Bodhi Night 2010

I am not an event photographer, mainly because it isn't the area which I prefer to cover, which is to say anything that doesn't move. So when I was asked by a friend on whether I was interested to help out with the photography for this major event, I was a little hesitant at first. But then I remembered how the event was like the year before (when another friend asked me to help), and add to that the fact that I needed more practice with event photography anyway, I decided to go for it once again. So it all happened last Saturday, with me being at Clancy Auditorium from 830am in the morning to cover their final rehersals and the night itself. And overall, it was a tiring but fun day (and night), even though it was their event, and I was just one of the photographers.

(Above photos are from the sketch, full album in Facebook )

So would I want to cover the event again next year, if asked?

Well, why not?

2010 : A New Year

Happy 2010 to all!

May this year be better than 2009 :)

Vivocity Fireworks - Year III

As December arrived, it was once again time for Vivocity's Anniversary celebrations; this year being their third year. And continuing the practice of previous years, they did it once again with a spectacular fireworks display of many different colours and styles.

Here are some of my better shots from the event. (The top photo is published through my Flickr; I was trying out their 'Post to Blog' function. It's rather troublesome though, and I re-edited it anyway.)

Also, I shot this series of fireworks in portrait, as I wasn't sure how high they would go. In the end, I overestimated the height by far... Shooting in portrait format ment that parts of the fireworks got cut off at one side as well, and I had to do quite a lot of cropping to even out the composition of the shots.

The first time (that I remember anyway) seeing fireworks in pink.
Very pretty.

And fireworks in purple, which I don't think is too common a colour I've seen either. But it looks nice too.

Anyway, if you've noticed that the photos of this post look sharper and clearer than those of older posts, thats because I experimented with linking over the images directly from Flickr, rather than using the usual (but easier) method of uploading to Blogger/Picasa.

Bonfire Festival 2009

I found out about this event from CS, about two days before it was scheduled to happen, and even until the day itself, I was uncertain if I would be interested to watch and photograph it.

I decided (at the last minute too, I may add) to go take a look at something I've not seen before, and I'd have to say that I was very much impressed by the spectacular performances.

Above and below are some of my better shots from the event.

UNSW SSA BBQ

On 01 AUG 09, the UNSW SSA held a 2nd semester BBQ at Coogee Beach, to welcome new students (Like me).

So we ate, and we talked, and I got to know a few more people. (I have, unfortunately, forgotten most names already, with the exception of those whom I've added as friends on facebook.)

I'd have to say that I'm getting used to the fact that in Aus, they hold their BBQs in the day, unlike what we do in Sg, which is to do it at night.

Anyway, I 'unoffically' got the job to take the group photos at the end of the event, so here they are:

(Do click on them to see larger images)

Fireworks and Rain

Several days before I was due to fly to Sydney, a friend called and asked if I wanted to catch the NDP preview and shoot some fireworks. I, already having the desire to do just that, agreed.

So on 11 Jul 09, one day before I flew, I met up with my friends to shoot the fireworks of the NDP Rehersal that was held that evening.

The sky was overcast long before it got dark, but there was no rain. In fact, by 745pm or so, the sky had started clearing up somewhat.

Our relief, however, was shortlived.

The very moment the fireworks start, not too long after 8pm, so the the dounpour. Yep, Downpour. As people started dashing for the nearest shelter (Which wasnt all too near, for we were at the middle portion of the Esplanade Bridge), my friends and I used our umbrellas, in a rather hopeless attempt, if I might add, to shelter our cameras while we continued to shoot the fireworks.

After most of the fireworks were done, we too, dashed for cover. The end result, we got pretty wet, our lenses got a little wet, but at least we managed a few shots worth putting online.

Here are mine:

#1 - Colours of the Nation

#2 - Vivid Green

#3 - Fireworks and Rain

#4 - Rain of Joy

This photo makes me think of "Feu de joie" for some reason...

#5 - Light Sparks

Some of the blurred parts and the bokeh like bits in the photos is actually rainwater that had gotten onto my lens.

Of course, the above are not my only shots. I have several other shots that were mostly too blurred to be posted.

Fireworks!

Having seen many beautiful photos of fireworks, I have always wanted to shoot fireworks myself. Before I had my DSLR, I have tried once or twice, but never really achieving much.

On Saturday, together with fellow CSers, I went to shoot the closing event for the Singapore Arts Festival 09, Crackers!.

It was my first proper attempt at shooting fireworks, so I was suitably anxious. I didn't have a remote, but a friend lent me hers (It was a spare). In the end the remote didn't work well, so I used the timer instead.

Here are my photos from that evening (In no specific order of appearance) :

#1 - Burst of Light

#2 - Extravaganza

#3 - Blues and Greens I

#4 - Celebrations

#5 - Two Sides

#6 - Blues and Greens II

#7 - Feathers

#8 - Rainbow Lights

#9 - Rings of Fire

#10 - Pyrotechnic Arcs

#11 - Red Sprinkles

#12 - Final Bursts

Overall, it was a great expierence. Although I do wish I could have shot better, I am satisfied with most of the results I got (It's just my first time after all).

Many thanks to Xhui and Ryan for their help and teaching, without which I might not have managed as well as I did :)

Can't wait to shoot more fireworks!

DeviantMEET Singapore

I am so behind in posting again, I'll do a quick one before I get totally overwhelmed by the number of entries I will be typing in a few days time to keep things current.

I went for the DeviantMEET that was held yesterday by the DeviantART staff (Spyed and Heidi) on their World Tour. I was rather surprised at the number of people who turned up; it was really impressive. And although the sky remained grey and ominous throughout the time I was there (aprox. 4pm to 7pm), everyone there seemed to be having lots of fun.

Anyway, here's a photo of the four "VIPs" of the event :

(Left to right, going by DevART nicks : Artgerm, Heidi, Spyed, Zemotion)

Unfortunately, the shot was a little dark, so a lot of noise can be seen in the image :(

Okay, I'm done for today.

Dinner with Friends

Yesterday was Hou Teng's birthday, so Herrick and I treated him to dinner, and I took the opportunity to do some food photography (Like I always do =D).

Here are my best of the evening:

#1 - Wazen

I presume "Wazen" to be the direct translation of some Japanese term, but I don't know what it may be. SO I'll just assume that it means "hotplate" or something of a similar sort.

#2 - Tea at Waraku

I like Waraku, and I like green tea.

#3 - Hot Chocolate

I liked the pattern on top of the foam; Simple yet pretty.