Finally! I managed to get Google Analytics installed on my Wordpress theme yesterday. Now I can start to track where my fellow readers are from and what I need to do to improve this site.

But what’s funny is that my report shows that my visitors are from Singapore and Malaysia only. Look at those green dots on the world map… sniff sniff. I guess the main reason is because I only had Google Analytics installed for one day only! Probably need to give it a few more days in order to see more results.

My goal is to one day have visitors around the world visiting my blog. And the Google Analytics page should show up something like the one below.

Hopefully, one day I would be a world reknown photographer with people from all walks of life reading my blog post everyday. Yes, that time will come.. just need a little bit of faith and hard work.

Ah yes, remember to post a comment now and then, dear readers. I would love to hear from you on how I can improve this site, things you like or dislike and if you would like to have a cup of coffee with me.

Finally, took possession of my new MiniCards from Moo. Now I can start distributing name cards to people and not give silly excuses like, “Oh, I left it at home!” or “Sorry, just ran out!”.

I actually had some problems getting it delivered the first time round. I opted for the normal snail mail which took about 4-6 weeks according to Moo. I thought I could save a couple of dollars since I was not in a hurry of getting them. Well, I was wrong. The cards didn’t arrive. Probably some guy in Africa is distributing my cards this very moment to his tribesmen. I’m not surprised if someone from Africa decides to call me one day and ask for my rates.

I’m glad that the Moo customer service was of great help and they even refunded the money to me. After 3 months, I decided to place an order with them again. This time, I decided to use the priority shipping via DHL. I couldn’t possibly afford another round of getting my cards lost in the mail again. The shipping charges turned out to be the same amount as what the cards cost. Phew! So I need to sparingly give out my cards because it costs twice as much as what it is supposed!

This is part of a re-branding exercise that I am going to do. Part of the reason is that I have set a few goals at the beginning of the year and I plan to achieve them. One of it is to be accepted into a photography association like WPJA or WPPI. In the course of the next few months, you will see a lot of changes to eeyern photography. So stay tuned!

After Louis’ workshop a few weeks back, I choose to believe that I am now more focused and more determined to achieve whatever my heart desires in the area of photography. It would require certain sacrifices and heartache in the journey (and lots of prayers!), but I know I would emerge stronger. A better man than I was before. Success is build one step at a time.

I remember singing that song when I was in kindergarten. In fact, I remembered that I even performed that song during our Kindergarten Day. It really is a small small world! You probably have read about my experiences at Louis Pang’s Ordinary to Extraordinary workshop. What I didn’t tell you was the series of coincidences that occurred during and after the event with the people that I met there.

Since I have not asked permission if I could share this, so I shall leave their names anonymous.

1. K, C and I have common friends. I added K to Facebook and found out we had 26 mutual friends. (We have 52 now)
2. K2 and I shot for the same photographer before.
3. H and A shot my friend’s wedding. I only found out on the last day of the workshop when H was showing me his portfolio.
4. There is also A2 who knows G whom I shoot with from time to time.
5. A2 also knows J, who introduced me to the wonderful world of digital photography.
6. K and C would be attending my sister’s best friend’s wedding. The husband-to-be is my high school senior.
7. The best man for my wedding attends L’s old church.
8. J2 attends the same church as one of my close friends. Although, my close friend now worships in the same church as I in Singapore.
9. I met D and J3 at the dinner without knowing who they were. It turns out that they were the owners of the place where my wife bought her wedding gown!
10. I2 and V knows A3 who happens to be G’s husband. They used to be from the same church.
11. Then, there is A4 who also knows G and also M.
12. While A5 attends the same church as me in KL.
13. Wait, there’s A6 too, whom I just found out that his wife was from the same school as my wife. And we have a few common friends on Facebook.
14. P knows M too. Whom they met in a forum.
15. I just found out that K’s sister is an old friend of mine!
16. ***UPDATED*** I also found out that M2 and G were classmates.

I never knew how connected we were. It only shows that maybe the theory of “six degree of separation” could very well be true.

And no day is complete without a picture. Here is a shot that my friend, James took during the Zero2Hero shoot last weekend.

This morning, I read news that Radiopoppers have a new device out which is capable of High Speed Sync of up to 1/8000 sec. It was rather appealing to me because they tested it with an Alien Bee (which I also owned). Who wouldn’t want to sync their flash at 1/8000 sec and get to freeze time like our crazy friends who made a gang light with 12 580EXs and 12 Radiopoppers?

I have also been posting on my Facebook status that Pocketwizard was also planning something big this Monday. This was really the determining factor, if Pocketwizard was about to come up something to match what the RP guys are doing. Because if they don’t, I would most likely be switching to Radiopoppers real soon.

Lo and behold, the Pocketwizard team announces the new MiniTT1 and FlexTT5, capable of TTL and High Speed Sync (HyperSync). Not only that, it is also compatible with my current line of Pocketwizards! Awesome! I also like the fact that you can configure the settings on the new PWs using software. The other cool thing is that you can tweak your remote flash settings on camera and it gets pushed to the flash unit. No more walking back and forth to adjust the manual settings anymore! The only downside is that the new Minis uses a flat type battery which is presumably hard to find. It is reported to last hundreds of hours so I guess I shouldn’t be too worried about it. I have yet to check the local stores if they do carry these batteries but my guess is that someone would most likely have them. It’s only available for Canon users as of 1 March but Nikon users would soon be able to enjoy it in the 2nd Quarter of 2009.

Here are some links to wet your appetite.

HERE Strobist’s full review of the new Pocketwizards
HERE Zack Arias is changing his game with the new Radiopoppers
HERE Radiopoppers blog about high speed sync with the Alien Bee

*** UDPDATE

HERE Rob Galbraith’s full review of the new Pocketwizards

David Hobby mentioned that it is only available in the US and Canada. This is really too much for me to handle right now! I hope I can sleep soundly tonight. Decisions, decisions, decisions!

I had fun during a photo shoot last weekend with a bunch of amazing people. I met some of them from last year’s Planetshakers and Tim Hughes Worship Concert in Singapore. We found ourselves having common interests and quickly became friends with a cause. They are involved in a non-profit initiative called Zero To Hero. A programme which involves school kids who have zero knowledge in music but within several months become heroes in the chosen music instrument that they plan to master. Thus the title, Zero To Hero. The “zeroes” as we would like to call them before they graduate into “heroes” are required to form their own band. After several months, they will perform on stage in a final concert and graduate as heroes.

Here are some shots from the hot afternoon shoot that we did on Sunday.

I am definitely a Hero to Zero because I have not played bass for over 3 years now. I’m not sure if I can pull out some funky grooves anymore. Those who have seen my Facebook video would know that I am soooo funk-ilicious!

***Behind the scenes…

John posing for me while I setup the Alien Bee.

My lovely assistant for the day! Gerald, is probably one of the nicest people I know. He’s got a really infectious smile and a caring heart. Bless you, bro!

John and Fyon, love the T-shirts!

… and I kept the best for last! There’s also James, Dawn and my beauuuutiful Alien Bee, as you can see, James is truly committed. I’ve gotta learn that, man.

I got home in the evening and my wife said that I look like a real “man”. Referring to the golden tan I got from standing in the hot sun for so long. Those who know me, would know that I have pretty fair skin. I obviously can’t recall the last time I had sunburn.

I get asked a lot as to why I gaffer my camera and lens hood all the time. There are basically three reasons:

1. To protect the camera from scratches.
2. To have a firmer grip on areas that are not rubberised. (The gaffer tape is made of clothe-type materials)
3. So that my wife doesn’t know what camera I am using.

I use Apollo Gaffer Tapes. It’s made of clothe-type material and the sticky residue does not stick on your camera when you remove it. It’s also perfect for quick fixes like hiding the self-timer indicator when photographing kids or for sticking your remote trigger against the tripod. The best part is that the tape is reusable. You can just peel it off and stick it somewhere else.

So there you go, reasons why I use gaffer tape. Now it is time for me to get a roll of camo gaffer tape. So that I can camouflage my new purchases from my darling. Hehe…

This is a short post, feeling a little uninspired at the moment. It must have been the heavy dinner  I had just now. Check out Wedding Story’s latest post on Bernard and Huay Sien’s wedding which I shot with Mark under the Wedding Story umbrella. I met Huay Sien when I was in my church’s music and worship ministry. I was the bassist and she was our team leader. I met Bernard much later but I’ve always felt that he was definitely the right person for Huay Sien. Congrats Bernard and Huay Sien!

Oh, by the way, Kee Sitt, the videographer has a new blog! Go check it out here.

Finally, after weeks of anticipation, I finally made my way to the Ordinary to Extraordinary Workshop in KL conducted by Louis Pang himself. I booked a return trip via AirAsia and being a newbie in a budget airline, it was completely a whole new experience all together. I have flown on large airlines like MAS or SIA but never had I sat on a budget plane before. Anyhow, it wasn’t too bad an experience except for the long journey from LCCT to the city. I hope they’ll build the new airport nearer to town.

It was my first time meeting Louis and I was a tad bid nervous. Partly because Mark Leo told Louis that I would be attending the workshop. That added extra pressure and I wasn’t sure what the expectation of me would be. The other reason was my own expectation of meeting a photography legend like him and what I would say to him when I meet him. So when I arrived at the venue, and saw him for the first time, I immediately forgot how nervous I was because Louis was really a very warm and friendly person. He made feel like I was someone important. There itself, was already a lesson on its own.

During the 3-day workshop, Louis showed us how he worked and explained what his thought process was during a particular shoot. Reconstructing some of his award winning shots and how he worked the scene as well as posing the models.

There was also an outdoor shoot where we could witness, first hand, how Louis works. All I can say is… it’s AWESOME! If you have never been to a Louis Pang photo shoot, you should attend one of his workshops. Boy, I can’t believe the energy he has. Pure awesomeness.

Louis invited another photographer as a guest speaker, CM Leung. CM is one of the top 5 wedding photographers in HK. Although he doesn’t speak much English, he had no problems explaining to us how he works. I was really impressed with his work. You should pop by his website to take a look at his amazing portfolio and what a visionary he is.

CM showed us some of his tricks with mixed lighting and how he photographs a bride.

The highlight for me for the entire workshop was when I saw Louis actually taking part like another participant in the workshop. He was quick to ask questions and he showed genuine enthusiasm when CM was showing us how he photographs a bride. It’s truly a humbling experience to see someone like Louis raising his hands and say “My turn! My turn! I wanna take a shot! I wanna try!”. It reminded me of someone important who once said, “He who wants to be first, must be last”. At that very moment, I realised how much I still have to learn and how much more I have to go in my journey as a photographer.

Next, was our turn! There were two assignments, one where we were given 3 minutes to construct a shot using whatever is found in a room. We have a model and an assistant. It is up to us and our creativity to come out with a creative shot. What I didn’t realise was how quick 3 minutes is. I didn’t even had time to think when I was there.

So here are my two best shots from the 3-minute exercise.

Next, I had the opportunity to direct while Louis watches in proximity. I would have to assess the scene and decide what shot I would like to take. I will also need to direct the models. Louis gave some constructive feedback while I was shooting the couple. Here are the two best shots from that session.

At the end of the workshop, I thoroughly enjoyed myself and I believe that I paid less than what I received. It was truly a great bargain! I left knowing well that I have lots more to learn as a photography, not just in the area of skills but other qualities that a photographer must have.

I also found new friends and people who share the same heart and passion for photography. These are friends that I would keep for a long time to come.

Before I end, here is a shot of CM and I.

Louis Pang & I.

I would like to thank Louis for organising this workshop because he has not only shared his knowledge but his heart and I am truly inspired. Thanks Louis!

Now, it’s time for the next workshop, “Extraordinary to Phenomenal”. Louis?

Alright, this started out in Facebook when Mark Leo tagged me hence I decided to write 25 things about myself (don’t worry, a Facebook version will also be available) and at the same time, hope to learn about you as well.

Rules: Once you’ve been tagged, you are supposed to write a note with 25 random things, facts, habits, or goals about you. At the end, choose 25 people to be tagged. You have to tag the person who tagged you. If I tagged you, it’s because I want to know more about you.

1. I used to be very active in sports, I used to swim, play badminton (was coached under Ng Boon Bee, Malaysia’s ex-Thomas Cup doubles champion), squash and many more on a weekly basis.
2. I had a slip disc when I was 15 years old and had to undergo an operation. I was unable to bend down or lift up my left leg. But thank God, I’m okay now.
3. I started growing fat because I stopped playing sports.
4. I used to wear braces. That’s why my teeth looks so nice now. Or else I’d look like that guy in the Wong Fei Hong movies, Ah So…
5. I had a very bad habit when I was 3. I used to pick my nose and stick “Uncle Bob” on my headboard. I thought it looked like the Milky Way… Hehe..
6. When I was in the Boys’ Brigade, I was awarded the highest award, The Founder’s Award. Almost equivalent to a King’s Scout.
7. I acted in a play, The King & I, with a famous Malaysian actor, Mano Maniam (as Uncle Chan in the famous Kopitiam TV-series) when I was 13. I played Louis Leonowens. Mano Maniam was eventually casted in “Anna & the King” alongside Chow Yun Fatt and Jodie Foster.
8. I was awarded “Most Innovative Student Award” when I was 17 for my contribution to building several websites for the school. Yes, websites used to be the “in” thing when I was growing up. Til today, I am unsure why I was chosen as the “most innovative student”.
9. I shooked our current Deputy Prime Minister’s hands. My first impression was, “Woah…. he’s tall!”. You do not wanna know my last impression about him now… (I’m born and raised in Perak, so go figure).
10. I love to cook. My wife and I have a system at home. I cook, she washes.
11. I love fried rice. Absolutely love it! I can have several bowls and would still want more. But sadly, it’s the only one dish that I can never master.
12. I have been exposed to too much radiation. I spend most of my time in front of my LCD TV at home with 3 notebooks and a PC next to me on my small cozy couch.
13. I watch all kinds of movies and TV-series. 24, Heroes, CSI (all of them), Bones, Numb3ers, Criminal Minds, Lost, American Idol, Survivor, Amazing Race, America’s Next Top Model, Super Trio Supreme, Chuck, Shark (too bad they decided to shelve it), Ugly Betty, House, and the list goes on….
14. I have almost 6 Terabytes of space at home and yet I feel that I need more hard disk space!
15. I am a downloadaholic. I am addicted to downloading. I just download anything that is under the sun and that interests me. Sometimes, I don’t stuff that I don’t even know that I did. And many times, I don’t even watch, read or open the stuff that I downloaded.
16. I hate cats. So much that I vow to exterminate every single one of them. When I was living in a rented place in Taman Tun, KL, our neighbour used to take stray cats under her wings. Hundreds of them, if not, thousands! I kid you not. So when it was time to “poo poo”, guess where did they go? My front lawn! And my backyard!
17. I loved playing computer games when I was young. I still do. I always wanted to buy a PlayStation console but never did. Then came the PlayStation 2. I didn’t get it either. I owned my first console, the PlayStation 3 since last year. Now, I hardly play… hmm…
18. I love LEGO. I think it’s the best toy in the whole wide world!
19. I coaxed my dad into buying a LEGO box set for me when I was young. I purposely left my diary opened on my desk and purposely left the page open with the words, “Oh! How I wished my dad would buy me that LEGO set, Model no. …..”
20. I dream of being a successful photographer. I have and had many hobbies but this “hobby” has turned into a passion. Something that I eat, sleep, live and dream about everyday.
21. I also dream of being fit like Brad Pitt and Daniel Craig. Ok, ok, I guess I have to start exercising this year.
22. I would love to visit Israel one day. I guess now is not the right time to go.
23. I was reading other pro photographer’s 25 Things About Me and I came to the same conclusion. I am hyper-critical about my own photos. It can be a good thing at times because you would strive to do better the next time and keep the fire burning. But the rest of the time, it usually affects my self-esteem. Bummer…
24. Talking about self-esteem, I always break into cold sweat when I fancied a girl. I would stutter and not know what to say. Especially if she looks like Kate Beckinsale I also have the same problem with guys who command better English. I’m always afraid to speak up because I’m afraid that I would have grammatical errors in my sentences.
25. No. 25 already?! I never sat in a budget airline before. So this weekend would be my first!

Great news! Today, Louis Pang featured Wedding Story in his blog post (HERE)! Do pop over at Louis’ blog to view the two great video clips that Kee Sitt and Sharon produced for him during their trip to Rajasthan, India. I’ve been teaming up with Wedding Story for a few occasions now and everyone in the team are full of passion and love. They are a great bunch of people. Kee Sitt and Sharon are indeed a couple to beat. Both passionate about what they do and what not to love about a couple that share the same passion and desires. I just love Kee Sitt’s infectious smile. If he was a door-to-door salesman, I would buy anything he sold. Best of all, Sharon is from Ipoh too! Great minds not only think alike but come from the same hometown! Haha!

I like to congratulate the both of them and indeed I second what Louis’ said, that they are indeed “Malaysia’s Best Wedding Filmmakers”.