lighted darkroom photography

it's being a while

2009-11-01T12:07:00.005+08:00

When i sign in into my blog this afternoon, the song by STAIND-"it's being a while" simply started to play in my mind. Yup, it's being a while since i updated my blog. Honestly, since last august, i haven't got any weddings to cover. Actually 2 wedding was confirmed but 1 got cancelled due to the couple who is now living in singapore not confortable travelling back to miri at that time during the peak time of the H1N1virus. Understood because at that time i was even don't want to touch any supermarket door knob or being at any sosial place. Talk about insecurity huh.. Then the second one, the couple decided to cancelled my service because their friend will shoot for them. Well, that is part and partial of this business;although i still wouldn't say that i am doing this for business but simply a hobby. plus i offered myself as another alternative for couple that is tight on budget to hire a fulltime photographer.
So, past is past, the next wedding photography is this month and two couples had already booked me for their respective wedding in december. Looking forward to that! In the mean time, i'm enjoying some TFP/TFCD session with friends to brush up skilled & doing other style of photography. Below is a good friend of ours. I felt excited when she come up with a corporate theme for this shoot and i love it. Do enjoy!

ulek+kebing

2009-08-28T15:39:00.004+08:00

Date : 18.07.08
Event : Wedding Solemnization + Wedding Reception
Venue : KEC Miri + Mega Hotel Ballroom
Bridal House : Santiago Miri

Been a long long time since i updated my blog. I have been away these few weeks. Plus my new found cyber religon Facebook persuade's me to post photos there as it is easier and faster. Then, again this blog is my so called website. So, i'll try to update it more frequently.

Kebing & Ulek's wedding was filled with familiar faces. I've known Kebing when he was the safety officer for an oil & gas PSC company here in Miri. Fun guy to hang out with in offshore.
Their's photo s here i just try some sephia kind of feel onto it. Just to zest up this blog. haha..
I have to thank Karlos for inviting me for the event. Thanks dude!

herman+tina

2009-08-01T12:13:00.006+08:00

Date: 27.06.09
Event: Wedding Ceremony + Wedding Recption Dinner
Venue: Eastwood Garden Area + Eastwood Main Ballroom
Bridal + Makeup: Milano Bridal House

July was a very VERY hectic month for me. Attached to a new company, a last minute called up for a weddings plus another wedding to shoot did caught me off guard. But in the end, quality mattters the most. So i admit sometime it took more then 1 month to complete. But so far, i never exceed 2 months including the albums layout. So don't worry friends..

Restena & Herman held their wedding ceremony at the eastwood garden area called Mainbuilding Front. Don't ask me but that what it says at the hotel board. A close ceremony filled with family and close friend. These two avid golfers almost made me to put up golf ball on the slide. Enjoy the photos..

I bet Herman is a 6 footer!

Smile all around!

Herman is also a part of the band that played that night.

Having double vision? Restena & Jhenet are twins while her niece the bridesmaid are also twins!

Congrates to both of you. All the best All & God Blesses!

It's Friday People!

2009-07-17T04:28:00.006+08:00

Garden wedding is definately a the fav theme among photographers. Especially here in Sarawak rarely we had a garden wedding. Last year I had covered one while this year 2009 base on my bookings I only have one garden wedding.
However it is a bit tricky. When it is around 9am, the sun starts to shine termendously and one thing i hate the most during outdoor shooting is shadows. There's definately shadows at that time. To overcome that I'll use fill in flash. I know the flash will tick off the couple but i'll brief them in advance for that =). After all, we want good photos right. Always that is the priority. By the way, LIGHTED DARKROOM PHOTOGRAPHY (that is us k if you still don't know) have venture for better quality wedding albums. We manage to hooked up a deal with a local supplier from KL for compressed-magazine style album. yeaaa.. compressed album is much much better quality compare to the stick on album. printing will be done in KL too; So with all said,=) I'll maintain my price for stick on album whereby add on RM 200 (while the oil price is still $61.99 per barrel)for the compressed album. So the newly wed couple that is waiting for their album do contact me if you opt for the compressed album k. Ok that's that. Move on..

A few coming soon shots of the garden wedding of Tina & Herman. Just to keep you guys occupied for the weekend. Take care and have a peaceful week end!

Melvyn+Angie - nite

2009-07-13T10:40:00.009+08:00

continue from the earlier post.

Your pick b&w or coloured.

Both fathers gave a short introduction of their beloved child. Who else know them better if it is not their parents everything since diaper/napkin time. hehe.
Mr Bob Carroll

Mr Ang gave his side of Angie story..

And reminded Melvyn that he is retiring soon and it would be boring if no grandkids around.

The First Dance. the couple very nervous for this and even practice at the VIP room while waiting ..

but nailed it perfectly and end it with a drop+kick! wooohhaa!!

The Carrolls

I won't miss this angle everytime i'm in eastwood ballroom! all the time..

Brother V here making sure everything is smooth.. smooth operator? a glance some might tot he was the F&B Manager.. hehehe,..

St. Co group photos! "next to angie is my wife.. eheemm.. "

I enjoyed that night, my equipment was atentive and obeyed evey clicking and scrolling of my delicate fingering.. the MC was spot on, manage to create the lively and fun yet romantic everning, venue was superbs.. food not sure because most of the time not at table.. hehe.. all in all one of the best wedding this years. CONGRATES TO ANGLE AND MELVYN for a wonderful wedding and All the best in your marriage .. God Bless!

melvyn+angeline -day

2009-07-13T08:50:00.009+08:00

Date : 04.07.09
Event: Wedding Solemnization + Wedding Reception
Venue : Meter Dei Church + Eastwood Golf Course and Country Club
Bridal House + Make Up: Wedding Couture

As per my previous post, May, June July is a very hectic period of weddings. This is my third saturday in a row that i had wake up at 6am. Not that i am complaining but doing thing that you enjoy just makes you jump out of the bed. Being paid for doing things that you enjoyed doing is a BONUS. hehe.. A friend told me that exact word that night which remind me of David Beckham during an interview way long time ago when he was still donning the number 10 Man U shirt. " i enjoy playing football. my childhood hobby. being paid to doing things that i enjoyed doing is a BONUS." Enough about me; i'm kind of a chatter box when come to writings. hehe..

I did a photo shoot with these two sometime last year when i got my first dslr. I was eagerly sharping my skill, while they want their photos taken and so much in love that time and until now obviously. Soooo many nice photos to post but little space to put in on,, love the venue both church and eastwood ballroom. The chruch gave a pure, clean whitey and close family kind of feeling, while the eastwood never failed to impress we with the majestic and grand finale of a wedding day.. here i go again.. pak pak pak like a duck..

The Mater Dei Church

The First Kiss.. the alter boy is looking closely..

After the wedding, time to enter her new house Angie..

Asia @ 8th month old

2009-07-02T09:09:00.003+08:00

While waiting for mama finish her jog, i had a one on one session with asia. she is quite responsive when ask her to pose.. to my clown face maybe..

daphne photoshoot

2009-06-30T12:54:00.004+08:00

I was extremely honour when I was invited to join a group of enthusiastic photographers for a photoshot outing with a model in the making. It is always an opurtinity to learn sumthing and at the same time to enchance the photoskill & refresh yourself and a new sets of photos. And i won't do any justice if i don't mention that our model of the day was a very pretty & talented young lady. She's an undergrad from Curtin and also the treasurer of the student commitee.. =) happy viewing..

jason + linda

2009-06-24T12:33:00.011+08:00

Date : 06.06.09
Event : Kenyah Custom Soul Bonding (Perikatan)+ Wedding Recption
Venue : Linda's Residence + Imperial Hotel
Make Up : Wedding Couture Miri

Linda and Jason actually had their wedding solemnization in Tambunan Sabah a week earlier and also held a reception at KK Sabah. So they decided to share their momentous moment also with family and friends in Miri & Baram side as well. Linda is a Kenyah from Baram while Jason is a Sabahan bah.. bulih.. hehe.. I was thrilled when they brief me on the kenyah custom wedding and honored to be their photographer for the day.
The couple had being checking my blog & facebook waiting for me to post their photos.. =)

by the way, they are in KK now so the fastest way is through the net.. right.. yeaahh. So, enjoy!

Earlier the same day, Kenyah Custom "Soul Bonding". I think that is what the headman told me.. Enjoy!

upcoming

2009-06-22T13:33:00.004+08:00

This week is my final week at the company. No, i yet to venture fulltime in photography. I still think the local market still too small and the established bridal had clawed in all potential client. No worries,i like it like this,, photoshoot during week end, PP the photos at night and have a quiet time on Sunday with my family. I thank God for all the blessing and having a really supportive wife is a BONUS. =)

Another teaser. A Kenyah custom wedding between a Kenyah maiden with a Sabahan. Stay tune..

mark+sylvia

2009-06-15T14:54:00.006+08:00

Date : 30th May 09
Event : Wedding Solemnization + Reception Dinner
Venue : SIB Canada Hill + Main Ballroom, Eastwood Valley Golf & Contry Club
Make up + Hair : Amy Hair Sallon

Sylvia call me up to ask about my package & sample. It was sometime early this year. I set a meet up and was taken off guard when she was with her mother.. so mother nego skill profound ably was top class and i was booked in an instant. hahaha.. Don't get me wrong. Nothing hostile or what. Just a soft glance from mother, i gave an interesting package to the couple. God bless all mothers.

The wedding was fill with familar faces, kelabit & kayan clan. Sylvia's sis was my uni-mate and they is a huge resemblance between them. Being the youngest in the family, it was an emotional feeling at times for the sisters to let go their baby sis. oh, i am being emo here.. nevertheless, the wedding was very lively and so was the reception. Two pro Sape player was strumming all night the hypnotic tune. A lot of interesting program was put up. Fun couple fun company.. happy viewing..

We had a short photoshoot at marina bay after the wedding. Never too hot for some pose right guys.

peak season

2009-06-04T21:03:00.005+08:00

It is the wedding peak season again.. Since last week i had two wedding already. I was extreamly excited after shelfing my marker for almost 2 months.. here's a sneak peak on what i am working on lately. On top of all the wedding photos, I had a lot of shots during the gawai festival that i spent at shawry's kampung.. Asia really enjoy the attention there. Till then, time to burn the midnight oil.. duh..

away

2009-05-11T07:17:00.007+08:00

Some might think I have throw the towel and left. No updates for 2 weeks. I am actually away to a very remote location where only 74 of us on a 70meter x 20meter steel structure with 40 meter high. But necesity of life is sufficient here. Overflowing actually.
We had Sunday buffet yesterday; crab, prawn, BBQ fish & beef,all the best food here. Drinks, Coke, 100plus, dutch lady fresh milk (full cream & low diet) are all free to access. Hot straight from the oven pizza every Wednesday & Saturday noon tea time. We got laundry service, gym room and PS2 played on the cinema screen.
But all these luxury is on a gas reservoir. Gas being pump up to the surface though a conductor pipe, flowline straight to a contactor vessel(a tank). Separation process, again & again until at last being export to shore. But all this process is extreme dangerous and heavy work. Gas & condensate are highly flammable. All pipes & vessel are high pressure and can burst out form any of loosen flange or undercut welding. Life here are actually living by a thread here. Our work are always being interupted by now and then due to overpressure or passing (sipping gasses).
But on top of that being away from your love one does make it tough. I missed my family. Wonder what is asia & mother doing right now.. take care you two.. love & kisses..

I want to share this photo I took prior mob to work.. I can't wait to be home.

walk in the park

2009-04-14T10:27:00.012+08:00

It is a low peak season for weddings this month and last month.. After February, after CNY, that's how it is. Does it got sumthing to do with the global economic? maybe.. and it also does sumthing to do with the school holidays. A friend of mine told me it's the new year. Come new year, the couple normally evaluate their relationship, where are they heading to. they will be thinking of their age, and ask each other and even challange each other to get married. So that will kick start the whole process.. the meet the parents, do the budget planning, start to scout for bridal house, start listing the wedding commitee, emcee, band, bridemaid, flower girl, bestman(normally last cos guys potrays coolness when do things last minute)etc. during this time, the internet is like is like a big bro/sis and you started to bookmarked or your favorite box list is filled up!
yeah, been there done that.. the whole none yard!after all, normally our community does not use any wedding planner service..

So, since this month is a bit free, and i don't want to start slacking, i started a small project. I started to fill up my stock photo. Online stock photos are where you can publish your photos and someone around the world might buy it. Some site in the net is free sign up. Below are some photos i got last weekend while waiting for Asia's mama make porridge (AirAsia label it Congee, to sound more mysterious maybe..)btw, my next wedding assignment is next mth, 2 weddings in a row for three days. So stay tune for more object, flora & landscape view ..

I was trying my best to get a sharp macro look using my kit lens. And using manual focus to ensure the photos not soft looking. but i still have to shoot all wide open to ensure a short depth of field to isolate the focus from the surrounding.

Asia is 5 months old!

2009-03-31T16:33:00.011+08:00

Asia giving the thinking pose.

Asia giving her piece sign. Low light = high noise = D40x .. hehe (patience my son... soon.. soon.. that's what yoda told luke skywalker)

It have been quite a long time since I posted Asia photos. She is 5 month plus already and does time's flies passed really fast. She just recovered from her flu and she is very hyperactive now. She started to rolls and flip like beef burger on the hot pan. Everyday is a blessing for us seeing her with her stunt. She is still on breast feeding and formula fed when mama is not around. Meaning, i don't have to wake up in the middle of the night cos mama milk.. And yesterday, while mama was out i feed her formulated milk (less glamour called instant milk/cow milk) she insist to hold the bottle by herself. I had a good laugh at her when she try to figure out why she can't aim the nipple into her mouth. After a few attempt she manage to adjust, aim and plug it in. I did caught the whole action on my phone video. After i figure out how to down size the video i'll upload it here.. hehe..

zam+saiful

2009-03-20T14:56:00.014+08:00

Event : Malay Wedding / Bersanding
Date : 7 Feb 09
Venue : Mega Hotel, Miri
Bridal Make Up + hair : Anna Bridal Miri.

Had to wake up early that day. I guess this job had change me to be an early person. Zamilah here was early and running to checking up all are in place.

I come to understand that Malay Custom Wedding had a few stages and even Miri & Kuching had different style doing it. There are Akat Nikah, Bersanding, Merenjit and tepung tawar, Berlulut to name a few. I am still lost in all these but it sure expose me to various weddings and i was very attentive through out the weddings to learn all this so that i am always ready to shot when required.

I would not miss this angle whenever i'm shooting at Mega Hotel.

My guy here posted like Sultan Melaka. Off course I force him to and i like it.

I had a lot of close angle shot here and i cherish more close cropped images where it shows the emotion and your focus on the photos will zero in to them only rather than a wide angle images where we tent to focus on the surrounding too.

Here's a wide angle that i was murmuring about.

Cooling off after a hectic day.

Wash off you feet before going to bed. =)

I have been a bad blogger recently. So i won't leave my blog with out any update for this week end. How ever, due to a problem with my "photo hoster" i can only upload these photos.. =( I guess we only can plan but alas we did our best already so just be content and feel happy on all the effort. Have a great week end people. I know I will.

For Zamilah & Saiful, congrates and all the best to you two! Living in KL not a cup of tea for me but wish you two all the best and bahgia ke anak cucu.. I have to say you two are a crazy fun couple to photograph! CRAIZIIIYY!!! =)

the sun will eventually starts to shine again

2009-03-17T12:30:00.006+08:00

I have to admit being a first hand father, planner during the day and moonlighting as a wedding photographer is not easy. Asia was down with flu during the weekend. All job or planning was put on hold. Pity her she have to breath with her mouth. Then it leads to windy stomach. That leads to loose stool (cirit bah). And feeding her with the medicine was not easy task as well . She will shut her mouth shut and gag her self with her hand whenever she saw the non- needle syringe (they should figure this during my childhood time!) She don't even want to cry to make sure she don't open hear mouth. So, i don't even have time to wash my car and my lawn looks like a hutan skunder too!
I was very happy when my uncle popped up at my gate with a bush cutter and offer to cut my lawn since he have done his. And then my father drop by nad refill my fire wood stock too! Hey, looks like then sun starts to shine again.

This week we'll have our Festival of Praise concert and our kugiran will play the opening night. And i'm playing the guitar. So before all the madness with the rehersal and practice, I'll post my recent work in a bit. Tomorrow to be precise. In the mean time, i post these photos, as a 'coming soon to a theater near you '

Note : Any one interested for the concert? (we'll playing heavy stuff folks!hehe) Dewan Suarah Miri @ 630pm @ 18 March 09. Entrance Fee is RM 10, for the cause!

august+kalentina

2009-02-26T19:38:00.012+08:00

Event : Wedding Solemnization+Reception
Date : 27 Dec 08 ( yeah,i know its late)
Venue : St Joseph Church+Dynasty Hotel Miri
Bridal House Make Up & Do : Chris Studio

I really like this catch! hi speed shutter effect!

You just can't separate guys with their tools..

Elegently exiting their ride.. hehe..

After the wedding solemnization we went for a outdoor shoot. I was a bit worry tought i was going to rain when the cloud was very gloomy and black.. but end up liking it.. dramatic leh..

Then we stop by at Marina Bay.. I am not a fan of the venue. but it didn't fail us. i just love the green healthy grass. remind me the green pasture of christchurch new zealand.(never been there actually) i have to admit Marina Bay is a great spot for outdoor shoot i tell you.. so next time if you are trying to hard to be different by looking for other venue in Miri, yet fail, drop by at Marina Bay.

It was a windy day that day, tina's hair was all over her face. but somehow it does compliment this image. and the projectory of this image was spot on. uuuu..

The reception was held at Dynasty Hotel Miri.. You just have to be extra careful during their entrance. With dimmed light, your have to be super fast to change the camera setting.

Lastly the lighted darkroom signature wine flowing.. a symbol of blessing flowing onto the couple and flow like a river continuously to all immediate family and flow further to all big family and friends.. hmmmmm........

whatever the futures hold, i will always be around

2009-02-23T16:31:00.014+08:00

i am still around, running in circle.. one more wedding album to go and i am back on track, on my usual life track.. usual normal self.. but actually normal is ordinary, normal is boring. we should strive and change ordinary to extraordinary.. should do that. Create extraordinary out of ordinary.. huh??

this post is a sneek peek what i am going to post in a day or two. a coming soon banner. a teaser. although it takes eternity to complete the post processing work, i believe it worthwhile..

the last image reflect the couple new beginning stride forward hand in hand to the unknown. although the weather is gloomy, whatever the future hold, i will always be around.. casanova eh..

my fighting stance

2009-02-16T09:52:00.003+08:00

kids during group photos always have their own world.. check out these two; the other one is wong fei hong showing his fighting stance while the other might be his director looked disgust at his actor's acting skill.. hehe..

tribute to the ladies

2009-02-09T16:42:00.005+08:00

I take my hat's off to all brides. As most of us, our culture still have not adapt to the wedding planner concept, ALL if not most of the preparation are done by the bride them self. running here and there; surfing termendeously on the internet like months before, shopping for stuff; design invitation cards.. and the to do list is like forever stays until the last minute only can be crossed off. to top it further most of them will have to stay awake til the wee hours to adjust the table seatings, rearrange the slide show or montage, even sew the labucci on their wedding gown at the night before. Then have to wake up at 5am to get ready for make up and all. So i salutes you guys err ladies.

I had a malay wedding last weekend. it was an early weekend for me.. so i post this teaser for a while.. and my post is sooo just around the chicane.. stay tune..

asia-15th week

2009-02-02T09:30:00.003+08:00

Asia was really2 sleepy after a Sunday day out last week. Her Mama got her a new pet last month. So every time she sleep we'll put it on her to make her feel pampered or feel save during her sleep. Well that is what most books says lah..

wynneer+adrina

2009-01-29T10:40:00.010+08:00

Date : 20th Dec 08
Venue : Everly Park City Bintulu + Ming Ong Methodis Church
Equipment : Nikon D40X + SB900 Speed light

modern photography

2009-01-09T11:17:00.004+08:00

Sometimes an image with to many distraction needs extra editing to make it become the top of the crop picture.
Like i said in my eariler post, i am spending more time on my editing to set a high benchmark on my work.