Thank you everyone in Kota Kinabalu.Three fully registered classes. It's my pleasure and the academy's honor to meet each and everyone of you.
It's also the Pro Services' pleasure to meet all the pretty models who turned up for our audition (thanks, David, John and all the friends who helped us in getting this fine ladies in). Here's one of the photo from class, taken by Goh Kiet Rhee (love this photos, Goh! And thanks too, for bring us all to Gayang seafood!)
Here's one of the lovely model we signed up.. Fifi. (Credit goes to Saiful for pulling off this new style together.)
Title: If it ain't fast, it ain't sexy! Date: 10-July-2010
Sexy Girls Fast Cars III..... held on a 6-kilometer straight (and near-empty) road. Amazing! Wait,... more photos coming!
Title: 29 Ways to Shoot Beautifully Date: 7-July-2010
Thank you, everyone, for a wonderful 'full-house'... 18 participants in yesterday's Snappy Workshop at Nikonian Academy, where everyone is taught the Art of Seeing, at a more systematic and 'scientific' approach. An approach of how the human eyes and the mind prefer to look at things....
Theory session (photos taken by Wei Liang,... Thanks) before the practical session starts. Yes, Nikonian Academy's Snappy Workshops now all come with Practical Sessions:
I must be talking about Starburst in the Geometry segment of the workshop.... tee hee! (And we now know who loves to use the Starburst rule.)
And which way the barley should sway when the wind blows....
Oh, wait! Take a look how well Wei Liang did his version of the Starburst rule! Well done,... you learn well, WL!
Title: Sexy Gals and Fast Cars III Date: 6-July-2010
Went for a location recce with Danial today,... in preparation for Sexy Girls Fast Cars III. I promise you,... this place is FAR OUT cool! Almost 7km of LONG and VERY STRAIGHT road! So straight it showed up as one LONG STRAIGHT line in Google map, yall! So, see you this Sunday, guys and girls! Click here for more info of this shoot event...
*Oh, pls do not worry,... not using my car this Sunday for the shoot. We will have a BMW M5, a EVO9 and a Subaru Impreza.
Title: Photos from my Macro Photography class today Date: 4-July-2010
Photos taken by Melissa and me... Enjoy.... Thanks, everyone for yet another fun and very 'up-close' class :) (Thanks too, Michelle, I am impressed with the wild flowers you picked.)
Title: Photos from last week's Flash Photography class. Date: 29-June-2010
Don't you just love these fabulous shots taken by the participants of our latest Flash Photography class? Photos by Chua, Zheng Hao, Winny et al. I salute you all! Oh,... and our senior NAPS models too, Jeslyn and Angelyn... you two are really fabulous!
and a little bit of post-pro on Chua's lovely photo... :)
The photos from this class, are the bestest I have ever seen... thanks to the participants, the models and the lovely bright day. If one ever were to ask me why I like to teach at Nikonian Academy,... it's because of all the above. I THANK YOU, ALL!
Title: Our Pro Services models Date: 22-June-2010
Jeslyn, Jojo and George... my all time favorites.
Jeslyn:
George:
Jojo (right):
Title: Isn't she fabulous?! Date: 22-June-2010
Just signed her up exclusive, this pretty girl Jasmine. She's now a NAPS model. Taken with a D90 and a Sigma 24-70mm (thus why they have these magenta-tinged" (and this is the first time in my life i put watermark on my photos,...
and no no no,.. not "Andrew Boey Photography",.. yucks! Just a website will
suffice)
And damn, does she not look like Ting Lih?? I is show you... when I is find her photos... lol
Title: Rock on! Date: 18-June-2010
My new look... rock on!
Title: Natrah, and her lime green car Date: 17th June 2010
My new friend in Alork Stark, Natrah, a nice lady,... very helpful and friendly ger.
Title: Alork Stark Date: 15th June 2010
Did two days of very fascinating shoot with new and old friends in Alor Setar when I came for TNB's shoot. Interesting story (which I will share later on). The cool gang in Alork Stark! Ah Long, Pak Su, Haikal, Che Det, etc... (and we only have two flashes,... lol)
Title: Fan boys Date: 12th June 2010
You won a fan??!! Or are we 'fan boys'? Dun understand? Of course not,... it's an 'inside' joke!
Title: When LA is not available Date: 3rd June 2010
There are times when I cannot get hold of a good LA to work with, I would have to pull off shoots all by myself. Moving & positioning 3 to 4 lights ALONE is never fun. (Fitting modifiers to them lights are even less!) So what do I do? Well, I jack-up all the lights, from soft-boxes to beauties to barns to strips to kickers to flags to contis, and keep them nearby, within reach. Whenever I need a certain sort of light on a certain modifiers, I just turn it/them on and position them (since they are nearby). The last photo shows how an over-worked studio photographer work, when his LA is not available (oh, of course I do not turn them all ON at the same time.... I only on those that I need. I turned them all on just to take the set-shot to see ridiculous they can get if they all fire at the same time). What is the set back of working this 'lazy' way? Two: the WB will go crazy, due to the mixed lighting, and the studio will look like a mad house (and the subject may think you have finally snapped).
Title: Multi-talented Date: 30th May
2010
Title: Gas Malaysia Flash class Date: 17th April
2010
The fine photographers of Gas Malaysia love our Nikonian B2I class so much, that this time they came back for another session of Flash photography class. Now, I promise you will be amazed with their flash photos! Here are some photos we got from this class... Amazing! Well done gang! LOVELY shots. I love them so much, I helped to post pro a little... Enjoy! *Thank you, to co-trainer Jasemaine (& Wei Liang too, for assisting this class). You two make me PROUD! Michelle and Ger Ger for the preparations... And the lovely NAPS models; you all are way cool and hot at the same time! Cassmine, Amy and William.
The lovely Cassmine,... isn't she just oh-so-sexy?
Title: Lovely lights and skillful participants Date: 11th April 2010
Did two very fun classes today at Nikonian Academy... Flash Practical Session in the morning and Professional Product Photography (Perfume series) in the afternoon.
Two photos that I like the most:
Supermodel Jeslyn,... done by Mr. Wei Lianging Wei Lianging during the morning session's Flash Photography Practical sessions. Thanks, to all who participated. I am so honored to meet and shoot with so many of you!
shot by me with lighting by participants Daniel and Ms. Yeoh - sorry, didn't have time to post-pro and 'de-dust' it yet :(
This is like one of the simplest and easiest and SOMEHOW the bestest. Extraordinary photo with ordinary effort. Well done, Mr. Wong. I can't help but to look at it so many times and I helped you to post pro it to give it that commercial 'punch'.
All these product shoots were inspired and motivated by a series of shots that the Nikonian Pro Services team did. Like I said, we are all so into product shoots these days. I am really proud of you guys for pulling off the lighting and get the shot EXACTLY like how I visualized and conceptualized it. Well done,... clap clap clap. (Now you all know what I mean by the brightest bright and darkest dark... )
Title: The SEXIEST swimsuit shoot we have evah done! Date: 3rd April 2010
Nikonian Academy literally pioneered public swimsuit photo-sessions. When we first started barely do you see events like such, maybe once in blue moon.... (Yeah, but now, any bloke who thinks he knows photography is organizing them every where).
And I have always lobbied the no-holds-barred-any-angles-you-wish-legs-wide-apart 'aggressive' poses. Back then, (hell even now!) whenever bikini shoots were done, the models were not trained. You'll see models doing 'Dinner-dress' poses on the sets bikini shoots. Their legs crossed, breasts were not 'pushed', butts were not protruded,... LAME!
Oh, ya... Jeslyn was involved in this initiative too, when I first started. She's one of the bestest bikini models I have ever met! Together we both have trained so many female swimsuit models. The respect I have for you, Jeslyn!
Oh, back to the shoot today.... We pulled off something cool this time... LADIES participants signed up and joined us! Not ONE, Not TWO, but THREE of them! BRAVO! And see what we get this time... Truly the sexiest shoots I have ever seen (not to mention kick-ass lightings; they are Nikonian Academy students and photographers, what do you expect, eh?!!??)
And mind you, almost ZERO TOUCH UP was done on their hawt bods!
(Yup, who says half naked men are not hawt? George was hired to be the male model, JUST FOR THE LADIES - and some men too :) ).
Cool senior models Jeslyn (L), George (R),...
And the ever hawt Jenny.... (you can see hawter photos of her in posts below):
(more tomorrow... if I manage to pull some time....)
Title: Polo BLACK Date: 3rd April 2010
Did this shot together with the new pros a few hours ago. Our team is sooo into product shoot these days! There's so much lighting theory involved in product shoots like these, especially luxury-reflective stuffs. I always say in class portraiture is one of the toughest form of photography? I lied... it's THIS sort of shoot! Remember this: Make the bright BRIGHTEST and the black will be become the blackest you will ever see. Flag it minimally... if you notice you are requiring more than 2 pair of hands,... it's time to re-think the flagging. Sometimes, you do not need to flag the white,... employ our good pal the ceiling! :)
Title: Jenny kicking tushes Date: 2nd April 2010
Now these are really kick ass poses, aren't they? Remember Jenny? She's back.... and tomorrow she'll be modeling for Nikonian Academy's swimsuit photo-session.
(photos are done using a Nikon D80, and with a bunch of mixed 'conti's and studio-lights,... so many I would not dare to tell you,... you will be disgusted!)
This is the very first time I shot her photos, two years ago (scroll to bottom for a bigger version of this photo).
Title: Aigner Maigner Date: 28th Mac 2010
Just completed the post pro an hour ago (actually,... slightly more than an hour, but was stealing glimpses of HBO's "The making of..." the 200 million dollar mini series. The most expensive ever made by HBO. Do you know which mini series is this? :)
(Did this shot during Advanced Flash class with Wei Liang.)
Title: Photos from today's very advance flash class... Date: 27th Mac 2010
Two amazing photos taken by my students who attended the Advanced Flash class today at Nikonian Academy. Beautiful photos! Well done gang! Proud of you guys. Very good commercial quality lighting and shoot concept!
Amazing photo of a very expensive Mont Blanc pen on a Cartier notepad by team Jasemaine, Yeoh and Daniel (I love this very much,... helped you guys do some post-pro on it).
A very sexy 'perfume ad' done shot by Melissa Eunice (concept by our good Wei Liang). Well done,... very Marciano styled concept! Love the lighting!
Title: There are models, and there are MODELS... Date: 26th Mac 2010
And I get reminded AGAIN, why she is a senior model at our agency, this Jeslyn. Totally ZERO touch up needed for this gerl!
And you probably wonder how this gerl look like? Here you go.... taken two years back (i think), in Penang.
Title: Photos from today's Gas Malaysia's B2I class. Date: 20th Mac 2010
Had a blast of a time, training the photographers from Gas Malaysia. Thank you everyone! You guys are super and funny gang!
A nice photo from one of the participant,... Helmi, if not mistaken. Bike courtesy of Daniel Chan (thank you, yo!). Thank you to my favorite model Angelyn too. It's nice working with you again!
Title: Photos from today's Portrait class at Nikonian Academy Date: 7th Mac 2010
Took this shot with participants of my portraiture photography class today at the academy. Well done, gang!
Title: Happy Chinese New Year, everyone! Date: 13th Feb 2010
Happy New Year, everyone! Yes, it's that time of the year again. Honestly, it's been a while since I seriously blogged on my own website of www.andrewboey.my (most of the times I just put a couple of class photos there and displayed their histograms. That should not be considered serious blogging, don't you agree?)
I've been very busy, since last year, actually. Well, most of my last year's to-do checklist are almost done now... lol The last thing on the checklist is the company's account, and I hope that can be ready after this CNY holidays (the silly accounting software keeps crashing!)
Anyhow, have a big thank you to my dear wife, for being the hardworking one in spring cleaning the house. Me? I am just too tired and overworked to do anything. (Sorry, mom and dad too, for not being home most of the time and only coming home to sleep. Yeah, our apologies too, about the un-kept house, we have been working 7 days a week, 12 hours a day)
Anyhow, new year is here again, and as usual, we have our new year's eve dinner at my house. Like almost every year, we have our Steamboat dinner. (Michelle calculated, we had 20 different sort of ingredients... wowee!). SK has to work this CNY with his event agency.
Here are some photos of our CNY dinner: (they were taken with the good old D80 with a Sigma 24-70 f2.8; beautiful and hefty lens (bought this used from good old Jens), and slapped on the ever-favorite SB800 flash on TTL mode. TTL mode, it's it effortless... Betcha can't tell it's even flashed!)
For the uninitiated, this is what a Steamboat dinner look like:
Our favorite green; spinach
Notice how much fried garlic that lady has on her plate???
Mom's idea of a CNY steamboat dinner: the ingredients must be filled to the brim!
Haven't we seen that t-shirt somewhere before?? (Sorry I'm Late)... hmmmm
Our new portable 'cooker'. Wonderfully mobile and light.
A must have 'side' ingredient, mom's famous golden fried garlic. You put this into the soup and on top of the greens when you eat them. Very crunch and makes everyone avoid talking to you after dinner... lol
My all time favorite, the 'cili padi'
Mom's signature ground chilli+garlic dip.
Errr.... why is everyone eating without me? Wait up! Notice how every year, I do not appear in all these photos,... hmmm, wonder why??
Oh, don't get forget them shrimps too...
Some after dinner photos:
This is what happens when you eat too much of the fried garlic... no one is talking to anyone after dinner.
The dogs falling asleep (Te just had an ugly haircut 2 days before)
And Imac just had his shower,... he's all fuzzy and tangled up.... (gotta give him a good brush down later - 'later' could mean next chinese new year... lol)
Title: How Auto Focus works Date: 27th Jan 2010
A pretty interesting auto focus test done on Canon and Nikon. Not interested in who wins, but study how the auto focus mechanism works in both these ultra modern cameras. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cOT3v9XzCvo
Title: How does a Sharp photo look like? Date: 14th Jan 2010
A good participant called up Nikonian Academy recently and asked Helen (Helen is in charge of enrollment at the academy) this very interesting question: "I notice the academy is having a class tonight, and it's entitled "How To Shoot Sharp Photos"... you meaning to tell me that normally photos we shoot are not sharp? Is there a technique that we are not aware of how to shoot photos that will turn it even sharper than usual?"
Well, allow me to answer this question: Over the years of teaching photography for Nikon and also Nikonian Academy, many photographers, especially beginners do not really get sharp photos. So, what does one mean when one says 'Sharp Photos'?
Allow me to show you a sharp photo. This photo was taken by Mr. Terence Tan, a fellow photographer who participated in our recent Flash Photography class at the academy. One of the nicest photos I have seen... it's got contrast that packs a punch, it's got nice lighting and the Sharpness,... simply OUT OF THIS WORLD.
The photo, taken by Terence, resized to 600 pixel width...
Below is a crop of a section of the photo just to show how sharp it is. Notice the woven pattern of George's coat? And notice those tiny little lints/dusts on his coat lapels? (Oh, does George not look so much like Pierce Brosnan? Amazing looking model)
Why not we take a peek at the histogram? Let's see how bad the clipping is on the collar of his white shirt... Not bad I must say! Very very minimal clipping at the highlights,... negligible. Well done, both George and Terence!
Title: Another Histogram/Eye Test Photo... Date: 14th Dec 2009
Another test 'mata' and test histogram exercise.
The Photo:
And now, let's peek at the Histogram....
Title: Histogram Test Photos Date: 9th Dec 2009
Gang, let's go here and TEST MATA (the histogram tests). Copy the photos and paste in photoshop and look at the histogram.... MUCH TO LEARN!
Did a great and fun workshop today in Nikonian Academy.... one of my favoritest favorite topics of photography: Fashion Photography.
I love fashion photography because it is soooo hard. It's like the mother of all Portraiture Photography!
And we had two beautiful models in class today; JoJo and Angie...
Here's a shot from Ong Woei Min's camera: (oh, by the way,... Ong's photo on 'Zookeeper went for lunch' is the latest photo in Nikonian's 'Isn't It Time You Shoot Great Photos Too' ad! :)
And, let's do what I am really so crazy about doing these days,... whenever I see an amazingly nice photos, we take a peek at the histogram... And wowwwww,.... see what he got there?? Perfecto mondo! Notice the bell shape PLUS the controlled clipping at both ends of the histogram? Simply tastefully executed!!
And here's a shot of the set (yeah, she practically 'rolled' on to Mar's pick-up) - nicked this from Alice Teh's blog, the only female participant in this workshop...
Title: Mr. & Mrs. Smith Date: 5th Dec 2009
Conducted another B2I photography class in Nikonian Academy KL today with Alex Ang as our co-trainer. I simply love today's participants,... very motivated bunch *thanks*salute*
And look what we shot today? Movie production-styled stills!
Stefanie Chua played Mrs. Smith and Sanny Shah assumed the role of the flamboyant Mr. Smith!
* I TOLD you not to sleep with that slut! Didn't I? Didn't I? Now go pay her USD1 million as hush money, before she calls for that press conference! *sounds familiar??* hahahaha
Title: It's about Kick-Ass Histograms (and a very beautiful girl) Date: 28th Nov 2009
Conducted an awe-inspiring, full-house workshop with Sean Liew today in Nikonian Academy KL. This photography class is like one of the most advanced classes in the academy, the Intermediate To Advanced class.
And look at the photos from the participants! Amazing!
*Model: Miss World Malaysia 1st Runner Up, Stefanie Chua... a very lovely lady in TWO very stunning designer haute couture gowns.
Photo by participant Zul: Just really love his Diagonal DOF, the Shadows and Highlights play... *muaks* And check out the amazing histogram,... bell-shaped NO MORE! Who says we CANNOT have well-control blown highlights and clippings?? See what he got from blowing those highlights? And this is exactly what we learn in class today... move away from the comfort zone to get them well-zoned exposure!
Another amazing photo from Zul: (I told Stefanie, "You may a be Beauty Queen,... but you will never be Famous unless you got yourself photographed in-front of that vividly colorful Nikonian Academy mural!". She nodded and laughed in agreement... lol) And check out the histogram this time! I am speechless.... the well-controlled clippings!
Another one (this lovely one is from Chee Hon):
A very sexy one of Stef, captured by Anas...
Photo below by Abdul Karim (look at the shape-defining highlight on the nose, brought forth by the Rim Light!)
Another oh-so-fashion shot by Abdul Karim...
Another lovely photo from Liew (a fine participant called Liew, NOT Sean Liew...) (I just love this gown! I told the class "I would CHANGE SEX just to wear this dress!!)
Title: In the meantime, back to more pretty girls photos! Date: 17th Nov 2009
Ok,... i shall learn to accept the fact that Ironman came to the studio when i wasn't around. Namind!
Got a photo from Victor Hew today. He took this super shot of model Caroline during our Mastering Flash Photography workshop in Penang. The coolest thing about Nikonian Academy Penang is that it has an outdoor studio. And this was taken by Victor in this outdoor studio.
Don't you just LOVE it??
Title: We REALLY need to talk, guys! Date: 16th Nov 2009
This is really UNFAIR.
Let me be honest here,... I did not volunteer to be based in Nikonian Academy Penang. I was SENT here.
And now I know why!!
Bloody hell! I am sent to Penang, and thought I had a great deal for being tasked to shoot the beautiful Penang female models.... and guess what i found out today??!!
Now, don't get me started. Having Ironman coming to the studio is like the biggest thing that can happen to a commercial photography studio! (And I thought shooting all the Stefanies, all the Amandas, all the Dianas in Penang is a great deal.... until I was looped accidentally in our official academy memos and emails.) *Girls, really, you all are BEAUTIFUL,... No offense intended, when I said that earlier.... BUT having Ironman in the studio, modeling for Sean's class is really a different level of a ball game here.
Really guys,.. We need to talk when I get back to KL after the Penang Launch Party.
I MIGHT quit, if you guys do not get him back for a re-shoot. (Jeez, talking this way really made me sound like an ex-trainer,...)
Check out the photos Sean and his participants pulled off.... (and I thought my color-gelled photos, below, of the girls are something to boast....*shame on me*)
*Honestly guys,... you guys could have posed him a little better la! If I was there, I would have asked him to pull a Vogue Contour No.1, NO DOUBT about that! Jeez!
Title: We love Amanda! Date: 15th Nov 2009
Amanda modeling for Nikonian Academy Penang's Flash Class. She is just amazing! Thank you, Stefanie, for getting her in.
Title: Prada Mama! Date: 29th Oct 2009
One of my all-time favorite models: Angie
Angie! You are soooo Prada! (You should see the hotter than HOT Gucci belt she wore today! Shall post more later!)
Title: They are MADE... Date: 29th Oct 2009
Models are MADE, not BORN.
One such model: Elaine of SGXFaces. She was selected to join the agency last month and started her training today. I just love it when she pulls a No.3!
Look how smashing she is, without touch up...
Title: Kat,... see? Date: 29th Oct 2009
Kat: Hello,... do yall shoot passport-type of photos for my company's access card? Me: Yes,... But,.... they might not like it. Kat: Why so? Me: After shoot, you will know why. Kat: How much? Me: For you.... it's FREE. Kat: Why free? Me: If it's FREE, don't ask why, ok? Now go put on some lipsticks
Result of the 'passport-type' of photos..... which is HOW passport photos worldwide SHOULD be LIKE! LOL
If ONLY you know how many people walk into the Nikonian Academy Discovery Center EVERYDAY and ask "Got shoot passport photo ar?" Next time, I will not say NO,... but instead shoot something like this, and see what happens... hahahahaha
Title: YaYa & Jeslyn Date: 20th Oct 2009
It's really been a while since I had the chance to shoot and try out new lighting styles (been way too busy with the work and business of late). Had an accidental rare chance where I get to shoot this way today.
YaYa, an old friend pop-up the studio... Ivy, my new make-up artist gotta wield some brushes,... so why not wield on these two beautiful ladies?! Right?!
And look at the results:
Does she not look amazing? The lovely eyes and that Diana gaze?
And Jeslyn (no, not SGXFaces' Jeslyn),... Is she not sexy?
Just love working with Jeslyn. It's her kick-ass attitude of wanting to be 'pretty' that makes photographing her so fun! And she has the body to boot as well!
Well done, Ivy! You can be my make-up artist anytime!
Title: Zhiny & Ronald Date: 10th Oct 2009
Two new models in my Flash Photography class today. Brilliant models!
Photos by Ken Chan
Title: Natalie Date: 4th Oct 2009
Had yet another wonderful class today in Nikonian Academy. This time, it's Portrait Photography. This class is an advance class and it has always been one of the toughest subject to teach and to learn. At the academy, it has always been a class-culture to feature beauty queens as models in Portrait Photography class.
And this time, we had Miss Photogenic and Miss Beautiful eyes of Miss Malaysia Chinatown International, Natalie modeling for my class. (And look what we get! Marvelous, ain't she? And i salute the lighting done with a gridded beauty-dish. The right modifier for the right beauty!)
Title: Sharon Date: 3rd Oct 2009
Sharon, modeling for my photography class today... just love them Lab color processing. Bet you rarely see my natural-light photos eh?
Haven't blogged for a very long time (perhaps for about 5 months already). Conducted a great class today with Alex, one of our Pro Trainer at the academy. It was super because it was so easy to teach with a smaller class (plus two trainers!). Alice, Ray, Wai Cheong, Derrick,... you guys truly quenched our thirst like a coke on a hot day!
Thank you!
Title: Trisna for Cocorich Swimwear Date: 21st May 2009
Trisna, one of the sexiest models I have ever worked with... modeling for Cocorich Swimwear collection
Title: South China Seas Date: 27th April 2009
We woke up at 5.30am and started our shoot at around 6.15am to nail this series. That's the South China Seas at the background (that's why we had to shoot in the dawn to get a super sun-lit background.
We thought the beach was amazing,... but we were told by our students that further up the beach is EVEN nicer!
Title: Our office's recent recruitment drive. Date: 16th April 2009
One of the interviewee.
Michelle pre-warned her NOT TO BE late to work. She seemed to say, "OK,..."
Title: Sony Playstation 3, in Nikonian Academy product photography class Date: 13th Apr 2009
One of the best I have ever seen!
No touch-up no post pro. Straight from Howard's camera. (Howard is a loyal Nikonian member and has been supporting the academy since the day it started.)
Title: Michelle, celebrating birthday for her Xiao Te Xiao Te! Date: 26th Aug 2008
Title: Lingerie shoot Date: 17th July 2008
Title: Amazing day for Swimsuit Photography - Part III! Date: 6th July 2008
My photo of Nikonian swimsuit model, Sharon Lim... done with a Nikon D300.
Title: Amazing day for Swimsuit Photography - Part II! Date: 6th July 2008
Did I not tell you the participants' photos were even MORE super? Here are two photos from a good buddy of mine,... Danny Yeo! Unbelievable!
Above: Sharon Lim, a model from SGXFaces - shot by Danny Yeo
Above: photo by student/participant Danny Yeo.
Title: Amazing day for Swimsuit Photography - Part I ! Date: 6th July 2008
Amazing day today, at our Swimsuit Photography class, by Nikonian Academy... The venue was super! The weather was great and the participants, COOL gang! Here's a photo of Jill Moo, one of our models. Many more to come... check out those photos in www.nikonian.com.my
Shot was done with a Nikon D300 and 2 units of SB800 flash off camera.
Title: Amazing participants' photos from Nikonian Academy's Basic-to-Intermediate class! Date: 29th June 2008
To be honest, this is the first time that I post my Nikonian Academy participants' photos on my personal blog. Today, two amazing photos caught my attention...
The first photo, shot by Halim, a professional wedding photographer. Amazing shot, making it almost look like it has Active D-Lighting turned on,... but no! It was shot with a Nikon D80! Well done, Halim,... super duper shot!
Now, this one is shot with a Nikon D60, set to Vivid mode. Amazing color! Yet to find out which participant shot this...
Title: My new photo for a watch ad! Date: 26th June 2008
Trisna Lim, one of our SGXFaces model, took this shot for me, modeling for a watch ad.... LOL.... uber hor? Thanks, Trisna!! Love this photo!
Title: V COOL! Date: 26th June 2008
See? Did I not tell you how stunning the new models are?! Here's Vanessa...
Title: Many new models this week! Date: 25th June 2008
My! These couple of days, many new models turn up at SGXFaces applying to be models. Mostly got to know us from our Internet website. I suspect it's because of our recent audition in Penang and JB. And honestly... I am pretty impressed with the new girls!
Here's one beautiful model.... who came all the way from JB and we shot her in the studio yesterday till 12am; with Cocorich girl Sharon Lim (she models for the new Cocorich design-collections.)
Photo below: Sharon Lim, modeling for Cocorich's Ideas blouse.
Don't miss out the chance to catch Sharon, in Nikonian Academy's upcoming Swimsuit Photography class in June 2008!
Title: Shot Asus Computers' new ad campaign today. Date: 24th June 2008 12 photos, 6 portrait shoots and 6 product photos, taken exclusively for Asus Computer on their new super-small notebooks and their new GPS-enabled cellphones. The notebooks run on SSD and has no hard disk! Priced around RM1500 each (depending on models). Cheap aren't they?!!
We always say on stage during our lectures and talks about us using 8 to 10 Nikon speedlights running fully on CLS... now you get to see how we do it LIVE. We were NOT joking.
Allow me to explain why we need 8 Nikon SB800s and SB600s. We DID not add lights mid-way through the shoot. The 8 lights were planned from the beginning.
1. Nikon SB800 as the main light, on a shoot through umbrella. 2. Nikon SB600 on honeycomb to give the cellphone that 'twinkle'. 3. Nikon SB600 to give the money plant behind the model (her name is Ice) that well-lit defination. Otherwise the plant will look flat. 4. Nikon SB600 on honeycomb to give the Ice that perfect hair-light on the right side of her head. It gave her hair the lovely yellowish tone and highlights. 5. Nikon SB800, to light up the backdrop, so that it looks clean and white. 6. Nikon SB600, to light up the left side of her hair, again to achieve the 'shampoo-ad-like' hair light/shine. 7. Nikon SB600 behind the backdrop, on a honeycomb, to achieve a 'pseudo' ceiling-light effect that shines on the photos 'hung' from our paper backdrop. Later, near the end of the shoot, we added a yellow gel to achieve that certain yellow-light effect. 8. Nikon SB800, mounted on my camera: as a CLS master trigger and also to give it that little light on her body, near her hands.
9. Nikon SB800, not seen in the photo, is mounted on my partner's camera. Sean took this shot of the set, just to show in CLS class why CLS is very powerful in creating such well-defined and well-light photo.
Sorry,... we (yes, I shot the series with my shoot partner, Sean) can't post the photos yet, because we will have to ensure that Asus deploys the ad campaign first, next month.
Now, you know why we need 8? And, honestly, if I have had my way,... I would use 10 flashes, flash no. 9 would be somewhere between Flash 5 and 6, pointed on the couch behind the model, to give the couch that definition, so that it does not look like it's 'stuck' to the backdrop. Flash no. 10 would be below flash 1, on a shoot through umbrella, just to light her abdomen. That, would have been just perfect! But, sadly, my dad does not own the flash factories of Nikon... so we will have to comprise a little! Flash 6 making do for Flash 9 and Flash 8 doubling as Flash 10.
Remember, when you shoot in studios, the subjects and the props must be well-defined with lights, so that they 'pop' out. Otherwise, they will look flat. And also, remember this,... there's NEVER enough lights... more lights, more 'pop's, more 'pop's more amazing the photos will turn out... (in many cases, we use one flash for ONE item in the photo, eg: 1 flash for the model's earrings, the necklace, the hands, the bangles, the props, etc)
(Oh, just so you know, the shot is ONLY to shoot up to her waist level! Pretty tight crop, I must say. Imagine shooting her whole body! We'll probably used 14 lights!)
Want to learn how to do this? Want to know the exact lighting ratios, the flash zoom settings, the flash angles, the light placements & the distance? (Oh, not forgetting the control of shadows too! More lights mean more shadows)
Nope, we are NOT showing off, but we REALLY need MORE lights, really!
Title: Nygaard-Andersen sisters' private portrait commission. Date: June 2008
2 photos, from a series of private portrait shoot, commissioned by two charming and witty sisters, from Norway... It was amazing working with you both! The ideas! Wildly out of this world!
*Credit: Mr. Mar, for being my lighting specialist. Mr. Mar is from Nikonian Academy. Shot exclusively with Nikon D300s and 6 to 8 Nikon SB600 and SB800 flash, running on Nikon CLS. Thank you, Mar.
Therese
Therese (left) and Christine (right)
Title: The new Western Digital print-ad campaign featuring me endorsing their external 2TB Hard disk. Date: June 2008
A super device, i tells ya! Well done, WD! It's blazing fast (especially when running on Firewire on the studio's Macs) Got this ad from June 2008 HWM magazine...
(Photo credit: Main portrait - Bosco, inset photo - Mr. Mar, a Nikonian Academy participant. Inset photo, 'surf-girl' model - Therese Nygaard-Andersen, from Norway. Thank you, all!)
Title: SGXFaces' 3-day audition in Johor Bahru Date: 20, 21 & 22 June 2008
Two weeks ago, it was in Penang, with Michelle, Jeslyn and Sharon Beh being the judges. Last week, it was in Johor Bahru. This time, Michelle, Sharon and Trisna were the judges.
We met around 15 applicants coming for the public audition in Johor. And we are proud to announce we have selected 4 models to enter our agency.
Here are some photos taken by me of the audition:
Michelle, Trisna and Sharon being the judges of the JB public audition.
Michelle, listening to an applicant during the interview process.
Judges/Models Trisna and Sharon grading the applicants.
And who says it's easy looking for new models? And who says it's easy trying to get in SGXFaces?
Liselle, a new model from Johor (during a test-shoot session). Perfect skin! SGXFaces is proud to be your agency. Congrats, Liselle! (Everyone agreed she looks like Michelle Chan, owner of SGXFaces... doesn't she? LOL)
Title: My two-day workshop with Bridge Knowle on Body Language in Selling and Negotiation Date: June 16th to 17th 2008
9 participants and organized by my portfolio managing firm, Bridge Knowle. Held in Boulevard Hotel Business Center, Mid Valley, KL. One of my most favorite group of participants so far. Love spending the two days with them.
Title: Michelle and Latte Date: June 5th 2008
Berieve you me when I tells ya that this is only the SECOND time I have shot her photos! Allow me to introduce the fine lady behind/beside me,... my wife; Michelle (not the hairy one; The hairy one is Latte, her Cocker Spaniel).
I did both the make-up and the shoot. Make-up courtesy of Beautilicious cosmetics (Thanks to Julie Wong, the CEO of Beautilicious - cool lady she is!)
Title: My four-day workshop with Yamaha Music Date: June 3rd 2008
Organized through the training firm, Bridge Knowle, photos from the two-day Body Language in Selling & Negotiation workshop for Yamaha Music. Group A group photo.... 30 of them action-oriented sales team. Fun gang,... participants that left good impression on me: - Ravin - a very passionate senior manager in Yamaha (a natural mirroring expert). - Lim - a very experienced and proven sales person - Darren & Kelvin - noisy, fun and made all the hard work worth it! - Dolly - truly inspiring - Regina - a real bubbly 'feel' character - Eric - loud, confident and efficient - Michael - gentlemanly honest
Can't wait to start with Group B tomorrow! (Yup, another 30 Yamaha employees).
Thank you, all... I learnt too, from each and everyone of you. Thanks for the great fun. Seeing you all in action during the live negotiation exercise... unbelievable!
The Sweet Deal hands-on exercise (photo below)...
Catch the Liar game... Darren calling Julie's bluff (below).
Ravin telling a lie with a twisted smile...
Andrea Fong:
Group B: The big honchos of the company. Mostly senior managers of the company in this group. Very experienced and creative group...
The honor has been mine to be in the same room with you all... people that made an impact: - Sharon - Raymond - Shannon (you should see the passion when it comes from the heart) - Shiew Pei - Chiam - Sally - Ms. Lau - Carolina - Nurul
Title: My seminar at ING Insurance's national conference in Genting Highland Date: 8th May 2008
A full house attendance of more than 1500 participants in my talk for ING Insurance's Implementing Body Language in Selling. A two hour seminar. Thank you, ING, for being such a good host...
Title: Mr. Sean Liew Sean Liew Date:5th May 2008
Who says I only shoot girls, eh? Wrong... I specialize in portraiture,.. not just girls... (LOL) Shot with a Nikon D300 + Nikon F2.8 17-55 lens (mother-of-a-lens!)
Title: Show Girl & SGXFaces fashion spread Date:5th May 2008
Title: It's been a while, isn't it? Date:4th May 2008
It's been a while, ain't it, since you last see me posting my commercial works on my blog? Got got, dun worry... just been too busy with SGXFaces and Nikonian Academy shoots. Well, here's one... shot for Pappa Rich and Pappa Kopitiam restaurant chain. They are making huge posters and wallpapers for their new restaurant outlets all over KL.
Models: Natasha, Evelyn, Haidar (Yes! Haidar the pro photographer, lol) and Alif. All models, as usual from my modeling agency SGXFaces. Shot with 5 Nikon SB600 and SB800 flashes, using a Nikon D300 body.
Title: Chris Lee Date:3rd May 2008
The long lost Chris Lee, modeling for Nikonian Academy's B2I Photography class.... well done, girl! You still look super! So super that, next month, Chris and I will be shooting a series of fashion spread for SGXFaces and also Cupid de com.
Title: Charice Pempengco Date:1st May 2008
You ain't seen (or heard) jack-shit till you see (or hear) this little girl sing! She's 15 years old this May... And here's Charice Pempengco, doing a cover of Jennifer Holliday's "And I'm Telling You I'm Not Going" on The Ellen DeGeneres show. Trust me, if you have heard the original version of this song, you would agree with me that Charice Pempengco does it way better than Jennifer Holliday!
Note: Watch out for the superb 'show-girl-ship': The impressive 'stage-walking' (done so impromptu that Ellen's camera crew had to play catch-up with her... note their shadows), the famous 'Ha-Ha' part of the song and the awesome 'mic switching-hands throw' of this lil girl...
Title: Night photography, from Ben's condo, with Ben's Nikon D300 Date:26th April 2008
I shot this night photo at Ben's condo balcony. Hand-held, with his Nikon D300. No sharpening or any post production done.
Title: Kaney Date:18th April 2008
That look! We will get together one day and do some REALLY kick-ass beauty shoot of Kaney! Let's spend one full day (with my crew) and shoot ONLY 4 photos! Haute Couture style! Love them luscious lips!
Title: Evelyn Audrey Lee modeling for MyJewelry's ad campaign Date:17th April 2008
Title: MyJewelry Rubies Jewelry Photo Shoot Date:16th April 2008
Would you believe me if I tell you this photo is done with a RM380 Nikkor 50mm F1.8 lens and a single Nikon SB600 flash and no post production?
Title: Introducing Jenny Date:12th April 2008
Does she not look like Maggie Cheung, the Hong Kong actress? A very potential model,... Jenny. Yes, she's joining SGXFaces.
Title: Natasha, in our Outdoor Photography class Date:5th April 2008
Title: Natasha in my Nikonian Swimsuit Photography class Date:13th April 2008
Took this shot of one of my favorite models, Natasha,... dun you just love her sweet and soft smile?
Title: Wilma Eva Date:9th April 2008
Title: Remember Cindy Lim? Date:5th April 2008
Did a series of Cindy's bikini shoot in Batu Ferringghi when I was in Penang (went back for Bro Brandon's 90th birthday bash). Found out she's a Hosa sponsored model,... well done, girl!
Cindy has always been one of the easiest subject to shoot and work with. She poses well, has a distinctive smile and a great modeling and pageant profile to boot. Cindy's one of SGXFaces' most talented models.
And I bet many of you seldom see my beauty shots done in natural lighting, right? Well, here's one, done on a Nikkor F1.8 50mm. Shot in like 5 secs... lol...
