I have always liked to make my portraits look like a painting. Here's one that I thought came out quite well, so I added my signature to it.
Thursday, March 31, 2011
Self portrait
I have always liked to make my portraits look like a painting. Here's one that I thought came out quite well, so I added my signature to it.
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
Thoughts about video calling
I have installed Skype on my multimedia computer, which is hooked up to our main TV set. I have made a total of one video call to a niece since installation about 2 months ago. Last night I made one call to my son, who had just installed Skype at my urging. I wonder how many video calls I will be making after this (not many?).
When Skype was newly introduced eons ago, I thought it was a revolutionary idea. I thought it would eventually replace regular voice calls. After all, don't we want to see the other person face-to-face when we talk? When you watch futuristic sci-fi movies like Startrek, you see the characters making video calls on their PDA-like device. Isn't this the future of communication?
Somehow, that's not the future as we envisioned it to be. It is still going to belong to voice calls. People still prefer to talk into the phone without seeing the other person. It is as if we can concentrate better if we just focus on the conversation and not having to digest all the visual information as well. With video calling quality now at its best on the Apple Facetime, I still doubt that even Apple can revolutionize the world in this instance. But I could be wrong...
When Skype was newly introduced eons ago, I thought it was a revolutionary idea. I thought it would eventually replace regular voice calls. After all, don't we want to see the other person face-to-face when we talk? When you watch futuristic sci-fi movies like Startrek, you see the characters making video calls on their PDA-like device. Isn't this the future of communication?
Somehow, that's not the future as we envisioned it to be. It is still going to belong to voice calls. People still prefer to talk into the phone without seeing the other person. It is as if we can concentrate better if we just focus on the conversation and not having to digest all the visual information as well. With video calling quality now at its best on the Apple Facetime, I still doubt that even Apple can revolutionize the world in this instance. But I could be wrong...
Why the camera club is a great place to be
When people get together, what do they talk about? It is said that men tend to talk about sports and politics. Well, I am not into sports. As for politics, there's only so much you can talk about before it becomes a broken record that spins endlessly on the same gripes. Some talk about money; the share market and investment opportunities. I am not into the share market and I am past the age where I am too keen about risky investments or new business opportunities.
Here is why I enjoy being at the camera club. Although we talk about many things, we have one overriding subject that is everybody's passion. Just mention anything to do with photography and all ears are instantly pricked. We talk about the things we love, places or events. Invariably, that leads to talking about our photography experience and how we captured the beautiful images. Well, to be honest, they are not always stunning images, but they sure mean a lot. We encourage one another and we help one another in whatever areas of need. There is no envy, no bitching, no ulterior motives. Everyone is equal; we are not interested in social status. We don't discuss about other people's wealth or material possession. When we go on outings, we stay at caravan parks or other low cost accommodation. Nobody has to feel left out, whether young or old, male or female, novice or accomplished photographer.
You might imagine that class distinction definitely comes into play as far as camera gear is concerned. Of course there are members who own expensive gear while others are equipped with entry-level equipment. In the more-than two years that I have been with the club, I have learned to be less and less concerned about what camera I have or use. I personally find that it is more gratifying to be able to use what I have and still produce good images, than to be equipped with high quality lenses and not really pushing the boundaries of photography with them. In fact, I am still using my kit lens (read: *inexpensive*), while my very expensive ones (bought when I thought I really needed those to take great images) are still lying fallow.
In the club we see each other without any imaginary age, race, or social status "filters". That is why I think the camera club is a great place to be. If you have a passion for photography, join a club.
Here is why I enjoy being at the camera club. Although we talk about many things, we have one overriding subject that is everybody's passion. Just mention anything to do with photography and all ears are instantly pricked. We talk about the things we love, places or events. Invariably, that leads to talking about our photography experience and how we captured the beautiful images. Well, to be honest, they are not always stunning images, but they sure mean a lot. We encourage one another and we help one another in whatever areas of need. There is no envy, no bitching, no ulterior motives. Everyone is equal; we are not interested in social status. We don't discuss about other people's wealth or material possession. When we go on outings, we stay at caravan parks or other low cost accommodation. Nobody has to feel left out, whether young or old, male or female, novice or accomplished photographer.
You might imagine that class distinction definitely comes into play as far as camera gear is concerned. Of course there are members who own expensive gear while others are equipped with entry-level equipment. In the more-than two years that I have been with the club, I have learned to be less and less concerned about what camera I have or use. I personally find that it is more gratifying to be able to use what I have and still produce good images, than to be equipped with high quality lenses and not really pushing the boundaries of photography with them. In fact, I am still using my kit lens (read: *inexpensive*), while my very expensive ones (bought when I thought I really needed those to take great images) are still lying fallow.
In the club we see each other without any imaginary age, race, or social status "filters". That is why I think the camera club is a great place to be. If you have a passion for photography, join a club.
Saturday, March 26, 2011
Club outing to Marysville
I wish I had seen Marysville before the big bush fire wiped it out two years ago, in an event remembered as Black Saturday. It is only a 75km drive from my house and is very well worth more than one visit. The town is rebuilding itself now. Beautiful deciduous tress have come back to life and the autumn season promises to turn the town into the colorful and charming place it once was, although minus all the quaint old buildings. Those have been razed to the ground. Some new buildings have come up and businesses are operating once more.Marysville has a lot to offer to visitors. Just outside Marysville, one gets to enjoy the scenic landscape of pastureland on the rolling hills. Like Bright (another scenic town in Victoria), it has snow fields in nearby Lake Mountain for winter sports. At other times, one can visit the waterfalls, which is what our club did yesterday. A lovely river meanders slowly behind what was once the busiest part of the town. There is a spanking new caravan park just behind the new shopping center, with BBQ pits for families to enjoy a relaxing time away from home. I had a great time and I look forward to taking my family there to enjoy this beautiful place.
Sunday, March 20, 2011
Photography market
Today is the first time I visited a photography market. It was definitely well worth the visit. I picked up a slide projector for song. This beauty is in brand new condition. I got it for just AUD$80. I tested it out just now and it works perfectly.(I have wanted to get a slide projector for a long time, as I have lots of slides taken about 25 years ago. The slides are mouldy now but I can still enjoy them. It is like I have just taken them out of a time capsule, viewing them for the first time since I took them years ago. I have hesitated on buying a slide projector until now because I couldn't bring myself to pay a about $300 to purchase from a shop, knowing that I wouldn't be shooting anymore slides. However, at $80 a pop and with the trays thrown in, I couldn't resist taking it home.)
Friday, March 18, 2011
My hot water system
My hot water system broke down at about the same time the terrible earthquake in Japan struck. I first noticed water running down my driveway when I came back from work. One quick look at the water gushing out from inside the hot water system was enough to convince me it was time to have it replaced. As it happened on Friday evening of the Labor Day long weekend, I braved myself with cold showers for the next few days.
Going without hot water for a few days was a good experience for everyone, as we all agreed. Getting into the shower on a cold day had never been pleasant. The thought of feeling cold already sent shivers down my spine each time before I even removed my clothes. Things changed, however, as soon as we installed our new hot water system. It actually felt good to walk into the shower, with the knowledge and assurance that when I turn the tap I would get - voila - hot water! The colder the day is, the more I can now appreciate the warm showers of blessing!
Food for thought: the next time you don't enjoy your food, think about going on a fast. If you feel discontented with your house, go camping or sleep in a caravan for a while. Or if you think your car is not good enough, try walking or take public transport for a while. Life never feels so good as when you have experienced what it is like to go without.
Going without hot water for a few days was a good experience for everyone, as we all agreed. Getting into the shower on a cold day had never been pleasant. The thought of feeling cold already sent shivers down my spine each time before I even removed my clothes. Things changed, however, as soon as we installed our new hot water system. It actually felt good to walk into the shower, with the knowledge and assurance that when I turn the tap I would get - voila - hot water! The colder the day is, the more I can now appreciate the warm showers of blessing!
Food for thought: the next time you don't enjoy your food, think about going on a fast. If you feel discontented with your house, go camping or sleep in a caravan for a while. Or if you think your car is not good enough, try walking or take public transport for a while. Life never feels so good as when you have experienced what it is like to go without.
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
Getting good referrals
Many of us like to ask our friends to refer to us their tradesman, mechanic, physician, or dentist when we need such services. This helps to reduce the chances of landing up with poor service, high cost, or both. However, one still has to exercise wisdom in making the choice when given the choice of several recommendations.
Let's say a friend recommends his mechanic to you, based on a very pleasant experience. His car did not give any problem; it was just a routine service. The mechanic was jovial and friendly. The charges were reasonable. The job was completed quickly and your friend walked away feeling good.
Let's suppose another friend had a different experience with his mechanic. During a routine service, the mechanic found some problems that could affect the reliability of the car. This coincided with your friend's lingering suspicion, so he knew the mechanic was telling the truth. The mechanic was knowledgeable. He explained the problem clearly and he outlined the charges professionally. He was understanding about budget constraints and he gave several options for the repair, while not pushing your friend to have it done.
Comparing the above two examples, your first friend would have given his mechanic a rave review, while the second one may not be so enthusiastic since his visit to the mechanic cost him a bomb (and I don't mean his car).
When looking for a good referral, you need to ask why the person thinks the service provider is good. What kind of experience has he had? Had there been any difficult situations? How did the service provider go about it? Was your friend happy with the charges? Were there any surprises? The best referrals are those based on actual encounters with difficult or unexpected problems, and how the service provider had handled it.
Let's say a friend recommends his mechanic to you, based on a very pleasant experience. His car did not give any problem; it was just a routine service. The mechanic was jovial and friendly. The charges were reasonable. The job was completed quickly and your friend walked away feeling good.
Let's suppose another friend had a different experience with his mechanic. During a routine service, the mechanic found some problems that could affect the reliability of the car. This coincided with your friend's lingering suspicion, so he knew the mechanic was telling the truth. The mechanic was knowledgeable. He explained the problem clearly and he outlined the charges professionally. He was understanding about budget constraints and he gave several options for the repair, while not pushing your friend to have it done.
Comparing the above two examples, your first friend would have given his mechanic a rave review, while the second one may not be so enthusiastic since his visit to the mechanic cost him a bomb (and I don't mean his car).
When looking for a good referral, you need to ask why the person thinks the service provider is good. What kind of experience has he had? Had there been any difficult situations? How did the service provider go about it? Was your friend happy with the charges? Were there any surprises? The best referrals are those based on actual encounters with difficult or unexpected problems, and how the service provider had handled it.
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