Just a few inch matter…

Hi everyone,

I live in Kiulu and my house is nearby the Kiulu river. I like to take a walk along the river whenever I have the time. Sometimes, I just walk…sometimes I bring along my camera and look for interesting lights.

There are times of course while taking photo, I become too ambitious to capture the subject,  and forget to look around for cleaner or nicer background that can help make the subject stand-out. Sometimes it is just the matter of few inch to left.. few inch to right.. up or down..

- I guess the background is just too messy -

Some senior says.. it is really up to the photographer’s judgement on how to present the subject in photo but..

- get low angle for cleaner background since the background on 1st capture doesn't add much to make the subject stand-out -

If the background doesn’t help the subject stand-out or story.. just eliminate it.. and above is my simple shot on the wild plant lit by the morning lights in comparison for slightly change in point of view for better background.

…and this among the things that I always remind to those who join my outing.

Till then everyone… Kopisanangan do dongotuong good nite

Because you trust me

So…anyone miss me?

Sorry for not being able to post anything new for the past few weeks, I was a bit preoccupied. Hopefully, you all still remember me.

Many asked me why my basic photography class is called an ‘I trust you’ session…well, the answer is simple, because you have to trust that Lano Lan is capable to help you to in your first step into photography and that Lano Lan knows what he is talking about.

So, for those who will trust me soon, here is a glimpse on how you and I will go through the ‘trusting process’…

Basically, my tutorial will start with something that will bore you to death. At this stage, you will (like it or not) have to listen to my mumbling on the camera technology and I would basically drill your head to understand all the important functions available in your camera, such as shutter, aperture, ISO, focal length and white balance button. And my mumbling on them will cover the technology behind it up to what contribution do they play to your photo.  However, sorry to say, this is the part where you have to pay a lot of attention because this is the foundation for your journey of taking good photo. Trust me, on this.

- my mumbling season -

The next stage will cover the ‘field trip’ where you need to practice what I have just told you in the ‘mumbling stage’. This is where as Surie Aziz says the test of ‘ujian tinggi langit dan bumi‘ of your photography skill. However, do not fear, because I will be there to guide you and if you have been paying attention, you will get that good photo on that very first shot. Once again, trust me on this.

- dealing with the "lubang" -

But of course, before I let you go, you need to go for a series of test. Not for you to be graded or for me to tell you you pass or not. It is for us ( you and I) ‘to come into agreement’ on what we share during the first and second session. Basically, I give you the compo and you will have to execute the technical judgement. Don’t worry, if you don’t get it on the first try, I will only advice you until you get the judgement correct. The test will cover your judgement on high contrast area, judgement for sunset or sunrise and judgement for compensation purposes. You will never fail. On that, you have to trust me.

- metering simulation for sunset / sunrise -

Lastly, before the session ends and before we bid farewell, you will have to pay me for the session . This however, is a matter that I have never highlighted before in my facebook or here in my blog. The fact for the RM150 is that it is only paid to me once. Which means, if you ever wish to come and join me again to refresh your knowledge or just to have a chit chat with me or to ‘belanja‘ me coffee…you are welcome to join me again. For free. This is a guarantee. For this, you have no choice but to trust me.

- simulation on how the shutter effect your photo optically -

- for those outside KK - they will miss the "lubang" - here in Tambunan, they deal on the "Gua" - a simulation for dark metering

- the Tasik Kompleks Sukan Likas infamous lubang -

p/s The guarantee however is only applicable for the tutorial session :-) As for my other photography activities…well, that is a whole different story.

- Rainbow –

Hi All,

So…anyone miss me?

Sorry for not being able to post anything new for the past few weeks, I was a bit preoccupied. Hopefully, you all still remember me. and nothing much to mumble tonite, just a photo taken somewhere nearby sometimes ago.

- Rainbow over Mengkabung Cove Tuaran Sabah -

kopisanangan do dongtuong good nite

To judge or not to judge…that is a photographer’s choice

Hi all,

Have been a  bit busy lately, a lot of things to write but I just don’t know how to put them into words but I’ll try, the best I could.

Last week during my short visit to Labuan by the road side near Menumbuk I saw this bird by the road side, well I am not really into birding but since the bird is within my 200mm reach I decided to take a few shot and experiment on the camera metering for sharing purpose. As aperture priority is among photographer’s favorite when DOF or sharpness is their concern so I set my camera at aperture priority for the shots. I guess this time I try to trust my camera metering by letting the camera decide on the exposure, so here is the result..

Aperture Priority and the camera decide on the exposure - i guess the camera give me flat look on the capture

However, since I know that the camera metering system will simply be fooled or tricked by dark bird’s background, as the camera suggest the exposure, giving me the picture above. So, to counter this situation, I lock the exposure and compensate to correct exposure on fly to get my 2nd shot as below  which was what I wanted.

Aperture Priority and the photographer decide on the exposure

Both images exposure are as in camera capture, and I guess understanding how your camera respond to light with the in-camera metering guidance will save a lot of time and will speed up your learning curve in digital photography, and as for me the 1st thing you should learn and understand to get desired exposure is “metering”.

Oh, I don’t want you to get confuse, is metering an advance feature in photography? My friends, people won’t get rich if they sell something too complicated so I guess it is the most basic things that every photographer should learn and understand before other things.. why? I guess it is the guide for you to control light to imitate what your eyes see and to capture on your sensor later.

Oh well, that is all for tonight my friends, good night happy shooting and have a safe outing

Until then, Kopisanangan do dongotuong. 

Sunset Cruise – a trip for photographer

Getting a great shot is what every photographers dream of getting. However as the saying goes ‘to get what you want, you have to work for it’, and it is the same in photography. Sometimes you have to walk, cycle, run and sometimes you just have to go beyond the shore to get that one great shot that you have been dreaming of.

A few days back, a few friends joined me for a sunset cruise purely for photo taking activity. We meet up at Sutera Marina at about 4pm and while waiting for the catamaran to be filled up, we discussed the kind of possible shots that can be taken from the islands across the Kota Kinabalu city.

As suggested by Captain Jack ‘Charlie’ Sparrow, we asked the catamaran pilot to the South end of Gaya Island and at Padang Point, I helped my fellow photographers to imagine the kind of shots that they can expect from the best spot available there and suggested the best technical judgement that they can use in order to get what they want. And when the moment come…:-) more than words.

This first trip is actually just a ‘test run’ of the whole sunset cruise idea, but I sincerely need to say thank Dr. Zulis, Abdul Rahim and Al-Brie (who came down all the way from Kota Marudu) Clarise, Sylvia, Jais & children and also to  Charlie & daughter. Thank you for the trust and support my friends.

So…since it is a trip designed only for photographers, the destination of the trip is very flexible…you can pick any nearby island or spot that you want to take photo from and the catamaran pilot will be happy to do so. Well, as long as you don’t ask to be taken to Banggi Island susah itu ging. As for the time frame of this trip, we can go back anytime before 8pm…we need to be fair to the catamaran pilot anyway

So my friends, if you are up for the adventure and the challenge to capture a great photo, please do join me on the next sunset cruise and throw your ideas to me…every suggestion will be entertained, except for the price…that final say only belong to  me hehehe

preparing for safety

I wish i can take my friends on a sunset cruise on the 'Mayan Queen' but since it will be too big for us, I think the catamaran is good enough

Charlie & his daughter on the front deck

after a walk on the shore at Padang Point we decided to wait for the sunset here on the jetty

look like this spot have a good potential to get appealing sunset provided there is a something work well as foreground

when I take sunset, sometimes I always hope there will be something magic in-front of me to work well as a subject..

and I guess the magic stay for sometimes.. thank you magic

from left : Sylvia, Dr. Zulis, Charlie & daughter, Clarise, Abdul Rahim and Al-Brie, Jais & children thank you for the support and had a great time with you all

We all landed safely at the Marina at 8pm and proceed to have dinner together at Kak Nong restaurant for a comments and critique session and sharing of some photography reading materials ..after all sharing is caring.

Until then, take care everyone and happy weekend.

Going beyond the pretty smile.

Norikot nodi bulan lima… ( John Gaisah is a classic! ) Finally, May is here. It is a month that means a lot to the Dusun community, so I like to wish everyone Kopisanangan do Tadau Kaamatan (Happy Harvest Festival) may it brings you more prosperity, joy and happiness to you and family.

Speaking of Ka’amatan, it will be a busy month for those into photography. There are too many to capture…magagung, moginum, sugandoi…and of course the crème de la crème, the center of attraction…seeking for Huminodun or better known as Unduk Ngadau. But…if you want to know the legend of the Dusun Princess, you need to Google it cause I might give you a different version of the legend .

So, to make it up to you, I share with you the story of Unduk Ngadau Competition for Inanam District. Last week, Lumix organized a photography workshop for all photographers at Tg. Aru first beach and all the beautiful Inanam Unduk Ngadau participants became the models ( it was also to crown the Miss Photogenic). In support for the event, more than 200 photographers turn up to learn a few photography tricks from the guru himself, C.V. Chong, and a few other established photographers.

As I always mentioned, when it comes to portraiture…it is something that I am struggling with sometimes. However, I always give it my best effort when I have the chance and one thing that I always keep in mind, when it comes to shooting models, communication plays an important role. It creates that one moment that only you and your model share privately…and that ‘look’ or ‘smile’ that you want from them. As for me, I like to play with the natural lights on the models…they are naughty, playful, shy and even stubborn ( the natural lights I mean ). I only took a few shots of the ladies on that day, I spent most of my time enjoying their beauties with my naked eyes instead . So…given the models and lights, here are some of the soon- to- be -crowned Huminodun…in natural lights.

Her dimple, makes me wish she never stop smiling...at me.

She has a sincere smile...as a princess should be.

and yes they smile all the way.. and I guess thats the essence of Ka'amatan ~ being happy

Yes I got the smile but as photographer I should have asked her to put her tissue aside before taking her photo.. poor me

That it is for tonight tompinai, hopefully my mumbling will be useful to you.  Kopisanangan do Tadau Kaamatan om Kopisanangan do dongotuong, good nite

Into night photography…

Hi all,  how was your day? Mine is good…so far. Hoping for a cloudless night tonight, so my camera wouldn’t be abandon and who knows I might capture wonderful star trails tonight (at least for me) .

Speaking of night shots, have you got yourself your very own tripod? You might think that you don’t need one but …well I guess there is a reason why tripod was invented.. and main reason is to help us tackle a long exposure shots or of course make sure you won’t cramp your while hand-handling your camera.

So, before I go to bed tonight, I thought I share with you some of my work at night or some says… nightshots.

1st.. the star trail..I did a few reading about this before and try some but I believe that learning from an expert to this technique of nightshots is worth it. Thanks to Jollence Lee for sharing his expertise in star-trailing… and with him I got this as my 1st star-trail.  It was taken near KKIP during his star trail workshop.  Hopefully, he will conduct more workshops on star trails in the near future and you guys shouldn’t miss attending one.  You might know the technique through reading but getting hands on tips is a better way to  learn about getting unique night shots. Speaking of workshop.. if there is a chances I try my best to be available to learn from others. After all, learning never kills, ignorance does.

My 1st star trails photo during Jolence Lee's workshop near KKIP

Star trails in front of my house near Kiulu on one clear night

the lone tree & star trails at hilly Kokol

star trails on one starry night near Kasih Sayang Resort Kokol Menggatal

That’s it for tonight, ~Star light, star bright, first star I see tonight, I wish I may, I wish I might, to have the wish I wish tonight. ~ kopisanangan do dongotuong (good night)

Night Shot Outing…

It has been a year now since I started my basic photography tutorial at Tasik Likas and about a week ago, to celebrate those who trusted me, I invited them for an outing at Kiulu, Tamparuli.

Last night 29th – 30th April 2011, at Bukit Kokol, Mengatal, 6 of my former tutorial participants joined me for a nocturnal outing…and as the Kiulu outing, the nocturnal outing is also exclusively for those  who had join my basic tutorial.

The outing started with a ‘kupi’ session  at Big Bowl Inanam Taipan before we proceed to the 1st shooting location to get a night shot of Kota Kinabalu city. Since all the participants already knows the basics, explaining the setting, metering judgement, composition at night, function of a cable release and the exposure triangle, Dr. Zulis Zulkifli captured a moment that turns out to be the photo of the night. Congrats I guess, when you really take into consideration and plan your shots technically and composition wise…you will end up with a capture that turns everyone green with envy (Including me )

Dr. Zulis Zulkifli Capture on Nite Outing near Kokol

Then, as the cloud began to shift and reveal the stars, I took them to another spot for a star trail shots.  During this session, we experimented on taking shots of the stars under a  single long exposure. Unfortunately, the thick cloud decided to change its mind and covered the night sky.

E Sylvia Soyon capture on star trail near Kokol - single long exposure - 908seconds

group photo near Kokol

from left : jumar@udin, Zam, Sylvia,Jannatte, Suzy, Rahim & Zu

around 2am… tired & sleepy time to go home…

from left : Suzy, Ruslan, Zu, Udin, Rahim & Zam

thanks for the trust, great time with you all… untill next outing, happy long holiday and Kotobian Do Tadau Ka’ amatan ( happy harvest festival)

The Lone Tree …

Hi all.. been a bit busy with small assignments lately and hardly able to find time to drop my mumbling here in my blog. Anyway tonight just want to share about this one particular subject which I frequently experiment to see how point of view (POV), light or others element will effect the photo in search for a non-cliched shot.. and here is a lone tree near Kasih Sayang resort at Kokol Menggatal Sabah.. by the way this place is about 60KM away from my house.. and here is some of the capture..

My 1st shot of the Lone Tree - 15/2/2010 4:10:18 PM

The Lone Tree on Blue Sunny Day

The Lone Tree on rainy sunset taken from inside car

The Lone Tree on silhouette under the moon

the Lone Tree on cloudy sunset

the Lone Tree in its neighborhood during cloudy sunset

the Lone Tree & its neighbor.. the wild flower

the Lone Tree on one misty morning

the Lone Tree fan thank you my dear tripod

my latest shot of the Lone Tree on star trail - Apr 23~Apr 24, 2011

Once again I guess that is what Jodi Cobb (Beyond the Barries, National Geographic) tries to say in her tips “even if you only want to take pictures of well-known monuments, commit to the situation. Come back when the light is better, experiment with different technique, lens, vantage point, or light to go beyond the snapshot or the clichè. “

Thanks for reading, have a great weekdays. Take care, Kopisanangan do dongotuong (good nite).

Day-trip Outing to Kg. Poturidong Kiulu

No tutorial at Tasik Likas today , why? Because today I arranged my 1st day – trip outing with former ‘I trust you’ participants’ and it was held near by my house. The outing location is at Kiulu river and is meant to refresh the basic knowledge and experience taking photo at Kiulu high-contrast river.. and thanks to all 10 wonderful participants who trust me again this time.. I really had a good time with all of you.

This time they experienced how to take photo on field like taking rafting photo, deal with high-contrast, composition and so on. During this session also I emphasis more on how to use semi-auto setting (aperture priority, shutter priority, program mode) on field for more fast and accurate exposure.

I also try to share with them what is the best composition for outdoor work.

The afternoon rain somehow spoil the outing but looking at the bright side, the rain made us stranded and I got the opportunity to know my friends better and had some discussion on flash…Well, I do hope that everybody managed to get something from this outing session.

It was a tiring day but I am glad to have spent the day with all of you. We should do this again one day…and here are some of the photos of today’s outing. Once again, thank you everyone, great time with you all.

Arrived at Kg. Poturidong Kiulu after Kupi time at Pekan Kiulu

trekking for closer angle to the white water rafting photo taking

taken wide at 18mm, from this angle if you use 200mm you will simply get the face shoot of the rafter

if you follow the rafter, make sure to unlock-lock back and compensate to correct exposure again and i guess as the rafter is too close to you here.. wide to zoom lens may work best for this kind of assignment

my shot at 80mm without croping

Apai, Azfan, Zainudin & Ali try to understand how the metering response to dark background

-from left Zu, Ali, Clarise, Azfan, Mino, Zainudin, Apai, Johardy, Pairi, Abdul Rahman & Zainnudin's wife - my plan is to take group photo near the river but the rain made us stranded here for 3 hours.. great time with you all and thanks for the trust again

until next outing.. kopisanangan do dongotoung (good nite).