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Hi everyone, I've moved this blog over to jamiepang.com, where I've consolidated my 2 running blogs. The new site provides your with more info at one place, and all my past postings can be found there as well. The tags and categories of the blogposts are very extensive over there and you search using the tags. I wanna say thank you for following this humble blog and the new site does allow us to take our relationship to the next level. Don't forget to bookmark jamiepang.com!
Jamie Pang Photography by Jamie Pang is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 Unported License.
I've pointed out to my photog friends of several podcasts before but I'd just like to take a minute to point you again to Matt Brandon's site. Matt, an American based out of our very own Penang, runs a stupendous podcast called Depth of Field, where he recently interviewed Nevada Wier in a 2 part series.
I'd highly recommend that you download them to listen on your MP3 players or burn them to a CD-RW to listen when you're stuck in traffic. I just want the Nevada's takes, ideas and advice to reach you directly, so I won't paraphrase and spoil the "lesson". Get the Part 1 here and Part 2 here. Another reason why you will no longer listen to the crappy commercial laden terrestrial radio programs. New media rocks!
To view Nevada's picture's and follow her blog, head on to http://www.nevadawier.com/.
Unless an alternative career takes off, I’ve yesterday fulfilled my baggage needs with space to spare. I’m speaking of my acquisition of a used Lowepro Vertex 100 AW. I’ve had my eyes on a backpack of the Vertex’s dimensions and features for awhile, with dreams of a Think Tank Photo (TTP) model. I’ve 2 requirements for a backpack besides the obvious durability standards and storage capabilities – firstly it should provide an above average degree of weatherproofing and secondly it should also hold a notebook. The 13” Macbook Pro is still outside my reach now but when I can finally afford one, the bag must be able to accommodate it. A notebook is essential when travelling and when on assignments.
But used TTP items are hard to come by in the secondary market and buying new has never been an option what with its tag of being the LV of photo bags. The chances of finding a used Lowepro is easier and after spotting a few used models such as the Fastpack and CompuTrekker, a Vertex popped up in the forum.
Why used? When the new one sets you back over RM800 (it’s ridiculous probably because of the tax levied on it), you know you’ve to go down the pre-owned road. I’ve so far had good experiences with buying used photography gear so I had no qualms with this approach. This one was no different. When I checked out the product, it looked like new and hardly used. There wasn’t a single scruff mark. The seller, a young chap, told me he purchased it in England during a photo fair. He’s only selling because the bag is an overkill for his D90 and kit lens. Happy with him and the condition of the product, I parted with RM480. While still expensive, it’s a great buy considering the like-new condition of the bag. With Lowepro’s lifetime warranty, there are assurances too.
The smallest in the Vertex series, the Vertex 100 AW has an All Weather (hence the AW badge) cover hidden away under the bag, to protect against the elements of outdoor shooting. The face of the bag is uniquely constructed to have 2 large zippered pockets (more like larder doors!) to store your memory cards, cables, keys, stationary, filters and other knick knacks. Right in the middle is the groove where your tripod or monopod can be strapped in. The ‘pods are secured by 1 adjustable strap at the top, the adjustable Glide Lock in the middle and an stow-able tripod foot holder at the bottom. As with established brands, many features of the bag are customizable. On both sides of the bag are additional hook-ons to hold your lens cases or water bottle.
The first layer of the bag is the padded notebook sleeve. Your 14” hardware can be stored in here. Since I don’t have one this place will hold my magazines. The 2nd layer will be where the majority of your stuff goes. You have the usual Lowepro grey configurable paddings. You’ll also find 2 large zippered pockets on the back of the flap to hold a few more things. The bag is deep enough to hold camera bodies with battery packs, so your lenses up to 70mm can be stored vertically thus saving you more space. I’ve not fully loaded the bag yet but I suspect there will be ample space left for all my electronics gear such as iPod, batteries, chargers, cables, portable hard drives, video cam, towel/cap/spare shirt.
Wildlife and nature photographers look for weatherproofing and silent operation. You’ll get exactly that - the zippers are weatherproofed and open quietly. Can’t wait to put the bag through the paces.
To see photos of the Vertex 100, head on to this nice review on Flickr.
For technical details go to the official Lowepro website where you can see a video of the bag in action.
I’ve a small collection of nice photos of the Carbokids which I’m thinking of turning into a 20-page photobook. These books are not cheap to make. For a 20-page version, expect to pay from RM120 to RM150. But if the photos are fantastic, it’s worth the investment to preserve the memories in a collectible format.
Besides kiddie shots, I’ve some amazing pigeon and temple shots as well. But presently they’re insufficient to put into a coffee table-like book.
The shots that go into the photo book have to be excellent and I’ve really cast a critical eye on my own results. A bit of loss sharpness and it’s basically culled from the collection. It’s frustrating when that happens because many times, composition wise the photos are great. But technically they’re off. So I’ve to adopt the mindset of an editor and make sure only my best shots make the cut.
I’ve yet to try out the services and quality of the photobook service provider, so I’ll be able to share once the results are in. I don’t expect that to be anytime soon as some planning need to go into the types of shots I want to capture. There has to be a variety to make the collection interesting.
But it’ll be great projects to work on. And it keeps the learning process and passion going. if you're getting into the craft or want to explore your creative side, consider building projects into your passion. Just like in running, we set little goals to get us to our own vision of ultimate challenge be it a 5K or an ultra marathon.
Jamie Pang Photography by Jamie Pang is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 Unported License.
Lunch time patrons at a road-side eatery.
This stall serves very cheap porridge. Customers eat perched on stools placed on top of a bench, though the logic of this arrangement, other than to have easy access to the dishes, eludes me.
The fact that this stall is located in a flood prone area could have something to do with this unusual setup.
I've personally not eaten at such stalls but I've known them to cater to the laborers and menial workers. Notice the different heights of the stools.
Jamie Pang Photography by Jamie Pang is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 Unported License.
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