Sports Day
Thursday, September 07, 2006
I was reluctant to play at sports day when I was allocated to play basketball (BBall) since I never had good ball sense; I'm just afraid of losing face. Surprisingly, I enjoyed myself at the sports day. I had no complains although I was allocated to play BBall when I signed up for Captain's ball. New friends made and new bonds formed at the court.
Yu3 Zhen4, if I don't remember the name wrongly, is an experienced player and he gave us lots of guidance on the court. In first 15-min half, I just ran up and down the court chasing the ball; so did most of the other players. There was no strategy. In the second half, Yu3 Zhen4 strategized a man-marking scheme and we managed to regain 6 points in a row during the first 5 min. Even though we lost to the staff team, I really enjoyed the feeling of panting badly and sweating profusely in the 100% humidity 30 degrees Celcius weather. I think the rest of the 44 fellow course-mates must have enjoyed themselves too. Many had the chance to know that-unknown-gal/guy who has been in the same course for three years. At least I had!
Ah, another interesting new friend is an Indian who speaks super fluent Chinese; he is Leonard, who is a full-time teaching assistant. I met him during my CM1101 TA duty today and he tried to speak to me in Chinese. I think I must be hearing things and I continued to speak to him in English in the lab. (If you know me, I WILL speak Chinese if the other person initiates a conversation in Chinese.) It's only in the staff club that I overheard him speaking Chinese then I know he spoke to me in Chinese. Gosh! He has been learning and speaking for over 30 years! No wonder, he is this good.
There was a lucky draw and as always, no exceptions for the past 23-years: I didn't win. The staff teams beat us in every game. They are good. Prof Sam Li, who is my supervisor, is quite fit. I saw him running up and down the soccer pitch while many took a slower pace. Prof Andy Hor announced at the end of the event that there will be re-matches; I'm looking forward to them.
Sports photography is not easy. I have heard tips on putting the camera on burst mode and seive out the junks at the end. I was wondering about the focusing of the scene. If the players are running about so rapidly, wouldn't it be difficult to accurately focus on the subject on burst mode? Afterall, this is my first attempt at sports photography. I shouldn't be too critical. Shall improve in the future.
I didn't take my wide-angle lens to school. I'm stuck with 50mm and 70-200mm which are far too narrow for group portraits. Darn, going to bring the 12-24mm to school next week. Just in case I need it sometimes.
Talking about portraits. I talked to Junie about convocation portraits since she had hers taken after she got her Bachelor. I'm trying to find out more about these portraits since I have plans to take pictures for my friends after Commencement. Gotta research on the contemporary styles, the locations (since I don't have access to a studio), lighting techniques, posing (the toughest of all)... Well, I have got 10 months to do it, should be enough time.
In any case, if you are keen to join in this outdoor convocation portrait project of mine, feel free to contact me. I will gladly work out your best album within my ability. Or if you want to spend $300+ on that album, do speak to a professional photographer. Mine is free, just be my model and pay for all the printings.
posted byWilliam at 11:34 PM
hey..nice prof sam li pix!hehe..he looks so cute adorable.. =p
gd luck on ur research for ur outdoor convocation portrait project!! i wanna participate leh!hehe
yumin
Hi Yumin, thanks for dropping by. I will keep you informed of the progress of the convocation portrait project.
just wondering.. can ask family along too? hahaha..
anita
yes, i can take family portrait for you. give me more information about the number of people involved. i would prefer outdoor family portrait since i do not have studio lighting. do tell me your desired photography locations. if u have no preference, i will scout out good locations on your behalf.