Jollence Lee Photography Blog | Sabah Freelance Photographer | Landscapes | Nature | Commercial

Video I created for Borneo Geographic using D5100

2011-09-24T20:27:00.000+08:00

Travel video North Borneo Railway
Camera: Nikon D5100
Edited with imovie Mac

What happen lately

2011-07-19T01:32:00.000+08:00

Ok folks, I had been so lazy updating this blog lately. It is simply because I had been slowing down taking pictures. I sold my D300 camera and leave me only with the new D5100. Yes! It was an impressive camera for an entry level camera.

Couple of things I like to stress out here, I had stop doing wedding photo assignment. For anyone call me for wedding photo inquiries, I don't do wedding anymore. If you are looking for commercial photographer.. yes I'll do that. I do blog, website designing now. You can look for me if you want to create a website or redesigning it. I'll charge fairly good. Want to create a website for your business.. I do that aswell.

For photography things I will start posting it in my photography website blog at www.jollenceleephoto.com its not much yet in there but you can bookmark it for latest updates from me. Thanks you so much for being a loyal reader of my blog.

Juvenile White Bellied Sea Eagle

2011-03-22T12:20:00.000+08:00

So excited that finally manage to get this kind of shot, it is long awaited dream of getting a shot of bird in flight from the front.

Pre Wedding Session - Ray & Christy

2011-02-23T02:56:00.000+08:00

A stitch panorama on train

I am trying to slow down wedding job and concentrate on the other niche but can't. This probably my last pre wed session. Ray and Christy from Hong Kong. They flew all the way from Hong Kong to Sabah and do the photo session. Me and Wendell did the job. I will continue shooting for none wedding portrait session but that is not main thing. Anyone can still contact me for photo session, I'll do it depending on my schedule.

The Blind Photographer

2011-02-17T10:08:00.000+08:00

Have you ever imagine being in the world of the blind people who cannot see anything but just sound. This is even more difficult for blind person to do photography as he/she cannot see what they were capturing.

This art photographer Pete Eckert really did it even though he cannot see. Surrounding sound and his dog is the only guidance he has.

Here is another video of another blind artist talk about their image creation.

New Site design

2011-02-09T23:11:00.000+08:00

Hi guys, I just finished changing style on my website www.jollenceleephoto.com . I kinda not into really static site so the old one is more on a static kind of site and it is hard to add new stuff in an instant. So I made this new one which a little bit user friendly. I made it link with with my blog where in the new site design you can see what new in my blog too. Now I'm slowly adding new stuff in there and you can start to have a visit on it.

Front page

The gallery

Startrail Workshop January 2011

2011-01-04T22:27:00.000+08:00

This coming Saturday on 8th Jan 2011, my first workshop for this year is the most requested startrail workshop. This will the first startrail workshop and it will be held in Kota Kinabalu. The 2nd startrail workshop will be on the 15th Jan if you cannot make it for the 8th Jan. The workshop cost is RM100 per person.

Gear:
1. Dslr Camera
2. Tripod
3. Cable release
4.Laptop.

Contact for spot. jollence@yahoo.com sms/call: 013-8594775

I'm into surfing now

2010-12-28T08:55:00.000+08:00

Ok It has been quite sometime since my last posting here, anyway just to let you know I'm into surfing now. Bodyboading, surfboard, paipo boarding yes all of that. Anyway here is one magazine that I have read just for share.

December Workshop Tambunan

2010-11-29T00:52:00.000+08:00

North Borneo Safari & Tambunan Village Homestay is organizing a photography workshop for Tambunan area on the 7th & 8th of December and invited me to be the speaker for the workshop. I will be sharing my knowledge about photography starting from basic photography to landscape photography and post processing of images. For registration you can contact Ms Carol at tel no: 089-235525 or email: nbsafari@streamyx.com

If you already registered the workshop then we'll meet there!

Old Photos in Hardisk

2010-10-30T15:00:00.003+08:00

As I open my hardisk photo storage, I found some images that never been publish before hidden. Often when we are on the assignment trip or photo trip. We intent to shoot a lot and often we are looking for a killer shot. But more often we forget to look at other images in the same batch which is also worth to look at. In my case, this are some of the images that I found in my hardisk that I had been keeping for awhile and never looked at.

Rainforest startrail

2010-10-22T23:19:00.000+08:00

Ok.. during the bird festival I did a startrail shot from the balcony of the restaurant Keruing, I only manage to get a 45 minute long of startrail. Luckily I start doing it when it was still early dusk, I'm able to get the bluish sky.

Borneo Bird Festival 2010

2010-10-22T23:13:00.001+08:00

Its a relief when the event is ended. Being an official photographer for the event was really tiring when you are one man show. The festival was much better this year, more people came to the festival and participate in many programs. The bird race was having more participant than last year. The weather was been pretty good. Rain came on the launching day just to cool down the temperature but the rest of the event was being in a good weather. I even manage to get few startrail photos.

The talk was pretty interesting, we got Dr Pilai Poonswad from Thailand who talk about Hornbill of the world and it was fascinating and interesting seeing how they do the conservation work for hornbill. Dennis Salvador from Philippines talks about "Monkey Eating Eagle". There more other speakers did an interesting talks.

Anyway here are some photos for share in here.

Junior bird race

Dr. Pilai Poonswad

Datuk Masidi becoming a member of BOBC

Bird race flag off

BOBC Borneo Bird Club logo launch

Shooting the Bristlehead

Nikon Booth

Nikon gunners

Abby with her sand art

WWF

From pro camera to compact then to mobile phone.

Datuk Masidi "I'm a Nikon guy my self"

Winner for the Bird Photography Contest, my picture got third place.

Borneo Bird Club finally registered

Free Desktop wallpaper with November 2010 calendar

2010-10-08T00:46:00.001+08:00

Its a free download wallpaper of 1280x800 size comes with November 2010 calendar on it. Simply click the photo to open large then right click then choose set as background or you can just save it to your computer. Hope you like it.

2nd Borneo Bird Festival 2010 RDC Sandakan, Sabah

2010-10-02T10:38:00.001+08:00

Mastering Waterfall mini workshop

2010-09-28T14:16:00.003+08:00

This tutorial, I will be showing how to get a fine print waterfall shot. Learn how to overcome highlights and shadows during the moment you shoot with your camera. I also will be showing on how to get the silky soft effect on the waterfall.

Feng Shui Photos Make It Saleable

Each photos of a waterfall have it Feng Shui value. As a photographer, he or she need to know how to create such images and its an added value to the shot that he/she made and make it more saleable.

- Location of the on field workshop is Kionsom Waterfall Inanam.

- Meeting point, Kopitiam Inanam behind KFC at Taipan.

- Time meeting 6.30am, 1st Oct 2010

Gears

Camera Dslr, tripod, cable release, polarizer filter or ND filters.

Getting ready "2nd Borneo Bird Festival" and few updates from me.

2010-09-25T00:00:00.000+08:00

Ok, I just finish designing the new banner for the 2nd Borneo Bird Festival which going to take place on the 15th - 17th October 2010 at Sepilok Rainforest Discovery Centre Sandakan. I'm sure it gonna be a real blast for birders and photographers. There will be a bird photography competition as well and great prizes await. Log on to www.borneobirdfestival.com for more info.

Road Show

Another thing is also happening in Sandakan is on the 9th October 2010 there will be a road show at Giant for Nikon and the Bird festival. It will be an interesting road show so be sure to visit the booth if you are happen to be in Sandakan during that time.

Meliau Range

Ok tomorrow I will be going in to Meliau Range in Telupid. It also will be with Cede's party. We will be staying at the resthouse(will let you know about it soon). I am really looking forward to get some landscapes shots there and might be some startrail if weather permiting. I heard the place have some rivers and nice scene. I'm really looking forward to get into new territory that I never visited before.

Workshop

Ok.. there will be a mini workshop soon after I got back from the trip. This will be all about landscape photography and its not for beginner. You must already know about shutter and aperture. If you still a beginner and need to learn about basic camera I suggested you to join John Kong Basic Photography workshop first. The John Kong in class workshop will continue with a weekend trip outside KK either the Tip of Borneo, island like Mantanani or the mountain. Just pick your trip destination depending on what you want to learn. My mini workshop are design for only organise in around area Kota Kinabalu only.

October Advance Mini Landscape Photography Workshop

1st October(Friday) - Mastering Waterfall and how to create saleable landscape image.

Location of workshop is Inanam Kionsom Waterfall. I purposely pick Friday so that less people in that area. Limited to 10 people. Call me or email me for subscribe. Cost RM100 per pax. Duration 4 hours.

Date TBA - Mastering Startrail

We will have to depend on the weather really for this workshop.

Date TBA - Urban nightscape.

Will be doing a Kota Kinabalu City walk. I will be tutoring about how to create and night scene travel photos.

That all for update for now. will be updating you all soon for more.

Few Shots All Time Favorite - Wedding Day

2010-08-31T01:02:00.000+08:00

Ok here are some of my all time favorite photos shots during actual wedding day. let me know which one you like the most.

Waiting Groom

The Happy Groom

Tambunan Wedding Tradition "Miohon Pinisi"

The Wedding Rings

Happy Bride

Walking to the Church

The Kiss

Kissing Silhouette

Hey!

Choir's Guitar

Rungus Dance

Assignment To Shoot Dragon Inn Resort

2010-08-24T00:36:00.000+08:00

It was a long traveling with my buddy Jason from Kota Kinabalu to Semporna. Almost 9 hours in total. Semporna is located on the far South East of Sabah North Borneo.Very famous with its world class diving spot. That is includes Sipadan Island made famous by Jacques Yves Cousteau.

Dragon Inn Resort is located near the Semporna town itself just within walking distance. It is quite an old resort but well maintain by it's owner. Constructed on stilt above the water using palm trunks for the walling and thatch roofing. It was actually really staying there, room is comfortable and also the seafood. Dragon Inn is well famous with is seafood. It was a short trip for me and Jason there, we only stayed there for two nights and move on to Sandakan. Here is some shots of the Dragon Inn.

The VIP's Chalet line up

One of the VVIP room

here is one of the scene you will see in the morning.

Borneo Bird Club Bird Survey Video Trailer

2010-08-16T23:20:00.000+08:00

Video was captured using Nikon D5000

I was with them for the bird survey at Batu Putih Kinabatangan and also at the Bidu-Bidu forest reserve Telupid.

Up coming Landscape Photography Workshop

2010-08-08T01:32:00.000+08:00

Ok folks, it has been sometimes since my last updates. Anyway me and John Kong are organizing an advance landscape photography workshop and it gonna be done in various location around Sabah focusing on what type of landscapes subject. We gonna start with Seascape photography and the location is The Tip Of Borneo. Yes indeed... It might be involve camping but we'll let you guys know about that soon.

Ok... what you will learn from this advance landscape photography workshop?

1. You will learn from the basic things of landscape photography into advance.

2. You will learn how to get the best composition on location.

3. The right Technic of using your photography tools.

4. How to create a sale able photograph.

well among all of these, the most important is to have fun on the trip.

ok another question, is this workshop is the right workshop for me?

This on field workshop is special design for those who already done the basic photography or

know about aperture, shutter, A,P,S & M mode. Our advise is if you still have no clue about your camera setting, you better join the basic photography theory first with our master John Kong. Then go for the advance. There will be another similar trip will be organize in the future so don't worry about missing the trip out.

Recent Trip

2010-07-18T10:12:00.000+08:00

Recently me and John Kong stayed for one week at Mesilau for a photography workshop for Sabah Park. Cede was only stayed with us for two nights and gone for Danum Valley. Me and John did some landscape shots while teaching the Sabah Park staff. Here are two shots for share. will be posting more soon so stay tune folks.

How to shot startrails with long single exposure.

2010-06-04T01:34:00.000+08:00

Ok as for many request then now decided to make a short tutorial on how to do startrails shot. There are two ways on creating startrails photo, one is a long single exposure and another one is taking dozens of photos of the star and put them together just like a "sandwich".

Right... for this post I'm going to teach you how to do the single long exposure startrails. To start, you need to have a Slr or Dslr camera that can do "Bulb" exposure. To find this on Dslr, just simply switch your camera Mode to Manual and turn the shutter speed dial until you got the "Bulb" word after the 30sec. Aperture you set it between f4 to f6, I do not recommend you to go furture that f6. Set your ISO to the lowest possible like ISO100. Ok.. now that you have the camera setting what you need to do next is to have you camera on a sturdy tripod. Put a cable release on camera.

I always recommend people to shot RAW as you can change the white balance later on computer if you need to change the color temperature. Make sure long exposure noise reduction is on in your camera.

You will have a problem in focusing your lens in the dark so always advisable to bring flash light and shine it to surrounding object and get your camera focus then switch it to manual focus (pre-focus). Before pressing the shutter, make sure you don't get any street light or any light disturbing the lens as later will create flare, use lens hood to cover.

Once everything is set then press the shutter release and lock it.

Note:
With the long exposure noise reduction on, it will take the same duration of the exposure to process, which mean.. if you expose the image in 30minute, the camera will take another 30minute to process the long exposure NR then you can see the result image. That why it is important to make sure all setting is correct before pressing the shutter.

Make sure you full charge you camera battery when doing startrail shooting and also important, bring along shooting buddy. It is not good to go alone, beside... it is not boring when you have soemone with you.

Happy shooting!

Nikon Photography Birdwatching Workshop Kinabalu Park

2010-05-30T22:18:00.002+08:00

Here come to the point that I'm very lazy to make a blogpost when bombarded with too many photos to edit. Ok .. earlier this month, we had a Nikon workshop held in Kinabalu Park. I'm not one ofthe speaker for the workshop but I was one of the on field photo instructor or a guide. It was a fun and I enjoy being with many photography enthusiast. Fun outing. The workshop was run smoothly. It was also the first of the kind of photography workshop that held here a charity photography workshop. There was an exhibition setup to sell print to raise fund for Chesire Home.

Here are some other link posted by Jason and cede about the workshop.

Jason's blog http://horukuru.blogspot.com/2010/05/nikon-birding-photography-workshop.html

Cede's blog http://cedeprudente.blogspot.com/2010/05/nikon-photography-birding-workshop-with_14.html

Few photos for share here.

Infrared Effect for Photoshop Action

2010-05-21T10:16:00.004+08:00

Now I had my infrared action available for purchase. For just $1.99 you can have it on your computer photoshop action.

If you don't have the IR filter for your camera, this is the right add-on for your photoshop.

How to purchase

1. Click the Buy button above then it will take you to paypal.com

2. Login to your paypal account then make the payment.

3. An e-mail will be send to you to let you know that the payment was success togather with
the download link to the file.

4. Download the file to your computer and then extract zip file.

5. Once you done extracting file, double click the action file to add to your photoshop action.

Penang for Nikon workshop with Cede Prudente

2010-05-04T19:22:00.000+08:00

Me and Cede was in Penang for Nikon workshop and also for the Bripex Bridal Exibition. Cede did a talk about nature & wildlife photography during the Bripex and also at the Nikon Workshop the next day at Batu Peringgi hotel. I actually had great weekend in Penang. Me and Cede went for dinner with the Nikon Malaysia General Manager. We also had good time going around George Town with James Ling, an assistant manager of Nikon Penang. Getting to know and have dinner with Mr Kia owner of Asadi Footwear is also a great privilage. Now at the Penang International Airport waiting for flight back to Kota Kinabalu. Thanks Penang for the fantastic treat.

Photoshop CS5 is out.

2010-04-13T00:59:00.000+08:00

The new CS5 is finally announced. I have been following the developement of the CS5 and found it this is the ultimate software for photographers and designers. You can check it out at www.adobe.com

Nikon Workshop Kinabalu Park

2010-04-07T00:45:00.000+08:00

Ok, I'm not going to organise any photography or photoshop workshop for the time being coz I'm a lil bit busy at the moment. But I will giving my time for the 3days 2 nights photography workshop at Kinabalu Park organise by Nikon Malaysia & Sandakan Foto. I will be one of the instructor during outdoor shooting done everyday early morning. I might be teaching and giving tips on how to shoot landscapes and macro. I find some of the subject in the workshop is pretty interesting, one of it is "Discover the world of subject with Nikon lenses" That is interesting and good for people who want to learn more the various lenses for specialise subjects. If you have time and would like to join, you are most welcome. No matter if you are a canon user or sony you still can join a learn.

Here is the detail:

Venue : Kinabalu National Park, Sabah

Date : 7th - 9th May 2010

Registration Fee : RM 200 and limited to 70 participants only (Open for public)

Closing Date : 20th April 2010

Sandakan Foto is pleased to invite Sandakan Foto's loyal customers who purchased Nikon products to participate in this workshop.

* Registration fee includes meals and workshop.
* Accommodation is not included.

For registration, please contact Irene Chong at 0198137189 or email at ireneccm@gmail.com

And download the registration form at this link
Workshop Speakers :

Mr. Cede Prudente - Wildlife Photographers (Sandakan) http://www.cedeprudente.com
Mr. Kelvin Chan - Studio Director / Photographer (Kuala Lumpur) http://www.kelvinchanphotography.com
Mr. John Kong - Commercial Photographer (Kota Kinabalu) http://www.johnlkong.com
Ms. CS Ling - Nature / Wildlife Photographer (Singapore) http://www.cslingphotography.com
Mr. Jason Bugay Reyes - Bird Guide / Digiscoper (Kota Kinabalu) http://horukuru.blogspot.com
Mr. TS Wong - Bird Photographer (Tawau) http://www.pbase.com/wongtsushi/birds_of_borneo

NOTES :

* Purchase any Nikon binocular or cameras above RM 1000 and get RM 100 discount from the workshop.
* Purchase Nikon Fieldscope and attend the workshop for FREE !
* Offers valid from 1st March - 20th April 2010.

* Participants are required to arrange their own accommodation and transportation to the venue.
* You may contact Rowena (089-235525) or email at rowena@barefootsukau.com on your choice of the following recommended hotels / resorts:

1. Fairy Garden
2. Kinabalu Rose Cabin
3. D'Villa Rina Ria Lodge

For more info on accommodation, kindly check this website at http://beautifulkk.com/sleeping/kundasang/

Itinerary - Photography / Birding Workshop

Talks at Rafflesia Conference Room, Natural History Gallery on 1st floor. Please refer attached map below.

7th May 2010 (Friday)

1300 : Arrival of Participants / Registration
1400 : Workshop Briefing (ST Tee)
1430 : 1st Session - Travel Photography (Kelvin Chan)
1600 : Tea Break
1630 : Outdoor Photography led by various Speakers / Groups
1900 : Dinner (BBQ)
2000 : Nature / Wildlife Photography (CS Ling)
2200 : End Of Day 1

8th May 2010 (Saturday)

0630 : Breakfast
0730 : Outdoor Photography led by various Speakers / Groups
1030 : Tea Break
1100 : 2nd Session - Discovery A World Of Subject With Nikon Lenses (John Kong)

1230 : Lunch
1330 : 3rd Session - Nature Photography (Cede Prudente)
1430 : 4th Session - Birds Of Borneo (TS Wong)
1530 : Tea Break
1600 : Outdoor Photography led by various Speakers / Groups
1900 : Dinner / Free & Easy
2000 : Photo Review of Session 1, 2, 3 & 4 (Kelvin Chan, John Kong, Cede Prudente & TS Wong)

2200 : End Of Day 2

9th May 2010 (Sunday)

0630 : Breakfast
0730 : Outdoor Photography led by various Speakers / Groups
0930 : Tea Break
1000 : Birdwatching / Digiscoping (Jason Bugay Reyes)
1100 : Informal Q & A With Speakers / Roadshow
1230 : Lunch
1330 : Check Out
1400 : End Of Day 3

Exhibition and booth by Sandakan Foto selling Nikon products is from Saturday and Sunday.

ALL SALE OF PICTURES AT THE WORKSHOP WILL BE DONATED TO SABAH CHESHIRE HOME, KOTA KINABALU.

Borneo Geographic forum

2010-04-03T08:50:00.000+08:00

I just finish putting up the new forum for Borneo Geographic. It got many topic to discuss, but it just started and fresh. We need people to fill it up. Visit at http://borneogeographic.org/forum .

Short Tutorial of Nikon Capture NX 2 Color Control Point

2010-03-25T08:51:00.003+08:00

Simple and short tutorial of Capture NX2. Not the best video but hope this helps.

Latest Rocky Beach Shot

2010-03-17T00:41:00.000+08:00

Its kinda weird, unplanned landscape shooting ended with this shot. My afternoon was a bit boring today. I went hang out with Jason for lunch and afternoon tea, then we split up around 3pm and I got nothing to do. It has been quite dry and no rain for almost three weeks. Haze come and go here in Kota Kinabalu City. About 5pm I decided to head to the beach, South of Kota Kinabalu and go for another sunset shot. Tide is a bit low, so no chance for nice wave shot.. so I go for long exposure shot. I shoot until the light is completely gone dark. Got several images. Here is a shot to share.. shot with Nikon D300, 12-24mm, GND8.

f18, ISO100, 42sec Manual exposure on Bulb

Night Shots: Jesselton Point

2010-03-10T11:11:00.001+08:00

I went out again for some night shot, this time is the Jesselton Point. It is one of the oldest thing we have in Kota Kinabalu which still in use nowaday. I did a startrail shot and some other shots too.

View Startrail On Black

Photoshop Workshop: Basic Photoshop for Photographers

2010-02-27T10:02:00.000+08:00

We starting to releasing our monthly on filed photography workshop starting March with the photoshop workshop which will be held in Borneo Images Gallery Tanjung Aru Plaza. Place only limited to 8 people for the workshop.

The program:

9am - Introduction of Photoshop and learning the Photoshop tools.
In this part participant will learn how to use each of the basic tool found in photoshop.

10am - Break

10.30am - Basic adjustment - In this part, participant will learn the basic adjustment that can be found on the menu to do adjustment of their photos. They will learn how to use Brightness/Contrast, Level, Curves, Hue/Saturation & Shadow/Highlight. They will have an exercise during the tutorial.

12pm - Lunch Break

1.30pm - Understanding Layers - In this session, they will learn how to use layers in their photoshop editing. How to put all basic adjustment they've learn in the morning session in layers. They will do some exercise during this tutorial to batter understand the subject.

2.30pm - Black & White - In this part they will learn how to convert their images into black and white in few different method in photoshop. In this way, they will know how to get the best black and white convertion suitable for their images.

3pm - Image for web use - Participant will learn how to prepare images best for web sharing facebook, flickr, blog and websites.

3.30pm - Finish. Time for Q&A

Coming soon for Sandakan side for Photoshop workshop!

Rocky Seascapes

2010-02-21T22:21:00.000+08:00

It is strange but the most beautiful moment in the whole 24hour in the day was when the moon and the sun change shift.

Photo's Color Profile for Web

2010-02-18T00:41:00.003+08:00

Some of you must be wondering everytime you put your photos on web or blog or even on facebook, you see the photo's color does not look like what you have in your computer. This is actually also happen to me while ago, so decided to make a post here just to help to explain others about what is going on.

Ok.. you must have been told by others that when you take photo with your Dslr, make sure you set the color profile to Adobe RGB. The reason for that is, when you bring your photos into photoshop Adobe RGB is much better to work with only if you know what you are doing.

Wiki:

The Adobe RGB color space is an RGB color space developed by Adobe Systems in 1998. It was designed to encompass most of the colors achievable on CMYK color printers, but by using RGB primary colors on a device such as the computer display. The Adobe RGB color space encompasses roughly 50% of the visible colors specified by the Lab color space, improving upon the gamut of the sRGB color space primarily in cyan-greens.

OK now you have a little idea what is Adobe RGB, now... sRGB is a world standard color profile, internet only use one color profile that is sRGB. sRGB is more vivid and brighter color profile. When you wanna put your photos into the internet make sure you change the color profile from Adobe RGB into sRGB in photoshop before you upload. Refer to screen shot below where to change your color profile.

Click photo to view large

Now here in a sample of two different color profile of photos.

Adobe RGB

sRGB

Adobe RGB

sRGB

I know hard to tell the difference in this photos, Sample 1 see hill's green, Sample 2 see clouds and highlight.

Sandakan Landscape

2010-02-13T11:24:00.000+08:00

Early morning at 5:30am, cede pick me up at my hotel and head up for simsim village. We found a spot near to the school of Simsim village, setting up gear and wait. I never shoot landscapes images before using Flourescent white balance and this one was came into my suprise it came out quite good. It is all about experimenting all the settings that we have in the camera. This one I had a graduated filter on, ND8. No polarizer. Here are three images for share. Thanks to Cede for the lending some equipment. I'm not in full gear during this visit to Sandakan.

Startrail

2010-02-08T01:32:00.000+08:00

50 minute startrail shot infront of my apartment

ISO400 @ f20

Click image to view large

Photoshop: Curves

2010-02-08T01:22:00.000+08:00

I use curves often in my picture editing in Photoshop. A little tweak with curves can make a lot of different to the photo. Curves adjustment can be found from PS menu, image>adjustment>curves. To adjust contrast of my pictures, I never use the Brightness/contrast adjustment. It is just useless to me, I never use it since I found out how to use curves. If you don't know how to use the curves adjustment, sometimes it can lead you to spoiling the image rather than making it look better. Here bellow I put example of a simple tweak with curves which change the contrast and saturation of the images.

click screen shot to open large

Before

After

I hope this useful for you all cheers!

Another Infrared photos made in Photoshop

2010-02-02T13:23:00.001+08:00

Although it is not as best as the real IR image using IR filter. Green colors turns to silvery color.

Photo Mechanic

2010-01-23T07:51:00.000+08:00

Few years ago my friend John Kong introduce me this wonderful software called Photo Mechanic. Ever since I used Photo Mechanic, I never use any other software in managing my images. I find all that I need in processing my images professionaly all found in photo mechanic. It makes me a lot easier sorting out photos even it in RAW format. The thing that I used often in Photo Mechanic was the colors taging which makes my work a lot easier and faster in managing hundred of images. You can buy the software online download at www.camerabits.com

IR in Photoshop

2010-01-21T23:17:00.000+08:00

Getting an infrared filter here in Malaysia are so difficult. We had to order it online on the internet but shipping very costly for just little filter. Anyway.. the technology nowaday are so advance. Now we can just shot the photo and change it in photoshop. I have created my own photoshop action converting normal color photograph into an infrared shot. Below is a sample of images comparing normal black and white shot and the IR shot.

Normal Shot

Normal Black & White

IR Shot

Second sample

Normal Shot

Normal Black & White

IR Shot

Bali January 2010

2010-01-19T11:02:00.002+08:00

The recent travel to Bali bring me alot of images, I found that Bali is much peaceful compare to other places. About 83% of the population on Bali practising Hinduism. I like to say that, Hinduism in Balinese way...very much different than the Indian Hindu. Population about 3.9m and they speak Balinese language among them self but Indonesian Malay widely spoken same as English. Well know for it surfing beach at Kuta.

Get the flash player here: http://www.adobe.com/flashplayer

Canvas Printing in Bali

2010-01-15T17:25:00.000+08:00

During my recent trip to Bali I found a place where we can do canvas printing at cheap price. I printed three of the Bali landscapes I took during that trip. Two of them was printed at 40"x60" size and then one was about double of the two size. It was located at Matahari shopping mall in Kuta. 40"x60" cost Rp30000 = RM11. The double size was Rp60000 = RM22.

1st Photo of Bali Seascape

2010-01-09T00:30:00.001+08:00

It was my first fullday in Bali and I already had a sunburn. I've done few watersport today but haven't done any surfing yet. Me and the party had visited the temple on a seaside today and we waited for sunset that didn't show up. I have done some landscape shooting too and here is the 1st images just for a tease. Next tour will be visiting the area of Kintamani. Really looking forward on that. Trying to get some rest now...nite

Why shoot with Nikon?

2010-01-07T00:15:00.000+08:00

Ok, now is midnight, I packed my things for Bali this noon later. I fully charge my camera batteries and packed everything. Looking for best photo of Bali. Will be posting in blog once I got chance to do so. Anyway, ya "Why shoot with Nikon" well... here is a link to get you think why. http://www.liquidinplastic.com Check out Dan Newton's Blog.

Photo of the day

2010-01-04T10:32:00.000+08:00

Typical Murut Tribe Hunter. With long feather of the Great Argus Pheasant.

Jojo's tongue twister

2010-01-03T10:22:00.000+08:00

Jojo made video post on her blog doing the tongue twister thingy. Recently I traveled with her to the rainforest to film Kampung Buayan. She did this tongue twister for my blog too. I can never do that tongue twister thingy.

Good job Jojo!

Patch match Adobe Photoshop CS5

2010-01-01T11:33:00.001+08:00

This is interesting, love to share it here.

Goodbye 2009 hello 2010

2010-01-01T10:35:00.000+08:00

I'm so excited for this 2010, it will be another incredible year. I had so much fun with 2009, lots good of things happen, many trips. I'm so eager that this 2010, I will start with a trip to Bali yay! Yes 7th Jan 2010 will be off to Bali. I will plan ahead my other trips soon after got back from Bali. In 2009, I've tried all sort of different niche in photography. This year will be different, I'm not accepting wedding job this year except some special case. I will be concentrating my real passion in capturing landscapes and travel images. Many trips are coming ahead and looking forward to it.

Shot this photo infront of my apartment this morning of 1.1.2010, only a mini cooper passing by.

Year end Dinner With Sabah Pros

2009-12-31T01:54:00.000+08:00

This year was an interesting year. Loads of events happen. Cede was trying to have this dinner together with the Nikon pros gang few years ago but never happen until tonight. I'm so happy to be able to join this dinner and get updated with a new stuff from them. I had a great fun guys! Thanks for the dinner John K. And Cede to get us together. Fun talking with Louis too. John P also there too.

Even though some times we quarrel...

In the end we still get back together :-D

Wedding: Alex & Trasiah

2009-12-29T19:04:00.000+08:00

This couple was a very nice people. Full of love and sincere I would say. They make a very nice couple. Both of them came from a very different background. Faith has brought them together to share live. It was an honor to be their photographer to capture their moment. Here are some of the images to share.

Greetings!

2009-12-24T09:32:00.000+08:00

What been up during November

2009-12-08T08:53:00.000+08:00

Earlier November I was helping a friend to do a photography for their rugby match, The IRB Asian Rugby seven series. Me, Cede and John Kong, John Prudente and Jason Reyes was the official photographer for the event.

Later after that, me and cede travel to Telupid for Bird Survey in one of the forest reserved call Bidu bidu which we found a great potensial for Birding Tour. We have a team who is already the for few days doing the survey and we just join in.

Cede taking photo

Our tent

Midnight Sky in Borneo How it was shot

2009-11-10T09:55:00.000+08:00

Recently I went my mom's place which located North of Kota Kinabalu city in a valley country side Tuaran area. I spend few days there just to getaway from the city life. Light in that area is not poluted as in the city event though there are some street light has been install on the road side.

How it was made

Anyway, this photo was shot in the midnight time. It was a clear night. Set the camera on tripod, take out any filters attached on lens, put cable release and starting to take few test shots to determine the correct setting (it was fullmoon on that time).

Set my camera ISO to the lowest possible, put my camera aperture @ F6.3 so that I still get the focus but not too small aperture opening so the camera sensor can still catch the light from the star. Shoot in manual mode and set to 'bulb'. Compose the shot correctly and pre focus using manual focus then press the cable release and locked it, leave it for half and hour. I cover the camera with a cloth because a dew will be accumulated on top of it.

Unfortunately the shot was got over yellow on the back of the store. It was the light from the street light. I like to include the cables in the picture just to fill the sky. Would love to do this again on different place probably remote places.

Borneo Bird Festival Launching Day

2009-11-07T00:59:00.002+08:00

The very first Borneo Bird Festival just over last month. As the official photographer for that event I document quite a lots of moment in photographs. Here is some of the photos during the launching day of the event.

Powerful speech by Datuk Masidi Manjun, Minister of Tourism Sabah

Bird Life International Mr Richard Grimmeth

Official launching by Datuk Peter Pang Deputy Chief Minister of Sabah

Official launching of two books of Birds Of Borneo by Quentin Philip and By Susan Myers.

Datuk Masidi showing the photograph of the Bornean Bristlehead

Visiting Nikon booth withness by Mr Stephen GM of Nikon Malaysia

Getting ready for the kick start of the first bird race in Borneo

Sabah Tourism staff gone through check list

Twitchers

Children Camp

Bird photographer waiting for the Bornean Bristlehead

White Balance for shooting a forest

2009-10-20T01:14:00.000+08:00

I've been ask several times, what is the right white balance for shooting in the forest. Here is a sample below.. Whenever I take photograph of forest, I always set my camera's white balance into either direct sunlight, cloudy or shade... depending on the light available that time. The reason why I used mostly warm white balance is because of the green colors of the forest pop out when set to warm white balance. It is also a photographer's preference on which white balance they want to use to portray the photograph mood. Some times using cold white balance can create a very cold feel of the environment and also indicate night scene. It is totally your own personal preference which you experiment first.

Auto White Balance

Direct Sunlight

Maliau fall in Silkwinds

2009-10-02T14:07:00.001+08:00

One of my Maliau Fall photo was publish in Silkwind, Silkair inflight magazines. It is for September issue 2009. The photo publish was along with Frans Lanting photos of Tarsier which also publish in Lonely Planet Book.

Bird Photography Competition 2009

2009-09-14T18:53:00.004+08:00

Cede sent me an e-mail today and I'm so please to let everyone know about the e-mail he sent. In conjunction with the Borneo Bird Festival which going to be held in Sandakan starting 10 - 15 October, a Bird Photography Competition was organise by RDC. For those who are interested to participate, you may visit this site link to download the contest form. They only accept photograph taken within from 3rd - 13th october 2009. Great prizes await! Good luck!

Logo design: Borneo Fullforce

2009-09-10T23:03:00.003+08:00

I recently contacted by Borneo Fullforce a tour operator in Kota Kinabalu to design their logo, they want to have a Lepa lepa boat in it and they want it to be very simple for easy printing. I made several design and finally they chose this design. A very simple design i made with using photoshop cs4 to design it.

Kenneth & Cheerine : Engagement

2009-09-04T09:48:00.005+08:00

I know it has been a while since the last post in my blog. I had been very busy lately, several photo project. Anyway recently I photographed an engagement ceremony for Kenneth & Cheerine. And after that drag them out for photo session outside. Here is two photos for preview. I will be posting again with others post soon.

Sunset of Kiau Valley

2009-08-23T01:57:00.002+08:00

Recently me and John was up at Kiau to do a photography workshop. I can't just help my self doing some landscapes shooting. The stunning view of the place just captured me. Sunset was awesome! Here is the proof. Sorry for not updating my blog often. This month was a busy month for me. Will try to update again soon.

Wedding: Maurice & Sue Angela (Church wedding)

2009-08-11T15:36:00.004+08:00

Together they are on the same train heading towards Tenom. One heading to Tenom and the other one going for the river rafting before Tenom Town. Maurice saw her all alone on her own seat...he approach her and captured her heart straight away.

Later after got back from the trip, they set out on a date. Table for two... Well I would say they actually fell for each other... which later a proposal then decided to tied the knot on the 08.08.09.
Congratulation to Maurice & Sue Angela.

Me & John off to Kiau

2009-08-11T02:06:00.002+08:00

Me and John will be traveling to Kiau and Bundu Tuhan which located at the foot hill of Mount Kinabalu for sharing our knowledge of photography to the people there. We will be there from 12th to 16th of August. I might not be able to entertain any email during that time and so to facebook. I will try to reply any email as soon as I'm online to internet. You may try to reach me by my mobile or sms, mobile coverage very bad there. Cheers!

Wedding Preview: Maurice & Sue Anne

2009-08-09T09:18:00.003+08:00

Yesterday I did a photography work for a friend. It was happen at St Stella Maris church in Tanjung Aru. Then later the wedding reception in Likas Maksak. Still working on the photos so once I'm done editing, I will do post it in my blog.

(The photo above was taken using D5000 unedited)

Running at 100km per hour

2009-08-04T22:50:00.002+08:00

The recent trip to Philippines, during the drive to Clark Airport. We were traveling in a van at 100km per hour and I still manage to get this shot from the van's window without getting blurry image. This can be achieve by using fast shutter speed. Setting was ISO:400 @ 1/1000 no vr. The noise reduction was turn off as you can see some noise on the sky area. In order to freeze movement in picture, the shutter speed must 1/1000 or above.

Wedding: Roger & Femelda

2009-07-31T21:26:00.004+08:00

This wedding was photographed last month but didn't manage to post it on my blog. The wedding was took place in Ranau almost on the foot hill of Mount Kinabalu. It was away from Kota Kinabalu so I had to stay overnite at Ranau town motel. Both of them the bride and the groom originaly from Ranau but both of them working in Kota Kinabalu city. It was a fantastic wedding.

Bestmans and bridesmaids

This pair have their own way of making people laugh, he is the brother of the bride and I shot their wedding a year ago which held in Tambunan and it was a blast!

Paraglider Images in video

2009-07-25T17:08:00.003+08:00

This series of images of the paraglider shot with Nikon D300 then put together to make this short video.

Recent trip: Manila

2009-07-23T12:15:00.004+08:00

I just got back from recent trip to Manila for the second time, this time I manage to go to the place I didn't go last time. The Ocean park was fun, which I enjoyed much. Most of my images this time was shot with the new D5000. I did a lots of video during this trip, the videos still in progress will be out as soon as I finish putting it together. There was a typhoon on he North of Philippines during that time, rain and strong wind on the second day of the trip.

Mabini street

Taking photos at Quiapo

Candles for goodluck

168 mall Divisoria

Ocean Park Manila

Seen a Nikon fan

Mt. Arayat Pampanga

A new way of photography

2009-07-14T23:20:00.002+08:00

Recently I just got my new Nikon D5000 and all I can say is, photography will be in a new way for me now. I start to do both still image and video. I understand video is always been connected to stills images as video is made of hundreds or thousands of still images in sequence. It just that, It came with a sound. I find it video now a day is a very good way to spread stories where you can upload it to youtube or vimeo. From now on you will start to see some video will be posted here in my blog. But of coz, still images is still on the top of my interest.

D5000 video .mov format uploaded

2009-07-11T12:43:00.003+08:00

Linkin Park - New Divide Guitar cover from jollence lee on Vimeo.

Editing the video in Adobe Premiere pro cs4, I need to convert the video into .mov format then its play smoothly during playback. .avi will cause jerky video playback.

Nikon 70-200mm f/2.8 VR discontinued?

2009-07-06T19:35:00.002+08:00

Rumors all over the web says the Nikon 70-200mm f/2.8 VR is already discontinued and dealers also says that they can't buy this lens anymore from Nikon. Most lightly that there will be a new 70-200 going to take place. It will most likely with Nano coating with VR2. All what we can do now is just wait for the announcement from Nikon which we still don't have any idea when.

Trip with Hanna & Flemming

2009-07-05T11:27:00.002+08:00

Recently I did a tour guiding job for Hanna & Flemming touring around Poring Hotspring and Kinabalu Park. We stayed one night at Kinabalu Mount Heritage Hotel (formerly Perkasa Hotel). The hotel had improved a lot after it change management, several chalet has been built and we stayed in the chalet.
I really had great time with them, Flemming is a journalist who write about cars. He travel to various country to test drive a new cars and write about it. Fantastic job!

Here are some fotos to share with you all.

My balcony

My room that I already mess it up haha!

The naked tree "Tristania sp"

Phylaglathis Eliptica

My New Foto Frame For Web

2009-07-04T11:23:00.003+08:00

I just made a new frame for my photos for website and had this made into photoshop action makes easy for me next time. I hope it fits to my blog. Cheers!

Photography Workshop RDC

2009-06-30T14:19:00.004+08:00

Last mid June on the 20th & 21st, Sandakan Photo has organize a photography workshop together with Nikon Malaysia. The venue take place in RDC Rainforest Discovery Center near Sepilok. Few well known photographer from Sabah and KL was invited to do talks during the workshop. Apparently the respond from participant was overwelming in fact we got many people was try to squeez in for the workshop even after its was full. Participant mostly from Sandakan but we do get people from Tawau and KK coming for the workshop.

Day one of the workshop, we got Mr Kelvin Chan doing the talk about "Basic Digital Photography" and at the same time in different room we got Mr Cede Prudente doing for "Wildlife Photography". On the same day at later of the day John Kong doing a talk about "Landscapes Photography". Day two was fun coz the participant had a chance to go out shoot some portrait with models. Using the reflector and also studio flash setting. I did my talk also on the second day about "Wedding Photography".

Here is some photos to share

Driving to Sandakan

Hotel where we stayed Mark's Lodge

Preparing the venue

Kelvin Chan doing his talk

John Kong explaining pano tripod head

Cede Prudente

John Kong preparing

Kavid from Nikon Malaysia explaining Nano coating lens

YB Au Kam Wah, surprise with the price of the new Nikon EDG scope

Laban Rata Rest House view

2009-06-25T11:10:00.004+08:00

My recent mountain climb was a bit harder than my previous climb, heavy rain got us starting from km2. The mountain trail was like a waterfall. My shoe and jacket was wet. The rainy day contributing extra cold to the 9 degree C. Luckily the next day was fine. I didn't take much photo that time so here is two photos, the view from the Laban Rata rest house. Cheers!

Photography Competition

2009-06-14T21:10:00.005+08:00

Here is another interesting thing for you photographers out there. This is an opportunities to see our photography level. It is another way to get your images out. Just to see how far you can go, worth a try. Good Luck!! Go to www.aseanbiodiversity.org

Pre wedding

2009-06-05T10:20:00.003+08:00

Yesterday I did a pre wedding photoshoot for Kenneth and Felicity, make up was done by Jeff and it was a great photoshoot. I will be heading to Ranau for another wedding. So this means my editing work will be on hold again for few days. For the meantime here is three photos of yesterday work.

Wedding: Standley & Arnellia

2009-06-04T01:13:00.004+08:00

Recent wedding shoot got me driving to the North of Sabah in Kota Belud. This was the actual wedding day of Standley and Arnellia. This was the first time I shoot a wedding in SIB church, It is totally different from Catholic. I just don't know what to expect next things to happen. Like most wedding I did, I know what is next. But this one, I just be ready for the next thing. Everything turn out to be good, very simple ceremony. Good experience!

A shy couple

D300s Rumors

2009-06-01T18:51:00.002+08:00

Everyone expected that the D400 will be the next after D300 but instead a rumors from tipster that Nikon will just going to come out with D300s. The main difference will be HD movie, dual SD and CF slots.

Nikon D300s
Type Single-lens reflex digital camera
Lens mount Nikon F mount (with AF coupling and AF contacts)
Effective picture angle Approx. 1.5 x conversion factor (Nikon DX format)

Effective pixels
Effective pixels 12.3 million

Image sensor
Image sensor 23.6 x 15.8 mm CMOS sensor
Total pixels 13.1 million
Dust-reduction system Image Sensor Cleaning, Image Dust Off reference data (requires optional Capture NX 2 software)

Storage
Image size (pixels) 4,288 x 2,848 [L], 3,216 x 2,136 [M], 2,144 x 1,424 [S]
File format NEF (RAW): 12 or 14 bit, lossless compressed, compressed, or uncompressed
TIFF (RGB)
JPEG: JPEG-Baseline compliant with fine (approx. 1:4), normal (approx. 1:8) or basic (approx. 1:16) compression (Size priority); Optimal quality compression available
NEF (RAW) + JPEG: Single photograph recorded in both NEF (RAW) and JPEG formats
Picture Control System Can be selected from Standard, Neutral, Vivid, Monochrome; storage for up to nine custom Picture Controls
Media Type I CompactFlash memory cards (UDMA compliant); SD memory cards, SDHC compliant
Dual card slots Either card can be used as the primary card; secondary card can be used for overflow or backup storage, or for separate storage of NEF (RAW) and JPEG images; images can be copied between cards
File system DCF (Design Rule for Camera File System) 2.0, DPOF (Digital Print Order Format), Exif 2.21 (Exchangeable Image File Format for Digital Still Cameras), PictBridge

Viewfinder
Viewfinder Eye-level pentaprism single-lens reflex viewfinder
Frame coverage Approx. 100% horizontal and 100% vertical
Magnification Approx. 0.94 x (50mm f/1.4 lens at infinity; -1.0 m-1)
Eyepoint 19.5 mm (-1.0 m-1)
Diopter adjustment -2 to +1 m-1
Focusing screen Type B BriteView Clear Matte screen Mark II screen with AF area brackets (framing grid can be displayed)
Reflex mirror Quick return
Depth-of-field preview When depth-of-field preview button is pressed, lens aperture is stopped down to value selected by user (A and M modes) or by camera (P and S modes)
Lens aperture Instant return, electronically controlled

Lens
Compatible lenses DX NIKKOR: All functions supported
Type G or D AF NIKKOR: All functions supported (PC Micro-NIKKOR does not support some functions); IX NIKKOR lenses not supported
Other AF NIKKOR: All functions supported except 3D color matrix metering II; lenses for F3AF not supported
AI-P NIKKOR: All functions supported except 3D color matrix metering II
Non-CPU: Can be used in exposure modes A and M; color matrix metering and aperture value display supported if user provides lens data (AI lenses only)
Electronic rangefinder can be used if maximum aperture is f/5.6 or faster

Shutter
Type Electronically-controlled vertical-travel focal-plane shutter
Speed 1/8,000 to 30 s in steps of 1/3, 1/2 or 1 EV, bulb, X250
Flash sync speed X = 1/250 s; synchronizes with shutter at 1/320 s or slower (flash range drops at speeds between 1/250 and 1/320 s)

Release
Release mode S (single frame), CL (continuous low speed), CH (continuous high speed), Q (quiet shutter-release), mark (self-timer), MUP (mirror up)
Frame advance rate With Rechargeable Li-ion Battery EN-EL3e: Approx. 1 to 7 fps (CL), Approx. 7 fps (CH)
With optional Multi-Power Battery Pack MB-D10 and Rechargeable Li-ion Battery EN-EL4a: Approx. 1 to 7 (CL), Approx. 8 fps (CH)*
Self-timer Can be selected from 2, 5, 10 and 20 s duration

Exposure
Metering TTL exposure metering using 1,005-pixel RGB sensor
Metering method Matrix: 3D color matrix metering II (type G and D lenses); color matrix metering II (other CPU lenses); color matrix metering available with non-CPU lenses if user provides lens data
Center-weighted: Weight of 75% given to 8-mm circle in center of frame. Diameter of circle can be changed to 6, 10 or 13-mm, or weighting can be based on average of entire frame (fixed at 8 mm when non-CPU lens is used)
Spot: Meters 3-mm circle (about 2% of frame) centered on selected focus point (on center focus point when non-CPU lens is used)
Range (ISO 100 equivalent, f/1.4 lens, 20°C/68°F)
Matrix or center-weighted metering: 0-20 EV
Spot metering: 2-20 EV
Exposure meter coupling Combined CPU and AI
Exposure modes Programmed auto with flexible program (P); shutter-priority auto (S); aperture priority auto (A); manual (M)
Exposure compensation -5 to +5 EV in increments of 1/3, 1/2 or 1 EV
Exposure bracketing 2 to 9 frames in steps of 1/3, 1/2, 2/3 or 1 EV
Exposure lock Luminosity locked at detected value with AE-L/AF-L button
ISO sensitivity (Recommended Exposure Index)
ISO 200 to 3200 in steps of 1/3, 1/2 or 1 EV; can also be set to approx. 0.3, 0.5, 0.7 or 1 EV (ISO 100 equivalent) below ISO 200 or to approx. 0.3, 0.5, 0.7 or 1 EV (ISO 6400 equivalent) above ISO 3200
Active D-Lighting Can be selected from auto, extra high, high, normal, low or off
ADL bracketing 2 to 5 frames with strength levels varying according to number of frames chosen; for 2 frames, off and a chosen level are applied

Focus
Autofocus Nikon Multi-CAM 3500DX autofocus sensor module with TTL phase detection, fine-tuning, 51 focus points (including 15 cross-type sensors) and AF-assist illuminator (range approx. 0.5 to 3 m/1 ft. 8 in. to 9 ft. 10 in.)
Detection range -1 to +19 EV (ISO 100 equivalent, 20°C /68°F)
Lens servo Autofocus: Single-servo AF (S); continuous-servo AF (C); predictive focus tracking automatically activated according to subject status in single- and continuous-servo AF
Manual (M): Electronic rangefinder supported
Focus point Can be selected from 51 or 11 focus points
AF-area mode Single-point AF, dynamic-area AF, auto-area AF
Focus lock Focus can be locked by pressing shutter-release button halfway (Single-servo AF) or by pressing AE-L/AF-L button

Flash
Built-in flash Manual pop-up with button release and a Guide Number of 17/56 (m/ft., ISO 200, 20 °C/68 °F; GN at ISO 100 equivalent is 12/39)
Flash control TTL: i-TTL balanced fill-flash and standard i-TTL flash for digital SLR using 1,005-pixel RGB sensor are available with built-in flash, Speedlight SB-900, SB-800, SB-600 or SB-400
Auto aperture: Available with Speedlight SB-900 or SB-800 and CPU lens
Non-TTL auto: Supported flash units include Speedlight SB-900, SB-800, SB-28, SB-27 and SB-22S
Range-priority manual: Available with Speedlight SB-900 and SB-800
Flash modes Front curtain sync, slow sync, rear-curtain sync, red-eye reduction, red-eye reduction with slow sync
Flash compensation -3 to +1 EV in increments of 1/3, 1/2 or 1 EV
Flash bracketing 2 to 9 frames in steps of 1/3, 1/2, 2/3 or 1 EV
Flash-ready indicator Lights when built-in flash or flash unit such as Speedlight SB-900, SB-800, SB-600, SB-400, SB-80DX, SB-28DX or SB-50DX is fully charged; blinks after flash is fired at full output
Accessory shoe ISO 518 hot-shoe with sync and data contacts and safety lock
Nikon Creative Lighting System (CLS)
Advanced Wireless Lighting supported with built-in flash, Speedlight SB-900, SB-800 or SU-800 as commander and SB-900, SB-800, SB-600 or SB-R200 as remotes; Auto FP High-Speed Sync and modeling illumination supported with all CLS-compatible flash units except SB-400; Flash Color Information Communication and FV lock supported with all CLS-compatible flash units
Sync terminal ISO 519 sync terminal with locking thread

White balance
White balance Auto (TTL white-balance with main image sensor and 1,005-pixel RGB sensor), Incandescent, Fluorescent (7 options), Direct Sunlight, Flash, Cloudy, Shade, preset manual (able to store up to 5 values) and color temperature setting (2,500K to 10,000K); fine-tuning available for all options
White balance bracketing 2 to 9 frames in steps of 1, 2 or 3

Live View
Modes Tripod, Hand-held,
Autofocus Tripod: Contrast-detect AF anywhere in frame
Hand-held: Phase-detection AF with 51 focus points (including 15 cross-type sensors)

Movie
Frame size (pixels) 1,280 x 720/24 fps, 640 x 424/24 fps, 320 x 216/24 fps
File format AVI
Compression format Motion-JPEG
Autofocus Contrast-detect AF on a desired point within a frame is possible (Tripod mode)
Audio Sound can be recorded via built-in or optional external microphone; sensitivity can be adjusted
Maximum length 5 min (1,280 x 720 pixels), 20 min (640 x 424, 320 x 216 pixels)

Monitor
LCD monitor 3-in., approx. 920k-dot (VGA), low-temperature polysilicon TFT LCD with 170° viewing angle, approx. 100% frame coverage, and brightness adjustment

Playback
Playback function Full-frame and thumbnail (4, 9 or 72 images) playback with playback zoom, movie playback, slide show, histogram display, highlights, auto image rotation, and image comment (up to 36 characters)

Interface
USB Hi-Speed USB
Audio video output Can be selected from NTSC and PAL
HDMI output Type C HDMI connector; camera monitor turns off when HDMI cable is connected
Audio input Stereo mini-pin jack (3.5mm diameter)
10-pin remote terminal Can be used to connect optional remote control, GPS Unit GP-1 or GPS device compliant with NMEA0183 version 2.01 or 3.01 (requires optional GPS Cable MC-35 and cable with D-sub 9-pin connector)

Supported languages
Supported languages Chinese (Simplified and Traditional), Danish, Dutch, English, Finnish, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Norwegian, Polish, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish, Swedish

Power source
Battery One Rechargeable Li-ion Battery EN-EL3e
Battery pack Optional Multi-Power Battery Pack MB-D10 with one Rechargeable Li-ion Battery EN-EL3e, EN-EL4a/EN-EL4 or eight R6/AA-size alkaline, Ni-MH, lithium or nickel-manganese batteries; Rechargeable Li-ion Battery EN-EL4a/EN-EL4 and R6/AA-size batteries available separately; Battery Chamber Cover BL-3 (available separately) required when using Rechargeable Li-ion Battery EN-EL4a/EN-EL4
AC adapter AC Adapter EH-5a/EH-5 (available separately)

Tripod socket
Tripod socket 1/4 in. (ISO 1222)

Dimensions/Weight
Dimensions (W x H x D) Approx. 147 x 114 x 74 mm/5.8 x 4.5 x 2.9 in.
Weight Approx. 840 g/1 lb. 14 oz. without battery, memory card, body cap or monitor cover

Operating environment
Temperature 0-40°C/32-104°F
Humidity Less than 85% (no condensation)

Accessories
Supplied accessories (may differ by country or area)
Rechargeable Li-ion Battery EN-EL3e, Quick Charger MH-18a, Eyepiece Cap DK-5, Rubber Eyecup DK-23, USB Cable UC-E4, Audio Video Cable EG-D2, Camera Strap AN-DC4, LCD Monitor Cover BM-8, Body Cap BF-1A, Accessory Shoe Cover BS-1, Software Suite CD-ROM

* With a battery other than Rechargeable Li-ion Battery EN-EL4a, the continuous shooting speed may be slower than 8 fps in continuous high speed mode.

Photo shoot for Mag

2009-05-27T06:34:00.003+08:00

Yesterday it took us(me and the crew) almost the whole day just for the shooting. Make up start at 0630am and the shooting start around 8am. The sky yesterday morning was a bit cloudy and start getting sunny later that day. Gynna was the model and she did a great job in front of the camera. Mag Astilo will be publish soon, watch out for this Fashion Magazine!

Note: this photo will not be publish in the mag.

Mobile Phone Shots

2009-05-22T18:49:00.003+08:00

Today I start taking a lots of pictures with my 1MP mobile phone camera, later got back home and put it together in photoshop and here is the result.

Gallery down time

2009-05-19T12:32:00.002+08:00

My image gallery at the moment is downtime, some of you might not be able to view it. Sorry for the inconvenience. By the mean time you can view my images at this link.

Mobile blogging

2009-05-17T02:35:00.001+08:00

It so cool, now can make a blog post on the run.its amazing what My little mobile phone can do!

Assignment: D'junction

2009-05-17T01:01:00.003+08:00

Recent assignment work was shooting all the clubs in Sabah which own by the same owner of D'junction. This was a collaboration work between me and Wendell. This commercial shooting eats a lot of our time in post processing of the images. Here is a few of the images for share .

D'junction

Blue Seven

D'junction lounge
D'junction slot machine

Nef to jpeg: Capture Nx2 or CS4 RAW 5.0

2009-05-12T10:46:00.004+08:00

Sample 1

Sample 2

I've been reading some review done by most website doing comparison between cameras. When they do RAW shots comparison, they never clarify what software they use to convert the RAW file. I'm a little bit skeptic about it. The raw 5.0 by adobe still can't produce the exact color that came out from the Nikon cameras. When you do Nef conversion using Capture NX2, what you see is what you'll get. The RAW 5.0 in cs4 alter the color of the photo during conversion.

The Photo trip with Luca Angeli

2009-05-09T08:18:00.002+08:00

Recently I did a "Photo Safari" with Luca Angeli, a photographer from Italy. The trip was great, great sighting of wildlife. The trip start in Sandakan. We spend two night at the River Lodge and going out on a boat in early morning and late afternoon for river trip. We even did a night cruise search for nocturnal animal and some birds sleeping.

After Sukau Kinabatangan River, we drove to Lahad Datu and the drive in to the logging road which took us about almost 3 hours driving in to Danum Valley. That were we spend another two nights at Danum Valley. Danum Valley is very different that the Kinabatangan river. The vegetation and the terrain is different. In Danum Valley we do alot of trekking. Leech sock is very usefull here. We did a night drive as well in Danum.

Photo editing during the trip.

2009-05-08T10:52:00.004+08:00

This picture was taken during a photo trip with Luca Angeli from Italy. I normally do photo editing straight away taken from the trip on the same day. But only to the selected best. Make back up of the photos, external HDD and laptop HDD but I usually have two external hardisk during any photography trip put in different begs.

Note: That is Kozo next to me. Helping Cede for the Japanese filming crew

Just got back

2009-05-01T18:37:00.002+08:00

Now I'm back at home, bringing back more than 2k photos from this time trip. I have to spend time for post process of these images. One of my favorite shot I manage to capture was this macaque drinking from the river water. will be posting more soon.

Now in DVFC

2009-04-29T23:44:00.003+08:00

Today we arrived at Danum Valley, we been having so much fun shooting at Sukau Kinabatangan river. For a preview here is two photos. More soon...

Photo Assignment: A4s Spa KK Times Square

2009-04-21T08:35:00.005+08:00

Recently, me and Wendell did a photo shoot for a new spa at KK Times Square. The new spa was nicely done. We did a re-shoot coz the model they have on the 1st shooting was mmmm.. you'll get it. The second shoot was ok. A lot of rearranging of the place to get the perfect setting. Basically it ate a lot of mine and Wendell's time just for editing. So here is the photos for share.

This is where I have to do the 180 degree shot, 12 images stitched together. The sauna room was incredibly small and magically I did it. The photo showing now is nothing like the real thing. you just have to see yourself then you know.

My Brother's B'day

2009-04-17T23:54:00.004+08:00

Today is my brother's b'day, he is 22 now. It is not often we see each other. He is working as a DJ in Labuan. Ya its a duty free island, yesterday he got back here in KK with loads of Chivas. I didn't get any...nevermind. It is for his friends who make an order. Anyway Happy Birthday Noddy.

I love my brother.

Recent Climb of Kinabalu

2009-04-16T13:22:00.002+08:00

Alright...I don't say it a hard climb but it is for some people. The night before was raining heavily and lucky that it stopped that 2am. I climb to the top several times and some of the climb was just at the rest house or at the Sayat-sayat hut. It is well known among the mountain guide that this time of a year was the coldest time. Strong wind can make you give up. So cold that makes my lip crack dry.Will be going up again in the future.

The Low's Peak

Above everything

Misty day

The Low's Squirrel, Named after Sir Hugh Low

Nikon D5000

2009-04-15T00:20:00.004+08:00

Nikon came out again with a new D-slr that has the 12.3mp Cmos sensor exactly the same with the one in D90 and D300. D-movie feature HD (720p) video at 24 frames per second.

The new cool feature is the flip twist LCD, enable you to shoot at variable angle using live view. So cool!

if you want to read more about this cool new prosumer D-slr you can visit to
http://press.nikonusa.com/2009/04/nikons_d5000_digital_slr_camer.php

Recent Picture preview: Climbing Mt. Kinabalu

2009-04-14T10:17:00.001+08:00

Video Slideshow: Fukui University Student Visit

2009-04-09T06:37:00.003+08:00

Photography Tour: Manila August 2009

2009-04-07T10:49:00.002+08:00

I'm organizing a photography tour to Manila this coming month of August 2009. The itinerary is still in progress but certainly Tagatay trip and Hidden Valley Spring is in the itinerary. I will be giving a photoshop tutorial at the end of each day after photo trip. This is limited to 14 people only. At the moment I like to see the respond, the trip will be postpone if less than 8pax by early of August. For inquiry send me email at jollence@yahoo.com.

American WWII memorial park(city tour trip)

Taal Volcano (Tagatay Trip)

Spa fotoshoot preview.

2009-04-04T09:09:00.003+08:00

Yesterday me and Wendell did a photoshoot for a new spa at KK Times Square which we thought going to be short time to do the shoot. We start about 1230pm and end up the shoot around 1715pm. Here is a preview photos, the shoot with model will be posted as soon post process done.

Japanese Student Visit

2009-04-02T11:18:00.003+08:00

I know I'm not being fair to my blog reader, no blog post for quit a while. Sorry about that... Anyway, recently I was guiding a group of students and lecturer from Univ of Fukui Japan. The student are mostly major in social welfare so soon to be social worker. Prof Akiko was the leader, she have stayed and work as a volunteer in Sabah before some where between 1982-1983. She speak good Malay too.
The student were staying one week in Kota Kinabalu and during that stay, they visited several places like house of disable people, old folks home, hospital, schools doing some charity and also learning. Here some photos for share.

Yosakoi Dance

Tamron 70-200mm f2.8 test shots.

2009-03-24T11:38:00.003+08:00

Recently I tried the Tamron 70-200mm f2.8 macro lens with my Nikon D300. The lens was own by Jack Lim. I find the lens is quite good, sharp and fast focusing. But the Nikon 70-200 f2.8 still above the Tamron in my opinion for zoom. The good thing was it has a macro.

Here are the shots I made with this lens.

1/1600 f6.3 ISO200

1/1600 f3.2 ISO200

1/4000 f3.2 ISO200

Camping in Lohan

2009-03-18T14:26:00.004+08:00

Last week I went to shoot photos of the paragliders in Lohan Ranau, as I mention in my previous post we do camping near the landing site of the paragliders. Was very lucky with the weather as you can see photo below, my tent has no cover from the rain pheeww..!

Of coz we had a fire to warm up that night. Some of us having a cold beer which is nice.

The night was so calm, all we can hear was the water rushing down the stream near by.

Many stars

And the next morning was best. Mist, sunrise and I couln't resist my self to take some shots.

It was a nice and definitely going to that again next month. Ciou!

Image Gallery is down for a short while

2009-03-18T03:01:00.006+08:00

My image gallery is down at the moment. Hope to fix it soon.. for a time being you can browse through my images in this blog. Thank you for your understanding.