Siewk Photography - Penang Kuala Lumpur Malaysia Wedding Portrait ,Product,Food-Female Photographer

A little special present to Myself: Workshop by Michael Greenberg (Integricity Simplify)

2012-02-09T20:28:00.000+08:00

It was about a year ago , at Creative Asia conference , when we first came to know Michael Greenberg - a renowned wedding photographer from Canada . His impressive and elegant masterpieces shared during the conference stayed vividly in my mind . They are different , a unique style of his own - why?

For quite some time , a few questions linger in me .
What makes a photo so impactful ?
Could it be just the composition or the emotion involved ? Or mixed of various elements?

A photography workshop is something I reward myself (at least once a year) , a bonus given to the self-employed me after all the effort for the past year. It's a boost of motivation and self improvement. I had a semester of Basic Film Photography when I was in university and continued learning through online live workshops, books , people I know but I felt there's something lacking - experiential learning. We would often think we are right , we are cool (cause no one is the boss ) and sometimes we let trend dictates the norm. And there's when we are lost in a pool of similarities and worse when things become stagnant & repetitively the same.

I came across a post at Wedshooter.TV , announcing that Michael Greenberg is coming to KL for a 2-day workshop . He's back again !! Without a doubt , i signed up for the class instantly . The "word can't describe" anticipation to learn and experience from a photographer I truly admire. Best part is we can have 3-4 of our images reviewed , analyzed and critiqued - what a good way to learn , from our mistakes..

Here's some highlight in pictures , what we, the humble students gone through for that special 2 days .
Model : Ong Tou & Priscilla Soh
Guided by : Michael Greenberg ( Phototerra)
Shot with D90 with 18-105 kit lens

Practice 1 : By the window , natural light
## Learned about the do's and don't of a side profile photo & posing the model naturally##

Practice 2 : At the corridor, natural light

Practice 3 : Under hot afternoon sun
## Careful about the shadow , can start use flash to fill . Challenging us to shoot anywhere , anytime of the day ##

Practice 4 : Posing couple naturally ## With us shooting, Michael instructing ..aikss ##

Practice 5: Off Cam flash gelled with CTO - i tried with high speed , eliminating the ambience
## My very first attempt with the cord and gel * nervous * ##

More off cam flash trials - it was hot noon but it came out as if Priscilla is enjoying her sunset

Practice 6 : Off cam flash - at bushes and trees near the factory..
## I like this part a lot , starting to understand better how things work and put theory from Day 1 into reality ##

Practice 7 : Positioning model - for depth instead of a frontal view

Practice 8 : Include interesting , coloured background and patterns into composition

Practice 9: Off cam with motion . special assistance by Danny Chew and thanks Michael for lending us the Pocketwizard!

Sweetest memories . Great teacher , super friendly participants :)
I was the only female participant in the class ..feeling like one of the bro's haha..
From left: ME! , Josh , Wooi Loon, Subra, Michael Greenberg , Benz , Ong Tou , Priscilla , Lip Fah , Ken & Danny behind the camera!

To summarise the workshop and what i've learnt, i could go on and on , here's one sentence to summarize :
"He taught us how to fish and not giving us the fish , his photos have so many stories to tell and that is very enlightening."

Some keywords i randomly remember :
A story to tell , a style of your own , be consistent & professional , continue learning and be inspired by other photographers' work, The W - questions , More information less space , Less vs. more ......

A truly inspiring weekend , now practise practise practise!

Heart to heart : Li Yong & Onn Hong Wedding

2012-01-19T12:44:00.000+08:00

A wedding , filled with smiles ! Magical moments , warming the hearts of everyone that came from near and far to witness this event. It's about celebrating love, life, family & friendship. One of the reason to say why i love to capture wedding so much..happy brides , bliss and LOVE in the air!

The Same Day Edit slideshow played during their dinner , shown below:

Assignment recommended by : Forevermore Events
Make up by : Jocelyn Tan Makeup

We Are Family !

2011-12-15T20:25:00.000+08:00

Recap: 2011

One of my favorites for the year . Happy together portrait series featuring cutie Maisarah and her lovely parents. We had great fun , enjoying the greens of Putrajaya and as for our cutie, the playground was great joy. I could recall how us the adults ran & chase her , tonnes of good sweat and exercise for me really ..End of the session , I think we've become closer - more like friends than clients really. Liyana , mom of Maisarah is actually Azie's good friend /colleague (whom i shot her maternity portrait not too long ago) . Am truly thankful for the kind recommendation and an opportunity to capture such a beautiful family. An unforgettable experience for both me and Kimi . Here's some highlight of my enjoyable session with them :

And the cute little slideshow here:

Celebrating love & friendship : Bryan + Poh Lin

2011-12-08T21:33:00.001+08:00

It was at least 9 years ago , my very first experience staying independently away from family and home. I was pursuing my Bachelor Degree in Communication (UPM) , starting afresh ...definitely excited and vowed to make the best out of my 3 years there.

Our hostel policy for new students back then was , to let us "join force" with senior roommates .And there's where all the stories began. Met my 3 "Da room mates" : Jae , Hooi Khoon and Poh Lin.
It was a combination of 2 states : Penang (me and Hooi Khoon ) , Subang (Jae + Poh Lin) .
They introduced me to the world of mamak , gave me proper orientation in and out ...and definitely feel so so blessed .

We had fun times travelling out of uni compound for late night supper , major cookout with rice cooker and frequent visits by our close friends made the room atmosphere always happy & cheerful. *Happy memories *

Such an honour to be assigned as both Jae & Poh Lin wedding photographer. It meant so much to me to share their very very important day.."xiao" room mate (me) almost in tears for both their weddings ..truly touched ..Here's some highlight of the special occasion..

Their lovely wedding dinner at Empire hotel , Subang : slideshow below-

Also had the chance to shoot their "Behind The Scene" - Pre Wedding video.

Peggy + Sean - Colourful Penang

2011-12-08T20:44:00.001+08:00

Sweet loving couple + classic locations in Penang...what a pretty sight! Being the 2nd shooter role this time around was fun. Exploring the Chew Jetty area as well as Peranakan Museum for two simple themes that were planned for the couple.
Peggy & Sean , heartiest congratulations to you both.
Special credit : Je De Unbeaten

More of the album available here.

Love Is The Answer - feat Eric + Sukiyuki

2011-08-18T13:27:00.000+08:00

If Love is the Answer , What is the question ?

The video featuring music from Unexamined.

Special thanks to Je De Unbeaten, Eric + Sukiyuki for this experimental series.

{ Love - Just The Way you are } Wedding : Cheng Cheng + Keat Seong - Penang

2011-07-12T20:26:00.001+08:00

I love happy smiling bride + groom ...And they are glowing beautiful , just the way they are.

Those smiles and the special sparkles in their eyes , contains the excitement and happiness from within.

No words can describe that feeling , but I guess pictures would . Photographing Cheng Cheng + Keat Seong from their ROM till their Wedding Day last month , was an experience I truly won't forget . A reunion with old school mates , a webcam -ing bride on her special day , the warm hospitality from both families... I truly love my job and thankful for the opportunity. Special thanks to CC + KS for engaging us in 2 of your very special occasions . With many warm blissful wishes from me + kimi.

Pretty bride

web cam-ing on wedding day with our friend lynzie who is currently out of malaysia

Happiness !

Stylo groom and the entourage

Tea + the tea set

Smiles ..

Sweet couple ^_^

Bliss

officially married !

dinner at Gurney Hotel penang

love to see how their eyes connect

Warm wishes to you both...

More of the album , click here

{Bond}

2011-07-01T19:28:00.000+08:00

Chinese pre - wedding night ceremony coverage for Yvonne. Here's sharing with you lot the highlight of the event. Hugs , smiles and moments that truly touch my heart. Warm wishes to Yvonne + Weng Jou. I'll let the pictures tell the story. Event assisted by my 2nd shooter (a.ka my bf Kimi)

Celebrating Life { Azie Maternity }

2011-06-21T19:02:00.000+08:00

Love *

Cheeky moments

Mama + papa + baby

Laundry time with the cute baby apparels.

Throughout my university years, Rover Scouts (KLKM) was a huge part of my life other than studies. It had put me into various challenges and developmental stage , teaching me the importance of leadership, teamwork and what true friendship is all about. Endless meetings, activities, camps, gathering filled up my 3-year weekends ...

Scouting was where I met my client a.k.a scout junior , Azie. A girl with vibrant positive personality, always with a very sweet smile on her face. We went to HINEX (Higher Institution National Expedition) held in Terengganu together - what an adventure that was .

After graduating for almost 6 years now , finally, last month on 22nd May , we met again and this time is to capture Azie's maternity moments with her partner Azam. We made our way to their love nest at Nilai and did the whole maternity shoot at the comfort of their home.Truly enjoyed the session with them..fun-filled , laughter and smiles that melt my heart .

Still the same old Azie , ever with the sweet smile on her face - who will soon be a mother to a child. And to be able to document her important life chapter was truly an honour ..a memorable day I will never forget. She's about to due next few days. I am excited for the couple as they welcome their baby and taking their step to parenthood.

More of the album available at : Azie maternity album

{ Love Unites } Yvonne + Weng Jou ROM

2011-05-20T17:06:00.000+08:00

*Love*

You can't see it , but you can feel it

From family , to friends , and life partner..

Love Unites ...

Cherished every moment spent together with my clients Yvonne + Weng Jou , a loving couple who registered their marriage at the KL + Selangor Chinese Assembly Hall past month. Internet and website brought us together. Yvonne found me from an online directory.We exchanged a few calls within the 2 weeks before the event and finally met face to face on that very special day...

This photography journey has brought me to different places, meeting people from different walks of life , do the things i never thought i will, witnessing amazing real-life love stories and best part of it - is to be part of very important chapters of my clients lives.

Nothing more precious than this meaningful experience. And I always thank my clients for having faith in me and their endless support drives me forward. Each assignment, I strive for the best I could , feeling and living the moments like they do (p/s : am as excited as the bride - happens every time! ).

Here's a warm lil greeting to Yvonne + Weng Jou ...congratulations!

A chapter of bliss begins...

More pictures from this album , click here

Explore! (feat Sasha )

2011-04-13T16:19:00.001+08:00

19th March 2011 -

In the midst of of all the passersby at KL Sentral as I was making my quick move to meet Tzeko , and that moment...I met Sasha for the very first time.It was end of last year, when Sasha found me on Modelmayhem , and where she suggested to me we collaborate for something out of the box (i instantly agree!!) ...Months had past and finally we got connected again. This time is to make it happen!

Initial idea was just to try out some Film Noir concept adaptation and Neon lighting portraits .
And we ended up with so many other ideas .. probably because we were inspired by Sasha's enthusiasm and commitment ..endlessly trying new moves and poses . So here's the series where i have tried new things i have never done before and will continue to explore cause that's life all about !

I always love to see people doing things they are passionate with . Dance, photography, singing, music and the list goes on...Just do what we love, and love what we are doing.

Full series of the album here
Sasha's Blog

2 Hearts Unite { Darren + Angie }

2011-03-23T13:59:00.001+08:00

Came to know this beautiful loving couple from Guat Eng, my high school friend. Darren the groom , is her brother who tied the knot with Angie earlier this year. Me and my partner felt the warmth of their love for each other and appreciated much their hospitality throughout our photo coverage with them. All of us - the photgraphers and the couple truly had FUN! It was a joyous day to celebrate and some of the scene touched my heart too..Here's some pictures highlighted from the series:

Details of a chinese wedding - the basket & teaset

Bidding farewell to her family members

Beautiful bride at Soka Gakkai Penang

Loving kiss from Darren to Angie

Appreciation to the mothers who brought up 2 great individuals..

Angie in tears of joy


It's time to celebrate !

More photos are available at :

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=282337&id=689119404&l=1b51d976f4

LOVE is ... { Ilona + Foong Chew New Chapter }

2011-02-23T01:10:00.001+08:00

Love is ..

the look in your eyes

the touch of your hands

the soft whispers

the sweet company

those smiles that melt our hearts..

Love can be simple,

yet so beautiful

from the parents to their loving daughter,

from the loving daughter to her life companion.


LOVE ...

From this moment on...

Beginning of a new chapter..


Heart melting moments..

As family ties and bonds extend...

A journey of bliss ahead of you , Foong Chew + Ilona. Truly an honour to capture the moments of your special day.

More of the album available at :

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=274225&id=689119404&l=d16d6c6f11

CNY 2011 (Penang) - The Pace Of Life

2011-02-18T11:54:00.009+08:00

Penang - home sweet home . Missed all things so natural and heritage preserved at its best.

From the food , environment and the people , All I wished for is to be able to be back more often to a place I really call my home.

Brought my partner to Chinese New Year festival at Armenian Street , just to let him experience the warmth of Penang street and the culture. Things like this , we don't see often when we are in metro city like KL...maybe occasionally at shopping malls but it's just a different feeling at the end of the day.

I particularly like the series of pictures I took of the 24 Season Drummers.

Their level of teamwork , commitment and beautiful synchronization made the drum beats more than just a performance for me.

Metaphorically I sum them as "The Pace Of Life", be it the modern or the authentic way.

We started off young , everything from scratch - clueless of what's ahead..


There come times where we need silence , calmness , self reflection and focus on the things to come.

Energy and pace picking up - anticipate and passionate on every move taken and be at your best like there's no tomorrow.


Be in sync with yourself. You dictate your life , just like how every music and beat has its soul.

More pictures from this series: http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=272833&id=689119404&l=2f4a3e80df

New Chapter , New Beginning : ROM - Cheng Cheng + Keat Seong

2011-02-09T16:52:00.000+08:00

A new chapter, a new beginning. It was the ROM solemnization of my school mates Cheng Cheng and Keat Seong. Known Cheng Cheng for more than 10 years (counting back from Primary Std1) and Keat Seong whom I came to know when we were all in Form 6.

It's always a great feeling to see friends , my clients tie the knot. In their eyes , smiles and gestures , bliss is within them. And having the opportunity to document their important day makes my job , my passion a very meaningful one. Hoping to continue to craft the pieces

5th December 2010 - The beginning of a new chapter

Vows of lifetime commitment

My favourite picture in the series...their eyes and smiles melt my heart.. LOVE is in the air..

Specially dedicated to my school mates (Christine , Julie , Cheng Cheng Ting Pei) and Lynnzie (wish you are here with us..)

Enjoying togetherness

Beautiful day , beautiful couple and beautiful bouquet of flowers


Hand in hand till the end of time...

More of the album is available at http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=263273&id=689119404&l=bf809266fb

L.O.V.E : Pre Wedding Series

2010-12-22T22:55:00.004+08:00

LOVE : You can't see it, but you can feel it ..

LOVE: binds two to become one , individuals become life partners - celebrating togetherness..

LOVE: is having a shoulder to lean on , someone who cares, shares, listens and comfort....

L.O.V. E

This post is specially dedicated to the newlyweds Shi Hooi and Hiang Pin . I wish you two warmest + heartiest congratulations and may the coming chapter filled with bliss , joy , happiness and warmth of love ..

p/s : Thanks for that special moment that got me the acknowledgment from Creative Asia Photography Award...More than grateful, thank you's are not enough to express my gratitude..

More of the series available at :

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=251360&id=689119404&l=977e04040e

Bridal Series : Featuring Lynn

2010-10-19T11:51:00.005+08:00

It has been an aim for myself and my fellow good pal Je De Unbeaten to do a bridal /pre wedding series - in our quest to challenge ourselves with the different genres of photography. I believe that photography captures the essence of life - be it still, life, events and moments .The beauty of life - those simple things that crosses our path - the nature, the people , the situations..We should not be easily confining ourselves to what we can do , but always strive to unleash our hidden potential . A journey so often be difficult , but it is worth a try...and at least we've tried.

Though it was my first experience crafting this bridal series, i have learned a lot . Be it from my team mates - Je & Mei Nai and not to forget Lynn who made this session possible. It was a pleasant session with her, and i really admired her artistic / craft-y hands. She was a nail artist ..thus the nail art was done by herself along with the hairdo and handmade hair accessories. Her handmade craft can be seen on the pictures shown below.

Lynn stylishly with the beaded gown .. one of my fav!

Loved the flying veil..a shot made possible by team mates - Je & Mei Nai. The landscape there was amazing..

I fell in love with those hand made hair accessories , all crafted by Lynn herself.Vow to purchase one from her one day..

Simple and elegant Lynn..well done!

More of the pictures can be found at:

http://www.facebook.com/siewkay

http://www.facebook.com/siewk.photography

In Style : Issac & Elise @ Railway

2010-09-30T00:22:00.001+08:00

Brick walls - arches - steel rails

We were at the old railway station in Butterworth , Penang. A session made possible with two brilliant aspiring models Elise & Issac.

Elise with her strong &confident poses.

Issac + style = masculinity.
(Does it look like an advertisement? Welcome your feedback..hehe)

And both Issac & Elise , as the sun shines from the roof above..giving that extra shine to the gleaming shiny hair..

- LOVED the place , LOVED the diffused lighting , LOVED how both of them come so comfortably IN STYLE -

And here's more of the sweet moments captured , which was shot as a silhouette

The final frame I took before we ended the energetic session...

Here's a slideshow made for both of you and wishing Elise "Happy Birthday" (thanks for reminder Je!)

More of Issac + Elise : In Style album is available at:

http://www.facebook.com/siewkay

http://www.facebook.com/siewk.photography

Winnie's Portrait: Nature at Its Best - Green Green Green!

2010-09-21T19:21:00.000+08:00

It was a date , our date with the green pastures of Taman Metropolitan , KL.

Winnie loves to travel and read and definitely has a lovely smile!

Her traveling albums are what we always look forward to.

Her cheers and laughter made the session very lively indeed.

Enjoyed every second of it.


Winnie gleefully smiles in our warming up session .


Winnie loves to read and enjoys listening to the music .And definitely a cheerful person too!


Very peaceful place - enjoying the beautiful scenery by the lake..


We had our "secret" to this shot, only Winnie knew what happened behind this scene..

More of the album , http://www.facebook.com/siewk.photography

SHE is beautiful

2009-12-17T20:30:00.000+08:00

Truly Penang - Marks my 1st Entry

2009-11-20T20:56:00.004+08:00

Finally, a blog page of my own. 20th November 2009 , shall mark this date down as it begins my photoblog entry .. .specially dedicated to Milin for inspiring me , with her endless encouragements & advise in my photography journey. To start things off, let me share with you a black & white photo i took 7 years back.Taken with my Nikon FM10 and developed it in the darkroom. This piece was the 7th piece (with final approval by my UPM Photography lecturer) after endless trial of burning & dodging .

Love the Penang Heritage trail much. All things so authentic depicting the "Penang Flavour",

I truly miss.