Fever Shot

Artwork 2006

2011-04-07T16:33:00.001+08:00

printing-061010, a photo by Azamco on Flickr.

Via Flickr:
An artwork was created in 2006 Oct

Sanyo Xacti VPC-SH1

2010-08-16T09:45:00.000+08:00

Recently, I bought a new camcorder. That's Sanyo Xacti VPC-SH1. Actually, as a DV newbie. This video camera is really a starting point of my filming life.

Attractive reason to buy

Price under $400, which is really a low price camcorder, including 30x zoom. 35mm wide angle. Weight is light enough and portable (about 210g-240g with/without battery). Full HD quality, Dual-cam, SDHC memory storage (which is a bit cheaper while comparing with Compact Flash. Support H.264 codec (Size are small enough). However, my computer seems not powerful enough to playback the Full-HD 60i (1920x1080 60fps) video ... Always get laggy screen. pity ... That's why I usually record as Full HD 30p (1920x1080 30fps). For a beginner like me, i think it's really a good starting point.

Don't expect too much

Stabilizer - due to this camcorder is using digital stabilizer, do not expect too much on the image stabilizing. Even the video stabilizing seems really "stupid", it always lost the capture point within the screen. What I suggest is to turn it off and use other mechanic stabilizer.

Photoshop: soften skin effect 3

2010-05-10T00:03:00.000+08:00

In order to make the skin looks very smooth and nature, I usually use the "Surface Blur" and "Patch Tool". But in some cases... These two tools might not able to fix the extremely terriable problem on the face ... like more than 50% are full of pimple, freckle and mole. Therefore, I will use another ways to fix this problems

After edited.	Originally her skin is not really good

Remeber to duplicate a layer from the original pic at the very beginning.

Step 1:
Select the area of face, you may use Lasso Tool, Quick Selection Tool or Pen Tool, whatever you like. Except the eyes and mouth.

Step 2:
Duplicate the selected area

Step 3:
Apply the Gaussian Blur to the "face" layer. For the Radius value, increase the pixels until you cannot see the pimples. (Do not assign the value too high, otherwise the skin shape and lighting will look fake.

Step 4:
Open the History panel and highlight the last step. Then use the History Brush Tools to select the Gaussian Blur step.

Step 5:
Go back to the face layer and brush the skin.

Photoshop: Soften skin effect 2

2010-05-09T00:06:00.000+08:00

In this tutorial, I would like to show you a simple steps to make the skin looks more white and bright.

Original Pic	After edited

Step 1:

Duplicate a layer from the photo for retouching purpose

Step 2:

Select the area of face, you may use Lasso Tool, Quick Selection Tool or Pen Tool, whatever you like. Except the eyes and mouth.

Step 3:

Apply the Surface Blur filter to the face layer.

For the Radius, and threshold value, it depends on how much surface blur do you want. Actually you can check the "Preview", then you will see the result instantly.

Step 4:

Apply the Curve layer to the "skin" layer. Then tune up the mid tune in the curve.

Photoshop: soften skin effect 1

2010-05-08T09:27:00.002+08:00

I would like to share a simple skin effect, for removing the mole and making the skin get soften.

Original Picture

After edited

Remove the mole/freckle
As my usual habit, duplicate a layer from the photo for retouching purpose.
Step 1:
Use the "Patch Tool" to select the mole.

Step 2:
Drag the selected area and drop on the area with normal skin

Then you will find that the mole has been removed
Repeat Step 1 and 2, for the unwanted mole or freckle. Even Hair!

Soften the skin
Step 3:
Select the area of face, you may use Lasso Tool, Quick Selection Tool or Pen Tool, whatever you like. Except the eyes and mouth.

Step 4:
Duplicate the selected area

Step 5:
Apply the Surface Blur filter to the face layer.
For the Radius, and threshold value, it depends on how much surface blur do you want. Actually you can check the "Preview", then you will see the result instantly.

Portrait Tips: How to make the arms or legs will not look very duffel?

2010-05-04T22:52:00.000+08:00

Firstly, it must be noted, that to put a correct posture can hide the defects. Basically, it is not recommended to let the arms and legs spread out straight, but to put the arms and legs in overlapping position.

If specified, the model has to put the arms behind the body or cross arms, while the legs are moving cross standing on it. Because the crossing / overlapping legs posture, often appears in fashion magazines. Thus, the model would not be surprised and very easy to put a good-looking stance. This posture also has the benefit of people with O-leg stand. It can help to hidden the O-leg shape instead of a beautiful effect of overlapping / crossing posture.

Sometimes using Tilt-shift lens and other auxiliary equipment, managed to look more uniform body proportion. If you adjust the lens optical asix movement, the legs will look more slender.

Or you can use wide-angle lens when shooting from the bottom up, head looks small, and the model's legs look more slender.

Source images (top to bottom): Image, image2, image3, image4

Portrait Tips: How to get a well communication in advance, when cooperate with a new amateur model?

2010-05-02T15:58:00.000+08:00

In the first meeting with an amateur model, you can start to chat with some interest topic. That can slowly know more about the model's character and style. Or ... in the middle of the photo shooting, usually it is very difficult to buy snacks and drinks. Therefore, you can ask the model what you want, then talk about food, clothing or favorite music. You will discover that the topic has been expended. Also, you had a better knowing about the new amateur model. Or you can play some small tricks, give the model a surprise, in order to observe the responses, you can identify a person's character as well.

Image: source

Swimsuit photography: Shooting 45 degree

2010-04-20T02:50:00.002+08:00

Model put her right hand slightly on the right leg. By this action, it can help the pose looks better, and also gain an extra tension.

For the swimsuit photography, the focus point should start form the side into the central theme. The side is about 45 degree of front body. That helps the breast shape and waist lines will look more beautiful.

When only shooting the upper body shot, it is better to shoot below the chest and above the waist in order to get the balance. The composition is also important

By using the surronding environment of the reflective elements, to achieve the fill light. The color looks better than use of reflectors, and more natural.

Image sources: image1, image2, image3, image4

Adobe released Creative Suite 5!

2010-04-15T02:52:00.001+08:00

Because of NDA restrictions, the product has been launched on today! CS5 package, a total of 15 software, which we are most concerned about, of course "Photoshop", let us look at new super amazing "Content Aware Fill" and "Puppet Warp" how kind of change can do, what else has changed!

Adobe Photoshop can be said that the most enduring products, has been published since 1990, just 20 years old this year. Such a mature product in the end what can make a change? Adobe has already released 2 videos prior to sale and to illustrate the two main functions: the first is the ability to automatically detect the contents of the picture and to fill the blank part by using the Content Aware Fill; The second is from the Flash, the ability to select the range set free transformation under the axial point of Puppet Warp. Of course there are many large and small change, let us tell you what a difference
Photoshop CS5's codenamed - White Rabbit

Content Aware Fill super filling machine, so you do not see signs of scar
Photoshop in the past, if you want to remove the unwanted part of the picture, the background will remain difficult to fill the gaps, at most only use stamp tool to copy the way to deal with similar material. Add the contents of the sensor (Content Aware) feature can automatically surrounded by the material to be filled, of course, performance can not be 100% natural, but if not carefully observed, it is not easy to see this is automatically repair results

However, when using Content Aware fill the function of the time, sometimes it may get sampling error, resulting in the incorrect calculation, then you can repair with the tainted brush tool (Spot Healing Brush Tool), is also able to use Content Aware to be repaired. The use of this tool is closely related to the direction of your brush, if ineffective after brush-off, you may try to reverse it, it will sample the content to the right to fill. Of course not used to modify the image lines, such as wire, will have a good effect.
With Content Aware stain blessing substantial progress Repair Tool, it is hard to see a trace of modification

Puppet Warp makes the people moving up in photo
Puppet Warp layer can be selected to join the free transformation of the key points to make changes

The second main feature is the Puppet Warp, literally means "puppet transformation", by definition, will be able to join the joint point of selected layers to the free transformation. With Content Aware Fill can do all kinds of changes. Adobe officially provides case is taken by adding nodes rose cascading from a variety of changes later.

Refine Edge: edge to go back to a more precise cut-off
In Photoshop CS5, adds new joined brush tool that allows you to adjust the parameters, but also be able to select the object using the edge of precision brush for hair and other objects which the edge of discontinuous around the position can be accurately selected. After completion of the selection, it can be output directly into the mask of the selected area, layer, layer a mask, a new file, etc

3D-Repossé
In addition to these super-enhanced features, PS CS5 basic functions, also has considerable progress. Like the previous generation of CS4's 3D modeling functions added to this generation can also use the new 3D-Repossé transferred directly to the text layer into a 3D object, although the quality is not transferred out of objects such as the construction of more direct use of 3D beautiful. But for graphic designers, Photoshop can be used to establish 3D, it is more convenient for them.

Noise Reduction
In dealing with photos of the most basic functions, listed as PS CS5, Adobe used to process RAW files Adobe Camera RAW Plug-in is also updated to the sixth edition. In addition to increased support for the camera type, the treatment is more effective when the RAW file to remove high ISO noise when, also joined the film's grainy texture for enhanced coherence. Also through the Lens Correction Tool to correct the lens barrel distortion with the pillow.

HDR PRO
The synthesis of Bracketing Photo HDR Pro tools, but also by fine tuning to achieve more variable results.

Posture of lying

2010-04-06T18:50:00.004+08:00

When doing the outdoor photograph, lying posture is not an easy stuff. Because this is a difficult challenge while lying on the "Cold" floor, also the model's facial expression has to be in natural.

Besides, trying to lay on the field of grass or falling leafs can get a better result. Be aware if the model afraid of the bugs climb up on their body or skin, resolve it by using the anti-mosquito spray. Therefore, in order to take a great picture, do not concern other parties thinking, just bravely lying on the ground, try different lying posture and take a few shot!

Lying on the grass, can get the feeling of natural environment.

While doing a slightly lying posture, be aware the legs do not get stiff

Lying on the rock besides the pond may come up a stylish feeling.

Lying on old style piano can get another classic feeling

6 essential requirements of a model

2010-04-04T20:32:00.002+08:00

Model must be the main character in portrait, if you want to be photograph in good-looking, not only to quickly integrate into the atmosphere of photography scene, but also need to be confident. If lack of confidence, the face can easily become stiff, and leads to bad image.

1. Do no afraid to face the camera

Most people will feel uncomfortable and strained expression while standing in front of camera. Especially when cooperate with the photographer who has never worked with. Then the fear will be more intense. Even more opportunities to take pictures, and the fear going less, but they still don't have enough confidence on their posture and expression.

How to avoid the stereotyped posture and facial expressions? The answer is "Confident", During the photography shooting, always keep in mind - "I am the most beautiful!" If you feel a bit strange or not satisfied on the posture, it is recommend to see more postures and expressions from other people when taking photos.

2. Take more "self shot"

General self shot comes with a good result, because there is no other people around you, that is why we are able to comfortably shoot randomly. In addition, we are more understand which part is the beautiful of our own, which part is no perfect. Therefore, always play around with self shot, not only digging our own rich, or it can also take to eliminate the fear of the camera.

3. Do something more with clothing and make-up

Wear the clothes that aligns with the atmosphere of the photography venue, spend some time on make-up, it will make the model be more confident. In most of the portrait. The proportion of models is more than 70%, we can know that how important on model's clothing and make-up. Before taking pictures, try to carefully prepared for the themes on the clothing and make-up as a good practice.

4. Flexible combination of available props

If a model is standing motionless, the posture inevitably tend to become stiff. At this moment, if it is possible to use some props, the hands and feet will become easier to place. Even if only one umbrella, but also changes in many different kinds of postures: holding an umbrella with good standing posture; open the umbrella and walking. And so on. Of course, if there are too many propels in a photo, it will look very messy. Therefore, it depends on different scenarios and use the appropriate props.

5. Use the facilities around the place

If taking pictures indoors, mostly you will find tables, chairs, ladder or bed. Furniture is just like the props as a decorative effect, it can help model to create more posture and expression. If taking pictures outdoors, you can try to use like a park bench or swing as the facilities for the shooting. It can come up with different theme change.

6. Pay more attention to other people's posture

"Why my pose are always the same?" Want to show some different pose, but often lose control of the hands and feet while standing in front of the camera. If you want to be a qualified model, a full preparation must be done before the photography. Then, the photos will be more natural.

Try to get more reference from the fashion magazine, you can find may different model's posture. Moreover, to seriously figure out other people's gestures and facial expressions.

Portrait tips - Another stylish composition skill

2010-04-04T12:16:00.002+08:00

Most of the photos, if it is not horizontal, then it should be vertical. If this picture style can be overcome, then the picture will look very differet. Nowadays, more popular portrait style, is to turn a small angle of the camera, so that the characters are presented in diagonal direction. This technique should be very easy, you only have to adjust angle of camera to left or right turn, then press the shuttler. You may need to try a several pictures, in order to identify the most suitable composition. Although the technique have been in existence for many years, recently it become popular again.

Travel photography tips: Shooting the famous landmarks

2010-04-03T23:58:00.001+08:00

When shooting the famous landmarks, you must be very clear that, many people has already taken the same picture with no less than millions of times. It almost hard to shoot a pictures with any new ideas (Although it is possible, but it must be very difficult). There are several ways for you to interpret a new perspective on shooting the well-known landmarks:

1. Avoid the landmark to be the subject in the photos. For example, if you want to take a picture in London, the theme of that picture can be a couple, and they are holding hands, walking in the streets. And the London tower bridge is clearly visible in the background. Even if you can clearly see the well-known places. but it was not the subject in the photo.

2. Try to use reflection to capture the famous landmarks, such as window or water. For example, find a London coffee shop, and then take a picture to the coffee shop's window, that reflect the London Tower Bridge, or to use a car's windshield to take the reflective image of the object.

3. Only take part of the details of the famous landmark, and is able to represent the whole part of the landmark.

Portrait Tips: Do not leave too much space above the head

2010-04-03T11:46:00.006+08:00

Most people will commit a fault while taking pictures for others, it is leaving too much unnecessary space above the head. This is a very common mistake of amateur photographers, but forunately, this is not difficult to solve.

How to solve it? Do not take picture like that!

As long as the subject's eyes are located at the picture, that about one-third from the top, then you will naturally do not leave too much head space, of course, the problem will be resolved

Swimsuit beauty of photography

2010-04-03T04:06:00.007+08:00

When shooting with a swimsuit beauty, what things should we pay attention to, in order to ensure everything goes correct? The analysis of the foucs is: Even if not taken in a special location or environment, we still can take the advantage of that time, and capture the model of posture and sexy movement, and get the charming swimsuit photos

While inviting a girl as a swimsuit model, we must first take into account the feelings of girls

When it comes to swimsuit photogrphy, amateur photographers who have the same feeling, that must be a very high threshold of photographic skills. Right?

Even asking the girls we know, or girlfriend: "Let me shoot a few swimsuit photos for you now!" Our thought come up with the rejected hunch, so the start will be hesitant.

When the time to official play, and the photographer is panic, it is hard to shoot the ideal perfect picture. Therefore, you can join the photography sessions, the site has been determined in advance on the situation publicly, professional models will be made with some of their habits of posture and movement, this is a great opportunity to practice shooting. However, if we are planning to take some of the more privacy swimsuit photos. We still hope to ask the girls, who are closed relationship, to act as a model.

When request the consent of other, we firstly should pay attention on the difference mind of women and men. For example, when giving the model to see the magazine pictures, and say "I hope I can make these photos!". Oftenly, in the eyes of men, the photos look very lovely. But in the female point of view, they may think the photo is over-stressed the breast lines, just like the sex photos and feeling unbearable.

For a man who like to play camera, they would not be distressed when buy the camera and lens. But if they spend money to buy clothes, just like to kill themselves

In contrast, women also have a philosophy for their own money. Like a man anxious to try a just bought new camera. The same mood, women should also want to try a just bought seasonal pop dress or swimsuit as soon as possible

Therefore, the photographers should spend time to have a look on fashion magazine, to add or update the popular message, to find out what is most popular products. With talking about the popularity of those latest fashion information, and say "Look at this pretty swimsuit, do you mind to take a few swimsuit photo?" Naturally raised the demand of swimsuit photography. If you get to the point from this way, girls are also more able to look forward to relax the mind in the shooting activities.

Images: source

Are you a photographer or a model? (Part 2 of 2)

2010-03-30T01:29:00.011+08:00

6. Try a different composition and perspective during shooting
All the photographs are fastidious about composition, in terms of the portrait is particularly important. Compositions is not only the most creative part of the performance of the photographer, but also cannot be replaced by any advanced camera. If you Would like to make a well composition, you will need the courage to carry out a variety of attempts. For example, the models should locates on which area of the pictures, whether or not to use some tools to assist, etc.

7. Do not miss any thing around
Background is one of the very important elements in the portrait. Whatever taking photographs in any kind of places and scenery, we should decide what style of clothes and what style of makeup. As well as to decide what kind of props / tools to use for embellishment.
Sometimes, when we walk on the road. we will be exposed to a wide variety of people, events and things. As long as the observed carefully, some of the original ordinary non-strange places, though the lens tends to produce some subtle changes. Pick up the camera, pick your favorite place to catch something you always miss. You may get surprise from there

8. Design some photography theme
If prepared to shoot a number of themes, you can get some superior works. With the theme, prepare some little of fancy props, and several sets of dress, I believe you can shoot like a professional salon work

9.Use of editing techniques, to make a more perfect photo
Despite the convenience of digital cameras are numerous, but the principle of different photoreceptor, the final picture are always not sharp enough while compare with traditional camera. If you want the photos more perfect, the use of Photoshop or other kinds of image processing software are inevitable. Even if only adjust a little color or light, it could help the photos elegance. Not only that, through the editing technology, it could help to develop their own mastery of the color degree or composition.

10. Don't get moody because of bad weather
When shooting outdoors, we are unable to control the weather, which is indeed a nerve-racking thing. But there is no need to completely paralyzed by the weather. Oftenly we all think that rainy weather is not easy to take pictures while compare with sunny weather. However, in some special environment or moment, it is more appropriate to shoot during foggy or rainy day.In fact, too much sunshine may cause the shadow on model's face. It would become more difficult to take a good picture. Therefore, instead of being bound your hand by the weather, it is better to think about other idea of the theme in different climatic.

11. Pre-familiar the place of photography
While first time to an unfamiliar environment and take photographs. It is difficult to handle and understand the environment's light source, scenes and atmosphere, etc. However, if getting there for prior exploration, and take a few shots. Photographers often can get better photos in the next visit.
In particular, for the theme you want to shoot. It's better to get the field exploration. It helps to give a clear idea of what kind of clothes should be prepared for model, and even on how the pose should be performed by model.

Image: source, source2

Are you a photographer or a model? (Part 1 of 2)

2010-03-28T00:41:00.004+08:00

Photographers are talking about in here, is incluing all the person who is holding the camera; the models mentioned here, is all the person who is photographed by the camera. Are you suitable for taking pictures or be photographed then? First look at whether they are eligible the conditions listed below!

Photographer's 11 necessary prerequisites
An outstanding portrait in any photos, models of expression must be natural. Therefore, a good photographer, not only to operate the camera, but also must be an excellent guide to instruct the model under a comfortable atmosphere. Meanwhile, in order to make the photos distinctive and unique, a photographer must also be continuously novelty and innovative attempt

To make the model relaxation
Before started taking pictures, the photographer is better to give adequate communication with model. In particular the first time co-operation with model. If more chat before taking the photographs, it helps to break each other's membrane, and to create a comfortable atmosphere. Thus, in the process of taking pictures, it helps to guide the model to show the best pose and natural expression. When taking photographs, the words of praise are also a good way to help the model feel comfortable.
Even if helping a friend to take a photograph, if you suddenly come up some words such as "Good! Good! This pose is great! Take one more!" You must discover that your friend is distributing more confidence and honor.
Make good use of instant preview, amend at any time
The biggest benefit of using the digital camera, that photographers can preview the photos immediately after the shutter is pressed. Photographers can take advantage of instant preview, and to discuss with model on how to adjust the pose to make it more natural, or photographers adjust the photo's composition and the angle of shooting. Such communication not only allows each other get into the photography mood faster, moreover, it can avoid the trouble of additional shooting in future
Maintain regular habit of taking pictures
No one is born as a photographer, and no one has just got a camera will be able to get started right away. As a good photographer, be sure to maintain regular habit of taking pictures, shoot at any time, shoot indiscriminately. As long as the taking more pictures, the higher degree of mastery on camera can gain. Whenever and whatever on any occasion, it will become a reflex action when adjusting the shutter and aperture.
Model is also the same. It is difficult to co-operate with a model during the first time. Such as find out what part of the model and which angle can get the best effect from the model.However, after a few shoot, they are able to seize this model's most confident, the most appropriate expression and the best posture.
Pay more attention to other people's works
If you can regularly reading photography magazines or web photo albums, take a look on the position from the models, the screen composition, shooting angles, color matching, even the photo EXIF values. You may discover some other compositions or some new shooting technique. I believe that as more as we read, the more inspiration we can get
With a clear objectives before shooting
Before photographed, the first thing you have to know is "What is the direction or concept do you really want?". This will help the actual photographed process, be more efficient, but also be easier to shoot what you want ~

Image: source

Preparation before taking the photograph

2010-03-24T02:27:00.009+08:00

For starters, the first photo should pay attention to what things, what should start filming before the preparatory work carried out? With photographs of different places, what and how change the design of the theme? Shooting a different theme topic, how to make flexible use of props do? Want to make the good photographs, some homework is to be pre-prepared.

The ideal perfect photos
Every time we mentioned about digital cameras. People are mostly concerned about functional and pixels. But if we wanted to shoot a satisfactory work, there is no absolute relationship with the camera functions and pixels. Because portrait is targeting on "PERSON". Surely the focus point is to capture the protagonist's charm, rather than the texture of clothes looks clear is not.
All my photographs are similar? No different?
I do not know When I started to love taking pictures, whether going out to picnic or party, take pictures or shoot photos become more and more. But after a little tidy up of these photos... I found that ... there is only a few photos can make myself feel a satisfaction!

As digital cameras getting smaller and lighter, I do not know when to start, with the habit of carry the camera when going outside. Through the lens and recorded the life. The frequency is getting higher.

But when we come back to organize these photos, we found that: how could we shoot so photos that are the same expressions and gestures? Even taking other people's photos to compare, it seems exactly the same!

When going with classmates, held a birthday party at the restaurant, the photo shoot is "show the V fingers".
When going with lover, drink tea in a cafe, the photo shoot is also "show the V fingers" .
To go out shopping with friends, the photo shoot is also "show the V fingers". Even at home, feel bored then take a shot to myself.... is also the same pose ... "show the V finger " ...

Am I also a cold-blooded animals with just ONE expression? Because I often have such a confusion, so I start thinking about to shoot some photos that do not feel the same.

Central Market, Kuala Lumpur

2010-03-13T18:32:00.029+08:00

Central Market was built in 1936, previously the largest vegetable market in Kuala Lumpur; it then converted into a grocery market in 1986, selling handicrafts and a variety of souvenirs. Currently the market has air-conditioned. There are hundreds of shops on both two tier, it will allow you to stroll on most of the day!

All goods are the traditional clothing, accessories, musical instruments, ornaments, lighting, to the daily necessities. There is a food court on the 2nd floor.

How to get there?
About 5 minutes walk from LRT Pasar Seni station

Information
Address: Jalan Hang Kasturi, Kuala Lumpur
Tel: (03) 2274 9966
Open hour: Everyday 10:00 - 22:00

Outside my window

2010-03-10T01:56:00.006+08:00

During leisure time at home, pick up the camera, eye towards the viewfinder again, view through the window and found a hut in the hills, And I found that the shutter is pressed. The environment of peace and serenity, Sun Dusk. If including to the birds singing, my heart will certainly be more impressionistic

Fever Shot is borned!

2010-03-08T22:00:00.010+08:00

This blog is mainly sourcing and sharing the photography skills and related information. Hope to meet all photography enthusiasts ~

Image: source