Feature - The Perfect Blue Taken on a Moving Car on FilmNeverDie

“If you see a tree as blue, then make it blue,” says post-impressionist painter Paul Gauguin. There couldn't be a better time for the power of the creative mind to harness its full potential. I’m happy I have re-sparked that art-oriented side of mine once again. It has done me well both mentally and creatively. I watched a railway travel show where Michael Portillo travelled to a Singapore. One of the people he meets is a talented artist named Yip Yew Chong, a part-time artist and accountant, who has createdamy of the most well-known murals depicting the daily life and history around Singapore. If one person like him can do it, then why can't I? Blue is my colour for spring. Like a rebirth from a deep slumber from winter blue. Blue where the flowers bloom and the bees buzz and the bird sing. Blue is renewed life.

August with Film - Five Frames with Wes Anderson

“You know how I think better in the shower, get all those positive ions flowing.” Owen Wilson’s character Gil says this to his fiancé, Inez, played by Rachel McAdams in Midnight in Paris. I wholeheartedly agree with this statement. It’s true. God knows how many ground-breaking, life-changing decisions have been thought of or revolutionary ideas that have sparked whilst being dowsed by hot water. For I had just this happen to me.

Recently, I’ve been on a roll with film photography. It’s probably one thing I do almost every single day: read and research about film cameras that have become cult classics, why they’ve amassed a fandom of dedicated film enthusiasts nostalgic for the grain and not the pixel, and if I want to be a part of than fandom and relive it for myself. Within the last ten years I’d say, there’s been a strong resurgence in film photography and enthusiasts alike. I’m one of them.

I grew up having my photos taken by my parents, mostly by my Mum and the Minolta 5000 Maxxum. To this day, I see these photos and I still see the richness of the colours, the clarity of photo, the careful alignment of subjects against backdrop. The meticulous process of taking a photograph has become non-existent. This is the process I have fun with the most. Like most of those getting into film photography, we can all agree that film photography allows us to breath with the process, to live in the moment, to observe, analyse, and snap the moment. It makes us expert observers. Film is limited to 24 or 36 shots and it shouldn’t be wasted on multiple shots of the same subject, but instead the one almost-perfect one.

A director that evokes nostalgia in such visually eye-pleasing colours and perspective with the recognisable lateral panning cinematography work of Robert Yeoman is the genius that is Wes Anderson. My photography work leans heavily on colour, lines and perspective. I tend to shoot subjects like buildings and structures that won’t object to my photo-taking. I still find it hard to take photos of people, another thing I can develop and get more confidence (but for another time). It will be a great experience to work on a project where I choose a select number - at this stage, it’s five - of favourite frames or scenes from key Wes Anderson movies, discuss them in further, and then aim to take photographs similar to or inspired by each frame. It’s sort of recreating Wes Anderson but using what I have within access and within reach. Melbourne’s got the goods so why not?

I haven’t really thought about what the timeframe will look like but it will essentially look like a weekly post of the review. What will make it rather challenging will be to get the time and opportunity to shoot photos and develop them. Until lockdown has been lifted and shops are back in business, there will very limited chances to get out. However, it will be a good chance to take photos while there’s barely anyone to have to deal with. As long as the review is completed and the photos taken, I can probably jump on to the next movie. Like jumping from moving train to another, it will a rocky ride with unpredictable results and that’s something I’m excited about.

To end with a quote I really liked because it summed up just how likeable and gracious this character to have graced the silver screen in a long time is Mr. Moustafa’s beautiful statement regarding M. Gustave H.: “There are still faint glimmers of civilisation left in this barbaric slaughterhouse that was once known as humanity... He was one of them. What more is there to say?”

Feature - Find Hayao Miyazaki’s Nature on FilmNeverDie

A city under lockdown and curfew is not your everyday experience. I find this time as an opportunity to reflect and review. To slow down time. To appreciate time and what we currently have. In this case, I'm thankful for what I currently have - a roof over my head, income, food for the table, family and friends to reach out to, a loving partner, a healthy dog that sparks joy, and a camera.

The Sardine Tiara - Initial thoughts on the Fujifilm DL Super Mini/Cardia Mini Tiara

The sardine camera. The coveted point-and-shoot with glass that users have been known to mount to their Leica cameras after their DL’s bite the dust. A powerful punch packed in a small palm-sized aluminium and sardine tin-shaped camera. Aside from the few articles and reviews of this camera by film enthusiasts, little is known about the Fujifilm DL Super Mini or more commonly referred to as the the Tiara. The camera had a limited release in Japan with an even more limited one in Europe. The Japanese released referred to this camera as the Cardia Mini Tiara, while the European release referred it as the DL Super MIni. From the small number of reviews and articles I’ve read about this camera online, the general consensus is that this camera is an incredibly sharp performer in almost all situations and exceeds performance for such a tiny little thing.

I bought this camera from a Japanese seller so my version has the Cardia Mini Tiara name printed on top. Condition-wise, the camera looks to have been well looked-after over the years. There is a discreet dent on the front right side of the camera but it is very minimal and no actual scratch is visible. The small plastic covering the indicator on the right side of the viewfinder is missing. However, I suspected that this would have had little to no impact on the camera performance as long as the indicators still worked. This was eventually verified by the seller. Although not photographed, the camera also comes with the original wrist strap, which is attached to the tripod insert at the bottom of the camera. A later version of the Tiara, called the Tiara II, had a dedicated wrist strap hook on the left-hand side of the camera, which I think was the only difference between the original and the later version. Aside from the small cosmetic marks, the camera works! I snagged this bargain for $330 including postage, so I’m pretty pleased with the price I paid for its excellent condition compared to others in worse conditions I’ve seen costing at least $450 minimum.

I insert the CR2 battery on the bottom chamber covered by a plastic insert, which I am a bit worried about as it doesn’t feel as securely in place. I may accidentally push the hatch releasing the lid to god-knows-where-small-things-end-up-in. I slide the lens cover, anticipating the moment where the lens will pop out from the camera. Nothing happens. Why wasn’t the lens coming out? I slide the lens cover back over the lens and slide it open again. Still, nothing happens. I really hoped I didn’t get sent a dead camera or, perhaps, the rough journey was the reason for the camera not working. A few minutes later, common sense made me realise I had not fully pushed the lens cover all the way. A further push finally saw the lens finally pop out. It was magical.

By having the sliding lens lock into one place first, this allows the lens cover to trigger when the cover will turn off the camera. Instead of knocking straight into the lens, the stop will trigger the lens to retract back into the camera before you fully slide the cover over the lens and protect it. By all means, it’s not revolutionary. Heck, it’s really just common sense when it comes to camera design. However, I just found it really ingenious. I like to get excited over small details.

The Fujifilm Tiara also comes with the option to print dates on your photos. I find this to be a really cool option to have, because all of my other film cameras don’t have this. While I probably won’t be utilising the date function very often in my own photos, it’s always a great option to have. I did have to fiddle around quite a bit with figuring out how to set the date. According to the instructions manual (found here: https://www.35mmc.com/09/08/2015/fuji-dl-super-mini-tiara-instruction-manual/ - thank you to the original poster on 35mmc and the person who provided a copy of the manual), the camera supports date function from 1994 up until 2025. The camera also has four modes accessible by pressing the second button called ‘MODE.’ Most importantly, it has a manual focus mode which creates even more opportunities for that intermediate hobbyist photographer. I’m excited to test the camera out with the new film Kiro 400 by FilmNeverDie.

For such a small point-and-shoot camera, the Fujifilm Tiara is aesthetically pleasing and portable. While options are limited, the right options are there. The ease of use and size makes travelling with the Tiara a breeze. Heck, I could even put in my purse and not worry about weight. Although, I wouldn’t recommend mixing it with your other tidbits in your bag as it will most definitely scratch the aluminium surface. Having a supported camera case is definitely recommended if you want this camera to continue with you on your journey for many more years to come beyond 2025. I know my dog is looking forward to all the fun and candid photo opportunities.

Feature - New Film to try out. Thanks @FilmNeverDie!

I received a care package in the mail! These beautiful films are from FilmNeverDie’s own in-house 35mm brand. Their latest KIRO 400 has a warmer, yellow tone while the previous IRO 400 was their later emulsion from the first IRO 200, which I’ve never tried before.

I have bought myself a little surprise from Japan. While not entirely spoiling what the surprise is, let's just say I’ll be excited to use these films with it.

Feature - I Travel Between Quiet Train Stations... in COVID times on FilmNeverDie

I used to loathe taking public transport during peak hours. An office worker who abides by the 9-5 regimen and has no choice but to join the sardine nation and squeeze in. it was almost always terrible and I used to get to work and start the day already grumbling by how unpleasant commuting was then. These days, train stations are almost always empty except for the new normal peak hour, which resembles the number of people taking public transport at 5 o’clock in the morning. Trains are almost always on time. I am able to easy isolate myself from anyone else and can usually score a carriage all to myself for those essential trips. It really does feel like I’m hoping between empty stations and being able to appreciate the small details in their architecture. I most certainly will add this to my stories.

Feature - I was sitting in a cafe… in between COVID times on FilmNeverDie

While one half of my introverted self is somewhat thriving in this current norm of isolation and social distancing, the other half rather misses the solitary opportunities one also used to have outdoors. A simple visit to the cafe and the ability to sit down there and enjoy a cup of coffee while relishing in the activity of writing, reading or people-watching is missed.

Feature - This Time Last Year on FilmNeverDie

Another wonderful feature of one of my favourite photos of Maya taken last year on FilmNeverDie’s stories on Instagram. This photo was taken with my Pentax Espio 120mi, a relatively inexpensive camera that's given me a fair few beautiful shots when the sun is in its greatest glory.

Feature - I was sitting in a gallery in pre-covid times on FilmNeverDie

Another feature on FilmNeverDie’s stories on Instagram! Social distancing and lessened interactions have led to a much simpler time in some aspects for most in society. There now seems to be more time to focus on the things we wanted to focus on, but couldn’t due to majority of one’s day spent at work. It’s also made us reminisce a simpler time where we could go freely about our own business and not have any immediate risks to a global pandemic. Let’s face it, this pandemic is here to stay until a vaccine is developed and we know that will take some time.

In the meantime, let’s take advantage of the new opportunities this ‘new normal’ is giving us.

May with Film - Through the Looking Glass with the Yashica 635

If there wasn’t a more aesthetically-pleasing contraption encased in a beautiful metal housing to capture images in 120mm and 35mm film formats, it's the Yashica 635. Twin lens reflex cameras (or TLRs) are iconic in its design. The bokeh is sharp with swirly depth-of-field, according to reviewers. It's withstood half a century of use and storage. To an extent, the focus view is almost similar to how the Polaroid Land cameras focus. Could there be some connection? It’s a bulky and heavy camera that some may be shy to bring out in today's smartphone camera age, but I bet you, that you will pique the attention of quite a few people. These beasts can capture quality shots that are worthy or better those on DSLRs.

This camera’s operation is mechanical so no battery is required save for the flash, which requires AA batteries. Although I have yet to try loading film, it seems very straightforward and doesn’t require any particular skills and technique. Although I think the 35mm adaptor may need some careful attention when installing and loading 35mm film. Looking down into the waistfinder view, it’s a real joy when that chunky depth of field knob turns to reveal a very creamy and sharp view of your subject. Although, bright light makes it difficult to see the image through the glass so a little tilting and neck-angling does the trick. Although you'd think that I would have tried shooting manually on a 35mm film camera like my Olympus OM-1, this will be my first time to shoot manually - on a mechanical camera.

While I've taken a few shots already, it’s almost hard to realise a photo has been taken when the shutter release button is so… unclimactic. It almost makes me second-guess if I have taken a photo. It’s so quietly stealthy despite the big look. I’m excited to see the results and hope I've taken a few quality and creamy shots.

Feature - Isolation Film Photography Challenge

Isolation has brought me home these days, and I am friends with time and my camera again. I became fascinated with film for its effortless capability to take photos with creamy tones, inviting warm hues, fluorescent greens and yellows, and pastel blues and greens. Subdued colours yet they reflect richness and sharpness at the same time. I find inspiration from the colours of certain subjects – namely natural light, wheat fields, flowers, animals, knitwear, boots, and pastry. I use this palette as a basis for my photography. For my series, I am expressing a feeling of contentment and serenity. I focused on what I saw at my most comfortable and relaxed. My subjects were autumn leaves and my dog, Maya. Both were well-behaved and happy to have me around more often.

Light Bulb Ideas - Square Dance with Medium-Format

Isolating and working from home, not having to waste time commuting on public transport to and from work, and planning to work out whenever it suits me has freed up so much of my time. I now have time - yes, time - to dabble in my creative research and projects and medium-format cameras have been on that list for a long time. For $300 bucks, I scored myself a well looked-after, second-hand Yashica 635, a twin-lens reflex medium-format camera made in the 1960s that not only shoots 120mm but also 35mm! How versatile is that for a half-a century year-old camera that’s lasted this long and looks like it’s still going strong for a good few years? While the square type film and viewfinder will appeal to instagrammers, there is something quite beautiful about a square image. While I don’t think this format suits landscape photography, I think it will be brilliant for non-moving subjects, flowers, stationary objects, architecture, and things that will allow you time to compose and shoot. Although I’d love to take photos of my dog, Maya, I may have to wait until she’s asleep - the only time I can have her sit still.

April with Film - ISO-Opportunity

There's only two or three other people on a train carriage now when it used to be where people struggled to push themselves in through the carriage doors. The days are quieter and feel longer. Winter approaches but I still see more sun than before. Work continues but now in the confines of home. I’m starting to see the beaut in simple things again. While things around have changed - and we can expect these changes to stay for a while longer - I'm taking this opportunity to look on the bright side. While I do my part and stay at home, I've been starting to do some of the things I've always wanted to do but never had much of a chance to because of my days spent outside - at work, at the gym, and on public transport. While I knows all of these are essential, I started yearning for free time to start doing what I want to spend more time doing and that is photography and drawing. The global pandemic has now made most of society's daily norms sit within our four walls of home, in the virtual void of the internet, and in nearby large public spaces for that dose of vitamin D. People are now becoming used to this new way of living and it’s not half as bad! All the time I spent commuting to and from work can now be invested in a good solid hour of sketching. The time I spent at gym, preparing and finishing, can be spent on Procreate. The past month has given me more time to think about all the creative ideas to take advantage of during this current time. I could take my camera and do a quick and brisk photo session in the CBD. What was once a hub of society is now a dead zone. I can immediately start working out as soon as work finishes and be cleaned up before 6:30 in the evening. My skateboard pilates session has given me a idea to design my own skateboard artwork. The skateboard alone only costs me a small $10 from the general store. The best thing about this is that i’ll have time to work on a skateboard design.

While I hope this pandemic flattens and stays flat in the near future, the fact that societal norms of working is now forever changed and is paving the way for more creatives-to-be to tap into that channel while time permits.

Feature - Ship’s Ahoy on FilmNeverDie

Today's global pandemic has become a barrier for creatives. Like a seedling buried in soil, life sprouts with a little bit of love, tender care and sun. Through experiences like this, creatives will learn to adapt, to observe, to learn, and to recreate art that encompasses all that.

I’ve been lucky to have my first feature on their Instagram story by none other than the team who developed my first roll of 35mm film, FilmNeverDie. Theyre a Melburnian film photography store, providing supplies and support for film enthusiasts like me. Hopefully, I can continue getting more features real soon!

December with Film - The End of a Decade

The 1920s is one of my favourite decades for the music, the dancing, some new-found freedom for women at that place in time, and a new age of modern art. When I started focusing heavily on fine and visual arts during my years 11 and 12, I was constantly inspired by the 1920s, and focused on topics such as flappers and lamps and art deco architecture. It was the period I wanted to explore further through, not just art itself, but also through other mediums like music, films, books and the famous celebrities of the time. I like to think it was where pop culture was truly born. Although things weren't as jolly and it was a time of the Great Depression, I find that the wilder side of the Jazz Age amusingly juxtaposes the deep economic crisis everyone felt. When life gives you lemon, make lemonade. That’s why 2020 is an especially important one for me. It marks one hundred years after my favourite decade so I feel I must honour it by reconnecting with what brought me to the 1920s - through art.

The festive season is upon us! The smell of real Christmas trees, baubles and nutcrackers appearing everywhere, the shopping madness that involves food and gifts and Christmas wrappings. The holidays seem to be so stressful and chaotic, but its festive remains. The mad rush everyone goes through is a fun subject to capture on film.

It’s also a time of self-reflection and look back warmly on the achievements and little milestones in my photography journey. I’ve successfully managed to keep a website running for a whole year! It’s been a real joy to see my own work displayed on a platform that’s easily accessible to anyone. I now have a digital portfolio of my work, which is something I’ve always wanted to be able to spend time to create. As I scroll through the photos I’ve published online, I see trends and styles that constantly appear, and it makes me get to know myself better. Now, I’ve pinpointed the kind of shots I’m after and how I want to frame the shot to be able to tell the story the way I see it. It’s nothing ground-breaking, but it helps me to get to my niche way of photography. I’m finding a bit more of myself throughout this journey and it's a fulfilling feeling. It brings me joy and I'm sure the joy I feel is felt amongst others (at least I hope it does).

Photography has slowly reconnected me with my creative side. As part of Christmas presents, I sketched each member of the family in a Chibi anime style, and everyone loved it. If I can get back to sketching and make it a healthy and regular habit, I will be able to have a portfolio of sketches in no time. Every time I draw makes me draw better. I’ve also started reading again, although the progress is a bit slower than I’d like. The holidays really gives me the time I need to be able to do these creative projects that are time consuming. The holidays’ gift to me is, literally, time. Whenever I draw, I get so engrossed in the process of what I’m creating and I love that feeling that I am creating something out of nothing and that the end-product is something I can enjoy. I’ve got all the tools I need. All I need is to be friends with time and for time to work with me. A positive mindset is my new mantra - work with what I have, work to my best abilities, learn and try again. These are the things I will constantly remind myself, all with a positive mindset.

A new decade dawns upon us. Like the Roaring 20’s, we should celebrate with a swing in our hips and the beat in our feet and Charleston our way to 2020. To tell myself to do more photography and drawing this year is exciting and empowering. I am responsible for my content and my creation. As my yoga instructor’s quote of the day demonstrates, keep your eyes on the stars and your feet on the ground.

Light Bulb Ideas - 52 Rolls

This year is drawing to a close. That means this website is almost a year old! While I’ll save all my reflections and thoughts on this in another post, I feel a sense of accomplishment overall.

Running a website was my year-long project. I’m close to ticking that off on a high note. What next? A photo project makes absolute perfect sense, am I right? I haven’t really put too much thought in it nor have I done any extensive research. I stumbled across this idea when I was researching on film photography-related websites to follow to be able to find various channels to help continuous flow of film-related ideas. In a list of websites, I read one about 52 roll where one attempts to use a roll of film every week for a year. The project challenges the creativity process - when you’re on creativity overdrive and when you’re a blank slate - while learning better techniques, better ways to handle your camera(s) and many more good things. It’s a bit daunting to think that I have to use up a roll of film every week for an entire year. Could I, perhaps, shorten it to six months? Could I stretch it out to a roll of film every two weeks given my full-time work? In addition to shooting film, developing and scanning photos, there’s also the blogging aspect. Time and me have to find a way to work together.

Well, this is one idea at least.

November with Film - Documenting PAX Australia with a Film Camera

It’s 4:30am on a Wednesday morning and I have three more hours to go before my alarm goes off and to start getting ready for work. At this rate, I don’t think I’ll be able to go. To give you a brief context, I picked a bad cough which turned into a throat infection a week ago. Last Saturday, I lost my voice completely and have been struggling to get it back. For the past three consecutive nights, I’ve been having sleepless nights due to a persistent and stubborn dry cough. Heck, I’ve had to buy a triple-action cough suppressant syrup and even that’s not helping in addition to the honey and lemon combo remedy and the countless throat lozenges I’ve had to help me last through the day. So, that’s that. Enough of me. It’s time to start recounting all the exciting things I got to see at my second PAX Australia event.

Three days of non-stop immersion, curiosity, and cyberpunk realness - as well as a heck load of walking. My smartphone picked up at least 25,000 steps within the 4-5 hours of walking I did at the event. This is what PAX was and is about. Spread over three glorious days, is a series of gaming culture festivals that started in Seattle, Washington. When I studied and lived in Seattle back in 2011, little did I know this emerald city was already home to an already well-established and growing hub of gaming companies and studios. PAX was born in Seattle. Another thing to add to my list of things I should have done when I used to be there.

Last year, I bought a Saturday and Sunday pass, which I felt was sufficient enough for my first time. This time, I ended up getting a three-pass, which got me in on all three days. The first day was all trying all the games we could get our hands on, and scope out the entire area, which was spread across three sections. PAX Rising was the first section one would entire, and this where all the up-and-coming and local video games are on show for consumers to try out. I particularly liked how I saw a couple of games that were also at last year’s PAX, along with the new ones.

The second section was the area where all big names in gaming were situated – all decked out with the latest tech, interactive areas, lights displays, competitions, and – of course – the merchandise. Cyberpunk 2077 had its own dedicated section where people could line up and watch all the trailers and game plays on a humungous 8k-resolution Samsung tv with blasting speakers in your face that made my ears ring after it was done. My partner and I were lucky enough to line for only five minutes before we got in to a session and scored free posters for it. One can’t deny that warm and fuzzy feeling when you’ve laid your hands on a prized possession for a while now – in this case, it was a Cypberpunk 2077 poster. Aside from the big brands, Nintendo and Square Enix were the next highlights for me. Nintendo had a a massive section where they displayed the new Switch Lite among the many switches available for people to play. There was also the line to play the demo for Luigi’s Mansion 3 – however, I did find it pointless to line up given the game was going to be released in about three weeks at that time. Square Enix had a competitive line up of PCs for people to play the online MMORPG of Final Fantasy.

The third section of PAX Australia was the tabletop and board game area, with plenty of seats for people to play games like Dungeons & Dragons, paint figurines, or build waffle towers. A highlight for me was the retro area, where pinball machines, old consoles and games from the 1980s and 1990s were on display. As a fan of nostalgic items – such as cameras – this was really a fun and enjoyable area for me. I did manage to play a Back to the Future-themed pinball machine, which was absolutely gorgeous to play on, but it wasn’t long at all before my turn was already up. I’m really bad at pinball. The virtual reality and LAN section were at the last area, but we didn’t bother to line up for these.

PAX Australia was also were I would be giving cosplay a go for the very first time. Despite all the nervousness and anxiety, I plucked up the courage and bought my cosplay outfit. This was the best time I could live in the shoes of a character, have fun with it, and build confidence. It took me up to an hour just to get the make up right as well as having to face with the fact that my skirt was a tad bit shorter than expected. It was an absolute blast of a day! I had people walk up to me and ask me to take a phot with them or take a photo of me. I got plenty of kind nods and comments my way. I truly felt so popular and it certainly was a great feeling! My partner took lots of amazing photos. I’m still thinking if I should post them in my ‘Games section’ or just create a blog entry for it. Either way, this content will be coming up shortly!

The third and final day was all about making sure we checked out every single section, nook and cranny, corners, hidden easter eggs (just kidding), and grabbing as much freebies and merchandise as we wanted. This was the same day we scored those Cyberpunk 2077 posters, as well as lanyards, enamel pins (paid for them), a hand-drawn Avengers poster by an Australian artist, and some pretty cool Playstation game CD coasters – these were really cool and definitely took me in a short rollercoaster ride to the days I used to play these Playstation games at my grandparents place. This was also the day that I took the most photos. I knew the low lighting was going to be the tricky aspect, despite the massive second section full of flashing lights. I decided to focus on capturing anything neon and Cyberpunk-inspired. I couldn’t find a lot of these themes, so it wasn’t as successful a theme to go for.

PAX Australia, once again, was incredible. I learned more things about my camera than before, and this does nothing but make me a better film photographer. Now, the wait for next year’s PAX begins again.

October with Film - Notes on the Contax G1

It’s a beautiful and warm spring afternoon in Melbourne. Sitting in a cafe with my coffee by my right side and my laptop ready to face on my ferocious typing. I’m looking out the window and observing at the scene outside. Cars and people are going about their business in a slow, fuzzy yet steady pace. This is how I rediscover my friendship with time. Time has been my enemy these past months, but it’s about time I change that. With time on my hands, I can start to do the things I want to, like writing!

A couple of months ago, I finally plucked up the courage – and I didn’t even know I had to have this – and bought the coveted Contax G1 35 film camera as my main film camera. Set aside the luxurious status, the stunning lens, beautiful titanium satin finish, and overall appeal of it, it was a long and arduous journey to buy it but it was worth all the effort. Why did it take me so long to succumb to it? The main obstacle was justifying the hefty price tag and whether or not I could use a cheaper camera and achieve similar, same or better results. I also knew I had to be realistic with my skills and that I am and still am learning the quirks and perks of film photography, various film types and various camera bodies. My entry point was the disposable camera, which I covered in my previous blogs. Eventually, I wanted more quality photos and bought a cheap Pentax point-and-shoot camera. My little Pentax is a hidden gem and its results have impressed me very much. You don’t need an expensive camera to be able to take great photos. Ultimately, I found myself wanting more out of my point-and-shoot camera. That’s when I decided it was the right time to dive in and snap one up for myself.

A couple of months down the track, it’s been a curiously enjoyable journey. I’ve been able to take the camera with me to a few outings or events where I know I wouldn’t be too bummed out with not taking fabulous photos. Every time I’ve taken it out, I’ve learned something new about it. For one thing, I’ve found the light meter in the camera itself is really your friend. It won’t fire unless it knows it will be able to take in just enough light and isn’t too nose-close to your subject. Despite it being an expensive camera, I’m surprised to find it a cost-effective film camera. It won’t take the photo, but it’s only trying to help you. The last time I was at this cafe, I took a photo of my empty coffee cup. About a few weeks ago, I finally developed the film and the result is stunning:

See for yourself. This was literally just a quick close-up snap of my empty coffee cup. The tone, lighting, and softness of the photo sets the entire mood of the setting. Relaxing, cosy, and warm.

I needed this courage once again to bring the Contax G1 to PAX Australia, the biggest event my camera’s been to, and put its limits to the test. The biggest battle I faced was the indoor light and how well the photos would look. Composition was also another tricky aspect to put into practice due to the big crowds. However, I went in there and focused on shooting with a particular theme and that was capturing the lights, shadows, and neon-colours, anything that screamed cyberpunk. I’ll be sharing more of my thoughts and experience at PAX Australia in another blog entry, but the Contax G1 held itself really well. Although my camera didn’t really pick up much of the neon vibrancy that well nor were my compositions that great, I did manage to capture a few stand-out moments.

It’s been a great two months of learning with new camera and I’m thrilled that there’s still more learning to do with it. I haven’t reached any stage where I regretted buying the camera and am thankful that I have plenty yet to learn.

Light Bulb Ideas - The Mannequin Project

A few months ago, I had coffee with one of my managers from work where we talked about his upcoming trip to Europe. Recalling a funny story in his last European trip in Greece where he and his friend found the various mannequins wherever they went quite amusing. This became a little photo blog and what he showed me was quite hilarious, from the stranger poses to the mix ‘n’ match of colours that will yourself stand out in a big urban jungle but somehow works in a paradise like Greece. It’s so easy to find ideas in the most obvious and common things. Looking at things from a different perspective and evoking a feeling is what every photographer would want their photos to do. One just has to have the eye for it. This mannequin-manic phase sparked a little idea to take a couple of rolls of film and focus on a common subject, like a mannequin, something that’s easy to find in the most common of places. Subjects could be anything like lamp posts, a certain colour or theme, books, cameras, hats, you name it!

I’m starting to like this concept. Easy to do, achievable, exciting, and just fun!

More on this later.

August With Film - Initial thoughts on the Contax G1

In small hands, this is a descent-sized film camera. Despite the weight, it’s a mighty beast of titanium build with a luminescent glow. It took me almost two years to give in to the Contax spell. This isn't a review yet so I'm going to say i’m already captivated by its beauty.