Fotocology By Dennis Chong

All Things Beautiful.™

2009-08-01T10:08:00.000-07:00

All Things Beautiful.™

I have had a very eventful time in Kuala Lumpur - a great mix of work and pleasure.The photoshoot officially came to an end yesterday after the wedding. I have to say it was one of the nicest wedding I have worked on. The Cyberview Lodge resort in PutraJaya was scenic and was awashed with a very quaint sense of tranquil. I was blessed to have a sprawling room with a fantastic view for the time I was there for work.

Naomi Ishida, the bride-to-be was indeed beautiful on that special day. I love capturing those tender moments and this one was of those when she broke into a smile while getting ready moments before her wedding. Maybe all things indeed are beautiful on such a joyous occasion for the union of two people.

Apart from the wedding, which I will post up more pics after I am done with them, I had a great time catching up with friends here and getting to know new ones. It is really an understatement to say that I have been very well taken care of here. And coffee always come with great conversations and the table is never short of laughter.

Thanks to some really close friends like Jon, Dion and Raymond who drives me around.I did not have to take public transport at all at the moment. Also a huge thanks to Naomi and Eric who so kindly put me up at such great accommodation. And now that work has come to an end, I am putting up at Raymond's "museum" before I head back on Tuesday. Looking forward to the dinner at Genting on Monday too! Miss the cold weather.

Missing Ryan as well, even though I don't know if he feels the same way. But, I think it's all about giving without expecting anything in return is it not? Looking forward to September when/if he comes over again.

Beauty is not a very far away thing constraint by distance. It can be right near you when you are willing to see it.

同类.™ - A new chinese fiction about Singaporean gay men.

2009-07-18T17:11:00.001-07:00

Support Ken Ang's 同类.™

同类 will be the first anthology of Singaporean gay Chinese fiction.
Written by award winning local writer Ken Ang.
The book chronicles the lives, losses and loves of Singaporean gay men
Based on true but fictionalized accounts of gay men in Singapore.
The book is accompanied by two songs written and performed specially for the book by Tin Ang
And represents a milestone in Singapore’s gay writing.
Come and join us for the launch as we hear Ken and Tin share their thoughts and hearts about the making of 同类.
The launch is hosted by Ogachaga.

I don't know about being on the book cover of an anthonology nationwide.
But I do know the importance of showing support to local great talents.
Looking forward to attending the launch Ken.
My heartiest and most sincere congratulations to your milestone success!
Really happy for you and I am really happy I played a small part being part of your great effort.

同类 Tong Lei Book Launch
Thursday, 20th August 2009.
8:00 pm to 10:00 pm
SAME Pub, 208 North Bridge Road.

Love PlayGround.™

2009-07-17T04:17:00.000-07:00

Love PlayGround.™

So come in and play. As the colours of temptation and fun swirl and twirl. An amusement park that colourful brings about a certain loneliness. A song by Pink named Who Knew came to mind. Maybe because it was filmed at an amusement park and speaks of her singing about a close friend that died.

Funny how the colours of places like this glows with such grandiose in the dark of the night. Do the restless or the lonely come to such a place to seek refuge, and be in the company of the like-minded? Just somewhere to go to, to hide, to discover or simply just to rest. The bright lights seem all inviting and all. Like flies attracted to the imminent luminous glow in the dark.

It's been 5 month on the phone. And suddenly, in just a mere 5 hours, we will meet, putting a face to our names. I thought of a hundred and one things that I could say when he first steps out of the gate. But at last I decided on just smiling. I think I know this person so much deeper than just first impressions.

This weekend is one I that I am going to wish will last forever. And as we all know it, it is going to end just as fast as it began. I have unknowingly walked into the doors of this playground. I don't think I am lost, but I just don't know where this ride is going to take me.

And no, I don't want to just play and I am not just here for the ride. It's a playground I intend to have fond memories of.

Fotocology Weddings.™

2009-07-15T15:52:00.000-07:00

Fotocology Weddings.™

The Fotocology philosophy of wedding photography revolves in creating a cinematic love story with and for the wedded couple. As each scene unravels, it tells a little more about the underlying beauty of the union of this two special people. The art of narrating the story that they share and want to share with everyone they love.

Perhaps love is as elusive as many claim it to be. But love can be intangible in a photo. The juxtaposition of that strong feeling, can come through with the right mood, right timing and the photographer's legacy of great lighting, subjects, emotions and style. Maybe we can help decipher what has been written in the stars for them, that is, what I think is the job of a good photographer. To be able to relate, listen, intepret and then help portray your side or perspective of this wonderful connection.

Moments are like the jewels that make up the chest box of life. We collect trinkets of them to decorate us. Weddings are one of the memories that people like to preserve, cherish and remember for life or if not, a long time to come. As photographers, I feel like I am a messenger of that goal, to help safeguard the sanctity of what is special between them and put them onto a visual, enough for them to hold on to the beliefs of their coming together.

Fotocology weddings, will always seek happiness, for others and for itself.

Life In Mono.™

2009-07-13T14:49:00.000-07:00

Life in mono.™

Sometimes it just is.The way it is and the way it is not meant to be. I think there are alot more things one cannot control in life, compared to the things one actually have control over.

Not everything is ideally black and white as we'd all like them to be. There are the grey areas. And while brilliant people can tell the black from black and the white from white, it is, the people that can see the grey, that fascinates me. As per an Ally McBeal episode in season 1 that says it so well.People who sees the grey, knows. They know.

There are the people that laugh when they are happy. Cry when they are sad. But it is the people that cry while they are happy and smile when the going is down that is interesting. And if you can tell sadness from happiness, or joy from the sorrow, or, if you can appreciate the bittersweetness of many things in life, then more than likely I will know you better.

I think black and white are partners in crime. They are best friends and their best enemies. After all, black is best accented against white, and vice versa. As we grow older, I think more grey sets in. Which is why, we are as stark as we first started out. We blemish a little, blend a little, become slightly more...homo..geneous...homogeneous. I like that. The process of dilution. Sterility reeks of clinical presence.

Life is a jumbo of grey, mess it up a little.

Sound of Sanctuary.™

2009-07-12T17:34:00.000-07:00

The sound of sanctuary is a soft one in nature. One where you to slow down your pace to a gradual standstill, stabilise your breathing and prick your ears, before you can hear it. Ironically, the sound of sanctuary is the lack of sound itself.

The sound of sanctuary applies to photo taking. A picture can have two extremes. One that evokes emotions that are strong, impactful and leaves an impression. And then there are those that gives you a sense of serenity, a feeling of calm and peace. You may think, the sound of peace is only found in pictures that gives you that sense of calm. That is where you are wrong.

The sound of sanctuary is likely to be more audible and louder in pictures that are strong and impactful. That is if you are able to find it in yourself to hear that sound. Because it shows, given the chaos, the complexity, the layerings, you are able to find that centre of cool. A sound that only the discerning are able to experience and indulge in. I guess, that breeds the appreciation of an art piece or anything that is creative in nature.

This is just a silly theory of mine that I adopt when I get into the mood of looking at the works of others, or even when i snap photos and create stuff of mine. Thought it might be good for me to pen it down here just so that I remember every so often what i think about.

Having a full day studio wedding shoot on Tuesday, followed by a full day outdoor location wedding shoot on Wed. Then its a meeting with a client on Thursday for a product shoot and Fotocology admin on Friday. This week is going to pass really fast and I am packed with stuff I need to deal with. Come Saturday night, I will slow down and attempt to find that sound. I still cannot believe he is arriving Sat night.

I am nervous, excited, ecstatic and unsure all at the same time.

Breaking of day.™

2009-07-10T18:17:00.000-07:00

I probably meant it as a figure of speech. The breaking of day. Where light is born out of darkness. Just a few days ago, my days were pretty dark, some thing bothered me. And on top of that, I spent some nights working till really late on both photo editing and admin for Fotocology. The combination took a toll on me because I was faced with some problems that only certain people can comprehend. Frank was around to listen. I heard his problems and he heard mine.

Nowadays, I don't know which I prefer. I used to think nights are so much sexier and beautiful. But of late, the breaking of dawn is exhilarating. Especially when the weather is a little dampened and the sun seems to find difficulty emerging from the gray clouds. The light rumbling and baritone shuffles of the thunder just makes it all even more cinematic. I watched the break of dawn a few days ago at a certain vantage point near Kent Ridge.

What I took away from that morning as I walked away, towards my car, before driving off was, no matter how heavy your problems are, they collect like clouds. And no matter how much you fight them, they will eventually pour. Problems will always exist. When its too much for them to bear, they rain on you. You just got to be able to deal with it. Dodge, hide, carry an umbrella, whatever. It is foolhardy to go through life thinking that everything will be a bed of roses and that if you try hard enough, problems will not arise.

What is truly important is that you have a hiding place, you have a shelter, you have someone holding a brolly for you, or at least, you know how to dry yourself up after the downpour. As with troubles and hard times, they will always pass. So even if you are wet, rest assured you will air dry come the very next day. Everything too, shall pass, with the dawning of a new day.

Let day break. Don't let the day break you.

Healing Hearts.™

2009-07-08T04:25:00.000-07:00

I felt inspired to do so at the spur of the moment, so I actually went through my archives. And I put together a folder of some of my good works that I have done over the last two years and uploaded it on Facebook. It was really interesting because I revisited so many stuff that I have photographed - faces, places and all. It wasn't a trip down memory lane or anything like that. It was like, consolidating what you have done over a period of time, and noticing your gradual progress. And by putting them altogether,the progress seems more evident and easy to observe.

Comparing some photos I took in the past and some photos I take now, the least I can conclude was some things have changed, but I take heart in the fact that there is still an underlying style that I still keep in most of the photos. For that, I think I am quite intrinsically satisfied. That I kinda kept true to my artistic integrity, yet being able to apply it to several genres of photography.

Today, I feel a little insoluble. Can't seem to mould into the groove of things. Feels a little...I don't know...just inactive. Seems like time passes fast for me even when I did nothing today. The unfortunate lethargy seems to set in all of a sudden today, so I decided to not work on things today. Hopefully tomorrow will be better because I don't have time to slow down soon. It will be full gear on next week and right now, I am not feeling it.

Michael Jackson's memorial was heart wrenching for many. I couldn't help but notice the numerous great photos of him that were displayed during the memorial onstage. I think its a photographer's habit. Brooke Shield's eulogy touched me.

Ramblings of the day...they keep you occupied with thoughts yet leaves you empty with words. But you need those...to heal your heart, and nurse your soul. Otherwise, what kind of a person do you intend to be? Utterly mechanical and void of feelings? Life is not worth living if you don't know how to live it.

Inner Textures.™

2009-07-07T15:39:00.000-07:00

People have different faces. Let's face it. We don't go about our daily lives being the same person every single time. Depending on how the situation or circumstances call it, we take on different skins. Sometimes, the way we act does not correlate to the way we think.

These different layers make up the character textures, of a person, as I'd like to call it. And you wonder what makes it difficult for one person to just love another? Layering adds body, and that can cloud the real skeletal truth of a person. Yet on the other hand, stripping it bare will just leave one a little souless.

I know it sounds silly, but if I like to be of a wooden texture. No, not about how dead a log can be or how stoic being wood may be. But its texture, just so amazing. Notice how distinct its grooves are and the patterns it makes. All really unique. Yet, the grains all run in the same direction. Maybe, we can take on different roles in life, just as long as at the end of the day, the roles don't compromise who we are as the person we want to be, as one.

Wow, the road this month seems a little long. Many things are happening at the same time and I need a little breathing space. As long as I don't sidetrack, I figure I will be fine. The apples dont't fall too far from the tree.
Hopefully, there is a pattern to everything, so that things get easier.

Good night sleepy world.

By the way, the picture shows The Henderson Wave. And I did, run my finger across the wooden plane. It felt...strangely very smooth.

Validation.™

2009-07-06T09:17:00.000-07:00

This is just awesome, stupendous and extremely well made! Just simply gotta share it! Brings a smile to your face I hope! And maybe the thing with photography in it hits closer to home for me! I think this is why I am a photographer! From this very basis! Share it, spread it! Enjoy it! And remember to smile! Thanks TP for sharing this with me!

It's well made, it's simple and well thought out. The black and white treatment is extremely appropriate and apt here. Love the use of certain locations like the theatre where the lights were shimmering. Really added character to the black and white theme. Power punch and concise, heartfelt and very memorable!

"Validation" is a fable about the magic of free parking.

Starring TJ Thyne & Vicki Davis. Writer/Director/Composer - Kurt Kuenne. Winner - Best Narrative Short, Cleveland Int'l Film Festival, Winner - Jury Award, Gen Art Chicago Film Festival, Winner - Audience Award, Hawaii Int'l Film Festival, Winner - Best Short Comedy, Breckenridge Festival of Film, Winner - Crystal Heart Award, Best Short Film & Audience Award, Heartland Film Festival, Winner - Christopher & Dana Reeve Audience Award, Williamstown Film Festival, Winner - Best Comedy, Dam Short Film Festival, Winner - Best Short Film, Sedona Int'l Film Festival.

Slow Dancing.™

2009-07-03T12:44:00.000-07:00

Something about slow dancing in an episode of Ally McBeal that I've watched lately.
Something about how slow dancing is not really dancing at all.
Something about how slow dancing is actually more like leaning against the one you are slow dancing with.
Something like, how you will fall if you don't lean enough on that person.

Will you slow dance with me? You know who you are.
After so much, and going through so many episodes in my short span of growing up,
And as much as I will like to deny it or change the fact, I can't.
It is still McBealism I choose to subscribe to.
Fishism is pragamatic and sadly, I am not a pragmatic person and I don't check back well with reality checks.

I am still that shameless and helpless romantic that refuse to settle for anything less.
But look where I am? You know what, at least I know where I won't be.
Happy Birthday to me.

I will wait for you to come slow dance with me.

When no one is looking.™

2009-06-30T09:42:00.000-07:00

How many times when you are out and you wish no one is looking or scrutinizing what you do? Times when you kinda feel like digging your nose, adjust that displaced undergarment that is causing you some minor discomfort? The idea that you can just do something without being conscious of someone watching you. How ironic because I do that too. I like to watch people, wonder what their stories are. You know, the whole, sizing strangers up, second guessing their occupations, how they lead their lives etc.

But there is a thin line doing that and passing judgements. I have learnt how not to make presumptuous opinions of people, or pass judgements on people I do not know. Dunno, maybe because of my line of work and interest. In order to photograph someone well, you have to know their story, and then attempt to tell that story of theirs' via the pictures you take. And that requires some sense of objectivity and it's like starting on a blank canvas to be painted. You cannot afford to pass a judgement on your subject even before you click the camera. A parallel would be like, an accused is innocent until proven guilty.

I think to myself, it is impossible for people to stop watching. It is also impossible for me to stop watching. Everyone looks and everyone is still looking. Then there is a whole other flip side to the coin. What if they are not watching? They might actually be looking - the searching kind of looking. What if they look because they are searching for somebody? Then would you wish that people are looking at you then?

I actually don't know why I had such a neurotic thought about this today. But penning it down gives me a clearer perspective I suppose. In a day I will officially be encountering some kind of change, be it mental, physical, emotional, psychological even. Nonetheless still a change.

Good time to spend it with some close family and friends.

Julian Lee by Fotocology.™

2009-06-28T14:23:00.000-07:00

We had a conceptualized test shoot on Saturday with our new equipment. These are the first set of the conceptualized shots I did for Julian. The softbox lighting was used in a very controlled and subdued manner to create an "aura of mystery" in my very own words. In some shots, we used a single softbox for the play of shadow and contours. But in some, you will notice a more balanced facial light up by using two softboxes instead of one. This is to complement the play on symmetry in terms of having a straight on portraiture. The fur coat also act as a "frame" of symmetry for Julian's face as well as the photo in itself.

We had some laughs and fun doing this, but it was tiring of course, while we took turns to be the subject of experimentation. For me, of course taking the photos was an easier role compared to being the model. I find that it comes naturally easier for me to be behind the lens. It feels like I already know what to do.

Fortunately, the air conditioning in my loft was working, and the industrial fan was kinda full blast. So we did not perspire much despite being in that fur of the coat. Julian even said he perspired so much more while being the photographer instead of the model! I like some of the following shots we took that displayed some principles of symmetry once again. Will put them up after I am done editing them.

I ended up watching a movie with FC earlier tonight. It's called The Brothers Bloom starring Rachel Weisz, Adrian Brody and Mark Ruffalo. The directing was very interesting, acting was great and the plot was intriguing. I love how the message eventually derived, in my own opinion, that Love, is the greatest con ever pulled off, where everyone involved, gets what they want. Rachel Weiz was really compelling to watch as the quirky and eccentirc heiress. Always great to see one of my favourite "B' line actor, Mark Ruffalo, doing something really different. Rinko Kikuchi (best known for her Oscar nominated role in Babel), was such a delight, adding such a stylisic taste to the movie. Great to see her again!

And then we have the end of Sunday, where all thing seems a little awashed with the coming of the slight drizzle. The air was acutely fresh as I walked took Bianca downstairs for her walk. Ryan will know by tomorrow which weekend he will be coming. Tonight, our conversation was different. He seemed to take the lead tonight. It's tonight, I really really wish he is here now.

Eski-ology.™

2009-06-27T06:36:00.000-07:00

Ok, so Eski-ology was just a silly name that I came up with because I don't really have a title in mind for this. But we were really excited to try out our new elinchrom studio equipment today, and Julian was saying we should use a prop or something to play with while we snap some pics. So I suggested this coat that I have that is a little furry, because I thought it will add a little bit of dramatics to the whole thing.

The pictorials turned out quite nice, and more importantly we were pleased with the ease of us getting fully comfortable with our equipment set-up. After all, that was the main purpose of the whole shoot. I also touched on quite a fair bit of light play, angles, proportions and subject orientation with Julian. It was all in all a pretty productive and fun afternoon.

Gotta thank Jules for taking this photo of me, he was the one who suggested the one eye thingy. I thought that was pretty cool! Of course I photographed a cool set for him in return, but will get down to them when I am free. I love some of the symmetry shots we were experimenting, especially the ones I took of him. Hopefully they will turn out even better after some touch up.

What we both found joy in was that we kinda have a mobile studio ready already. That the studio hardware will go a long way in expanding our range of services and skills. I am excited about the whole thing and Kenrick is going to do his research on buying us cheaper battery packs from Pakistan.

My Saturday is gonna end with a midnight show at Lido. Transformers, even though I am not like a fanatic, I thought I will just tag along with some buds for the thrill of it. Ryan is watching Transformers tonight as well, 10:50 pm his time. We talked about him buying his airline ticket, so I guess in flash, we will no longer just be voices on one end of the country to another.

Fotocology Lights Up!™

2009-06-25T14:24:00.000-07:00

So we finally invested and bought our way into the foray of studio. Cost us quite a bomb but we were smothered by our enthusiasm in getting the equipment today. Lugged it home and thanks to Julian who was the designated driver today! Really grateful! I did not drive because it probably doesnt make sense to have two cars in city during peak hours.

Our first trial "set" ended up eventually at my place. We just decided to set the softboxes and lights up just to test if they were all working fine. It ended up being lots of great fun, and at the same time, we made mental notes of most things we needed to. I guess my fur cushions on the couch finally can be put to good use! Kinda adds a luxe factor to the whole set up! I also thought the fire extinguisher kinda adds a certain disposition to the onset. Kinda makes me laugh really!

Am glad we settled for elinchrom because from what I observe, the quality is assured and it seems quite hardy. Now that we have acquired our basic studio needs, plans are underway to acquire the 2400 watts battery packs as well as a few other equipments, muslin backdrops and stands that we have been eyeing. It is our aim to be fully operational as a studio (both stationary and mobile) by 2012.

I am so grateful to have people like Julian and Kenrick by my side, who constantly believe in me. What you guys have done, and plan to do, really touch me.
You both have got my back covered. I really cannot ask for more and I can only thank you from the bottom of my heart.

It's been a really long evening and night. Spent most of it putting away the equipment after Julian left, and then ended up doing housechores and laundry. Spoke to Ryan for a bit on Skype. He seems cheerful today andt he was adorably worn out when he hopped into bed and we talked. Probably gonna call it a night after this and hit the sack. There was this whole drama about the collection of Fotocology's marketing collateral, which I am just too peeved to blog about. The printer company is totally unprofessional, irresponsible and totally lacks workmanship. But its over, and I am gonna let it slide. Focus on the big picture.

Good night! Gonna off those studio lights!

A Boardwalk Sunset Boulevard.™

2009-06-24T14:08:00.000-07:00

The Henderson Wave was where I ravel in the little magic of a boardwalk sunset. It was charming in a way, because I rarely do something like this. The last two times I was on a treetop walk, was when I was studying in Australia and we were on a road trip, And once when i was in New Zealand.

The sunset was rather captivating, and I had full intention to capture the structural aesthetic of the "wave". However, they did not seem as attractive as what I saw. The beauty of the wood on the boardwalk as well as the people that were passing by. They all seemed to tell some kind of story and I found that more interesting. Besides, the "waves" shelter were occupied with many, there to watch the setting of the sun. So I pretty much planted myself flat on the floor, with my back against the wood snapping some photos. I think some passerbys might have thought I was crazy.

What made it extra special was that Julian and I actually had a very long day before we walked up to the wave. We were at various locations like the museum, fort canning etc before we made it to Hort Park. So the 2.4km up to Henderson Wave and 2.4km back down wasn't really all smooth sailing. We were tired, but we trudged on. Besides, the weather was socrching and humid. I wished we have weather like Perth's.

The climax came when we were near the wave, I saw Carpark 1 before relazing we could have drove up. I cursed and swear like a photographer ah beng gone wild! But I ended up taking it all in good stride. It was a great walk anyway! Come sunset, my calves were aching, but that wasn't the only ache I felt. Maybe because moments like these always gets you thinking. I don't like being in that moment anymore lately, because it just leaves you trapped. Literally, in a moment. But yeah, that's me. Always a victim of my own neurosis.

Good night...sleepy world. Am glad Bianca is in my bed tonight. Miss her for two whole weeks already.

To A Very Dear Friend...™

2009-06-24T10:36:00.000-07:00

Julian sure looks happy doing this! I am glad I have him as my fellow shutterfreak mate. Come to think of it, we do go way back. We were PTP mates. Yeah, even before BMT. We kinda stuck it out for each other ever since. The memories we chalked up from army days and even after, in flash, amounted to 11 years. I never really told him, but I think he knows I regard him as one of my close pals all these years.

I admit I am guilty. For not being more in touch in the past with him and a few of my army mates. And for not taking the initiative more actively than Julian to constantly make sure a few of us stay in touch. For that I am grateful because I got to know him so much better over the years. We don't talk about it, but I think he'd be quite blind or deaf to not know about me, being me. I sense acceptance, and I sense he quietly awaits my coming out to him. In my time, my terms, when i am ready to talk openly about it to him, I will.

Hope this picture does him justice and captures certain spontaneous qualities about him. He has always been a trustworthy friend with an unassuming good nature. Of course, he has his woes and personal problems to deal with and we always talk about them. I wish nothing but the best for him and may good things come his way.
The very least, he has my friendship, for which I happen to cherish and keep close to my heart.

Untitled musings.™

2009-06-23T12:38:00.000-07:00

That summer we held hands together. Now, the world is your oyster and I wonder how life is treating you. It's hard, returning to being a friend. It's like taking a back seat of the bus on an already bumpy ride.

Opposites attract they say. But, opposites will never meet. Perhaps, opposites are better than parallels still. Its painful to see each other like parallels, but can never touch. I'd rather never to meet, than not being able to reach out and feel you. We are, definitely opposites.

And now, I have found life after you again. A feeling that makes the flutter of the eyelids each day, more purposeful. Delusional is a possibility, but delusion is nonetheless still an imagery. It beats the canvas of white, or black depending on how you see it.

I celebrate the fact that I no longer feel the need to celebrate this year. The inner contentment seems to suffice as soul replenishment for every fibre of my being. Keeping dear to my heart are the thoughts of something new and something uncertain. Constantly pumping and beating to the rhythm I know so well, yet can't seem to dance along to.

Kinda ironic, for such a cheeky picture, I actually feel the need to pen a reflective blog entry. Just outta blue and totally exclusive from any relation to the imagery. This picture was taken and edited purely by my partner Julian. I have no hand in this one. So proud of him. And thank you for the picture. I look like a team of Dennis-es running out from backstage ready to perform a circus act of sorts!

Crossing The Border.™

2009-06-23T00:39:00.000-07:00

Soon it will come July. A time of the year I secretly enjoy, maybe because it marks the official crossover to the later half of the year. Also, the weather will be a little gentler, not as scorching hot. There is this indescribable "maturity" to the later half of the year compared to the first half.

This July, I certainly look forward to. First up, Ryan Toamaki Constantine Downing is flying in from Korea for a weekend visit. He couldn't be away any longer due to his teaching commitments. I think at best, it will be Sat through till Tuesday. I am racking my brains to make sure he sees as much of Singapore within that short frame of time. But I concluded, we will be keeping it easy. I will just go with the flow and not plan too much. There is always this thing about leaving with the sense of "wanting more", that makes you realize, you actually like that place. And so far, only a few places I have visited had infused me this feeling.

Come later part of July, I will be in Kuala Lumpur for a wedding shoot. More like, a day in KL, and then 2 days in Putra Jaya for the wedding shoot at a resort garden wedding and then back to KL. After which, I will be catching up with Jonathan and a few great pals, and also Idrila and family. Idrila mentioned that I will be in KL like I did exactly one year ago. Because I attened her father's birthday last year on 4 August and I will be in KL till 4 August this time round again! How time flies! Definitely looking forward seeing her family again too. They took so good care of me the last time I was there. She has kindly extended an invitation and also insisted that I stay with them this time round after my work is done. I can do with the short break as well.

The picture, I must say, someone must have seen this coming! With all my experimental "seeing double" what and what not pictures! Haha I like the cheeky run and twirl across the garden thing! A little tongue-in-cheek! Oh well, I am not always a happy summery person all the time. So this is kinda gratifying and memorable for me. On a larger scale, I am looking forward to experiment a few more photos with this style. Maybe just for the fun of it! You won't know when you might need to use it. An exhibition perhaps?

Sliding Fotocology Doors.™

2009-06-22T11:00:00.001-07:00

As if one of me is not enough of a menace! Two of me might just be weapons of masive destruction. Just kidding! Sliding Doors, the movie starring Gwyneth Paltrow was kinda my inspiration for this. She stars as Helen Quilley, a Londoner whose love life and career both hinge, unknown to her, on whether or not she catches a train and the movie lets us it both ways, in parallel. I have always liked this movie. The treatment was great, the mood was set rather tastefully. And you often wonder, what could have or what could not have happened If what you did or did not do were based on a set of calculations, decisions and actions on your part.

Maybe was thinking what if there is a plot that mimics the Sliding Doors but a little different. From a gay and straight perspective? Where one is hetereo and the other "twin" a homosexual. As one takes a peek into the different lives of both of the same person in the same society. What kind of treatments they receive individually because of their identities? The places they visit, the kind of jobs they have, the people they date and the trials and tribulations they face separately. Hmmm and I wonder how far can I take this. Albeit, a fleeting thought, but hey, I kinda dig the idea! And why not, cast a super hot one for a movie like this, and you get to see twice as much, with two different looks! Great acting range for him I'd say!

Had a fruitful day today, getting some photos done and some paperwork for wedding shoot prep. Only thing I am unsettled about is the collection of the Fotocology corporate CDs which I have to squeeze in with Alexis. I am excited with the plans for Fotocology ahead, so let's slide some Fotocology doors! Also there is the purchase of our studio equipment with Julian. I hope the stock comes in soon by end of this week.

Gonna be a busy weekend before I turn a freaking year older.
I am not daunted, just a little rain on my parade because it will be the last year before I enter a totally different "league"!

Yes, laugh all you want!

Taking Leaps & Talking Bounds.™

2009-06-21T11:21:00.000-07:00

So I went to the National Museum of Singapore today with Julian for our photo shoot research. And we had a really fine day. I knew one day i will end up taking a shot of myself doing something like this. It was something I know I wanted to do - that is, to just keep jumping and leaping without a care in the world. So thanks Julian for helping me nail this! We had a great time choreographing a series of this shot, in front of this great muriel of sorts at the museum! I won't forget how many times, we prances, jumped, danced, twirled and lept before we got what we desired. All under the hot scorching noon of day sun!

I don't remember when was the last time I have been to the National Museum. Not since its refurbishment of its facade I suppose? There was a certain aura of calm and quiet that totally suited me. The diligent central air conditioning also totally made me a fan of this place (pun intended). Although we were officially on work matters, we eventually decided to have some fun when we passed by the muriel.
I mean why not? The day was great, the sun was blazing, the grass was dry and earthy, the sky was clear and blue. It was one helluva fine day I would dare say.

So, the leap of faith huh. Not that it daunts me, to jump into some things that I am not even sure of. Because I have been doing it all my life! Some leaps just pay off and some just land you in awful potpourri of shit. While I understand we were taught that slow and steady and even baby steps usually is the way to go, but times where hurdles present themselves, you just got to take that jump. Leaps, covers distance and crosses obstacles. It is ok to take them, just not with your eyes closed all the time. And if you fall, probably learn to pick yourself up. Having said that, responsibilities, commitments and obligations may bound us from taking those leaps. It is important to weigh what in your heart and mind and which is more important to us.

Ryan is probably coming in July. It is going to be a whirlwind weekend but I am gonna make the best of it. I am ecstatic but I don't show it.

I just leap and prance and twirl.

Twilight Night.™

2009-06-17T15:19:00.000-07:00

We turned around the bend at Keppel Bay and I saw a perspective I immediately felt for. I knew I had to try to get that shot. The colour of the sky was lit with the generous compound lights.
A hybrid of rich purple from the blue of the night and the threatening tinge of red of rain. And I saw stars. One that shone so bright it was hard to not notice nor resist.

I did something really cheesy. Something I don't normally do. I closed my eyes and made a wish. Yeah, a wish, upon that very star. And then I prayed. For many good things that will come, upon my family and friends and myself. I don't remember where or how I found the strength to close my eyes and just hear my very own breathing and thoughts. I know it sounds silly, but it was actually a very surreal moment for me as I recalled. Something within tells you that you still have it in you to be optimistic and you questioned, where did all those years of hope and fighting spirit go to? I drew strength that night. In a very quiet and unassuming manner.

Something so beautiful about the night, I just stood there and gazed for quite a while. For the longest time, I actually heard myself speak inside me. I felt that inner peace, I keep hearing everyone talk about. It was sensual, it was calming, it was everything I have not felt for a while.

Not that I had any phenomenal epiphanies or anything like that from just standing there. But I do remember one very natural thing. The thought that came to my mind when I stood next to my tripod and camera. While taking the shot, I thought..."Yeah, I must bring R here."

Someone, just slap me.

Diamonds In The Rough.

2009-06-11T15:01:00.000-07:00

Sometimes when the going gets tough, you just got to bite the bullet and trudge on. Darkness falls extremely quickly after sunset and it's easy to lose your way if you are not careful. The journey gets a little lonely and you just do not see an end in sight even though you keep walking. Fortunately for some friends and loved ones akin to the street lights that line the long and winding road. They are just like the guiding lights on this very arduous journey.

They shine so bright, they are like diamonds in the rough.

Recent events have left me a little shaken, a little disappointed. But we all got to accept that some things just don't work out and that people always have differing opinions and takes on situations. In light of that, I feel, sometimes its not so much the situation, but the human elements that make it all so complicated. Friendships as important as they are, do not imply that I have to bend my back to succumb to admitting that it is my fault when it's not.

Just when you feel a little lost out there in this crazy world, something concrete comes along and reins you in. Now, not only am I lost, I am held on to one place. With nowhere to go, I find myself observing and admiring the view. There are, many diamonds in the sky, just which one choose to shine for you, is completely up to your own perspective. Let's just say, there is definitely a star out there that shines particularly for you and you only. The star that shines the brightest may not, necessarily be the one that shines for you. Look for the diamond that speaks to and shines for you.

And speaking of diamonds, my cousin Silas is getting married this weekend. After everything he has been through, I am so happy that he is settling down. Feels abit surreal attending my younger cousin's wedding this weekend. Honoured that he has requested me to be one of this "brothers". I have not been a "brother" before, and I have inadequately played the role of his "brother" for the past 20 odd years. I do hope this is the beginning of a change. A step towards bridging gaps that tie the family together. Maybe being the only child, and knowing that I won't or may not be having a family of my own in future, Slowly I find the dire need to keep my existing family members close.

They are, after all, the diamonds that will shine the brightest for you in the roughest of rough.

And speaking of roughest of rough, Happy Birthday to my dearest friend in the whole wide world, Jamie, who shines the brightest for me during my darkest moments for the past 17 years.

Fotocology @ Keppel Bay, Singapore.

2009-06-08T07:32:00.000-07:00

I don't often do landscape shots, let alone night shots. But I am glad I was at Keppel Bay with Julian. Had a really quiet time, enjoying the still of the night and exploring the yacht bay during the shoot.

Keppel Bay, is a charming waterfront that houses a smart fleet of yachts and sail boats for the discerning. Prive, a new york style restaurant bar is also located there, with a great seating overlooking the bay. The architectural facade of the club house, at certain angles (well, at the angles I snapped anyway), resembles a butterfly! Which I thought was kind of enchanting in a way.

I enjoyed the photos as much as just being at the waterfront. Will put them up when I get the time and energy. The night was just beautiful with the bridge overlooking the still waters. If one looks hard enough in thw blog featured pic, one can actually see a star or two amidst the clouds. The clouds were in, at the right place, at the right time, overlooking the bridge structure.

Guess, one couldn't ask for more. Except, maybe someone special to watch it with.

Dedicated to R.

Fotocology's Work Is On Straits Times!

2009-06-07T02:54:00.000-07:00

Fotocology's work for Saraceno Ristorante is on today's Straits Time Life! P.g. 26. Entitled Italian Revival, Saraceno was one of the Italian restaurants being reviewed in the Sunday Times. Feels great seeing the 3 food visuals on papers! Whoever chose the photos to be published is probably on the same page as I am. Because they would be the ones I choose too.

Thanks Mark from DNA Comms for the great shoot. And also to the people at Saraceno for making it possible with such great culinary expertise. The review was pretty in between, with some good bits and some not so good bits. All in all pretty average but in a positive tone!

But I do hope the photos will do its part in dressing up the spread that they can offer! They do really have a great team of Czech chefs that can create a fantastic food spread. I had such a great time digging in during the food photography session.
I certainly hope the photos did them proud! They did me proud as well with the fantastic coverage with the photos! *beams*

Its a great feeling! Happy Sunday!

Theatrical Drama.™

2009-06-04T05:15:00.000-07:00

I dare say I do love drama. Not a big surprise. A bunch of artists out there do thrive on them. Not so much the emotional rollercoaster dramatic waves, but more of dramatics and impactful visuals in that sense. I find photography, in that aspect, pretty hard to master. I constantly grapple with the art of capturing something in the moment, or simply capturing something already pre-planned, for effects.

Probably what I take away from the thought process is. There can never be a perfect combination of that two. Maybe there is, but very rarely. I believe that both cannot and should not be amalgamated nor compared.

You want it spontaneous? Fine, go with it. Don't even plan anything. Just go for the feel and enjoy "feeling" it. If beauty and aesthetic is what you are after, everything prim and proper and really cutting edge. Go ahead. Plan it. Execute it. Make sure everything is in place. Don't think of spending so much effort in planning a set just to capture a "natural" moment. Its like, spending a few thousands dollars going for plastic surgery just to look "natural".

Lately, I just feel like bucking trends. Whatever. But of course, that doesn't always go down well in every decision I make. Maybe, its just a phase of sorts. Last a couple of days? Weeks? Months Who knows? What I find really cool now, is imperfection. But then again, it has always been my working philosophy eh?

I just had a very interesting conversation with a friend of mine, also a photo enthusiast. We concluded that, because I, who is usually not apt at snapping beautiful models, nor men with stunning features or bodies, will not churn out really fashion-edged nor stylish editorial pages like many photographers do. I like working with what I have, or turning something obscure into diamonds. Ordinary faces into extraordinary. Maybe personally, I find more intrinsic satisfaction in that. But one day, or rather, soon, I should branch out into something else.

What inspires me lately? Drama. Bold colours, big movements, operas, heat waves, no mincing of words, courage, passion, darkness, speed, fluidity, frustration, strength, power, envy, volume etc etc etc. Ah, in a weird place right now definitely.

A quote I came across that simply lived in me today. "I love people who are like teabags. You never really know how strong they are until they get thrown into the hot water."

Tres magnifique.

Star Trek & Strawberry Sundae.™

2009-06-03T03:38:00.000-07:00

I spent the whole of today really focused on editing the bulk of the photos from the last few shoots. I stepped out only to grab a takeaway for lunch, and ever since then, I was plonked on my chair the entire afternoon. Am really pleased with what had been accomplished from the afternoon, even though, I would have continued futher if not for the tired and watery eyes. I could have gone on, but quality will be compromised.

This picture kinda reminds me of the base of a spaceship or something. Once again, I am having a deeper interest when it comes to architecture and design. An aspect I seem to have paid less attention to, considering the fact that my photography interest and forte stems from the human faces. But I am glad I still eventually got round to this and the exploration of what is in store is always a treat.

Had a craving for strawberry sundae in the later part of the afternoon. I mean considering the really harsh weather of late, it is forgivable to want a popsicle or a sundae in the afternoon no? Ordered the sundae from Macdonald's and of course, I had to cave in a order a meal as well just to make it all worthwhile! Spent some time reading up a little more on Star Trek and the movie. I definitely want to watch it again, for Spock and Kirk! And the under-rated Hemsworth, who by the way, has been casted as Thor! I am pleased!

Off to take a nap and rest those tired eyes before carrying on with what I have to do. Managed to reply Naomi on her wedding shoot in July and we have more or less everything in place. I will be in KL from 29th July till maybe 3rd August for a wedding shoot as well as to catch up with some friends. Gonna see if I can squeeze in some time to catch up with Idrila and some KL friends as well. Good to get out of here to get some new perpective of things.

Starting to get a little stifling around here.
Even the weather is suffocating.

Music of the Night.

2009-06-02T02:44:00.000-07:00

Been dealing with quite a few talented and creative musicians of late. Just late night was a hundred plus of them. Fotocology covered the concert of ACJC choir at The Esplanade. Hours leading up to the concert, the rehearsals gave me so much quality time to explore angles.

I had time to enjoy what I do. Standing in the middle of the hall, the magnitude of it overwhelms me. As the choral ensemble delivers such mystical music, it fills the entire space with such aching beauty.

Because of the architectural aesthetic of the concert hall, my lens took to the place like a duck to water. I absolutely indulged in three hours of quality photography. Every moment savoured without questions.

There was a moment, when rehearsals was over, and I stood on the stage alone, facing the never ending deep hall and brights lights, the massive ceiling looking over me. I felt the smallness of me. It was very humbling, and yet the feeling was indescribable. And no, I wasn't about to start channelling my Susan Boyle persona.

Thank you Patrick for such a wonderful project. I absolutely adore. I have started collecting stage passes! More pics to come!

My Secret Garden.

2009-05-31T19:32:00.000-07:00

It dawned on me that strolling along the garden of Life; I have kept my focus on maintaining a proclaimed self purpose to better people, myself inclusive, albeit made public for all to see.

Probably like how I want everyone who passes by my garden to stop and stare at those prize winning roses, when in fact I didn't plant them at all - merely imported. This sheer realization that I have been doing it all wrong does not come as a shock. More like a guilty admittance to the cold hard weeded floorbed of reality.

It takes time to just enjoy a breath of fresh air from the bona fide city dwelling. Sometimes you feel like asking for a new window to leap out of to smell the fresh flowers, and enjoy the prospect of the sun in a secret garden with white picket fences. I rather search myself the way I am going to search for my secret garden, instead of trespassing into others'.

For now, my garden is like the Holy Grail of the gardeners.

Sometimes, it still really hard to come to terms with certain learning curves in life. Even more so, the art of grappling with and grasping the gobbledygook of living. Everything just seems a little harder when you are braving it alone.
Life, is not really fun without company. But if you cannot live Life alone, how are you able to spend it with someone? Such is the paradox, where maybe like most cases, safety in numbers counts?

The art of creating art is not painting it. But the creation of painting it without much thought process. Technicalities sometimes define the boundaries of what you are going to create. But in that sense, you build a bubble around yourself, limiting to what you are able to create.

Fotocology For Patrick & Friends.

2009-05-20T20:31:00.000-07:00

A behind-the-scene for the conceptualized photo shoot for Patrick & friends for their promotional gig.

Patrick is a nice friend of mine who happens to be extremely talented and gifted as a singer and music maker. He and his friends will be having a gig in September and it was my pleasure to be hired for the photo shoot for his promotional efforts for the gig. Mark playes the guitar and Rachel plays the piano. All three of them made music so effortlessly during the photo shoot.

This is the behind-the-scene which I thought was kinda cool, while we were waiting for them to get into position. And I was adjusting the lighting as well as taking a few steps back to check out the balance of their composition. I like the fact that we adapted the music room for the shoot. Adding a studio lights gives it a studio effect in a casual setting. There is a nice balance, because it shows their place of work yet still giving it a little of an edge with the help of the lighting equipment.

Overall, it was all cool! We had a great time!

The Face Of Pink.

2009-05-19T15:19:00.001-07:00

The heart still pulsates every now just thinking about the happenings of that special afternoon. Took me a while to settle down those adrenalin rushes and just coming down from it all. Had a chance to settle at Starbucks and go through the edited photos over a cup of caramel macchiato.

One of the photos struck me quite hard. She was so young, her eyes bursting with energy, happiness and genuine innocence. Her pink wig was strikingly stunning. She was enjoying the Pink Dot event. Her mom by her side. They both stood beside me just right next to the stage (centre of the dot), during the finale of the event. I could remember how her mom embraced her with so much love while the pink umbrellas opened and the balloons released into the sky.

At that moment, it really dawned on me, love is all encompassing, and that I witnessed family love at a GLBT event.Seeing families, turning up to show support for this event, was the biggest touching feeling that was etched into my heart that day. This girl, whose name I found out becaue someone tagged her on my Facebook albums, is Janey Hou.

Janey Hou, in my opinion, is the cute face of Pink Dot!

Fotocology's Photography for The MDA Singapore Media Fusion Gallery - Built by PICO Art.

2009-05-17T21:41:00.000-07:00

This is the fruit of the labour of the project I was pretty busy with a few months back. Fotocology was commissioned by PICO Art to photograph various genres of media in Singapore. This involves going about to various publications, media houses, games and animation companies for photo shoots. The photos were intended to tell a story of Singapore's media history and relevance via an exhibition in the gallery.

Today, the gallery is finally completed and thanks to Weetz, I was one of the few that managed to catch a glimpse of it first! We had lunch (thanks for the great ramen lunch Weetz!) at Fusionpolis itself before proceeding to the gallery which is on the 26th floor. The gallery occupied the entire floor and boasts a great sky terrace with a great view. We had some time to look at the gallery and I felt a wave of goosebumps run through me for a short while. With the knowledge that my work will be in the gallery for quite some time to come, is really amazing. It feels good. And knowing, these are the pics invited guests from local or overseas will view when they are brought around the gallery - touches me. I had a great time just basking in it for a while in complete serenity and privacy and in the great company of Weetz. Took some snapshots and also managed to play around with the gadgets a little! The featured table-based PC seems like a great island table in the kitchen!

Once again, a shout out and thank you to Mel, Sharon and Gimz from PICO Art for the wonderful working opportunity. It was a pleasure meeting so many different people in the course of doing this project. It has also opened great doors for Fotocology as well. Also to Alexis, my designer, whom spent a grea deal of time helping me to sort out the visuals and carrying out first phase of photo editing.

The job wasn't easy but I definitely relished every single bit of it!

Moments.

2009-05-12T20:06:00.000-07:00

There are always moments. Those pockets of time that mean something to somebody at some point in their lives. Thinks of moments as the eclipse of time. Where magic happens during certain pockets of time. Ever just sit down, observe and watch intently. Even if it's into blank space? When you know, for that split second, something was just going to happen. And you wait, with bated breath, you could almost hear your own rhythm of your existence.

But there are those times, where moments, just happen. When you least expect them to. When you stop waiting for them. When you don't even realize it could happen. Moments, are elusive. Hence, they are precious. They are momentary. They are also possible. Moments that have happened, become memories. Memories are pockets of eternity. Moments that have not happened, are pockets of hope.

Capturing moments, are like chasing after fireflies, in the vast grassland of transcience. You run through passageways of your adventures, a visage of your experiences. Moments, never leave you. They either become etched inside you, or they have not happened yet.

Fotocology For Serena.

2009-05-08T15:40:00.001-07:00

A series of conceptualized studio shots for Serena.

Sometimes we associate the fact that light will always fabricate hope. It is however, comforting at times, to seek solace in the dark recesses of your own shadow. The haven where light and darkness meets, to create that area of grey.

We often seek happiness - some of us find that it is the beour and endour of life. The hardships encountered during the quest for this, so called happiness. We sometimes overlook. Some even totally discount it. The destination, seems more often than not, the most important agenda on the mind of the seeker. I often say, eyes that don't cry can't be beautiful. A wonderful quote from screen goddess, Sophia Loren - I can never quite seem to forget. How very true.

Tears, bring vulnerability to a human being. A soul to a living form. Emotions, torches every fibre of a being and brings about meaning to life. So much beauty to seek within the realm of emotions. Crying, is not ...always a bad thing. With Serena, I was happy to bring about a series of elements to the shoot. Light, shadows, a sense of illumination, emotions, tears, darkness and tresses. Think of it as a haunting mantra to the art of creating a photo. It is incessant...sometimes overbearing. But pretty much...music to my ears.

Fotocology For Zaibun Siraj - Newly Voted in Chairperson for AWARE.

2009-05-02T07:49:00.001-07:00

Fotocology is proud and honoured to have photographed Zaibun Siraj - Newly Appointed Chairperson for AWARE. I believe the triumphant justice served at the AWARE EGM needs no updates here. For they are covered in a wide source of media, blogs and twitter spots in Singapore. Fotocology supports the victorious outcome for which Josie and her team graciously stepped down.

The voices of many were heard today. The voices of women. The voices of Singaporeans. The voices of some minorities. The voices of the repressed. The voices of unity. The voices of standing up for justice. The voices of successful social media interaction mediums. The voices of great Singapore journalistic reporting. The voices of true Faith and not man-made ones.

Fotocology is honoured to have photographed Ms. Zaibun Siraj just shortly before the whole AWARE debacle. We wish her, as well as the new AWARE team, under the leadership of newly voted in President, Dana Lam, the very best in the organization's endeavours to continue the great work that has already been done over the last 24 years. Despite the recent hurdle, the baton is back in the rightful set of hands.

As for TSM...a feature film? X-Mentor: The Origins? Nudity is not a possibility of course. Let's just focus on sharpening those claws.

A Lover's Paradise.

2009-04-27T11:33:00.000-07:00

Had an enjoyable walkabout at The Singapore Jurong Bird Park with some great friends. Even birds are in love. And Emperor Penguins are monogamous - serially that is. Meaning, they change mate only once a year during their mating season. Just one of the interesting facts I know while watching a movie. Can't really recall which movie that was though. I particularly enjoyed the Penguin's enclosure at the bird park. They are just so fun to watch and they look really adorable. A sea of black and white. Of course, the central air conditioning was a great incentive to stay in the enclosure a little longer! The weather that day was just horridly scorching.

A walkabout with a few close friends was really nice. Something we seldom do for the longest time. Waking up early, visiting a tourist attraction, walking under the sun, sweating it out, getting in tune with Nature. Yeah definitely something we haven't done for the longest time! Oh well, but no regrets. We definitely did have fun and with the company I am keeping, I was glad to be myself.It is no secret, that it is important to do things and go out with friends that you are oh so comfortable with. It keeps me grounded and let me appreciate the comfort zone and familiarity that I am blissfully wrapped in.

Fotocology for SQUEEZE Juice Co.

2009-04-26T13:57:00.000-07:00

Had the most wonderful time doing the product photography for SQUEEZE. Basically involving a simple shoot for a range of fruit juices, ice blends, chillers and fruittie yoghurt drinks. Of course, I had the awesome treat of tasting all the drinks after each of them has been photographed. Running the risk and fear of a sugar rush and perennial glucose pile up in my internal system, I of course took moderate sips for each of them (I swear)!My favourites are probably the durian milkshake and the tangerine tango!

I am glad we decided on a really clean and simple shoot for the products instead of dressing it up with fruits and backdrop etc. I managed to convince them that the target consumers are not of the high end nor really low end range. Somewhere in between. So keeping it simple, classy and yet no frills will seem appropriate based on the ways these images can be used. A series of collaterals, vouchers, the signboard, standees, all will be conveniently done up by SQUEEZE using these images. With the right color palette, right fonts and layout, the images will defintely serve the client well.

I just feel that Fotocology, as a photography and deisgn platform, has the responsibility to advise clients on the project at hand. That way, we don;t come across only as a photographer that just points and shoots. And that, we actually would have thought about the shoot at hand, give our thoughts and achievening an equilibrium between a client's vision as well as our creative capabilities.

On a side note, am feeling more energized after the one week hiatus from pictures and pictures and more pictures. Been laying a little low, almost laid back and resting most of the time. But I am back on my feet, after which, I will have to start planning for things and setting things into motion again. Guess its always a cycle and one just needs to learn how to pace. But you know what, I guess I am ready to run a race when I need to and also ready to stop and smell the flowers along the way when I have to walk.

Gourmet Photography. The Garden Slug Cafe. My First Exhibition.

2009-04-23T01:08:00.000-07:00

And just not too long ago, Sophia from The Garden Slug Cafe played gourmet chef and specially designed a few kick-ass dishes for my food photography. We certainly did have a great time at the supermarket, shopping for the freshest of ingredients and also learning a thing or two from the veteran food director! Also, we did find time for a nice cuppa at Starbucks and catching up a little!

It was great hearing her share about the ups and downs of running a business and dealing with naysayers and all. Of course, its been almost two years plus and the Garden Slug Cafe is still around with the great leadership of Joseph, Sophia and Sharon slugs! I do say, all three of them deserve a pat on their shoulders for this great "gardening" effort! I am glad we became great friends with the same values to share and all working towards the same "cause"!

Fotocology started only a few months shortly after the cafe commenced business. And it all started in that little quaint cafe at Telok Kurau Lorong L! I was fiddling with my new camera before Sharon came up and say, "Hey! You wanna do an exhibition here?" And that's how Fotocology took its first baby step and never really did look back. I did a series of portraitures in black and white as my debut for the exhibition. It was titled Sons. The notion being, we are all someone's son/daughter and we all have a role to play in this society of ours.

Oh man, it just brings about so much to smile about. My good friend, Jonathan from KL, was my poster boy for the exhibition I still remember! He was so gleeful about it! I probably will find time to dig out the official poster and put it up here just for good time's sake! Thank you Sluggies for opening up such a huge beautiful world for me in the realm of photography!

Fotocology for Cambridge University Press - Guest of Honour PM Lee Hsien Loong.

2009-04-22T03:55:00.001-07:00

It was a great honour being commissioned to cover the event for the anniversary celebration of Cambridge University as well as the Cambridge University Press, held at The Raffles Hotel. Fotocology had the privilege of being the official photographer for the event thanks to the recommendation of Emeric.

The evening was graced by the presence of our Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, who was aptly the Guest-of-Honour being a Cambridge alunmni himself. The event saw the likes of many prominent leaders as well as movers and shakers of Singapore. It was inspiring as well hearing the PM deliver his speech, albeit, about the university, and yet bringing in many issues that were relevant to the society as a whole.

The amount of security involved to ensure the safety of the PM, turning up for the event was an eye-opener by itself. We had police, security and bodyguards making sure every nook and cranny of the hotel, which the PM will walk by is covered. I had to be body-searched twice to be able to gain access as the photography media for the event.

Being up close with such an important political figure with my lens was indeed an unique experience for me. You could say, while Yijie helped me cover the eent in its entirety, I was in a way tasked to take photos of the PM throughout the entire event. Apart from JJ Lin, the PM was the man I took the most number of photos of with my camera!

It was all in all a great experience and yet another foundation block for Fotocology.
It was also a great opportunity for me to catch up with Emeric during the event.
I managed to catch up with Gabriel, an old army friend during my OCS days too, for he was a Cambridge alumni.

Good times. Good times.

Fotocology For JJ Lin Concert World Tour 2009

2009-04-22T00:22:00.001-07:00

Fotocology was happy to be commissioned as the official photographer for JJ Lin's Concert 2009 held at the Singapore Indoor Stadium in March. We had a wonderful time following through the rehearsals as well as the concert proper. JJ, Alien and I were all from SAJC and Alien was my junior in the band during that time. We all had a good time catching up a little prior to the concert. Good to know everyone is definitely doing what they love. JJ is a superstar. Alien is a music producer with Touch Music. And me, well, just a photographer! *gulps*

Anyway, Fotocology did work their asses off for the project and we are proud of it! Yijie was the best assistant we had and I am glad we managed to pull this off! Shoot wise, I particularly love a shot of By2 that I captured. Thought one of the girls encapsulated a great moment of style and showmanship. The By2 twins were the opening act for the concert and I thought its quite apt for Singapore youngest pop singing duo to do so! Guest singer was Fan Fan, whom I had a chance to talk to backstage. She said I was a handsome photographer. *blush* Anyway, it was my first time hearing her perform live, and I have to say she was great live. Her voice was more powerful than what you hear on her albums. Kudos.

Now, a little trivia. My computer crashed while I was editing the concert photos. And fate has it that I did not back up my work that week because I was so busy. Which kinda meant, I had to start from scratch. Fortunately, all raw files have been handed to Ocean Butterflies Singapore, Taiwan and China. So the edited versions can wait. But I spent so much time and effort editing them and now I have to start all over again! Bummed out. But I think with Life, setbacks like these, just makes you want to bounce back harder.

Here's to more concert converages and more capture of special moments. Something, Fotocology firmly believes in.

Wedding Of Eric And Daisy.

2009-04-20T20:29:00.001-07:00

Fotocology had the great pleasure of being the wedding photographer of Eric and Daisy. It was a a day spent, capturing many special moments that this newly wed couple has to offer.

Perhaps, not at liberty to divulge here, but the journey both of them had together has not exactly been a bed of roses. Hearing from Daisy, what she had gone through, and how Eric has always been there for her, was definitely touching and stirred something within me. Catching up with her, a few months after the wedding, and being able to learn about all the life stories about what she had faced, it was just sheer admiration seeing her speak of all the sadness with so much optimism and strength.

Of course, it was also gratifying to know that they both loved the photos that captured their happy day. Huge thank you to Yijie for being my assistant for the whole day and really sweating it out with me. A shoutout to Andrew who did such a wonderful job with the video montage as well. I do feel happy that Fotocology has played a part in making it special for this couple. Finally, a milestone after 7 years of being together. Here's wishing you a guys, eternal bliss, by the grace of God.

Picking up where I left off.

2009-04-20T05:31:00.000-07:00

And so, it took me a really long while to come back to furnish this blog.
Partly because there was this inertia to do so, with work and all.
But I am glad I finally found the energy and will to pick up where I left it.

Fotocology has experienced alot and had come so far over the last 2 years.
I regretfully did not manage to share this wonderful journey on this blog.
But well, I am hoping to do so now, albeit in the most low-key manner possible.

The livejournal that I have, has almost become rather impersonal.
I am hoping, quietly starting this here will allow me more creative space and fluidity.

Lastly, a big thank you to everyone who has shown me endless support ever since I started. Your words of encouragement have been nothing less than a pillar of strength for me. I can still remember the doubts and skeptical opinions of many others who did not think I could ever venture into something like this.

But I think with life, there will always be the push and the pull factors. We cannot aim to please everybody. And why should we?
I have learnt to just be able to account to myself, strive with a clear conscience. And definitely with due diligence to be able to be good at what I do.

Here's to a fresh start.

Amazing Grace - Black & White Portraiture for Grace Champion by fotocology.

2008-01-31T09:46:00.001-08:00

Grace by fotocology*.™

Grace Champion is one hell of a fun person to photograph! She is my current muse! Grace took up a package with me and we met over the weekend for the 2-segment shoot.It consists of a black and white indoor shoot - something more classic and back to basics. And an outdoor cinematic colored shoot - something more fun and grunge. So that she has a good combination of styles to keep and flaunt!

These are the black and white (obviously!) visuals of Grace and what i really like about them is that she was able to exercise versatility in her body language, expressions to evoke different moods. She could go from classy, to sassy, to fun chic and even dark child angry mama! She takes directions really well and is really not that shy in front of the camera.Very malleable and she knows what she wants - which really makes my job easier and in a way more challengin (ironically).

I really had a great time and I am sure she did too! The colored ones will be out once I get enough sleep! Looking at the photos, I am genuinely pleased with some of them. Some Euniuce Olsen-ish traits going on there! Grace is of mixed heritage - part Ceylonese, part Chinese, part Japanese - hence the exotic look! Did I mention the killer physique?

Grace is currently in the teaching profession.

Yanni - A Cinematic Perspective.

2008-01-31T09:38:00.001-08:00

A Cinematic Perspective*.™

So she asked for something moody as well, akin to the lonesome nights. Alarm bells ringing! "My Blueberry Nights" went blinking light bright neon lights in my head! The forlorn glow of the airport and the reflective effect did some fantastic texture to the visuals.Not one who always enjoy having her pictures taken, I must say, I really had a great time photographing her.There was no pressure, no need for much direction.I let her roam and do as she pleases.

I firmly believe when people are at ease, they give the best photographs. Even if the body language may be slightly awkward, we know the genuine expressions will more than make up for that inadequacy. I personally love the loneliness that she exudes from the visuals. I think it speaks to her and ultimately to her audience as well.

With that, the whole photoshoot for Yanni was concluded. Much to my delight, I think I managed to give her what she wants, more than what I wanted. I am glad she was delighted with the photos when she received them.

The End Of An Affair...

2008-01-27T12:03:00.000-08:00

The End Of An Affair*.™

An Affair With Life! ends its run at the Artoholic Art Gallery after this weekend! I will just like to extend my thank-yous to everyone who dropped by to support the exhibition!

And for those who did not manage to catch it, the 22-piece ensemble will be displayed at The Garden Slug for a good few months! Thank you to Joe for suggesting hanging them up on the red walls at the cafe!

Nicole is also in the midst of creating a virtual exhibition on the fotocology website. For those want to browse through the exhibition in the comfort of your home! All exhibits - from the Sons as well as the An Affair With Life! exhibitions Will be displayed through an interactive interface on the website, with prose and all.

Once again, Big Hugs, Thank Yous, Smooches to the Sponsors, Friends, Family, Clients, Nicole, Jonathan, and HIM above. I have been blessed with small little things that keeps me going. For that, I am thankful.

Yanni Trois - The Completely Blue Series!

2008-01-27T11:47:00.000-08:00

TheCompletelyBlueSeries*.™

These are the "blue" series of Yanni taken at the airport for her cinematic portraiture package.
Really like some of her visuals because a softer side of her was being captured.
She has rather sharp features that can come across a little icy cold and fierce.
Am glad the blue dress top I suggested, softened her up and also the light natural make up made her lighten up.

The lighting at the airport, I remembered was not as ideal as I would like it to be. We arrived later than expected and I had to deal with the lighting constraint because of the setting sun. We still managed to get some radiant ones with the blue hues!

The whole cinematic effect was enhaved by the grey infrastructure at the airport and the evenly spreaded out spotlights did accentuate the whole lighting in the background. Yanni's porcelain skin did emit a certain glow, necessary in making a portrait "shine".

All in all, I was pleased with the photoshoot and I had fun because Yanni did not need much direction at all. It was a very pleasant session, with lots to talk and discuss about.

Yanni is currently a free-lance model and she owns Bigheadesign.

Yanni - Black and White Portraiture by Fotocology.

2008-01-20T10:59:00.000-08:00

Yanni signed up a Deluxe Package with Fotocology for a series of black and white as well as cinematic colored photoshoots. I am just done post-processing the black and white series, and I thought it will be great to post them up! Sort of like the first set of photos for this inaugural blog gallery! Yanni currently works as a designer, and she owns Bigheadesign, in which she handles a whole gamut of design related projects. Quintessentially, I hope to have captured her aura as a designer through the black and white series. Bringing things back to basics and starting from the fundamentals, should after all be the working principle for any original designers, aiming to have fresh ideas.

Nothing out of the ordinary had been tried for this photoshoot.Done in my studio and with basic lighting - played around to achieve desired effects. I especially like the fact that she did not try too hard to engage the camera. The camera just goes to her, like how she commands her own body language and attitude. The hair caught in the wind look has been done to death, I know. But like a lullaby for a baby, it never fails to put a toddler to sleep! Just like how the wind and hair concept always manage to work! Old school but definitely worth trying once in a while.

There is just something about the deep dark and the feeble light that I am so attracted to.Kind of made me realise, the darker one's surrounding is, the more beautiful any source of light will be.Of late, I just feel that the more one is being pushed to a corner, the more one will try to appreciate space.

That's it for the first review and comments for this photoshoot. The colored series will be posted once I get them started on post-processing. In the meantime, I also want to conceptualized some interesting shoots for the coming future for incoming projects.

Interview With Artoholic - An Affair With Life! Featured on Artoholic Newsletter.

2008-01-13T12:29:00.001-08:00

An Affair With Life! is featured in Artoholics first newsletter for the year 2008! In conjunction with the launch held on 12 Jan 2008, Artoholic did an interview with me, to sort of "paint a picture" of fotocology, where my inspirations come from and who I really am as an artist.

Do excuse some of my tongue-in-cheek answers in the interview because I was just being a ditzy himbo with some of the interview questions! Not thinking straight! The interview can be downloaded at http://www.artoholic.sg/ under Articles/Press.

Thank you Gerlene, mavis and Santhi for doing the feature on the exhibition and fotocology! I really do feel quite grateful that the exhibition launch went smoothly!

Below is the text version of the full interview.(Guess which is my favorite part of the answers! LOL)

You were a forensic accountant. What made you give up your cushy job and regular pay cheque for photography?

The witty Oscar Wilde once said, “The best way to appreciate your job is to imagine yourself without one”. Photography allows me to feel like I don’t have one!

In a fast paced and demanding society like ours, not everyone is fortunate enough to have jobs that align our passion. The tenacity for survival often gobbles up our drive for our own passions. Work will always be work. If it is fun, it will be known as play instead!

It took me quite a while to figure that I am more of a visual rather than a number crunching person. The distance between one’s own dreams and one’s job is a very tall ladder. I just felt the need to start climbing!

Are you a self taught photographer or did you have a mentor that showed you the ropes?

Fortunately, and unfortunately, I did not receive proper education or training in photography. Being self taught is a double-edged sword. You are your own best teacher and you are your own worst student. On one hand, being self taught, I find myself having the constant need to find out more, make mistakes and learn from them. On the other hand, without a structured curriculum, I find myself having to navigate blindly at times!

I have a great friend who piqued my interest in photography a few years back. He used to shove the camera in my face all the time whenever we traveled! I don’t know anyone who likes to take photos more than him! Back then, I did not appreciate the joy in photography. But I have him to thank, for whatever I have learnt from him, that helped me reach where I am today.

What are your favourite subjects to photograph?

People - because they are the kaleidoscope of life offering different colours, emotions and expressions. Also, there is beauty in everyone, even in someone who is crying.

Food - because I get to eat them after the photo shoot!

Name a photographer(s) whose work you respect and admire.

I got to go with the late Herb Ritts, legendary American photographer, for shaping the landscape of art and editorial photography worldwide. His art form revolves around clean lines and simplicity, which impacts his audience instantly. I admire his ability to convey messages or evoke emotions through his works. Ritts images often challenged conventional notions of gender and race. He was also highly dedicated to HIV/Aids related causes.

However, in this day and age, we will find aspiring “Herb Ritts” in every city, and every country (including me!). I would say it is important to admire and respect photography works of all kinds, because your own personal style will probably be an influence of many.

What turns you on creatively, spiritually, or emotionally?

The need to be appreciated for who I am and what I can offer to the society as an individual.

What turns you off?

The constant need to be appreciated for who I am and what I can offer to the society as an individual.

If you can choose anybody in the world that you can photograph, who would that be? How and in what setting would you like to photograph this person?

The Pussycat Dolls, in a cage at the SPCA (Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals). Just kidding!

The homeless who found new families, the starving having enough to eat, the weak receiving strength, the unhappy finding new bliss…the list goes on. You get the picture, or rather, the photo!

The First Impression.

2008-01-10T08:15:00.001-08:00

To all keen photographers, people from all walks of life who appreciates photography and recognizes it as an art, indulge me for a moment to allow me to say hi and thank you for visiting my newly set up Fotocology Photo Blog. I believe, there should be ample information about Fotocology and me under my profile. This blog serves to be a haven for me to share my work with others on a greater intimacy level, to share and learn more about photography or to just kick back and relax through blogging some random spur of the moments thoughts! Through this blog, I hope you will get to learn more about what I do, understand my idiosyncracies and to hopefully, support me in what I believe in by indulging in my works. I pondered how to properly introduce myself to you for the very first time, and I eventually decided nothing is more apt than posting a short promotional piece written by my best friend, Jamie, for my upcoming photograpahy exhibition, An Affair With Life! - which opens in officially 2 days! Pardon me for this lengthy debut entry - and as with all friendships, I hope to forge one with you and more importantly, keep it lasting for as long as it can. Do feel free to shout out or leave any feedback. At your own whim and fancy, of course. Cheerios!

An Affair With Life! – A Photography Exhibition by Dennis Chong of Fotocology.

John Szarkowski once said, “Photography is a system of visual editing.” The art of photography is an arbitrary one. A photographer chooses from among endless possibilities, a fragment of his cone of vision to tell a story. Dennis Chong, a local self-taught art-photographer has a story to share in his sophomore exhibition – An Affair With Life! Following the modest success of his debut exhibition titled Sons - an introspective look into a man’s life through black and white portraiture, An Affair With Life! digresses from it’s melancholy predecessor, diffusing an aura of optimism as its title suggests.

"Life is an affair that begins with a brief flirtation with time." So says Dennis. “Life is a road we take for which time marks its journey. We try not to look back for whichever path we choose, even if it is the less traveled one”. True to his words, the erewhile forensic accountant, ever ready to throw caution to the wind, quit his job to pursue a full time career in photography. Today, Dennis helms Fotocology, a creative establishment that offers a wide range of professional photography and design services. He believes that the principles of photography will always be about painting a vision, capturing beauty, documenting a transient moment in time and above all, evoking emotions from his audience by putting across a message through the captured images. It was with these beliefs that Fotocology was first conceived.

An Affair is an intricate showcase of still portraitures with accompanying prose that offers an intriguing insight to the artist's perspective on human relationships with life in general. The 2-week event will be hosted by Artoholic gallery, a chic, retrofitted space nestled in the heart of Joo Chiat. Up to date, the gallery boasts a steady pool of talented artists from Southeast Asia and beyond, lending voice to budding artists like Dennis, brandishing their work to greater audiences. The gallery's in-house cafe is a charming and cosy rendezvous for artists and art-lovers alike to exchange tidings or to simply while the afternoon away.

The underlying message the artist is trying to put forth is a simple and hopeful one. Walking through the exhibition, An Affair reminded me of a scene in the movie American Beauty where two mesmerised souls watched in silence, a plastic bag being carried away by the wind. If one looks hard enough, life is beautiful whichever you see it. Have a ball!

- Written by Jamie Tay

An Affair With Life! runs from 12-26 January 2008 at the Artoholic Gallery. Admission is free.

Fotocology by Dennis Chong
p: +65 9367 3670
e: foto@fotocology.com
http://www.fotocology.com/

Date: 12 January – 26 January 2008
Venue: Artoholic Gallery, 422 Joo Chiat Road
Price: Free (exhibition)
Enquiries: Call (65) 6348 7793 or visit http://www.artoholic.sg/