Kcd Photo

(1) Baby Portrait Idea: Eve

2011-09-12T03:05:00.010+08:00

Taking a photo of a baby can be boring, I mean infant that can’t seat properly yet. And it is very important for parents to preserve this phase of the baby’s life as in photo. Most common pose for a baby are probably, lying on the bed, someone holding them or sleeping. And taking them to the photo studio is too common, costly and less personal.

So, here is an idea that you probably want to consider doing. I’m not a professional photographer nor designer, I just want to share some of my humble ideas. Anyway, I will not go through the details of using photoshop. I will just tell you what to do instead of how to do it. Makes sense? So, basic photoshop knowledge is required. And no, I don’t use DSLR.

Eve is my 5 months old niece. I always tweeted about her and post some of her photos in my mini blog but this is the first post of her on this blog. I always wanted to take her photo and frame it on our house wall. But I was having trouble finding a portrait composition for her photo because she can’t properly seat yet and I’m not interested in indoor photo shoot.

So, this is what I did. This is the end production of the photo.

And this is the original copy of the unedited photo.

As you can see in the photo I took her for an outdoor shooting. My mum will be furious if I take her outside under the sun. So, I took her outside by the evening when it was cloudy. Plus, I don’t like the hard light from the direct sun light. I prefer taking photo with soft light condition. Yes I know, taking photo when it’s cloudy without an outdoor light support can reduce the color intensity. But hey, it will go through post production and I can easily fix that with photoshop.

In case you are wondering where I took this photo, it was at my mum’s mini garden! LOL. So, I let her seat on her stroller with her position at the middle with the yellow flowered mustard plant in front, spinach at the side, and tapioca tree at the back. By doing this it will exaggerate the depth of field for the portrait composition. The camera was at the same eye level with Eve’s eyes. The distance for the camera was 3 meters away from Eve, with zoom.

Eve’s favorite color is yellow. So, I dressed her in yellow, with yellow flowers and friend by Yellow (we named her teddy, Yellow). Not everything in yellow though, enough with some details. I don’t want to clown her up.

Next, post production. Any version of photoshop will do just find. The first step is to sharpen the photo with the Unsharp Mask. Then, I changed Eve’s skin color by using selective color. As you can see, her skin looks reddish in the unedited photo. So, by selecting red in selective color, reduce the Clan intensity and increase the Yellow intensity. Leave the magenta. Now it looks more natural.

Now intensify the other colors by using a brush. Create a new layer and place it on the top and change the layer type to Overlay. With your brush, select any color and paint it on. Reduce the brush intensity to have better control. Around 14% will do. Example, Eve’s Teddy bear, Yellow, is not as yellow in the unedited photo. So, select yellow from colors swatches for your brush and paint it on the teddy bear. Make sure you painted it on the Overlay layer type. By doing this, the photo will be more vibrant and alive.

Now, the background. The background in the unedited photo is dark and it gives an illusion that the background is to close. So, I brighten it up with the Dodge Tool with the Midtones range. It will give the photo more of a fresh look and balance the dark bottom. And I create/draw a ‘Sun shine’ that shine towards Eve. I draw it with a brush with white color and 20% opacity. Don’t draw the shine too obvious which can turn out to look fake. A tip to see if the shine that you draw is enough of to much, is by look at the picture as a whole from a far. It you can see the shine lines, that’s mean it’s enough. Now, look very close of zoom, if you can still the lines, that’s mean it’s too much. By doing this it will exaggerate the ‘looking’ space and the illusion that the day was a sunny day!

I love to finish up with some details. The details are important especially for a closed up viewing. It gives a dramatic effect but stay natural. Here I use a 3 pixels brush size with a white color selected. Now create some random dots anywhere around the photo by drawing it in loose groups of dots. It will look like some dust. People will probably not even notice it but if you look closely, it’s there!

There you go, a rough sketch of idea for your babies!

(1) Stop Asking For My Help: Happy Independence Day

2011-08-31T02:07:00.005+08:00

Usually I will try to post an entry for my blog every month, but lately, I hardly blog! I thought that when I’m home, I’ll be blogging like there is no tomorrow. Instead, it’s just the opposite. Since August is almost over, and today is the last day of the month, I thought that I should just get it done with. Plus, It’s Merdaka Day yo, Independence day!

It’s just that when I’m home after finishing my final semester, I’m always busy. Not busy like working, but busy doing other’s favor. I may sounds like trashing my life out to you, but bear with me. I will get to my point.

It’s turned out to be frustrating that now people think that since I’m still “unemployed”, there is no other better person to ask for a favor than me. Like crap! I don’t mind helping people, yes, I really mean it. I do. But when it’s already out of my hand and I said NO, it just pissed me off. Although I didn’t literally say no, but yeah, you are smart enough to know what I meant. I just don’t want to be rude. Even my relatives do that.

I have a life too. I have things that I love to do like blogging. And stay at home doing nothing is one of them. I don’t find that’s wrong. I’m not frustrated with those people that asked for my help. The fact that they think that I’m free and I did refuse to do them, does. Do you get me? No? Okay, it makes me actually believe that I’m lazy. Yes, the feeling itself that frustrates me. And it’s not a good feeling.

Sometimes I just don’t understand how people deal with it. Refuse to help when asked and being less guilty about it. It’s a great thing actually. You should come first. Besides, it’s your life you’re living. And living others life is not a wise thing to do because they can kick you out anytime they want.

Things that you did to them will only count as just some favors that are rude to ask for in return, right? But if that favor doesn’t bother your life and you are willingly want to do it, I guess its okay.

I’m not suggesting and promoting that we shouldn’t help others in need. Helping others is a noble thing to do, of course. You should help people! Karma baby! No, I’m not collecting points or filling my tank up to go to heaven with my fuel of good doings to other, no. I believe that helping others should come from the heart.

What I really want to say is this. To those that love to ask for others help, make sure that you really need it and not just wanted to make your life easy. Be INDEPENDENT! Don’t depend on others too much. Draw your own flag with your own colors, with your own brush, with your own HANDS. Being proud of others drawing and claim it yours, is shame.

Happy Independence Day guys! And Selamat Hari Raya.

(2) Family Day: Kem Permai, Santubong Part 2

2011-07-16T22:53:00.007+08:00

As promised, this is the part 2 of my previous post. Nothing interesting to write though. A whole bunch of cam whoring pictures. But hey I’ll just post it anyway. But I hope you will enjoy the pictures.

Before you scroll down to view those pictures (If you do) , I just wanna say that I’ve removed my twitter timeline from my blog because I’ve now protected it for my own convenience. Since I plan on using twitter for long period of time, I changed my username from @kcdphoto, by using my real name instead, to @CassidyTunek. Easy to remember and easy to find. =)

#1 Angie

#2 Angie

#3 It's my turn! I wanna be in the picture too...

#4 I kinda like this picture of her. Look less fake.. =P

#5 A picture together...

#6 Superman pose!

Enough with the cam whoring pictures. I have alot more but I don't wanna make you puke! lol

This is what we were having for lunch. Don't be fool, it was actually not that nice. Seems to be over marinated.

This kid is sooo cute.. ain't he?

Btw, this is the family that won the most supportive family!

That's it.. Will be updating more often after this. I hope.

(1) Family Day: Kem Permai, Santubong Part 1

2011-07-08T03:38:00.005+08:00

The place where Angie is doing her internship, organized a family day which was on last 2 weeks, 25th June 2011. Since I was free, I accompanied her to the family day at Kem Permai, Santubong.

We made a move around 7.30am and reached there around 8.30am. Even though we were on time, we were actually lost. Lol. (Yet we call our self a Sarawakian.) Don’t put the blame on me, Angie was navigating. She was confident that she had the right path. Luckily we have GPS.

When we reached there, they were still not ready. As we thought that we were late, half of them came much later than us.

So the activity started with a brief speech from someone I believe is important (I don’t really know them) and then breakfast.

This is just a random photo of a kid I saw at the beach. But I kinda like the shot so post it. =P

And can someone enlighten me how this attire is right for a beach? And how do she think she gonna join the games?

They organized some games to fill the day but they started quite late, around 10-11am. It was super hot! Not that I'm afraid of the sun and afraid of getting tanned, (fyi, i do purposely tanned my skin) it's just that it was piercing hot!

They should start the games around 9-11, lunch and free activity by the afternoon, and start the games again around 4pm. Just a suggestion. =P

Anyway, the games that they organized was fun to watch! And these are the prizes for the winners. And yes, I didn't win anything! LOL

This game was to pull the thread out of the flour. Just for kids.

This was a game for the adults. Here how the game goes. Run to the other side of the beach to a chair where a balloon is located.

Give the balloon a blow job!

Sit on it until it bursts! Omg, that sounds dirty. =p And run back to your original place! Simple! Why did I explained it?

Simple games like these are funny to watch! Where else can you see some adults fool them self for a hamper? Don't believe me? Just look at this auntie laughing.

Next they played volleyball.

I was not interested to watch the games, so after that, I went for a walk along the beach with Angie. Plus I was intimidated to take any photo of them because they were using such fancy DSLR and I was just using my 'cute' compact. hahhaha

Just look at their DSLRs.

another one.

And this one.

So we walk along the beach and did some camwhoring action! Photo will be uploaded on part 2. I don't want to pack it all in one post.

P/s: Angie lost her father 2 days ago due to heart attack (As I was told). Condolence to her family and may Mr. Noah rest in peace. Amen.

(2) I'm Not a Photographer : Because I Don't Have DSLR?

2011-04-28T09:01:00.011+08:00

I was browsing my twitter account and was checking on my followers on my phone when I was about to go to sleep. Not that I care, because most of them are SPAM, but just in case that some of them are actually real persons and I would probably feel good about myself for having some real fans. Well, I don’t. And I don’t care! (T_T) Good for me!

Anyway, while I was dreaming about having some real fans, I bumped into this twitter account. What caught my attention was his tweets are rather defensive. And there’s a link. Obviously it’s his blog link address. I assumed he’s a guy because he mentioned on his bio that he “likes looking at girls on the internet “. Unless she’s lesbian. But he mentioned he sees girl as wife. Since gay marriage is illegal in Malaysia, he probably is a guy. So I thought that this might be a good before-bed reading. What’s better than an angry blogger blogged about stuff that annoys him? Ahh, brings so much joy to my life.

If you want to read the blog, here’s the link. Owh, to the admin, I’m so sorry for featuring you on my blog and giving you a free publicity. Don’t you worry, I don’t have any reader! It’s only me who gonna read it anyway. Please don’t sue me. You are the one who put it on the internet, so it’s already a public property. Who made the rule? Well, I did.

Anyway about the blog, he was obviously annoyed by the increasing number of people owning a DSLR and caring it around with them. In case that you are living under a rock and too lazy to Google, DSLR stand for Digital Single-Lens Reflex. The big black camera with a bulging lens in front of it and a fancy strap to hang it on your neck. DUH?

Well I got to admit it that SOME people do use it as part of their attire. Taking picture of some random stuff in the mall with the auto mode but pretending to adjust the focus. It’s like why do you need DSLR if you just gonna use it in auto mode. But it’s not wrong. If it’s the new fashion trend, just go with the season. Nobody stopping you. It’s your money, or your hard-working-father’s money or your education loan money. Right? I don’t care.

People sells cameras are for people to buy it. You don’t need to be a photographer to own one. It’s not like, “Hi, I want to buy a DSLR” “Can I see your DSLR license please?” “Urm, I don’t have one” “I’m afraid sir, you have to go for compact camera. Security!” LOL.

He said that, “people nowadays are buying DSLR just to show off” “Owning a DSLR doesn’t mean you are a pro”. Wow, that is a rather bold and offensive statement for some people. I’m not offended at all. Why? Here’s why.

1) I don’t own a DSLR. I’m still not good enough to handle one.
2) I don’t have money to buy one (the main reason :p).
3) I had photography as my hobby since 2006, not just recently.
4) I’m not a photographer because I don’t make any money out of it. Nor do I self claimed as one.

I got to the comment section and there is this girl commented on his blog being defensive against the admin opinion. Her comment was a worth of a blog post. As if her life is in danger because of the blog post. She was offended by the fact that her sister recently just bought herself a DSLR. She maybe has a point there. There are DSLR that priced around 1 to 2k not as the admin mentioned that you need at least 4k to own one, though the pictures are as good as a regular compact camera. But don’t you think that you were over reacted. It’s just the admin opinion, plus it his blog. If that’s how he sees it, we should respect that.

I was about to reply on her comment, but instead, I blog about it because if I do reply, the argument will be an endless debate! Anyway, who would listen. Rather pointless.

So, the admin apologized and the girl kept on going with her points and now she bashed on his stereotyping writing style. Great! Now we have blogging writing format. Hey Blog Police, do you have the format book? Where can I buy it?

She also said that the “post is too offensive to ALL DSLR owners”. Who stereotype now? How do you know that ALL DSLR owner are offended?

Then she said that she gets the admin points and she is no longer mad. Then what is the point of your long arguments? I bet she just wanted some attention considering that she did put her blog link address on her first comment.

I did take a brief look on her post about the topic. And she really knows a lot about photography. Wow! I don’t want to mess with her! She’ll destroy me!

Anyway, my points of writing this blog are:

1) Photography is for everyone. Though you are using phone camera, compact camera, bridge camera, semi-SLR, Lomo, DSLR or whatever, as long as it producing photo, it is photography. A lecturer that taught me a lot about photography once told me, “It’s not about how beautiful you photo is, it’s about the story it tells”.

2) Public opinion is something for us to respect. Something to consider. Just because it doesn’t suit your opinion, doesn’t mean it’s wrong. Neither does yours.

Owh look! It’s sunshine! Off to bed now!

(1) After Lunch: Angelia Pictures

2011-04-24T18:56:00.005+08:00

So yesterday we went to McD for our lunch, me, Angie and Devi. Devi said she craved for McD for weeks and Angie craved for McD’s ice-cream. Since Devi was driving, I gladly join them because I was freakin bored staying at home. Not that I don’t have any revision to do, but I was just plain lazy.

Anyway, this post is not about McD but about some pictures that I took right after we came back from McD. Angie was all ready with her makeup on when we went to McD, so I didn’t do any makeup on her. Just add more blusher.

Then I did her hair just like a Korean girl in some movie I’ve watched. Ok, maybe not. At least it look a little like it. LOL. Owh, if you wonder how I did the sides to curl like that, I used some mousse on, roll it on a makeup brush and let it dry. Creative much?

Anyway, here are the pictures.

(3) Before and After: A photo Enhancement Entry

2011-03-16T03:48:00.007+08:00

I think it’s been awhile since my last post on before and after picture. Sometimes I forgot how this blog was actually started. At the beginning of my blog, I only published some of my photos that I captured using my phone and edited it using photoshop, showing the before and after the picture is edited. So, it’s time to go classic right? *since I’m too lazy to post a long entry :P

I’ve posted this picture in one of my entry before. The editing was only to enhance the contrast and brightness. I can’t afford to edit folders of photos in detail; it will drain every single bit of my will power to blog.

But I did more enhancements on this photo because my relative, the one in the photo, asked me to print and frame this photo for her. Of course I can’t just print it raw like so, I have reputation to cover (*what a cocky brat).

I can’t really tell what I did on the enhancements process that I used on this photo, because I was going back and forth on it.

This is the original state of the photo. I was around 150meters from her when I captured this photo. I need to do so because people tends to hide their face when they know that their photo taken. Then later they will ask, "Can I see my picture?" So you have to show them their crappy photo and they will blame you saying that you don't know how to take photo. LOL. But that is not really the reason, it's will just look more natural that they unaware of your lens. They will look more casual.

I didn't edit much here. Just adjusted the brightness and contrast.

This is the almost-finish-edited-photo. Notice that I slightly darken the background. By doing so, she will pop out more as the main subject on this photo. Then I cleared some of her facial flaws. Not going all the way on it because you may offenses the person you edited in the photo, right. Plus, I want it to stay natural.

So, here I focus more on the skin colour. Notice that in the previous photo she have reddish skin colour. Then I adjusted her eyebrow to look less "angry".

(2) Travelled Around the World in 1 day: Tropical Village

2011-03-09T06:44:00.004+08:00

Catchy title I may say. Well, it’s really is true. We travelled around the World in less than 1 day! Maybe not technically true but we did go to Paris, Hollywood, Indonesia, Singapore and more. It’s just cost us a RM10 ticket to the Tropical Village. About 1 hour drive from Batu Pahat, this place is slightly isolate from the main city which makes it less known by people.

Being the last semester student, I have this urge to explore every single inch of Johore, plus, I don’t want to throw any chance to do so to waste even though my wallet is as thin as a paper bag. Anyway, Tropical Village is a drive-in mini World Theme Park. Open 9am-6.30pm on Monday to Saturday and 8.30am-7pm on Sunday and public Holiday.

If you consider yourself as an adult, you have to pay the RM10 entrance fee. And if you don’t want to pay that much, you can act like a 3-12 years old kid and just pay half the price, RM5. Oh, maybe you will need a fake ID to prove that you are a kid too. Getting a fake ID will cost you even more right? So, just pay that freakin’ RM10 and grow up! =P

You can just walk there but the compound is quite big. So, I suggest you to bring your car in. That will cost you extra RM5 per car. And for motorcycle, RM3. Anyway, here are some of the pictures I manage to capture that day. Not really that photographer-kinda-photo but hey, it better than nothing.

Anglie was leaning back on this fence. So, by having the angle of the camera slightly parallel with the fence, it gives the depth of field effect on it. Old trick, nothing new. A lot of people doing it. LOL

The Main Entrance.

See if you can spot Angie in this photo.

I think this is my favourite picture. Not because of the model or anything (not because of your face, ok Angie), but because of the composition is so freakin' nice!

Peace!

2 Girls and, urmmmm, a doll?? a statue?

Angie, wanted to go back to Sarawak! Becky....... Indonesia?

Eiffel tower and the Statue of Liberty.

Urm, Taj Mahal?

This is so cliche I know, but hey, it looks kinda good though!

Yes, Egypt was soooo freakin' hot! Even the camel is so hot that it burned my but!

Hollywood!

Oscar and the Leaning Tower of Pisa.

This is one of the guy that built all these statues.

Look like a cowboy-like picture. Because of the cactus and all.

Real life horses. And they shit everywhere.

Indonesia & Singapore.

Love this picture, picture of 6 monkeys.

Fruits.

Some cartoon characters statues.

(1) Future Hope: Douvinda & Morgan

2011-03-07T05:25:00.005+08:00

There are a lot of photos that I wanted to blog. But it seems like time is not really on my side for the moment. For example, my free visit to the Borneo Highland Resort, Dinner during the Internship, visit to the Tropical Village and so on. It will take me awhile to edit one by one all of the photos. And I refuse to post an unedited photo because my photography skill is not that good anyway. When I think of it, I should rename my banner from “Cassidy Photography” to “Cassidy Photoshophy”. Right?

But you know what, I’m proud of my “cute” camera. Despite the fact that it’s small, non-DSLR, and don’t have any fancy accessories, it did help me to achieve some small achievements. And I’ve been asked several times by some people, asking; why don’t you buy yourself a DSLR?

Well, of course, I want one my dear. It’s all because of MONEY. Plus, I bought this camera because it has a manual mode; So that I can learn the manners of a true photography before I go for DSLR. Not just set you DSLR Mode to Auto and call it PHOTOGRAPHY! It’s just like saying you do calligraphy using Microsoft word.

I’ve lot to learn about photography and I hope that this blog will have a track on my minor improvement. Starting from a 1.3mp phone camera to a bridge camera, I hope to have my own DSLR soon. And by the time that I have my hand on it, I will make sure that I have enough skill to really deserve to hold it with my hand.

And these are some photos that I haven’t post yet in this blog. It just some photos of my housemates that I took for fun. I post his picture because I am darn lazy to edit other photos. My housemates, Douvin and Morgan. The only models that I can afford. LOL.

And I just refuse not to be included in this post even though the picture is just crap. Blur, I know. Thanks, for the picture Morgan!

(1) I'm Doing Makeup: Happy Valentine's Day

2011-02-14T04:51:00.005+08:00

How did I spend my Valentine’s day, if you may ask? Well I spent it doing make up. Wait, what? Makeup? LOL! Yes makeup!

For the past few weeks, or few months to be honest, Angie’s obsession towards makeup has become unbearable! Every time we went out to the shopping complex, the only thing that she will have in mind to buy, is makeup, makeup, makeup! I bet it’s not only her, every girl do, I guess!

It’s all started when she watched the makeup tutorial video on Youtube! Darn Youtube! She just can’t resist the temptation to try every single tutorial she has watched! Last time she did the Barbie Look Makeup, and yesterday she downloaded the Gothic Doll Makeup! So, she was being stubborn and literally forced me to do that Gothic Doll Makeup for her. Well, how hard can it be, right? It’s just like photoshop, playing with different brushes and colours. At least that’s I thought!

So here I am, doing the makeup! She just can’t keep her mouth shut! Keep complaining, that’s wrong, this is wrong! Well this was my first time ever doing makeup! What do you aspect!

This looked like I’m doing an eyelid surgery! Hahhaaa.. it’s like I’m piercing her eye with a knife!

So this is the result! Scroll down please!
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I’m such a GOOD MAKEUP ARTIST! Even better that Angie! Huh! Urm… ok ok ok… I did photoshoped it! Hihihi… Here is the unedited photo. Not bad right! Right? Urm… =( I'll just stick to Photoshop then!

I made this mermaid photo of her because the makeup is soooo over the top! Look like a witch mermaid! Eeeee….

The photo was actually taken by her lying down on the floor and I shaped her hair like that. Anyway, Happy Valentine’s Day! Celebrate it with a loving heart and if you’re against it, just leave it alone. Owh, Valentine's Day is not about sex, girls, you deserve better than that. Bye!

(2) A Wedding Banner I Design: Out of a Crappy Picture

2011-01-14T03:44:00.014+08:00

For my brother’s wedding recently, I was given the honor to do most of the designing works. Okay, it’s actually more like I ‘begged’ them to give me those works. Anyway, I designed their wedding invitation cards, program, banner, bride and groom introduction video and some other things. But I’ll just show you the banner and the video because I don’t know where I placed my other designs. My files sure are messy.

So, my brother and my sister-in-law together went to the wedding studio to take their wedding pictures and they asked me to use picture captured by that studio to design the wedding invitation card and banner. And you know what, that studio only gave us one softcopy. That was only when my brother begged them to give him at least one. Sure, it is a piracy matters and they don’t what us to print those pictures somewhere else. But come on, why would we waste our time doing that, right? Plus, what are they going to do with those pictures anyway? Another collection to add in the recycle bin? And if they just give the softcopy for free, their costumer would spread the good words and there will be more customers coming in, right? Who’s with me! Hahahaha.. Maybe it was because the package that my brother chose didn’t include the softcopy. But they shouldn't charge on that.

Anyway, the one-and-only softcopy that they gave us turned out to be crappy as crap! The moment I first set my eyes on the picture, I wonder. Is this what people pay for thousands ringgit? This is the picture.

Okay, maybe it’s not as bad as I describe it as but come on, thousand ringgit? And hello, they are using Canon EOS 5D Mark II for Christ sake! So, being such a designer, I photoshoped it. At least it is not as bad, right?

Now with this crappy piece, I have to design a banner with 11 feet by 5 feet in size, it is 9600×3600 pixels. To be honest, with the picture only 1080×1620 pixels, it took me few days just to sharpen it up. And to design the whole things took me 3 days I think. Sure I can just design anything and just had I done with but it was my brother’s wedding. I wanted everything to be perfect even a single pixel!

So, this is the banner. Click here if you want to have a bigger view of the banner.

And if you can see at the background of this picture, you can see the actual banner. But somehow the banner looks quite small, I don’t know why. Anyway, I grab this picture from one of our relative's Facebook who attended the wedding reception. I don’t have any picture for the reception though. I was busy entertained the guests. Someone else was pointed to do the job to take the pictures for that night. So, I just step back on this one. But I regretted it because that “photographer” didn’t show up that night.

Anyway, I also made the video montage with the banner design. I use adobe After Effect CS5 to do the video beginning montage. This is just basically a slide show but I don’t want to make it plain. This video was played before the cake cutting ceremony, just to refresh the guests with the bride and groom history and background. And if you wondering who is the narrator, it’s my younger sister. She’s 12.

(1) Aloysius & Christina: Wedding Photos

2011-01-09T04:11:00.005+08:00

If you would actually ask my friends that really follow my photography history, they would already know that I don’t really do wedding photography. I find that wedding photography to be quite cliché type of beauty. But there’s always an exception when it’s come your own brother’s wedding. I mean, how could you refuse?

26th November 2010 was the date that was discussed to be the most suitable day for both Aloysius and Christina’s wedding ceremony and reception. With lack of sleep of two days, during the morning of the wedding day at the Church, I was quite out of focus but still manage to capture some decent shoot. You be the judge. On my defense, I don't even own a DSLR for Christ sake!

(2) St. Matthew’s Karu Chapel: Consecration

2010-10-13T12:10:00.005+08:00

25 September 2010 was a peak occasion after weeks of hard work of preparation done by people of Kampung Karu. It was a consecration of St. Matthew’s Karu Chapel new building by the Rt. Revd. Datuk Bolly Lapok, Lord Bishop of Kuching.

The previous chapel was unable to occupy the increasing number of Christians in Kampung Karu, and it had come to their awareness that they need a bigger and more comfortable chapel which they can afford.

So, I was lucky enough to witness the consecration and managed to snap some pictures to preserve the memory of the big occasion.

(1) New Blog Gadget: Mini-Photoblog

2010-10-05T11:00:00.007+08:00

I will think very hard sometimes when it comes to make a new blog post. Feel guilty for not updating my blog is a nature as a blogger, I think. And I was thinking to make a new blog where there I can just publish stupid and random pictures. But come to think again (wah, so many "think"), how I will manage two blogs when I hardly manage one, right? I will totally neglecting either one.

So, I was ‘blog-walking’ the other day and came across this famous blogger’s blog, that “falling snow”, “snowing” blog. You know her. Everybody reads it! XiaXue la! Everybody know she have a very good blog design and even got an award for it. So, I saw her “Photo of the Moment” bar and that’s give me an inspiration, I repeat, INSPRIRATION to make one for myself.

It’s like a mini-photoblog where she post just random photo. Rather than I make a new blog which will make it two, it would be better if I make a mini-photoblog too. Just like two in one blog. Sounds like coffee. LOL.

I’m totally do not copy her html code for this gadget, so, there is no copyright issue. It’s not like I intended to copy her, no. Even NST have one. She was just a “triger-factor”. =P

There I was programming and designing while I was at work. Which makes me look like I was working. Rather than gossiping in the office, right? Anyway, here it is. How do you like it?

(4) Malaysia Day: Paddy Field

2010-09-22T16:44:00.009+08:00

If you are in our community, it would be such a shame if you mention to anyone that you buy rice from the market. I don’t know about you guys, but my parents or any other of my relatives sees paddy planting as a pride. And you spoiled city people, have you ever experience paddy planting? I know I have, and I even have the skills, which you just can’t help of being jealous. LOL

I was planning to rest for the whole day during the Malaysia day holiday. But 2 days before Malaysia day, my parents kept on reminding me that I have to follow them to the paddy field. So, there I was on 16th September 2010 helping them. And I don’t quite get why my parents want to plant paddy this year because we have like sacks of paddy already. You see, my parents willing to rent a paddy field from somebody no matter how far it is and for sure will spend more on petrol since car don’t fueled-up with water. And if we being such Einstein and calculate all the costs up, it will just come back to square. But I guess it is actually because they enjoy doing it.

Anyhow, I’m glad that I grew up in such living for I know that life was hard and rice doesn’t just cook itself in the rice cooker. So, here are some photos taken during that day.

ツ Beautiful isn't it?

ツ My Father

ツ The day was freaking hot!

ツ the gurls are my cousin and the 1 in the middle is my younger brother.

ツ They blur is not photoshoped! It is actual because of the heat produced by the fire. Even my camera said it was hot!

ツ gurls nature, gossiping =P

ツ My brother just can leave his phone alone.

ツ Candid, and she was freaking mad though she look like shes smiling.

ツ My other cousin. This is not inside a drain. This is actually the water path for the paddy field watering system.

ツ Good day for some tanning. And I'm "HOT"!

ツ My sister. She just can't stand the heat!

ツ Phone. What else do you think it is.

(3) Another Family Gathering: Part 2

2010-09-15T15:36:00.006+08:00

Blogging while you’re at work can be really challenging. Feeling guilty of some sort when people passing by and minimize the Window when an eye is looking at your monitor. It’s not like I’m not doing my work. I finish my work first so I can blog. And blogging at home is not an option since all I do at home is sleeping and eating; all those lazy stuff.

Anyhow, this is the second part of my previous post. This is the next day, which was on Saturday. The occasion was at night. So, the food preparation was done since morning till evening.

Of course I did helped. It’s just that I don’t have picture of me helping them to prove it since I’m the photographer. =P But the sad thing is, I don’t have any picture to show for the night of the occasion because one of their close relative brought their own camera and it will be quite disrespectful of me if I overshadow them. Ya right! LOL!

✌ If you notice, my voodoo shirt was actually White! Then I dyed it purple because got some red spot when I washed it with my other new red shirt. Purple don't really suit me though.

✌ Datin!

✌ My mom signature dish.. Guess what~~

✌ Taaa da!!

(3) Another Family Gathering: Part 1

2010-09-13T16:08:00.008+08:00

When holiday comes, there will always be some occasions to attend to, for it is the best time for all of the relatives will be able to get together. And the best time to grow fatter and fatter with all those food, except me. I’m not fat. For real, I’m not. Anyway, during the Hari Raya holiday, the Serin’s Generation, once again managed to squeeze some time to celebrate another occasion.

This time, the occasion was made to celebrate one of my grandfather’s (so-called-grandfather) grandchildren’s birthday and the birthday boy parents because they will be heading back to Norway. Confuse? Me too. That’s all I know. Such an effective blogger ha?

The occasion was on Saturday but the preparation started on Friday. So, this is the first part of it, which is on that Friday.

*Pork Head! Want Some? I was sleeping when they slaughtered the pigs. So, I don't have any pic when it were still alive

*The Pork was still a baby. Poor baby pig.

*One of the Killer!

*Look at that leg. Look like one of the meat. LOL

*The small intestine. I don't actually take it but they said nice. Really?

*That's me! Thats Me!!!

*They bought like a hundred of cat fish and store it in this "pond".

*But now they are brutally killed!

*They killed the catfish with salt & it took less than a minute for them to die. Now I know! No need to smack their head with hammer anymore like a brutal killer.

*I'll post the second part soon!

(2) Photography without DSLR: How I compose a Portrait

2010-09-09T11:02:00.007+08:00

Right now I’m doing a so-called-project where I print out photos that I’ve snapped and frame it. I’ll show you the framed-photos and some lame framing idea in my next post ok. But in today’s post, I’ll be sharing just how I compose a portrait photo. This is not something that I learn, which I’m not claiming this as the standard way of doing it, but this is by self preference. And it is so selfish of me if I don’t sharing it, right?

For those who are in to photography probably already be very familiar with the rule-of-third right? It’s like the genesis of a bible. You should kill yourself for not knowing this. Kidding. So, this is the rule that you should consider doing, though I prefer to call it ‘guidance’ rather that ‘rule’ because photography is very subjective; pertaining to individual expression in photography.

Don’t have to be exact, just as long as it compliments the rule-of-third lines.

Then there is another rule where you give your subject space to look into. When your subject is looking at the right, you must give more space to the right. But we all know that rules are meant to be broken. As you can see on my photo here, my subject (my sister, Anne) is looking at the left and yet I give more space on the right. Why? Let me explain.

The rule was to give your subject space to look into. But how about subjects that don’t have any eyes or head, like trees? Or group people looking at different directions? Though I usually apply the “space to look into” rule, there always an exception for certain case.

This is how I look at my subject. I compose the photo based on the form of the subject poses. I see the side with the curve as the “face” of the subject and the straight line as the “back”. So, I give more space at the “face” side.

Then of course I edit it LAAA….

Now this is another case where we can’t apply the “space to look into” rule. She is looking directly at the front. So, how do we know which side should we give more space at? Left or right? And put her at the middle is so yesterday's photography.

Some goes here. Look at the subject as a collective subject of the girl (Yaya) and the Flamingo Flower tree. The curve side is the face and the straight side is the back. So, more space at the left side.

Then I edit it; “Servicing” her rotten teeth. And my father kept on complaining, “why do make her toothless?!” I’m not! Let me proves it.

There, see her “new teeth”. Now I’m a dentist!

OWH!! SELAMAT HARI RAYA!!

(1) Visiting The Bengoh Dam: With Family

2010-09-01T11:01:00.007+08:00

As mentioned in the title, last Sunday my family and I visited the Bengoh Dam. About 15 minutes drive from my Village, Kampung Karu, that is located around 40km south of Kuching.

Despite the fact that some locals are not very happy with the project, the Bengoh Dam, that is still under construction, regularly visited by some tourist from overseas. Plus, it is once said that one of the worker actually fall from the top of the dam and that worker’s body literally look like a bug splattered against a moving car, made me curious to know how tall/deep the dam is. Due to that case, the dam is now close for public visit but we are lucky enough that the guard allowed us to pass.

Acted like a tourist, I manage to capture some random shots of that place though I have to admit that the photos are so amateur. LOL.

(5) Make Your Own Blog Badge: Just to Share How

2010-07-27T13:33:00.019+08:00

I know that this is something you already know but I was bored and maybe some of you might be interested. I’ll show you how to make my version of badge for your blog. Of course you can make your own design, but I just want to show you how I make this particular design. And later I’ll show you how to use this badge to link it to your blog. Okay, let begin.

*do take note that I skipped some minor steps because I assume that you should already know.

1) For the sake of this tutorial, I’ll make a big badge, so that you can see what’s going on. But, if you want to make yours later on, do choose a descent size.

2) With your Elliptical Marquee Tool, draw a circle with gray (#656565) colour.

3) Add in your picture. I suggest that you use a black and white picture. Then blend it by changing the blending mode to Multiply.

4) By pressing CTRL, click to select on both layers as shown on the figure below. Now press CTRL+E to merge both layers together. You will have 1 layer.

5) Now right click on that merged layer and click Select Layer.

6) Select Gradient.

7)On the Gradient Fill Window, set everything up as shown below. Make sure that the Gradient is Transparent to Black.

8) Make sure that you select on the gradient layer and change the Opacity to 44%.

9) Merge both layer together just like we did in step 4, and go to Filter>Noise>Add Noise.On that Add Noise Window, configure everything up just like I did below.

10) Right click on the layer thumbnail and click Select Pixels again.

11) Make sure that you are selecting your Marquee Tool, and right click on the selected area. Then, click on Stroke.

12) Now configure as follows.

13) Right click on the layer thumbnail and click Select Pixels again.

14) Create a new layer and place it above the previous layer that we work with and change the blending mode to Overlay.

13) Select you brush tool ( Size 400px, Hardness 0%, Opacity 26%), colour the badge with blue (#3fbcef), white (#ffffff) and purple (#67087b) as shown.

15) With your Elliptical Marquee Tool, select an oval as shown and then select gradient.

16) On Gradient Fill Window, set everything up as shown. Make sure that the gradient selected is transparent to white.

17) Change the Opacity to 70%.

18) Now Merge the 3 layers to make it as 1 layer, just like in step 4.

19) As the merged layer selected, go to Layer, Layer Style>Inner Shadow

20) Now add some text and use white as the colour. Then change the blending mode to Overlay.

21) Change the background layer to transparent (click on the eye shape icon)

22) File>Save As and save it as a PNG file. This Format will ensure that the background will remain transparent.

23) Make sure that the interlace is Nono.

24) After you save the badge this is time to use it and generate the codeby uploading it to you blog post editor. Make sure that your editor is viewed using Edit HTML. Upload your picture and you should get the codes just like I have below. Now delete the code as highlighted below.

25) Add in your blog URL and use it as an Embedded Code.

26) Hope you like it and gudluck!

(4) The Real Me: The Power of Photoshop

2010-07-22T16:26:00.011+08:00

I added an old friend several days ago on Facebook. And she said, “Wah, you sure has changed a lot.”. The first thing that crossed my mind was, “Owh, all this time I was Ugly la”. The thing that they don’t know is, it was an edited photo. Waka waka e e.. (Sing like Shakira). What is the point of NOT editing your photo when you know how to use photoshop and ugly?

And that is the reason why I never feature my self in any video I’ve made because I’m yet to have the skill to edit my self on video.

I’m not saying that those who asked me to edit their photo are ugly; I’m just referring to myself. It’s like Nick always said when I insult him of something, “You insulting God’s creation”, which ended the contempt. And I hate it when he said that!

But living a lie can be really stressful. Imagine I’ve to edit all of my photos before upload it to Facebook. It’s like hundred of photos. And those that added me on Facebook don’t’ actually recognize me in real life.

So, it’s time for me to overcome my fear and upload my unedited photo. Ya, you heard me right. Exclusively on this blog. Look at me. Feel like vomiting?
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(3) My Cousin: Yaya

2010-07-19T10:45:00.005+08:00

Taking a picture of a kid can be so challenging. Meet Yaya, my cousin. She was playing with my younger sister in our yard. She just can't stay still. So, I asked my sister to help me out. It was also pretty hard to take a picture of her smiling because she kept on making funny faces. Owh well, here are some pictures that I manage to snap.

(2) Family Gathering: Part 2

2010-07-16T13:18:00.010+08:00

If you want to visit Sarawak or Kuching to be specific, to study our culture, you will not getting any by visiting The Spring or other shopping complexes. And yes, Sarawak Cultural Village is a good way to study them, but to me that doesn’t really reflex the reality of our life.

To me our culture is in the heart of our community. Our family gathering is a good example by which reminds us of who we are, in a way to nurture our culture through out generations. I always long for time like this especially by the time I was far away from home. And now that I’m here, I will make the best out of it and enjoy the moment.

Back to the family gathering, the night started with a warm welcome from our relatives. To be honest, I don’t really know their names. City boy! Then we continue with my great grandmother’s brother's birthday. He was born on year 1919 (4D number =P) which make him 91 years old this year. I’m not sure if that night was really the date of his birthday but I’m sure with the year though.

After blowing the candles which surprisingly he is still able to do, he cut the cake. You know how it goes. But the funny thing was during his speech. I hardly listen to most of his speech but it draws attention when he said “Dunia Malaysia”. LOL. That would be the next big thing instead of “1 Malaysia”.

The night goes on with the prayer for those who will be back for their new semester like Regina, Claudia and etc, as I’ve mention in my previous post. After that it was time for dinner! A lot of local cuisines were served. Ayam Pansuh (chiken cooked in bamboo), BBQs, pork cooked with ‘tempoyak’ or durian paste, fish in banana leaf, and even bat! Either than those “exotic” cuisines, there are also other typical cuisines.

Eating in a traditionally decorated venue, it can't get more 'local'. You can't have this in any hotel or any restaurant. A place like no other, I would say. =P

The night was entertained with our karaoke session. My father would probably concur the whole karaoke session if I don’t sing that night. LOL. I sang “I just called to say I love you”. I love that song very much! Don’t worry; the sky was clear that night, no rain.

We went home around 1 am that night and I was force to go to the church the next morning. Mom, I want to sleep!

(1) Family Gathering: Part 1

2010-07-13T08:19:00.004+08:00

While Paul the octopus may has become the world sensation surpass Lady Gaga, but my blog seems quiet with no updates. I was just busy. But I can ensure you that I will never abandon my precious blog. With me having my Industrial Training here in Kuching, there will be more promising pictures to come.

But no updates on the The Rainforest World Music Festival though, for I’m not really interested on watching people getting wasted and embarrass them self among tourists, or I just can’t afford the ticket. But instead, last Saturday we went back to my Kampung, we had a Family Gathering and it was so much fun!

The Family Gathering was attended by the “Serin Generation”. My mother told me that Serin was my great great grandfather; with one daughter (my great grandmother) and a son. Since my great grandmother has passed away, her brother is the oldest person in the family by which we celebrated his 91st birthday that day too.

The Family Gathering was a “3-in-1 packet coffee” occasion. The occasion was also to pray for those who will be back for a new semester; Regina, Claudia and one other person who I don’t remember the name. LOL. The venue was at Regina’s House for that house was the “birthday boy” previous house.

This entry will cover the preparations made that day. But it seems like the pictures that I snapped were less on the preparations and more on Regina’s poses. LOL. I’ll post the occasion during that night on my next entry. Enjoy the pictures.

(7) This is My Art: My Another Photo

2010-06-27T02:07:00.006+08:00

It’s funny sometimes when people told me, “Hey, I saw your naked picture on your blog”. Leading to ask, “Why do you put such picture?” It doesn’t happen once or twice; I received such respond, like, many times. I naively respond, “Which one?” As if I have a lot of “naked” pictures. After further details, only then I’ll recall. It’s not nude at all, duh. It’s shirtless.

I don’t know if it offends anyone but it looked totally fine with me. This is my art. I’ve been taking my picture in such way for sometimes now; since my earliest works. Not that I’m proud of my skinny-skeleton-body but cloth seems to distract the look I’m looking for. I do such picture for most for myself because I know no one want to be a shirtless model for me.

So, chill. It’s art. Anyway, these are the new ones. Taken by my housemate, Tomie. So, don’t mind the composition. I’ve to set the camera all up then let him press the shutter. Well, this is the best he can come up with. A photographer was supposed to direct the model, but it was other way around.

(6) Tomie Samud: Lovely Bush

2010-06-20T00:28:00.005+08:00

You probably notice that I use the same face for most of my recent entries, which is Tomie. Well, I’m not the one who picked him as my model but him, himself. Though I imagine of a beautiful model for my pictures, but Tomie will do. Hahhahah… Rather than none. Anyway, I hope you like these pictures.

(5) Satu Photo Award Ceremony: Fifth Place Part 2

2010-06-18T00:55:00.005+08:00

As much I want spill the beans about the bad things happened during the event, but it will only show how ungrateful I am. I will just skip that part and continue with the lunch we had after. Maybe I’ll just leave that part 2 Gilbert. :P

(4) Satu Photo Award Ceremony: Fifth Place Part 1

2010-06-14T23:15:00.006+08:00

As you already probably know, I am placed the fifth winner for the Satu Photo Competition that I entered. I post this entry late because I can’t really compile the story up. There are a lot of the great and bad things about this event. Anyway, this will be the first part.

(3) Shiny Morning: Facing the Sun Light

2010-06-10T00:01:00.000+08:00

It was around 8am when I shoot these photos. Morning is the time that my creative side actually working rapidly. The absent of people that really play the role. Other people may travel somewhere far to photograph something, but for me, there are a lot of beauties around us that we aren’t aware off.

I’m not a fan of taking picture of something typical like flowers, Eifel tower or people jumping in the air. The beauty of the subject is not important but the picture composition is what really matter to me. Here are some examples. Do you ever have the thinking to take a picture of your gate? Or your empty soy sauce bottle?

(3) My First Adobe Photoshop CS5 Tutorial: Tomie

2010-06-08T03:07:00.003+08:00

Now Adobe has a new version of Photoshop, CS5. I actually love it because it solved some of the problems I have when I’m using CS4. I’ve installed it and use it for my very first tutorial which is for today’s entry. Excited? Let’s begin.

(2) Satu Photo Competition: I'm Short Listed as the Best 15

2010-06-06T03:13:00.006+08:00

I have some good news to tell everyone today. Last two days ago, the photography competition that I always mention about, satuphoto.com, has announced their top 250 photo on their Facebook group page. And 3 out of 4 photos that I submitted are in the list. Not only that, today I receive an e-mail from them and saying that my “my colour” photo is short-listed as the best 15!!!

Do you know what that’s mean? That’s mean I will get something because the prizes are available for no.1 till no15. Now it’s worth coming to the event, knowing that I will win something! This is the first photography competition that I ever enter. So, I don’t expect much for my first time. Well, it’s my luck, I guess.

They are yet to tell the other top 250 about the top 15 list, so zip it! I don’t even know who the other 14 are. So, I just have to come to the event to find out. Who wanna come with me?

(1) Two Days Past Gawai: I'm Bidayuh

2010-06-03T00:01:00.005+08:00

It has been 2 days past Gawai and I really miss home. And YES, I celebrate Gawai since I’m Dayak. Living here in Johor, there have been few times that people confuse me of some other races; Malay, Chinese and even Indian. And there was one time I was at the airport, a lady stop me when I was on my way to the toilet and asked “Are you Malaysian?” What do you think I am? Immigrant? She was actually there to sell travel packages to the tourist.

When I start to speak a word, people would assume I’m Sabahan. And when I told them I’m Sarawakian, automatically they will think I’m Iban. Should I narrow everything down to make you know that I’m Bidayuh. Having that said, I’m not mixed race. My grandparents from both sides of my parents are pure Bidayuh too. Or at less that is what they told me since I never met my grandfathers. And yes, you are now looking at ‘non-polluted’ Bidayuh’s face. BOOYAH!!

And this is a photo of my family, taken last year when I still have that hair that makes me look taller than my two older brothers besides me. :p

(13) Dramatic Look: Photoshop Basic Tutorial

2010-05-31T02:36:00.005+08:00

I received quite flattering responds for my “Payung Negara” photo; A photo of a beautiful woman with a purple umbrella and a homeless guy. Most of the respond mentioned that they love the colours. Well to day I’ll show you how to get that look. I’ll not go to the details coz I’m lazy. Hahahaha… I’ll go to the basic technique, just to give you the idea and later on you can improvise.

(12) SatuPhoto: I Sent Another 2 Photos

2010-05-28T00:13:00.001+08:00

In my previous post I did mention that I’m going to summit 2 more photos for the photography contest that I join, satuphoto.com. And I did! This time I did one cliché photo and one photo that really “abstract”.

The cliché one is the one that have 3 main races in Malaysia; Malay, Indian, & Chinese. Just to play it safe because that is what we often see in the media to describe unity.

But for the next one, I really plan for it. I bought two black wrapping papers for the background and one box of water colour. And the total cost would be (2×RM0.70 + RM1.80) = RM3.20. The colours that picked are based on the Malaysian flag; red, blue, yellow. Owh, I don’t use white because the white has dried out. That is what you get if you buy cheap stuff! =P

I use my own face because no one what to be my model for this photo. Urm.. Some people just don’t understand art. (*duh~~ not that I know any better).

[Voting Link]

[Voting Link]

(11) SatuPhoto: I Join a Photography Contest

2010-05-26T01:53:00.006+08:00

I was introduced to this photography contest by my own great friend, Sofie. At first I hesitated to join because it’s almost come to an end, which will be on this coming 29th may. But after thinking about it for few days, I think it will not cost me anything if I just try.

This contest is hosted by Taylor’s University College. You can read the description about the contest on their website, satuphoto.com. I have sent 2 photos so far. They allow 4 photos for each participant. So, I can still submit two more photos.

The theme is actually about Unity, SATU, which embodies the spirit of 1Malaysia. But to be honest, I’m still not satisfied with the photos I’ve submitted because it doesn’t really represent that theme.

Owh well, I’m still searching for some Idea. Tomorrow I’ll take some of my classmate’s picture. Maybe some Chinese, Indian, Malay and Sabahan or Sarawakian just like me in it. It may sound cliché but that is what ‘symbolizes’ unity by Malaysian media.

The photos are also featured in their Facebook group. You can take a look at the entire photos submitted. Photo that has the most “LIKE” (the voting method) will be granted the Choice Award. Due to my late participation, I have no hope for this award. But I you wanna vote for me, you are most WELCOME!

Anyway, here are the photos that I have so far & if you have any Idea for the next photo, please let me know.

(10) Night Photography: Some Random

2010-05-24T01:01:00.000+08:00

As you probably already notice, I really love night photography because I love to manipulate the night light. But one thing that I learn from night photography is that we need to take some of our time to really adjust the camera settings to get what we want. We can’t rush it.

Usually for night photography, I will use a slow shutter speed because I use 80iso and high number of aperture. I’m not a big fan of large number of ISO because my photo tends to grain. Here are some of random night photography photos snapped by me.

(9) Kluang Chamek Mengkibol: Better Stop Dreaming

2010-05-21T15:16:00.002+08:00

I’m a bit uneasy with the Borneo Blogger Award thingy. I’m not saying that I’m still in shock of being the finalist but I’m worried of having the thinking of showing myself at the award night with my camera. Just imagine, people who attend the award will bring their DSLRs and I who in the photography category showing myself with my cheap bridge camera. That’s IF I win! KCD, stop dreaming!!!

They will talk about how their DSLRs can do this, can do that. Their expensive lenses, thousand ringgit flash. And they will ask, “What’s your camera?”And I will be saying “THIS??????” *doomed! I’ll just embarrass myself.

But no worries, I’ll never win anyway. HIHIHIHI… Just to think about it is just intimidating. Arghh!!

Anyway, today I went to Kluang again but this time I was with my 2 other classmates; Azira and Cham. We snapped some pictures at the Kluang Railway Station.

Do, enjoy the photos. And sorry for the last 2 photos of me; since I have some “professionals” to take my pictures. You know what I mean. Owh, and my messy hair!

(8) Borneo Blogger Award: I Need Your Votes

2010-05-18T14:04:00.008+08:00

As you guys probably noticed, there are these banners says Borneo Blogger Award at my sidebar. I actually join the Award and I happen to be the finalist for two categories; Photography and Art & Design. But it was beyond my concern that this is actually a popularity contest. Which mean I need votes. So, people do vote for me.

To be able to vote, you must register to the website first, BC Buddy. Then you can vote. You can vote every day. Maximum of 1 vote per day for 27 days. Visit the voting site and you can read the voting procedures there.

And if you are not Borneon, of course you can join the BCBuddy and vote. *greedy

Anyway, Thanks guys for your support. This may sound cliché but it is an honour just to be the finalist. But if I can win it would be better. =P

(7) Blue Sky: Red Clouds

2010-05-16T02:35:00.002+08:00

I woke up early one morning and I saw a beautiful view outside the window. So, I went out with my camera. The sky was perfectly blue and the clouds were fiercely red. A great contra. I manage to snap some pictures even though the view only last a few minutes. Anyway, this is how it looks like outside my house in the morning.

(6) Logo I Made: PRIS

2010-05-14T01:06:00.002+08:00

One of my friends asked me to make her a logo for an application she develop called PRIS which stands for Police Report Imaging System. She asked me to make it few months ago but I was a bit busy with assignments, exams and blah blah.. Just an ordinary life of a student.

Anyway, I came with one logo at first and she said she love it. But when she implement it on her application, it doesn’t appear very good. So, I have to make her a new one. The second logo looks fine and she loves it too.

Which one do you think look better? The first one or the second one? I personally love the second one just because I’m the one who made it. =D

The First Logo:

The Second Logo:

(5) Fogging: Miss My Camera

2010-05-12T02:09:00.005+08:00

Now I really miss my camera because now it is in Bandung, Indonesia. It’s been 3 days now & I’m thinking about it all the time. I even dream about it. True story! Angie borrows it because she has a study visits program of some sort. But I will get my hand back on it by Friday. Anyway, this photos were taken during the health ministry fogged our houses.

That fogging stuff doesn’t do any good anyway. There are still mosquitos everywhere. At least it helped for a day. We were asked to leave our house. So, Morgan & I left the house but others just ignore it. Just let them die in there! Funny thing is that they actually still live. Owh well~~~~ Look how foggy it was.

(4) Went to Kluang: New Hair

2010-05-10T02:14:00.003+08:00

This week I spend my weekend at Kluang. 30 minutes driving from Batu Pahat. I went there with Angie last Saturday and we were just whoring around because we got nothing to do in particular. Actually, there's nothing special in kluang; we went to Kluang Parade and Kluang mall.

When I went out Angie, my legs hurt because she went to every store. And I ended up buying nothing because there is nothing for me to buy. Nail polish, make up, dress?

Notice my new hair. I cut it because people always mention that I look better with short hair. Not really in love with it though. What do you think? Ugly eh?

Anyway, here some stupid picture of that day:

(3) Light in the Dark: My Point of View

2010-05-07T20:42:00.003+08:00

For some reason, most of people think that Photoshoped-photo is not eligible to be called ‘photography’. That’s another disappointing truth about people misconception about photography. I’m a self-taught so called ‘photographer’, so I’m not an expert myself but correct me if I’m wrong; 50% of photography is Photo shoot and another 50% is post production. At least that’s what I’ve learn through reading and browsing.

Owh did I ever mention that I don’t own any DSLR? Yeah that’s right. I just have a bridge camera. I think DSLR is so over rated. Of course I want to own one but as a student I can’t afford it. But here I am competing with DSLR.

I’m very lucky that I have some knowledge about Photoshop because people willing to pay thousand to attend Photoshop courses. Crazy amount of money just to learn very basic things.

This is what I think about photography. Photography is like a beautiful model. Photo shoot is the model without makeup and Photoshop (post production) is the makeup. Can the model look good without makeup? Yes. But we will need makeup to get certain look for the model. Will an ugly model look good after make up? Maybe, but need more time with makeup. But too much makeup will ruin the natural look of the model. Get it?

Anyway, this photo is a good example where my housemate said that I photoshoped this photo to get this. That is to untrue. The only photoshoped technique I use here are text and cropping. Yes that’s it. =D

(2) I'm Blogger of the Month: Sarawak Blogger

2010-05-05T13:10:00.005+08:00

I was checking my nuffang the other day and I was kinda surprised that most of the hits that my blog received that day came from Sarawak Blogger. That’s weird~~~ So, I visit Sarawak Blogger to find it out. Once the web page downloaded, I was soooo surprise that I am named “May Blogger of the Month”! LOL!!! Damn happy.

Flattering as it is, being named blogger of the month is kinda intimidating because from now on I have to post something more relevant; not as crap as now. =D Anyway, I just registered to Sarawak Blogger last month & this month named blogger of the month? You are so not human if you are not surprise.

Well, there are no prices for it, but the feel of knowing that someone actually appreciates my works is more than enough.

So friends, come register to Sarawak Blogger and take away my title; if you dare. Wahahha

Here is what Sarawak Blogger said:

so here's a toast for me!!!!!

(1) Stalker Outside My Window: How To

2010-05-03T18:14:00.003+08:00

This photo was taken 6 am in the morning. Actually I can’t sleep. So, I decided to take these stupid photos which turn out to be kinda interesting. The idea behind these photos is very simple. No editing required. Here’s how I did it.

Set your camera to manual mode with f8.0, 15 sec and 80 ISO. This will allow you camera to take photo with longer shutter speed but still retain the appropriate amount of light; not too bright not too dark. Swith off your room light and let the light outside the window be the only light source.

So, you shutter will be open for 15 seconds. For the first 5 second you should be out the frame and the next 10 second you should enter the frame and strike a static pose. This will make you slightly transparent and the ghostly illusion that you standing outside the window. The less time you spend in the frame, the more transparent you will look. So, mind to try it and email me the picture ok. Would love to see them.

(13) Lydia Supang:Against The Light

2010-04-29T02:16:00.005+08:00

I’m tired of taking men photo and the most common faces would be my housemates. Since I’m not a son of any rich men, I can’t afford to hire a model. But I ask a friend of mine, Lydia, to be a model for me this time. She looks like a model but she doesn’t have any idea to pose, which she admits it herself. So, I have to show her some ‘girl’ poses which makes me look like a crazy drag queen doing it. WT*!

Pretty isn’t she? If only she’s available (T_T) LOL!!! Enough with the crap. Anyway, there are some good shot that I love. I love the 9th photo. It was taken against the sun light. Some people said that one of the basic rules of photography is never take photo against light. I’ve proved them WRONG!! BOOYAH! Rules are meant to be broken anyway.

(12) Header: Aaron

2010-04-27T20:24:00.003+08:00

It’s been a while that I didn’t edit someone’s photo that is not photograph by me. Aaron confronted me via facebook several days ago for me to make him a new header for his blog. His header had never been changed since 2 year ago. WT*!

I edited this photo about half an hour. It’s not so hard because the photo itself is good enough. For those who requested for my editing, you just need to give me a better photo, please. It’s hard for me to make a diamond out of dirt. You know what I mean.

Anyway, visit Aaron’s blog. He blog about his life, a life of rich people; even though he denies it.Right Aaron? Those travels & stuff?

His old header:

The original photo:

And the new one:

(11) Myself: Photo Redundancy

2010-04-25T00:01:00.003+08:00

At the very beginning, this blog was suppose to be a place where I make a note of the story behind every photos & designs that I have for future reference. But then I received a ‘Spamming’ number of a request for me to make a tutorial. So, that’s where the tutorials begun. But enough of the tutorial, today I wanna make a redundancy of photos of me because I can do anyhow I want with this blog.. Wahhahahha….

(10) Plain Black Background:Tutorial

2010-04-22T08:01:00.005+08:00

This entry is a continuation of my previous post. I was supposed to post it yesterday but I was kinda busy with my exam. Anyway, the idea behind this photo is very simple. You should have guessed. I will show you the shooting part and the editing part too.

(9) Plain Black Background: Collections

2010-04-19T00:01:00.001+08:00

Notice that when you read a magazine or a book about plant, they have the photo of the plant with plain background; either black or white. The reason behind it is just to give better focus on the plant.

Sure you can Photoshop it, but who have that much time cutting the background? Or when it comes to grass, can you cut all the details? Even if you do, it will look obvious that it is a cut out photo. This post is a continuation for my next post which I will make the tutorial of how you can get this kind of photo yourself. So, do wait for my next post to know how. Probably on 21 april. =)

Here is some of the photo that I recently snapped. Which one do you like?

(8) Lazy: Study Week

2010-04-17T02:31:00.004+08:00

I was supposed to work on a tutorial for today’s entry but I did something else. Do you ever be in a situation where you feel really lazy that you postponed everything including doing you laundry? That’s exactly how I feel right now. And I wasted my 1 week of study week watching movie. Owh, I’m doomed.

But it seems like I’m not d only one. My housemates busy playing games and watching movie too. See for yourself. Hihhihii.. I snapped their pictures and don’t have a clue that I posted this on my blog.

(7) Morning Flare: 4am Shooting Time

2010-04-15T04:04:00.004+08:00

Living here in Parit Raja, it is very hard to witness a moon or the stars. Known for its hot steaming weather, the sky should be clear. It seems to be more of a theory than it really is. But I was lucky that day that I manage to capture these photos. I know that it is easily “photoshoped”, but for me, there is a different of being a good photography and a good editor.

It was 4am and the road was clear which allows me to place my tripod at the middle of the road. The shutter speed was set to 60 seconds.

To avoid any suspicions from the neighbours, I have to make it quick and managed to capture 3 photos. So, because of my limited collection, I included the third photo even though it is not very satisfying. Hope you like it.

(6) Restore Natural Skin Colour: Photoshop Tutorial

2010-04-13T00:01:00.001+08:00

How many times did your camera disappoint you where you don’t look like yourself? I know I did. Sometimes, when the lighting and the angle goes wrong, my skin look like I have sun burn. But I normally correct it with photoshop. And today, in this entry, I’ll show you how I usually edit it.

Look at Morgan's skin, look like he has sun burn ha?

Go to Layer>New Adjustment Layer>Selective Color.

(5) Happy Hour: Ayer HItam Whoring time

2010-04-11T21:19:00.003+08:00

Last Saturday, that’s mean yesterday :p, Angie and I went for a lunch together. After that we don’t know where to go, so we went to Ayer Hitam. Nothing to do in particular, just whoring around. Because this was a last minute plan, I didn’t bring along my camera with me. These pictures were just snapped using phone camera. Hihihii…

(4) Fullmark Poster: Presentation Photo

2010-04-10T00:01:00.000+08:00

The poster that I design for one of our assignment gets full mark! BOOYAH, Morgan! Hahhaaa.. I worked my as* off for this poster. It’s worth my 6 hours of editing. Yesterday was the presentation, which turn out getting 14/15 marks. Here are the poster and some picture during the presentation.

(3) Multiple Jumping Monkeys: Morgan

2010-04-06T01:30:00.007+08:00

This photo was taken long time ago, but only today I notice that I haven’t post it to my blog. So, this is Morgan. We went to this park called “Taman Y” the day I went to visit my friend Nick at Kajang.

This is just a stupid idea of mine for, what I call casual photography. Just wanna have fun with it.

(2) Menswear: Jeipin & Korom

2010-04-03T00:01:00.002+08:00

Hey guys. These photos were taken last Thursday after just come home from class. It was around 3 or 4pm, I don’t remember. At first Korom ask me to take his photo for his assignment. Then Jei, wanted his photo taken too.

So I ask him to put on my singlet and get his hair done with my hair products. Then he takes my dumbbells from the room and wanted to pose with it. So, kinda cool too.

These photo were taken outside our house and there were some people looking at us like “What are these retards doing?”. LOL

Anyway, here are the photos.

(1) Stop Blogging: Bee

2010-04-01T01:12:00.003+08:00

Owh, announcement! I will stop blogging. This blog will be no longer updated. This will be the last entry. APRIL FOOL. WTF!

Anyway, after a marathon of three days of typing codes which don’t seem to make sense to me, really has drained my will for everything. I just wanna sleep. Luckily the project is successfully submitted today. On my way back home from the faculty, the weather started to rain. And when I reached the gate, the rain started to get heavier. Watching the rain is like a therapy for me. So, I just stand there “daydreaming”. Then I saw this small bee, building its nest, I guess, at our gate; poor lonely bee.

(12) Shirt Design: Multimedia Course

2010-03-30T22:31:00.006+08:00

As usual, my friend will ask me to do some design for them. This time it is a design for their course shirt, since it is their last semester. It’s funny when Multimedia student ask a Network student (me) to do a design for them. =P

Even though I’ll never got a chance to wear the shirt =(, but at least my design is for something rather than just being store in my computer.

So, I made this design first but they didn’t seem to like it because it seems ‘messy’?

Then I made a ‘marathon’ of 6 designs in 1 hour and asked them to pick one.

And then they ended up picking this one. Not my favourite but it’s fine.

But then they ask me to chance the motto. So, this is the final design, I hope. But which one would you pick?

(11) New Banner: What do You Think?

2010-03-27T22:35:00.007+08:00

Today I just made myself a new banner. I felt kinda bored the old one. Of course it look almost the same with the old one because I like it that way.But what do you think? Do you like it or the old one was better?

This is the old one:

And the new one:

(10) Dust to Dawn: Back from the Mall

2010-03-25T13:00:00.002+08:00

Yesterday, on my way back home from the mall, I think it was around 7pm, I saw these beautiful clouds. So, I snapped some photo of it.

One tip to take a dust photo is to reduce the exposure to more than -1. This will allow the camera to capture more colours. You will notice that the colour will be more intense. By the time I snapped this photo, the clouds was actually still kinda bright but by doing this I manage to get a dramatic photo. Owh, don’t forget to set your camera to Daylight Mode.

If you use tripod, use higher aperture number but with longer shutter speed. If with no tripod, use lower aperture number and faster shutter speed. This will actually avoid your photo to be shaky. But the disadvantage is the depth of field will make your background blur if you focus on your object, like a tree. So, your beautiful clouds will be blurred. I'm not an expert myself, but I just wanna share. Hope it helps.

(9) Rain Drop: Green

2010-03-23T18:59:00.004+08:00

I love it when it’s rain and lying on my bed with my blanket on. Listen to the rain drop with my head on a fluffy pillow. That’s what I call “Heaven on earth”! And when the rain is over, it’s time to take some pictures of hydrated nature. And here are some pictures snapped just now.

(8) Green Porn: Coloured Subject & Greyscaled Background

2010-03-21T21:18:00.007+08:00

On my way home last week, I saw a hibiscus tree & I was so surprised because there was a sex scene happening. So, I grab my camera and snapped some photo of them having sex. You wanna know who it was? It was a couple of grasshopper. LOL!!!!!

Anyway, I was doing some browsing just now and I was just happened to be on a photography blog. There were a lot of photos of married couple on that blog and there was a photo where the couple is coloured and the background is black and white. So, he said in his blog “ It is very hard to do and I’m using NIKON D3000 and adobe Photoshop CS3 bla bla bla…..” And I was like, BLUFF!!!

It is very easy to do and it is so lame that I actually making a tutorial for this technique. It just annoys me sometime when people mention that they need to do so many things to get that kind of photo when it was just a simple technique.

There are many techniques you can use but here is a much proper way to do this. Now open your photoshop:

(7) Jasman: Photoshop Tutorial

2010-03-17T22:31:00.005+08:00

It’s been a while since my last tutorial. I think a lot of people are mad at me for not making a tutorial lately. So, I hope you can benefit from this tutorial.

(6) Video I made: Be a Good Malaysian-Silent

2010-03-15T20:45:00.003+08:00

Have you ever feel guilty for not updating your blog? Now I do. This week I made a video that only I know what it is all about. I even wrote a poem for it: which Morgan had difficulty reading it; a tongue-twister of some sort.

Try reading the poem yourself. Here it is:

Silent
If the rabbit so fast and the tortoise so slow,
Why ask the snail where you want to go?

If the sun so hot it can melt the snow,
What does the lamp have left to show?

My words are sharp, your ears bleed and sore,
Just throw a knife for your anger is poor.

If there’s a thing that you barely know,
Just shut your mouth and ask no more.

And this is the video.

Or just watch it on our Youtube channel.

(5) Edit My Picture: Fattah Saat & Nick

2010-03-11T19:10:00.003+08:00

This going to be the last post for this picture because I pity myself being turn into so many weird “things”.

Fattah Saat
This guy is actually in the same University with me but I never seen him anywhere. And this is his design.

Nick
As usual, Nick is very jealous of my “perfectness”, he turned me into a whore.

(4) Video I Made: Be a Good Malaysian-Water

2010-03-07T23:20:00.004+08:00

Remember my last post regarding on a video that I made last 2 weeks? Now, I seem to be addicted to it. This week I made one more video. So watch it and tell me what you think. Or you just don’t understand it. Hahhaha…

(3) Blackout: Night Photograpghy

2010-03-06T16:27:00.009+08:00

Last night there was a blackout that last for more than 3 hours. And that happened when we take to have our dinner. So, we take our dinner the old fashion way, using lantern. Huhuhuhuuh…

So, after dinner what can we do? No electric means no internet, no game, no movie and no blog to update. And my laptop only last for 1 hour and a half. So, what else left? ; my camera.

These are some of picture snapped during that blackout.

So, after 1 hour which pretty much ended up our hope for the blackout to be over, we went to the overhead bridge not far away from our house to snap some pictures of the traffic.

(2) Edit My Picture: Nick, Jasman & Tomie

2010-03-05T17:19:00.005+08:00

These are Nick (bff) and my housemate’s designs regarding on previous post. The night that they edit this photo, I have to sleep early because they said that they don’t have the ‘peace- of-editing’ if I’m watching. So, I sleep early that day which I ended up waking up late for class.

NICK
okay this is Nick's design. It kinda remain me of our Information Science's assignment last time in matric.

JASMAN
This is Jasman's design. He is kinda into something really 'DARK". So, he turn me into a GOTH?

TOMIE
Now, this is an annoying one. Because of Tomie's jealousy on my 'youthfulness', he turn me into an OLD MAN!!!!

What will I be turned into next? Wait for my next post.

(1) Edit My Picture: Kenny aka Selipar Kamek

2010-03-03T20:45:00.009+08:00

As I’ve mentioned in my previous post that I’ve been asking some of my friends who know how to use photoshop to edit my pic. I was actually begging them. So, let’s start with Kenny.

Kenny love to edit his photo into something really weird, as a dead zombie to mention one. What is with his obsession with dead things anyway? But he is really good at it; and I mean REALLY GOOD. Scroll down and you'll know what I’m talking about.

This is what he has to say:

And this is his art works.

Avatar.

Omg.. this is how I look like if I am a girl. I would marry myself.. LOL

& of course his signature editing, dead zombie or what ever he calls it.

I really appreciate it that he waste his precious time to edit my picture, which i didn't aspect him to edit it to three different designs. Thanks Kenny!

owh for those who submitted your design, I'll post it in my future entries ok? Really apprecite it. I have so much fun open up my emails. Thanks guys.

Owh Nick, your design will be next!!

(10) Video I made: Be a Good Malaysian-Seat

2010-02-28T15:30:00.006+08:00

The day before yesterday that’s mean on Friday, my housemates & I watched some videos on Youtube. Then Christopher asked me to make a video in which he offers himself to be the actor. So, I was like, “urmm… when was the last time I made a video? 3-4 years ago?”

Then, the next day, I ask them to be ready because I wanna make a short film. I tell them how the story goes, but it seems like they don’t understand. So, why bother; they do not need to understand it because they will after I edited it anyway. Well at least that’s what I thought.

So, this is the Short Film. I mean really SHORT. Enjoy.

Or watch it on Youtube.

(9) Edit My Picture: Introduction

2010-02-27T01:36:00.011+08:00

Yesterday, my friend asked me to edit her picture. Then, it hit me; when was the last time someone edited my picture? NEVER. Yeah never. And I feel kinda sad in a weird way. =(

So what I did was, I asked every friend of mine that know how to use Photoshop, to edit my picture. This is the picture that I ask them to edit. This is the RAW picture that I edited for my previous post. 100% unedited.

Owh, if any of you know how to use photoshop, please edit this picture for me and send it through my email ok. Really appreciate it. Just edit it the way you want it.

I will update on every edited version of this picture on my blog. Now I’m excited. Don’t worry, I don’t any intention to compare it with mine. It just that nobody ever edit my picture for me; not even my best friend. Huhu~~~~

The reason why I choose this picture, is that this picture is very plain with one color scheme. So, it is easier for other people to edit it.

Download the picture here

Email: kcd_definition@yahoo.com

(8) Changes: Have you?

2010-02-24T22:39:00.005+08:00

I do believe that we have changed from what we were in the past; whether it’s a good change of just the opposite. You may look the same but you are different in some aspect. Have you? Tell me…

For myself, I can say that I do look different now. Am I or it just me? Hahaahaha… LAME…

Ok ok… maybe I look just the same but I act slightly different now. Now, whenever I meet new people, I will always aspect them to hate me or at least ‘don’t like me’. I don’t know why but I do. So, it will end up people saying that I’m arrogant because I rather avoid any conversation with them.

This is a photo of me 2 years ago.

And this is the current one. Taken about 2 weeks ago and edited almost similar with the one above. Tell me what you think of it.

(7) Camera "Whoring": Part 2

2010-02-21T13:17:00.004+08:00

This is the part 2 for my previous post. Here are some more random pictures. This time I went out with Nick & his housemate Rizal.

(6) Camera "Whoring": Part 1

2010-02-18T18:07:00.003+08:00

I went to visit my friend Nick at Kajang last Friday till last Tuesday. We went to various places without an actual plan. So, here are some random pictures snapped. Owh, do keep in mind that these pictures snapped without any rule or what so ever. I don’t really have any good picture to show you guys. :P

(5) Install Photoshop Brush: How to

2010-02-11T14:24:00.006+08:00

I’ve been asked several times how I did some effects for my photos. I would replay, “I’m using brush”. Then, the most common question asked, “My photoshop don’t have that brush. What kind of photoshop are you using?”

Actually, I just download those brushes from the internet. If you google ‘photoshop brush’, your browser will be full of websites that offer photoshop brushes. You can just download it from there; and of course it’s free.

But some don’t have a clue on how to install it. If you download a brush from the internet, the file will be in “.zip” and you have to extract it. The photoshop brush is a “.abr” and not “.exe” where “.exe’ is an execute file that will execute and install itself by just double click on it. But for “.abr” you have to install it manually and I’m going show you how to do it. Simple, really.

1) Download the photoshop brush.
Just google ‘photoshop brush’. But I’m going to use my favorite website to download photoshop brushes, http://qbrushes.net.

Then choose a brush and download.

2) Extract the file.
Now you will have a ‘.zip’ file. Make sure that you have compressor instralled, like winzip, winrar or 7-zip. Now extract the file.

You have several type of file but find a file that the extension is ‘.abr’. Copy that file.

3) Install the photoshop brush.
Make sure that you already close your Adobe Photoshop Application.

After you copy that photoshop brush file, go to COMPUTER>LOCAL DISC (C:)>PROGRAM FILES>ADOBE>ADOBE PHOTOSHOP CS4. If you are using different version of photoshop try to find the ADOBE PHOTOSHOP CS3 or ADOBE PHOTOSHOP CS2 directory. Depend on which version you are using.

Now go to PRESETS>BRUSHES.

Paste the photoshop brush there.

Double click on that photoshop brush. Your photoshop application will be open. There you have it, the brush is installed.

Now you can use it for your editing.

(4) Light Greyscale Photo: Photoshop Tutorial

2010-02-09T16:35:00.005+08:00

In my previous post I've mentioned a few times that I really love grayscale photo. But now I noticed that many fashion magazines produced some interesting grayscale photos which it is not entirely grayscale. More like a copper color scale. So, this tutorial will show you my way, how I get that kind of photo.

This photo was taken just now in my housemate’s room. And a credit should be given to Korom for being a good photographer. Wow, I actually said something good about him. That doesn’t happen every day. =P

We will use this photo for the tutorial.

First, we going to sharpen up the photo. Refer to this post for the tutorial.

Now go to LAYER>NEW ADJUSTMENT LAYER>BLACK&WHITE.

Change the Layer’s Opacity to 50%.

Adjust the LEVEL. LAYER>NEW ADJUSTMENT LAYER>LEVEL.

Increase the contrast. LAYER>NEW ADJUSTMENT LAYER>BRIGHTNESS/CONTRAST

And this is the final result:

Hope you like it. It is so easy; you might kill yourself for the ‘easiness’. Hahhaa

(3) Izzah Photo: Underexposed Photo

2010-02-06T21:34:00.008+08:00

This is Izzah; my friend. I was with her at the main campus waiting for our bus at the university’s bus stop to go back home. It was the same day that I snapped some pictures for my Engineering Festival post.

While we were cursing the bus for being late, she asked where I went, and I told her that I was at the PC Fair taking some pictures. And she asked me to show her my camera. Thus, she asked me to teach her how to use it; so, why not. Later on when the bus came, she asked me to take her picture and I did. Even though I was rushing, I managed to capture 1 good picture to be edited.

This is the original picture:

As you can see, the subject that I captured is underexposed and the background is slightly overexposed. In this condition, usually a photographer will use flash or a reflector. But I don’t have the reflector with me and I will edit this picture anyway, so I just go on with it because I’m not a big fan of using flash because it will erase the lighting angle of the original condition.

Usually, I take picture with the exposure under 0 or even under -1. The reason for doing this is that, through experience, underexposed picture can easily be corrected using Photoshop where we can just adjust the Level but for overexposed picture is rather difficult to do so. It is still possible but the picture will lose some details.

So, this is the edited picture:

.

(2) Photo Tutorial: Christopher Lai

2010-02-04T17:34:00.005+08:00

It’s been a while since my last Photoshop tutorial. So, this is the new one with the same technique I’ve been using in my past tutorial. This was taken in my room and, as usual, my housemate as my model. Actually he was wearing a white t-shirt but it doesn’t compliment the color of the wall which a color scheme that I want to achieve. So, I ask him to put on my shirt. And of course I have to direct him on how to pose. Then, he looked better just like that Smallville-dude. Hahahaha

Here is the unedited photo. We will be using this for the tutorial. This is not very difficult tutorial but I did skip some parts that I assume you should know.

LAYER>NEW ADJUSTMENT LAYER>LEVELS. Adjust the histogram.

Remove the scars that he has on his face. Patch Tool(j).

Smooth the surface. FILTER>BLUR>SURFACE BLUR. This will give cleaner look. Notice that the wall is much cleaner now.

Adjust the color. LAYER>NEW ADJUSTMENT LAYER>SELECTIVE COLOR.

Use the Burn Tool to darken the edges.

Add new layer, place it at the top layer, make sure you selecting that layer and go to you Color Swatches then select black color. Go to FILTER>RENDER>CLOUDS. This is what you should get.

Change the layer Opacity to 25% and the Blending Mode to Overlay. These will the give the wall some texture.

Create new layer, place it at the top, make sure you select the layer and take your Brush Tool. I will use Bruch that I have here. U can just search the internet for more brushes. There are thousands brushes out there. Download and Install. Leave a comment if you have difficulties to do so; so that I can do a tutorial on how to download and install them. It’s simple, really.

On the new layer draw using the brush on the picture. Draw it though your model figure. As you can see my model face has been covered.

Use your Polygonal Lasso Tool Select on the covered spots and press DEL.

Owh, I notice that the brush color was just too striking so I tone it down a bit by using my burn tool.

Then add the text. I love using San Serif text because it looks more elegant for this picture.

This is another one that using the same steps but I skipped the Clouds.

I look hideous, I know. But this is just to give you the idea of various things that you can do with this tutorial which you can manipulate. But also to show off my new tan skin. Do you like it? Ive been sun bathing for few days now, but still not tan enough.. whahahahha.. Baby(sofie) do u like it?

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(1) UTHM Engineering Festival 2010: Some Random Pictures

2010-02-03T00:01:00.004+08:00

UTHM Engineering Festival 2010 is a program organized by MPPUTHM and SIFEUTHM. This program had been launch since 29thJanuary 2010 and will go on until 5th February 2010. The programs are not only in the university but also around Batu Pahat. I went to Batu Pahat Mall last Sunday and there was an auto show, Just Run LTN and UTHM Drift Autochallenge. But unfortunately I was not with my camera. =(

But today, after my class, I manage to capture some pictures of their programs in the university. I went to their booths where they sell several things. Here some picture. Owh, don’t expect to see any picture of me because I look like crap.

The booth is at the “Dataran Penyu”; Feels weird when I typed that. Hihihihihi

The PC Fair is at the examination Hall (F2) and it is 500 meters away from the booths. Call me lazy, but that is just too far away. People will hesitate to go there. Find some place nearer can ya.

This is the place:

(8) Badminton: All of my Housemates

2010-01-28T00:01:00.002+08:00

Today I decided to follow my housemates to the badminton court near the UTHM city campus. Not to play badminton, but to take their pictures. If in my previous post I’ve mentioned about some of my housemates, today I am going to introduce to you guys who they all are.

Here they are:

(7) Neighbour's Lanterns: Happy Chinese New Year

2010-01-26T01:37:00.008+08:00

Just now I went outside of our house and I noticed that our Chinese neighbour already hanged their lanterns. It looks so effing beautiful! So, why don’t I take a picture of them. Anyway, their house is 2 houses away, so I have to zoom all the way.

This photo was snapped using f4.4 aperture number, 80 ISO and 2sec shutter speed. Owh, one tips to share, you have to use tripod for night photography. There is no way you can get a beautiful shot without tripod. Maybe you can, but I can’t because I’m not an expert myself. Otherwise, the photo will look rather shaky.

To all my friends who celebrating it, Happy Chinese New Year. Don’t forget to give me ‘ang pao’ or at least oranges ok!!!!!!!

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(6) Hutan Lipur Sungai Bantang, Bekok: Picnic with Friends

2010-01-24T11:49:00.004+08:00

Yesterday, I went for a picnic with some friends at Hutan Lipur Sungai Bantang, Bekok. It was their plan to go there and I was just a last minute member. Despite the fact that I was having so much fun polluting the river with my ‘diving’ skill, I still managed to capture some pictures for you guys.

The river was not as clean as I expected from a reserved forest, but the upstream was much cleaner, so, we when there. Here are some scenery pictures of that place.

So, if you forget to bring along your pant, no worry, they do sell it here. But I don’t know about the price but I think it would cost you.

Speaking of “Scenery”, take a look at this picture. There was a couple beside us making their own scene. Hihihiihh…

Let’s be paparazzi and zoom it in. Before that, they did some kisses before they noticed that I tried to capture their picture but unfortunately I missed it. Few minute later, they was no more sight of them at the hut. Maybe they need some privacy.. hahahhaa...

Now enjoy some of our pictures. I'm hardly in the pictures because I'm the one who taking them.

OK, SAY BYE NOW!!!!

(5) Cat Photography: Backyard

2010-01-22T16:46:00.008+08:00

Yesterday when I went to our backyard, I noticed that there was something under our pandanus trees. So, I went to take a look and there were 4 kittens. No wonder our backyard smell like cat’s poop! Then, today when I take a look again and there is their mother. So, I decided to take their picture.

Here is a couple of photo that snapped and edited.

CUTE!!! Fell like I wanna kill them!!

(4) Soft Light Effect : Jai

2010-01-20T00:01:00.001+08:00

This is a very simple technique that you can try and, I don’t know about your guys, but it does look kinda cool to me. So, let’s give it a try.

Anyway, this is Jai my housemate. He gonna freak out if he found out that I posted this picture on my blog. hahaha

1) Dark picture.
Try to use a dark picture or any color scheme that resemble the picture that I have here. Try avoiding colourful picture because we what the text to pop out.

2) Text
Create your own design just like I have here. Make sure that the background is black and the text white or grey. White colored text will appear brighter while grey will give a less obvious text effect. Try to balance those two colours.

You also can just design the text without the black background on the picture itself. But I think this is a much proper way to do this.

3) Import text
After that, import your text design to the picture. Make sure that the text design is on the top layer.

4) Blending mode & Opacity
Now make sure that you select that text design layer. Change the blending mode to soft light. You can use overlay but I found that soft light did better job on doing the effect that I want. Change the opacity to 48%. Around 40-50% should do that trick.

5) Result
And here is the final result. If the text cover your face you can just erase them with the erase tool. Have fun!

Leave a comment if you like it. Do so if you hated it too.. hahha.. :p

(3) Camera test: Korom as a Model

2010-01-18T20:19:00.005+08:00

I just finish my lecture this evening; around 4pm. After a quick so-called-workout, with my weary hards, I grab my camera to test it out. Here is a couple of picture that I managed to capture.

My camera is a Panasonic Lumix FZ35. It is a bridge camera which fills the niche between the single-lens reflex cameras (SLRs) and the Point-and-shoot camera.

This is the best camera that I can afford with my limited budget. I'll will not do the detail review on the specification because you can just dig it up in the internet.

This picture was taken 3 meters away from the object, with the smallest aperture (F number). Taken using aperture priority mode.

And this is Korom my housemate which I asked to be my model because I want to test if this camera can retain the natural colour of the skin. And it seems like it can do a very good job on that.

Right now I'm also a bit busy tutoring my friend, Tomie with his new blog. He is very good in photoshop too. Do check his blog out ok.

(2) Busy: Updates

2010-01-17T12:56:00.005+08:00

This will be a quick update. I feel so guilty that I abandon my blog for so long now. It’s just that the time seems to pass so quickly. So many things need to be done in a limited time. And I bet same things happened to you.

Just for an update, last couple of days ago, I bought a new camera, Panasonic Lumix FZ35. I’ll do the review in the future post.

Right now I’m also a bit busy creating a new blog which is collaboration with 6 other friends of mine. The Idea is to update the blog each day, 7 days a week, since we have 7 members. I’ll keep you updated on that.

This post will be weird if I don’t include it with any picture, so, I just include this post with a picture of me while updating this blog; Snapped using webcam. That’s me before taking a shower.. hahhahhahaa…

I’ll be posting regularly now since I have a new camera. I’m so excited about it…

(1) Happy New Year: Uncle's Wedding

2010-01-04T00:01:00.009+08:00

It’s never too late to say HAPPY NEW YEAR!! Hope 2010 will bring us better luck than last year. I celebrated my new year during my uncle’s wedding. Kind of like 2 in 1 occasion. Here are some of the pictures that I snapped during the wedding.

These are the flower girls & boys. They are my cousins and my sister. My sister is at the top left.

On our way to the church. We used 6 cars.

This was the church; a catholic church. And that was the photographer that they hired for the wedding.

Here comes the bride!

The ceremony started.

The ceremony has ended and were heading outside the church to take some pictures.

This is a very funny picture that I snapped randomly.

Finally, I'm in!

This kids are sooo adorable!!! Feel like smacking them for being too cute! DUSSSSHHHH!!!

That green shoes is mine!!!!

Funny kid~~~

At the restaurant for lunch before heading to the groom's house for the party.

(4) Morgan: Another Simple Photo Tutorial

2009-12-18T17:36:00.007+08:00

This photo was taken by me using my phone. So, mind the quality. So, let’s see what I can do with this photo. This is Morgan btw; my housemate. That’s the best thing of being my housemate; you have your own personal photographer. LOL!

This is the raw photo.

Now I’ll sharpen the photo. Review this post for the tutorial.

Now we will smooth-up the surface but still keep the sharp edges. FILTER>BLUR>SURFACE BLUR

Now adjust the photo level. LAYER>NEW ADJUSTMENT LAYER>LEVELS

Now we will do some color adjustment. Go to LAYER>NEW ADJUSTMENT LAYER>SELECTIVE COLOR

Now we will choose a cold color scheme, blue. LAYER>NEW ADJUSTMENT LAYER>PHOTO FILTER

Now we will give it some lighting effect by adding a ‘frame’ to the photo. Go to LAYER>NEW ADJUSTMENT LAYER>GRADIENT

Now that is done, take your erase tool and erase the center of the gradient layer and leave the edges. Use a big erase tool size (460pxs will do it just fine) and 0% hardness. This is what you should get.

And to give it some ‘edginess’ to the photo, I’ll be using my brush. I will be using a smoke brush. You can use any similar brush that you have. Depends on your taste.

Use the brush on a new layer.

Now erase the smoke on one side of the leg to give an illusion as if the smoke passed through him and not a pasted on effect.

And there you have it. Very simple one ha? Enjoy the tutorial. I have an engagement to attend. DA....

(3) Christmas Stereotypes : "X-mas"?

2009-12-16T02:15:00.006+08:00

I am a very celebrative person that I love every celebration that I celebrate. Not to mention Christmas. Christmas is my favorite one; Caroling and stuff. But as much as we love to celebrate Christmas, not many of us know the true meaning of Christmas. What does Christmas means to you?

You may relate Christmas with bell.

Colorful balls?

Santa Claus?

I’m not saying that all of this is wrong but make sure that we not forgetting the true reason of celebrating Christmas. Merry Christmas people!!!!

Owh, don’t ever use ‘X-mas’ to spell Christmas ever again. Why do you use ‘X’ to replace Christ name? Then you should convert your religion to “X-ian” and not Christian??? Gosh!

Does this look right to you guys?

(2) Changes: My Old Edited Photo

2009-12-09T02:29:00.010+08:00

Last Saturday, I met an old friend of mine. We attended the same class together when we were in secondary school. The funny thing is I can’t remember name but I do recognize her face. So, I tried to avoid a conversation that involving her name. When she first saw me she said, “Cass, is that you?”. I replied, “Yes, it’s me”. She said that as if she barely recognized me. What I'm trying to say here is it’s amazing how much we had changed without we realizing it. It’s impossible for us to see our own changes when we look at the mirror every day :p.

So, I had gathered some of my old edited photo that I haven’t post on my blog, I think so. In a hope of preserving the old me where that was the original purpose of this blog anyway.

Speaking of changes, how do you like my new banner and stuff? Do you like it? I have been working on it for the past three days. Fuh!

So, enjoy the photo. Do drop some comment. I would be more than pleased receiving it.

(1) Many Versions: 'Loyal' Model

2009-12-04T04:05:00.004+08:00

I have a lot of version for this photo. I think this photo is a great shot but my problem with great-shot-photo is that I feel like I will ruin the photo if I edit it. So, I did some versions but never had satisfied me. But this is my top 2 versions of this photo, I think.

Anyway, I have to apologies for the late post this time. It’s just that I don’t spend much time on my laptop lately due to my excitement of staying at kampung; a lot of exciting things to do here.

This is the raw shot of this photo. I snapped this photo months ago and this is my most ‘loyal’ model, Nick. :D

This is my first design. I try to make a sepia color scheme.

And this is the one that I edited most recently. This time I did a colder color scheme, blue.

Nick also did edited this photo. He edited it to black and white photo.

Which one do you think the best represent the photo?

(7) Link Banner: How to do it?

2009-11-25T00:01:00.002+08:00

How to link a banner to a website? This banner is in a form of still image that links to you website, blog or any social account that you have, whenever you click on it. I use it on my LINKS page where I link my friend’s blogs.

It is a very powerful tool where you can manipulate it to make menu buttons for your blog, link icon and even advertisement banner. I use Flash to do all that but for those who wanted something simple, this is the right tutorial for you because it is HELL simple!

Ok, let’s begin! :)

1) Designing the Banner
You can change the banner size to any size that you want but this is MY standard size that I use for my blog.

Now design your banner as you desires.

2) Coding
After you save the banner in JPEG format, go to your BLOGGER DASHBOARD and click on NEW POST. Now make sure that the editor mode is EDIT HTML.

Now click on the ADD IMAGE icon to upload the banner.

After the upload process, you should have these codes on your editor.

Delete the highlighted line, as shown below, and replace it with the website URL that you want it to be linked to. It usually Starts with “http” and ends with “.jgp”; after href=''.

3) how to use the codes
Now copy the codes and paste it wherever you want. You can paste it on your sidebar, on your post, on you Myspace, Facebook and so on.

To paste the banner to your blog’s sidebar, go to your blogger and LAYOUT>PAGE ELEMENT. Then ADD GADGET.

Then select HTML/Java Script.

This window will appear. Now, paste the banner codes on this window and save.

Now save your Page element and view your blog. Now you have a LINK BANNER on your sidebar. You can add as many link banners as you want.

(6) When I'm Bored Inside The Car : My Habit

2009-11-23T00:01:00.005+08:00

Whenever I go somewhere by car, I have some kind of habit when I get bored. I love taking picture of myself using my phone even though it’s for nothing. I think I’m not the only one. I bet you guys have the same habit. Try checking your phone’s image gallery; there must be a lot of your pictures snapped while you are inside the car.

I noticed that when I was transferring pictures from my phone to my laptop.

These are some of the collections:

On our way to photostudio because my father want to take family photo.

On my way to visit my kampung.

Taken during Hari Raya.

This was snapped when I was on my way to Pahang.

This one too.

On my way to visit the Doulos Ship at Pasir Gudang.

Anyway, I’ll be showing you guys how to make a link banner just like I have in my LINK page. It is a very simple yet professional. So, wait for the next tutorial.

(5) My Logo: How It Made

2009-11-19T01:03:00.009+08:00

As you can notice, I have a new logo that I put on images for my post. So, today I’ll be showing you guys how I made it and hope it can give some inspiration for you to make your own logo. This is the steps.

First open a new file. FILE>NEW

This is what you should get.

Because my logo is white, I’ll be using black background so that it is easier to look at during designing process. We will remove it after we finish.

Now select the Rounded rectangle tool.

Change the radius to 30 pixels.

Now press SHIFT while drawing the rectangle. This will ensure the rectangle length and width is the same. This is what you should get.

Now create new layer and merge it with the rectangle layer. Press CTRL and select the rectangle layer and the new layer; merge it (LAYER>MERGE VISIBLE or CTRL+E). This will convert the rectangle to image.

Now we will insert a text.

Now select the font type Kartika with 200pt (font size).

Now right click on the text layer and select SELECT PIXELS.

After doing that, delete the text layer.

It will leave a selected area with the text shape.

Now, make sure you select the rectangle layer and press DEL (delete) on your keyboard.

Now the rectangle is cropped with text shape leaving it invisible. This is how it should look with the background removed.

Now what is left is the blog URL. After that press CTRL and select the rectangle layer and the Blog URL layer; merge it (LAYER>MERGE VISIBLE or CTRL+E).

Then change the OPACITY to 35%. This will let the background visible through the logo.

Now we want to save it. First we must remove the Black background.

Now change the FORMAT to PNG. PNG format allows the image saved to be transparent.

Now this window will appear. Then select none because we want the background to be transparent.

Now when we want to use it, just import and drag to the image that we want. This will definitely save your time. Thus it will look more professional.

Enjoy the tutorial!

(4) Bye bye Johor: Things I Packed

2009-11-16T18:46:00.008+08:00

These photos were taken the day before I flew back to Kuching. I remember I start to pack at 2am because I don’t know what to bring home. So, this is what I packed for that day.

First things are my wallet, phones and mp3. I can’t go anywhere without this 3 things. I love this mp3 because it can last for 30hours with only 30minutes charging. Awesome ha? I bought it almost 2 years ago and it still works perfectly.

And these are my "chemicals"; My hair products, multivitamin, and deodorant, contact lenses and baby oil. That’s just it. I don’t use face cream, face wash or what so ever. The only thing that I apply on my face is baby oil.

Next is my old laptop. It was bought 3-4 years ago and I still use it because my father bought it for me. Don’t feel like changing it.

Then I brought some reading materials. I don’t want to buy over-priced books at the airport whenever I get bored. I bought this book when I visit the Doulos ship but never had a chance to read it.

This is my luggage. I bought this at Labuan 4 years ago. I like it because it is small. I got nothing to bring anyway.

These were my unfolded clothes that I packed. Such a mess ha?

And this was what I wore the next day to the airport.

This was what it look like after packing. Look empty ha?

After finish packing:

On my way to the Senai Airport:

Waiting for the plane to come. This was my boarding pass. :p

Finally it came! Bye bye JOHOR!!

(3) My Old Photo: School Memories

2009-11-08T04:09:00.008+08:00

I will have another exams tomorrow, next Tuesday and Thursday. So, because I’m stressed out, I look at my old pictures in my old picture cd. Then, I found my picture when I was still in school. It reminds me of how fun it was in school. No much stress and worries. I do what I love to do. Here are some of the pictures that I found.

This picture was taken when I was still in form 5 on 2005. This was the first day of school for that year. I was so excited.

This is cute; I finally graduated from kindergarten. This was 1994. Look at the certificate that they gave me; it was rolled and tied with ribbon. I was so excited to open it before I found it was just a blank paper, wtf.

Singing is my first love. Many people think that my main interest was photography but for those who really knows me, they know singing is my first passion. I started singing since I was small. I can’t remember what age, but I can’t remember any day that I don’t sing. This was me practicing at the school hall because I was presenting my school for a singing competition; compete against 20 more other schools. I was in primary 6 (year 2000). This was the first singing competition I ever entered. I was the first-runner-up. Poor me :-(

Starting from that moment, I enter more competitions. This photo was me singing during Teachers Day. Look at what I was wearing; that was my older brother cloth. I have to use them because I only have jeans in my closet but we were not allowed to use it in school. I was singing ‘You’re my everything’.

I was also an MC for that occasion. So FUN!!

This photo is my Class picture; Taken when we were in form 5.

This is my club; Entrepreneurs Club. I also joined choir, debate and public speaking but I don’t have any picture for them.

Hope you enjoy the pictures though I’m ashamed to show it. LOL

(2) How to Make POP ART: Sofie

2009-11-06T18:40:00.000+08:00

While I was facebooking, I saw my friend Sofie’s default photo; a pop art. It is use by some celebrities which are very popular, for example, Marilyn Monroe and Bob Marley. So today, I’ll show you guys how to do your own pop art. It’s very simple and FUN!Believe me!

So, this is my friend's photo that I saw.

This is how my design looks like:

STEP 1: CLEAR BACKGROUND

This is the photo that we going to use for this tutorial:

First we need to delete the background. Follow this tutorial if you have any problem cropping the photo.Then change the background color to plain white.

STEP 2: CONTRAST

STEP 3: CHANGE TO BLACK/WHITE PHOTO

Now MERGE LAYERS. LAYER>MERGE VISIBLE. Then duplicate it & change the upper layer blending option to Color Dodge.

This is what you should get.

Now press CTRL+I. This will invert the dodging effect. u will get a plain white. Then, go to FILTER>BLUR>GAUSSIAN BLUR.

Now go to LAYER>NEW ADJUSTMENT LAYER>THRESHOLD.

STEP 4: COLORING
Now open a new layer and change it to Multiply.

Now is the fun part! COLORING. Take your brush tool and make sure that hardness is 100%. Pick any color and start coloring. The color will not cover the lines so, just color through. Now is where you need to use your creativity.

Now don't forget to color the background!

(1) How to Repair Old photo: My Family Old photo

2009-11-04T11:50:00.007+08:00

Today I’m going to show how to repair an old photo; Just a simple tutorial. This tutorial can be applied on an old photo that has minor damage.

This was my family old photo when we were only had 5 members. The one that my mother hold was ME! Look at my face. That is what we call "FIERCE"! LOL

1) STEP 1: REMOVE SPOTS
First we need to remove dirty spots by using Patch Tool. You can use Spot Healing Brush Tool but I prefer to use Patch Tool.

2) STEP 2: REPAIR DAMAGE
As you can see there is some minor damage in the photo. We are going to use Clone Stamp Tool to repair this.

3) STEP 3: REPAIR SHARP SURFACE
You maybe can’t see the sharpness but is you zooms it you can see pretty well. Go to FILTER>BLUR>SURFACE BLUR. This will leave the surface smooth while the edges still look sharp.

4) STEP 4: SHARPENING
Now we are going to sharpen this photo. Refer to this tutorial for this technique.

5) STEP 5: EXPOSE
This photo is a bit under expose. So, we use Level to do this. LAYER>NEW ADJUSTMENT LAYER>LEVEL.

6) STEP 6: COLOR ENHANCEMENT
Usually what happen to old photo is the color will change or faded. This photo looks yellowish. We use Selective Color to repair it. LAYER>NEW ADJUSTMENT LAYER>LEVEL

7) FINAL TOUCH
I use brush to make some glitters on the “tree”.

NOW IT”S DONE!! SIMPLE HA?

(10) UTHM MPP Examination Banner: Steps

2009-10-27T00:01:00.006+08:00

My friend me ask me to do a banner for MMP(Majlis Perwakilan Pelajar) for my university. At first I refuse because I don’t have any idea but he keep on asking me, on and on. So, I just make one although I don’t have any idea.

This is what I've design:

His design was rejected because the design was crowded with too many colors. This is it:

And if they reject or modify my design, I just not care. So, with shallow ideas, I design it as I show the step below.

First I open up new file which require 4500×1800 and 300 resolutions.

I’ll be using this photo for my main theme; an ant, which typically use to indicate hard work. Since it is about examination where we burning extra midnight oil for it, I use an ant to give that simple message.

Now I cut the background.

Insert it into the main frame. I use white for the base. This is very important to use white it you don’t want your design to be rejected. Usually people prefer white because it can save the cost for the printing.

Then I insert this round crystal and put my university logo on the center of it.

Now create the ant shadow. This will give the ant more realistic look where it doesn’t look like it floating.

Now I add the font. I use Impact for the font because it will give the highlight-phase look obvious. Then I use red for the color.

Now let’s give the ant some magic. I use a scattering brush to make it.

It is a common format for a banner to have their logo at the bottom. You can found it on advertisement banners.

It’s time to decorate. Let’s give the background some color. I use 2 different brushes to do this. Then color it with 3 color; pink, purple and light blue- very soft colors. More than 3 colors will make it crowded.

Now add some details; website & phone no.

And today the YDP for MPP (Fadzil) make a comment on my shoutbox, thanking me for the design. So, I visit his blog and I saw a banner that is very familiar. It's my design. hahhaaha... but they did modify it. And this is how it look like now:

He mention that this banner have spelling error. PERPERIKSAAN. Oh dear. I'm sorry. :P