2011 REFLECTION AND HELLOW 2012!
Happy New Year! Thank you for those of you who follow keep your ongoing support for me and my blog. I believe you’ve had a wonderful Christmas and a great start in the New Year. 
It’s a tradition for many of us to celebrate our New Year by going into the city for New Year’s countdown as well as watching the midnight firework. And for me, it became my tradition to write something to conclude my past year when transitioning into the New Year. Unfortunately this year I was not able to finish this post in time due to my busy schedule, but it definitely feels wrong not to write about it at all. It’s better late than never. Right? Right.
Friends who know me well would know that I go to movies often, pretty much a wide range of films. And in one of my most recently watched movies, The New Year’s Eve, a speech made by Hilary Swank (acting Claire Morgan) in the middle of the film really is what enlightened the soul of this all-star celebration movie and made it different. I googled it and here’s the original quote I found:
“It’s suspended there to remind us before we pop the champagne and celebrate the new year, to stop and reflect on the year that has gone by. To remember both our triumphs and our missteps, our promises made and broken. The times we opened ourselves up to great adventures or closed ourselves down for fear of getting hurt coz that is what new years is all about- getting another chance. A chance to forgive, to do better, to do more, to give more, to love more. And stop worrying about what if and start embracing what would be. So when that ball drops at midnight and it will drop, let’s remember to be nice to each other, kind to each other. And not just tonight but all year long.”
It’s true. In the process of pursuing our dreams and success we must not rush into actions. Instead we must take time to pause, reflect and set goals, having the confidence the next year is going to be great. This is one of the main reasons I keep a blog going instead of employing a fancy-designed website. This way I get to keep track of my photography, the things I do, the people I met and basically…my life. And of course my life is way more complicated than what’s on this blog, but when I do go back and read through my past entries, I do get encouraged of how far a path I have come. Ultimately, I feel glad.
The Last Image of 2011
This is one of the last images I took in 2011, taken at Cornwall Park on 30th December. It perhaps well describes what my past year was like – a not so straight path with lot’s of rain, but well protected and full of companies. The end of the road was not easily seen but the scenery along the way was beautiful. That’s 2011 – New job, new friends, hurts and wounds, every growing business with new allies and new opportunities.
This year again I was pleased to be back into the city again to watch the New Year firework. Although the skytower was not clearly seen due to cloudy weather, the celebration spirit was nothing less.
While some would like to keep their heads or bottles up to celebrate, some decided to take the competition right through to the new year. ; )
No matter where you are and how you would like to celebrate your New Year, it’s always important to know you are not celebrating it alone.
As for 2012, what will this year be like? Will I be able to reinforce my advantages and further develop my strengths? Will I be able to learn from mistakes I made in the past and be wiser and be a better person? I am excited to find out! But what I know is, we are off to a great start. This year is going to be different. Because I know it deep in my heart.
I wish you a meaningful 2012. Keep your passion up and follow your dreams!
A SOLJANS WEDDING ::: KEVIN AND R-DEE
December on the Southern hemisphere side, where the stormy days were supposed to be so last season. But when sunshine and blue skies are still feeling a bit camera-shy, the best thing you can do is perhaps to prepare a Plan “B” and hope you will never have to use it. The weather in this early Summer hadn’t been exactly great as it had been raining the entire week leading up to their big day on 17 December. Therefore, raining on the big day would not be a surprise to anyone at all, but the question remained – is the rain going to stop, and when.
It seems like the unwanted rain had invited herself to the ceremony that day. When the bridal and her wedding car arrived at Soljans, just a few minutes before the ceremony start, raindrops started to fall from the sky. Sensing the need for a backup venue, the venue organiser were about to initiate Plan “B” – moving the ceremony indoor. “Can we wait till the rain clears?”, asked the bride. With a degree of confidence in her voice she still seemed to believe the situation will soon change despite the current weather outside.
Sometimes life puts us on a test only to help us find wisdom, strength and confidence to over come it. Other times, we need to realise our limitations and leave things to God, trusting that He is in control. Somewhat within less than five minutes, the weather cleared and the bright sunlight was shining on the beautiful garden of Soljans. Wines were waving in the wind as if they were saying, ”It’s time. Let’s start!”
At the wedding, “the Celebration of Love”, we revisited the testament of faith. While to others it’s a reminder, for some of us it’s reassurance. Absolute reaassruance. Congratulations Kevin and R-Dee. I am so proud of you two. And I hope the Slick will look slick like never before and the Charm will stay charming forever. : )
I took so many photos on a wedding day and it really hurts not being able to post all of them. But here are some of the photos I loved and picked and I hope you enjoy viewing them.
Every wedding is unique, so is this one started off at Braemar. There are heaps of fine details to photograph and I adore places like this.
The bride’s mum was around for the whole bridal preparation sessione, watching her daughter getting make-up and hair done. What could be on the mum’s mind? I guess it must be a complex feeling. But the smile on the mum’s face told us at least that. She’s proud of how beautiful her daughter looked that day.
A few more portrait before the bride heading for the ceremony. GORGEROUS!
Here comes the most anticipated moment: father holding the daughter’s hand in the clear sunshine, slowing marching towards the red carpet. Everybody’s attention was drawn by her. Imposing, elegant, imposingly elegant.
Pastor, celebrant, groom’s father…Uncle Albert plays his triple role pretty well that day.
I have no idea why they smile at the camera like this. Good job boys with the teeth and identical poses.
I have photos to prove how great the weather turned out to be during the ceremony.
It’s NOT the kiss, it’s the moment before…and right after.
If I had to pick one photo to define the wedding day I would choose a wedding recessional shot like this every time. Abundance of happiness and the overflowing of joy and love completely revealed on the couple’s faces. Nothing can cover that.
A simply WOW…
17 December 2011. One big great day to remember!
RWC ALL BLACKS VICTORY PARADE IN AUCKLAND
If I had to describe what NZ was up to in 3 words it would be : Rugby World Cup!
If I had to describe what NZ was up to in 2 words it would be: All Blacks!
If I had to describe what NZ was up to in one word: Celebration!
New Zealand is crazy about rugby. And with All Blacks victory over France in the RWC final we have certainly gone even crazier! It has been a remarkable one and half months since the launch of the RWC and there’s just an ever building up of atmosphere in this country. We’ve now reached the point of having to release such energy and excitement. Hence the victory parades! It’s incredible!! Auckland was once again packed with people who were ready to witness and share the joy of All Blacks’ victory.
If you know me personally or have read about my blog post earlier you would know that I am not a rugby fan. But this RWC has certainly made some big improvements. I really enjoyed watching those games at home with Nigel, Sammi, Gordon, Alvin, Emily, Joe together and those evenings have become the highlights of the month. Having spent a third of my life in this country I would say I feel very proud of New Zealand also. This would be the biggest event in New Zealand for many years to come so we must know, must see and must capture. And to cheer for the All Blacks, I present this set of photographs entirely in B&W. Go the All Blacks! Go NZ!!
RUGBY WORLD CUP 2011 OPENING NIGHT
New Zealand is crazy about rugby. So we bought the world cup to us, and now are hosting the largest ever sports event in the nation’s history. By memory the only rugby game I watched properly was about eight years ago, the night before sitting my final exam? It was England vs Australia at RWC Final. I can’t even remember who took the trophy in the end. But regardless whether you watch, like, play rugby at all, the wide spread of excitement has certainly infiltrated every person in the country. And when it finally arrives. Boom! It lid up the whole Auckland City!! Streets, bars, the viaduct, downtown Auckland were so congested that it was impossible to move. It felt like any push from people would have broken the equilibrium of safety and literally cause people to fall. It was over crowding! But that’s why I was there – to soak in this RWC atmosphere. You know how we say NZ has more sheep than people right? This feels like the once in a life time turn around. ; )
I was fortunate enough to have a friend who lives nearby the CBD and offered for me to park at his carpark. This really saved the hassle of waiting for buses when retreating from the city. I’ve heard people stood hours before getting into a bus or a train. That would be a nightmare. NZ’s transport system was never really prepared to handle this amount of people, and this is based on common knowledge. But I am sure same thing would have happened to most other countries too.
The fireworks were a little disappointing. They were coming from all angles but most of the time it felt like lack of boosts. As I was viewing it from viaduct it seemed scattered and a bit weak. I was expecting more to be honest. By comparison the laser lights really added much more dynamic to the show. I was standing too far from the screen so I missed the opening ceremony at Eden Park. So I watched the Youtube video when I got home. It was amazing!! Go All Blacks! Go NZ! Make the kiwi nation proud!
Some short-lived peaceful moments before hyper-excitement begins…
Auckland was extra vibrant in this evening of celebration.
Here comes the All Black fans…
Then more tried to jump into the photo…
As I set up my tripod trying to take some shots, people on the street always want to come in your way.
The Tonga fan club is here!
It’s pretty intense playing against NZ All Blacks. ^^
Look at their expressions…haha!
Try!!
THE ROYAL EASTER SHOW AND SOME MEMORIES
I spent a fair amount of my childhood at my grandparents place. Every school holidays, my parents would drop me there in the morning and pick me up after they finishing work in the afternoon. So together for me and my two, or sometimes three cousins, that’s where we grew up. In those days we didn’t have massive theme parks to go to; we didn’t have fancy entertainment facilities; we didn’t even have the flash entrance tickets, all we had was that convenient but unattractive, desolate but peaceful Memorial Park slash Martyrs Cemetery.
It’s the most and most ordinary park for many, but a place of special sentiment and attachment for me and my family. It’s just like the coffee shop across the street, you know you don’t go there everyday, but when you do, it always welcomes you. It’s just there. As kids we knew that place so well that we were granted “free” access through various designated access points (without getting caught). I guess we were quite naughty then, but hey we weren’t bad. : )
I remember dad he used to tell me how blessed our generation was compared to his, but at the same time he would also stress that it was more fun back in his days when everybody played in the fields, by the rivers and in the farms. The world has oviously moved on fast since and we now have massive theme parks built in and around big cities, geared up for millions of visits on a daily basis. Simply can’t compare!
The Royal Easter Show was held over Easter weekend at ASB Showgrounds. I only saw it as I drove past it. Since I had my camera and lenses with me I made a turn and decided to give it a “shot”. There were quite a number of people at the show and it feels like a mini amusement park was set up there overnight. Quite amazing! The next morning I saw on NZ Herald that some people complained about the show being “overpriced”. It didn’t occur to me till then I realised I was supposed to pay for the admission fee! Oh…as I was looking for carpark that evening I drove into the “exhibitors parking” and the staff there just waved me in. Yes, I did it again!!
MEMORIAL SERVICE OF CONDOLENCE AND HOPE
I have to admit that the past week was a rather smooth week for me. I had work, I enjoyed my meals, then I came home from work and dinners I could enjoy a shower, surf the Internet, and go to sleep. Then next day goes on. But we should remind ourselves that while we could happily live our lives satisfied or dissatisfied, over the other side of the country, across the ocean, there are people who are hungry, sleepless, hurt, homeless and heartbroken…
The memorial service was held in both Christchurch and Auckland on 18 March. Many Aucklanders and with people from different parts of the country gathered in the Auckland Museum to take part of this event – “Memorial Service of Condolence and Hope”. Yes, in the event of disasters, hope is most needed.
All the seats were filled and left people standing at the back.
School performamce
Many leaders went up the stage to give their speech.
Various religions came together, and offer their prayers.
Memorial Service concluded. People began to line up to put red flowers as an act of remembering this tragedy and the people who lost their lives.
The entire Auckland Museum was lit by red lights…that night, the city was washed by the rain.
Everytime when disaster strikes I tend to remember Yuna’s unforgettable quote from Final Fantasy X…
“Everyone… everyone has lost something precious. Everyone here has lost homes, dreams, and friends. Everybody… Now, Sin is finally dead.
Now, Spira is ours again. Working together… Now we can make new homes for ourselves, and new dreams. Although I know the journey will be hard, we have lots of time. Together, we will rebuild Spira. The road is ahead of us, so let’s start out today.
Just, one more thing… The people and the friends that we have lost, or the dreams that have faded…
Never forget them.”
CUT ABOVE FASHION SHOW
Fashion is an industry that closely associate with photography and it’s one of the most important aspects of modern photography. Such inspiration-driven industry is all about working with ideas and concepts eventually develop new trends, new styles and new looks. Recently the American TV show Make Me a Supermodel really inspired me to pay attention to that little details in photoshoot. The subtle expression, the eye contact, the striking of pose really show how serious and sophisticated fashion photography is all about.
Thanks to Denise and Eva, I attended the cut above fashion show few weeks back. All the makeup, hair, outfit, modelling are done by students. They are the creative bunch of the future fashion industry. I really like the way how they entered the stage from an elevator which was awesome.
I think she did an awesome cat walk…
The coolest look
And here are some behind the scene photos…
Eva & Denise’s final work…
CAMPAIGN FOR COMPASSION FUNDRAISER SOIREE ::: TOP 10 PHOTOS
We had an awesome fundraising ball on Friday night. I became one of the sponsors for the event, auctioning a 2hr photography service. Although it didn’t hit its market value but it did sell for a reasonable price. Yeah! I hope whoever won the auction will enjoy this 2hr photography session. I am really happy that I can contribute my skills in such a way that could bring blessing to the needed. That night we had excellent turn out at the ball and we exceeded our fund-raising goal of $3000. Out of the many photos I took for that evening I have shortlisted these 10 photos to be the best captures.
10 – the Zion girls enjoying dancing
9 – SPARCK, Special Performing ARtist in Christ Kingdom
8 – lynie’s cute pose
7 – no comment : )
6 – I like the sharpness, DOF, and the expression of her face
5 – a group of passionate Jai Ho dancers
4 – Kwadwo’s glamourous moment..lol
3 – the dedicated mucisians…XD
2 – very emo…
1 – the winning photo goes to Esther Ling who put in so much effort in organising this fundraising soiree
