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The regulars of our reviews might have noticed that there are now more than a few of them that feature cars shot in the depths of night instead of the bright afternoons, as has long been our usual practice. I'd like to think they are making a stylistic contribution to your overall viewing experience on the site, although truth be told, the serenity, absence of traffic, and overall quiet isolation (as well as the predictability of artificial light), have all been stronger draws for me to head out to shoot under the cover of moonlight. Expect to see more night shoots from us in the near future! I can’t really whip up a smooth transition here, so let’s just move on to talk about that isolation for a bit. Those used to looking from behind the viewfinder, I think, should not be too alien to the appeal of a quiet photography session. Many of the great photographers including Henri Cartier Bresson and Elliot Erwitt shot predominately alone. Then there's Vivian Maier, who did not gain recognition for her work documenting the streets of Chicago until after her death - something all of you struggling to gain traction on Instagram ought to think about. Photography is commonly imagined to be a quiet and solitary hobby/job - or it is, at least, in the fields where the object of said photography is predominantly the street or landscape. I like to think it probably is equally isolating in other fields. Darkroom work isn't exactly best done in a crowded room, and even today I’d like to think editing digital photos is typically done alone. But as is the case with many things in life, there are exceptions to the rule. Consider, for example, Philippe Halsman, who not only worked with Salvador Dali to produce this astonishing piece of work, Dali Atomicus (that apparently took a total of 26 attempts to get right), but also was a dear friend to the surrealist painter. Would the same shot have been possible if the two did not have a close working relationship? I highly doubt it. Look up the photograph and you’ll find images of the exposures that were rejected for one reason or another - Dali Atomicus was no doubt an excruciating piece to get right. It’s no wonder Halsman always saw some strange artistic value to blowing up a few cats (remember, this work was all shot on film). I doubt Philippe Halsman would have been able to accomplish this exposure were it not for his relationship with Dali I'm not sure what sort of life Halsman lived, being in such proximity to one of the greatest artists of his own time - note that he was also in contact with Albert Einstein, whom he also famously took portraits of, and additionally had worked for Vogue in France before fleeing to the U.S.A when war broke out in Europe. But prior to all this, he was sentenced to prison after being convicted for the murder of his own father, where he contracted tuberculosis to boot. Now, I'm no fan of the stereotype of the hungry and struggling artist, but perhaps a bit of a life lived in the darkness is fundamental in bringing out the best of our creativity. If you’d allow me to introduce another artist who was also convicted of murder, I'd like to have you consider the works of Caravaggio. Caravaggio is arguably best known for The Taking of Christ, but my favourite from the artist is The Calling of Saint Matthew. There's just so much to unpack here - notice Christ's halo here is barely visible, the cross in the window atop his outstretched yet not entirely tensed gesture - a dark foreshadowing of course, how the other tax collectors on either sides of Matthew lean away to add to the composition of the painting, and how two of them are even so obsessed with the coins on the table they miss the divine in their presence entirely. It's a beautiful work, no doubt. But of course, the most beautiful part of the work, is how the light is depicted - an allegory for the illumination that would from henceforth guide Matthew's later years. The YouTube channel Nerdwriter1 puts it quite beautifully (watch the video above) - witnessing a Caravaggio must have been shocking to anyone that has only known the flat light of the works of the renaissance. And that, is exactly what I want to point out today (and what I think is most important for all who want to shoot in the shadows) - to remind you to keep looking out for the light, even in your darkest hours. For all those who are struggling with their work when behind the camera, take pause to think about how maybe dynamic range and the ability to lift your shadows is not exactly all that useful in creating images that tell a moving story. Use the light to add visual hierarchy to whatever it is you're trying to shoot, and let everything else take its proper place - obscured away in irrelevance and in the shadows. Caravaggio is a prime example of this technique - it is precisely because of the dominance of the shadows that such a tiny stream of light is given such predominance, so much so that even those just vaguely familiar with the biblical tale will recognise instantly just what the story being told here is. And for those who are struggling with life's greater challenges - don't give up just yet, as when you're behind the camera, keep looking for the light. There's no doubt plenty of challenges out there: I'm sure inflation rates (even here) are wearing away at the ability of many to live comfortably. And the World Health Organisation has announced as recently as November of 2023 that loneliness is now a 'global public health concern' - not the sort of news that bodes well for a global society that's supposed to be emerging stronger post-pandemic. Can't find that zest for life? Perhaps you need a bit of company that shares the same passions as you do? If you're feeling alone, look for company - the photography community here is greater than you know - and there's plenty of other support groups out there I'm certain. Your greatest achievements are yet to be accomplished. If there's a calling, then keep working at it and let all else find its own place. Hell, you might even achieve international renown only after your last days are done. And for those for who things have truly become dark - remember, help is always at hand. Make that cup of coffee. Call 1-767. Don't let the light go out just yet.

Glasgow. UK christmas trip, finally did all the photos. \

Prior to last month, I couldn't even recall the last time I used a film camera. It might have been two decades ago, because sometime in the mid-2000s, digital cameras began to proliferate and before we knew it, film was out, and the 'Megapixel War' had commenced. I still remember how almost everyone I knew suddenly started talking about which camera had how many megapixels and how it that would deliver the best resolution and therefore, the 'best' photos. One-hour photo developing shops in shopping centre basements started disappearing. Nobody wanted to wait for their photos to be developed when they could be viewed and even printed at home. I, too, was enamoured at the speed at which we could produce images. Pictures that were no good could be easily deleted, so there was no more pressure to get your photos right the first time. But I began to miss shooting film a few years ago. Shooting for work is done with a digital camera and there's a rush to just get the shoot over and done with. There's little engagement in the process. The Spotmatic F feels great to hold as it is constructed from mostly metal, with some plastic bits used for the dials After all, we live in an era where everything must happen instantly, which means we're always doing (or trying to do) everything as fast as we can. It's like going on a holiday with such a packed itinerary that instead of immersing yourself in the sights, sounds and flavours, you're just rushing to tick every box on your list in a bid to maximise your time there. Damn, that's WORK, not leisure, and it's also the reason why you come home and declare you need another vacation. Slow your roll I have four film cameras: A Minolta I inherited from my late grandfather, a Yashica from the 1990s, a Mamiya RB67 I bought from Ebay a few years ago (but got 'lost' before I could use it), and my most recent acquisition, a Pentax Spotmatic F. I got that because I wanted a manual 35mm camera. One Saturday, during a few hours of clear skies, I asked my better half to indulge me by playing the role of muse/model in a photo shoot. I then loaded the Pentax with a roll of Kodak Portra 160 and set the film speed to 100. Not having touched film in nearly 20 years made the process of loading the camera, which once upon a time felt so natural, feel tricky. Luckily, I could tell I loaded it right, because the rewind lever turned counterclockwise as I advanced the roll. With a digital camera or even my smartphone, taking snapshots is easy. Once I am satisfied with the light, background and overall composition, I can click away without worry. The 120mm film rolls are expired, but they could still give 'interesting' results With film, the process is slower and more purposeful. Yes, I also imagine the final image I want to see and work backwards from there, while factoring in the available light and background. After this, I asked my missus to practice a few poses. Only after we decided on one did I activate the camera's light meter by uncovering the lens. Aha, and unlike modern camera lenses that have plastic caps, this one is made of metal. Woot. Then I adjusted the exposure by tweaking the aperture and shutter speed. Once these were sorted, I finally cocked the shutter by advancing the film lever. I felt like a sniper of sorts as I held by breath before releasing it. The click that accompanied its opening and closing was most satisfying. This was followed by a long-lost but familiar feeling of not knowing how the images will turn out. I wonder if I focussed correctly and whether my hand shook. From here on, it'll be up to the lab and whoever's processing the film to adjust accordingly, assuming there's enough latitude. The shutter speed is set using the left dial, while the shutter itself has a threaded hole for a cable release. The film counter is above the advancing lever Making each shot count Because each shot is carefully planned, my time is put to better use. Film costs more than it used to, and I recall spending $21 for the 36-exposure roll of Portra 160. The entire shoot lasted 35 minutes and I took either five or six photos. So, I probably have another 30 exposures... and much planning to do. I'm thinking of shooting landscapes in the Botanic Gardens next time. Shooting film feels more shiok than shooting digital. After all, it's something I enjoy, so naturally, it's nicer to spend more time on it as opposed to hurrying through the process. It's also liberating. A digital camera is more convenient, but if you review your shots, you start to feel constrained. With film, I can totally focus on lighting and composition since I won't see my results anytime soon. And yes, I like that feeling of anticipation and eventually, excitement, after I eventually finish the roll and send it to be processed. Aperture is set using this handy dial, while the focus is dialled in using the checkered ring - plenty of engagement for the hobbyist Larger formats? Having 36 exposures is great, but for a hobbyist like me that tries to plan every shot, medium format might be a better option. Apart from better resolution, and smoother tones and colour gradients, I'll have less planning to do, as the 6x7 format may only give me a dozen exposures. Or maybe I'll want to try a large format 4x5 camera in the future. Sheet film might be even more expensive than 120mm film, so I might only take two photos. Two well-planned shots after spending time setting up the camera. Film is outdated for an online portal like ours, but as a hobby, it's immensely more rewarding than shooting digital. I hope it doesn't disappear, because it's not outdated - it's just another format.

Flew to Copenhagen in June and then went to Billund, Hamburg, Amsterdam, Cologne, Berlin and back to Copenhagen. Legoland First stop.

Alpaca World.

Mont St Michel

Hi all... Been trying to find nice places to shoot cars and hope this thread enables everyone to share some of the places anywhere accessible in the island to take photos of their own cars.

Any nice quiet rural places for car photoshoot? Private message me if you dun wanna share it online. And thanksss in advance.

took a vacation to New York east coast in June 2019. Went to a few places like Niagara, washington, Montreal, Quebec, boston, new york. 1. First pic New York. I really liked the vibe in New York. quite different from the rest of the cities I have been especially new times square. New york Library. Looks really impressive.... Near rockefeller center And the must see, statue of liberty :) so crowded....

Some of my pics during all the short trips I have taken in Asia in the past year. http://www.keehian.com/asia2019/

Pics from my recent trip to Osaka during CNY. Fly by scoot $450 per pax. Considering it is over the CNY holidays, it is super cheap. 1) At our hotel lobby. Stayed at Mimaru kyoto aparthotel. $200/per night for an apartment which sleeps 4. Pretty cheap. comes with kitchen too. 1) outside kyomizu temple We took a Bento making class in Kyoto. Final product

Below are the pics of two short trips to taiwan Via scoot in 2018. Super cheap tickets around $200 per pax round trip!!!

We have decided to fly back to paris after many years of not visiting western Europe. First country we visited though was Switzerland. Playing with snow outside our hotel

Hope you MCFers are having a great start for the New Year. So, I will be straightforward and jump right in to my point: I am waiting to get my new car (Mazda CX-3) and as with many car lovers, I am thinking of taking the family to a nice location for the first photoshoot with the car (paiseh ah, I took first-day and last-day photos for all the cars I ever owned). For this baby crossover, I am thinking of somewhere rustic looking, so I want to share this list with you, 14 nice ulu places for photo and kopi: http://thesmartlocal.com/read/road-trip-singapore It's not a full-fledge SUV so I am going to rustic locations and not hardcore off roads. Hahaha! Any other recommendations will be MUCH APPRECIATED. Thanks in advance. Cheers, Benji

Just finished a three week vacation so starting to edit my pics.... The daylight time is so long that I am unable to catch any night shots or even golden hour shots....

https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/singapore-airshow-crash-changi-airport-reports-photos-9936838 I have seen some spectacular sunsets on the tarmac while boarding the plane at overseas airport.... Did you guys know it’s illegal...... I googled more and there seems to be some cases of people getting into minor issues with staff over this....

Took a trip to eastern Europe in 2017. Below are some of my pics. Used some black and white processing. Does it look good? 1. Vienna 2. Budapest 3. Budapest Train station 4. Krakow 5. Krakow

Bros Just starting a thread to talk about all kinds of photography. I saw some old threads, but none specifically to talk on good photos in general, techniques, and just skills exchange. For starters, Google is offering their photo-editing software free! https://www.google.com/nikcollection/ Create stunning images faster Add the power of the Nik Collection by Google to your workflow today. Advanced editing, simplified Easily create the photos you’ve imagined with six powerful plug-ins for Photoshop®, Lightroom®, or Aperture®. Make precise edits quickly Use U Point® technology to selectively edit just the parts of your photos that need touching up without losing time on complex masks and selections.

People, I have updated my blog http://www.flyingmummy.com with articles and writeups from my recent eastern Europe trip. I am not a very good writer.but I try to give some information about where the pictures are taken and the palces we have been. Vienna https://flyingmummy.com/wp/2018/01/17/travel-photography-in-vienna/ Budapest https://flyingmummy.com/wp/2018/01/27/travel-photography-in-budapest/ Slovakia https://flyingmummy.com/wp/2018/01/27/travel-photography-in-slovakia/

Hi all, DO you have any places for good car photography. Ideally, the place should have low traffic, nice backdrop. I know of only one place. East coast park carpark. Anyone know others? I am looking for a place for a summer shot

Finally have some time to edit the pics from a short three day trip to Japan. My favourite pic of the trip. Will continue posting when I edit more.

Noway 2016 June http://www.keehian.com/norway2016 If you are bored, you can look at my other travel pics here :) http://www.keehian.com

Gents, I would like to share with you this series of videos and photos about the Singapore's Naval Diving Unit Combat Diver Course where trainees learn to become combat divers. It details the entire process very thoroughly and might be of interest to those of you who are divers yourselves: http://www.straitstimes.com/naval-divers for the videos and some personal accounts http://www.straitstimes.com/through-.../story/get-wet for the photographs. Enjoy!

Metamorphosis Production Established since July 2000, our mission has been to conceptualize, create & deliver quality visual productions of global standards for our clients. Each in alignment with unique communications needs. Being a Singaporean firm equipped with know-how & equipment of international competency, we have been providing clients with real visuals bearing local flavour & international appeal. Believing strongly in the uniqueness of each client & each assignment’s objectives, we have been investing substantial time for each assignment understanding needs, & proposing concepts for approval before embarkation of creative production work. With a team of qualified professionals – from creative conceptualization & production to client liaison, we have been delivering services effecting high levels of client satisfaction to many Multinational Organizations & local start-ups alike. Chief Creative & Photographer – Mr Brian Law Bryan Law has been in commercial Still & Motion visual production for over 15 years. After graduating in Lasalle SIA with Diploma in Graphic Design, he pursued & attained his Advanced Diploma in Photography in Aberdeen College of Arts (UK). He furthered attained in Bachelor & Masters degree in Photography, Film & TV in Napier University in UK. He worked as an associate photographer for a major PR photography film in Singapore & another renowned commercial photography firm upon his graduation & return. He also worked as an associate in Sinchow Press. After being sought-after for many assignments by various businesses, he founded Metamorphosis Production to further serve these long-term clients & new clients, from a centralized business nucleus. 161 Kallang Way #06-08/09, Singapore 349247 Phone: 6844 4735 / 9671 7616 Website: www.meta-pro.com Email : [email protected] , [email protected]