Hopes, Dreams & Happiness

I'm not going to lie - I think I haven't given this blog the attention it deserves. Despite PPC always telling me before that we should share our experiences on this blog, I've always felt that the thoughts running through my head were not that important.

But today, I think it's about time things changed.

Today, something struck a chord with me which I just have to put out. Sometimes it's a little embarrassing to dig deep into our hearts, but I think it's because we fear what we really feel and find it difficult to embrace those emotions. This emotion I'm feeling today is sheer happiness.

When EXCO 08/09 planned it's first Camp (Aperture), I think we did it for various reasons. We did it because it was something fresh. We wanted it because we felt we didn't have something to call our own. We hoped that it would cement our commitment to the club. But most of all, I personally believe that I wanted the camp because it could do so much more than just teach photography.

It could change the way the club worked.

Yes, maybe it's because I believe in the power of group dynamics and therefore wanted this camp so badly. But at the core of it, I think I knew I wanted to feel rewarded by the fact that MJC Photog was a club. A club - meaning that it was about a group of people with similar interests coming together, almost like a family. A club cannot be about the EXCO alone, it must be there for everyone. That was my dream.

Today, I've seen that dream turn into so much more than I could have imagined at that time. Our current J2 EXCO has shown me that. They continue to fight for that dream which we had put out. Bonding, teaching, loving and providing for the new juniors. You can see that it's more than just fulfilling the role required of a senior member. What I see are people who want to welcome more people into the family as one of their own.

The stories of previous EXCO batches who brought up the club on their own are nevertheless epic and of course I respect them. In fact, it is because of them we have the foundation to come this far. It's hard to ever express fully that kind of gratitude. But now, I think they can also see how their solid foundation has allowed the club to move on to greater things. Thanks to them we are now able to finally create a culture where EXCO and members are not exclusive.

When I saw the J2s coming back to help for the camp, I was thrilled. All of them were so happy and enthusiastic till the end. I saw people, regardless of being EXCO or member working together for the camp and I must say it is a touching sight. I could only wished to have worked the same way with my members during my year. Everyone has something special to offer and that is the beauty of being in a club.

So to Shruthi and gang, I must say I am absolutely proud of you guys. You carry on the hopes and dreams which I had for the club when I came in. I know it sounds a little selfish of me to place my personal dreams in you guys but thank you for carrying on the tradition. You guys have grown stronger regardless of what anyone else has to say. In my eyes, you guys have provided for the club a genuine experience. Your contributions are there so don't for a moment think you have not created an impact on the club. You may not see it right now, but once you step down you will know what I mean.

You guys make me one proud senior (:

With love and sincerity,

Elliot Lucas Marcell Tan Yen Yun

Camp Exposure

Hope everyone had fun (and learnt something, of course).

More photos on the way..

PHOTOG!

CAMP EXPOSURE I

Mr Cheng talk going on now. Mr Cheng rocks!

Just a thought to share.

Just 1 more day to Camp Exposure!! Our 2nd Photography Camp, (1st one, Camp Aperture - Elliot's Batch - Awesome camp)
Its been really draining,tiring and EXCITING planning it,along with the MBTs results, this week being a total _______(Fill in the blanks)_______. As J2 year gets tough, you start to see people deteriorate in front of your eyes, you start to fear for your ownself. Being in thought sometimes affects you, especially when you remember what people tell you. Someone told me something
today, and I shall not forget it, cos I choose not to forget it and I know it will impact me (be it a positive or negative way) lets chuck the negative thoughts aside!
With just a few more weeks till the J1s take over, I start to look back at everything which has happened in 2009 to now. Times have been tough, times have been filled with laughter and times with hunger (and a full bladder). I will not deny that I am looking forward to the day when I step down, however I will always remember what Elliot said

You would feel that you made the biggest mistake, and regret every moment of it, but now I feel every minute was worth it.

~Elliot

I know I will feel the same as well. Hopefully.

-SA- (for the J1s, SA: Shruthi Avadhani)
AND PLEASE, don't mistake this as some EMO post.

Covering 218 kilometres

Sitting in the back of a stuffy van still nursing a throat infection, I held on to my camera tightly against my chest, with my heart thumping hard against my ribs. I was nervously waiting for the first marathon runner to arrive at the finishing line.

This was no ordinary marathon. It was the longest in Singapore's history. 218 kilometres. My partner and I had been trailing the runners for 31 hours. Fatigued and tired, every moment seemed like a hundred years as I waited.

The rear door opens and the van starts rolling. Every member of the media crew lifts their equipment to their faces, ready to fire.

An ex-classmate once told me, "Hey, you get paid for taking a few pictures! Cool!" I could not be more offended by that. Photography is not just "taking a few pictures". It involves much planning, skill, physical strength, stamina, and most importantly, passion.

The equipment are heavy, the hours are long, and the chunk of metal we call a camera is constantly strapped to our bodies no matter what we're doing or where we're going. The unwritten rule of a photographer- never let the camera leave your side when on assignment.

The auxiliary police and support cars come into sight. The first of the core runners, Yong Yuen Cheng, runs in with his support team. Camera shutters fire like crazy. TAK TAK TAK TAK TAK TAK TAK TAK! TAK TAK TAK TAK TAK TAK TAK TAK! The firing does not stop. Being a photographer- no matter which sort- is about getting the correct timing. No one really knows when "H-Hour of D-Day" is, you'll only know when when you see it. The photographers continue to fire. The van stops rolling. The van had no access into the road to the ending line. We had to get off. And RUN.

I grabbed my kakhi colour National Geographic backpack. Feeling as if I was an infantry man getting off a tank, I held on tightly to the barrel of my lens, kept my head low and jumped off the rear of the van. 200 metres. Yong was 200 metres away from me. He was in a fast jog now. I started running.

Every inch of my tired body pressed on. There is everything to lose now. My partner and I have persevered to cover most of the route, I can't give up now. The ache in my knees, my back, the weight, oh golly the weight! Yong closes in. Photographers are frantically running to the ending line to get their shot now.

Every event I have covered always make me feel the same way. As if my subject is going to bash my face in any moment. Firstly, that's how close I generally am to my subjects to capture their raw genuine emotion (and sometimes their strong hatred for a person with a media pass) and secondly, really, they sometimes really want to bash your face in. It's the spirit of capturing the winning moment that never stopped me, and of course, at the end of the day seeing my work being exhibited or published is the greatest reward above all.



Even if getting the perfect shot involved kneeling in the middle of the road and getting the possibility of being laughed at or kicked in the head... the dedicated photographer would do it anyway.

Running 218 Kilometres

Photo essay on The Nanyang Chronicle by
Alumni Eunice Chan and Ng Jun Sen



For you guys who are wondering what The Nanyang Chronicle is, it is the campus newspaper of Nanyang Technological University. Every issue has a photo essay which allows the photo editors to highlight events or issues that are going on in the campus using photography.

So, if you're interested in becoming a news photographer, you can aim to join Wee Kim Wee School of Communication and Information!

JC1s MAIDEN shoot

Today the JC1 students had their very first hands-on session under the tutelage of King, Kar Mun and myself so finally had the chance to explore their bodies (pls don't take this the wrong way) and the club's lenses. After going through 3 stations of telephoto, wide-angle cum fisheye and macro, they had 20 mins of free time to shoot whatever they like and submit one photo which is their favourite.

Then everyone voted for their favourite photo and this photo emerged as the winner =)


Its owner Maria from 10A301 won for herself a LEICA.... calendar ^^

Other photos that received high no. of votes (if i don't remember wrongly) are:



oh oh, in the photo above, the top yellow post-it says "i wanna be the maths rep (=" AAAaaaaaawwwww!!! =D



JC1s, well done! Very good for the first try! We look forward to more of your photos during the camp and in future! =)

[all photos are uneditted]

Hands-on Workshop

Dear JC1s,

For tomorrow's hands-on session, pls bring:

1) Memory card
2) Camera (charged -.-) if you have your own

Pls also submit your camp consent form if you have not already done so

LT 2 @ 2:30pm

Ms Ann Koh

Most Epic Photo Essay of The Semester

36 hours.
218 kilometers.
1 marathon.

Run Round Singapore 2010.

With 2 photographers- Ng Jun Sen and Eunice Chan chasing through 64 stations around the island.

Watch out for the most epic photo story this semester in the next issue of The Nanyang Chronicle. Out on stands on 5th April 2010.

Hello! This is my virgin post down here, after being asked by PPC to post a photo a week (But i don't have so many photos! >.<)

Anyway, here's my first one..
I call it "Nature's Love". Corny, i know, but i was never great at coming up with names..

Hope you all like it. C&C welcome. =D

-CB <--- These are my initials, and they stand for nothing else but my name.

E-Learning and purchase of camera

Dear JC1s,

Please remember to do your E-Learning for next week's (30th March) meeting.

http://web.canon.jp/imaging/enjoydslr/

For the those who are purchasing the Canon 550D with the 18-55 IS kit lens. The price is $1290. It comes with a 8gb SD card, camera bag, screen protector and I think with the Lens Book.

For those who are feeling rich, you can buy the Canon 550D with the 18-135 IS kit lens but the price is at $1590.

Note: all payment are to be in cash or NETs.

So my advice is to go home after school then bring the cash out. Dun bring so much cash around in school.

There was a girl who was interested in buying a Nikon 50mm prime lens. It cost $190. If you are not sure, you can tag along to view the other lenses.

We will meet at Ang Mo Kio Hub, right outside MOS Burger at 1600, 4pm, Friday (26th March)

JC2s, if you are interested in getting, please inform me.

more info about the camera that you guys are getting.

http://www.canon.com.sg/eos550d/

See you guys!

PPC

Note: Please post any queries you may have on the tagboard.

Chronicle Reviews + Tips

The Best in the Business

By Ng Jun Sen

In my perfect world, there will be no wars and no crimes. No one falls sick, chocolate will grow on trees, mosquitoes will never bite and everyone will always be happy.

In this utopia, the only camera that exists is the perfect one.

Today, the Canon EOS-1D Mark IV and the Nikon D3S are closest to such impossible perfection. In the holy realm of photography, these highly-coveted machines are the top-of-the-line tools for professionals who demand the best and tolerate no compromise.

These may be two of the best cameras in the trade, but they are also impossible in another way. With each costing more than $7,000, they are out of reach to the average amateur, exclusive to commercial photographers, Bruneian sultans, Middle-Eastern sheiks or anyone with annoyingly deep pockets.

But if you do have $7,000 lying around, which of these two behemoths would you buy?

Canon EOS -1D Mark IV?

Nikon D3S?

Visit http://www3.ntu.edu.sg/chronicle/lifestyle/vol16no9/tech01.html for more!

7 Photography Tips for Beginners

By Eunice Chan

Since digital cameras were invented, cameras have become smaller, smarter, and more convenient to use and carry around.

With the advance of technology, one does not need to go through the hassle of buying a digital single lens reflex (DSLR) just for quality photos. Compact and semi-pro cameras can perform surprisingly well nowadays.

1. Make a shot list

2. Recce

3. Experiment with your camera settings

4. Get into the correct posture

5. The most expensive equipment may not be the best for you

6. Second hand cameras may not be a bad idea

7. Ask around

Click http://www3.ntu.edu.sg/chronicle/lifestyle/vol16no9/tech02.html for more!

And http://www3.ntu.edu.sg/chronicle/archives/vol16no9.pdf for the full print!

YOUR ANCESTORS PHOTOS!!

ok i lied, there's only one photo here. but still :D

Remember

This is the photo ms koh was talking about.

@AngryMob: i hate all of you!!!
haha, it wasn't a "planned" trip to see their mtg..just happen to be in sch for some other thingo..

Just A Photog Lesson

Today, Kenny and Soon Hao gave an intro lesson to the new kids. They have sense of humour one k... LOL or at least they tried...

they started off with a screen capture of "windows is shutting down" -.- and it freaked me out cos they were using my tablet -.-||| funneh...

then kenny showed this photo and declared


Quote Kenny, "ya, these are all the lenses we have in the club... ya... we wish er..."

Quent and I were chuckling in the corner LOL

the most ultimate one was a picture of a canon (yes, as in the artillery) with the logo of canon scrolling through LOL quent and i went -______-|||

when sharing about the rule of thirds, kenny and soon hao's (who looked like a pair of crosstalk performers) favourite phrase was,

"if you put it in the centre, it's very disgusting la!"

there was a photo vicky, quentin and i immediately could relate to... ROFL... and we chorused, "HOW XING QUAN REACH OUT FOR THE SKY!!" LOL

when we printed that photo for exhibition, it read

"How Xing Quan
Reach Out For The Sky"

vicky (typical arts student) stared at it and went, "eh, not grammatical la... should be "How Xing Quan REACHED out for the sky..." then we realised it's "Reach out for the sky" by How Xing Quan!! duh...

hahaha, what an entertaining lesson...

and quentin showed me a photo which brought back fond memories... wonder if he will put it up ;)

PPC Conquers Road Race 2010!

START


=PPP must run faster... later got refreshments!! heard the chicken wings are not bad...

END


got camera in front >.<... look cool look cool... must look cool... aaarrgghhh...!!! must overtake.... aaarrrgghhhh...!!!!

in response to a curious cat's request for a new post, here's something i stumbled upon on youtube:

Guide on how to paint your DSLR pink


btw, congrats to those who got fantastic results, and congrats to those who survived last year's A Levels :D J2s, remember to mug hard and do as well k!!

Found this photo, had to put it up.

:)

2010 Annual Exhibition by Alumni

Hi guys, gals, Alumni and non-Alumni members!

I've opened a new discussion topic on the MJC PHOTOGRAPHY PAGE on Facebook regarding this year's annual exhibition by the Alumni. It doesn't matter whether you're alumni or not, because your photos get to be part of it!

Don't be a silent reader! You're part of the photography club so please chip in some of your ideas and constructive feedback!

Join the discussion now!

R.O.P.

Really Old Photos

Chanced upon these old photos while searching for photographs for our compass electives slides

(Note: Some photos do not belong to me/are not taken by me)

Open house preparation 

See, hear, speak no evil - Southern Islands trip

400D and Ms Koh @ Pre U sem 2008

Mr Cheng's birthday "surprise" celebration

PPC going the distance to get a great shot

suerya and a random irritating child at airport

The legendary Mr Tee!

photos are eternal

memories are forever