Credits to Napie Mohsin, he sums up the photography industry

After a while i didnt update my blog, i found this fb notes from a 'relative thru religion', Mr Napie Mohsin. Wuldnt write more, let him do the writing, and I just want to share..

Salam Sejahtera,

Semalam saya telah berkongsi berkenaan kes-kes yg telah berlaku diantara customer dan jurugambar.Sebenarnya kes begini telah banyak berlaku sejak dari saya belum libatkan diri dlm fotografi lagi.Ini belum lagi ditambah kes jurugambar yang caj murah yang saya rasa anda semua maklum tiada penghujungnya.

Segala apa yg saya ingin kongsikan disini hanyalah pendapat peribadi saya, samada anda setuju atau membangkang itu pendapat peribadi anda dan saya hormatinya.Diam tak diam rupanya sudah 4 tahun saya melibatkan diri dlm fotografi dan saya bukan hanya belajar tentang pengetahuan fotografi tetapi pada masa yg sama saya telah membuat ala-ala R&D tentang dunia fotografi antaranya sifat dan sikap,budaya bermusim dan terikut-ikut dan lain2 lagi.Perkara yg ingin saya tekankan disini adalah khas untuk golongan pelanggan dan jurugambar.Saya harap anda dapat membacanya dengan sabar kerana luahan yang agak panjang.

Pelanggan

1. ‘Customer always right’ biasa kita dengar kan? Jika benar anda dipihak yg benar mengapa masih terjadi isu-isu ketidakpuasan hati pada jurugambar?.Tidakkah anda tiada kemampuan utk bertanyakan pada diri anda sendiri mengapa ini terjadi dan siapa yang harus dipersalahkan?Dimana sahaja di dalam bumi yang diduduki oleh manusia ini terdapat 3 golongan iaitu kurang berkemampuan,berkemampuan dan terlebih berkemampuan.Dan diantara 3 golongan ini ada bermacam2 sifat dan sikap.Ada orang yg kurang berkemampuan tetapi ia berusaha utk mendapatkan apa yg diinginkan supaya kelak ia akan berpuas hati dari sakit hati.Ada org yg kurang berkemampuan tetapi ia sedar akan kekurangannya.Ada orang berkemampuan tetapi dia buat-buat tak berkemampuan atau berkemampuan tapi dia seorang ‘Haji Bakhil’.Dan ada orang terlebih kemampuan juga buat-buat tak berkemampuan dan mungkin juga seorang ‘Haji Bakhil’.Secara umum,tidak kira diperingkat kemampuan mana pun anda,anda akan lebih cenderung ke arah perkara yg disukai.Sebagai cth; saya ambil dalam persekitaran perkahwinan.Anda lebih suka dan tak kisah mengeluarkan belanja yg lebih untuk decoration cthnya,makeup atau baju supaya persekitaran majlis sekali seumur hidup dan anda tampak cantik, sekaligus hati anda akan mendapat kepuasan tetapi anda kurang suka mengeluarkan belanja lebih utk perkara yg kurang anda sukai spt fotografi cthnya atau videografi atau lain2.Jika anda tak kisah membelanjakan lebih untuk baju yang berharga RM15K tetapi anda kisah jika membelanjakan utk fotografi/videografi sebanyak RM1K.Dan jika anda tergolong dalam kurang berkemampuan,dalam hal-hal yg menjadi kesukaan anda, tidak mustahil anda mampu memakai baju berharga RM15K tadi.Ye,mungkin anda akan berkata ‘Eh suka hati aku lah duit aku’ tetapi anda juga perlu berkata ‘Padan muka akulah’ jika ada perkara yg tidak memuaskan hati anda berlaku.
Sebenarnya dalam hal berurusan dengan perniagaan yang melibatkan ‘services’ ni, mudah sahaja ‘YOU GET WHAT YOU PAY’…BMW harga RM500K so bayar saja lor if nak kereta baik punya dan selesa!
Anda lebih sanggup mengeluarkan belanja tinggi utk mendapatkan segalanya yg terbaik tetapi anda lupa yg semua itu hanyalah bersifat sementara dan hanya utk beberapa jam sahaja.Anda tidak sanggup mengeluarkan belanja utk fotografi/videografi yg mana akan menjadi kenangan selama-lamanya.Bila anak anda berkahwin mereka dapat menunjukkan gambar perkahwinan itu kepada anaknya.Inilah arwah datok dan nenek masa kawin dulu2.Dan harga baju nenek ni RM15K..Jurugambar lah yg akan merakam keseluruhan apa yg telah anda bayar dengan mahal itu.

2. Memilih siapa jurugambar/videografer anda sememangnya hak anda sebab duit anda kan :) dan mengikut bajet tapi mengapa tidak anda siasat atau melihat hasil kerjanya terlebih dahulu.Adakah benar si jurugambar menunjukkan hasil kerja sendiri atau menggunakan hasil kerja org lain.Dan adalah lebih baik dan selamat anda berurusan dengan yg mempunyai ‘black and white’ yg sah ditandatangan, bukan cakap-cakap mulut sahaja tidak kiralah service mereka murah atau mahal.Jika apa-apa berlaku dikemudian hari, andalah yg akan menanggung kesusahan kerana ‘deal’ cakap-cakap mulut senang diputar belitkan jika si jurugambar pakar dalam putarbelit.Bawa naik mahkamah pun tak layan beb.Sekali dah bayar deposit or full tiba-tiba jurugambar tu lari..ternganga kan?Di zaman ni harus berhati-hati bila berurusan kerana ramai yang kaki penipu.Itu jika berurusan dengan jurugambar yg tidak anda kenali,bagaimana pula jika berurusan dengan jurugambar yang terdiri dari ahli keluarga,saudara mara atau rakan taulan anda? Mahukah disebabkan nak ‘save’ bajet atau perasaan ‘nak jaga hati’ yg akhirnya akan membuatkan hati anda sakit.Beb, if ahli keluarga,saudara mara or rakan taulan buatkan kita sakit hati apa kes beb? So if dah sakit hati tu anda perlulah salahkan diri anda sendiri.Bila dah sakit hati macam-macam boleh jadi.Putus keluarga dan putus sahabat atau saling tak tegur sapa.Dah la gambar tidak memuaskan hati anda ditambah lagi dengan hubungan yang renggang.2 in 1 mahukah anda?Dan mungkin juga menyebabkan perselisihan faham antara anda suami isteri.'Tulah dulu u yg nak dia jadi jurugambar kita kan?Eh kenapa salahkan i,kenapa u setuju dulu?..dah gaduh plak baru jer kawen kan.Sikap anda yg mencari jurugambar ‘last-last minute’ juga sudah tentunya agak tergesa-gesa dan akhirnya mengecewakan.

3. ‘Ala ambik gambar je takkan nak caj mahal-mahal’ ayat biasa yg didengari oleh jurugambar.Anda juga mungkin pernah memikirkan bayar seorang jurugambar dengan mahal yang akhirnya produk yg anda dapat hanyalah 2-3 buah album atau hanya sekeping DVD.Macam tak berbaloi je kan?

SHOOTING - Seorang jurugambar professional, kepakaran dan tugasnya adalah ‘membuat gambar’ bukan mengambil gambar.Jika mengambil gambar budak berumur 10 tahun pun pandai ambil gambar.Apa susah, tekan button shutter kamera je kan.Nanti keluarlah gambar.Jurugambar yang ‘membuat gambar’ dengan jurugambar yang ‘mengambil gambar’ perbezaannya adalah pengetahuan dan bakat seni semulajadi yang telah ada dalam dirinya.Jurugambar yg ‘membuat gambar’ adalah jurugambar yg menekan button kamera dengan pengetahuan beserta bakatnya dan jurugambar yg ‘mengambil gambar’ adalah jurugambar yg menekan button shutter tanpa pengetahuan dan kadang-kadang disebabkan mereka mempunyai kemampuan,mereka mampu memiliki peralatan kamera yg canggih.Siapakah jurugambar professional?Mereka adalah seorang jurugambar yg mempunyai mata yg sgt tajam,peka kepada keadaan persekitaran dan mereka mampu ‘visualize’ didalam hati mereka sebelum diterjemahkan menerusi kamera juga kepakaran mereka dalam hal penyuntingan gambar.Bukan kecanggihan kameranya.Bagaimana mereka jadi begitu?Kerana mempunyai pengetahuan yg telah mereka belajar dari awal penglibatan dan sudah menghabiskan puluhan ribu ringgit serta masa untuk menghadiri seminar,bengkel,membeli peralatan dan sebagainya ditambah dengan bakat semulajadi.Jadi untuk tujuan apapun anda menggunakan service professional nya,anda telah membayar pengetahuan,kemahiran,bakat dan penat lelahnya.Tak kiralah jika anda menyuruh dia merakam gambar semut sekalipun.
Pernah tak anda memikirkan penat lelah kerja mereka?Mungkin ada yg pernah dan lebih ramai tak endah.Dalam wedding cthnya; dikala anda meraikan hari bahagia dengan keseronokan dan gelak ketawa disamping family,saudara dan rakan taulan, di kala itulah si jurugambar akan bertungkus lumus memerah otak sambil berjalan ke sana dan kemari hingga longlai kepala lutut utk mencari sudut terbaik bagi memastikan hasilnya nanti akan memuaskan hati anda.Bayangkan mereka kesana kemari berjalan selama 4-5 jam dan itu belum ditambah dengan masa merakam persiapan anda.Bukankah mereka akan berasa penat pada mental dan fizikal?.Jika majlis anda dibuat di rumah mungkin kurang sedikit pergerakan tetapi bayangkan jika majlis di sebuah dewan besar.Sudah tentu mereka tidak mampu merakam secara berseorangan walaupun mereka menggantung 3-5 biji kamera di leher dan bahunya.

EDITING & DESIGN - Kini tibalah masanya utk proses pemilihan gambar dr beratus2 atau beribu imej yg telah dirakam tadi.Proses pemilihan akan melalui saluran tapisan hingga 3 ke 4 kali utk memilih imej-imej terbaik daripada beribu tadi.Yang nak digunakan maybe dalam 400 imej sahaja.Selepas proses pemilihan siap,maka bermulalah kerja-kerja editing.Untuk pengetahuan,kerja-kerja editing adalah satu kerja yg sangat memerah otak untuk mencari idea.Bukan setiap masa idea akan datang dan kadang-kadang seorang jurugambar menyunting semula imej selepas 4-5 hari.Mungkin nampak mudah dengan mata kasar,mana taknya hanya duduk dibilik aircond dan didepan PC sambil klik mouse dan boleh ber’facebook lagi.Kerja-kerja editing bermula dari hati seseorang dan ini tidak boleh dilakukan terburu-buru.Kerja yang terburu-buru sudah pastinya akan menghasilkan output yg mengecewakan dan kerja ini boleh mengambil masa lebih 150 jam berganda-ganda dari 4 hingga 5 jam mereka merakam majlis anda.Ini baru editing, bagaimana pula pening’nya otak utk kerja design 20,30 atau 40 mukasurat album dan berapa lamakah masa akan diambil?Sudah pastinya lebih dari 200 jam jika ditambah dgn masa editing tadi.Walaupun pakej hanya 200 keping bersaiz 4R printed, tetapi masa yg diambil akan lebih dari 40 jam.Bukankah itu suatu kerja yg perlu dibayar gaji dan bil elektrik perlu dibayar?

PRINT - Bila jurugambar menghantar soft copy ke kedai,bukan bermakna hari yg sama dia akan menerima album tersebut.Kebiasaannya jurugambar akan berulang-alik sebanyak 2 kali.Ada juga jarak rumah/studio jurugambar dengan kedai tersebut lebih dari 50km.Jika jarak dah lebih 50km ‘one way’, maka dia perlu drive sejauh 200km untuk 2 kali berulang-alik .Bukankah ini melibatkan kos minyak dan tol.Ada seorang jurugambar yg saya kenali yg tinggal di Seremban dan print album di Kuala Lumpur.

4. ‘Saya sudah hire jurugambar professional dan bayar dengan harga yang mahal tetapi hasilnya sangat mengecewakan saya’

Di sini ada beberapa faktor yg dapat dihuraikan ‘mengapa’ ia berlaku.
Faktor pertama yg disebabkan ‘diluar kemampuan’ jurugambar tersebut.Anda perlu faham bahawa jurugambar adalah manusia.Manusia akan melalui ujian tuhan dalam hidupnya.Ujian-ujian ini sedikit sebanyak akan mengganggu emosi dan rutin hariannya.Bila masalah melanda maka emosi akan terganggu dan sekaligus akan mengganggu prestasi hasil kerja seorang jurugambar.Bukan jurugambar sahaja,semua orang akan terjejas dengan kerjanya bila perkara ini terjadi.
Faktor kedua setiap persekitaran majlis adalah berbeza.Cahaya pagi,petang atau malam.Lokasi di dalam rumah,luar rumah,taman,dewan dan sebagainya.Ruang utk merakam gambar sempit atau luas.Semua ini akan memberi impak pada hasil rakaman.
Faktor ketiga mungkin anda mahukan imej mengikut citarasa anda dan anda telah terangkan kepada jurugambar bagaimana gambar yg anda inginkan itu.Tahukah anda,bila anda mengubah bakat semulajadi seseorang jurugambar, maka serta merta ia akan memberi hasil yg mengecewakan.Biarkan jurugambar anda bebas merakam kan hari bahagia anda dan biarkan mereka merakam dengan happy dengan tanpa rasa terkongkong.
Faktor keempat mungkin si jurugambar keletihan yg amat.Bila keletihan minda pun lemah dan kurang mampu utk berfikir secara cerdas.
Faktor lain mungkin akibat dari kecuaian atau sikap jurugambar itu sendiri.



Jurugambar


Fotografi dikenali antara hobi mahal.Jika dahulu tidak ramai yg berkemampuan memiliki DSLR tetapi dengan arus pembangunan digital yg pesat, kini semua orang mampu memilikinya.Malah pelajar universiti pun sudah ramai memilikinya.
Sejak empat ke lima tahun kebelakangan ini, gelombang industri fotografi negara semakin rancak.Alhamdulillah satu perkembangan yg memberangsangkan.Di dalam kerancakan itulah bukan sahaja saya,malah otai yg lebih lama dari saya pun sedar akan hal ini.Apa halnya tu?Fotografi Malaysia yg sedang di ambang kehancuran.Beberapa hari lalu,saya telah membaca blog seorang yg bukan jurugambar dan saya tertarik dengan apa yg telah ditulisnya ‘asal beli kamera je nak shoot model’.Jawapan saya senang je, ramai antara kita yg mudah terikut-ikut dengan trend terkini.Dan rasanya trend terikut-ikut ni biasa di Malaysia.Kalau orang buat itu,maka 1000 orang juga nak buat perkara yg sama.Bukan sahaja dlm fotografi tapi dalam apa saja bidang.Saban hari di facebook kita dapat lihat hampir setiap minggu ada saja outing shoot talent atau model baik di anjurkan oleh para MUA atau jurugambar.MUA x kisah la sebab mereka dapat practice skill dan marketing.Takkan nak suruh MUA makeupkan serangga pulak yer.Jarang-jarang anda lihat outing photojurnalism ke,landscape,architecture,street,sport,macro dan sebagainya.Sudah jauh berbeza ketika saya mula2 dalam fotografi dulu.Dulu kami,semua subjek belasah sebab nak dapatkan pengetahuan asas fotografi yg tak semuanya dpt diperolehi dari portrait atau model.Tapi skrg asal outing mesti model sahaja.Apa yg saya lihat selalunya hanya berbeza dari segi talent dan lokasi,tak lebih dari itu.Bila anda dh bermula dgn shoot model serta merta anda tidak mempunyai pengetahuan yg cukup.Anda tidak mempunyai pengetahuan tentang kombinasi human,alam dan asas komposisi.Selepas shoot upload gambar dan tag minta utk dikomen.Malah ada yg tag otai-otai jangankan dari Malaysia tapi juga dari Indonesia utk diminta komen tetapi adakah ada diantara mereka yg selalu komen atau paling banyak pun sekali dua?Tak pernah tanyakah pada diri kenapa otai-otai tak nak komen? Jika anda nak kata ‘Itulah tujuannya aku tag sebab nak minta komen dari otai mana yg boleh diperbaiki’.Bro..otai-otai banyak lagi urusan lain yg lebih penting dari nak komen gambar ‘bleeding nose’ ko tu atau komposisi ko ntah kemana.Jika betul2 nak komen set time utk jumpa otai tu duduk pekena teh tarik sambil sesi koyak gambar atau pun join lah workshop dia.Nak kata harga workshop mahal?Lagi mahal harga kamera ko tu.Sebenarnya taklah mahal hanya ko tu nak free je kan dan kedekut nak laburkan wang utk faedah ko di masa akan datang jgk.Lagipun tak semua ilmu itu harus diberi percuma.Tahun lepas ada seorang otai yg mmg sgt otai menganjurkan satu workshop strobist dgn harga hanya RM250 dan didapati peserta yg join adalah jurugambar yg dh 4-5 tahun dlm fotografi.Itu pun hanya dua orang.Hujung tahun lepas dua orang otai buat satu workshop dan saya hadir utk memberi sokongan.Terkejut saya bila 5-6 peserta juga ada yg sebaya usia dgn saya dlm fotografi yg join.Semua muka-muka lama walhal harga workshop tersebut hanyalah RM250.Bukan senang nak jadi senang.Nak ilmu ko yg kena datang pada guru.Nak seribu daya,taknak sejuta alasan ko..

Dan komen-komen yg biasa kita baca adalah ‘nice’, ‘cantik’ , ‘superb’ , ‘terbaik dari ladang arnab atau ladang kelapa sawit’.Kebanyakan komen2 tu datang dari rakan2 yg kena TAG,oleh kerana nak jaga hati kawan at least komen lah sesuatu kan dari takde langsung takpun tekan button like,nanti takot kawan mengata 'si polan ni sampai hati x komen gambar aku'.Dan yg paling teruja bila gambar menampakkan tubuh gebu,lurah tetek,kedai kopi disebalik skirt atau yg dapat merangsang nafsu tentu komennya akan berbunyi ‘PERGHHHH BERDARAH HIDUNG’ 'TERBAIK' mcm tu dikatakan terbaik?Nenek aku pun boleh shoot mcm tu daaa.Apalagi jika talent yg memiliki tetek yg besar dan montok..silapharibulan orang yg tgk save gambar tu buat stok ‘stim kering’.Pernah sy melihat satu gambar posing model tertonggeng baekkk punya berposing di kereta BMW.Lalu saya baca captionnya yg berbunyi 'Gambar ini mendapat pujian dari lecturer dan rakan2 sekelas sekaligus menjadi gambar terbaik'..OMG!!! Aku yg tak ada degree dlm fotografi ni pun mampu menggantikan lecturer ko tu lah.Tak kurang juga dengan komen ‘nice compo’(faham ke compo bang).Saya pernah mengajukan soalan kepada seorang jurugambar yg hasil kerja nya ‘not bad’.Apa itu komposisi?Dan beliau mengatakan tak tahu.(sorry my frenz jgn kecil hati hihi).Kalau komposisi basic pun x tahu maknanya anda tidak tahu apa yg anda shot.

Orang nak shoot street candid ko pun nak ikut tp yg ko shot lurah-lurah tetek pompuan2 yg berada di sekitar Bukit Bintang ,KLCC etc.Suka-suke hati ko jer kan.Bayangkan kalau ada jurugambar lain yg shot lurah tetek adik or kakak ko,awek ko tak pun bini ko tak pun nenek ko.Marah tak ko?Bayangkan if org yg ko shoot tu anak kerabat or VIP?

Yang best asal beli kamera,shot model dan terus edit.Tanpa belajar pengetahuan asas fotografi atau asas ediitng terus buat editing kaw-kaw punya yg akhirnya menghasilkan satu hasil yg haprak.Minta otai komen dan bila dh dikomen tahu plak dia marah dan defensive.Pulakkkk..tadi lu suruh komen bro..ni lu marah plakkkk..adoiiiiii.Gua yang dh empat tahun ni pun berasa takot dan risau setiap kali nak upload gambar tapi lu steady jer dgn haprak2 tu upload ye..gua memang salute u punya keberanian bro..bila u dah upload gua bacalah komen2 dari kawan2 lu,perghhhhhh kawan lu pun sama mcm lu lah bro..hihi..Lepas tu 'bercakap-cakap blkng dgn kawan' mengata si otai tu garang lah,komen macam sial lah dan mcm2.

Trend fotografi kita bermusim,saya masih ingat jika dulu jurugambar gila dengan HDR tidak berapa lama kemudian gila pula dengan style DAVEHILL,STROBIST dan LIGHT RAY dan kini CONCEPTUAL yang bermain dengan makeup.Lepas ni tak tahu apa.Dalam 500 jurugambar hanya 2-3 orang sahaja yg masih kekal hingga ke hari ini.Itupun yang kekal adalah individu yang mula-mula membawa masuk idea itu.Tahniah kepada mereka kerana berjaya menghasilkan satu gelombang besar dalam industri dan menjadi ikutan.Sebab apa mereka kekal?Sebab mereka mempunyai pendirian yang bagus dan mencari identiti nya sendiri.Seorang jurugambar yang bagus adalah yg mencari identiti nya sendiri dan tak mudah dipengaruhi.Dia bukan seperti lalang yang bergoyang mengikut tiupan arah angin.

Bila dah pandai sikit jer,mulalah nak buat keuntungan dgn menganjurkan workshop basic fotografi.Saya puji lah dengan apa yg anda buat.Memang bagus.Tapi kebanyakan yg saya perhatikan bila buat workshop BASIC FOTOGRAFI di ulang BASIC FOTOGRAFI lebih banyak yg buat shoot model.Hello! berapa banyak basic fotografi yg ada pada subjek model tu?kenapa tak buat BASIC PORTRAITURE WORKSHOP jer kalau nak shoot model takpun workshop strobist..dapatkah peserta workshop memahami semua basic2 fotografi bila shoot model?Setahu saya basic fotografi jangan harap ko nak faham dlm masa satu hari apalagi beberapa jam workshop.Kalau dh shoot model lagi lah hancus nak faham.Maka terkebil-kebil lah si peserta sumpah x faham sedangkan workshop bukan free ni.Datang nak timba ilmu.Si organizer bila peserta x faham ada dia kesahhhhhhhh..sebab duit sudah masyukkkkkkkkkkkk maaaaa...dan mungkin model itu tak lebih hanya sebagai salah satu utk menarik peserta lebih ramai join workshopnya.

(Khas utk yg beli kamera nak shoot model)
Kadang-kadang sesuatu gambar itu cantik tetapi yg membuatkan cantik adalah kerana modelnya yg cantik,makeupnya yg deboom dan tools power yg digunakan.Ini perlu anda tahu kerana jangan dah dapat pujian melambung dari komen-komen dah cukup ‘kembang’ hingga hari-hari kena tukar underwear yang hasil kita dah terbaik.Cantik dan unik adalah berbeza.Unik adalah kreativiti yg mana bagaimana anda mempersembahkan sesuatu karya dan maksudnya sampai.Jadi dalam hasil anda terdapat dua elemen bukan sahaja cantik tetapi unik.Bila sebut cantik kalau dah makeup ok,model muka cantik dan guna pulak body D3s or 1DmarkIII or D5H,lens 85mm satu titik dua,70-200 dua titik lapan,200mm dua titik takde atau 4000mm takde titik,memanglah cantik gambar tu beb.Kalau ko bagi budak shot pun cantik jgk hasilnya.Lepas tu ko merewang pasal sharp dan bokeh.Entah faham ke tidak BOKEH dan DOF?Guna body dan lens baekk of course result baekkk punya bro..

Selain tu jangan rasa POYO sangatlah dan bangga bila dh gantung kamera kat leher atau guna kamera lebih mahal dari org lain x kira dimana anda berada.Dan jangan POYO merewang cerita pasal fotografi seolah2 ko dah cukup hebat.Fotografi bukan mudah.Bukan dapat memiliki kamera hebat-hebat dah bagus.Jurugambar National Geographic nak dapatkan sekeping gambar sampai duduk dalam hutan 1 minggu atau lebih.Kenapa nak duduk sampai 1 minggu?Sebab dia nak BUAT gambar melalui pengetahuan mendalam yg ada pada dirinya bukan kehebatan kameranya.

(Khas utk yg suke shoot sport spt F1,GP,Cub Prix,GT GAPAN atau Pameran Kereta)
Korang datang sana nak shoot kereta/motor atau tetek2 montok yg dah hampir tersembul terkeluar juga seluar ketat gadis2 litar yg menimbulkan segala shape bontot dan pussy?Aku faham lah sambil2 shoot kereta mesti lah mahu shoot model2 hot tu..sekali setahun je maa mahu dapat..asyik shot capirossi je bosan maaa...tapi bila post gambar banyak gambar model2 dari kereta or motor...gambar2 gadis litar up sekeping dua sudah lah yg lain simpan buat stok stim kering...ko beli lens harga puluh ribu panjang2 lebih panjang dari punai ko tp buat shoot gadis2 litar..lepas tu dapat komen 'bleeding nose'.

Yang ni pasal jurugambar yg menggunakan nama pelik2 dan selalu tukar2 nama.Seorang jurugambar akan membrandingkan namanya melalui penggunaan nama.Kalau dah hari ini guna nama katak,esok tukar harimau,lusa gajah dan tulat buaya..tak ke pening orang nak mengingatnya dan buat orang tidak akan mengenali anda.So adalah lebih baik guna nama sendiri atau jika nak guna nama lain sila maintain dengan nama itu.

Fotografi itu mempunyai banyak cabang dan terpulang pada individu tersebut ke mana arah yang ingin ditujuinya.Sport photographer,wedding,landscape,fashion,wildlife,fine art,macro,artistic nude dan mcm2 lagi lah.Kalau melihat jurugambar tetapi dengan editing 200% menggunakan photoshop dan hilang keaslian fotografinya maka dia adalah seorang artist photographer.Jadi tak perlulah nak dipertikaikan nya.Yang penting kita mencari identiti sendiri.Di luar negara ada bermacam-macam jurugambar..ada yg hanya shoot ombak,ada yg hanya shoot silhouette,ada yg hanya shoot kucing..so anda semua carilah apa sahaja utk mencari identiti anda sendiri.Jika anda nak jadi shoes photographer pun x kisah asalkan cara anda mempersembahkan hasil karya menarik.

Jadi untuk jurugambar2 dan bakal2 jurugambar,carilah ilmu selama dan semampu yg anda boleh.Bukan hanya mengikut trend dan terikut2.Dan buangkan sifat kedekut untuk secebis ilmu yg mana tiada kerugian satu pun.Otai-otai juga sentiasa belajar dan memperbaiki hasil masing-masing walaupun mereka dah mempunyai branding yang stabil.Bayangkan mereka mengambil masa bertahun-tahun utk menjadi yg terbaik,inikan pula anda yang hanya tak sampai setahun atau 3 bulan dalam fotografi.Jangan mimpi hasil anda dah terbaik dalam masa setahun kecuali anda memang mendapat kurniaan dari ilahi.So mengapa beli kamera nak shoot model?Sebab boleh mendekati dan berkenalan dengan ramai model dan mencuci mata dengan bermacam-macam kegebuan kulit model.Agaknya la kot ni sebabnya hehe…

Sebelum saya mengundurkan diri ingin saya pohon kemaafan sekiranya ada kata-kata saya yang menginggung dari kedua-dua golongan pelanggan dan jurugambar.Apa yg saya luahkan ini hanyalah sekadar berkongsi 'kisah disebalik tabir' seseorang jurugambar dengan penat lelahnya dan tidak bertujuan utk menyerang mana2 ex-client,bakal2 client atau mana-mana individu tertentu yg bergelar jurugambar.Hanyalah pendapat peribadi saya secara umum.

Terima kasih kerana anda bersabar dan sudi meluangkan masa membaca luahan yang panjang ini.

KALAU SUKE SILA KONGSIKAN DENGAN RAKAN ANDA.

Sekian,

Napie Moksin

Why I dont charge RM300 only for my wedding service??

Ok, thanks Japrin Thomas for bringing up the issue of the price of wedding photography from a wedding photographer. Coz at the same time, a few enquiries I have are followed by a sceptic feedbacks on why my price is not RM300 only..
I hope this can at least clear my name as a ‘kedekut minta mahal2’. Some might ask: Buat apa laa mo caj mahal2?, ni sengaja mau cari duit lebih(AKA, bloodsucker!).
OK, I charge averagely more than rm1.5k. But I still think that it’s kind of low. Why? Let’s discus this issue from my side of view.

Why do I charge like that expensive??
1. For a living. Living is not cheap. We don’t live up a tree(although a lot of west Malaysians still thought we do). Like me, I rent an apartment. I need atleast THREE RM300 job to pay my house rent. And how many weddings you can possibly handle a week? Wedding always occur on weekends. As far as I remembered, theres only 4(occasionally 5)weekends in a month. If ure lucky to be booked four times a month, you’ll get rm300x4= rm1200. Ok, now lets talk about my car loan, my daily meal, electricity, water and internet bill. Ok, some might say I will use most of the money for my own deed(go clubbing, go find chix, go eat expensive foods etc).. yes I admit so(except for the ‘go find chix’ part, which is very subjective haha). But why not? Aint the reason people work, is to gain as much money as possible, so we can live a happy, comfortable lives? So I guess the same goes to a fulltime photographer(or designer, developer etc..)

2. Equipment. First, let me explain, all camera aren’t built the same. Some camera are expensive than the others are for a reason. Its not because of the design, coz you can almost say all DSLR camera looks exactly alike! Some point and shoot camera will have better looking design, yet they are cheaper. So the truth is, the price difference is because of its performance. For instance. I have a Canon EOS 7D, a 40D and an EOS 400D. Some might say I overcharge just to buy my fancy expensive camera. Well that is true! I do use the money to buy my 7D, which is almost three times the price of my 400D. I bought my white 70-200 f2.8 lens, eventhough I can buy a much cheaper lens.
please refer for its price here: Shashinki 70-200mm . It’s pricey, indeed. But who will benefit from my buying? If you say me, think again! A 7D + 70-200mm f2.8 is a tad heavier, and I have to carry it the whole day! But the quality of picture this equipment produce is superb! And it’s not my photo that I captured, it’s my clients! It makes your wedding a lot more meaningful if you are comfortably sure that none of your important moments are ever gonna be missed. Why? 400D can capture only three frames per second, while 7D can capture 8fps instead! It means, no matter how fast your kiss from the ‘you may kiss the bride’ session will take, a 7D’s percentage of capturing it is 5 frames more than the 400D. So, can I possibly buy this equipment, if I charge rm300 per session? I’m not done yet! Well, what if my camera fails me. Camera do have lifespan you know. They call it shuttercounts. And the charge of repairing it may cause me two weddings(base on an rm300 price). And then we need other stuff like external flash, a computer to transfer and edit the photos etc..

3. Time and effort. Taking picture needs me to sacrifice my precious time just to take photos of somebody I just known recently. I doubt people would voluntarily waste their time and energy to stand all day while carrying a 4KG of equipment and being told to move out of the way frequently for blocking others guest view on a wedding, even if infact it is their own sister’s wedding, if they won’t get paid. And it doesn’t end there. Taking photos on the event itself is half the work. The processing is the other half. On a normal wedding, it takes around 500-1000 shots per day. I need to edit each and every one of it, for it to meet the acceptable quality. That means, a whole week of sleepless nights.

Well that’s a few rambles from me. I would explain more reason of my pricing later on, but for the time being, I hope people wud understand that what I am doing is not an easy job. But don’t get me wrong! Since I love taking photos, and photography is my dearest life, It’s always a pleasure to be able to capture your lovely moments, let alone see the beautiful results for us to share! But how can I do that, if you wont help me? 
To all soon to be brides, wish have the most memorable event of your life! I can help ;-) ..
For enquiries and bookings, do not hesitate to contact me! Have a lovely day..

The 5th International Sabah Folklore Dance Festival

Ok, So last week, (around July 2010) I went for this spectacular dance, the Sabah International Folklore Dance Festival. It was participated by a few countries from all over thhe world. I also covered for the last years 4th edition, and this year it was great too!

Actually the whole festival was held from 18th to the 27th July, 2010. The Local dance competition was held from 21st and 22nd July, where all the local primary and secondary school from all over Sabah participated. Even then, the dances was superb.

The International level was held on the 24th and 25th at the Sabah Cultural Hall. On the opening day, there was some minor glitches happened, as the lights went out and took for about 5 minutes, while the participants from each country was introduced. It went totally dark, except for the spirited traditional music intrument teams keeps the mood going. Luckily everything went back to normal after that, and it went smoothly afterwards

Here are some of the photo collections from each participating countries:


The opening theme song
Team Singapore.


Team Kazakhstan.
Team Thailand



Team Chinese Taipei


Team Saudi Arabia


Team Romania


Team Uzbekistan



Team Philippines

Team Latvia

Team Indonesia


Team China


Team India



Team Egypt

and the performance by our local artist, Joanna Sue-Henley Rampas and Petrus Pressly

Overall, it was an impressive and informative performance from all who took part

Theme Q, for Queen

Representing Farah, the Persian Queen who rules the land of abandoned city on the center of the jungle, and the caretaker of two of her cat and dog of a princess, Deizi and Tina..

Holding a throne is like holding a phone.It kept me busy..

Theme V, for Vampy

Featuring Cynthia, the night creature of the forest, the known most dangerous to lingers the woods. But she only drinks blood to gain her power in the battle to rule the woods, which she constantly have to surrender to Dazeree, the nymphs of the forest..

Can she overthrow her fierce nemesis? Why Domithila was never harmed all the while? be sure to follow

Fear is just an understatement, when anybody sees me.

Long overdue updates..

Well, yeah.. havent been updating my blog for a very2 long time.. but hey, here I am.. and get ready for some powerfull updates that cud blow your mind!! gila juga kalo sampai gitu kan.. hehe.. well, its sumthing like this powerthirst commercial here.. :-D



So guys, stay tune!!

Idle

Opener:Wedding season is coming around! Hurry up and ask me for quotes, and book me, coz the slot is filling in fast! And if you book early, even if I'm occupied on your wedding date, I might be able to find you an equally(or better) wedding photographer at an affordable price!

Ok guys, I know, I know, when is my next theme.. but that is a good question. I was planning on something else these few weeks, which made me go idle on this theme photoshooting. And all the while I also had been planning for the remaining few themes, some which I've already assigned, and some which still needs deep considering. So for those who is still waiting for your turn, Im so sorry to keep u guys waiting, but hey, what can I do.. I promise it will be soon ok?.. :)

All the while, this activity I had done really gave me new experience. I learn more on my photography skills, and I also learned how to set up something, from nothing. Apart from that, Ive been meeting alot of new peoples(especially those themed girls models ;) ) ..All of you are gorgeous! and thanks for being so frenly as well.. Its great to see some of you had been noticed, and in hot demands. Proud to be the first to introduced you! :) :)

Some of you might question my motif of doing all these hard work for free?? .. Well, apart from having the chance to meet bunch of hot, stunning girls you might ask?? Well, there is a motive. But it's too soon to reveal. It will benefit many, especially the photography industry. And you need to stay tuned to find out. But basically, its about sharing opportunities. Coz sharing is caring.

So apart from that, do stay tune for the theme photoshooting finale, as it will be an explosive one. See ya around guys!

Oh yaa by the way, .. If you still think you should be featured in my blog, and you think you got what it takes to be a model, but havent got a stepping stone, you can still send me your profiles, and if you might not get involved on this one, I might consider doing some other photoshooting activities..

PS: Wedding season is coming around! Hurry up and ask me for quotes, and book me, coz the slot is filling in fast!

Unduk Ngadau State Level 2009

Well, I am having a break for the thematic photoshooting, as we are in a tight scheduled month, especially for the Kaamatan season..

So here I want to share the winners of Unduk Ngadau State Level for 2009, at Hongkod Koisaan KDCA, starting from the Gala night, where the subsidiary title of Miss Friendly was won by miss Beaufort, and miss natural beauty by Tamparuli


On the Grand event itself, here is the top 7, 7th is from Likas, 6 Tuaran, 5 is Keningau, 4th is Tamparuli and the three winners..


And the winner is from Papar, Miss Appey Rowena, 2nd is DBKK, Miss Pearl Dianne and 3rd, Miss Kimberly Joanne..

THis is the most tightly contested Unduk Ngadau events ever(claimed by me) as it is like playing the russian roulette to choose who wud win.. But adat pertandingan, ada menang ada kalah.. So congrats for the winners!

The Theme O, for Oracle

Makeup By Palas, of Real X Saloon..

As the character introduction continues, now is the time to introduce to you, Tini. The Oracle.. She is the fierceful lady, she is the creature of light. The light manipulation she produce enables her to be able to predict someones future.

You are so predictable!

The Theme H, for Hat

Remember, make up By Real X saloon! Mr Palas.. hehehe

Introducing Loura.. She represents the letter H theme, which is for Hat.. She is a powerful witch, which only can manipulate her spells towards her targeted victims whenever she wore a special Hat.. She would only be roaming the streets at night and vanished by the hint of a sunlight..

Full story of ther character coming soon...

But It wasnt by my spell guys keeps falling for me.

Behind the scene, on Apple theme

Well, this blogspot layout is not really ideal for youtubes new widescreen video iguess, so I'm just gonna leave you a link, and you can check it out.. once you are there, pls be sure to click the 'HQ' sign on the bottom right for a better quality

Behind the scene video

Cheerios.. keep updated!

Updates: Photoshooting Model Search Good news!

Somebody who is following closely on my progress is waiting anxiously for my activity to kick starts! Although officially it had begun, but I have yet to commit further, and still on the process of arranging a theme, and pairing it with suitable models who had applied. And to speed things up, he(who wud like to remain anonymous) is willing to sponsor some sort of prize to a winner! I'm not sure yet what that prize is(or maybe how much *wink wink*..), or to win what. But he is the type of guy who wudnt mind buying an iMac Pro, just to know how it works!

So, If you would like some incentives to motivate you, Now is the time to be motivated!

There is also a few entries from overseas, I thank you so much for your interest! But as I have no budget to go there(though how much I would love to) I have to hold on to your applications for awhile. So for not totally disappointing you, I would try to make this program open for sponsors who is willing to contribute! But until then my lovely models from out there, keep biting your fingernails.. heheh..

So anyone who have the heart of gold, or whether you are a boutique owner who wants your items to be used, or a makeup artist, or whatever drop me an email too! I will mention your names loud and clear to promote your names or outlets!

Like I've stated earlier, My theme is alphabetically order from A to Z. I have chosen a theme for a few alphabets, and will update from time to time. Theme chosen is something which is foreign, and uncommon locally.

Here is the list of alphabets:
A- Apple(Done, with Ivonne)
B- Bubble(Done, with Fayelina)
C- Chair(Done, with Ika)
D- Doll(Done, with Fiona)
E- Elves
F- Frost(Done, with Mathilda Amanda)
G- Ghost
H- Hat(Done, with Loura)
I- Inferno(Done, with Tantinny)
J- Jester(Done, with Dyssha)
K- Kimono
L- Luna(Done, with Sera)
M- Metro(Done, with Rescyca)
N- Nymph(Done, with Dazeree)
O- Oracle(Done, with Tini)
P- Princess(Done, with Tina)
Q- Queen(Done, with Farah)
R- Redneck(Done, with Sofiey)
S- Salsa(Done, with Pachara)
T- Twin(Done, with Shane featuring Irva)
U- Umbrella(Done, with Daisy)
V- Vampy(Done, with Cynthia)
W- Woods(Done, with Domithila)
X-
Y-
Z- Zebra(Done, with Calista)

.. Ok, so far, the only thing is confirmed is there will be a prize!! So I automatically convert this 'activity' to a 'Competition'. I need to do a postmortem on what type of Competition this is, then I will be giving you updates! Participation is open until all slot is fully filled.

Thank you for following.

Earlier post on this program

My photoshooting model search, officially begins.. starting with A, for Apple

For my recently announce activity, I've done a small launching, by inviting miss Fharrelyne Ivonne Henry as the model. She was our Unduk Ngadau State level winner, back in 2004.

To begin my first photoshoot, I starts with a theme which is by the initial letter 'A', and wud be serialized to B, C ... until Z ..

So the first one is Themed Apple.

It was done somewhere along the road to Tuaran, along the coastal beaches of Dalit.. although my series here doesnt look like its anywhere near a beach.

The activities include setting up an apple using a not-an-apple tree. Bought a few pieces of apple from the supermarket. Hang one or two apples up a tree(by piercing it through the pointy small branches) and i got myself an apple tree. Wanted to do grapes, but its tad expensive(Bagus lagi langsat!)

other than that, is just point and shoot. But I wont use si Ivon for a fashion like shots.. I intend to make it more of a storyline, where she has to portray herself in that story.

Well, still have no idea what I'm talking about?? Don't forget to follow my blog.. will make a short story, and also be including some video.

Red apple is jealous, coz he is the ripe, he is the bright, but instead Ivonne choose Mr Green!
"mr Red:Why I oughta..!!" .. coming soon..

Anyway, the search is still on! ---> Photoshooting Model Search

Cheerios!

Photoshooting model search! 2009

OK, a more official approach to my activity.

Thanks to a few who had submit their applications. But it seems there is still few questions about my concept here.

Well, here is a few words to explain.

In my years of being a fulltime photographer, my favorite subject is Potraiture. I love to reveal to the world the beauty of Sabahan people. It is just my hobby, but which I'm glad, had helped a few talented people to be exposed. So while enjoying my hobby, I would like to give a chance to more hidden talents and beauty from Sabah. So if you think You got what it takes, hurry up and tell me.

All I need is for you to tell me. No big deal! haha.. Do remember. Photography is an art. You dont have to have Jessica Alba figure, or Ryo Mori face to be able to make a great photos. Everyone has their own quality, so dont be shy. I wont bite!.. all I want is for you to..
Drop your name:
photos(which will influence me to choose you):
DOB:
Location:
Contacts:
at my email:powerhouse1982(at)hotmail.com .. or any other way you can reach me!

Few Q n A that I get(and might get):
What is your photoshoot concept?:
Not fixed. I do generally all kind of shoots. I choose on a certain individual and find a suitable theme for them.

Do I(chosen model) need to pay?:
No. This is a non-profit outing.

I never done this before. Can I still join?
Absolutely. Encouraged for new comers, as I wish to help expose hidden talents. But in the same time, seasoners/supermodels who wish to apply is much welcome too(but pls, I cannot afford to pay you yet hahah..)

Can I apply?(A question from a MALE):
Yes..! I do mainly on females, but I don't mind helping out a male.

Do I get to keep the photos taken?
Yes, 20 pieces of edited photos and a complimentary 12x18 large portrait prints.

Is my pictures going to be published?
Yes, base on approval by you to be featured on my blog. You have the rights to demand any pictures to be removed, by emailing me the reasons(but normally I would chose the most appropriate publishable photos).

OK, thats it for now.. If there is any other questions you would like to ask, do send me comments, or email me at powerhouse1982(at)hotmail.com .. the same email for you to send in your applications.

Kimmy Majalap at Nexus Karambunai..

Cheerios.!
Roy 2lips

Model search is ON!

Well, the title sounds grand enough hahah. Well, just trying to reply on the popular questions on when I am going to do another photoshoot.. I am trying to come up with a different concept of photoshooting.. So if you think you got what it takes to be my model, don't hesitate to suggest yourself. Or you can suggest your fren, cousin, that chick next door, or whoever u think deserve to be exposed.. Male or Female!

What will you get? 20 professionally edited photos.
1 large potrait print(12x18).
A chance to get exposed to a modelling courier.

So wanna be part of 2lips?
Drop your name:
photos(which will influence me to choose you):
DOB:
Location:
Contacts:

And also you can write a summary on why I should choose you:
"Eg: I have the height, my face looks like Jessica Alba and I really love to do modelling. Please pick me!"

Well, sounding that desperate isnt really necessary.. hahahah.. but its fine with me.

send to:
Send it to: 'powerhouse1982(at)hotmail.com'

You can also add me on facebook. Just search my name, Roy Ajin.

Hopes to hear from you soon!

PS: My booking for weddings photography service is open as usual! Ask me for price quotations!

Florinda at Tg Aru 2nd Beach

Ok, From now on I thnk I should do a different approach to my photos published here. It's a more interactive one so that me and all of us viewers can benefits to mine, and in general, our photos.

From now on, I would like to explain How I took the photos, what post processing(editing) I've done, and what goals do I expect from the outcom.

Lets start with Miss Florinda here, which I took last year, at Tanjung Aru beach 2, at the Lalu Lintas Shell.


On my first photo here, basically I hadnt have any plannings or theme for it. I had promise Florinda for a photoshoot for her, and here we went. But at the moment of shooting, I figured out that alot of objects stands tall(note the phony road signs, the trees etc..) So In my mind that time, It is best to make the model follow suit, and so I tried to make her as tall as the backgrounds which she did very well on her pose. To achieve that result, I bend down as low as possible(lying on the ground) and it kinda works, especially by making sure the distance of the next background object is abit farther. Further more, I include the phony road signs to balance the height of Florinda, Coz the road signs are shorter.

No PP(editing) done here, as it was already great out of the camera.




In this second shot, the background is a bunch of wild tree, crawling upwards without directions.. I took a low angle shot once again, and It seems that the posing that Florinda did complements the background(note how she bends backwards)

I did a minor PP, by enhancing the Saturation, to enhance the greens..

I was using my 50mm f1.4 all the while, but at various aperture

Miss Oriental Grand Finals

The moments people have been waiting for, since been anticipating from day one. The Grand Finals. 15 ladies battles it out to be crowned as Miss Oriental 2009. Well, If we look at it at a glance of all of these ladies, It's impossible to tell who would be the winner. I was tossing my coins yet it still didn't help much coz all of the finalist is as sure as heck pretty, stunning and hot! If machines were built to judge, I'm sure it will go haywire and explode!

Well, I didnt took much of the stages show, since I got alot of other photographer partners crowding the area, I just took as much as I can off stage, and some prize giving ceremony..



Show here are the situations that we need to face, if we want to take photos..

This is the crowning, from one kim to another.(Kimmy Majalap to Kim Stan)

The previous Miss Oriental with her date. Kimberly and Kalik

For the first round, they put a grand entrance by entering from the main entrance, not like usual where they enter from the sides.

Venency having a quick glance at Eva's joke.

Well, this was while make-up, Kay getting prepared

Ok, there is no competition for man hunk, but this guy(Mr Jackson Jibit) Shud be in the running, if he happens to join, im pretty sure!

Again the line of winners, which unfortunately bcoz of the capacity of other photogs, narrowed my line of sight.

Radzie the man! He won the best photography competition. But these are not his prize winnings!

Things people do to get a decent shot that night. Mr Gerry become mr Spidey.

The individual rounds, where each and everyone is waiting for their turns


The non competitors, Ms Julylen and Ak.!

And finally two of my close frens, getting close with creative color lightings..!

Overall, it was a great momenst while the on going of Miss Orientals. I might post more pics, if there is demands. But so far, this is it.

Well, the results that night is, The grand winner is Miss Kim Stan, besides capturing miss Congeniality and miss Popular. Runners up is miss Pearl Dianne, which also walks away with the best cheongsam and miss Body Beautiful. Third is Miss Crystel Eve and also walks away with miss photogenic. Other noteful contestants are Miss Madona Nandu for best Catwalk.