Photography: DSLRs, a quick reflection, and a quick introduction

I first had interest in Photography since I was around 18. Before that, I didn't quite find it interesting, maybe I was young, maybe I was immature, but I had more interest in Video-graphy and films.

Even now, I still strongly wish I could dive into the Film & TV production line, yet, I'm still stuck where I am for the meantime.

Anyway, I had my first camera at the end of year 2008. Since then, my passion for photography has grown, deeper and stronger. And today, I find myself checking and learning about photo-related stuff at least once a day.


But that's not my topic for this post. In this post, I'm gonna nag about how photography became from a nearly insignificant or severely unappreciated skill, into something so cool today that you even see 13 year old Danny boy holding a DSLR walking the market.

DSLR's have became a 1 in a 500 sight, to 1 in 20. Meaning that for every 20 people, at least 1 person has a DSLR today. The reason for this?? I'll go straight to the point, DSLRs used to cost a FORTUNE to buy during our grandad's days, and they only came in film formats, would you buy a 10k black colored box, which you couldn't see the result of what you're shooting until it came out of the very dark-room and you said "Aiyak! I missed the head!".

The cheapest DSLRs today costs only around 2k to own. Ranging from the Nikon D60, Canon's Rebel Series, and all the way to the less known but 'satisfaction guaranteed' brands such as Olympus. A very good point and shoot (P&S) digicam would cost 1.5k, and a bombshell DSLR at 2k, but the quality?? **whistles** Not up to debate ^.^


However, this drop in pricing lead to a quite an overpopulation (if you ask me) in DSLRs for the typical consumers. It seems that nowadays, nearly every John Doe you meet has a DSLR at home which he/she would gladly showoff to everyone so that they think he/she's a professional photographer. And the problem, is... that they just don't bloody know how to actually USE a DSLR. 90% of them just spin the mode dial into Auto, and shoot away with full-auto!!

Just let me say.... that a DSLR wasn't built for such use. They are SPECIFIC. People (real Photographers) buy DSLRs for a purpose, and that is to have full control of the camera's functions. Photography is a constituent of many many elements put together to make that photo WORTH the price.

Technical stuff like Aperture, Shutter Speed, ISO Sensitivity is one..... but then, there are Technique-cal stuff again, like angles, lighting, focal length...... not to mention the most important things about photography, which are NOT any of those just mentioned, but instead is 'the Right moment, and the Right time'. Only with all these put together, the product.... is an art, and it's called photography.


So for those of you who were planning on buying a DSLR just to go auto and let the camera do everything? I'd recommend you just get the 1.5k(or less) one which would do just exactly fine. Unless you're into Serious photography, getting a DSLR will be just for show...

I'm no pro in photography or something, but at least I'm trying, and am still learning. If you're interested and need any help, I'd gladly help too.

**Btw, to those interested in DSLRs, D = Digital, SLR = Single Lens Reflect, which actually got it's name from the use of a Single Lens body only each time we're shooting. The MAIN purpose of a DSLR, is for it's interchangable wide range of lenses. So IF you're planning on getting an SLR, and NOT planning on upgrading your Lenses..... you're basically buying a One Kilogram paperweight.



That's all.


~Sorry if the content seemed a bit offensive. I just thought I'd update my blog and I came up with this. Anyway, it might serve as a wake up call to any of you who's still shooting Auto with your SLR/DSLR. It's 3am btw, so pardon if it sounds a bit harsh.... I'm sleepy and my mood isn't so good ^^

Curtin Prom Night 09'

It's been nearly 2 weeks since my last update.... Sorry if I kept anyone waiting, but I was pretty busy lately, with studies, assignments, and also a sudden change in a couple of plans...

And so..... I was busy all week last week, up to the very 3AM on Sunday. To cut the long story short, I had 3 assignments due last friday, and after finally struggling my way out of that, next came 2 events back to back. "Prom Night", and the our beloved "Mooncake Festival" ^^


First things first. Prom Night.

Since secondary school, I heard the term "Prom Night".... from movies, dramas, highschool musicals.... and all kinds of funky teenage movies. I always wondered what they did in prom night besides get to know each other, eat eat, dance dance, drink drink, and so on.... .... so THIS year, I attended the ever-so-mysterious-to-me "Prom Night"

This year's theme for prom night was "Stars of Romance". (whatever that means...) The ticket itself cost a freakin RM50, which I would rather pour into my investment of another camera lens, stacked on top of the fact that my whole ring of friends weren't going.... so, Oh Well.... I decided not to go.


However, opportunities present themselves in the weirdest way. Within the next few days, I received the opportunity to attend the prom night, for FREE!! ^^ But of course.... there was a catch...... I went..... as a photographer..... 'no food, just shoot'. Well, anyway, I've been doing these kind of 'backstage' work ever since I learnt how to do them, so I accepted, just for the fun of it.


Prom Night is the time when all the girls and guys make an extra effort to make themselves.... "Stand out of the Crowd", or, to some extent.... "Electrify others".

For the guys, all the blazers and coats suddenly fly in, the dusty leather shoes get polished, and the tangled neckties get ironed, and all the 4 lettered words are nowhere to be heard.... the girls, come in dresses, wear sparkles, earrings, their bling-bling, make up, Do their HairDo, Talk the Talk, and Walk the Walk.


Some even come with a pre-planned Colour theme.

For a formal dinner like this.... I guess it's nothing less to be expected, haha. After the arrivals of all our ladies and gentlemen. The next thing, of course, is to proceed to dinner =)


35 tables, 10 persons per table, 350 in total.

With everyone seated at their place... and hearing each other's growling stomachs, Dinner is Served!!

Oops.... but before that.... of course, there was the common "Opening Ceremony" and Speech from the Dean. So they'll just have to wait patiently for the food to cook.

We had 4 photographers that day.... and here's my pal. No, that's not me. I don't own a flash unit yet.

Being a paparazzi on scene isn't something simple.... It's like holding a gun, that doesn't kill.... yet everybody's scared of you (why!?? coz I can shoot you!?), and then, to make things more complicated.... our dear Waiters and Waitresses have to bustle around the place at full throttle, and literally whispering 'excuse me' behind your back thinking you have some kind of subsonic ears or phsycic sense to realise their presence when we're trying to aim for that 'Once-in-a-lifetime' moment.

There was a musical violin orchestra playing as people ate their dinner, a performance from the "Curtin Idol" group of 3 girls, and other stuff that I couldn't remember.

Soon after dinner though.... everybody's compact digicams suddenly popped out of their tiny wallets and all the camwhoring started. Then I realised there was no need for us photographers anymore = (


I was wondering whether the night was gonna end soon. Until all of the sudden, the lights dimmed, and the curtains opened...... revealing...


The Dance Floor.

(Unfortunately I didn't upload any pictures of it)


Firstly, was the good old ballroom dancing for the couples. However, that one didn't last long. Not more than 15 minutes after the curtains fell, the music changed, the spotlights changed, and the initally romantic setting turned into a Full Blown Clubbing Scene!

People crowded around, the ladies took of their high heels, the men took of their coats, and the dance party began!

Some people whom looked like they studied the dictionary in campus, literally danced their feet off that night.

It was one wild night for most people.... and it was definitely a fun scene to see.


Sometimes though.... I can all but say 'Love is In the Air':

Later that night.... I guess I found out why they named it "Stars of Romance"

*** E N D ***

Thank you so very very much Santa...

Christmas comes every once in a year.... the festival of giving and sharing....
This year, was no different. Or at least I thought it was no different.


I don't know why, but I've been so crazy about getting a camera lately.... It just bugged me sooooo soOOOoo soo much! It's been quite a long time since I last felt like that. However.... money always proved to be a problem for everything I wanted. Even this time.

After some eye distorting browsing all over the internet.... some advice here and there, blar and blar.... I finally came to my choice, an RM2000++ Nikon DSLR D60:



Anyway, my wish was that.... I could get it before New Year. Though it seemed literally impossible.... I still wished.... So that I could take as many pictures as I wanted on New Year itself.... and at least capture as many memories as I could before everybody started leaving next year... and create as many memories before I ended my teens.....

I was about to give up hope on it, that I won't be able to get it before New Year.

And as a last desperate measure.... I turned to my mom. And so unexpected to me as it seemed... plus the situation that we're now in.... she decided to help me make my wish come true.


I really am at a lost of words of how to thank her. Saying thank you will never be enough. Even though this isn't anything big like a car or a house or anything. But to me, to her.... it was already the best she could give me.

Really... Thank you mom, and Merry Christmas.
お母さん。。。。ほんとに。。。。ありがとうな。

Camera Dilemma?

If you look at the timestamps of most of my blog posts, you might realise that most of my blog posts would be done after 12:00a.m. I don't know whether this is normal, but I think it's because I usually only update my blog after I lie down on the bed and realise I can't sleep.


Anyway, Sorry, no pics yet, coz I haven't received the pics taken during our trip for a certain 'Someone', who's hard to get, and seems to have gone for a 'vacation' at the moment.


So, after coming back from the trip, what have I been doing? Frankly, nothing much, except eating leftover lamb chops for the last few days, replenishing my sleeping hours that I lost during the 3 days before and on the trip itself, and lastly boring myself once again with this laptop and wandering up and down my house (no, my house ain't big, but when you get bored to some extent.....)

And for the last 3 days, today counts too (it's past 12am), I've been busying myself with something new...... Hunting for Cameras..... erm well..... hunting using the internet.

It's been a long time I've wanted a camera, and I was always fickle whether should I get a Video Camera, or a Camera. Video, photo, video? photo? which?? Well, to explain why I like videos is too long a story for you to read, and to explain why photos are precious aren't needed.... but anyway, lately, I finally decided I'd get a Camera (for Photos I mean)

Knowing the person I am..... I ain't satisfied with the latest 10 Mega Pixel RM1,399 Sony DSC W-300 that everyone would want if they could afford (well, I wouldn't mind one if you gave it to me for free):





But then again, I craved for something MORE..... something more "at the heart of the image", something "like.no.other"...... So after a long full-time 1 day's hunt. I came down to 2 decisions.


01. Sony DSLR A350





02. Nikon DSLR D40X (2nd Hand from Norman)

Photo credit to Norman Chee @ normaron.blogspot.com


Am I going overboard?? Hmm, I hope not... I trust that my few years of consumer digital camera photography has given me enough experience to handle something new.... something that I could fully utilize it's ability. Even after going into BTech (my current studying course), I just can't seem to take my mind off Film and TV Production and it's related fields.....

Well, after yet ANOTHER full day's (today) of weighing the angels and demons within these 2 cameras..... I have still not yet come to a conclusion.

Anyway, I might be shopping around tomorrow to check out the prices for both cameras and future accessories that I might need. So much for today's post. I ought to get some sleep now.


お休みなさい

Part 3, Too Busy... too Hectic...

The busy-ness (had to put a hyphen and separate the word, didn't want you guys to confuse it with the 'buying and selling' kind of business) has gotten into my brain lately. Just like alcohol. It soaks itself into the brain, blunting your chain of thought, your input senses, and your output actions. I'm busy, but at the same time, I'm so free that I'm bored sick. Now what's THAT supposed to mean? I think most of the uni students get the idea of it, there's no other way of explaining it.

I'll get back to this next time. For now.....

//////////////////

// . Part III . //
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Continuing the turn of events that happened since the week before last week again. I guess I left off you guys with pics of the lantern guys and girls taken on Sunday.

Next was Monday. Oh, the gloomy mondays. And I didn't even have time to realise how in deep sh** I was for getting myself so busy that I forgot about everything. In the end, I spent 2 hours blurring my self with:

Figure 1. A ......... a ....... what's it called again?

Figure 2. Ahhh.... An Oscillioscope. I actually had to
zoom into the first pic to see the name to remember.
The Bottom one is a wave generator.... or smth like that.

I was literally pushing buttons and turning knobs, which seemed fun, without knowing what was happening. The graph on the oscillioscope just kinda looked interesting and made me feel like I was looking at some sci-fi movie apparatus.

Well, but in actuality, I guess it wasn't anything new.

Next we played with....... ...... err ......... a box.

Figure 3. This time I really forgot what that thingy with dozens of
knobs is called.


Figure 4. I only know that it creates a resistance value according
to the value you set it to...... .... yah, that's about it.

We had to perform weird connections from one apparatus to another..... which I always mixed up which was which...... And That, was Monday.


Tuesday came and went like a gust of wind. Thanks to our IOS (Introduction to O.S.) lecturer, which came late and left early, and also my decision to self study Management 100's lecture notes, instead of going to the lecture and wasting my 1 and a half hours nodding my head in my very own imaginary world.


Wednesday. Oh Wednesday was busy. I had a programming test, which I practically did NOT manage to study, because of an invitation from my 'beloved' friends' to play games at night. And also...... to some extent, it was quite a repeat of what I've already known..... so...... I left the rest to my extensive memory library of this bird-brain.

I finished classes at 12:30. And then..... being a CV member (Curtin Volunteer, in case you forgot), I guess it's all about volunteerism.....

Today (wednesday, I mean), we had schools coming for a tour around campus, about further education and just some information for them to know what they should study in the future. Okay.... and then, I was assigned as one of the 'tourguides'.... you could say..... to bring one of the student groups around, to see the exibition stations and stuff.

"Datuk Pemaisuri..... Man..... what kinda idiot thought of such a name.... for a school. It sounds so....... Gaah! Nevermind". And so, the group of students I lead were from SMK Datuk Pemaisuri.

To My Surprise!..... Out of the 20 students in my group, 18 of them spoke Chinese. Well, I thought it's a good thing then........ since I'll be able to get along better too..... then I didn't have to limit myself to English all the time. Then, we began the tour.


It's too bad I didn't manage to take any pictures because I totally forgot about that, and those funny DP (Datuk Pemaisuri) students kept asking me questions...... But anyway, I realised there was a lot of stuff in Curtin that I hadn't seen.

I had the chance to enter the Journalism Lab..... were inside.... you get to see all those 15k worth HDD Video Cameras, with another 30k one sitting just a feet away beside it. And then there were sound proof rooms with 21 inch (or so I assumed) plasma display monitors, with ANOTHER 17 inch one beside it (2 displays), and to the right of both screens stood a humungous white CPU with a big 'apple' logo on it's side. "So THIS is where they do all the editing......." Well, there were a lot more stuff, my then my post is gonna be damn long if I continued talking about it.


Next, I managed to take a peek at the Civil Engineering lab (again, 1st time was orientation), where they had all the heavy machinery that could chop people up and disorient its figure and reduce it to nothingness, just kidding. I realised some new things around campus...... met some new people..... and came to realise that Wednesday had just passed.




I'm sorry if my post bored you, and if there was a lack of pictures.... cause that week was kinda tiring and I guess I was starting to float off the face of earth. That should be all for my 2 week update. Recent events aren't anything interesting, so...... later.