Boston Fashion Week (week Sept 19)

Last Friday, I had the chance to shoot for Asian Boston Magazine at a Boston Fashion Week event, hosted by Synergy. The event was held in the South End, inside this beautiful eglise (where the acoustics were phenomenal). 

The event was a good test for my skills, equipment and overall mental readiness. Overall, I think the photos came out ok, but I also know where I need more work on. For example, lighting. 

Getting to the event a head of time allowed me to scope out for the best location to shoot. Ideally, the best photos for fashion are the ones where the photographer is right in front of the runway. However, b/c the catwalk was raised up on stage, I knew I was not tall enough to take these photos - Note to self, maybe nxt time bring a mono-pod? Instead, I found a good location on the stairwell, and that was where I stayed throughout the night.

My photos from that night were a mixed bags of things; Some had the complete darkness behind them, and some had the white curtains. It is debatable as to which one "looks right". My modeling friend tells me that the ones with the pitch black background is more adequate. I looked at the Fall 2008/Winter 2009 Channel fashion shoots, and it looks like the best shots are the ones where the entire model is in frame (as this was a concern of mine, b/c I worried that I did not get enough close up of each piece).

The evening also gave me a good chance to meet other local photographers and fashion enthusiast around Boston. It made me think - what is it that I want to capture, moving forward? 

See pictures from the fashion show

So it's been almost two months since my last posting. Since then, I've been tied up with weddings (3 in one week), and vacation in Alberta, Canada. Surely some experiences have been gained.

Whenever I attend weddings, I love taking photos. But at the same time, I feel intimidated by the photographers that are actually hired for the event - I don't want to get in their way. On the other hand, a photo op is a photo op, so I click away. There's just something about shooting the moment of an event - capturing people's very expression that exemplifies what's happening, without using words to describe what is going on, that really gets to me. Although weddings can somewhat be slow - where you know what is going to happen, there are the tiniest minute things that can be captured.

As I look back to my photographs, I wonder which is my area of specialty; is it portraitures or landscape. I really enjoyed shooting the Canadian Rockies. For this trip, I used a Canon 24-105, L series. This is a wide-zoom lens, which was perfect for the occasion (heavy, albeit). I kept most of my shots at f4.5... except for shooting waterfalls, which I tried to go as high as f11. Honestly, I didn't see much of a huge difference.

Usually, I shoot with my EF18-55. Already, you can see that some of the details shot from the 24-105 softened up. Honestly, I haven't decided how I feel about that. I like sharp details. Further, when I picked up the 24-105, I was comparing it to the 28 135. I found several websites that were good at comparing the difference:

http://www.tawbaware.com/canon_lens_test.htm
http://www.luminous-landscape.com/reviews/lenses/24vs28.shtml

Shooting flowers and plants is a lot of fun:
http://picasaweb.google.com/vienne.cheung/PlantsAndAnimalsAlbertaCanada

I am so tempted to go back and figure out what each plant name is - However after searching for a good 45 min, I realized this task is rather hard! Maybe I'm not searching right...

My latest work
http://picasaweb.google.com/vienne.cheung/CanadianRockiesAlbertaCanada

http://picasaweb.google.com/vienne.cheung/MountainsLakesAndRiversAlbertaCanada

http://picasaweb.google.com/vienne.cheung/TheCityEdmontonCalgary

It's been a while since my last posting. Since then, I've been involved with traveling (Dominican Republic), Non Profit Fundrasising Gala Event, Bridal Shower (2 of them), and other family gatherings. Plenty of pictures have been taken, and various lessons have been learned. Interestingly, I feel like I am taking fewer shots each time.

When I'm shooting less, I don't pay attention to those could be interesting photo opportunities. Let me elaborate...In my mind, there are two types of photographs: Those that are "general" - where people anywhere can comprehend, or Personal shots. Personal shots need not to be in a gallery. They are fun, intimate, and cannot always be shared with the wider audience. Sometimes, I feel like I should get a G9 for personal shots. But then again, do I really want to walk around with two cameras?

Tomorrow is Independence Day. I'm not sure how many years I've tried to captured fireworks with my camera. They never come out the way it is in my mind! Maybe these tips will help:
http://digital-photography-school.com/blog/how-to-photograph-fireworks/

Key take-a-way:
ISO 100
Turn Flash off
Try f8 or f16
Shutterspeed is up in the air

I shall try again.

Cape Cod

This weekend, I visited Cape Cod.
Maybe it's the change of direction that I'm trying to go into, but for once, I didn't go too crazy with the photos. Perhaps my concept of photos have begin to morph; before I used to think that taking photos was a way to capture the moment, story, documentary... However, with the number of technology available today, the art of "capturing" becomes a commodity. Rather than telling a story with multiple photos, why not do it with just one? Furthermore, as an artists, why not enhance the meaning, express how you feel within the photograph itself?

I guess there is a time and place for everything, and it really depends on what I'm trying to do. After some thinking, I ask mysef; Do I want to just take a pretty picture, or do I want to go in a direction that brings out my unique view?

There's no fun taking postcard photos - everyne can do this. Once I get the basic technique (and maybe get a nicer lens), the expression may begin. I'm still some ways from going to this level. But this weekend, I tried. Sometimes I wish I had 2 cameras; my dslr, and another point and shoot for just group shots or something. (*Sigh, I wish my hobby made things more simple, rather than more complicated with the extra baggages!)

In my mind, it's like writing an essay. Most of the time, the professor provides a subject to write about. After awhile, you discover your own voice to write about topics of all sort - sort of like a blog... a photo blog...hehe..

http://picasaweb.google.com/vienne.cheung/CapeCod

Tonight, the girls and I went to Boston Billiards. The dim setting made it perfect to take a few shots. I noticed that 1/60 has been perfect for getting the "right" mood. To demonstrate...

with the flash, 1/60, at f/ 3.5, iso 800

with the flash, 1/250, at f/ 3.5, iso 800

Total mood killer!

Due to bad weather, work and final exams, I didn't get to do much shooting this week. Instead, I shot at my auntie's 60th birthday party.

Banquet halls can be hard conditions to shoot at. I used ISO 1600 (which ofcourse left those grainy details..yuck). Binks tells me that with LightHouse, I can turn up the noise reduction, bring the picture to Photoshop and sharpen it.

Since I was using my EF 18-55 (my baby lens, as I like to call it), I couldn't decrease the F-Stop lower than 5.6. I also used my flash as well.

So it really depended on what I wanted to capture. If I wanted to focus on one area, I shot at 250 (leaving the background black). If I wanted to capture the entire scene, I shot at 60 (but no lower than that). However, @ F60, it also yielded a yellow tint - I think that is the lowest I'll go. F100 seemed to be the best setting. The pic of my little nephew is taken at ISO 1600, F5.6, 100.

L Lens

Not sure which to get ...

EF 70 - 300 IS F4.15 - 5.6
EF 70 - 200 F4 L version
EF 70 - 200 F4 IS Image Stabilizer L Lens
17-40 L

The concept of reflection

I finally joined a photo blog ring that features monthly competitions. This month's theme is reflection, and I had one idea. I want to take a picture of me looking into a mirror, with my mother on the other side... where we are dress similarly, and in the same pose. Too bad the contests ends in 3 days. I won't have time for it.

Sunny 16 Rule

When Binks first talked about Sunny 16, I was just like yah yah yah... Don't use light meter? That's "useful".

But after a while, it made sense, and in someways, a good challenge.

Today would have been perfect for it. I'll leave it at f16 on the next sunny day.

From Wikipedia...
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sunny_16_rule
In photography, the sunny 16 rule (or, less often, the "sunny f/16 rule") is a method to estimate correct daylight exposures without using a light meter.
The basic sunny 16 rule, applicable on a sunny day, is this:
Set aperture to f/16 and shutter speed (reciprocal seconds) to ISO film speed.
For example, for ISO 100 film, choose shutter speed of 1/100 second (or 1/125 second)
The elaborated form of the sunny 16 rule for more general situations is:
Set the shutter speed to the setting nearest to the ISO film speed
Set the f-number according to the table below:
Aperture Lighting Conditions Shadow Detail
f/16 Sunny Distinct
f/11 Slight Overcast Soft around edges
f/8 Overcast Barely visible
f/5.6 Heavy Overcast No shadows
f/4 Sunset
[1]
For example, to shoot ISO 100 film in sunny conditions, set the shutter speed to 1/100 or 1/125 and the f-stop to f/16. With ISO 200 film, set the speed to 1/200 or 1/250. For ISO 400 film, 1/400 or 1/500. As with other light readings, the shutter speed can be changed, as long as the f-number is compensated. For example, 1/250th of a second at f/11 would be equivalent to 1/125th at f/16.

Different Styles - Finding the right time and the right place

It's becoming more apparent to me that there are two directions that I can take with photography -- and I should consciously be aware of which to use and when, as this has not been something I've paid attention to in the past.

What I mean is, for the most part, I shoot in sequences as if I'm telling a story where multiple pictures are produced (I'm sure there's a name for this form of photography) - but it's becoming more apparent that it doesn't always work for what I want to achieve... unless I'm working for the newspaper.

I'm thinking that there's a way of capturing the entire story with just one (or fewer number of) shots. So, rather than looking for a sequence of events, maybe what I should start doing is step back, think about what the moment means to me, and then capture it. In doing so, I'm bringing the meaning from within, and not allowing the story to be formed. Photography to me isn't just about finding a pretty picture (but then again, it depends on the subject, rite?). 

My job is to bring a certain view outward that'll hopefully articulate how beautiful this world is. This task becomes easier once control of the shooting conditions are better obtained.

Photography job opening

I couldn't help looking into this opening
The Photographer gig @ WHDH-TV (Channel 7).

Why ofcourse... I have to learn how to drive a microwave truck! How silly of me?

Description:
A minimum of five years experience in news photography and editing is mandatory. A through knowledge of all ENG practices is required. The ability to operate Microwave trucks is preferred. A demonstrated ability to work under pressure and meet all deadlines is required. Non linear editing experience is a plus. A Broadcast Communications degree, and or technical training is required. A clean driver's license is also required.

Boston Spring Time

Today, I shot photos of the Charles River. For the second weekend, I drove over to Cambridge while waiting for laundry. I think I've already spent 6 (non consecutive) days shooting along that side of the river (twice walking home, twice with coworkers, twice on the weekend) and it's still not right! I am still not satisfy with my work!

Every time I'm there, something changes. This week, flowers started to bloom. The scene is very breathtaking - I even asked myself, would learning to capture/perfect my photos of the Charles River be something I want to commit to? This was a commitment that I had no problem saying YES to -- unlike those magazine subscriptions.

In a way, it's kind of sad too. While flipping through my photos, I realize, I have pics of New England/Boston during the fall and spring... but I didn't take any during the winter time... but mostly b/c I wasn't inspired. It would have been nice to collect photos throughout the entire year ... but then again, I always said that spring and fall are my favorite seasons.



Then, before heading to my studies, I couldn't help stopping by Athan's for a cup of ice coffee. En route, I saw these BEAUTIFUL Magnolia trees next to the Brighton Library. I had to pull over for a couple of shots. 

At the same time, my friend called. I ended up taking photos while I was on the phone...haha. What?! It's not like drinking and driving.

Controlled Conditions

I think good photography comes from a balance of taking advantage of the right moment under controlled terms. What I mean is, it takes effort to know precisely how to capture the moment as it is perceived in the mind... therefore, one needs to know the techniques and proper use of equipment. It takes experience and hardwork to get it right. The standard of "get it right" is based on a vision in one's mind - which is why I consider this to be a controlled condition.

Photography to me is the balance of both the left and right brain. It's the left sidethat masters the technical know-how, but the right that articulates beauty.

In a far stretch, it's like riding a horse. In the olden days, equestrian was viewed as a sport of real authority - Because a horse is a wild animal, it takes mastery in controlling a horse. The horse is the tool that gets the rider there. My camera does the same thing for my vision.

The time I've spent in photography only scratched the surface of this art form. There's sooo much more road a head for me to learn, and I will need to devout more time and energy on improving my skills.

What's next on my list?

1. Get a new L lens - hopefully that tax refund will come soon...
2. Learn to use the bloody flash
   
3. Photo project - take pics of people chasing subway..haha
4. Take photos of bugs!!!!!!

Gah, I am such a geek...