February 2014: Stars are brightly shining

Figure 1: Early in the morning.

Here I am again, not trying to focus to finish up my work. I am feeling so lazy that I decided to spill out a little bit of me before I continue work. I have been going out but not for photography, all that little spare time left after work is gone with cycling. I have to train harder to be fit and lose weight.

Figure 2: Waves beat the stones.

Still the sunset is so enticing to miss that I decided to try something different, why not cycle during the evening and wake up early in the morning and try to capture the sunrise. Well, the sunrise isn't so awesome as it is blocked by the clouds but the stars are rewarding.

Figure 3: Wishing upon a star.

Mi sunset

Figure 1: Reddishness of the sunset.

It has been raining almost everyday of the weeks of December, and now going to the end of this month, I was looking forward for some night cycling but due to the unpredictable weather it has never materialize. Thus every other evenings before the sun sets, I cycle for a bit.

However, last Friday, I was cycling around and looked at the sky with its tiny little clouds hovering, the storm clouds are faraway and the sun looks clear and a yellowish light engulfs the horizon. I was excited to finish my ride and continue with shooting the sunset.

And, wallah, these are the shots that I managed to get. I was so glad to be able to settle down for the beautiful sunset shot just close to the island's runaway. For me, it is a shot worth waiting, rushing and capturing.

Figure 2: Steaks of light.

Manual focus

I used to enjoy fine tuning my focus on the camera. Especially, when I first learned how to use a DSLR, I heavily manual focus. However, recently, my eyes seem to have a tough time discerning the focus, especially on my optical viewfinder and when using large aperture lenses. 

Manual focusing can be fun, but it is also time consuming especially if you're not used to using manual focus lenses. The best manual focusing lenses have a very smooth and solid feeling when using the focus rings. This allows for accurate and quite speedy focusing.

Manual focusing is especially useful in low-light, this is where, this technique shines. However, for me, I still find it quite tough because of my sights. I prefer the use of autofocus which is very good in modern DSLRs and unless pressed, I will stick to auto-focus.

So, goodbye to manual focus lenses for now. I am all automatic.

Figure 1: Large aperture MF lenses.

20 best photos of the year 2013

Dear all,

I will be joining top 20 photos of 2013 which is hosted by Mr.Duncan, who is an avid blogger at *The KUANTAN blog* . As I have been learning photography since early of the year, I am always seeking to improve myself through learning photo composition, camera settings as well as capturing the moment at the right time. 

It is tough, but along the way of learning I discovered that I am actually passionate in photography. Thus, I would like to share what is to me among the best photos for this year 2013, next year starting from the 1st of January 2014 till the 20th with a photo each day.

For those reading this and have great interest in photography, you are also invited to join in the fun at the link below, 

Registration for Top 20 photos for 2013

Thanks,

Best regards,
-al-

Tokina Japan

I would like to share the lens that I used for all my landscaping images on my Nikon D200. This is the only lens I would like need for all my landscapes if I can only have one lens. It is quite sharp at f4, but stop it down to f8-f11 it is really sharp. 

Figure 1: My wide angle lens.

Most people complained about flaring with the Tokina, fortunately, unless it is really direct to the sun, the Tokina doesn't generate much flare at all. If I put on the hood, the contrast of the images improves in bright sunny days.

Figure 2: Aspherical element inside.

This lens has a 77mm front element which matches most of the more expensive lenses. It is well built and it is really quite an affordable lens if you're interested in wide angle photography. This lens has a clutch type autofocus mechanism which is easy to engage when I want to manual focus.

Figure 3: 77mm filter thread.

If I have more money, the next lens I want to have for my crop sensor camera is the Tokina 11-16mm f2.8 which is a very sharp lens, well built and also affordable. Still, sooner or later, I have to upgrade my body too.

Figure 4: Tokina 12-24mm f4.

Still I wish there are more respectable ultra wides out there in the market, as far as I know, Tokinas are the best in the aftermarket brand. It even beats up Nikon's own crop sensored ultra wides in terms of sharpness. Most important is it is affordable for all enthusiasts like me.  

Freeze action

In landscape photography, it is crucial to capture the moment, movement as well as the feeling during the scene. My most captured scenes are of course, sunrise and sunsets which I love to capture due to the beautiful colors it produces. The golden hours are my most favorite time of the day.

Figure 1: Motion subtly frozen.

In work, action is required in order to put the plan into motion. While words are equally important for communication, without the necessary actions, no work can be produced. That is why, action speak louder than words. It is the culture of pro-active action which defines one's performance.

Everyone sees action, in my photography, I always want to freeze it up and frame it in a photo, however, in order to add motion and action, one needs to use slow shutter in order to capture the rustling of the grass, trees and flow of the river or waves. 

In order to do that, it is important to support your camera using a sturdy tripod and for longer exposures, to use shutter release in order to minimize shake and maintain the sharpness of your images. This requires practice over and over again. 

Figure 2: Sprayed water of different velocities.

All in all, action freezing using the correct technique to tell the story is indeed challenging but I'll do my best. 

Wedding capture

Wedding photography is something special as it captures the moments of the wedding day itself, it requires one with passion and anticipation to capture each important moment. Most of the time, wedding is a once in a lifetime event, thus the paid wedding photographer plays a very important role.

Figure 1: Groom on horseback (Wide).

I have the chance to shoot a few weddings this year, I am not a wedding photographer, but I am passionate about photography and love to capture the moments. So, after some experience, I have encountered limitations in my skills as well as equipment that I owned.

Figure 2: Bride on horseback (Wide)

Firstly, I am used to using wide-angle lenses and prime only. Not so used with long range zooms as I have yet to own any. Since I have one body, I am fixed to either using the wide angle or prime lens. I find this a limitation when changing lenses, I miss the moment. So two bodies?

Figure 3: Bride and groom on their thrones (prime).

Why full frame? I am currently using an old crop sensor camera which ISO setting which I dare to use is only 400 and this is very limiting when using in dark venues and especially when the weather is bad. Thus this justifies the use for full frame which is great at 1600-3200 and 6400 when shooting RAW.

Figure 4:Bag o gifts (Wide).

A strong TTL flash should be a must if you have to use low ISO. This is also another limitation I have as in the dark, I tend to leave shadows on the couples face which isn't good. My core photography is landscape and by no means I might be wrong. Just some of my thoughts.

Of buttons and knobs

Figure 1: Dials and switches.

I am first exposed to digital single lens reflex photography when I was in university. My girlfriend just both a new Sony Alpha 330 and I was psyched by that camera. During that time, I wasn't aware about my interest in photography, but it grows as soon as I touched the camera.

I started by using only the auto mode, as I didn't know what the P,A,S and M on the dials mean, everytime I dialed those settings in I was clueless as what to adjust and my photos are washed out. My girlfriend teaches me that M is the best way to learn and how to control the aperture, iso and shutter speed.

Not so long after that I learned to use M, and the fact that I couldn't select the AF point that I want for the camera annoys me. I soon find that going in to menus during shooting is really annoying and I missed a lot of moments by going into those menus.

After I finished my university, I decide to buy my own digital single lens reflex camera, and one of the most important features for me to shoot in M, is two control dials. The first camera I held with those type of controls is the Nikon D80 which is a very phenomenal camera. 

Ever since that, I always enjoyed Nikon upper level cameras which have two control dials to control both shutter speed and aperture. The iso button and also exposure compensation buttons are also within good reach. It is important to remember your controls as it may cause you to lose your photo.

I believe that the camera is a tool and is an extension of the photographer's self to capture images to the full potential of the camera's sensor. I superbly recommend those who are really interested in digital single lens reflex cameras to take these few points of control into consideration.

Canon's upper level cameras are also a joy to use, however with different dials and button placement, one should be better off choosing the system they want to shoot with. As for me, I enjoy using both Nikon and Canon digital single lens reflex cameras with those mentioned features.

A thousand smiles

Figure 1: View at the Tip of Borneo.

Last weekend was a blast, it is a great opportunity for me to get-away from my workplace just for a moment of rest. I am just like a pressure cooker ready to release the steam out at the right moment and I am glad I chose to leave the island just for the weekends.

Figure 2: Not so hi-key.

I admit that portrait photography is not my staple shots but I decided to do try it out with a few friends. I do not have much experience in shooting people and I have to admit that I myself do not know how to pose nor how to direct people to pose. I can say that I suck in posing.

Figure 3: Sweet smile.

For me, in the model point of view, most important is the eyes, facial expression and also pose. I am also not used to composition. For these portrait series, I am using the Canon 40mm f2.8 pancake lens coupled with the Canon 20D crop sensored camera. No flash and shoot all in RAW format.

Figure 4: Water is the essence of life.

However, during this trip I have the opportunity to photograph people in different situations both controlled and uncontrolled. I learn a few tips too on how to shoot portrait from my fellow friends, still with these results I believe I am still far-away and need to learn more.

Figure 5: Eyes of an angel.

Shooting outdoors it is important to see where the light is and where it is reflected. This so that harsh dark shadows which may cause the model's face to have dark patches which in some situations is quite desirable. As I am working without a flash and in uncontrolled environment, natural light placement is important.

Figure 6: Red riding hood.

My preferences for my images are that the white balance must be as neutral as possible reflecting the surroundings as much as possible. That is why I shoot in RAW and always calibrate my monitor to ensure it is as white as possible. This is my habit for my landscape photography.

Figure 7: A smile makes all the difference.

I am not so good in portrait photos composition, I always cut some of the limbs here and there and mess up my background. I need guidance from my fellow photographers in this and even in controlled situations I can't seem to get my compo right. I need help in this.

Figure 8: Beautiful lighting.

I enjoyed taking portraits after just focusing on landscape photography. There is a certain magic which makes photographing people special and that is why I believe that, this kind of photography have a certain something to my heart.

Figure 9: Waves and wind.

Here and there I always try to incorporate people into landscapes which is my number one photography path. It seems like adding people always introduce more colour and meaning to the images I take. I love to capture those beautiful smiles and put them in beautiful places.

Figure 9: She's a tough lady.

Taking pictures of people will show the personality and these pictures will speak out for themselves. Pictures of them will last and there is a special memory within those images which will spell a tale. I believe that this is the special something which makes people images pop out.

Figure 11: What a beautiful world.

Lastly, I am so happy to be able to have the opportunity to spend time with these beautiful individuals. I am sure that God has blessed each one of them with talent and most importantly His words. It has been quite a tiring but fruitful and enjoyable weekend. Looking forward for more. Thank God.

Figure 12: God is love.

Ultra-wides

Figure 1: Crisp images from the Nikkor 17-70mm. 

I have to admit that I love and enjoy landscape photography. It is my main activity on the island during my past-times. Whenever I am online, I would look at pictures from far away which are spectacular and very beautiful. It widens up my perspectives and encourages me to travel which I have yet to do.

I discovered my tendency to use the wide end of my lens instead of zooming in for the kill. Thus after sometime shooting with the Nikkor 17-70mm which is a sharp kit lens which I enjoyed using right until the tripod which I left, fall over and smashing the front element into the stony mud.

Before I did some research on ultra-wides which are available for APS-C sized sensors and asked my friends who owned these type of lenses on their opinions. My friend, Mr.Henry Lee strongly recommended me to get the Tokina. This company is famous for their ultra-wides.

Figure 2: Taken with the Tokina 12-24mm f4.

Ultra-wide angle lenses for APS-C sized sensors starts from 15mm below. Thus there are a few lenses from different manufacturers which are able to supply these type of lenses at different aperture openings. If it weren't for the zoom range, I would have chosen the Tokina 11-16mm f2.8 which is phenomenal.

Since I need a new lens,  the Tokina 12-24mm f4 immediately comes into mind as I couldn't afford Nikkor's version of 12-24mm f4. So that lens is the lens which I used for most of my landscape photography. My version is very sharp at f4 and I usually use it at f8 for my application.

The build quality and feel of the lens is also great. The lens is internal focusing and zooms internally too. A very solid and smooth moving lenses. I bought mine second hand at a very reasonable price and never regretted the purchase. I like that it has the gold ring which is similar to Nikon's pro-line lenses.

Figure 3: Tokina 12-24mm f4.

That lens has been stuck into my Nikon D200 ever since I bought it. My next purchase will be the Tokina 11-16mm f2.8 which will be for the Canon 20D but until the Canon 18-55mm f3.5-5.6 kit lens fails I guess that will have to wait. For sure, if I get a good price and condition I'll always purchase second hand.

Yesterday's

Figure 1: Sun starts to submerge through the clouds.

Yesterday's sunset is still today's joy. I was so excited to see and capture the sunset yesterday that, right after work, four thirty p.m sharp. I ran off from work and drove to the best place to watch the sunset which is the beach. I prepared my gear and waited for the moment to come.

Figure 1: Bright lights burning through the horizon.

For all I know it was worth it. There are people who sometimes say I am out of my mind chasing sunrises and sunsets but well, you can call me that for I am crazy about those sort of things. Still, I would like to share the images which I manage to capture. Credits all goes to God Almighty.

Figure 3: The burning sunset, I love it.

My confessions

Figure 1: The best pictures are those without filters.

I am a self-confessed photography addict who is especially stingy on gears. 

Whenever my mind is into the work, I would blank out just to find myself reading about photography.

I always tried my best to make time to take a photograph despite the challenging weather.

Whenever I go, I always try to frame something and kept noticing small elements and details.

I always stare at something/someone until focused and the background turn into bokeh.

Whenever I have to go for chores or other activities, I always find an excuse to cheat a photo.

I love to separate the subject from the background, it is a special type of photography.

Whenever I saw someone using pro gear, I get GAS, Gear Acquisition Syndrome.

I always think so much about my gear and so far, most of my gear & camera are secondhand.

Whenever I see a great image, I will stare at it for hours.

I get stressed if I don't take pictures for more than 3 days.

These are some of my confessions, yet there are sweeter confessions from people around me who are really passionate about photography, and as always, I would like to remind you that pro-gear doesn't mean you will get pro-images. It is all up to you to include the soul into the pictures.

Figure 2: My D70, wish I can repair it.

Large opening

As much as I love taking pictures, gear-wise I enjoy using a variety of lenses. I also have a certain dislike to certain type of lenses. However, I enjoy using large aperture lenses. Especially those primes that would open up their aperture diaphragm which lets in lots amount of light in.

Figure 1: Street lights bokeh I.

The downside is, these large aperture lenses are very costly, especially those which can auto-focus. The cheaper ones can live with no auto-focus. I recently have great interest in these line of lenses which are manual focus yet have good build and produce great image quality.

I do not have much experience with manual focus, but I am willing to learn due to my great interest in large aperture lenses and decided to go to that path and went ahead to purchase a second hand Samyang 85mm f1.4 lens. This focal length is suitable for portraiture and image isolation.

Figure 2: Street lights bokeh II.

The largest aperture lens with auto-focus is the Nikkor 50mm f1.8G which is great for object isolation too. I almost never use manual focus on this lens and always rely on the speedy AF-S motor. While it may be a hassle to manually focus your lens, there are some good points too for manual focusing.

Manual focusing in low light where the AF sensor of your camera fails is one of the great points of using manual focus. I don't intend to use this lens for fast moving objects though. So included in this post are a few shots of the bokeh or blurri-ness produce by the 85mm f1.4 on my crop-sensor camera.

Figure 3: Street lights bokeh III.

Wishes for the night

Figure 1: The milky way.

When the night comes and the world turns into a state of dark, I am still wishing to capture some essence of light in the darkest state of time. As a small kid, I enjoy staring at the stars when the skies are clear. The beauty of those light from the distance is beautiful and breath-taking.

Earlier last week, I've waited for the Pleiades meteors to show, I didn't manage to capture nor see it due to the cloudy sky. There are a lot of instances when I missed the milky way directly above my head due to the light pollution. There are so many limitations to my photography due to my current kit set-up. 

I currently need a good iso 3200 camera with a f2.8 aperture opening lens. This is so that the lens opening and sensor will be sensitive enough to gather light from the dark sky. Will look into this soon, as I am still yet to afford a full-frame sensor and a lens for it will be pricey.

These are my little wishes to capture the beauty of the night, the moon at its full glory is also one of the attractions of the night. The clear skied night certainly holds a lot of surprises, there's much to capture as any sunrise or sunsets.

Figure 2: The night skies when it is clear.

My favorite pastime

Everyone has something to do during their free time, it can be reading the newspaper or a novel. Or it can be going through a recipe book and getting ready to prepare a delicious dish for tonight. Or just a simple relaxing snooze on the rocking chair. There must be something for everyone.

Figure 1: Clouds passing by.

For me, I love looking at photo books, especially on landscapes and potraits. From these photos, I can learn and visualize on how to do composition and certain special settings for my own applications. I also enjoy looking at pictures from other blogs and other source of professional images.

Figure 2: Golden glory.

I enjoy creating an image with something special in it. An image with soul and hidden beauty. I even tried hard as to learn how to use new techniques such as using filters. My images before that are quite bland, and this new filter using technique improves it a lot. There' ,much more to learn.

Figure 3: As the fisherman paddled by.

Still using low quality filters though as expensive ones are really expensive and for now I have to make do with what I have. My tripod is sturdy enough but very soon I need to find a new replacement as its legs are getting quite problematic. Will procure these stuff once financially steady.

Figure 4: Smeared skies vs land.

My favorite pastime is photography. I wished I learned it a little earlier in life but better now than never right. Whatever your pastime is the most important thing is to do it with passion, never give up and always be ready to take the challenge. Cheers.

Silent night

Figure 1: The Sea view of Pulau Enoe.

There are times when the nights seems to have no way for dreams. That is when I decide to wake up and find something to shoot. Not so good at night photography yet but am trying to find opportunities and trying to learn to get the best results.

Figure 2: Black and white in the dark.

My camera doesn't do great at higher iso than 400 at night. It would look so grainy that you wish you took your photos in black and white. Even the loss of detail and colour is terrible to the extent that people won't even shoot my camera. 

Figure 3: Clear skies at the tip of Borneo.

If I had a lot of money, I would probably stick the best lens and buy the best full body camera I can get my hands on. Nikon of course. Night photography is so spectacular that you wish that your camera handles hi isos noiselessly.

Figure 4: Cloud explosion at the tip of Borneo.    

What I love about darkness is the long exposures and endless things you can do to make your photos look surreal and light so unreal.

Figure 5: Waiting at the bustop to go home.