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**************************************************
* PHOTOGRAPHY HAPPENINGS !!
*
* Photography news in Singapore
*
**************************************************
Greetings all photo enthusiasts !!
1) This a private mailing list for photographers in Singapore, so that
we
can all be kept informed of the latest happenings in the photographic
circle, eg. any courses, outings, interesting websites, and new products
in photography.
2) If you wish not to receive any mails, or if you have any photography
enthusiast friends who wants to be added onto this list, pls e-mail
me their
e-mail addresses. All the recipients on this mailing list will
not be listed, so your address will be kept private and confidential.
3) Depending on the amount of news, you should be receiving one update
every
two weeks or so. If you have any news of photographic interest you
wish to
share with the rest, pls mail it to me !! Remember, this mailing list
is only as good as the info I receive !
4) I cannot guarantee the accuracy of the information posted, but I'll
try my best to verify the information before putting it up.
5) The official "Photography Happenings !!" homepage is located at:
http://lioncity.s-one.net.sg/~photo/index.htm
Best regards,
Nelson Tan (Editor)
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Issue #20
Dated: 24 May 1999
*** CONTENTS ***
Okay, and in this issue of "Photography Happenings !!", we have:
1) Announcements
- Editor's
note
- Shopping for second-hand products ?
- New
Article
2) New Products
- Nikon Coolpix 950 and Coolpix 700
- Olympus
C-2500L digital camera
3) Website Reviews
- A glance into the eyes of Asia
- Magic of Spain
- ByBee Studio Digital Works
- Nudes
and Erotica Gallery
4) Events in Singapore
- Portrait Photography Talk-cum-Demonstration
- Singapore
Camera Fair
5) Special Offers and Bargains
- Local
Auction Site
6) Photography tips
- Finding
the silver lining in the clouds
- Rainy days
- Photographing from a moving vehicle
- World's fastest camera
- Scanning for the Internet
7) Classified Ads
- Writers
wanted !!
________________________________________________________________________________
* ANNOUNCEMENTS *
Editor's note
-------------
This issue marks the 20th issue of "Photography Happenings!!". We have
come quite a long way from where we started. As technology creates more
innovations, we can expect photographic equipment to evolve even more quickly
in future. In this issue, there are no conventional photo products, but
rather three new digital cameras take centerstage. I believe that the digital
arena will produce new products at twice the rate of conventional products,
and perhaps might totally elicipse conventional photography in 8-10 years
time. Till then, I'll still be clinging on to my silver-halide films !
The Camera Fair had disappeared from the local scene for a few years,
and this year it is back in full force at Takashimya Shopping Center on
22nd August. Various photographic companies will take this opportunity
to showcase their latest and best equipment during the fair, and I have
no doubt that local photography enthusiasts will be eagarly awaiting this
event. As usual, "Photography Happenings!!" will be watching the market
for new products, and bringing the news to your mailbox as soon as we have
the latest information. Given that the manufacturers will be offering their
latest products at the fair, it will be a great idea to start saving now
!
Thanks to Singapore-One Network, we are shifting to our new home in
conjunction with our 20th issue. The new site is designed with speed of
transmission and ease of navigation in mind. It features frames for easy
surfing, while articles and reviews will be opened in new windows for better
clarity. But due to some software incompatibility, only the left navigation
bar will be operational. The top navigational bar with the feedback forms
and subscription forms will not be functional for the time being. But it
will not affect the contents of the site in any way, so be prepared to
surf away ! The old articles have been refreshed to give a cleaner and
more modern look too. So check out our new home and drop me any comments
that you might have ! Remember, your comments are invaluable !!
http://lioncity.s-one.net.sg/~photo/index.htm
Shopping for second-hand products ?
-----------------------------------
Since a local photo forum started a thread about bad shopping experience
in Singapore, I have received a significant number of complaints against
a second-hand shop at Adelphi 3rd floor called Alex Photo, for dishonesty
and feigning ingorance. The general consensus is that Camera Workshop at
Peninsular Shopping Center offers better services and they are more honest.
Please take note in case you are shopping for second-hand photography products.
<Note: this is not a paid advertisement for Camera Workshop!>
New Article
-----------
For this issue's article, I will be discussing the process of creating
a poster. The article discusses each step of the creation of the poster,
from the early
conceptualization of the ideas, to the actual shooting process, right
up to the final printing. If you are interested in behind-the-scenes production,
check it out at:
http://lioncity.s-one.net.sg/~photo/montage.html
[Total list membership stands at 424]
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* NEW PRODUCTS *
It's all quiet on the front of conventional photography, and the three
new products in this issue are all digital cameras.
Two "Cool" Nikon Digital cameras
--------------------------------
Nikon Corporation has launched two new cameras - the Coolpix 950 and
700. Both digital cameras are compact in size, but powerful in performance,
with the 950 offered on sale now and the 700 will be released in about
a month's time.
The Nikon Coolpix 950 features a 2.11 million pixel CCD with the choice
of three resolution settings; 1600x1200, 1024x768 and 640x480. It has a
3X Optical Zoom-Nikkor lens featuring aspherical lens elements for even
greater sharpness, and 4 digital zoom settings up to 2.5x. The 950 also
has exposure control, aperture and shutter priority allow for enhanced
control over the image-making process. The Exclusive, new Best-Shot Selector
feature which automatically selects the ‘sharpest’ frame. High speed continuous
shooting is avilable up to 1.5 frames per second, and there is even a close-up
Macro feature up to 2cm.
The soon-to-be-available Coolpix 700 has a 2.11million pixel CCD with
the choice of two resolution settings; 1600x1200 and 640x480. Nikkor glass
lens enhances the image sharpness, providing clarity and colour accuracy.
The 4 digital zoom functions up to 2.5x, with the high speed 127 steps
autofocus contributing to superior picture quality. Like its cousin Coolpix
950, it features the Nikon exclusive, new Best-Shot Selector feature
which automatically selects the ‘sharpest’ frame. There is high speed continuous
shooting up to 1.5 frames per second , and macro mode shooting can be done
at a distance of 9cm. It is expected to hit the shores in June.
For more information and pictures of the Coolpix cameras, check out:
http://www.nikon.ca/camera/coolpix/950/index.html
http://www.nikon.ca/camera/coolpix/700/index.html
Olympus C-2500L digital camera
------------------------------
Not to be left in the cold by competition, Olympus has some tricks up
their digital sleeve. Introducing the Olympus C-2500L digital camera, which
features a 2.5 million pixel CCD. Although it sounds like a StarWars droid,
the C-2500L is a high-performance digital SLR camera which will meet the
expectations of most requirements.
According to the Olympus literature, "it is the latest addition to the
award-winning Olympus filmless digital camera line, and the C-2500L boasts
a 2.5 megapixel resolution, 3X optical zoom lens, and external flash support
in addition to the built-in automatic flash in a light-weight and easy
to use ergonomically designed body. The Olympus C-2500L features a progressive
scan 2/3" CCD and a superior all glass 36-110mm (equivalency) lens. This
high performance CCD and lens assembly combined with many advanced features
never before offered in models at this price point, team to provide a true
photographic experience, in both photo quality results and camera functionality.
In addition to the on-board 4-mode flash, the C-2500L can connect and control
an external flash."
The Olympus sounds ideal for the professional who require moderately
good quality digital performance instanteously, without taking the trouble
to scan conventional images. However, it is moderately bulky and pretty
expensive for a digital camera. But its high resolution should make it
a serious choice for the more demanding applications.
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* WEBSITE REVIEWS *
Here are this issue's recommended websites:
A glance into the eyes of Asia - Photographs by Bob Fay
-------------------------------------------------------
Asia has always been viewed as the mysterious Orient, displaying a
multi-faceted appearance as the traveller crosses the borders of different
countries. Bob Fay presents to the visitors of his site the different faces
of Nepal, Tibet, Northern Thailand and even Buddhism. In addition, he has
included a series of
rainbow photographs, butterfly photographs and mountain photographs.
http://www3.mcps.k12.md.us/users/rsfay/index.html
<Recommended by Loh Koah Fong>
Magic of Spain
--------------
I had always wanted to go to Spain, a beautiful country with festives,
wonderful people, food and great landscapes. When one think of Spain, one
imagines the fiesta and bull-fighting rings. Check out the B/W and colour
works of the people and scenes of Spain at this site:
http://www.telebase.es/~angelf/
ByBee Studio Digital Works
--------------------------
If you are into digital manipulation, you MUST check this site out.
ByBee Studio presents some of the best digitally manipulated photographic
works anywhere on the net. The images are surrealisic, although I must
admit that some of them are pretty cliche and can be done on your own PC
using the software PowerGoo. But the others are pretty good, and the images
are so entertaining that you will be enchanted by the possibilities of
digital even if you are not a digital fanatic.
In addition, they also have some excellent still-life works. Don't
miss this site for your life !!
http://www.bybee.com/core1.htm
Nudes and Erotica Gallery
-------------------------
I am trying to introduce a wider span of photographic topics in this
review of websites, so I hope I can assume that most readers are mature
and open-minded enough to accept nude photography as art, and not as pornography
! If any of you have strong violent objections, please e-mail to me. Anyway,
this webiste is a link to a few gallery of fine-art nude photography, which
is really classy and well-printed, so readers might like to check it out
at:
http://www.kaskada.com/user/erotik/eng/main.shtml
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* EVENTS IN SINGAPORE *
Portrait Photography Talk-cum-Demonstration
-------------------------------------------
The Pasir Ris South Community Club is organizing a talk on portrait
photography. During the slide-show talk, there will be a basic lighting
demonstration by the speaker to give the audience a clearer picture of
the techniques of lighting. Make yourself free on the 28th of May, from
8 to 9.30 p.m and go down to Pasir Ris South Community Club. Admission
is free, and please call the organizers at 783-2900 if you're interested
in the event.
Singapore Camera Fair
---------------------
The Camera Fair is back in Singapore after a absence of four years.
It used to be held every two years, but for some reasons it was off the
scene. While we looked enviously at the Photokina exhibitions in Germany,
we can finally have a small camera fair in Singapore. Details are still
very sketchy at the moment, but it will be held over the weekend at Takashimaya
Shopping Center, starting on the 22nd of August (Sat). You can expect the
various manufacturers to showcase their latest products at the exhibition,
and perhaps there might be special offers and prices (start saving now!).
You can also try hands-on the cameras and lenses you might otherwise never
have a chance to play with, and collect various brouchers and catalogs
of your dream camera ! So highlight the weekend on your calender, and make
yourself available for the Camera Fair !
Editor's note: I will keep everyone posted if I receive more information.
********************************************************************************
* SPECIAL OFFERS AND BARGAINS *
Local Auction Site
------------------
AsiaPhoto.com has set up an auction site for some photography products.
You can auction for the equipment that you want, and your bid might help
you get your equipment purchase at a lower price than the market rate !
So far, there are Sekonic meters and Tamron lenses up for bidding, so check
it out at:
http://asiaphoto.com/auction
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* PHOTOGRAPHY TIPS *
Finding the silver lining in the clouds
---------------------------------------
The weather in Singapore had been pretty uncooperative recently, swinging
wildly from scorching heat to drenching downpours. And most of the times,
it would be overcast days.
Overcast days generally create poor photographic opportunities. The
cloudy skies turn up as overexposed white patches in the pictures, distracting
the viewers from the main subjects. In addition, the white clouds may fool
the meter into underexposing the scene.
So what can you do when faced with such a condition ? Simple - avoid
including the sky in your pictures ! By recomposing your images so that
the sky does not show, you avoid all the problems associated with overcast
skies. And instead of photographing the facade of the building, you can
zoom in on the details of the windows etc., or go for close-ups of plants
or man-made parts. In fact, overcast skies provide excellent diffused lighting
for macro photography. However, the clouds may lower the colour temperature
ever so slightly, so your images may turn out slightly bluish if you are
using slides. To compensate, use a mild warming-up filter such as a 81A,
or warm-biased films such as Fuji Velvia or Kodak E100SW. Or how about
using black-and-white films ? The possibilities are endless !
In addition, you can avoid overcast skies by photographing in the evening
! The late evening sky is generally bluish in colour, and you can capture
the same beautiful night scene even when the skies are overcast. To deeper
enhance the blue, use tungsten films (eg. Kodak Ektachrome 64T) for special
effects. You don't have to confront the lousy weather - you just have to
work around it !!
Rainy days
----------
The thunderous downpours we are experiencing puts a damp on our enthusiasm,
but we can approach the rain in a new fashion. Puddles of water left by
the rain make very good subjects, reflecting the world above them in a
unique way, and it looks especially good when it is reflecting neon signs
at night ! Raindrops left on the window pane after the rain also make good
subjects, and sometimes they reflect the scene behind them upside down.
Or you can stand in a dry area and photograph the people trying to dodge
the rain, or perhaps photograph the dark stormy clouds before the rain
comes. There's a saying "If you want the rainbow, you have to put up with
the rain". Rainy conditions are excellent for capturing lightning and rainbows.
Don't just hide at home when it's raining, because the best photographs
can often be found in the worst weather conditions !
Photographing from a moving vehicle
-----------------------------------
Anyone who has tried photographing from a moving vehicle knows how
difficult it is to get sharp pictures, due to the movement of the vehicle
itself and the vibration from the engine transmitted to the camera. Here're
some tips to improve your chances of getting sharper pics !
- because subjects nearer to the camera move relatively faster
across the scene than far subjects, photographing things
that are further away increases the chances of them being
sharp
- rather than increasing stability, leaning on windows or any
part of the vehicle actually adds to camera shake because
the vibration from the vehicle's engine and movement
gets transmitted straight to the camera. Instead, hold
the camera tight against your body and refrain from
touching any part of the vehicle.
- use a fast film, and try to sacrifice aperture for shutter
speed, since every stop of aperture sacrificed gives
you twice the shutter speed
- using a wider lense increases your chance of getting a sharp
picture
i.e a 50mm lens gives you a better chance of a sharp image
than a 200mm
- speeds become relative on a moving platform. You might be travelling
at 100 km/h, but if you photograph a car travelling at
the same speed moving alongside with your vehicle, it
would seem like the car is remaining
stationary! So it is a good chance for you to practice
panning techniques !
World's fastest camera
----------------------
If you think that the world's fastest camera is the Minolta 9Xi with
its 1/12000th sec shutter, think again. The prestige belongs to a scientific
camera made by Hadland Photonics, the Imacon 675. Just how fast is it ?
At 600 million frames per second, it burns through film like no other camera
! So even if you can afford to buy it at 180 000 UK pounds, the cost of
film will be hard to swallow !!
Scanning for the Internet
-------------------------
We have all experienced it - excruciatingly slow loading of images
on the sites. Speed is essential to surfers, especially more so if you
are paying for your online time by the hour. If you have your own website
with pictures, be sure to check out this interesting article with simple
instructions on how to manage your image files with good quality, small
file size and fast loading time. Go to the following URL and click on the
"Web Graphics Tips" under the "Tips" section.
Http://www.wildlifefoto.com
Also, Nikon has just released new Firmware and Software updates for
its LS-2000 scanner. According to users, scan time is 50% faster now when
using the ICE. If you use an LS-2000, you can grab the updates at:
http://www.nikontechusa.com
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* CLASSIFIED ADS *
Writers wanted !!
-----------------
Asiaphoto.com is looking for writers who can contribute articles on
a freelance basis. If you feel that you are the one they are looking for,
e-mail to them at editor@asiaphoto.com
You can also obtain more info at http://asiaphoto.com/contribute
________________________________________________________________________________
That's all, folks !
Happy shooting !!!
Your friendly list-maintainer,
Nelson Tan
Visit the official "Photography Happenings !!" website at:
http://lioncity.s-one.net.sg/~photo/index.htm
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