August 25, 2011
How To Take Photos
Personal August 25, 2011Top of uniwalk steps, 5:20pm This isn't really a how-to (because hello, I am a noob), but more of my opinion on things 'photography...
Top of uniwalk steps, 5:20pm
This isn't really a how-to (because hello, I am a noob), but more of my opinion on things 'photography' related.
Anyway, I have gotten so many lovely comments and some questions on my photos, and it is really quite happymaking to know that people out there appreciate something about them.
Recently, a lovely person made a very insightful comment which struck a chord with me because she got the mentality that I am trying to follow. It started when I read a little article by a photographer that said "Never blame a bad photo on your camera", and it's stuck with me since. The article was about how taking "good" photos has little to do with your camera. I always used to think "My photos would be so much better if I had this lens or that lens..." which ensued with a lot of daydreaming about expensive glass.
But I've realised now that- much like buying an expensive piano won't make you a better piano-player- buying a better camera or gear won't necessarily mean better photos, nor make you any better as a photographer. Despite the fact that I love my DSLR, and still drool over lenses and the like, I take many of my photos with a little point-and-shoot that I carry most days. Partly out of convenience but mostly because the challenge has taught me so much more about what makes a 'good' photo. It has taught me that it's not about how many megapixels, or how much your camera is worth, or it's capabilities. It is about mine.
To me, taking a good photo is:
1. Being in the right place at the right time
2. Seeing something in a certain way, and
3. Experience.
Actually, the last one is kind of optional. But just like so many other things in life, the most important one is loving what you do. I still look at other people's photos and realise I'm a complete beginner in comparison but if I can take a photo of something, look at it a long time later and still feel something? Then it's good to me.
So I suppose that's the first and most important lesson. Anyone can learn about aperture, shutter speeds, composition, photoshop and f-stops easily; the hard part is capturing a moment with emotion and inspiration. It is something I am still struggling to do. But sometimes I get lucky in seeing something which strikes me and I'm even luckier if I get to capture it the way I picture it. I think if you really feel something special with imagination and try to capture it, it will come through in your photos.
Also, the picture above was taken today by my piddly phone camera. I was walking up after my classes to meet R and turned around to see the entire lower campus all glowy- and a couple admiring it.
Anyway, I hope this post was somewhat insightful to someone out there...
I'd love to hear your thoughts :)
August 24, 2011
Polaroids and Churros
Personal August 24, 2011What I was up to today in my little corner. Library lawn @uni | Polaroid message board | SMSSOC | Jonny's new haircut | Churros | Ric...
What I was up to today in my little corner.
Library lawn @uni | Polaroid message board | SMSSOC | Jonny's new haircut | Churros | Richest chocolate milkshakes | R&I |
This week SMSSOC and I have been helping to raise money for NeuRA (Neuroscience Research Australia) at uni as part of Artsweek which involved politely asking/harassing passerbys to allow me to take their polaroid in return for a small donation.
After a bit of that and studying, I caught up with some of the chums at San Churro, Glebe where we stuffed our faces with too much chocolate, chatted, laughed and bitched- as you do . On top of that, the weather was beautiful (cue holey, shrunk-in-the-wash-midriff top).
So despite mid session exams- and thus doom- looming, it was a lazy feel-good day. My kind of day.
This week SMSSOC and I have been helping to raise money for NeuRA (Neuroscience Research Australia) at uni as part of Artsweek which involved politely asking/harassing passerbys to allow me to take their polaroid in return for a small donation.
After a bit of that and studying, I caught up with some of the chums at San Churro, Glebe where we stuffed our faces with too much chocolate, chatted, laughed and bitched- as you do . On top of that, the weather was beautiful (cue holey, shrunk-in-the-wash-midriff top).
So despite mid session exams- and thus doom- looming, it was a lazy feel-good day. My kind of day.
August 20, 2011
Time for Nostalgia
Australia Personal Travel August 20, 2011Today I felt like reminiscing. These are from the end of last year, but I don't think I've posted them here before. A week away in a...
Today I felt like reminiscing. These are from the end of last year, but I don't think I've posted them here before. A week away in a beautiful house at Sapphire Beach, Coffs Harbour with the girls. I know, sounds like a dream right?
Entranced by a rock | Coffs Harbour trainstation | Main bedroom, complete with exposed bath | Ash's trademark smile | Someone's feet | View from the top level | The most quiet stretch of beach | Jess' birthday cake | Pool at night | Ned (?) the Turkey, regular visitor | Lazy, late breakfast | Pool race on inflatable sea animals | Chums |
I have realised my photography skills have significantly improved since then! I also realised I couldn't post many of them because they involved my half-clothed friends haha...
Anyway, from what I remember, the week was spent mostly in our bikinis, in the hot tub, on the beach, making food, dancing to about 5 alternative versions of Teenage Dream, fraternising with inflatable animals and a real turkey and getting drunk in the games room next to the pool table. I remember dnming, running along the beach with a hangover (came back with awesome calves), singing Happy Birthday, going 'clubbing' for the first time with Jess, the smell of rum, ridiculous cab fees and being generally embarrassing.
The best and worst part was accidentally on purpose sharing way too much personal info with the girls, and realising in hindsight that after that week I would lose a special person only to let another one into my life. It was probably a pivotal week in most of our lives; the summer before we went off to uni and did our own thing I suppose. But maybe one day we'll all get to travel somewhere together again...
There's not much better than the bond you share with the beautiful people in your life, the friendships you make that are the ones which last the longest or mean the most.
Moving on.
This week I didn't take any photos despite eating at 2 'interesting' restaurants, having a colossally stupid fight with R and waiting 3 hours for yeast cultures to die. Cool week I know. But thank you for everyone's sweet comments, I will be sure to finally get around to returning them!
Peace to my 69 followers ;)
And everyone else of course.
I have realised my photography skills have significantly improved since then! I also realised I couldn't post many of them because they involved my half-clothed friends haha...
Anyway, from what I remember, the week was spent mostly in our bikinis, in the hot tub, on the beach, making food, dancing to about 5 alternative versions of Teenage Dream, fraternising with inflatable animals and a real turkey and getting drunk in the games room next to the pool table. I remember dnming, running along the beach with a hangover (came back with awesome calves), singing Happy Birthday, going 'clubbing' for the first time with Jess, the smell of rum, ridiculous cab fees and being generally embarrassing.
The best and worst part was accidentally on purpose sharing way too much personal info with the girls, and realising in hindsight that after that week I would lose a special person only to let another one into my life. It was probably a pivotal week in most of our lives; the summer before we went off to uni and did our own thing I suppose. But maybe one day we'll all get to travel somewhere together again...
There's not much better than the bond you share with the beautiful people in your life, the friendships you make that are the ones which last the longest or mean the most.
Moving on.
This week I didn't take any photos despite eating at 2 'interesting' restaurants, having a colossally stupid fight with R and waiting 3 hours for yeast cultures to die. Cool week I know. But thank you for everyone's sweet comments, I will be sure to finally get around to returning them!
Peace to my 69 followers ;)
And everyone else of course.
August 14, 2011
Self-Portrait + Freckles
Personal August 14, 2011I've come to the realisation that this blog is a bit faceless. Even my display picture is an anonymous silhouette drinking te...
I've come to the realisation that this blog is a bit faceless. Even my display picture is an anonymous silhouette drinking tea in front of a window. Nice. So, here is me rocking dirty hair and in desperate need of a shower, taken a few weeks ago in a hotel room.
I also want to rant about something. I have freckles on my face. They were the bane of my existence in my early teen years, when it was made fairly obvious to me that it was abnormal and undesirable for an asian. I began to despise it when people kept commenting on it, and one lovely girl once asked me "you have so many! Do you, like, keep some in a jar at home?" Damn you, girl with perfect skin.
Anyway, my mom thought it was a good idea to get them lasered off; I went along with it and exterminated them all at the ripe age of about 12. Obviously being australian and sun-loving, they came back. So now they have become my friends.
I have grown to like them. Occasionally I count them for fun. One time I played dot-to-dot with an eyeliner pencil, just because I could. They are something to be embraced and enjoyed; so here is a virtual high five to everyone out there with them!
August 13, 2011
NO, SHE'S A WHORE!
Personal August 13, 2011So, now that I have your attention... 3 Things I Spotted: 1. Brilliant blue sky in the middle of winter. Smiles all aro...
So, now that I have your attention...
3 Things I Spotted:
1. Brilliant blue sky in the middle of winter. Smiles all around.
2. Brilliant sunshine in the middle of winter. More smiles.
Best of all:
3. "NAOMI IS THE ONE FOR ME"
"NO! SHE'S A WHORE"
It did make the lecture I was attending slightly more amusing. Reminds me of the heated scribblings on the back of toilet doors at uni which I chuckle at before remembering that it's kind of uncool to be chuckling to myself in a toilet cubicle.
I did of course do a little more than take 3 pictures of random/mundane things this week, like sprinkle chalk on my friend's head consistently throughout a lecture until he obliviously walked out with white hair, and watch Rise of the Planet of the Apes! Speaking of, I have so much respect for Andy Serkis and think he is a very underrated actor. Tom Felton acted exactly like Draco, with stubble and James Franco is a babe. In all seriousness, it was a very well executed movie which has a few smart references to the original, and I guarantee you will be touched. I swear there was a collective gasp in the cinema when-
I will save you the rant...YOU NEED TO WATCH IT!
Moving on. Tonight after dinner I also spotted my dad taking pictures of his cup of tea (?) which I obviously rolled my eyes at until I realised I am exactly like him. Proven above. Guess it's the most random, smallest things which make me happy...
Did you see anything weird/random/completely boring this week? I'd love to know!
August 10, 2011
Hobo Park
Australia Travel August 10, 2011Belmore Park, Central All through high school, we used to call it Hobo Park (self-explanatory really). It was only recently that I found o...
Belmore Park, Central
All through high school, we used to call it Hobo Park (self-explanatory really).It was only recently that I found out its actual name.
While walking to Central station today, I thought how the gnarly tree branches personify the desolation that is winter...(Still!)
Something like that anyway...
You can probably tell I'm lacking in a bit of creativity today!
August 07, 2011
Sunrise and Firsts
Australia Personal Travel August 07, 2011Yesterday was probably the first time I woke up at 5:30am on a Saturday. All for good cause though, as R and I drove to Manly to watch the s...
Yesterday was probably the first time I woke up at 5:30am on a Saturday. All for good cause though, as R and I drove to Manly to watch the sunrise!
Sun rising at Manly Beach
We were running a bit late so may have sped a little. By the time we got there it was already a bit light with the sun just peeking over but it was beautiful nonetheless. Loved the vibe at Manly, people were already out, jogging, playing volleyball or paddling out to catch the first waves of the morning. We spent the early morning walking up and down the beach. What a lovely cliche.
Richard on the beach | "Artistic" shot of a leaf/bark (?) | Gazing into the distance | Getting ready to paddle out | Volleyball net | Along the walkway | Sitting on the infamous stormwater pipe |
Photos taken by Richard and me
The early morning meant we could amble around Manly, from Bluewater Cafe for breakfast (I think) to the markets, to his primary school where there was another local market, and finally to his house where we slept most of the day away. Woke up obscenely late to have lunch, and to take photos of random things along the way and back for some studying (that was the original plan) until a late dinner. During which we watched an episode of Burn Notice, accompanied by R's enthusiastic boyish commentary. A lazy, gorgeous day. Seems to be our routine...
My breakfast; muesli, fruit and yoghurt
I'm glad to be be back to blogging about 'normal' life. It's funny when I look at my blog; it makes it seem like my life is eventful and interesting when really it isn't. Most of my life now is consumed by uni and everything that involves. But this was one of those days that make me realise I'm extremely thankful for the life that I have :) Return of dreary weather? Too many hours of uni? Yeah bitches I can handle that.
Ahh don't you love the weekend?
Ahh don't you love the weekend?
August 04, 2011
Lovely Bones + Last of Travels
Australia Travel August 04, 2011I promise this is the last set of travel photos. There were just too many so I couldn't really be bothered to sift through all of them. ...
I promise this is the last set of travel photos. There were just too many so I couldn't really be bothered to sift through all of them.
But the first few here are photos of my favourite part of the trip. We visited the Dinosaur Valley in Yunnan Province, and whilst I wasn't particularly impressed by the fake dinosaurs on display around the park, I was completely and utterly blown away by the fossils and bones on display in the exhibition hall.
Apparently more dinosaur fossils have been found in this valley than anywhere else in the world, with hundreds still buried. Which is why they preserved the excavation site, which we also got to see. I stood on a fucking dinosaur excavation site!! Coolest experience ever. You can probably tell I'm a dinosaur enthusiast...
Enjoy the rest of the photos!
But the first few here are photos of my favourite part of the trip. We visited the Dinosaur Valley in Yunnan Province, and whilst I wasn't particularly impressed by the fake dinosaurs on display around the park, I was completely and utterly blown away by the fossils and bones on display in the exhibition hall.
Apparently more dinosaur fossils have been found in this valley than anywhere else in the world, with hundreds still buried. Which is why they preserved the excavation site, which we also got to see. I stood on a fucking dinosaur excavation site!! Coolest experience ever. You can probably tell I'm a dinosaur enthusiast...
Enjoy the rest of the photos!
Inside the dinosaur exhibition hall// Excavation site//Fossils being prepared//Me next to dino pillars//Inside a lit-up cave//Climbing a mountain in complete fog//Yaks chillin'//Most beautiful water I have ever seen//Tamed eagle?//Lucky well//Animal demi-gods at a 'natural sacrificial site'//Little store selling furs//Gypsy cart!//Playing in the streets//Horse rides//Canal//Old Town tourist hotspot//Boats//Ornate traditional doorknob//Market stall//Beautiful view on an old town//And another one//Fountain//Misty mountains//A very expensive "tea biscuit"
All the places above are around Yunnan province, near Kunming. A very memorable trip I'd say. You can't tell but a lot of the time was spent in transit in a little mini-bus trekking to the most remote places- I had the bruises to show it! Stayed in a different hotel every night and saw so many things, so many experiences (both exhilarating and embarassing) and somehow; discovered so many things about myself.
It turns out that when you're placed in a foreign, constantly changing and overwhelming environment where you are no-one, you learn a lot about yourself.