20
A Bi-Annual Newsletter Of Safra Photographic Club February 2010
A Bi-Annual Newsletter Of Safra Photographic Club February 2010
Editor’s Page
Photography and travel go hand in hand. In the past, when travel was costly and inaccessible to most, images brought back from foreign lands showed people of different breeds, incredulous architecture and majestic landscapes. Doubtlessly, these amazing photographs fuelled the desire for more travel. With the ease and affordability of modern travel, the reason for purchasing many fi rst cameras is to capture memories of an upcoming trip.
When a photograph is taken, we can relive that instance again and again, because that moment in time is embodied in tangible form, it belongs to us. We are able to hold our families’ smiles and that beautiful sunrise in our hands.
In this issue, our members share their travel tales and the SAFRA Photo Club is organising a trip to Kota Kinabalu in Sabah, to provide travel enthusiasts with more opportunities to capture images of the great outdoors. This trip will be led by Raymond Chua, our instructor for travel photography. Do hope you can join us on this journey.
For all our readers, if you need a venue to have a slideshow presentation of your travel photographs, please contact the club and we will gladly try to support the event on our premises. You can also thrill the world with your articles and images by putting them on our website www.safraphotoclub.com.
Enjoy your travels!
Regards,EDMUND LOWEditor
Cover Photo by Calvin Ng
30th SAFRA Photo Club Committee (FY09/10)
Mr Calvin Ng Weng [email protected]
LCP(NS) Chris Wong Weng KeongAsst [email protected]
Mr Edmund Low [email protected]
Mr Tan Kay Hian Member (Competition) [email protected]
Mr Bernard Luey Kwong Yuen Member (Activities) [email protected]
Mr Robin Ng Teck Hua Member (Facilities) [email protected]
CPL(NS) William Tan Wee Liang Member (Public Relations) [email protected]
SSG(NS) Desmond Teo Puay Chuan Member (Sponsor Relations) [email protected]
SSG Kashminder Singh Veygal Co-opt (Acitivities) [email protected]
Mr Yip Hoi KeeHon [email protected]
Mr Foo Tee JunHon [email protected]
Cpt (NS) Dr Looi Hong [email protected]
Mr Eric Goh Wee [email protected]
Mr Raymond Chua Seng [email protected]
Mr Bernard Teo Tiat [email protected]
Mr Victor Chick Wing [email protected]
2SG(NS) Guek Peng SiongVice [email protected]
1SG(NS) Andy Lau Chiang HweeVice [email protected]
03EDITORIAL
Chairman’s Message
SAFRA Awards
No organisation can be in tip-top condition year after year. It is not easy to be number one and stay at the top all the time. Organisations all over face the same problem, because the same group of people will run out of stamina someday. So there will be a time to consolidate and a time to push on again.
What can you expect from my team in this term? Some of the admin procedures
The Commendation Award was for Nikon’s continuous support for the Photo Club’s newsletter, the SAFRA Photographer of the Year competition and many of its regular events in the past years. Nikon’s marketing executive Ms Sherina Liew received the award from DPM Teo Chee Hean.
Another seven volunteers from Photo Club also received their Long Service Awards (LSA). Mr Foo Tee Jun, Honorary
have to be reorganised. At the same time, members’ interest must not be forgotten.
We have rolled out the fi rst of the bi-monthly slideshows. Coming up next will be the fi rst of the workshop series and the Photo Convention on travel photography to Kota Kinabalu. So let us see how members respond to these.
Also in the planning are the Annual Members’ Competition and Photographer of the Year next year. We are in discussion with potential speakers for one or two more workshops, and also looking into plans to celebrate our 40th anniversary in 2 years’ time.
For facilities, upgrading will be carried out to the darkroom and studio.
What is lacking are a few more experienced volunteers to chair the many organising committees. So if you are keen in making your club a better place, do let me know your ideas.
Victor Chick Wing Hang
Advisor, was among the longest serving volunteer in this year’s presentation. He was awarded the 35 years Long Service Award. The other advisors recognised for their long service are Raymond Chua (20 years) and Dr Looi Hong Cheong (15 tears). Those who have served the club for 10 years are Bernard Luey Kwong Yuan, William Tan Wee Liang and Desmond Teo Puay Chuan. Robin Ng Teck Hua was awarded the 5 years LSA.
The last thing on my mind is to take over as Chairman, but here I am. Some may ask, why after so long? After all, I have been in the committee for close to 20 years. My belief is if you want the club to organise activities that you like, get yourself involved in the organising. An active group of volunteers will provide a vibrant club. But I guess the reason is no more important as we already have a few projects to get on with.
Nikon Singapore’s support for the SAFRA Photographic Club was recognised in the 11th SAFRA Awards presentation held in September 2009.
04 MESSAGE AND AWARDS
Young Committee Profiles
Andy LauIn 1991, I purchased my fi rst SLR Camera with my vacation job salary, it was a Canon T60. It is still with me as it has captured many fond memories. Photography to me is about capturing those special memories that last forever.
Constrained fi nancially, my interest was sustained by reading just about anything to do with photography. It was only in 1998 that I attended SAFRA‘s Monochrome Course, and started appreciating the art of photography. I appreciated the smaller things in life and that was what drew me closer to nature and monochrome photography.
A committee member since 2000, I assist in the planning and organising of photographic courses, events and competitions.
Calvin NgCalvin loves the outdoors, from rock climbing, running, adventure-racing to trekking. He added photography to the list, when he attended the Basic Photography Course at SAFRA in 2003. He has since attended more courses, served as a committee member for two terms, and has been teaching basic photography course students for two years. With Calvin’s dedication and commitment, he will be our Secretary for another term.
Chris WongI started photography in 1998 with a F70 fi lm camera. Being a novice, I would take snapshots to practise and improve my photographic skills. I enrolled in the Basic Photography Course at SAFRA Photo Club (PC) to expand my knowledge and continued with subsequent courses here. Hands-on opportunities were many and I learnt the fundamentals of photography. My passion lies with monochrome and studio portraiture. My niche area is in architecture and still life.
Guek Peng SiongIn 2001, with his fi rst Digital SLR, Nikon D100, Peng Siong took up studio and outdoor portraiture courses at SAFRA PC. He currently serves as the vice chairman of the club, on top of being in charge of the club’s website. He is also an instructor for the Basic Digital Photography Course at the club.
2009 marked his third year in the National Day Parade (NDP) photography committee, where he serves as vice-chairman. With a busy schedule, he still manages to fi nd time to coach aspiring photographers in Sony’s Digital Workshop, “Fundamental Handling of Cybershot”.
Robin NgMy fi rst exposure to photography was at a friend’s wedding dinner in 1992. Words cannot describe a couple’s expression when their eternal bliss is captured, so I decided to pursue my interest. Taking up courses in SAFRA PC and subsequently joining the club’s committee was the best decision I made.
Since 2003, I have been serving as a volunteer in the SAFRA PC. Currently, I am in charge of the studio and outdoor events. This is my sixth year serving in the NDP’s photography committee, representing SAFRA. As the chairman, I am proud to see the unity amongst Singaporeans in striving to make the perfect show. It gives me great pride to participate in this national event. My portfolio can be viewed at www.wisdomphotography.com
05PROFILES
Studio Portraiture Course
Frank Chua Han Keng (SP64)
Royce Seah (SP66)
06 BEST STUDENT WORKS
Georgeina Campus (OP13)
Lee Jun Wei (OP12)
Outdoor Portraiture Course
07BEST STUDENT WORKS
Basic Digital Photography Course
Kharmia Binte Abdul Latiff (BDP26)
Marcus Ng Teck Kuan (BDP24)
08 BEST STUDENT WORKS
Monochrome Photography Course
Nature (Macro) Photography Course
Terry Tan Thuan Yaw (BW0802)
Patrick Peh Eng Choon (N20)
09BEST STUDENT WORKS
With the advancement in telecommunication, people are staying online and in touch almost all the time, even when they are vacationing. So, while you are supposed to be relaxing by the pool or by the beach, you are equally likely to be busy checking and replying to your messages on your laptop, your Blackberry or your iPhone.
In July ’09, I went totally out of touch for a good long four weeks. It’s not a matter of choice, knowing myself, I do not think I can resist the temptation to go online. The fact is, I was trekking and climbing in the Khumbu region at that time. It’s a place where fi nding a strong enough mobile phone signal or internet connection would be the last thing on your mind.
On this trip, I did the popular Everest Base Camp trek, the Gokyo trek, followed by a trekking peak – Island Peak. It is called a trekking peak because it requires very little technical climbing knowledge. But trust me, it’s not as easy as it sounds. Walking at 3000m above sea level, the air is so thin that you get breathless with just a little bit of exertion. And while there are porters to carry your backpacks for you, you still have to
Trekking in NepalText and Photos by Calvin Ng
10 TRAVELOGUE
carry your personal daypack that is packed with water, raingear, and other personal stuff such as sunscreen.
Being a photographer, obviously I would want to take the chance to capture the beautiful scenery that greeted me every day. But trekking is very different from a photography trip. In photography trips, I only have to carry my photography equipment, but when trekking, I do not have the luxury of having my full gear which will weigh me down severely. So I borrowed an all-in-one lens to bring along with my DSLR. Even then, the trek is so tiring that I took less than 400
photographs throughout the trip. That is less than 100 photos each week! Anyone could have easily taken 100 photographs in just one day! I would love to say that it’s the quality that counts, but the truth is that I am just too tired to take more photos, seriously.
Given the chance, will I trek again? You bet! Trekking in a place like Nepal, you encounter beauty and the simple life every single day. So, even as I ask myself each day of the trek why do I torture myself on a tiring walk like this, each day I fi nd many new reasons in the photos I capture that will bring me back for more.
11TRAVELOGUE
• Air ticket: Approx.S$150.00+- • Land tour cost include all transport, accommodation, meals and tour guide’s fees, approx. S$450.00+-
(Minimum need 8 person. 2* star hotel standard twin sharing) Additional night stay per room S$70.
04/03/2010 Thur Jetstar 3K525 S’pore to Kota Kinabalu 1035 – 1255
07/03/2010 Sun Jetstar 3K526 Kota Kinabalu to S’pore 1335 – 1555
TOUR ITINERARY
CLOSING DATE15 DECEMBER 2009
BOOKING DETAILS
Photo equipments require • DSLR camera • Standard wide angle zoom lens for landscape • Long telephoto lens ( 300mm+) for birds and wildlife • Macro and close-up attachments lens for fl owers and plants • Tripod.
(DAY 1) 4/3/2010 THUR Arrive KK 1pm, after lunch, check in to hotel in Gaya Street, afternoon beach shore bird shooting, and sunset shoot in KK Beach, after dinner return to hotel.
(DAY 2) 5/3/2010 FRIEarly check out 4am leave for MT KK sunrise shoot, whole day shooting in MT KK nature park, after dinner, stay in MT KK hotel.
(DAY 3) 6/3/2010 SATAfter sunrise shoot in MT KK, return to KK, a whole day shoot starts till sunset, after dinner, return to hotel.
(DAY 4) 7/3/2010 SUNMorning sunrise shoot on the big bridge, after breakfast, return to Gaya Street for Sunday market, 11am checkout, back to Singapore.
Workshop will proceed as soon as 12 persons sign-up.
For members who decide to sign up after the closing date, he/she will have to secure air tickets on their own before registration with the Club.
For more details, please call Andy at SAFRA Photo Club or email to [email protected]
This Travel Photography Workshop to Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, is lead by Raymond Chua our advisor and course instructor. Expect “heavy shooting” from dawn to dust throughout the 4D/3N trip. Subjects covered includes nature landscape photography, birds & wildlife, fl oral close up & macro as well as street photography.
2010 Kota Kinabalu Photo Trip (Travel Workshop) for SAFRAPCPhotos by Raymond Chua
12 TRAVEL PHOTOGRAPHY
At the Mid-Autumn Festival gathering, friends and members were treated to a sumptuous buffet and slideshow by Guek Peng Siong. Prior to that, course assessment was conducted for the various batches of students.
Regular outings are organised, alternate with an indoor studio session every month. Members of Xin Ying Wushu Training Centre displayed their skills in front of the cameras.
Studio Portraiture Sessions are popular and held every other month. Various theme and subjects are arranged for members to practise lighting effects. In the picture are dancers from Belly Dance Discovery, posing for members.
Earlier this year, a special arrangement was made with SAFRA Jurong for an exclusive photoshoot at its swimming pool before the club was open to the public.
Basic Photography Course having a fi eld trip practising all the basic camera controls. Due to a large number in this group not owning a DSLR, Canon Singapore loaned them the cameras for practice.
Activity SnapsPhotos by Photo Club Committees
13EVENT HIGHLIGHTS
In the following year, Edmund was pleasantly surprised to see photographs from that series winning prizes in two public competitions. The pictures were also published in “To Singapore With Love”, a commemorative book to celebrate Singapore’s 40th anniversary. The project was organised and headed by Mr Kwek Leng Joo, in which about 330 images were selected out of a nationwide submission of 8400 images.
His recent work has also since moved on to commercial photography, which has been mainly used by corporate clientele’s marketing and public relations. Private
Photographer: Edmund LowText by Felix TanPhotos by Edmund Low
clients have also engaged Edmund to take images of lifestyle and portraiture. The assignments that he liked most were those that requires him to travel abroad. In Edmund’s own words, “being able to experience so much more of our world is one of the biggest perks of the job”. He could also vividly remember that one such assignment was to do production stills for an Italian movie, shot in Singapore and abroad. His role then was as the stills photographer and he had the freedom to decide on his own pictures. And having the opportunity to travel and being able to watch the “behind-the-scenes” movie production work, was, according
to Edmund, defi nitely one of the most interesting assignments he has had experienced.
As the saying goes, “If you love what you do, you will not work a single day of your life” – and that is the motto that Edmund Low lives by and, furthermore, being able to create images is still what makes him want to wake up in the morning. As Edmund would say, “it feels great to be able to indulge in something that one like, and, most of all, despite the demands of work, it is still so much fun!”
To view more of his work, please visit www.eddiction.tv.
Edmund is the new Editor of CLICK magazine. He is also a PADI scuba diving instructor with Master Scuba Diver Trainer (MSDT) rating and teaches underwater photography as one of his specialty skills.
Edmund Low has been a professional photographer for over fi ve years. In the beginning, most of his work consisted of documentary and event photography. Edmund’s experience with documentary photography has, in part, honed both his technical skills and has also helped him to realign his photographic perspectives. One of the most signifi cant projects that he has undertaken then was spending a year covering the NUS dragonboat alumni team, ‘Kiyah’. The series was shot on black and white fi lm and hand-printed by himself.
14 FEATURED PROFILE
Black-and-White Photography : The Digital Age – Profile of Nick Ng Text by Victor ChickPhotos by Nick Ng
That photographer is Nick Ng. His fi rst camera is a DSLR, a Canon 20D and “it’s just the hassle of getting a proper darkroom for (busy) people like me”. Film photography may be alien to him, but Nick loves fi lm-based black-and-white photos and he always try to have that effect in his digitally processed black-and-white photographs.
A dentist by profession, his fi rst camera was meant for the occasional shooting of his patients’ progress, and “was collecting dust”.
His interest in photography took off in early 2007, and by the end of the year, he started
working on his distinctions preparation. His most remarkable achievement was passing the Associates and Fellows distinctions of the Royal Photographic Society (A.RPS and F.RPS) in the same year, a feat many seasoned photographers think impossible.
Getting distinctions or what is commonly known as “photographic titles” is not the goal, but a driving force for Nick to work towards a portfolio. “Distinctions are important because it makes you work towards a portfolio, a purpose in your photography and how far you have improved yourself.” That was his answer to the purpose of his photography.
Beyond distinctions, photography work-shops like the one he is giving, upon the invitation of SAFRA Photo Club, is another avenue to pushing himself forward. He had spent three evenings on a project specially for this workshop.
Nick likes to photograph people in their natural environment. How he approaches them is key to capturing them at their best.
“Don’t just shove your camera in front of them and start shooting. Mingle around, talk to them, and after a while, you’ll be amazed how freely you can photograph them. Getting to know your subject fi rsthand will get you pretty far in photographing them.“
In the email interview with Nick, he has given me new inspirations and directions in photography.
Can you imagine a photographer with two Associates and four Fellows distinctions in black-and-white photography actually shooting in colour? And the photographer who produced images so strong in tonal range have not shot in fi lm or processed a single roll of monochrome fi lm?
15FEATURED PROFILE
But how has mobile phones been transformed into a new photographic craze? From giggling kids snapping away of themselves in the bus and train rides; to party goers taking shots of themselves in the dimmest of clubs and pubs; to just about any other person taking a potshot at any random subject anytime, anywhere. Simply put it, anyone who owns a mobile phone can now become an avid photographer (or an imaginary Cold War spy) – no training required. Plus, with this convenience literally at your fi ngertips, no longer is photography seen as a niche market, but one that is now available for the masses.
So, why get a DSLR when a mobile phone camera can work just as good – if not
The Paradox of Mobile Phone CamerasText & Photos by Felix Tan
better? In addition, it is portable, small, and slim and just about captures the important moments in our lives – quickly; hassle-free, and then uploaded with such ease into the internet for all to view in mere minutes. And surprisingly, this movement has found its way into the photographic world, breaking down barriers of what we have come to regard as photography. And in 2007, National Geographic launched a book titled “The Camera Phone Book: How to shoot like a Pro”.
Needless to say, the world has also adopted this strategy of reportage by introducing citizen journalism – welcoming just about any pictures snapped by these handy mobile gadgets that tell an interesting story. In a nutshell, if you see something
that captures a fl eeting moment in life or some weird event that’s happening around your neighbourhood, but forgot your trusty camera, no worries – there’s always your mobile phone. Whip it out, position, focus and snap. And voila, there you’ve got it – a snapshot of a funny/ sad/ happy/ angry/ shocking/ tragic moment amidst the mundane humdrums of life. And in no time, you can plough through the gamut of social network sites and upload them effortlessly for all to view.
Well, although I am still an ‘old-school’ photographer – lugging my trusty DSLR and numerous lenses – but for now, I guess, I’m opened to giving this new craze a try – after all, it works just as well.
Felix Tan is a committee member of SAFRA Photographic Club. He lectures photojournalism at the School of Film & Media Studies, Ngee Ann Polytechnic. Felix is also a freelance travel writer for MediaCorp’s TODAY paper. He is currently pursuing his doctorate (PhD) at the University of Melbourne. You can view some of his pictures at: http://www.fl ickr.com/photos/photophilosophy/
The mobile phone camera phenomenon has indeed taken the world by storm. From almost every street corner, one would be able to see people snapping pictures ‘proudly’ with their latest mobile phone. And this has partly been driven by easy accessibility of the, by now, default camera technology installed in their mobile phones. So, one begs the questions – are mobile phones, fi rst and foremost, a phone or, is it a camera? Helped by a minimum 5 megapixel (and counting), autofocus camera, and some with Carl Zeiss lens no less, a mobile phone has been drastically transformed into a camera.
16 THINKING ALOUD
The Nikon D300s is considered the updated version of the two-year-old D300.
Many features in new cameras after the D300, like virtual horizon from D3 and movies from the D90, are added into the D300s. The major feature that separates this fl agship update from all others is in the small memory card chamber. This semi-pro camera accepts both CF and SD cards at the same time. To make this dual-card system more appealing, the user can defi ne how these two cards are used. To separate RAW and jpeg fi les, or movies and stills fi les, use it to save an additional backup, or simply use one after another.
Nikon D300sText & Photos by Victor Chick
(Clockwise) Shooting action shots in low light with continuous AF.
Great details on subject with the aperture fully opened.
Overall contrast is slightly increased at higher ISO, but noise may be a problem at ISO1600 or higher
In fact this camera resembles more to the D700 in control features.
My fi rst feel of it was like, “Wah, heavy stuff” which is good for a steady grip and balance with the heavier ED lenses. The 3” LCD monitor is bright with very good colour contrast, even when viewed in daylight. It does fi t into my average-sized palm nicely, all shooting control buttons within reach without having to get my eyes off the viewfi nder (of course you must fi rst be familiar with which buttons are for what use).
The 51-points focusing system allows the user to select the focusing point to use via the multi-directional dial at the back, while the eyes are still on the viewfi nder. This is most useful if the subject changes position and you do not want to change the composition. It will come in handy when focusing on unwilling subjects.
The D300s is not only a feature-rich camera. It is also a fast camera. Its buffer can take up to 100 jpeg shots when fi ring off at 7 frames per second, the fastest among the semi-pro class cameras. The shutter is tested to 150,000 counts, so no worries of shutter count. AF is as fast, with 15 of the 51 AF points able to detect in the horizontal and vertical axis.
There are just too many things to learn to be able to fully handle this camera, even for a seasoned photographer.
17CAMERA REVIEW
Travel Photography – Frame within a Frame Text & Photos by Andy Lau
One of the easiest ways to have interesting and creative travel photographs is to compose your subject with a frame around it. The frame acts as a border to direct the viewer’s attention to focus on a point of interest that you want to show in the photograph. Frames can also help to create perspective and show depth in your photograph.
Tips for framing your photographs:• Think creatively of any object around the subject you are shooting as a possible frame. Some examples include trees, branches, windows, tunnels, door, shadow etc Anything that lets you see through to your subject might make a good frame.• Do use a symbolic object for framing your subject, so that it will create a meaningful relation to your subject.• You can use depth of fi eld when working with a frame on your subject. Adjust the aperture to control either the frame or the subject to be in focus (bigger aperture) or both in focus by using a small aperture.• Emphasise your subject. Framing will be the best method to let you direct your viewer’s attention to the subject.
Spain_Barcelona. The century old Sagrada Familla framed with branches, the gate and with fallen leaves and fl owers in the pond over its refl ection.
U S A _ L a s Vegas. Using a fi sheye lens to make the building as a frame for the night scene
Egypt, using the shadow to frame the columns of the Ancient Egyptians
( F a r l e f t )B e l g u i m _ Bruges. The Burg was framed up using a fish eye lens
18 TRICKS & TIPS
