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 4 comments  

SEP Exhibition 2006
Monday, September 04, 2006

I went to the NUS SEP exhibition to have a look. Here are some pictures from the exhibition area. I thought some consolation prize winners of the photography competition could have gone up to better positions. Nope, I didn't enter the competition. The theme and requirement of the competition doesn't fit my style. Or maybe I should say I don't have any pictures that fit the requirements of the competition.

All pictures taken are with Nikkor 50mm f1.8 with aperture wide open. I'm beginning to love this little baby lens.

posted byWilliam at 10:19 PM 2 comments  

夜之蓝园

posted byWilliam at 2:12 AM 1 comments  

Picture of the Day: For Beer
Sunday, September 03, 2006

I totally enjoyed the performance put up by Anita and Esther yesterday. It's another valuable photographic learning experience for me too. The challenges were that the lighting was changing quite frequently and the spot-light was harsh on the performers' face.

While I organize and touch-up the photos from yesterday. Here's another picture I took during my Europe tour. Enjoy.

posted byWilliam at 11:45 PM 0 comments  

Picture of the Day - Silhouette Sunset @ Vienna
Saturday, September 02, 2006

I will be going for Anita's performance at YJC tomorrow. I'm quite excited and looking forward to hear, for the first time, Anita's twin sister powerful vocal. In the mean time, I have nothing much to update. Hopefully, I can get a video of their performance and post it here. Of course, not to forget pictures of the event.

posted byWilliam at 12:10 AM 0 comments