I'm not saying my work is great or anything, I'm just trying to say that photography is not all about what camera you are using, or how creative you could be, its all about how well you could work with your camera.

Well, folks I hope this blog would be a good start to share my thoughts! Happy Shootin'!

Sammuel's Photography Life

Daffodil

hehehehe funny funny

It's Easter!!

More shots from Taiwan

YES!!

Earth Hour

Taiwan continue..

More shots from Taiwan

Taiwan continue..

Taiwan continue..

Taiwan continue..

Taiwan continue..

More shots from Taiwan

Taiwan continue..

Taiwan night markets!!

Another chihuahua

Taiwan; Temple Street continue...

Taiwan; Temple Street continue...

Taiwan continue...Temple Street

A little more pictures!!

Taiwan continue..

Finally..

Sumthing to keep the blog alive~

Assignment again....

It'a WAITING for me...

Something is coming....

ASSignment ah........

Dilemma ~~

Anti-Prejudice T-Shirt!!

Macro Photography~

Olympus E-30 finally

New Image Processing Engine, TruePicIII+

Outstanding subject detection, tracking performance and processing speed11-Points-Full Twin Cross Sensor

5-fps, sequential shooting

Working together, the High-Speed Live MOS Sensor with increased readout speed, TruePic III image processing engine with increased processing speed, and high-precision mirror mechanism enables high-speed sequential shooting at 5 frames per second.

Freedom to work with your expression and objective.MULTI-ASPECT

The E-30 provides nine aspect ratios including the standard 4:3, as well as 16:9 for impressive, cinematic-style images, and 6:6, which is available with medium-format cameras. With Live View, you can select the aspect ratio before shooting and check it on the LCD monitor during shooting.

Multiple Exposure functionality that can be previewed with Live View.

Multiple exposure is possible with both Live View shooting and viewfinder shooting. In Live View shooting, previously shot data*2 is used as the base for a multiple exposure, and the final image can be modified right on the LCD by overlaying a new image.

HyperCrystal II, Swiveling LCD

Face Detection & Shadow Adjustment

Auto Focus Live View

6 types of ART FILTERS

My friend's in YouTube!!

Sunflower sneak peek!!

Here's the LensPen

This is where my money has gone!!~

KLPF~

Getting lazy of blogging already...

My gf play photoshop hehe

Nissin's er..... noodle lah...

Kuala Lumpur Photography Festival 08'

The new Olympus... Coming soon~

Sam's Buttery Banana Toast~~

Food again

Micro Four Third a.k.a M4/3~~ finally here!!

Food~

Prosperity Flower *maybe

Jasmines~~ smells good!

At Tin Hau Temple~

Look, my dog damn SYOK lah~~~

Mid Autumn aka MoonCake Festival

Mid-Autumn Festival

Taiwan

Indonesia

Japan

Vietnam

Cambodia

Hehe!! My girlfriend made me loving RED EGG!!!

YES!!! MY HARD WORK PAYS OFF!!!

Beware of Fakes!!

Night Blooming Cereus

My result's out!!

My trip to Hat Yai with Nokia 7390

New DSLRs-what a hype!

My Macro Works!

Pine Resort, Kundasang, Sabah

Mount Kinabalu

My trip back to Sabah, My hometown, *konon the land below the wind~~

Outstanding subject detection, tracking performance and processing speed
11-Points-Full Twin Cross Sensor

Freedom to work with your expression and objective.
MULTI-ASPECT