A New Toy - Canon EFS 55mm-250mm f4-5.6 IS

Folks,

I would like to welcome a new TOY into my camera equipment setup........

Canon EFS 55m-250mm f4-5.6 IS

This lense was featured on Digital Photography Review on 20th August 2007, do drop by the link below to have a read on this new lense on the block.

http://www.dpreview.com/news/0708/07082007canonefs18-55and55-250.asp

This lense was purchased from my favourite photography store, The Camera Workshop. A great value for money telephoto lense for many different types of photo shoot.

Do keep a look out, I would be posting photos taken using this lense and writing on my reviews of this lense soon.

Wedding Dinner & Solemnisation of my old friend at Seafood Villa Galleria, Labrador Park

My old friend from my UQ days, house mate, Matthew, knew him since 1999, got married on 26th January 2008. I was invited by him to his solemnisation ceremony and wedding dinner at Seafood Villa Galleria located at Labrador Park, operated by Singapore Explorer.

It was an honour to be invited to his wedding because it was kept small and special, only close friends and relatives were invited. When Matthew asked me to be his ROM solemnisation ceremony and dinner photographer, I agreed without hesitation. I do not actively accept and take up wedding assignments even though I had the experience to do so. However, for an old friend who put so much trust in my photography skills and expertise, I had to do something special for him.

There I was, ready to make sure everything goes well for Matthew and Chen Mei, his lovely wife. I arrived at about an hour earlier, preparing my equipment setup and getting the couple to walk around and take photos of the couple at the beautiful restaurant. This would add up to their portfolio as they had not taken their pre-wedding photoshoot yet. Thereafter, the couple took photos with their family and relatives at the restaurant compound. Soon, the close friends started streaming in and it was getting lively with the beautiful sunset settling in.

Once the crowds settled in, we strolled down the steps to the small pool with a beautiful glasshouse in the middle, where the ROM solemnisation ceremony was held. Most of the friends and relatives managed to squeeze inside the beautiful glassroom to witness the exchange of vows and rings, officiated and witnessed by a Justice of Peace. Everybody there was happy for the couple !

After the ROM ceremony, the crowds stayed around the pool area, enjoying and catching old friendship and relaxing with the couple and friends. Soon, we moved up to the restaurant for the wedding dinner. It was 8 course dinner and I had to say, the selection of dishes were really awesome and unique, not the type of "normal or standard" wedding dinner menu you would find in a hotel ballroom.

The wedding dinner was very different, very cosy and friendly and all of us there were very happy for Matthew and Chen Mei. Lots of interaction, great food and relaxing pace.

Wishing Matthew & Chen Mei all the best in their new life ahead !

Thanks to my readers !

Dear readers,

My blog had surpassed 5,000 visits and 10,000 page views since Sitemeter was installed on my blog to supply me site visits data and information. I sincerely thank all readers who dropped by my blog and enjoyed my photos and write-ups as well.

January is a busy month in terms of career and work, looking foward to Chinese Lunar New Year Celebrations and bazaars. Time for lots of food, fun and celebrations !

Keep a lookout of the Chinese Lunar New Year Celebrations in Singapore !

Counting down to Chinese New Year 2008 - Year of the Rat

The year of the Rat would be arriving soon, ushering our Chinese Lunar New Year on 7th February 2008.

It would be a fun and exciting festive season of celebrations with lots of food, red packets, reunions, visits and enjoyment ! In order to fulfil all the above activities, the Chinese would prepare for the coming festive season early by shopping for various goodies, decorations and good luck plants.

Singapore's Chinatown area today kicked off to an awesome start to usher in Year of the Rat. The traditional bazaars were up and running, brightly lighted decorations and displays were standing tall and proud along the 2 main roads of Chinatown. There were many people starting to shop for Chinese New Year and the atmosphere was great ! Imagine closer towards 7th February, it would really be lots more crowded and busy !

Counting down to Chinese Lunar New Year 2008 !

Couple Kitchen Theme Photoshoot with Espoir Bridal

Sometime last year in December 2007, on the 22nd, I was asked by Dave Koh of Espoir Bridal to be involved in another photoshoot with the lovely couple that I helped out during the 3 photographers pre-wedding shoot project.

I was honoured to be helping out again and another opportunity to put my photography skills to the test again. On that day, we went to another beautiful home in the East of Singapore, a nice kitchen. Once at the location and chatting with the lovely owner, we began to set up the lights and props for the kitchen theme photoshoot.

We began with the kitchen equipment and layout, placing bowls, ingredients, sauces, cooking utensils and lights, while the couple started to dress up in their chef attire. While they were preparing their attire, we were also discussing on what we planned to go about with this photoshoot. In no time, we were ready to go "ACTION !!!" and began "Fire Away" with our DSLRs.

There were many different photo shots, using many different lenses to capture many different styles and images, some action and some portraits. This gave me a very interesting and great learning experience and perspective on how to go about doing an outdoor shoot.

We went to change from different scenes in the kitchen, from chopping onions, garlic, chilli, tomato, lime and carrot to garnishing a cooked orange crab. The finale before lunch was introducing the crab with garnishing on a plate to the little girl of the house and she was really pretty, sporty, jovial, cute and lovely, giving this photoshoot a memorable experience for all involved.

Soon, it was time for me to call it a day because I had to rush off to meet my overseas friend. For them, they continued with second phase......

A New Blog !

Hi folks,

I have created a new blog, that is a personal blog encompassing my life experiences, personal development, leadership and mentoring.

Do drop in often and have a look at my new Homepage and you folks enjoying reading it. It's still in the infant stage and there would still be a lot more work to touch up and write ups. Meanwhile, my photojournalism and travel blog would still be very active until further notice. Please continue to support my photojournalism and travel blog !!!!

Happy 2008 to all !

JH

Incoming Arrival !!

It's 1 day away to 10th January 2008, the scheduled date that I planned to announce the arrival of something new ......

Still have a project to write and share with, on my recent project with Dave Koh of Espoir Bridal and did a photoshoot of the couple working in the kitchen.....

Keep a lookout folks, more exciting postings to come !

A keyword and theme for January 2008 is .................... CHANGE

Changes, Gifts and Quick Update

It's only 7 days passed 2008 and there were a few things that happened during this period

Update
If you came into my blog and was directed to a marketing site that you never see before, you might be shocked. I was very shocked and initial thoughts were my blog was attacked by spyware or spam, resulting in my blog being "conquered"..... However, after consulting Jack the Internet Marketing Guru, it was the Advertlets widget that was the cause of this redirection due to some hosting and domain issue.

I wasn't too happy that my blog was redirected to another site due to their widget script. Although, the issue had been resolved, as Guru Jack highlighted to me, we also learn from their mistakes as well and learned more about hosting and domain issues.

Changes
In the next few months to 1 or 2 years, there would be renovation around our neighbourhood and my block would have a lift upgrading program, whereby my staircase would have a dedicated lift serving our floor of 2 apartment units. Every morning, I would be awaken by machinery in action and in the night, I am finding mosquitoes keeping me company.....

(pictures would be uploaded soon)

Gifts
I am receiving gifts again, this time from my mate Andrew, whom I like to go his big house and look at his "treasure cave" !

(pictures would be uploaded soon)

Stay tune for 10th January 2008 !

Support Singapore Youth Olympics Games Bid !

Folks,

As you all have been reading news coming from Singapore, we are poised for many exciting developments, starting from this year 2008 and the next few years ahead.

One of the key exciting developments is the sports scene in Singapore, receiving huge publicity and developments over the years recently. Singapore is planning to host the Youth Olympic Games in 2010 and Red Sports is strongly supporting this bid and launched a challenge to collect 2010 signatures for Singapore's bid to host the Youth Olympic Games in 2010.

Please do drop by the link here and pen down your support for the Youth Olympic Games to be held in Singapore in 2010 !

Red Sports : Show your support for Youth Olympic Games Bid !

Maybe it's time to move into Sports Photography ?? ....... hmmm ......

Announcement !

Dear readers,

I am in the midst of launching something new and different, scheduled to go LIVE on 10th January 2008.

Keep a lookout !

Cheers

JH

My blog's goals for 2008

Today is the 3rd day of year 2008.

Looking back at how my blog had developed from its humble start (when I don't even know how to use/write HTML), it had changed and grew significantly. By looking at my sitemeter statistics, through the guidance of Jack the Internet Marketing Guru, I managed to expand my blog's network to international audiences and I had made many friends around the world.

Moving ahead in 2008, I planned to achieve the following goals for this unique and special blog of mine:

(1) Increase readership and following worldwide

(2) Improving the contents (writing and photography) - I want to transform my blog into an online travel guide/magazine

(3) Photography destination plans for 2008
- Tibet or Bhutan (Above the clouds)
- Bali (Landscape Sceneries)
- Cambodia (Angkor Wat)
- Hong Kong & Guangzhou (Visit friends)
- South Korea
- Shanghai

(4) Potential Special Photography Projects
- Sports Car Racing Industry
- Sports Photography
- Volunteer Photographer

A very big THANKS to all readers who have supported my blog especially those who share the same passion with me, in traveling and photography !

New Year Eve Fireworks @ Marina Bay

Year 2008 has arrived with a big bang of fireworks display @ the Marina Bay !

For this fireworks, I decided not to be around the Esplanade area and decide to head for an open field behind One Marina Boulevard, NTUC Centre, the future site for the Central Promontory, one of the viewing locations recommended by the organisers of Marina Bay Countdown Celebrations.

Borrowing my dad's mini bus, I parked at Prince Edward Road carpark and slowly walked towards NTUC Centre. There were crowds heading to that location too and it wasn't too difficult to find. Initially, I was worried that it would be super crowded but when I reached there, it wasn't that bad. Sure, there were crowds but there was still breathing space. Observed the background of the Esplanade and Marina Square, I placed my stuff down, setup my tripod and DSLR, determined my "arc of fire" and make the compulsory preparations for taking fireworks photos.

Due to the fact that I reached there about 1.5 hrs before the countdown, there were a handful of people there already and there were at the front, near to the edge of the sea and my view was partially blocked by people heads. That explains for the heads you can see in my fireworks photos !

Do check out my New Eve Countdown Fireworks @ Marina Bay - A photoset on Flickr

At 0000 hrs..... the fireworks light up the sky ! 8 mins of pyrotechnics ! I was happily pressing my remote switch, snapping up the fireworks photos. When it was all over, people started to make their way out, as for me, I moved up to the front and take photos of the Marina Bay area, the Clifford Pier area and One Marina area.

It was a night of fun, especially taking fireworks photos ! Happy New Year 2008, folks !!

Happy New Year !!!

Dear folks !

Happy New Year !!!!!

With this New Year Eve Countdown fireworks photo (the Marina Bay Countdown), it would bless you all with showers of love, brightness and well-wishes for you and your family.

Thank you very much to all my readers, bloggers and supporters !

Let's all usher in and warmly welcome Year 2008 ! Good luck & all the best in the journey that you choose to embark on !

29th Dec 2007 - Esplanade & Vivo City Photoshoot + Location Recce

On the 29th December, I went to The Camera Workshop to get my tripod head base plate changed/fixed up but it was closed for the festive season leading towards New Year Day. Thereafter, I decided to shop around before heading towards the Esplanade to recce potential locations for shooting fireworks on New Year Eve Countdown.

I also had a good glimpse of the floating pontoons in Marina Bay whereby the fireworks would be firing up into the Central Business District skyline, 8 minutes of fireworks display, I am looking foward to shooting fireworks again !

After having some ideas on potential shooting locations, I went inside to the Esplanade and was entertained by a trio of young guitarists & singer performances at the concourse, jamming rock ballads on their acoustic guitars, rock ballads that I identified easily because I grew up in the rock ballads era. The boys are 12 & 13 years old and they possess a great level of talent for playing the guitar extremely well, let alone performing rock ballads in front of an audience. There was a singer who sang really well too, she had a great voice and she is a real talent for singing !

After watching the performance, I walked towards Clifford Pier to catch a bus to Vivo City, meeting Dave Koh of Espoir Bridal for photo taking and drinks. While I was crossing the Esplanade Bridge, I saw the Singapore Flyer lighted up !

Vivo City is in the midst of preparations for New Year Eve Countdown Concert and there are still many people post-Christmas shopping mood. The lights are still in place and the big and bright Christmas tree still stands tall and proud. Moving around to explore and take photos of Vivo City, enjoying the relaxing pace of photography.

Year 2007 is coming to a close and counting down to welcome 2008 !

First Car Model Shoot - Honda Civic Si JDM FD2

I always love taking photos of cars especially sports cars and have been following sports cars since I was blown away by Takumi Fujiwara & his AE86 drifting of the Initial D anime series.

Even though I went to many motorshows and sports car carnival events, I don't have the opportunity to have an official car model photo shoot. However, I was given my maiden opportunity to have a photoshoot for my friend, Jack's with his Honda Civic Si JDM FD2.

Jack also has a great and awesome car blog dedicated to his Honda Civic Si JDM FD2, do drop in and take a look, it's very informative and highly popular with local and overseas Honda & car fans !

I took him to a new location in Singapore, it would be a lovely location to visit when the whole area is finalising their construction. Even though it was nice, I couldn't get many decent and nice photos of his wonderful car, 1st time at this particular location, didn't plan my shooting before hand. In the end, I only managed 2 decent shots.

Please drop by my maiden portfolio on my first car model shoot
Jack's Honda Civic Si JDM FD2 - a photoset on Flickr

I promised to improve my car model photo shoot for Jack and would update on my blog here when I shoot Jack's Honda Civic SI JDM FD2 portfolio shoot in the future (track racing, tranquility locations, nice long roads etc etc)

My Christmas Gifts 2007 collection

Christmas 2007 has passed, no big celebrations but a good rest away from the overcrowded crowds.

Looking back, special year, have received a number of Christmas gifts (I usually don't give and neither do I receive, yes, I am a scrooge). Wonderful gifts from many people, some went inside my tummy (Eric's chocolates and Sterling's Macadamia Nuts from Hawaii).

Showcasing some gifts here that I received:

LED lights from Scoutmaster Sterling imported from Hawaii, Beijing Olympics key chain from Joe, Hokkaido key chain from Alex, set of ESPRIT towels x 3 from Christmas gift exchange with Raymond.

Thanks to all who have given me wonderful Christmas gifts !

Also thanks to Kelvin & Jenny & Celeste for organising and allowing us to use their home for a Boxing Day gathering !

Have a great festive season 2007 ! Let's all countdown to welcome 2008 !

Merry Christmas & A Happy New Year !

Dear readers,

Thanks for dropping (regularly) by my photoblog to read and view my photos ! Hope you all enjoy my blog !!

Wishing all of you here Merry Christmas & A Happy New Year ! Many best wishes and all the best for the new year 2008. May this shining star below bless everybody with wisdom, blessings, well wishes and guidance, a guiding light for all.

Enjoy the festive holiday season, folks !

Christmas Lights Shoot at Esplanade - 22nd Dec 2007

It's a long day of events,

Morning - Pre-Wedding Portfolio Shoot with Espoir Bridal
Late Afternoon - Coffee with Scoutmaster Sterling Yong of Hawaiian Scout Troop 42
Evening - Dinner and coffee with Dr Edwin Tng of Smile Arts Dental Studio

Before meeting Edwin, I was walking around Esplanade, taking a few photos of the Visual Arts Festival, I also wanted to take photos of the floating spheres of well wishes that would be lighted up with the UV spot lights at the Esplanade Promenade and Esplanade bridge but it wasn't lighted up, wonder why ?

Well, I was enjoying Christmas celebrations atmosphere, there were choir singing and there was also a performance by UN53A at the Stage @ Powerhouse. More details of the UN53A can be found on the Esplanade What's On - Events Site ~ Esplanade Presents UN53A, it was raining before that when they performed and it kind of deterred people from going outside.

They played wonderful music and songs, led by the beautiful Sara, accompanied by Alvin and Colin. Slowly, their music performance attracted more people to Stage @ Powerhouse. I wasn't able to stay and listen to all 3 performance segments because Edwin arrived in Marina Square to meet up for dinner and coffee.

I would write up more about the pre-wedding portfolio shoot soon... keep a lookout !

2007 Photograph of The Year Contest

Dear folks,

Recently, I was surfing the internet, like what I usually does, I found this wonderful website called PhotographyCorner. It's a great website that have articles on photography resources, knowledge, equipment discussions, photo galleries, many many more wonderful features !

This photography site is special because it has a blog inside its website called Photography Corner Blog and it is a interactive blog network to learn, read and interact with people of the same passionate photography hobby.

Inside this leading photography website, there is something even more special. They have photography contests !!! Folks, PhotographyCorner is having a contest known as 2007 Photograph of The Year Contest !! This contest is sponsored by great sponsors:

More details of this contest can be found on their photograph of the year contest website e.g. prizes, rules, details (prizes are valued at over $20,000 !!!!) . I am keen to enter this photography contest and pit my photography skills and works with international photographers.
I would love to win this photography contest, but winning is not everything. This website gives me the chance to interact with fellow photographers from all over the world, I am now a member of PhotographyCorner, participating in the forums as much as I could. If you are a photographer or keen to take up and learn photography, this is a great website for you to join the international photography family known as PhotographyCorner.

Let's all enter the 2007 Photograph of The Year Contest and showcase our photography works to the rest of the world !

Christmas Lights Shoot @ Vivo City - 20th Dec 2007

Today is a public holiday, everybody seems to be out shopping and relaxing, preparing for the upcoming Christmas holiday. I was in Orchard area walking around, haven't done so for quite sometime and it was chaotic and crowded. Before that I was talking to Dave of Espoir Bridal, discussing and analysing on our recent triple-photographers pre-wedding photo portfolio project.

Met up with Scoutmaster Sterling Yong from Hawaii Troop 42, along with my seniors Jeff and Vinnie at Meritus Mandarin. Got nice Christmas gifts from Scoutmaster Sterling, would post my new toys when I take a product shoot on them !

Thereafter, went to Vivo City to meet Dave for a night Christmas Lights Shoot @ Vivo City. It was really nice to see a big Christmas Tree besides the usual tree we usually see in Ngee Ann City, took photos of the Christmas Tree reflections off the water surface.

Hope you folks enjoy the photos !

Counting down to Christmas and a new year 2008 !