Zombie Walk Plattsburgh 2012

Hey all!

Sorry for the overly long lack of posting for the past many many many months. As some of you may know, I'm currently studying overseas and well I'm pretty much in a small town where nothing much really actually happens.

Anyways back to the post, its currently Zombie Walk month, where people dress as zombies and they walk around in groups just to have some fun. Yes apparently its fun. Not putting my camera to waste, I went out there with my camera. Will just tell you some tips on how I snapped some of the pics.

*Camera
*Wide angle lens preferably
*External flash with diffuser
*A whole lot of running.




Set the camera to manual Mode. I used ISO 1000, Shutter was set at 1/100 but it will change based on the amount of light available, Aperature at f8 and the flash was set at half power. I only decided to play around with the flash and shutter as I felt that it was easier that way and faster too. Flash head was pointed towards the people obviously.

That's pretty much it. Have fun!

Just remember that since you are looking out for zombies, having normal looking parents or people walking in your picture would make it look out of place.

Very sorry about the picture placing. Blogger changed and I'm not very sure about the new layout.


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Thank you!

Signing off,
YJ

My Maha PowerEx MH-C800S Smart Battery Charger Review

So one thing I found out about being in the States is that not every electronic would work here. The ones from Msia that is. Its because of the lower power supply in the US.

I found out about this when I plugged my battery charger into the socket to charge up my AA batteries for my flashgun and tadaa nothing happened. Worst part was cause the current was so low, its barely charging 2 of my 4 batteries. So, I decided to get a universal battery charger that would work anywhere in the world and that it would last me for years.

After my googling and review reading, I ended up with the PowerEx 800S. It cost $40+. I know its a little expensive but I would justify that in a bit. I think its the exact same thing with the other more expensive Maha chargers. Only thing which I found wasn't so good was that it charges only AA/AAA.


So what did I find good about it?
First thing, it can be used anywhere. So even if the electric current is different, there should not be a problem. 8 batteries can be charged all at once or a single one can be charged. Mix brands if you wish and it will still work. Way better than charging in pairs.There is a LCD screen at the front. I know this might just be a fancy add on but being able to track how much the battery is charged is good. Its way better than just staring at a LED light anyways. It will say its DONE charging, good for my 2700mAh  batteries since it takes forever.

The best feature however I would say is the Condition charging. Instead of just a fast charge and a slow charge, The condition charging will charge your battery up to full, fully discharge it to empty and then slow charge it up again to full. This will fix most of your old rechargeable batteries back to a sorta new state. Wish it worked with phone batteries and laptop batteries tho.

Personally, I find this charger very good. As a normal user/ amateur photographer, I burn through batteries fairly quickly and this has been great help.

I rate thee - 8/10

If only the charger works for different sizes and it being so expensive, I would have given it full points.

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Thank you!

Signing off,
YJ

First photoshoot. Jeremy & Car.

Well a big difference in the US and in Msia is that in the US not everyone own a DSLR. So it does make me wonder how that actually caught on.

Anyways, recently I went to try my hand at shooting my friend's car. I never actually got myself to shooting but I guess it turned out pretty well for the first time.
It is a pretty sweet ride.

Hopefully I do get better at this.
Here is the link so some of the pictures!

http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.228346470552497.60691.123713251015820&type=1



If you like this, please click on the LIKE button to share this and show your support by liking the blog's fanpage @ http://www.facebook.com/yeejinlimblogspotcom.

Thank you!

Signing off,
YJ

Starbucks Cocoa Cappuccino Review

Most of you who are Starbucks fans would know that Starbucks is celebrating it's 40th Anniversary. A celebration which is celebrated with an introduction of a new cup size, a new logo, new pastries and a new beverage, the Cocoa Cappuccino. This post would be a short review on the experience I personally had with both Hot and Iced versions of the drink.

So, the Cocoa Cappuccino is a cappuccino with mocha sauce, in simple terms, a Chocolate Cappuccino. Some may ask, what's the difference between a Caffe Mocha, and a Cocoa Cappuccino? Both are made with Milk, Mocha, and espresso. A cappuccino is by standard, half foam and half milk, with shots of espresso. A Caffe Mocha is about 3/4 milk, mocha sauce, shots of espresso, and topped with whip cream. It really does just come down to the feel of the drink. Some think foam is disgusting, some may like foam. I eat foam with a spoon and my friends said it's like eating J***.

Anyways, being a barista at my local Starbucks, I was able to carefully create and sample the drink.

I shall start off with the appearance of both drinks. Done properly, that drink looks stunningly pretty, especially the cold version (which is a B** to make, or well, all iced caps are). I personally liked the color contrast of the mocha drizzle and the foam of the cappuccino itself. It looks modern, earthy, and soothing. From the side, the Iced versions looks better due to the process it is made. Each part is layered and the result would be as the picture above, while the hot version would be.. a 'brownier' cappuccino.

Now for the taste and feel. Get ready.

HOT: It felt a little 'murky' to me. Probably because what I think is the separation of the Mocha sauce by the foam, causing it to have this chalky, muddy feeling. Taste wise, I personally didn't like it, but I think it was drinkable. The bitterness from the Mocha(I think it's more of a dark chocolate mix) caused the sweetness of the milk to be lost, which is saddening.

Cold: Nassstyyy~ Very chalky/sandy, the taste does not please me at all. It may have like a '9' for presentation, but taste and feel wise, horrible. You may think it's all the same ingredients, but I would rather have the hot version because the heat keeps everything melted together, all the taste to complement. The ice version is all over the place in terms of taste.. horrible.

So, my verdict.. as an honest blogger, DON'T buy it.. but as a Starbucks partner, BUY it!

One thing good about this drink though, it's thicker body is good for Latte Art =)

By yours truly,

Chester

Luna Bar, Pacific Regency Hotel Kuala Lumpur.

Bout a week back, I went to Luna for the first time with some relatives. Alternative to Skybar.

I would have to say the setting is nice as well and there are more seats, I guess and it has a roomier feel.

But Luna bar is also hotter, the view of KLCC is not that nice, plus if it rains, I'm pretty sure you wouldn't want to be sitting under the covers. The worst part bout it is, they charge a Entrance fee of RM50 per person after 9.30pm with 1 drink. Whattttt....

Prices are on the higher side but since it is from a place with a view.
Anyways, here are some pics I took from Luna. Missed out on KL Tower tho. Dang-it!

See that building under construction?
Destroys the view. XD
Best tip - Don't wear long sleeves or something very thick. Sweat like mad.

I would rate thee - 7/10 

New photo album for Handphone pics

Hey readers.
I have uploaded a photo album on facebook for my handphone pics.
Mostly taken with Retro Cam.
Here is the link.

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=37613&id=123713251015820

It is also found under Photography on the Menu bar above.
Hope you like it.
Enjoy~

4 Things good about handphone cameras.

Well BBoyrice told me to start shooting people and objects with my 50mm 1.8
and I would agree that I don't use it as much as I hoped I would.

So this CNY, I shall only use the 50mm for candid and people and objects.
Wish me luck and all.
Shall post the pics up when I am done with it.

Anyways, back to the topic then. These days where everyone seem to own at least a digital camera, the handphone camera is pretty neglected.
It is pretty understandable since digicams are sharper, faster, more options and all.
Just be aware that phones these days have pretty cool camera apps that would give you a little more options to shoot with.

These pictures were all taken from my phone with different effects. I think its a lomo app. Not very sure but here is why you should play around with it

• The limited space for the picture forces you to decide on what to snap as your subject. So you would learn how to compose pictures.
• The different effects gives more expressions to the pictures. Even the simple black and white would give it certain pictures more emotions.
• It is faster and more convenient than pulling out the camera at times. 
• Way way cheaper than buying a camera or a lomo. 

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=37613&id=123713251015820

Hope you like the pics.

YJ

Photography tip for Prom/Ball Pictures.

Okay so since the season for Prom and Balls are now, here is a tip for all those camera wielding people. To reduce blur pictures for that special night

Please please please use the flash on your camera. Even though the color sometimes doesn't fit and red eye and overexposure might occur, you can fix those on the computer.Most likely the environment is in a dark or a not very well lit room.
Most digital cameras these days have that high ISO feature but I have seen pictures still coming out blur. Even if you do so, try to flash when the picture looks blur. So take a test shot first maybe to judge the lighting and how long you and the subjects got to stand still for the camera to finish capturing the moment.

DSLR wielding photographers, if you have that external flash, bounce it. If you don't you can still try to bump the ISO up and widening the Aperature or slowing down the shutter. Around 1/20 would be the most I dare since the place is already dark. There is a trick for bouncing the pop-up flash where you place a card in front of the the flash to bounce it but I haven't tried it before.

The other tip would be to have a spare battery or a FULLY charged one and also an EMPTY memory card.
Have a steady hand.
and shoot like crazy!

Best to have captured different moments than not getting any at all.
If you have a bad picture? Just delete it!

Have fun to all you readers out there!
Hope this helps.

YJ

The newlyweds

Weddings are such happy places.
The bride and groom on their special day,
The parents heaving a big sigh of relief,
Relatives gathering from high and low,
and kids running around. 

Congrats Darryl & Bee Gin

Well recently I attended a childhood friend/ family friend...
Okay someone close to us le. He got married and I was there as the wedding car driver.
My plans to drift with them in the car didn't really quite work out as I planned but all was good and smooth sailing. 

I brought my camera there hoping to learn from the more professional photographers but sadly I was wrong cause I met one of those cocky " I have a Canon L lens and you don't/ My lens is bigger than yours" people. 
Don't you just hate it? We're all just learning so don't be so cocky.


Click Read More to continue.

Dragon that fly, Geddit geddit?

Well another short photography tip or lesson..whichever way you wanna look at it..

Again I have put the Crop Feature to good use.

I saw a Dragonfly on my car antenna, so this was what I did.

Gear - Canon 500D & Canon 50mm 1.8

1. Set the camera to AV/Aperature Mode and to the largest megapixels.
2. Find the focus.
3. Get to a close distance with the target and take at least a few shots.
4. Slowly start moving forwards towards the target while shooting.
5. If the end result ain't as macro as it seems, find a good picture and crop it.
6. You will get something pretty good.

Hope you find this useful.

Water Droplets. Take 2!

So with some free time and some gained experience from the last time,
I tried water droplets again.

It went relatively easier than the first.
I'll write down some of the tricks I learned after this pic.

Wanna know how to get professional macro shots with your kit lens?
Read on~

5 things I learned with my DSLR

Ever since I got my DSLR a few months back,
I have learned a lot from friends and the net but the few most important would be the 5 listed.

1. Always carry your camera around - You did buy the camera for a reason. So use it! Bring it around. I've missed quite a number of shots cause I didn't feel like bringing it around. If you think that a DSLR is too big and chunky for you, then aim for something smaller, a Lumix GX1 or a Sony NEX3 perhaps.
2. Use other modes besides AUTO - Well you did get a DSLR camera for a reason, so why not move away from Auto and to the other modes before eventually ending up with the Manual modes. There are loads to learn and it is pretty fun. 
3. Never shoot with a bright backlight - This is a pretty general rule. Unless you are going for a silhouette shot, the picture will most likely turn out not what you want it. With the subject dark and the background bright. 
4. Try not using the flash - With all the new High Iso options with the cameras, try using it instead of a flash. It would give the picture more ambiance and mood. Just keep in mind that, the higher the Iso the higher the picture noise. 
5. Be patient - Take your time with the shot you are about to snap. Cause if you rush it through, it may either turn out blur or it may not capture the moment. Wait for it but not for too long. 

Hope it helps~

Sony TX5 Underwater

Okay I know the review has already been written but since I lacked the underwater pics here are some!
Went to my friend's place to splash around and try the camera out.

If you are thinking that the pictures would turn out bad underwater, you are very wrong my friend.
Perhaps it would in murky water or like some not so well maintained pools.

Damn clear lor!!

See can camwhore underwater! XD

I like the blue-ish feel of the pictures. 

BUT!

Since I'm not endorsed by SONY, I can tell you this. After swimming with the camera, a little of the paint came off. I am not sure whether it was the water or it was friction from the pouch I keep it in. I would still have expected better paint quality from SONY. 
Also it hanged halfway through the underwater experience. 

Living up to their reputation of being over-rated? 

Hell yea.

Light Drawing, take 1

This is a very simple way. All you need is a DSLR, a dark room and a torch light.
Only sucky thing is that you have to either write backwards or use a program to mirror it.

I only managed to write my initials cause well, you are limited to a few seconds only.
So this is how you do it.

1. Set your camera to Shutter Priority/ TV and place it on a tripod or on a table.
2. Set the shutter to about 10 to 15 seconds. Point the camera at the space you are gonna write in.
3. Focus on the area. Make sure you have lots of room.
4. Off the lights, press the shutter and go to the spot and switch ON your torchlight.
5. Start writing and do it quick!
6. When you hear the shutter close, on the lights and check the picture out. 
7. * Make sure its a pretty dark room or else you would see your own figure.  

That's about it. If you have a wide lens, use it. Bigger space for you to write.

Enjoy!

Sony TX5. My review

Okay so about a week after fumbling with the Sony TX5. I have come up with a conclusion.

• Sony did not only come up with a good digital camera, they came up with an Idiot-Proof, fully buffed up camera.

 So here are the basic few features of this camera from Sony.

• Waterproof, Dust proof, Freeze proof and Shock Proof.
• 3.0" wide touch screen
• 4x optical zoom
• "Exmor R" sensor
• iSweep Panarama
• 10 frames per second at full 10.2 megapixels

For a basic camera user, this is a great camera. You would love how easy it is to use. How there are loads of settings for you to play with like the High Iso, Night Scene, Gourmet, Snow, Underwater and many more. Like me, you would be smiling like some small kid on Christmas.

Water droplets and a camera

Well that day I read an article on how to snap pictures of water droplets at home

since it wasn't that complicated, I decided to try it out...

My first time doing this...

Clearly I was wrong..

turned out tougher than I thought...

but still got some of the shots I wanted

This was how I did it

1. Tape a plastic bag to a table then filled it with water.
2. Place a colored bowl or cup filled almost full with water.
3. Poke a small hole in the plastic bag and let it drop into the cup.
4. Camera set to Shutter mode and set to 1/250, F8,ISO 200 and ON flash or external.
5. Wait for the droplet to fall and snap when you think its there. 
6. Be patient.
7. Have a dry clothe around. Since DSLR not that water proof.  
8. Snap a lot. I snapped like 80+ pics? Have fun. 

* I didn't look through the viewfinder while doing this, I just placed it in position and looked at the drops from the bag. 

Finding the focus point is pretty tough, so good luck with that.

** Here's a tip from IsmailAmir who also did some water droplet pics

• Place a pen at where the drops hit the water, auto focus, then switch to manual. Hope it helps!

Enjoy!

Canon 50mm 1.8 pictures and feedback

Okay so after like a week of fumbling with my lens.
Here are some pictures and my thoughts of it.

It is definitely sharper than the kit lens but the auto focus is a bit louder and a little moody. At times it would just focus in and out like it's high on drugs....
I like how light it is tho, makes my camera feel like a toy. ^^

The build of the lens could have been better. It's all plastic now so it feels very fragile.

I dislike the minimum distance for it to focus tho..mafan only and need quite a distance...

If only this was a camwhore lens. Waaa syok!!~

Click on pictures to enlarge. 

Yep, so these are the few I experimented with. Hope you like it!
Anyong~

50mm 1.8 pics coming soon

So since I was so free, I took my new lens out to shoot...
pictures shall upload tmr

cheers!

New lens for my baby!

Well finally I have bought the 50mm for my baby camera!
I know it ain't much but I hope I shall get some good pics from it.
*happy happy* kinda ignoring the fact that there's a hole in my pocket...

Canon 50mm 1.8

Peace out!

BlupBlup Motorsports Division

Recently BlupBlup had another event.

Thank you BlupBlup for inviting!

The event was an exclusive photoshoot at Motorsports Division at Sunway.

Who are they you ask?

They are the people you go to if you want your car to look like those in Fast and Furious.

From body kits to wing doors. If you want it they have it. Just pay.

They upgrade BMW, Merc, Porshe, Ferarri, Audi, Mini and others.

Pretty cool place. Sadly I don't own any of the cars.

*sad face*

But I did make many new friends and they are very nice people.

All for now,

Enjoy.