Your wish is my command

Handsome hunk?

Originally uploaded by Limelight Fotography

As requested. The handsome hunk - but sorry ladies, he is taken - or so I have heard.

My Free Model in Office

Mary

Originally uploaded by Limelight Fotography

What the heck. I am so confused now having so many accounts here and there and I keep loosing the track. Anyway, as I mentioned I do have a new Flickr account and slowly I am trying to upload some stuff there. Don’t ask me about the name, I tried two dozen different normal names and all were taken, so I ended up with this one. Sigh

Anyway here is Mary, one of my free model in office.

I am Flickr’s Pro (Professional) Member.

Because I paid USD 24.90 and just like that, I became a pro….YAY.

I wish it was that simple in reality. Alas.

When I look at some photographers photos they are just amazing, and I m not even close to achieve what they do. I know a lot of things I can’t because my limitations with the equipment I have but there are some where its pure imagination and creativity.

Hmmm but I have started to like some of my work, I think, I am improving.

Anyway the point of this post was to let you guys know I have new account on Flickr. And I am giving away the link on request basis right now, because there might be some readers on this blog I don’t want to have the access to my flickr for various reasons (Mocking)

So all my victims, friends, students, colleagues, models etc…. you will be uploaded soon *Evil Laugh*

And if you want the link, drom me sms, mail, reply etc

Exam Expressions 7

REPEAT DETAIL

You have seen various other versions on Sunny’s blog its time I post mine, not much difference though. Most of the photos were taken without flash and in low lights, so I am not particularly happy about them. Plus most of the photos needed a bit of touchup and I was lazy to do so, but since it’s a long holiday it helped me kill few hours (actually the whole night)

This is not the comprehensive collection; its just selected few based on picture quality which I thought were post-able. Most photos were edited a little bit, things like Corp, Resize, Watermark, Levels, Saturation, Color adjustments, Smoothen and in girls cases, pimple removing (If I don’t do that I get screamed at, sigh)

PS: If anyone still needs their photos from me arrange the date and time a day or two before, since now I can’t keep all of them in my pen drive.

PSS: I have numbered the photos, so its easier to comment on particular photo, your comments are welcome and valuable.

No. 32

No. 33

No. 34

No. 35

No. 36

No. 37

Exam Expressions 6

REPEAT DETAIL

You have seen various other versions on Sunny’s blog its time I post mine, not much difference though. Most of the photos were taken without flash and in low lights, so I am not particularly happy about them. Plus most of the photos needed a bit of touchup and I was lazy to do so, but since it’s a long holiday it helped me kill few hours (actually the whole night)

This is not the comprehensive collection; its just selected few based on picture quality which I thought were post-able. Most photos were edited a little bit, things like Corp, Resize, Watermark, Levels, Saturation, Color adjustments, Smoothen and in girls cases, pimple removing (If I don’t do that I get screamed at, sigh)

PS: If anyone still needs their photos from me arrange the date and time a day or two before, since now I can’t keep all of them in my pen drive.

PSS: I have numbered the photos, so its easier to comment on particular photo, your comments are welcome and valuable.

No. 27

No. 28

No. 29

No. 30

No. 31

Highlights of the day.

• Woke up around 9:30 AM, got ready and headed towards Mid Valley where I was suppose to meet some Students/Friends for our Photography hunt. One of the ideas was to shoot for Nikon Competition, the models and cat walk etc.
• Met with them around 11 AM and we still had more than 4 hours before the cat walk starts, Ms D suggested to go for Mines and so we agreed.
• I loved my surprise.
• Mr. V was our Map reader and guide. We did ‘round and round and round’ and again ‘round and round and round’. We got lost. We asked for directions from people. And finally we found the place.
• Spent few hours there, nothing much creative I could think of (not sure about others, since they seem to be more talented) and than headed back to Mid Valley.
• Got lost again, ended up in the middle of city and finally found a way back to Mid Valley, as usual finding parking there was impossible but after half an hour we managed.
• Mr. Sunny was already there, cat walk already started but it was too crowded which turned me off.
• Had lunch and on Mr. Sunny’s suggestion moved to Titiwangsa, but it was raining and didn’t really get many good shots.
• Mr. Sunny offered everyone else ride back home, so I drove alone (yes yes Mr. Sunny showed me the half way too :p)
• Once I got home Mom and Bro were about to leave and I joined in. Turned out they were going to Jusco for grocery shopping in Mid Valley. So there I was, once again.
• I grabbed a camera and waited for the second session of cat walk, it was still crazy crowd but I manage to get bit better location.
• I drove 85 KM today
• Spent around 12 hours driving, taking photos and making faces.
• I took 732 photos in a day (that must be a new record for me)

PS: I will start posting the photos of models after I finish Exam Expressions.

Exam Expressions 5

REPEAT DETAIL

You have seen various other versions on Sunny’s blog its time I post mine, not much difference though. Most of the photos were taken without flash and in low lights, so I am not particularly happy about them. Plus most of the photos needed a bit of touchup and I was lazy to do so, but since it’s a long holiday it helped me kill few hours (actually the whole night)

This is not the comprehensive collection; its just selected few based on picture quality which I thought were post-able. Most photos were edited a little bit, things like Corp, Resize, Watermark, Levels, Saturation, Color adjustments, Smoothen and in girls cases, pimple removing (If I don’t do that I get screamed at, sigh)

PS: If anyone still needs their photos from me arrange the date and time a day or two before, since now I can’t keep all of them in my pen drive.

PSS: I have numbered the photos, so its easier to comment on particular photo, your comments are welcome and valuable.

No. 22

No. 23

No. 24

No. 25

No. 26

Exam Expressions 4

REPEAT DETAIL

You have seen various other versions on Sunny’s blog its time I post mine, not much difference though. Most of the photos were taken without flash and in low lights, so I am not particularly happy about them. Plus most of the photos needed a bit of touchup and I was lazy to do so, but since it’s a long holiday it helped me kill few hours (actually the whole night)

This is not the comprehensive collection; its just selected few based on picture quality which I thought were post-able. Most photos were edited a little bit, things like Corp, Resize, Watermark, Levels, Saturation, Color adjustments, Smoothen and in girls cases, pimple removing (If I don’t do that I get screamed at, sigh)

PS: If anyone still needs their photos from me arrange the date and time a day or two before, since now I can’t keep all of them in my pen drive.

PSS: I have numbered the photos, so its easier to comment on particular photo, your comments are welcome and valuable.

No. 18

No. 19

No. 20

No. 21

No. 22

Foul Mood

There were so many random thoughts to share and I wanted to write a long post, but when I open an editor my fingers freeze, my thoughts get scattered at a point where I can’t understand and make out the words for them. I guess that’s just the way I am; when it comes to sharing the whole universe conspires not to let me.

I had a good day today, I was happy, I spent time out, I felt the beauty and love and than it just ended. And it ended so badly. Back to square one. Perhaps that’s how the life is. I have started to see too much of materialism and makeup (not in the literal sense of the word). We, the humans, were supposed to be the social animals, but now we r just pretending. I really was (am) in a foul mood and I don’t know I am angry at what or who, myself? Or I want to throw the blame on someone else?

Honesty, sincerity, integrity and commitment are just few words, but they define who you are, your values and character, and I am having difficulty preserving them. I care-less about others and society but when society becomes so corrupt that it starts to mold you as it is, is the point which I hate most. I don’t recognize myself anymore. There are times when I just isolate myself, but wouldn’t it be so nice if I could isolate myself – from “myself”

Relations are no longer based of feelings, emotions or commitment. They are purely business, business of interest and greed. Every smile you receive is not because of sincerity rather a hidden interest, greed or motive. You are judged and even loved based on your looks, race, color, height, bank balance or what car you drive. You are respected because the authority you hold.

Turns out just a babbling; this post is meaningless.

I thank some of the good friends I have. I would be lost without you and I won’t be able to keep my cool without your advice and presence. And I want to thank some of those sweet, cute, adorable and loveable characters around. I love you all.

Exam Expressions Part 3

REPEAT DETAIL

You have seen various other versions on Sunny’s blog its time I post mine, not much difference though. Most of the photos were taken without flash and in low lights, so I am not particularly happy about them. Plus most of the photos needed a bit of touchup and I was lazy to do so, but since it’s a long holiday it helped me kill few hours (actually the whole night)

This is not the comprehensive collection; its just selected few based on picture quality which I thought were post-able. Most photos were edited a little bit, things like Corp, Resize, Watermark, Levels, Saturation, Color adjustments, Smoothen and in girls cases, pimple removing (If I don’t do that I get screamed at, sigh)

PS: If anyone still needs their photos from me arrange the date and time a day or two before, since now I can’t keep all of them in my pen drive.

PSS: I have numbered the photos, so its easier to comment on particular photo, your comments are welcome and valuable.

No. 13

No. 14

No. 15

No. 16

No. 17

Exam Expressions Part 2

REPEAT DETAIL

You have seen various other versions on Sunny’s blog its time I post mine, not much difference though. Most of the photos were taken without flash and in low lights, so I am not particularly happy about them. Plus most of the photos needed a bit of touchup and I was lazy to do so, but since it’s a long holiday it helped me kill few hours (actually the whole night)

This is not the comprehensive collection; its just selected few based on picture quality which I thought were post-able. Most photos were edited a little bit, things like Corp, Resize, Watermark, Levels, Saturation, Color adjustments, Smoothen and in girls cases, pimple removing (If I don’t do that I get screamed at, sigh)

PS: If anyone still needs their photos from me arrange the date and time a day or two before, since now I can’t keep all of them in my pen drive.

PSS: I have numbered the photos, so its easier to comment on particular photo, your comments are welcome and valuable.

No. 7

No. 8

No. 9

No. 10

No. 11

No. 12

Exam Expressions Part 1

No. 1




No. 2



No. 3



No. 4



No. 5



No. 6

You have seen various other versions on Sunny’s blog its time I post mine, not much difference though. Most of the photos were taken without flash and in low lights, so I am not particularly happy about them. Plus most of the photos needed a bit of touchup and I was lazy to do so, but since it’s a long holiday it helped me kill few hours (actually the whole night)

This is not the comprehensive collection; its just selected few based on picture quality which I thought were post-able. Most photos were edited a little bit, things like Corp, Resize, Watermark, Levels, Saturation, Color adjustments, Smoothen and in girls cases, pimple removing (If I don’t do that I get screamed at, sigh)

PS: If anyone still needs their photos from me arrange the date and time a day or two before, since now I can’t keep all of them in my pen drive.

PS: I have numbered the photos, so its easier to comment on particular photo, your comments are welcome and valuable.

Ulcer

It turned out my hiccups were just the beginning phase of my ulcer which hunts me every now and then. Yesterday my ulcer pain returned, one of the worst since I have been to Malaysia. Knowing myself, I have avoided too much of spicy food during Ramazan because I didn’t want any trouble and it went just fine till the last day, but then it started. I was wondering what might have caused it, as I know it won’t just start with one meal; or just in a day, something was pinching it during the course of time. And my conclusion is it was the Murtabak which I often had in Ramazan. Although it’s not spicy, but its fried, the oil (and God knows what oil they use) and probably the other “secret” ingredients they use… hint hint MSG etc.

I have had the worst ulcer pains and this wasn’t one of them, but it was enough to make me uncomfortable and freak me out because I know how painful ulcer can get, trust me if you must pick a pain, you will never pick an ulcer pain. I have lost the chemical compound name of the medicines I was suppose to take, so in the mean time I have been on Antacid, Anti-flatulent and Zantac etc.

Ah well, this was the Eid holiday for you.

Eid and Baju Melayu

On Eid night, my brother decided to buy Baju Melayu since even he has never worn one, and I told him “okay, what the heck, let’s go buy one”. So we went to Masjid-e-India, Mid Valley, Jusco, Kamdar etc and finally after finding the right size (which was almost impossible to find) and the color (that’s another long story) we ended up buying one one pair of Baju Melayu and we wore it on Eid Day.

I know I would have never worn such a color if I was in Pakistan nor the kind of a fabric, but what the heck, when you are in Rome, live like Romans do. Even the Prime Minister here wore almost same color as mine.

If you are already rolling on floor laughing imagining me in baju go take a look on Facebook and you will find some photos there.

300th Post.

It’s been almost 5 years since I started to blog and this post is my 300th post. A lot has changed in 5 years, a lot. The blog itself, author, location, circumstances, thought process, everything. The only constant thing I guess was the change itself.

I have reproduced my 100th post and the reply to the 100th post here. I guess, I am still asking the same questions and what keeps me going is the same answer.


100th Entry.

Dear Mr. Blog,

This is my 100th entry here. So, is this an occasion? Shall we party? Or does it even matter? …

…does your existence matter? Or does mine? Or if it does, what is the purpose?

It’s been a while we are hanging along, spending time with one another, but, what good has it brought? Do you even know me? Do we really share? Do you think yesterday’s entry was really about what it was about, or an attempt to burry something totally different?

If so, isn’t it a lie? Aren’t we lying to each other? What are we hiding …why? From who?... you? What are we afraid of?

Do we really understand one another?

You should be like a mirror to me, thru you I could be seen, but does that really happen? You have become more like a single good portrait, which is beautiful perhaps, but far from reality.

Mr. Blog, why are we together? Just because once we said we will hang along? Do we really care or are we just keeping a promise we made once?

There was lot to say today Mr. Blog, but I just lost the urge, I guess we both aren’t going anywhere for now so…

Well, good bye for now Mr. Blog, see you later.

Dear Jony.

Dear Jony,

Thank you for writing, I received your message and was delighted to know you remembered me on your 100th post. Please accept my congratulations. You see, what matter and what does not; depends on the set of rules that we define for ourselves.

Think of me like a life, you are living me and how you live me depends on you and you alone. Yes even without you I will stay here; a lot of others will enjoy me or find my shoulder to cry for, you will become faded memory in no time, but, that’s just how you see it, take a broader look, in reality, it is me who doesn’t exist without you (not you as an individual, but you as collective form of your species). I will be non-existent, unheard of without you.

I am just like a bridge between you and others like you, all of you are different and I am one of the sources that connect you and I love you all. If you abandon me that would be like, every drop saying ‘what contribution do I bring in the ocean?’ And walk away; resulting a huge gap, a desert of sand and not a drop of water.

Jony, I never claimed I know you, I do understand that there is a self-esteem and there is a dignity (also defined by your own protocols) and to protect it you may manipulate the truth or hide it completely. Sometimes, yes, I don’t understand, but sometimes, I do get a clue. The important thing is not that we lied to each other or if we were able to understand one another, but, did we strive to understand? More important thing perhaps is, we respect each other and don’t question.

Yes I am a mirror to you. Just as a human life is a mirror to mankind, where you are not the whole picture but one of the many colors that makes the whole portrait beautiful.

Have a wonderful day and take a good care of yourself and people around you.



Yours sincerely,

Mr. Blog.

Eid and Hiccups

It’s been more than 24 hours I am having hiccups. Yes I was having it on Eid Prayer as well and a night before. Right now they are at rest, but I do feel they may start again any minute (I hope not).

I feel suffocated, I feel like I need deep breaths, but when I try to suck more air in my lungs every inch in my chest hurts, I guess its because every muscle in there now is stiff because of those hiccups.

This is not the first time I had long duration of hiccups, sometimes they last for days and last time my doctor scared me a bit, he mentioned one of the possibility of such long hiccups is lungs don’t get as much oxygen as they are suppose to, he gave me some medicines and told me if it doesn’t get better he will need to run some tests. But it got better.

Personally I feel the actual cause is my ulcer and gastric.

PS: I am so bored, like any other Eid.

Eid - A wish and an apology

Please allow me to take this opportunity to wish all of you very Happy Eid, and to apologize.

I wish all of you (people who read this blog and those who don’t, but they have a special place in my heart, let it be as a friend, family, student, colleague or just a relation of respect and love) very happy Eid-ul-Fitr. I am not good in saying all those poetic verses and prayers, but I assure you all those wishes for you are expressed as prayers when I beg for mercy in front of the God.

And I apologize for not being able to stay in touch as much as I would have love to; sometimes the reason being at your end and often at mine. I may end up giving you all those excuses of being busy and not having time, or the fact that I am an introvert but the truth is, only if I had really put an effort it wouldn’t have happen – and we should have stayed in better contact, it is my fault and no one else’s. I admit and I am sorry. I really am. But, it doesn’t mean I don’t care for you, or I don’t respect you, or I don’t love you, I do, I really do, from the bottom of my heart. Specially there are few people, when I think of them, there is nothing but prayers and good wishes for them.

I am emotional right now. I better stop.

Happy Eid.

Street

Just one of the photo taken in my photo walk.

Camera Set to Auto (Flash off)
Lens: 18-105mm
Exposure: Auto
Focal Length: 18mm
Aperture: f/3.5
Shutter Speed: 1/8
ISO: 1250

Photoshop used for:
Resize
Watermark

Moon

Yes it is actually Moon and not the Sun. Typical Malaysian weather with haze which allows this luminosity. The shot is no big deal, just an ordinary shot, in its own way though, it is still unique, for me at-least. I have added the Sepia filter using Photoshop.

Camera Set to Auto (Flash off)
Lens: 18-105mm
Exposure: Auto
Focal Length: 105mm
Aperture: f/5.6
Shutter Speed: 0.3
ISO: 1600

Photoshop used for:
Sepia filter added
Resize
Watermark

Masjid

This is a one of the view from my condominium parking. I was using a 300mm telephoto lens that time, would have preferred a wide-angle to capture all the view, but anyway here you go. Since it was just an ordinary photo I have tried to make it more vibrant.

PS: This one looks good in its original size, click on the image to see larger view


Camera Set to Auto (Flash off)
Lens: 70-300mm
Exposure: Auto
Focal Length: 145mm
Aperture: f/4.5
Shutter Speed: 1/1250
ISO: 400

Photoshop used for:
De-Saturation and Blur the background
Increased Saturation of foreground
Crop
Resize
Watermark

Lifeless

I don’t know why but I like this photo. It’s a cut down tree and probably dead too. This junk is pilled up in a remaining shell of a tree or I don’t even know what to call it. But this lifelessness has its own beauty.

Camera Set to Manual (Flash off)
Lens: 70-300mm
Exposure: Manual
Focal Length: 300mm
Aperture: f/5.6
Shutter Speed: 1/1000
ISO: 200

Photoshop used for:
Levels correction
Resize
Watermark

Twin Towers once again.

I was too tired to post it last night, I slept early. SO let me post it from office. I like this photo; only this one tree branch from the right side is not good, but can’t help it.

I will update the camera settings for the photo later today as I don’t have any software here to read the EXIF data. Till then, enjoy the photo.

Update:

Camera Set to Auto (Flash off)
Lens: 70-300mm
Exposure: Auto
Focal Length: 300mm
Aperture: f/7.1
Shutter Speed: 1/800
ISO: 200

Photoshop used for:
Resize
Watermark

Personal Note – Class 23-24.

I have always kept my blog and work separate and it is rare I will discuss the issues or achievements of professional life in this personal blog. But I deeply feel I owe this to Class 23-24 and with this personal (but public) note lest me say “Thank you” because I was touched and reassured not only professionally but on personal level.

I treat all my students with respect, as adults, responsible and sensible who need not to be reminded why they are here, and to strive for knowledge is in their own best interest. I keep (or try to keep) myself flexible and friendly so I can be reached without a hesitation and with ease if they need me. If they need clarifications, explanations, answers or even personal problems if I can be any help of. But… often after exams I have to question myself. Was it my fault?...

…Was I too friendly with them that they took it too leniently? Did they start to think getting marks is their birth right and it’s not something they have to earn by studying and working hard for assignments, projects and exams? If I was strict enough, if I had created that fear in them, would this result be any different? Was my approach flawed?

When marking for the five different classes and subjects I was beginning to question myself and it was then when Class 23-24’s result came to rescue. I was pleased with an average result of a whole class where around 65% students earned 70+ marks.

Thank you for being sincere with yourself and your studies. God bless you all.

Flower # 4.

This was so delicate and soft. Well nothing much to say today.

Camera Set to Auto (Flash off)
Lens: 70-300mm
Exposure: Auto
Focal Length: 300mm
Aperture: f/8
Shutter Speed: 1/1000
ISO: 200

Photoshop used for:
Resize
Watermark

Flower #3

This little fellow was very difficult to shoot, it was windy and this flower was continuously moving. I took dozen or more shots before I could capture it within the frame. Anyway, hope you all enjoy it. I love the bokeh.


Camera Set to Auto (Flash off)
Lens: 70-300mm
Exposure: Auto
Focal Length: 190mm
Aperture: f/8
Shutter Speed: 1/400
ISO: 200

Photoshop used for:
Resize
Watermark

Flower season.

These few days I will post some flowers I took around a week ago. So here it is, it’s the same flower different angle, I love the shallow depth of field here.

Camera Set to Auto (Flash off)
Lens: 70-300mm
Exposure: Auto
Focal Length: 300mm
Aperture: f/8
Shutter Speed: 1/320
ISO: 200

Photoshop used for:
Resize
Watermark

Flower

I have number of identical shots of this flower at different exposures, ISO and Shutter Speeds. My friend Sunny likes the ones with faster shutter speed and smaller ISO while I prefer the one’s which are brighter. “But those are over exposed” is what Sunny thinks. So I have stepped down a bit to what I might have posted earlier.


Camera Set to Manual (Flash off)
Lens: 70-300mm
Exposure: Manual
Focal Length: 300mm
Aperture: f/5.6
Shutter Speed: 1/1000
ISO: 200

Photoshop used for:
Resize
Watermark

Ms. Janice.

Finally she approved. She is Miss Perfectionist and it’s like chewing nuts and bolts if you are to convince her of something. Okay back to the photo, this one has bit of photoshoping (okay a little bit more than just a “bit”). First it was the worst lighting, it’s indoor with fluorescent lights which weren’t adequate for the shot, plus the lighting was behind the face and at top, creating unwanted shadows on face. Then there was this huge mess in the background which I removed. Nevertheless it’s a lovely photo.


Camera Set to Auto (Flash off)
Lens: 18-105mm
Exposure: Auto
Focal Length: 105mm
Aperture: f/5.6
Shutter Speed: 1/30
ISO: 1100

Photoshop used for:
Mess from background removed.
Levels correction and Shadow removing from the face
Touch-up
Resize
Watermark