Just participated in the 4th Affordable Photo Fair organized by Objectifs in their new premises. It is a fantastic event for photographers to show their works and chat with people.
Objectifs has gathered a good mix of photographers representing different genres. With 13 photographers each displaying at least 20 images, visitors were able to feast on 260 different images to say the least.
During the course of the fair, I was asked if I had photoshopped my images as the colors are saturated and seemingly unreal. Thou my answers is a simple no, in hindsight, have I been telling the truth?
Most photographers who scan their own transparencies would know that the scanned images are usually dull and less sharp as compare to the slide. Thou you have the option to tweak the image with the scanner’s software, it makes better sense and productivity to scan then process images in photo editing software like Photoshop; especially if you have loads of images to scan.
The film stock I use are Fuji Velvia for colour images and Ilford XP2 for black and white images. Velvia is not unknown to photographers for its saturated colours. To approximate the hues on Velvia, scanned images would have to be processed in Photoshop.
Thus, the question of whether I use Photoshop in my images, the answer is yes. In the context of whether I had presented the colours more saturated, i.e. unreal, than what it should be, the answer would be no; using the original slides as benchmark. On the other hand, how would you consider the colours captured on the slides, is it “photoshopped”?
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
Friday, March 27, 2009
Originality?
Nothing is original. Steal from anywhere that resonates with inspiration or fuels your imagination. Devour old films, new films, music, books, paintings, photographs, poems, dreams, random conversations, architecture, bridges, street signs, trees, clouds, bodies of water, light and shadows. Select only things to steal from that speak directly to your soul. If you do this, your work (and theft) will be authentic. Authenticity is invaluable; originality is nonexistent. And don’t bother concealing your thievery—celebrate it if you feel like it. In any case, always remember what Jean-Luc Godard said: “It’s not where you take things from—it’s where you take them to.”
Jim Jarmusch
Jim Jarmusch
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Vision & Style
Just read Developing Vision & Style and I can’t say I am any the wiser.
It is basically a book with various photographers defining Vision and Style and some beautiful images to accompany your reading.
Out of the numerous definitions, Roger Creber describes it in a way which I feel is practical.
“Photographic vision is the strategy and photographic style is the tactics.
Vision is the Why and style is the How.
Vision is also the Menu and style is the Recipe”
I have been trying to describe my vision and style since I participated in the 3rd Affordable Photo Fair organized by Objectifs. The attempt was rather miserable and it serves nothing more than to inform viewers that I use color positives in my photography.
On the other hand, it is a lazy man’s way to describe something that could evolve with time, unless I decide to switch to digital as my medium.
If I were to go through my thought process before I press the shutter, simplicity keeps coming into my head. It could be due to the fact that I was ‘greedy’ in my style in that I attempt to put everything I saw into the frame. You know what happens next. Viewers will usually get lost in the maze.
If I have to describe my vision and style now, I would say it would be like having a meal of bread with extra virgin olive oil.
It is basically a book with various photographers defining Vision and Style and some beautiful images to accompany your reading.
Out of the numerous definitions, Roger Creber describes it in a way which I feel is practical.
“Photographic vision is the strategy and photographic style is the tactics.
Vision is the Why and style is the How.
Vision is also the Menu and style is the Recipe”
I have been trying to describe my vision and style since I participated in the 3rd Affordable Photo Fair organized by Objectifs. The attempt was rather miserable and it serves nothing more than to inform viewers that I use color positives in my photography.
On the other hand, it is a lazy man’s way to describe something that could evolve with time, unless I decide to switch to digital as my medium.
If I were to go through my thought process before I press the shutter, simplicity keeps coming into my head. It could be due to the fact that I was ‘greedy’ in my style in that I attempt to put everything I saw into the frame. You know what happens next. Viewers will usually get lost in the maze.
If I have to describe my vision and style now, I would say it would be like having a meal of bread with extra virgin olive oil.
Saturday, February 28, 2009
1434
Just finished reading Gavin Menzies 1434. It sounded very convincing and if it was true, Chinese has contributed significantly to astronomy, mathematics, art, printing, architecture, engineering, weaponry and more. What captivates me most is the exploratory works they have done. It seems Chinese had circumnavigate the world before any one else. Thou credit has been given to Christopher Columbus for discovering America, if the book is true, Chinese has landed on America soil long before him.
Thou 1434 may have its skeptics, there are inventions by Chinese that has contributed much to our lives. Compass, paper, printing etc. I am just wondering, if not for the self imposed isolation, would China be better than it is today.
There is a general saying about Chinese Martial Arts master, they will teach only 90% of what they know to their disciples, keeping 10% to protect themselves in case the disciples should revolt and rise against the master. I can understand the need for self preservation but we can also figure what becomes of the art over time as it was pass from one master to the other.
When I first started out in underwater photography, the only resource I have are books and magazines. It would be nice if some experienced photographers could share their experiences but it seems that there was a tinge of the Chinese Martial Arts Master mentality with some of the photographers I have come across.
Nowadays, it is much better as the internet is rife with forums and people who are more willing to share what they know.
Thou 1434 may have its skeptics, there are inventions by Chinese that has contributed much to our lives. Compass, paper, printing etc. I am just wondering, if not for the self imposed isolation, would China be better than it is today.
There is a general saying about Chinese Martial Arts master, they will teach only 90% of what they know to their disciples, keeping 10% to protect themselves in case the disciples should revolt and rise against the master. I can understand the need for self preservation but we can also figure what becomes of the art over time as it was pass from one master to the other.
When I first started out in underwater photography, the only resource I have are books and magazines. It would be nice if some experienced photographers could share their experiences but it seems that there was a tinge of the Chinese Martial Arts Master mentality with some of the photographers I have come across.
Nowadays, it is much better as the internet is rife with forums and people who are more willing to share what they know.
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Chinese New Year celebrations is officially over!!! Everyone loves a holiday. However, what I can’t stand about this holiday is the hordes of Lion Dance troupes that goes around the neighbourhood with their cymbals and drums. They have a knack for breaking the peace when you are trying to catch a few more winks or when you are trying to hear what ever is coming out from the TV. Thus I am very glad that the noise pollution will finally stopped
I have submitted a video application last week for the Best Job in the World organized by Tourism of Queensland. Just got a mail from them that my video has been accepted.
If you have the time, pls click on the following link to drive up the number of hits for my video on the official web page:
http://www.islandreefjob.com/applicants/watch/07e24-flSVQ
I have submitted a video application last week for the Best Job in the World organized by Tourism of Queensland. Just got a mail from them that my video has been accepted.
If you have the time, pls click on the following link to drive up the number of hits for my video on the official web page:
http://www.islandreefjob.com/applicants/watch/07e24-flSVQ
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Excellence
This being my first blog, I would want to post something that I have kept in my mind since I first heard it.
I was watching the final of the popular Taiwanese singing competition One Million Star Season 2 (超級星光大道第二屆). One of the judges, Wang Wei Zhong (王偉忠) made a remark which I find very useful to my photography.
He says that to excel, a singer has to hone his/her Techniques (技术). The mastery of the techniques will become Art (艺术), from art it will evolve into Magic (魔术), and from magic it will elevate to Witchcraft (巫术).
I agree with what he has mentioned in the pursuit of excellence for one’s craft. However, I don’t like the ring to the word witchcraft.
Collins Cobuild defines witchcraft as the skill of using magic powers, especially evil ones. Merriam Webster online dictionary goes further and describes it as an irresistible influence or fascination. For lack of a better word and I have to use the word Witchcraft, I would favour the description of Merriam Webster online dictionary. It carries a positive connotations of appeal.
Being a photographer, I hope that the images I produced has that ‘irresistible influence and fascination’ over the viewer.
I was watching the final of the popular Taiwanese singing competition One Million Star Season 2 (超級星光大道第二屆). One of the judges, Wang Wei Zhong (王偉忠) made a remark which I find very useful to my photography.
He says that to excel, a singer has to hone his/her Techniques (技术). The mastery of the techniques will become Art (艺术), from art it will evolve into Magic (魔术), and from magic it will elevate to Witchcraft (巫术).
I agree with what he has mentioned in the pursuit of excellence for one’s craft. However, I don’t like the ring to the word witchcraft.
Collins Cobuild defines witchcraft as the skill of using magic powers, especially evil ones. Merriam Webster online dictionary goes further and describes it as an irresistible influence or fascination. For lack of a better word and I have to use the word Witchcraft, I would favour the description of Merriam Webster online dictionary. It carries a positive connotations of appeal.
Being a photographer, I hope that the images I produced has that ‘irresistible influence and fascination’ over the viewer.
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