Nesohu 2.0

Toastmasters Installation

2008-10-01T23:24:00.000+08:00

I was commissioned to photograph a dinner held by Bayan Baru Toastmasters Club. There were like 200 members, family and friends coming to support the event.

Last year, I was invited to their dinner. But this year, the event is very much organised..thanks to the organiser Krishen. I loved the animation he did by blending cartoons with family friendly songs.

After dinner, the crowd is entertained by members who compete to win a Humorous Contest. While the crowd laughed out loud, the contestants have a platform to practice before proceeding to the Area contest.

Personally I do enjoy the evening, and what I liked most is that publicity through word of mouth is rather effective. I received a call for another assignment within weeks! Will blog about that on my next post

Be Smart at McD's

2008-09-23T00:09:00.003+08:00

McD's are always a favourite place to "hang out" and grab the most delicious fast food. They are the largest profit makers for little kids, and children at heart. Having been in the Burger business since 1940's, they can sell ANYTHING with a premium as long as they add "MC" in front. - McEgg, McFries, McChicken... Who knows when we'll see McPod, McBook, McPhone...

As my parents are away these few weeks, I've to get my Dinner somewhere. Well, where else but my friendly neighbourhood McD's. They are having this Ramadan promotion with "Spicy Chicken McNuggets". Simply say it's Nuggets with some chilly pepper, but I just have a soft spot for nuggets. Simply ordering 6 pieces is never enough...I need at least twice that amount.

When I was queuing for the nuggets, I found something strange:

Ala Carte:
4pcs - RM 3.50
6pcs - RM 6.25
9pcs - RM 8.65
12pcs - RM11.55
20pcs - RM18.40

Now why are the prices goes up if you order more? Are they charging a McPremium for their Deliciously Alluring Spicy McNuggets (short DAMN)??? Let's do some calculation:

If I'm about to order 36 pieces of DAMN, I can
A. Order 9 packets of 4pcs - RM31.50
B. Order 6 packets of 6pcs - RM37.50
Calculator: B - A = RM 6

DAMN...that's a whole lot of price difference!!! Besides, for every 4pcs I buy, I'll get a free "new and improved" sauce. Well boys and girls, the next time you are craving for McNuggets....bring your calculator

Order Dinner Online

2008-08-26T23:08:00.002+08:00

Virtual shopping has been mushrooming all over. We can have books shipped to us from the other side of the world, we can get clothes, gadgets and everything else to fulfil our needs (and wants). But this is the first time I've tried to order dinner online.

It's the day of Permatang Pauh's by-election. And being worried about the traffic created by all the political supporters, we choose to stay indoors. Mom was craving for Pizza and ask me to call Pizza. But when I went searching for the phone number I found out we can order online!

Click on "How to Order" and you'll see an image for "Online Ordering". The instructions are pretty straight forward and anyone who knows how to read this blog should know how to use it. All you need to do is to register a free(of course) account, enter your address and phone and choose the pizza of your selection. Don't worry about paying online as you can choose to pay it as the Pizza is delivered to your house.

Next question might be...How long will it take? Well, to my surprise, I received a call in 15 minutes. Eating the pizzas are as good as any Pizza takeaways, just minus the boring part of waiting for the que, and pay the bills over the counter.

That's dad and mom having fun with their dinner. [Pizza Hut]

Happy Feet

2008-08-24T11:20:00.002+08:00

There's Sauna, Jacuzzi and Foot Message, but now in Penang, there's Fish Spa. Before going for a friend's Birthday party, I bring Irene to "Happy Feet" located in New World Park. This is the first time we visited the place. We were greeted with warm smile by two receptionist, clean our feet, and given a seat to soak our legs into the pool.

The moment our feet touches the water, these fishes came an nibble on our feet. It's so ticklish that we start laughing out loud. The other customers smiles at us like telling us "I've been there before". After the 30minutes session, our feet feels much cleaner, cooling and lighter. The shoes we're wearing feels bigger than usual.

clean white feet = happy customer

Shuyi's Birthday

After the session, we drop by Shuyi's place to celebrate her 21st birthday. Mutiara Villa has a nice pool and a large canopy for parties of such.

Birthday girl with her parents

Photo with the Birthday Girl

Fook & James's Farewell

It's been a long time I didn't meet with Irene's friends, since two of them are leaving Penang I took a point to hang out with them at Babylon, Upper Penang Rd.

(from left) AiTee, Isabell, Irene, Timmy, James, Fook
Bon Jour Fook & James.

Penang Muar Chee

2008-08-07T23:39:00.001+08:00

Image from gbchye

Muar Chee, is a snack made of steamed glutinous rice served with ground peanuts, sugar and sometimes sesame seeds. Click for Receipe. It's a very popular in Penang and here's a photo to prove just that..

What a coincidence !!!

Camera spec: Fuji F47fd at ISO800.

JID Photoghaphy

2008-08-07T19:13:00.000+08:00

Event photography has never been something new to me. But yet, getting photos taken and expected to deliver it before the end of the evening is a new challenge I have to face. Before the event, there are more stuffs to pack

1. PC with LCD into 2 large suitcases (incl cables, chargers, power stabilizers)
2. Laptop & extra CD burner for backup
3. Camera equipments ( D300, 3 lenses, 1 flash, 2 tripods, and whole lot of memory.
4. Design a marketing plan to sell the CDs

When we arrive at the venue, I scratch my head on how to bring all these stuffs down. Thanks to Christopher, we managed to get a trolley from the reception and setup the booth inside the ballroom.

But since we are in a short of time (4 hours of prep), Irene was rushing until her hands shiver when cutting the words out. But the results does pay off..

Fig1: Irene taking care of the booth

That night, I was busy up and down the stage, not only to take photos of the winners, but also getting up there to receive my awards.

Fig2: Receiving the award for "Toastmasters of the Year"

Fig3: Photo with the other winners of Area Level

Throughout the event, I'm really thankful that Irene helped me up in the booth - promoting, collecting payments, burning CDs and issuing tickets.

Fig4: Photography as a business

Post-event

After the event, there's post processing, compiling and labeling all the CDs.

Fig5: Final Product - CD menu

Fig6: Autography session by Irene

Lesson Learn:
Taking good photographs has become easier with the help of digital cameras, but being a professional photographer's path has not. For a 14-hour assignment like this, do you think i'm making any profit charging RM15 per CD? But there are over 400people attending, and I hope that I'll receive more calls to cover other paid events

My parents came over to have a look at my booth before the event. I believe they do support me in this dream I have, just like how they would support me when I stood on stage singing my 1st song in kindergarden. Thanks Pa, Ma & Irene.

My Yang2

2008-08-02T18:36:00.000+08:00

"How much is that dog in the window..." goes the old kindergarden song we used to sing. This is the picture of a young dog we adopt 2 years ago. His expression is so adorable when he guards the Durian eventhough he have never eaten one before (until that evening)

Guarding his precious
I think he has seriousADHD. Even when he visits the Vet to get an injection for his shampoo alergy, he's still actively hugging his mummy.

At the Vet

Reason of this post? Well...cute mar :P

TrojanhorseGallery

2008-07-31T00:39:00.002+08:00

I got the Trojanhorse for the 3rd time in the past few months. I didn't pay attention to the problem until I get these so-call wallpaper informing me that I got a problem in my system

For the past 2 times, I deleted my entire hard disc and installed a fresh windows. But this problem keeps coming back to bug me.

This evening after a meeting with an assignment I'm covering this weekend, I came back with the same nuisance bugging me to format my computer. This time, I noticed that there's a link on the wallpaper. I tell myself, "what the heck, just give it a try" and luckily it managed to remove the problem without harming my computer.

Now I have a problem with msmgr32.exe which have been bugging me for quite a while. Can someone please offer me some help here? Please

Sungai Kluang CSR Project

2008-07-29T23:15:00.001+08:00

Renesas Semiconductor (M) S/B has been doing CSR (Community Service Responsibility) Project since 2003. This year they are helping the residents of Halaman Mayang to clean up the river bank as well as spend some quality time with the community. People from all ranks in the company came and help in making the CSR Project a success.

I was assigned to this event to be kept as a record as well as send to media to promote the company. After the event, I've to compile the photos into a CD as they want to send to Japan as well as deliver a copy to the community.

Last night I stay up till 2am trying to get the Menu out with html. But I can tell you, even the slightest mistakes can give you a headache. After several fail attempts, I went straight to bed.

Fresh in the morning, I remember I used Porta and Quick Menu Builder before. Both these programs are free and works wonders!!!

The Morning Cows

2008-07-17T23:31:00.003+08:00

"The Morning Cows"
© 2008 Neoh Soon Hueng

Ring Ring Ring, my alarm howl,
“Wake up, Wake up” it tell me,
Opening the windows I saw these cows,
“Click me, Click me” the camera screams.

When you see a photo opportunity, take up your camera and shoot away. This might never happen again. And like the photo

D300 with kit lens. Shot wide, crop tight. Enjoy~!

Zent Ladies

2008-07-16T21:39:00.003+08:00

1. Zent has never dissapoint fans of SuperGT.
2. SuperGT is never dissapointing with Zent.

Well, I have always been a fan of Zent Gals. They have hired the top-of-class, tip of the iceberg ladies to promote their products. Just look at their waist line and those striking red dress...Muh-Ma-Mia~!!!

Unfortunately, they are also the ladies hardest to catch. I stood there on Sunday morning, waiting in front of the gate waiting for 10 minutes just for them to come out to the pit to get these shots. We are paying RM100 just for 45 minutes with 20 over ladies, and I can tell you...waiting for them to come out is totally worth it. That's unless I get japan media passes where I can shoot with the ladies in the helicopter pit. But that's another story all together.

　大矢真ゆおおやまゆ

　飯田順子いいだじゅんこ

The only touch up I did was on the frame making. Thanks Scott for his tutorials.

sumimasen, mitte kudasai

2008-07-16T21:09:00.005+08:00

Went to Sepang is like a yearly ritual for Rojakians. We went down in truck loads and every year, you can see they are bringing new gears. From days of fuji compact -> D70/s -> Sony R1 -> D200/Fuji S5 -> D3/D300, you can see these people always bring along the latest gears manufacturers unleash in the market.

These two ladies were doing a promo at the ENOS booth outside the main grandstand. After letting the organisers have a photo with the pretty ladies, everyone queue to get a chance to be close with them. I slowly sneak up to the back of the tent, and called the ladies to turn over. すみません、みってください. (Excuse me, please look here)

As their head turn over, I ripped up my CF card, thank them nice shots and walk away calmly. Haha...gotcha¬!

After the shot, we found out that Yukari (camera's right)is celebrating her bday during the event. To show our Malaysian hospitality, we burst our flash and rip our batteries dry before these ladies get back to refresh themselves.

Tech Spec: Nikon D300 + Kit. ISO-400 Exposure +1.3EV.

Photographers are Poor

2008-07-07T18:32:00.002+08:00

Photographers takes great photos, some even created master piece but yet photographers are poor. Why would I say that? 80% (figuratively) of photographers can't earn a living just taking photographs. No one would actually want to end up lie Joe McNally on the streets, at least not me.

There's this particular incident that I can't live through unless I publish out. Early this year, I was request to take up a photography assignment for a huge International Convention. People from all over will be visiting and the organizers have asked for my help to quote them a figure. As the budget for photography is finalized, this one guy came up and say that "we usually get camera men for free if we hire video man".

Say what??? Listen here, I'm saying it just once:"A cameraman is a person that holds a camera; a photographer is a person that creates photographs".

Till this very day, he's still waiting for his copy of the photos. Well Mr K, I'm still waiting for the apology! Else, let's see what the free cameraman gives you.

Stock Market Suspended

2008-07-02T21:51:00.001+08:00

Since young, I've been taught about financial wisdom little by little. At the end of last year, Dad sign me up for a course in Unit Trust Consultation. I've get to pick up quite a lot about the benefits and advantages on the system. Further down the road, I noticed how much fun it can be trading in the stock market. To improve on my understanding on that subject before putting "ruining my wedding dinner", I've got a book that simplifies all the terminology for me - understanding the fundamentals, technical and what not.

As usual I'll login during breakfast to check on my portfolio. The first thing that pops up in my mind is "eh? What happened?" All the stocks are not traded and TheStar reports "technical difficulties". Then I go and find out what's the problem from the horses' mouth. Here's what I see.

To laugh or not to laugh...that is the question. Most people will be avoiding from investing more this point of time. Let me ask you, "when is the right time then?"

p/s: If you are interested in investing, I can recommend a few suitable funds for you to choose from. Just call me up or send me a comment below this post.

Tired & Exhausted

2008-07-02T13:56:00.000+08:00

I believe it has been more than a month that I've not been updating the blog. What kept me busy you asked.

Since the beginning of June, I've been invited to work on a new Web development assignment. When I say assignment it means that there's a group of people who are trying to squeeze everything out from you. From my previous experience dealing with customers, I get to know that these people wants everything - visually pleasant, information packed website in the shortest ever dateline. BUT (yup, the good 'ol BUT) they expect you to know and find out all those information yourself.

Hence, thankfully I have other members chasing all over for those information. All I need to do is to put the information they provide into place. "Just that ar?" You dream!!! The earlier webmaster has made a mess on the folders and I tell you, I spent almost one full night just to look for location of certain files. Besides, the photos provided doesn't come close to being called a "Portrait". But what is there for me to complain about?

For the past few days, I've been given a list of "to-do" which stretches my night till the cock starts waking people up. (the cock in my neighborhood wakes up quite early). The web is target to launch yesterday but because lack of information (which I can't help), it'll be delayed until independence day.

I've been really tired about all these, hopefully the project will get to launch soon. I need a break.

Olden Days F1

2008-06-16T23:50:00.003+08:00

"Olden Days F1"
© 2007-2008 Neoh Soon Hueng

Way before Formula 1 was popular, horse racing is one of the fastest sports available for the rich and famous. This shot was taken when I first visited Penang Turf Club for the very first time.

Despite being a grand building which used to be patron by kings, today it has became a betting venue for hard core gamblers. Don't feel comfortable with nicotine floating around. Besides, I was having some problems with the AF system due to the nature of lenses (not built to focus >10meters). Hence that's where MF comes in to picture.

Camera specs; Nikon D300, 80-200mm, F4 @ 1/5000, ISO400. Enjoy!

Dilemma

2008-06-15T00:47:00.004+08:00

(9:58:00 PM) ahhueng: what would you choose?
1. Ask ur bf to stay back in penang for the w/end to see ur 3 minute stage performance (which might be the last one), or
2. Let him spend 3 days with the guys in Sepang

I was having this problem all night...can't solve it unless there are other elements in the equation and that's just the tip of the iceberg.

Now the other problem I have is with the gadgets that I've seen in the Switch Grand Tour. There are so many new stuffs on display and yet I have so limited money. Come to think of it, I haven't been buying gadgets for quite a while (not counting the SB-800 i bought for a convention).

Last week, I even sold my AFD 80-200mm F2.8 at RM4xx loss without any particular reason. Now I should start to have a piggy account for my hardware lust.

1. A new computer with Asus P5Q motherboard - RM 3000
2. MSI Wind for Choobee - RM 1500
3. Asus P750 PDA phone - RM2000
4. Canikon Compact (either Px0, P5100, G9 or A650) - RM1500
5. Nikkor AF-s 50-200mm VR - < RM2000
6. Nikkor AF-s 70-200mm F2.8 VR - >RM5000

Prioritization...that's something really hard to make. Not in a good mood today, just threw a bang on the always-barks-when-you-do-laundry dog. God~! Help me...

iPhone 3G

2008-06-11T22:46:00.002+08:00

Thousand apologies for my slow down in postings, got a trojan horse running on my computer. End up havta spend a few nights getting it ready to be use (from backup to fresh installation)

Anyway I'm here to talk about the guy who's speech has always make me shread tears. His name is Steve Jobs and he has been giving keynote speeches for Apple products which revolutionize the world!!! This time he's talking about iPhone 3G, the speculation has been around for weeks, but when he delivers it...it really brings the roar from the crowd.

I can't wait to get my hands on one of these babies, but if KennySia has one first...I might save myself at least USD$199.

Putu Mayong

2008-06-07T09:57:00.002+08:00

"Putu Mayong"
© 2007-2008 Neoh Soon Hueng

I loved this photo quite a lot as it shows how serious the Putu Mayong maker is making the doughs. The eyes of the boy behind waiting for the food to be served. Sad to say that this local food has been slowly fade out from the age of technology, not to mention how the Putu Mayong is made.

20 years from now, our next generation might not know the taste of it, but the moment captured in this photo will comemorate that this tradisional Indian food once exist.

Camera specs; Nikon D70s fitted with 50mm F1.8 @ 1/30s, ISO400. Enjoy!

TM Annual Convention DVD Out Now!

2008-06-02T14:20:00.003+08:00

It has been over 1 month since Toastmasters Penang Convention 2008. I was appointed the event photographer for the event. During which over 1000 photos are taken and edited. These sweet memories are being compiled into DVDs and ready for delivery. The DVD is viewable from any computer with Internet Explorer / Image viewer.

For only RM15, you can keep a copy of the unforgettable moments during the event. If you are buying a set of 10, there'll be a special price of RM140 only!!! For those of you who are not from Penang, free delivery will be provided around Malaysia using Pos Express.

Those who are interested can place your orders here by providing me with your details:

Your Name & Club
Delivery Address
Bank-in Date & Time

Receipts will be issued upon request. If you have any inquiries, you're more than welcome to send me an email.

========================================

I've not been feeling great lately. Was diagnose with some inflammatory throat problems which has worsen into a flu and mild fever. New photos will be uploaded soon

"We are a Team"

2008-05-28T23:27:00.002+08:00

"We are a Team"
© 2008 Neoh Soon Hueng

This photo was taken for a convention Program Book early last month. It's hard to get the whole group of people together and it does help to be able to persuade them to smile for the camera.

Camera specs; Nikon D300 fitted with a kit lens on a tripod, 27mm F8 @1/6s, ISO400. Enjoy!

Lady Marmalade

2008-05-28T00:08:00.003+08:00

This photo was taken during an assignment for a corporate dinner. The performer dressed like the ladies of the 1970's in the hit song Lady Marmalade.

Camera specs; Nikon D300 fitted with a kit lens, 62mm F4.5 @1/400s, ISO1600. Enjoy!

Biggest Drawing in The World

2008-05-26T22:22:00.002+08:00

After watching this clip, I wonder...since when is Bangkok became Malaysian territory?

When East meets West

2008-05-24T23:45:00.005+08:00

I took this picture during a wedding assignment for a friend's aunt. I loved this picture because it shows how two different people can come together just for love. Here's to the groom with bride so fair, and to the bride with groom so rare.

Let's get into some techniques:
When I got this picture, my camera's battery is almost running dry, I was using the wrong WB and I only have my faithful 50mmF1.8 with me. Importing it into Photoshop, I corrected the WB, corrected the exposure and smoothen the noise (twice!!!).

Camera specs; Nikon D70s fitted with a 50mm F1.8 @1/250s, ISO800. Enjoy!

God on the Streets

2008-05-22T22:06:00.006+08:00

This photo was taken on the exact same evening 4 months ago. The Hindus are celebrating Thaipusam which is more popular in South East Asia as compared to it's origins. The chariot was moving non-stop since early morning from Jalan Dato Kramat to the temple near Botanical Gardens. I loved this shot a lot as it brings out the colors of Malaysia.

Let's get into some techniques:
To get this picture, I climb up a ladder and took the shot. This gives me a better view compared with snapping from my normal height. The place is extremely crowded, but with the help of LiveView, I'm able to move my camera close to the action.

Importing it into Photoshop, I increase the brightness and contrast and create a sense of movement in the crowd.

Camera specs; Nikon D300 fitted with a 18-70DX @ 18mm F3.5@1/13s, ISO800. Enjoy!

YouTube: Nikon D3* Sneak Preview

2008-05-21T20:45:00.004+08:00

Scott Kelby usually have his "No blog wednesday". Well in Nesohu 2.0, I give you YouTube Wednesday. I'll try to share some of my favourite

Specs of the (2nd Gen)prototype is simply jaw dropping: Base ISO of 12~640 (boost to 800 and 1600), resolution a little shy of 18MP and D3x only shoots RAW and TIFF (no amateur JPEGs). This camera is specially made for landscape photographers who are too lazy to carry around their Hasse and P-backs.

This post is dedicated to all Nikonians who are eagerly waiting for these 2 very different beasts to be announced. Let's enjoy some long exposure photos taken under bright sunlight...something never possible without an ND8x filter.

Note: both cameras will be seen on our shelves in the near future, but will keep you posted on more updates. But you know, you should start saving for either now :)

Garden at Night (pt 2)

2008-05-20T23:46:00.001+08:00

"The Fountain"
This 2nd image was taken from the back of my house. The pathway gives leads the eye towards the center which shows a beautiful fountain. I could've worked more on the exposure, but I don't want my assistant to be running front and back to control the lights too much. :P That's the sacrifice one has to make for a nice photo.

Details: Nikkor 22mmDX, 15secs, F8 @ ISO-400.
Wall lights turned on for 1s, and garden lights turn on for 4s before the mirror flaps down.

p/s: Click on the images for a larger view

Garden at Night

2008-05-20T22:23:00.002+08:00

"The hidden swan"

My dad's in love with gardening, he has done a wonderful job maintaining the whole place by himself. Just now he asked me to capture some pictures for him at night. Thanks to his help I managed to get this nice shot.

Details: Nikkor 18mmDX , 25secs, F8 @ ISO-400.
Garden lights are being manually turn on for approx 5 seconds before the mirror flaps down.

Click on the image for a larger view

Galleries updated

2008-05-19T15:27:00.001+08:00

I've done some photo editing and uploaded quite some photos on my gallery here.

Check it out at the tab above.

"Candles on Red Wall"

2008-05-19T14:58:00.000+08:00

Found this interesting photo while I'm uploading my vacation photos to my new gallery. Taken in the Munich's Residenz on Oct'07. Enjoy.

Getting 2.0

2008-05-19T00:11:00.001+08:00

After blogging for 5 years, my blog has accumulated >9MB of memory. It's about time for me to start fresh with a new and more updated blog.

Hello world! With this, I promise I will:-

1. Blog more often (at least 3 times a week)

2. Upload a new photo gallery every week.

3. Publish a photo with comments at least once a week.

Let's get things started shall we?