SACCADES

New Tricks

2009-05-01T06:54:00.000-07:00

Bought a DSLR magazine and found this trick. Copied and tried to re-produce. ....

1st attempt.. Lots of interface shadows. Need to improve on the equipment....

Hopefully will have energy to try again..... well Jacob just found a piece of clear glass!!

Sydney

2009-05-01T06:22:00.000-07:00

Alone. I went on a trip to Sydney for my uncle's 80th birthday all by myself.......

Uncle John had undergone CABG last year with a infected left leg wound lasted months after surgery. So I thought I should just make a trip, not knowing that is was meant to be a surprice to him.

Cousin Ruth took the week off and spent most days with me. I took lots of photos. She was absolutely patient with my constant distractions. I woke up for sunrise every morning except the last day. Late for the first, in time for the second morning and late for the third-lost our way to the beach. They were all surprised that Ruth could wake up before 5 am to pick me from CBD to catch sunrise. We had a enjoyable time at the beach.....

Overall it was a wonderful trip, except the initally hiccups at the Changi airport-SIA overbooked the flight.

More Photos

Panorama

2009-03-28T08:02:00.000-07:00

Old dog learning new tricks again.

Couldn't go anywhere with the recent handicap, tapped onto my "virtual master" in photography. Followed his online detailed/real-time tutorial and succeeded the first step of putting a few shots together into Panoramic photographs.

Although something is still very wrong with the pictures/photography, but ......I think it was an excellent achievement. Hurrah! and thanks, TY.

Handicapped

2009-03-28T07:01:00.000-07:00

Missed a step at home and broke my left foot - # 5th metatarsus, on the 24th night. Liang da ge said to treat it conservatively. So limping away with a walking stick and bandage. Mother in law boiled herbal chicken and passed me the chinese (tian qi ) oilment. Clinically effective. Started the oilment on day 2 and realsied the bandage was "loosening" after several hours (definitely not due to poor bandaging technique).

Feeling much better (not in agonising pain when walking) today.......also took a half day rest..so that was good.

Siem Reap

2009-03-28T06:47:00.000-07:00

Went on a 4 days 3 nights tour to Siem Reap in end of February. It was a very good break from work. 2 hours flight by silk air with very good flight hours. Brought my new DSLR along (passed my old one to hubby), so took lots of photos.

see photos

Hokkaido December 2008

2009-01-04T06:10:00.000-08:00

It was an enjoyable and a blessed holiday trip at Hokkaido.

Stayed in 2 ski resorts this time - the good old Hirafutei, at Hirafu Niseko for 4 nights and tried the popular Rusutsu for 2 nights. There were total of 19 of us on this trip together.

Weather was slightly less than perfect:

First it was raining!! (real bad news for ski resorts) when we arrived. The rain stopped in the evening and had overnight snow; but not enough to cover the lower slope the next morning.....encountered plenty of slippery icy patches on the way down.

Then came heavy snowing (and overcast) for the next 3 days - only had 2 hours of sunshine in 4 days. First time I brought my DSLR (heavy hand carry- cam + laptop + EHD) and could only use it outdoor because of the down pour. Everything was gray/white, snowy and the Mt Yutei was hidden behind the dense cloud everyday, except the 2 hrs (and I missed it). I had never yearned for the sun so..so much(except when I was in Glasgow in 1988). And learned to appreciate the clear blue sky when I returned after that few days of longing.

The weather cleared on the day when we were transferred to Rusutsu. Captured a glimpse of the Mountain(the pseudoFuji, Mt Yotei) from the coach. Had relatively fine days at Rusutsu. There was Christmas eve fireworks celebration at Rusutsu.

Then the snow storm returned on the 26th when we were due to fly to Osaka. The Chitose airport was closed in the morning and the flights were canceled. It was like a war zone. 11 of us were very lucky to be able to fly off after less than 1.5 hrs of delay and spent the night in Osaka as planned.

Well, that's really something beyond our control and planning - the weather - the snow - the sunshine.

But most of all, everyone enjoyed the trip with no major injuries ( only many bruised knees ).

Son's 22nd birthday was celebrated amongst friends. Beautiful cake bought by dear auntie Mary.

I am very thankful, and looking forward to the coming December's trip, 2009.

I think I am addicted to the Onsen, and the food.

More Photos

Lexus Cup 2008

2008-12-07T05:27:00.000-08:00

28th - 30th November 2008

This might or would be the last Lexus Cup.

Held at SICC Bukit over 3 days.

Blessed with good weather, despite threatening storm on the last day with temporary course closure.

Good fight from the Asia team despite much smaller(20-30%) in size / mass.

Big signs at the entrance of the course "No Camera, No Handphone" before first and tenth holes. But the ladies were entertaining......and they played good golf.

Of course the non players helped to brighten the course too.

more photos

Asia on the Edge

2008-12-01T03:50:00.000-08:00

29th Nov 2008

Read about the performance in the Saturday papers. Although feeling quite tired after watching part of the Lexus Open after work (half day), I was determined to try my 70-200mm on the dancers.

Despite searching the http://www.streetdirectory/, I was quite lost again coming out of the multi storey car park. Walked up and down between Boat and Clarke quay before I located the place. Sigh.....

It consisted of 4 groups of dancers , forming a continuous large circle, dancing to a "ethnic" music with own particular choreographed steps. They were staged on the sides of the Cavenagh Bridge. The public was allowed to walk along the bridge while the dancers were performing. It was a refreshing concept to me.

Best of them all were the Korean dancers, followed by the Indian dance group. I was very thrilled to see so many pretty Indian girls going their traditional dance steps, an art that should be dearly preserved.

Then the Gongfu boys. The costume designer should have a better idea than to expose one of their nipples for these young men who were lacking in muscle mass. No offence to anyone, they were just young and lean.

The worst were the "flag bearers". Not very sure what they were doing. None of their pictures turned out right. I think they were not aware that the audience was so close the the performers. It was not like the National Parade but more like a stage show. Individual performance skill was revealed thoroughly.

The Korean dancers were of a different calibre amongst all.

Especially this particular dancer, he was really focused, meticulous and precised in each executions. Wow....

more photos

The Old Grand Lady

2008-11-24T04:39:00.000-08:00

Had a friendly 6 flights tournament at SICC old course over the weekend. First time bringing my D80 to golf course during a game, I was very apprehensive of the weather (very rainy lately) and of course the "residents" of the course.

Took pictures of the course and my flight mates plus others in sight, between my shots. It was interesting. Missed many short putts and carded a gross 94. The old course was scenic especially the par 5 along and toward the reservoir.

12th hole white tee. 11th hole par 5 in the background.

Captured this exacting movement at the 18th par3, a winning par putt with the ball entering the hole. Should have caught the expression of the player a split second after this. But I ,too, became excited and left the view finder cheering away. Definitely too human to become a professional photographer.

For more photos

MOTHERHOOD

2008-11-21T07:48:00.000-08:00

If the process of bring up a child ( including the side effects and complications of parenthood) is taught in depth in school, the human race is definitely heading for extinction, unless there are enough drop-outs or home schooolers.

Our hands are tied (with invisible cords) and we are often at a loss as to what best to do. The best intentions are perceived with variable negativity. No matter what direction we turn, we bang our heads against the constantly moving wall. That's a 18 year old for you.

It was a day for celebration, after the last A level paper, but it ended up bitterly as a family confrontation started at 0230hr, and concluded at 0400hr, again with the parent succumbing to the wall thicker than the bomb shelter specification. There must be a reason for the Lord allowing this to happen, over and over again, for long enough period. There must be a lesson to be learnt, or is it a form of punishment.

What will they end up to be?

Less conflicts, I think, because there is a common goal in life with little disagreement, SURVIVAL.

Baclay's Singapore Open 2008

2008-11-16T01:02:00.000-08:00

15th November 2008 Saturday

Followed a colleague to watch 3 rd day of Barclay's Open after work. Not aware that photography was not allowed in the course and brought cam along.

Saw this beautiful car parked right in front of the club house. How I wish the number plate belongs to me....and may be the car....

Had lunch at club house and saw Ernie Els on the putting green, at the club house. Took some shots of him and also obtained an autograph on my visor. I was feeling really excited, my first close enounter with a international golf star.

Walked to the driving range after lunch. Took some shots of the players getting ready for the third round until Phil Mickelson arrived and we were littererly shoved off verbelly by his caddie.

I asked around the golfers and spectators, not a single person was clear about the rules of photography in the golf tournaments.

I am fully aware that the clicking sound of the camera can affect their play, like talking or ringing of HP, must be strictly prohibited when they are to execute any shots, tee-off, fairway or putting.

But driving range?? Perhaps there is an appearance fee involved if we possess their photos. In that case I will definitely erase this one. They are just golfers, paid to come (with large amount of appearance fees) to play, to raise the world wide TV receiver rates for the broadcasting stations and the local spectator attendance for the tournament, with the primary aim to raise the standard of play. It would be nice if they behave and think like performaning stars, 'cos that's what we see them as. Nothing more,or less than that.

The organisers could have announced and displayed the big NO sign to cameras at the club house or at the entrance of the course instead of letting the spectators, who have taken effort to be there to support the event, be told off by a caddie.

Nonetheless, there are many other subjects and interesting fellow human beings than those golfers.....

And also those who were there but not really interested in golf.

Bali Trip

2008-11-12T07:13:00.000-08:00

Spent the night trying to improve my photoshop skills/technique from son. So blessed to have a son who is willing and able to teach me. Almost as patient as Giantcanopy. But may be I should enroll in a proper workshop.....

Posting my photos at Clubsnap. Please visit the site and feel free to comment.

Bali Trip

2008-11-11T05:31:00.000-08:00

Spent one week in Bali, without my family, with an old primary school classmate.

It was a very interested experience.

Old friend acquired a Balinese residence in Ubud some years ago and we were there after spending the first 2 nights at Sanur. The residence at Ubud / Andong was beautiful. Facing the paddy fields and the lotus ponds, it was truly a Balinese garden and out of this world (rather my world).

Met a Japanese family who was (family business) into producing silk garment from this:

I also started trying to get my photos uploaded onto the Clubsnap Website. Tough job.

Work has been very busy after the week's absence. Had a terrible headache from 10am today. Almost thinking of getting a MRI/MRA fearing a subarachnoid bleed. Well, managed to finish the full day work after 4 tab of panadol within 4 hours. And still living....

Marina Barrage Opening

2008-11-01T02:59:00.000-07:00

More photos

Read about the Barrage in the

morning papers and decided to pay a visit yesterday afternoon, looking forward to a "quiet time".

Arrived about 4pm and was refused at the entrance of the car park because I was a just a "normal visitor", not an invited guest. Only to find out that the Prime Minister was scheduled to open the Barrage officially in the evening. Probably wouldn't have gone if I knew that the crowd was going to be there, even I was given the invitation.

A very interesting structure, creating a reservoir, a outdoor recreation area with a beautiful view of Singapore skyline.

Took pictures, initially over exposed "washed-out" and later (after sunset) became all "noisy". A passerby "pro" ( with a little daughter) helped with the setting for the Singapore Flyer night shots (Mr. Peh LS-misplaced his name card soon after).

Had free food and even goodie bag on my way home. And a free gift from the balloon man.

A lucky Singaporean.

The Frequent Flyers

2008-10-28T04:26:00.000-07:00

Caught the sight of 2 small birds on my Coral tree in the garden yesterday morning (PH, not rushing for work).

Perhaps species of humming birds..

I was amazed how pretty they were through my camera lens.

They have always been around...

Feeding on the bright red flowers early in the morning...

But none of us took any notice of their being...

Travel Photography

2008-10-26T05:59:00.000-07:00

Rushed from work to arrive late at yesterday's workshop.

A good summary about planning and executing a overseas photographic trip.

The practical part was spent at Albert street, which I have never visited ( or rather usually tend to avoid because of the crowd). Although was taught in the didactic session what to look out for, I didn't seem to see things that my fellow group mates captured. Hm.....I think I am loosing or have lost interest in my surrounding objects/subjects over the years. Time to retrain the senses!!

The human traffic was very heavy at Albert street on the Saturday afternoon. There was a Hindu temple and also a Chinese temple almost side by side (I shall look up the actual names of these temples). Many many devotees to both.

Also, I think the density of beggars over there was the highest in the whole of Singapore.

Took a quick photo of a Fortune teller and was scolded....

For more photos

Cousins

2008-10-23T02:13:00.000-07:00

Had a very busy weekend.

A cousin living in Sydney dropped by on her way back from her India holiday .

Didn't have much time for her over the 3 days when she's here.

She bought some glass beads as other tour group members were buying and passed them to me. I promised to produce some finished work and also will made a trip to visit my uncles next year.

So, managed to finish off half of the glass beads - the cool colours. Spent my free afternoon at People's park shopping for more coloured stones to match the other beads. Will upload the products ASAP.

Also attended the wedding of another cousin, living in New Zealand and was getting married to a Singapore girl.

Representing my whole immediate family, I walked into the restaurant and identified the groom. A huge man of more than 90 kg. I introduced myself: "Congratulations XX, I'm your cousin.." "Ooooh.....Okey.....Nice to meet you..hm......I'll look for daddy."

It was our first meeting after more than 20 years. He must have been a small boy running around at Chinese New Year gatherings before. We didn't know / recognise each other. And we are first cousins, although our fathers are half brothers. Hm...

Wasp and Spider

2008-10-13T07:16:00.000-07:00

During the photoshoot yesterday at the Singapore Botanic Gardens, our instructor spotted a large wasp attacking an even larger spider. When he approached the insects, the wasp released the prey temporarily and turned towards him. All of us were alerted and stepped away. I managed to take a few photos (mostly out of focus) from afar.

Relating the incidence to my older boy, telling him how a smaller wasp was going to "eat up" the hairy big spider, he replied in his usual coolness that the wasp was just trying to reproduce and the spider was not dead yet. At least not until the eggs laid by the wasp inside the abdomen of the spider has hatched into larva, than the spider will be eaten up from within. YEE...IGS.

FYI

few more photos

Photoworkshop

2008-10-12T08:16:00.000-07:00

Absolutely exhausted.

Started the lesson in Botanic Gardens at 1500hrs. Proceeded to Riverwalk before 1800hrs.

Taught "how to" in photography for :

* waterfall

* more on lines, patterns and shadows

* flowers

* more panning

* night traffic light tracks

* the moon

* more zoom and rotation!

Well, had ni...ce Bak Cho Meebok before the night shoot, and a beer!!

Photoworkshop

2008-10-11T06:38:00.000-07:00

Met at 1800hrs for the second session of photo shoot for the day.

Very interesting.

Learnt:

more about framing

contrast

different aerial perspectives

panning ( 1 in 50 )

step/graduated zoom

self portrait and hand held night shoot.

Meeting at 1500hrs again tommorrow.......

Photographic Workshop

2008-10-11T00:35:00.000-07:00

Had a morning shoot at China town on the second day of the workshop.

Steven provided a different perspective of visualising our surroundings.

The ground was no longer just the talc surface but seeing reflected images of surrounding buildings through the puddle of water.
We saw shadows and colours which were usually ignored.

The static objects seemed to have come alive through his eyes.

This reminded me when I was attending my first art classes: A green apple was not just green but was painted with colours ranging from red to yellow to blue.

Looking forward to the night shoot.

Qiandaohu, China

2008-10-10T08:01:00.000-07:00

22 September 2008

Last golf game at Qiandaohu.

It was the only morning that we did not have to move off before 0800 hrs. Had a lot of spare time before tee off. Took some photos from the room balcony. Saw a family of peacocks and some white pigeons in flight.

It was another bright and sunny day. By the time we started the game, the temperature had become unbearably hot. There was also not enough shades at the course. I was wetting my attire with cold water to avoid getting a heat stroke.

The course was challenging. Few holes crossing wide water hazards and ravines.

Also taken some night shots from hotel room. Quite romantic.

China HuangShan

2008-10-06T07:14:00.000-07:00

Back to my China trip.

Had a day trip to the famous HuangShan - the Yellow Mountain.

It was a sunny Saturday. Bright and hot and very crowded.

The view was too good, so no sign of the romantic mysterous Yunhai, no sunrise or sunset (as we could only afford a day trip ).

Good thing was that the steps were not slippery nor hazzardous. Very safe climb.

I was feeling a liitle breathless at the Monkey rock. It could be due to the low oxygen partial pressure, but more likely from my poor physical fitness.

More photos

NJC Military Band

2008-10-02T05:27:00.000-07:00

Feeling slightly unwell last night, perhaps after the overwhelming excitement in the day....

The people whom I have known for decades (won't tell you how many).
We resemble the basic elements in the Peroidic table. Some are similar but yet different, some are inert and some are hyperactive. Some can hardly cope with a single covalent bond (job), but others have hyperexcitable electrons, able to succeed to great heights in the tasks they engage in.

Glad that we could meet.
Glad that we were all still "healthy".
Glad that our paths had crossed in NJC Band years ago.
Grateful that I have known them......

more photos

Birthday

2008-09-30T08:04:00.000-07:00

"So, were you at the Formula I last night?"
The Q which I was asked > 10 times yesterday morning.
"No..pe..."
I was not there. Did not even watch the start and the first part on TV; missed the first crash and the safely vehicle. Managed to catch the last 12 rounds and witnessed the 2 Ferrari's mishaps.

I was at a family dinner - celebrating my __th birthday.

"Why do we celebrate birthdays?"
I'm not sure.
A mother feels for her child's birthday as on that special day a new entity parted from her body and arrived into this world.
My mother refuses to celebrate or even to mention her birthday for as long as I can recall.
I think that question may be good enough to be a MD thesis for psychology or philosophy students.

Many of us, who are not lacking in basic physical needs (with time to surf net, do gardening, beading, going to the gym/spa, holidaying, collecting cars, taking photos as hobby....), derive contentment from sharing and giving. Over the years, although definitely having aged in many ways, I have remained juvenile and naive towards my own birthdays, awaiting happenings, anticipating surprises and desire to receive....

It was a good birthday....

with an e mail from a cousin from Australia,

plus a birthday cake,

plus SMSs from 2 very dear friends....

Lamp Work

2008-09-27T07:44:00.000-07:00

You may wonder what that is, lamp work, a detour from my China trip, another of my Brand-new, hard to come by, exciting, intense and heated experience...

Beading is one of my many diversional therapies. Started one and a half years ago, I was introduced by colleague SN Tham and got to join this beading group led by 3 amazing dental surgeons-great personalities, full-time professionals, artistic, pretty and are also super-effective multitasking mothers/wives.

More details

LAMPWORK

Today's Master was Dr. Chan LinLi. She brought us through the steps in detail how a glass bead could be created.

We tried, struggled .....and produced something.....not quite the same...but we must treasure our first borns.

Hm....Well....we tried.. very very hard.

Work by the Master

Lu Xun

2008-09-26T08:04:00.000-07:00

18th September 2008

Arrived at Shouxin, about one and a half hours bus ride from Hangzhou, played the second round of golf. My flight mates took 6 to 26 strokes off me and we played team match play. I started "shanking" and grossed 99. Cracked under pressure and loss $.

For photos pleaseclick

After lunch at club house, we proceeded to visit Lu Xun's residence. To include this sight-see in the trip was indeed a great idea. Lu Xun was a great writer but a greater philosopher. His articles / short stories are to be studied and not just read.

Hangzhou west lake (Xihu) at Night

2008-09-25T05:48:00.000-07:00

17 September 2008

It was my father's 75th birthday. Had a huge cake but it was soft sponge with fresh cream. Tasted better than it's appearance.

Proceeded to watch the grand performance at the West Lake after dinner. It was spectacular, a Zhang Yi Mou's production. The music was really romantic, modernised Chinese tune which was also suitable for lyrical jazz. I was thinking that the producer could simply alter the costumes and the floating motel, and it will be "westernised". A different flavour for the tourists.

For more interesting views, please enjoy

Day 6 China Trip

2008-09-21T11:11:00.000-07:00

Skipped the other days in between because the trip was just too hectic....Will definitely upload the photos in due time. But this you must see......

more photos

China Trip

2008-09-18T08:38:00.000-07:00

16th September 2008

Left for Hangzhou via Shanghai, on the last day of my daughter's A level prelim. Managed to arrange older boy to chauffer early in the morning before his morning assignment.

Had very tight security >>> long Q at the check-in counter despite being at the airport 2 and a half hours before flight time.

With mother's Asia Treasurer card which I have failed to obtain one from my banker, we had Laksa for breakfast.

Took the whole day travelling. Arrived in Hangzhou late at night. Needed 2 doses of anti-emetic. But the dinner was delicious.

Lantern Festival at River Walk

2008-09-15T07:16:00.000-07:00

10th Sept 2008

Ended work early and had no prior plans or duties. Decided to take photos at the River Walk. Had never been there and was disorientated, ie lost my way. Found the lanterns only after dinner, when they were lighted.

It was a beautiful evening, cool and breezy, wonderful outside the UOB plaza, watching the little boy disturbing the pigeons.

The pubs were very crowded, reminded me of the those in Scotland....But I think the restaurants were not doing so well. Most of them were offering free first drink and auto-discount 20-30%. I had my first beer free....

For lantern photos click here

There was a troop from China performing but there was no proper stage and people was just crowding around. Worse than the old Wayang we had. Could have been better organised and more people would be able to enjoy the performances.

It was interesting to realise the change of mood..... I felt like a country mouse......

Simple pleasures in Life

2008-09-04T08:13:00.000-07:00

My recent new achievement : traditional Hakka Yam dish - the "Wu de Ban".

I went over to my mother-in-law's place 3 weeks ago to have hands-on workshop. She was absolutely kind and organised. It was almost like a TV cooking demonstration. She prepared half of the Yam the day before after learning that I was going over, so that she could demonstrate the cooking part to me, ie it was a 2 stage affair. And I had the other half of the yam to learn the dough preparation.

For about 1.5 Kg of yam, it will take about 2.5 hrs on day 1 and about 1 hour in day 2 preparation plus cooking time. Roughly enough to feed 15 persons.

I have cooked the dish twice since then. Managed to satisfy my ever-supportive husband, my children and parents. Very Satisfying... will try to learn the Hakka Yong Tau Foo next....

Dancesport de Allan

2008-08-30T20:59:00.000-07:00

Photos taken during the March Competition of students from Allan's studio.
Uploaded for the students.
No commercial interest involved.

For more photos click here

Marina Bay Fireworks 2008

2008-08-30T20:17:00.000-07:00

Decided to try my fireworks technique again.

It was an enlightening experience.

Dropped daughter off at Bras Besar for tuition at 6.30pm. Parked my car at Esplanade and was thinking of going shopping before the schedule time of fireworks at 9pm. Rain had just stopped. I walked up to the Esplanade Bridge/Walkway and to my astonishment there were at least more than 50 photographers "setup" and "ready" at the bridge. Talking to a senior gentleman, a seasoned photographer at fireworks (local and abroad), I was advised to find a good location and not to leave till the action. Immediately I felt the tension and excitement.

Well, it was almost a 3 hours wait for 15 minutes of fireworks(French). BUT, it was worth the wait. The beauty was under-represented by my photos. Will promise to improve.

click here for more photos

NDP Singapore 2008

2008-08-30T20:09:00.000-07:00

Brought tripod, lenses and a new toy - a time release attachment ( purchased from my favorite shop at Lucky Plaza just before going to the parade) to NDP this year. First attempt at the fireworks after reading the technique from the net(on that morning). Failed quite badly.

click here for more photos

Merlion International Dancesport 2008

2008-08-30T19:52:00.000-07:00

Wanted to try my new 70-200mm lens but missed most of the day competition due to work.
Fairly poorly taken photos.
Posting this again for the participants to enjoy.
Will try to be better next year.

click here for more photos

Singapore Ballet Academy Concert 2008

2008-08-30T19:26:00.000-07:00

I had the good fortune to learn ballet as a child at the Singapore Ballet Academy. Stopped dancing and performing with the school during my 2nd year in the university, physically not good enough to cope with the advance grades. By then, dancing/ballet has been in my blood and soul.

Returned to SBA with my daughter when she was 6. Stayed as a accompanying mother till end 2006 as daughter, too, unfortunately has the similar sketetal structure as I and stopped her formal ballet lessons/exams.

I was out of town during the actual SBA concert this year-the 50th Anniversary Concert, but was able to sneak in during their dress rehearsals.
SBA concert 2008 click here for more photos

Hwa Chong JC Dance Night 2008

2008-08-30T19:03:00.000-07:00

Had the opportunity to watch the rehearsals and the performance. Learned more about stage photography and bought a prime lens. With the inadequacy in technique, focusing and lighting were the persistent problems.
Uploading this for the dancers to enjoy.
Best wishes for the coming A level exam for the J2s.

Rehearsals click here

Shake click here

Dance Photographs

2008-08-30T06:02:00.000-07:00

I developed recent interest in photography after attending a dance photo workshop in March this year.

Dance photography workshop

click here for more photos