Bau, my hometown

Inspired by my recently-sold Serikin market photos, I went out this evening to get some photos of my beloved hometown. At first I thought of using the car, but going in and out would be tedious, so I opt for the bike. Easy, fast and 'free'. Just me, the bike and the wind.

I just can't wait to get back here during school holidays. The food and surroundings makes each trip different, memorable and worthwhile.


A panorama of Tasik Biru(Blue Lake), once a goldmine for Sarawak.


Lucky me the weather was nice and calm.


The playground next to the Tasik.


Market.


The old, dependable public transport. Some of the buses that I once board still runs today.










Bukit Emas food court.


Bau Civic Center with the baruk design.








Hawker center.


Fresh market.




Mini Stadium.

Gawai Holidays

It's the middle of the year, where I'm back to my hometown to celebrate Gawai. This time my sister won't be joining us as she's taking care of her baby in KL, so that means, extra chores to do! Not forgetting that my holidays is cut short, no thanks to the extra classes next week.

Anyway, my camera is currently fitted with a M42 lens, the Vivitar 135mm f2.8 to be exact. I have been experimenting with manual focusing prime lenses recently and the easiest, or rather cheap way to get some nice primes are from M42 mounts. This pristine Vivitar belongs to a friend of mine, and I'm testing it before deciding to get a copy for myself.

So far, so good. I used f4 most of the time and with the clear, sharp screen of Nex, manual focusing is a breeze.



How it looks like with the M42-Nex adapter.



Here's some sample shots.













I guess I should browse for M42's lenses now.

2011 DBKK Kaamatan Festival - Sony Alpha Challenge

It's May, and the annual cultural event, Kaamatan is just around the corner. And on the 12 May, Sony Malaysia collaborated with Dewan Bandaraya Kota Kinabalu (DBKK) for the Kaamatan Festival held at Lintasan Deasoka, Kota Kinabalu. For this event, Sony organised a photo challenge of its Alpha camera users, whereby DBKK has provided some media pass for us to use.

I am one from a bunch of friends who registered for the event. Part of the excitement came from the prize offered to the best photo. It is a Sony DVD player and top 5 finalist will get Sony premium gifts.


Rungus traditional costume.




So much composure...


This is one of the few photos I submitted and it was selected to be one of the finalist!

The prize-giving ceremony was held at Karamunsing complex last Sunday, in conjunction with the Sony carnival. I didn't get the DVD player though, but received a nice, big umbrella and this book.


It featured photos from a photo contest with the 'soccer' theme in mind in conjunction with the 2010 Fifa World cup.



This aside...I just received a good news which lifted up my enthusiasm in photography. A travel magazine based in Brunei are interested in some of my photos and currently I'm editing the photos before submitting those to them. I can say that their offer is just nice for an amateur like me. :D

An evening portrait with Epong

This photoshoot was held last Sunday, as I promised the guys that I would bring them to my new sunset lookout behind Tanjung Aru town. Epong was our ever-supportive talent who came in a nice outfit, as she was going for a party that night.

The weather was fine and windy. The sunset, however was not spectacular at the sun sets behind Sapi Island. We used a combination of silver and gold reflectors before the guys changed to wireless flash, which, I was only a spectator uhuh...

This time around I experimented with different colour tones.













No wireless flash capabilities, I opt for some silhouette shots.








Last but not least, after numerous tries, I finally catch some flashlights haha.

Next week I will be using a new combination with my Nex. Just say that I'm going manual. :p

Sony Alpha Basic Workshop

Last Saturday, Sony Malaysia organised a basic workshop for Alpha users around Kota Kinabalu. It is conducted at Sony HQ in Kolombong. I've been to numerous basic workshops before, and I still want to attend future workshops as I like to meet new users and relearn a trick or two. This time around I can see more people embracing Sony cameras, far cry from what I saw few years back. Not forgetting, free tea break and nice models to shoot!

Starting from this workshop, we are having a new trainer. A local Sabahan, and a good friend to the Alpha community by the name of KYSham. He has been appointed by Sony to conduct basic courses around Sabah, and from what I heard, he will be quite busy 'touring' Sabah in the next few months to come.


KYSham showing a mini prize to be won for answering questions. Bro, can I have the T-shirt? :p


Joshua, our friend from Miri who came to join the party.


KYSham brought along this baby...


and also another 'baby'...




Without wasting much time, everyone started snapping and trying to get the best shot. There were nice prizes for the best shots of the day.




Kenneth, another from from Sarawak whose working in Labuan.


Well, this is my take. Didn't submit my shot cause I went back early due to other commitments.



Next week, there will be a big event for us Alpha users. Sony had collaborated with DBKK for the Kaamatan Festival on the 12 May at Lintasan Deasoka, and some media passes will be distributed for those who registered. Luckily I did, and looking forward to get nice shots of Unduk Ngadau.