Away from the bustling city....

....lies a very peaceful fishing village in the state of Kelantan. Kampung Canggung, located in Bachok, Kelantan where the source of income for most of the villagers comes from the sea.

A local walking towards his hut to prepare for the next trip to the sea. This is where they spend most of their day if they're not out in the sea. Repairing the nets, fixing the boat, resting, drying the fish and a whole lot of activities goes here. Here are some photos of their tools of the trade..

Part of the preparation before they go out to sea is inspecting the fishing nets before being put onboard the boat.

Once they have loaded the net and other things on the boat, they're set to go.

In the old days, fishermen use logs to roll their boat from the shore to the sea. In the modern days, they use a carriage to assist them in pushing the boat until the boat floats on its own. These type of fishermen goes out to the sea for several hours. Those in bigger vessels go out for days, weeks or even months.

During my visit there, I realized that the villagers are very helpful. When the boats come back from the sea, they'll queue up and take turns to be landed and pulled back to the shore. Everybody lends a helping hand, regardless of who owns what boat. It's good to see how they worked together in a group.. sincerely helping out each other in their community, a vanishing trait especially in the city, where a lot of people just care about themselves and don't even know their neighbors, let alone lending a helping hand!

It was a very memorable trip for me. Thanks to Eddieputera who brought us here, I have learned so many things, witnessed in some places, people trust and help each other without any prejudice. I have also learned to be thankful to Allah for what I have, as there are people out there who are struggling just to make ends meet. I hope to be able to visit them again next time..

PhotoMalaysia.com 3rd Annual Exhibition at Nikon Center, Berjaya Times Square

Photomalaysia.com is currently running it's 3rd photo exhibition at the Nikon Center, 1st floor, Berjaya Times Square. The "People and Places" exhibition goes from Nov 1, 2010 till Dec 12, 2010 curated by Mr. Alex Moh and Mr. Azrul Kevin Abdullah. Admission is free.

http://thestaronline.tv/v/6371

I have two photographs showcased there. This is my first participation in an exhibition and am very excited that 2 of my photographs are selected to be showcased there.

Temple in the Clouds




Fisherboy

The End of a Journey

I went for a photo roadtrip to Kelantan with two buddies - Eddieputera and Sarip sometime in July this year. We went to a fishing village (Kampung Canggun) in Bachok and spend about 1 1/2 days there. Armed with my Hasselblad 553ELX and a bunch of films, I spotted a shipwreck on the beach. I've been wanting to shoot a shipwreck for sooo long, so I'm not gonna miss this opportunity.

The End of a Journey



Hasselblad 553ELX, Zeiss 50mm Distagon,
Fuji Acros 100
Rodinal (1:50) 13mins @20C

I like this shot because there's two subjects in the frame that shows a full cycle of a fishing vessel. The main subject (the shipwreck) shows that it's at the end of its journey, no longer needed, left alone letting nature to take its course, while on the far end, you can see another boat still in good shape, in its prime giving its fullest service to the fishermen.

There's more shots from the Kelantan trip. Will be sharing 'em on the other entries very soon.

Another baby portrait session - Adam Harris

I've been waiting for the right time to shoot my little nephew. His name is Adam Harris, 5 month old son of Mohd Mukreek (my brother) and his wife, Nadira. Cute little fella, sooo adorable, but sometimes he'll show his temper :P

It was a simple setup, fluffy blanket/comforter on the dining table, black cloth over the blanket and someone to hold the cloth up at the back. Put the baby on that blanket, let him play around and nail the right moment.

Strobist info:

As for the light setup, I only used 1 flashgun. 580exII, 1/2 power shot thru white umbrella placed to the right of the camera.

Thanks to Cis@Beruang Putih for being a very good assistance!

Perhentian Island IV - Serenity

My trip to Perhentian (Kecil) Island this year proved to be a fruitful one. Having shot both in film (mainly) and digital medium, I have managed (my personal view) to capture the essence of beauty, serenity and tranquility of the island. For those who haven't gone to Perhentian, you need to go at least once in your lifetime. It's a beautiful place, a place where it's exactly the opposite of bustling city atmosphere. Take a break, go on a short holiday, head off to Perhentian. I know I'll be going there again in 2011.

Serenity, Perhentian Kecil, July 2010
Hasselblad 553ELX | CZ 50mm Distagon
Fuji Acros 100 | Rodinal (1:50) 13mins @ 20C

This shot was done on film medium, on a long exposure (~8-10secs), low tide, sunset (more like a hidden set, the sun decided to descend behind the clouds). I loved this shot. I've printed it and framed it.

Perhentian Island III - Triptychs

Ever since I read the interview with Rolfe Horn on B&W Magazine, I've always considered triptychs as part of how I express my work. For the Perhentian Series, I've planned and executed 2 triptychs, seen below.

Paradise Island, Perhentian Kecil, July 2010


Locals at Work, Perhentian Kecil, July 2010

For a larger view, click on the triptychs

Both triptychs are shot with Hasselblad 553ELX, Zeiss 50mm Distagon
Fuji Acros 100, Rodinal (1:50) 13mins @20C

My Triptych Inspiration - Rolfe Horn (www.f45.com)

In the B&W Magazine, issue 74 (April 2010), there was an article on an American photographer, Rolfe Horn. An avid landscape shooter, most of the time he shoots in square format. In an interview with the B&W magazine, he mentioned that during one of his trips to Japan, he realized a need for a wider vision when shooting seascapes. Since he doesn't own a panorama camera, he started making diptychs and triptychs to include more peripheral elements in his photographs.

An example of one of his Japan series triptych,

Dawn, Study 2, Izumo, Japan 2004 (Rolfe Horn)
Source : Rolfe Horn Photography (www.f45.com)

After viewing his triptych photos, I personally find that presenting my shots in triptych is such an interesting format to explore. Many triptych combination can be planned and executed. Triptychs photos can be viewed as three separate photos that would stand on its own, but is strongest when viewed as a combination. Triptychs can also be planned in which;

1. The main subject (placed in the center) is supported by the other two shots on each sides, or;
2. The two supporting shots are placed on the left and center, leading the viewer to the main subject (placed on the right), or;
3. Replicating a scene with static subjects in all three shots, but with different dynamic/moving subjects, or
4. Any other way that you can imagine to portray your shots as 1 master shot or as a series.

The key to creating your own triptych is "CONTINUITY". Each shot must be relevant to the other shot, be it as a master shot, or as a mini-series. Plan your triptychs and execute them according to what you visualize the final outcome to be.

Explore it, you'll have FUN with it. I have done a few triptychs, will be working on more triptychs in the future and I'm loving it.

p/s : Rolfe, thank you for being an inspiration to me, and hopefully to others as well.

Perhentian Island II - Fuji Velvia 50

Aside from the Canon EOS5D, I've also brought along my Hasselblad 553ELX to the island together with a bunch of color positive films and B&W films. Here's some shots taken with Fuji Velvia 50, which used to be one of the most preferred films by most photographers. Honestly, this is the first time I've ever shot with this film, and oh boy, I really did fell in love with it.

Hasselblad 553ELX | CZ 50mm Distagon
Fuji Velvia 50
Lab developed

Amazing colors, don't you agree?

Perhentian Island - July 2010

After being mesmerized by the beauty of Perhentian Island during my trip in 2009, I have decided to head down there again with my wife to meet up with a good friend who's running business there. Accompanied by another good friend, Nik Fariz, we went there again in July 2010. For those who haven't been to Perhentian, please do so. This island is simply gorgeous!

I brought along my Canon 5D and my Hasselblad on this trip. Her are some landscape shots of the island.. these ones are shot using the 24-105mm lens on my 5D. Most shots are with CPL, the sunset shot was done with Cokin grad filters.

A view from the top of the hill.



The Hidden (Sun)Set.



One of the small islands nearby, Tokong Burung Island.

Outdoor wedding portraiture - Musawwir & Wanni

I was commissioned by the married couple for their outdoor portraiture. Wanni used to work at my office has been following my works for quite some time. She wanted the outdoor shoot to have some sort of dreamy effect. Knowing what exactly she wanted, me, Raz and Sarip arranged the shoot to be done somewhere in Ulu Yam.

Congratulations for the newly wed ;)
There's a few more photos. Will upload 'em and add on to this post later tonight.

A mesmerizing smile - feat. Nurul

This was shot during the same session the tale of the woods were shot. This time the model is Nurul. She has a mesmerizing smile, and it's very evident in this shot!

A mesmerizing smile - feat. Nurul

Strobist info:

Metz 1/1 power shoot thru large diffuser model left.
SB800 1/4 power shoot bare behind model.

Model - Nurul
Make up - Su Yin
Art direction - Me
Lighting - Me
Team- Yong, Sarip, Morph
Location - Lake Gardens

Tale of the Woods - featuring Ayu Samsudin

Strobist shoot organized at the Lake Gardens with a couple friends (Sarip, Morpheuse, Yong, Raz, Paklan). We had a blast during that day. Metz flash was shot thru a large diffuser model left for fill, and another flash from behind model, about 3-4 meters away to create a backlight on the tree and the model.

Strobist info:

Metz 1/1 power shoot thru large diffuser model left.
SB800 1/2 power shoot bare behind model.

Model - Ayu Samsudin
Make up - Su Yin
Art direction - Me
Lighting - Me
Assist - Yong, Sarip, Morpheuse
Location - Lake Gardens, Kuala Lumpur

KL Sentral Urbanscape

I frequently go to or pass by KL Sentral for meetings or hanging out with buddies, but I haven't really brought my camera to shoot those awesome architectures there. One fine day, I took my Hassy together with me, and with a fellow photographer, Sarip @ Guillotineman, we went for a quick scout with our cameras.

I love this shot with the train passing by in between the high rise buildings. Very modern look.

A shot looking up the tall buildings. I love the lines and the curves in the shot. Some gave feedback that they prefer some details of the skies as in this one the skies are blown. I personally think that the skies details does not carry any significant meaning to the shot as the key elements are the two buildings, colored in shades of grey. IMO, the blown skies contributed to a simple yet elegant look to the shot. Skies with details would've distracted viewers' eyes from concentrating on the lines and curves of the buildings. That's what I think. Others might have a different opinion. Either way, I appreciate the view.

This is another shot on the other side of KL Sentral. The building where the train came out from is the city's main transportation hub, linking up 5 train lines and services, including an express rail service to the airport in Sepang, city bus service as well as taxi services. I also like this shot because as you can see on the background to the right, there's massive building construction going on. In a couple years, this shot will be appreciated even more because another shot from this angle will have buildings (which will probably be taller than the KL Sentral itself) surrounding it, not like what can be seen today..

All shots were shot with a Hasselblad 553ELX with CZ 50mm Distagon on Kodak Tri-X400, developed with Rodinal 1:60, 14mins @ 20C.

Beautiful Provia!

Since I started playing with film camera, I've always wanted to shoot with slides or color positive films despite the higher processing costs. Tested a roll of Provia 100 and boy was I happy. Here's a detailed shot of the Chin Swee Temple in Genting Highlands demonstrating the beautiful colors of Provia.

An architectural study,
Chin Swee Temple, Genting Highlands, January 2010
Yashica MAT 124G | Provia 100

Passing By triptych

I was working on a project to capture the life at the KTM station at Jalan Sultan Hishamuddin with a group of PhotoMalaysia.com members. The project was shot entirely with film. A lesson learnt during the execution of this project. Visit the site repeatedly. There will always be something new to be captured. Always look from a different perspective on the subsequent visits. Try to live the life. Be the workers, be the passengers instead of being the tourist.. if you see the place from a tourist's point of view, then what you'll get are tourists' shots.

For this particular trip, I brought my Linhof Technika V (which I have sold off recently) to the station. At this time, the station was dimly lit. I resorted to a ASA3200 to limit motion blurs. A 3 stop push during developing process was required.

On to the triptych shot. I saw a man and a elder lady waiting for the last train to come on the platform they're facing. Between those two, there were very little activity done by them. They were just waiting there patiently, very less movement. I knew there will be a train coming on the platform behind them, and there will be activities happening behind them, adding a dynamic element into the almost static shot. A triptych of a train passing by would definitely show how time passes by as opposed to waiting. See it large on flickr.

Passing By, Triptych, KTMB KL station, February 2010
Linhof Super Technika V | Kodak Tri-X400 pushed to 3200
Rodinal 1:100 for 120mins @24C semi-stand development. Slow inversion first minute, 10sec gentle swirl every 30mins.
Ilfostop 1 min 30 sec
Ilford Rapid Fixer 4 mins 30 sec

Temple in the Clouds

I went up to the Chin Swee Temple in Genting Highlands to capture something special there, if there is any. It was around 10-11am if I'm not mistaken, a sudden rush of fog started to engulf the temple, creating a sense of mystical atmosphere to the environment. This is what I was looking for! Went up one of the trails to get a higher point of view of the temple, and make my shot. This shot was actually untitled (as you can see on flickr), but when I was about to write about this shot, it finally struck me! "Temple in the Clouds" .. yea, that's it, "Temple in the Clouds".

Temple in the Clouds, Genting Highlands, December 2009
Yashica MAT 124G, Kodak Tri-X 400
Ilford LC29 1+29, 7mins @24C, agitation continuous first 30sec, 10 sec every subsequent minute
Ilfostop 1 min
Ilford Rapid Fixer 4 mins

Vacancy For Two - Charcoal Factory, Kuala Sepetang

Had an opportunity to visit again the Charcoal Factory in Kuala Sepetang, Perak a couple months back to make some photos using my Yashica MAT 124G. Shot about 2-3 rolls of B&W film there. One of the shot was taken then I saw a chair and a bicycle parked next to each other, with some light from the outside. There was something special about this shot. Went back home, developed the roll and scanned the shot. Was very happy with the outcome.

Vacancy for Two, Kuala Sepetang, January 2010
Yashica MAT124G | Ilford HP5+ 400.
Ilford LC29 1+29, 6mins 15sec@24C, agitation continuous first 30sec, 10 sec every subsequent minute
Ilfostop 1 min
Ilford Rapid Fixer 4 mins

Several months later, a very good friend has offered to print it for me. Here's a scan of the print that he did. There's 2 versions of the print.

Version 1 - Paper - Ilford MGWTFB, Lith Printing and Selenium toning



Version 2 - Paper - Ilford MGWTFB, Lith Printing, Selenium toning, Bleached and Redeveloped

Thank you Morpheuse for the prints =)

Lady Golfers

I have collaborated with Malaysia Golf Portal (MGP) to do a golf portraiture for them. The MGP team provided the models, the makeup and the venue for the shoot, MST Golf sponsored the golf apparels and clubs, while I went in with my team (BeruangPutih and Raz Mohamed) on the lighting and execution of the shots. We had a fun day. Thank you Ronald and the MGP team, MST, Beruang Putih, Raz, Min, Melissa :)

Goofy Golfer - Model : Min Ismail



Strobist info:

580exII bare 1/2 power on talent left
430ex softbox 1/1 power angled from the top pointing down on camera left.


At the 19th hole - Models : Min Ismail (left) and Melissa Tan (right)



Strobist info:

580exII 1/4 power bare about 45degrees behind model left
430ex 1/4 power bare about 45 degrees behind model right
SB800 1/1 power with shoot-thru umbrella camera top right

Baby Portraiture - Nik Zara Ariana

I am guilty for not updating my blog for quite sometime. Please forgive me again =).
A good friend and his wife has requested me to shoot their first baby's portrait. Nik Fariz and his wife Nisa is a close friend of me and my wife. Fariz used to be my partner in wedding shoots as well as other jobs. It was a pleasure having to shoot their princess's portrait. Zara, was 4 months old during this shoot.

Strobist info
580exII 1/4 power shot thru white umbrella camera top left.
430ex 1/8 power reflected with whiteboard on baby left.

The shoot took several hours. We took a break between shots for the baby to rest. Zara was a doll. She is not a camera shy girl. It can be seen from the shots above. Then we put her on her baby chair for some sitting shots.

The room was quite chilly, so it was very comfortable for Zara. During the sitting shoot, Zara fell asleep! I took the chance to shoot this moment and she was so adorable! Here's a triptych of her dozing off on her chair!

It was a great shoot for all of us. Shared the shots with the proud parents, and they were happy =) I hope I will be given a chance to shoot her for the next 20 years! Then I will have a complete series of Zara growing up..

Going larger than 35mm..

A couple months back, I took the plunge venturing into film photography. The chosen format, medium. My first medium format camera is a Yashica MAT124G that shoots in 6x6cm format.





Yashica MAT124G is the last model of the Yashica TLR. TLR stands for Twin Lens Reflex where it uses 2 lenses, one for viewing, one for shooting. Made between 1970 till 1986, this camera is basically a copy of Rolleiflex, hence similarities in controls configuration. Equipped with a built-in lightmeter, Yashica MAT124G is a perfect tool to start your journey into the medium format world.

Lovely camera, takes both 120 and 220 type films be it. Market price is around RM650-850 for a used unit, depending on condition.

I've been shooting for a couple months now with my Yashica MAT124G, and I'm loving it!
Will share some of the works soon =)

Esther in the Woods

I was in Penang a couple months back to accompany my wife as she has business meeting there. Whilst I was in Penang, a couple of good friends (Mujib and EdwinT) has organized a model shoot session for me :D

Esther was a very friendly model, and I am happy to work with her.

Strobist info.

1 580exII on top of camera pointing downwards towards model 1/1 power with mini beauty dish
1 430ex model left about 45 degrees 1/4 power bare
1 580exII model right about 45 degrees 1/4 power bare

Posh Girl Goes Shopping

Had the opportunity to work with a talented model - Azreen. The idea is to shoot a posh girl going shopping in the busiest district of Kuala Lumpur, Bukit Bintang also known as the Golden Triangle of Kuala Lumpur, strobist style. The challenge is to have a dynamic lighting setup where the lighting can be moved around easily to follow the model. After a couple weeks of careful planning, we carried out. This kind of shoot, requires special attention on mobilization and safety of the equipments on top of the usual aspects (lighting configuration, etc.) The shoot went well, and here are the results..







A special thanks to the talented model, Azreen and the usual suspects, The Bears Photoworks. :)