2008

Sunday, October 5, 2008

Rich amateurs

There's this guy from Victoria University using a Nikon D200 and a 70-200mm F/2.8 VR combo (at least 4000 dollars worth of gears there)....at the end of the AUG closing ceremony, he was taking a group shot of his mates. So all of them are posed nicely and all, and yet he looked like he had trouble operating the camera.

"The shots are blurry, big time", he said.

So I volunteered to helped him out, turns out the the focus switch on his lens is set to manual......

I don't know what to feel? Jealous? Angry?

Friday, October 3, 2008

Australian Uni Games 2008 - the aftermath

Finally, 5 days of mayhem is over....for those who don't know, I have the opportunity to shoot at the 2008 Australian Uni Games in Melbourne. For me, this is as good as being a photographer at the Olympics.

Many thoughts are running through my mind....

I wish to thank everyone on the team, especially Tim for being a great leader, Clare, Christy and Melusi for their fantastic media support, and not forgetting other fellow photographers like Gary, Dave, Warren, Benjamin, and Brendon whom I had the opportunity to speak to, and to play with their gears. I further realiseed the importance of teamwork. I do my job and trust the others on my team to do theirs. And thanks to the athletes for providing sporting moments that make shooting this event a pleasure. And thanks to Sandra who kindly lend me her camera and lens.

Photography-wise, I've learnt the importance of timing. Reviewing the series of photographs taken within a short time period, say 2 seconds, I can tell which is the one with the peak emotion, and therefore the best shot of the series. And then there's also anticipation. I have learnt how to read the game, and anticipate what will happen next, and point the camera in the right direction. These are the things I will take it with me in my photography career.

After this event, everyone went back to where they come from except for one, who will be sorely missed.

This is such as great experience and I recommend any photographers, amateur or pro, to try it at least once. My only regret is not having the opportunity to get Brooke Hanson's autograph.

Peace.

Sunday, September 28, 2008

I saw Brooke Hanson today

I wanted to get her autograph but she rushed off shortly after the ceremony. I can only watch her through the 450mm (35mm equivalent) lens and whisper goodbye.