Aperture priority

All Souls Day

2011-05-15T15:39:00.001+08:00

p20110416-172911, originally uploaded by Lye Hock.

April is the time of the year for Cheng Beng or All Souls Day.

Taken with the Panasonic LX3 and modified with Vignette app using Instant Film effect.

RAW Coffee

2011-05-15T15:35:00.001+08:00

1301375699755, originally uploaded by Lye Hock.

New cafe near the office. Serves great coffee and organic lunch. Healthy stuff.

Vignette demo app on Android HTC.

Waterfront @ Desa Parkcity

2011-04-24T20:18:00.001+08:00

Waterfront @ Desa Parkcity, originally uploaded by Lye Hock.

Amazing blue sky on a good day. Perhaps more amazing is that this shot was unprocessed and taken straight from the HTC Desire.

And no, those are not sensor dust in the top part of the photo. Desa Parkcity is a popular park for people to fly their kites.

Birthday banquet

2011-04-24T20:13:00.001+08:00

P1070146, originally uploaded by Lye Hock.

Annual grand event on the calendar must be the Chairman's birthday banquet. No expense spared to celebrate the event right down to the invitation card that befits royalty standards.

Taken with the LX3. Increasingly finding the DSLR a huge burden for functions like this.

Friends from Taiping

2011-03-31T22:58:00.003+08:00

P1070051, originally uploaded by Lye Hock.

Meet-up with Jessica Toh, back from US, at Starbucks, Jaya One. These guys never seem to grow old especially Peter Wong. Known them since my teenage days.

More photos taken with the LX3 here.

Aniza and Ian

2011-03-06T19:18:00.002+08:00

DSC_0633, originally uploaded by Lye Hock.

Aniza our friend who usually arranges our vacation tours, got married just before Valentine's and promptly jetted off to Winnipeg, Canada with her beloved Ian.

My second wedding shoot for the year. This time using the 50mm AFS and lots of leg zoom. Getting to grips with using the SB800 for fill-in flash during daytime.

More shots here.

CNY in Taiping

2011-02-27T17:23:00.001+08:00

P1060860, originally uploaded by Lye Hock.

A time for old friends to meet up. Kean Guan will organise a dinner on the 1st day of CNY at the same restaurant year in year out. This year Lawrence Kong was in town all the way back from the US.

Lou sang!

2011-02-27T17:18:00.001+08:00

IMAG0514_edit0, originally uploaded by Lye Hock.

Lou sang. An acquired Lunar New Year tradition that didn't really caught on in a big way in the northern towns like Penang or Taiping. Seems like another commercialised thing for the restaurants to make more moolah during the festive season.

Adilin & Jeremy

2011-01-30T17:14:00.003+08:00

DSC_8755, originally uploaded by Lye Hock.

Rode shotgun with buddy Hamzah to shoot this wedding in Sungai Buloh on New Year's Day.

Event photography is tough on older bodies. Really strains the joints.

The D700 & 28-300VR plus the SB800 did the job. D700 battery good for more than 700 clicks.

More photos here.

Christmas indulgence

2011-01-29T23:16:00.001+08:00

DSC_8368, originally uploaded by Lye Hock.

All lined up in a row awaiting the clinking of glasses for the Christmas dinner.

Taken with the D700 and AF-S 50mm at f5.6.

Tiger spirit

2011-01-22T22:35:00.002+08:00

DSC_8330, originally uploaded by Lye Hock.

Azmi belting out The Beatles' "I Saw Her Standing There" in yet another energetic display of the Tiger spirit.

Spotted at the Old Edwardians Association KL Annual Dinner at Vistana Hotel.

More photos here.

Irene and Teng San

2011-01-15T20:17:00.005+08:00

DSC_8018, originally uploaded by Lye Hock.

Congrats to the newlyweds colleague Irene and Teng San!

A couple of photographer friends, Roger Poon and CV Wong did the event shoot for Irene.

Took the Nikkor 28-300VR for a workout during the dinner. On reflection, I should have opted for the 28-120VR instead as the long end is rarely used in such situations. Struggled with the performance of the SB800 as I had trouble controlling the flash power due to the varied lighting.

Take a look at the rest of the photos here.

Hawaii 5-0

2010-12-23T22:20:00.003+08:00

DSC_7859, originally uploaded by Lye Hock.

Well, time and tide waits for no man. Before you know it, you're into the half century mark and closer to the finishing line.

The 1977 Edwardians had a 50s gathering at the Coronation Pool in Taiping last month. Great to meet up with the guys who grew up with you.

See all the photos of the event here.

AF-S Nikkor 28-300mm f/3.5-5.6G

2010-12-23T22:11:00.002+08:00

IMAG0036, originally uploaded by Lye Hock.

Got this do-it-all lens on a whim one weekend. Equivalent to the 18-200 VR for DX cameras, this sure beats lugging around several primes. Initial shots show promise but this ain't no F/2.8 quality glass. Probably use it more for vacation shots.

Bali faces (2)

2010-12-18T18:50:00.001+08:00

DSC_7560, originally uploaded by Lye Hock.

A couple of sales assistants in a Bali souvenir shop.

Bali faces (1)

2010-12-18T15:32:00.004+08:00

DSC_7611, originally uploaded by Lye Hock.

Warung Ocha in Seminyak, Bali.

A quick grab shot. She had no time to say no. Loved her friendly look.

Balinese spring rolls

2010-12-18T15:29:00.001+08:00

P1060595, originally uploaded by Lye Hock.

At the Poppies' Cafe in Kuta.

Best washed down with a cold Bintang.

Street scene in Bali

2010-12-12T13:08:00.001+08:00

DSC_7551, originally uploaded by Lye Hock.

Popular choice of transport around the streets of Bali.

Prayer offerings

2010-12-12T13:06:00.001+08:00

DSC_7537, originally uploaded by Lye Hock.

These scenes are a daily thing for the people of Bali. HIndu offerings are placed all over the town and noticeably in most shop fronts.

Bali

2010-12-12T13:01:00.001+08:00

DSC_7535, originally uploaded by Lye Hock.

Although 90% of the population in Bali are Hindus, you can find statues like these along the streets.

Short break in Bali

2010-12-12T12:57:00.001+08:00

IMAG0179, originally uploaded by Lye Hock.

Artemis Villa in Seminyak, Bali.

Taken with the HTC Desire at the walkway to the villa.

Sashimi

2010-11-28T18:44:00.000+08:00

IMAG0143, originally uploaded by Lye Hock.

Flying fish and salmon sashimi at Umai-ya Damansara Uptown.

Taken with the HTC Desire.

Plus 8 Restaurant

2010-11-17T20:42:00.001+08:00

IMAG0081, originally uploaded by Lye Hock.

Amazed at the HTC's snapper ability. Used properly, I can get some very usable shots.

But the food at this restaurant leaves much to be desired. Over-steamed pricey fish making the flesh rough will not go down too well with diners.

Maxine and Miyu

2010-11-17T20:36:00.001+08:00

IMAG0027, originally uploaded by Lye Hock.

Taken with the HTC Desire. Processed in-phone using Photoshop Express.

Filipina friends at Dreamz Pub.

HTC Desire

2010-11-03T23:48:00.001+08:00

HTC Desire, originally uploaded by Lye Hock.

Stepping into the Android world. Avoiding Iphone & Blackberry for the time being. Let's see what this baby got to offer.

Camera is a decent 5MP snapper. Enough options and settings to play around. Nothing can beat a DSLR though, however it seems my cameras are getting smaller and lighter these days.

Sanyo Eneloop

2010-10-25T16:58:00.003+08:00

P1060521, originally uploaded by Lye Hock.

Capable of being charged 1,500 times, these rechargeable batteries are the way to go for a greener world. Also they are capable of retaining their juice up to 3 years at 75% capacity.

Sony TX5

2010-10-06T17:22:00.001+08:00

P1060518, originally uploaded by Lye Hock.

A water-proofed P&S for those Kodak moments in the pool. Does panoramic shots as well but devoid of some manual settings. It's supposed to be idiot proof too. Grip was non-existent. More of a lifestyle camera that fits in your shirt pocket or your slim Prada.

Oil Painting

2010-09-25T14:06:00.001+08:00

P1050988, originally uploaded by Lye Hock.

Oil painting by Lui Cheng Tak @ Molly's new residence.

Autofocus malfunction

2010-09-25T14:04:00.001+08:00

P1060230, originally uploaded by Lye Hock.

Motorcycle escorts entering a convention hall.

Hong Kong

2010-09-19T20:58:00.001+08:00

P1060111, originally uploaded by Lye Hock.

Spotted a car with the plate HON SIR in a recent trip to Hong Kong.

Taken with the LX3 using night scene mode.

Cai Qin Concert

2010-08-30T14:36:00.001+08:00

DSC_7286, originally uploaded by Lye Hock.

Big haired Taiwanese songbird was in town performing at The MINES KL. Her fluid and smooth vocals has been often a hi-fi buff's choice to use for testing clarity of sound systems.

Pumpkin soup

2010-08-28T11:51:00.001+08:00

Pumpkin soup, originally uploaded by Lye Hock.

Comfort food for lunch at Rahsia KL.

Blue sky

2010-08-28T11:49:00.001+08:00

P1050873, originally uploaded by Lye Hock.

Amazing blue evening sky at The Waterfront in Desa Parkcity KL.

Kuala Sepetang

2010-08-18T22:45:00.001+08:00

P1050830, originally uploaded by Lye Hock.

A small fishing village near Port Weld.

Over-rated seafood restaurants. Not worth the trouble to drive all the way there. Stick to the Matang seafood area.

Peugeot 407

2010-08-16T22:40:00.001+08:00

P1050854, originally uploaded by Lye Hock.

My continuing love affair with eccentric French tech.

Grumps

2010-08-15T17:07:00.001+08:00

DSC_7166, originally uploaded by Lye Hock.

Nice place for some meaty food. Located at Kelana Jaya. Celebrated Peter's birthday there.

Wedding door gift

2010-08-01T19:14:00.001+08:00

P1050797, originally uploaded by Lye Hock.

One of the best door gift at Hamzah's son's wedding.

The Panasonic LX3 is too slow as an event camera. Guess the DSLR is still very relevant despite the increasing foray by manufacturers to come out with smaller and lighter quality compact cameras.

Flowers

2010-07-25T01:28:00.001+08:00

P1050614-1, originally uploaded by Lye Hock.

Flowers sometimes reminds me of death.

Saxophonist

2010-07-25T01:23:00.001+08:00

DSC_6519, originally uploaded by Lye Hock.

Great tunes at an even greater birthday dinner.

Mandarin oranges

2010-07-25T01:14:00.001+08:00

DSC_5984, originally uploaded by Lye Hock.

Essentials for the Chinese Lunar New Year.

Macro using the LX3

2010-07-15T23:28:00.001+08:00

P1040596
Originally uploaded by Lye Hock.

Macro shots using the Panasonic Lumix LX3 are really sharp. Probably due to the pseudo Leica Summicron lens. It's the camera of choice these days for social events.

Najib & Suhaina

2010-07-14T22:45:00.001+08:00

DSC_5761
Originally uploaded by Lye Hock.

Najib is a former colleague of Pakistani descent. First time at such a wedding with the family and guests dressed to the nines in their traditional finery.

Shot with the Nikkor AFS 50mm/f1.4 which is said to be tack sharp wide open. This was stopped down to f/5.6 for better DOF.

High ISO performance

2010-07-13T23:13:00.001+08:00

DSC_5575
Originally uploaded by Lye Hock.

At the Give Hope Give Life Charity Concert.

I'm constantly amazed at the D700's awesome high ISO performance. This was at 6400. Although at 100% crop the noise creeps in, it is highly usable at web level.

Wedding Photography

2010-07-12T01:41:00.001+08:00

DSC_3880.JPG
Originally uploaded by Lye Hock.

Anyone with a DSLR is a wedding photographer these days. Tough times for the pros trying to make a living.

Taken with a Nikon D90 & the 16-85mm. Congrats to the radiant couple!

Wide angle in Rome

2010-03-22T15:18:00.001+08:00

DSC_3789
Originally uploaded by Lye Hock.

First blog post in 2010! Too much Facebook and Twitter has that effect on you.

Did Italy in Oct 2009 and this was shot with the Nikon 20mm f/2.8 AFD on the full frame D700. Great piece of lens. Light and wide enough on full frame, one must be careful of distortions especially at the side and corners. Make sure people are placed close to the centre.

Now that the new Nikon 24mm f/1.4 G is out, that is another tempting option for a low light wide angle lens.

Fashion on One 2009

2009-08-31T22:09:00.001+08:00

DSC_0479
Originally uploaded by Lye Hock.

Went flash-less this time just the D700 and the 70-300VR. Auto ISO and minimum shutter of 1/250 mostly.

Hollys Cafe

2009-08-31T22:02:00.001+08:00

P1010514
Originally uploaded by Lye Hock.

Quiet cafe in the Cineleisure. Bit the dust recently purportedly due to the economic slowdown. Cute Filipino lass Haidee working there. Wonder where she is now...

Nikon D700 + Nikkor AF-S 50mm/f1.4G

2009-08-09T18:24:00.003+08:00

P1010423
Originally uploaded by Lye Hock.

Awesome combination it seems. But the new 50mm isn't that much faster in focussing despite the AF-S badging. Anyway, I've disposed of the old faithful 50mm/f1.8 and this lens is perhaps deemed a "normal" lens for FX bodies. Will try street shooting with this combo at my next vacation.

Birthday banquet

2009-08-09T18:20:00.003+08:00

DSC_9965
Originally uploaded by Lye Hock.

Colourful event at the company chairman's birthday banquet. Shot with the Nikon D700 and the Nikkor 70-300VR. I wonder if he pictures will be even better with the Nikkor 70-200mm/f2.8. Nikon has just announced the VRII version which is said to have addressed corner softness for FX bodies.

Ceiling lighting

2009-08-09T18:13:00.003+08:00

P1010234
Originally uploaded by Lye Hock.

An unusual and unique ceiling lighting at the Sime Darby Convention Centre. Was attending colleague Naralle's wedding dinner. The Panasonic Lumix LX3 is proving to be a capable companion at functions where bringing a behemoth DSLR may be a hassle.

Norita's engagement

2009-08-09T18:08:00.003+08:00

DSC_1540
Originally uploaded by Lye Hock.

Was using the Nikon D90 paired with the Nikkor 16-85mmVR. Perfect for event shots.

Homemade cupcakes

2009-08-09T18:04:00.002+08:00

DSC_9389
Originally uploaded by Lye Hock.

The Nikkor 35mm/f2.0 is an indispensable tool for sharp close-ups.

Sushi Groove Fashion

2009-03-07T22:29:00.001+08:00

DSC_9105
Originally uploaded by Lye Hock.

A fashion show in a sushi restaurant! This event was shot just before CNY 2009. Pictured here is Ms Malaysia Universe 2008 Levy Li. Taken with the Nikon D700 and the 85mm/f1.8 lens.

Lion Dance

2009-03-07T22:22:00.001+08:00

DSC_1236
Originally uploaded by Lye Hock.

A lion dance event was held at the Armanee Terrace condo. Pretty well organised. Followed by a high tea for the residents later.

God of Prosperity

2009-03-07T18:04:00.001+08:00

P1000382-1
Originally uploaded by Lye Hock.

Spotted at the bank's CNY dinner at ShangriLa Hotel. Taken without flash. At that point, didn't realise flash output can be adjusted for the LX3 and I didn't want a over-blown face. I should have RTFM...

Fei !

2009-03-07T17:58:00.001+08:00

P1000247
Originally uploaded by Lye Hock.

Fei or the joker...the most valuable item at a mahjong game. Mahjong is an annual affair during the lunar new year in the Taiping house for as long as I can remember.

Happy Lunar New Year 2009!

2009-01-24T16:57:00.001+08:00

P1000043-1
Originally uploaded by Lye Hock.

Happy Lunar New Year of the Ox 2009 to everyone!

Photo taken at the office lobby with the Panasonic Lumix LX3.

Merry Christmas!

2008-12-25T16:42:00.000+08:00

Christmas Tree
Originally uploaded by Lye Hock.

Portrait workshop

2008-12-20T20:30:00.001+08:00

Nadia 06
Originally uploaded by Lye Hock.

Attended a portrait workshop organized by Zamrud (nickname in Shutter Asia). Learnt some of the basic studio lighting techniques and the various type of lighting in portraiture. Some tips on photoshopping was included but we ran out of time to get more tips from Zamrud.

This shot of Nadia the model for the day was done using "glamour" lighting. Basic skin smoothening applied on the final image.

Villa Illias

2008-12-20T20:25:00.001+08:00

DSC_8298
Originally uploaded by Lye Hock.

This was the night scene looking out from our room balcony at the Villa Illias in Santorini Island. On the right is a cruise ship anchored for the night.

Santorini Island

2008-11-22T22:16:00.001+08:00

Blue dome
Originally uploaded by Lye Hock.

Post guided tour, we flew to Santorini island, one of the many that dot the coastlines of Greece. This part of the vacation was probably the best. Santorini is so picturesque that it feels like almost heavenly.

These blue domed churches are all over the island. We were told that in the past each time a fisherman goes out to sea, he would pray for a safe voyage and to be able to come home. In return, he would build a church as a gesture of gratitude. So over the years so many of such churches were built.

Greek women

2008-11-22T22:10:00.001+08:00

Greek delights
Originally uploaded by Lye Hock.

The women in Greece are gorgeous! Mediterranean climate gives them a warm and healthy colour and their skin flawless. Dark eyes probably from Persian and Turkish influence...

King Leonidas

2008-11-22T22:04:00.001+08:00

King Leonidas
Originally uploaded by Lye Hock.

A statue of King Leonidas of the Spartas. This is the actual site in Thermopylae where 300 Spartans fought to the last with almost 1 million Persian soldiers. If you've seen the movie "300", you'd know the story.

Greek salad

2008-11-22T22:01:00.001+08:00

Greek salad
Originally uploaded by Lye Hock.

Signature salad in Greek cuisine. Other than the salty feta cheese and olives, the rest of the salad comprise of the usual stuff you put in a salads.

Archaelogical ruins in Greece

2008-10-30T22:39:00.004+08:00

Temple of Apollo
Originally uploaded by Lye Hock.

The tour started from Athens-Corinth-Mycenae-Epidaurus-Nauplia-Deiphi-Meteora-Thermopylae-Athens. Some of the interesting ruins and artifacts which date back to the BC era can be viewed here.

Greece tour

2008-10-30T21:17:00.002+08:00

Orthodox priest
Originally uploaded by Lye Hock.

Early this month we went on a tour of Greece under Globus. As we were in Athens before the start of the tour, we had the chance to wander around the city on our own.

I had before the trip got the Nikon D700 and despite its heft, it had to be brought along to test its capabilty. Wanting to sniper some street scenes, I got the Nikkor 70-300VR to accompany the camera. You can check out some of the street shots here, mostly in Syntagma Square and the nearby Plaka area.

Nikon D700 !

2008-09-21T19:04:00.002+08:00

The Portrait
Originally uploaded by -stockie-.

Bit the bullet and went full frame last weekend...hello available light photography and goodbye flash!

For starters, the viewfinder is great and low noise in high iso means I'll be getting more shots than before even in not so good light. Will be using the existing 35, 50 & 85 lenses for the time being until I get the 1st of the "holy trinity" i.e. the Nikkor 24-70mm f/2.8.

ISO 6400 on Nikon D700

2008-08-15T18:52:00.002+08:00

DSC_0159a
Originally uploaded by dpnikon.

This is what ISO6400 looks like on a Nikon D700. Absolutely amazing. Digital noise is hardly noticeable. D3 sensor on a smaller body at 2/3 the price....

A Nite of Broadway

2008-08-14T13:36:00.002+08:00

AD2008-01
Originally uploaded by Lye Hock.

That was the theme of my company's annual dinner held earlier this month. As usual, the colors and energy seen in the event was awesome!

More pictures in my Flickr gallery here.

AF-S DX NIKKOR 16-85mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR

2008-08-10T15:46:00.001+08:00

New lens
Originally uploaded by Lye Hock.

Got this mid-range walkabout lens recently. Seems to be much sharper at all focal lengths as compared to the Nikkor 18-200 VR. It doesn't do any zoom creep either. A definite plus point. Pity it's a DX lens though.

Borneo Coffee

2008-07-10T22:28:00.001+08:00

Black coffee
Originally uploaded by Lye Hock.

New coffee joint in Taiping. Pretty relaxing place. Wi-fi enabled. Cheaper than Starbucks or Coffee Bean...

Wantan Noodles

2008-07-10T22:16:00.001+08:00

Noodles
Originally uploaded by Lye Hock.

Pretty difficult to get good wantan noodles in Taiping these days. My favourite was the stall in Tai Chien coffeeshop but the guy passed on few years ago and no one is continuing on the trade. The stall in Tong Ah coffeeshop is still there but lately the taste is just so-so. Wantan noodles up north Ipoh included, has that springy chewy texture which is really great. Would be nice to find a stall here in the Klang Valley which serves that kind of wantan noodles.

Retirement

2008-06-23T01:51:00.001+08:00

Sad to go...
Originally uploaded by Lye Hock.

Such a negative word to me. As if one has ceased to be relevant anymore in the working world. At 55 for most of us there's still so much left to contribute. But when companies can hire people half your age at a fraction of the cost and seemingly do the same work, the choice appears obvious. To my colleague Swee Peng, I know you'll find fulfilment in the next phase of your life. Take a break, bro...

Kimchi

2008-06-17T19:56:00.002+08:00

Kimchi
Originally uploaded by Lye Hock.

Peter's birthday was celebrated last weekend in Desa Sri Hartamas at a Korean reastaurant called Bon. Quite a nice clean place with good ambience. Lots of pickled & fermented veg to go with the meat. Korean wine was something else though. Smoke from the BBQed meat was cleverly diverted out through many ventilation outlets. Thoroughly enjoyed the meal and emerged from the place without having like coming out from a smokehouse.....

Steamboat

2008-06-17T19:50:00.001+08:00

Steamboat
Originally uploaded by Lye Hock.

The aunties from Taiping & Penang dropped by the place over the Wesak weekend last month.

Photoshopping...

2008-06-17T19:46:00.002+08:00

Ily 03
Originally uploaded by Lye Hock.

Read somewhere that said....time & photoshop heal all wounds. Was doing a spot of portraiture at the current watering hole in Samantha's Pub & Bistro. Most shots of the girls need some heavy "healing" procedures. Must be the strain of late nights and the smoky joint getting into the way of healthier skin.

Decided to also put up a dedicated site via blogspot for the various shots taken in Samantha's.

Fashion at The Curve

2008-05-22T04:02:00.001+08:00

Nichii 03
Originally uploaded by Lye Hock.

And not to be outdone by 1U, the neighbouring Curve shopping mall also had a fashion weekend although on a smaller scale.

Fashion on 1

2008-05-22T03:56:00.001+08:00

Promod 03
Originally uploaded by Lye Hock.

The annual fashion show at 1 Utama mall was held over two weekends in April/May 2008. Shot this with the humble Nikon D80 and the Nikkor 85mm f/1.8 to get sharper results. The Nikkor 18-200mmVR just didn't cut it in terms of sharpness although more versatile with its zoom range. There must have been a record number of photographers this year.

Aishah got married

2008-05-04T19:48:00.001+08:00

Aishah 08
Originally uploaded by Lye Hock.

Colleague Aishah got hitched last Saturday. Congrats to the both of you!

Benkay Nikko Hotel

2008-05-04T19:44:00.002+08:00

Teppanyaki beef
Originally uploaded by Lye Hock.

Had a great Japanese dinner at Benkay in Nikko Hotel some weeks back with our neighbours Tony, Jenny, Desmond & May. Dessert back at Jenny's place with coffee Nescafe Blend 43, we're told quite famous in Australia but not found here. Good coffee....

Nikon D200

2008-04-20T19:03:00.003+08:00

Nikon D200 + Tamron 17-50mm
Originally uploaded by Lye Hock.

The Triumph show was the swan song for my D200. Sold it together with the MB-D200 recently. The Tamron lens was disposed of earlier to a Shutter Asia member. Will be using the Nikon D80 fofr the time being while I ponder whether the D300 is worth the while with its superior high ISO performance.

Triumph fashion show

2008-04-13T12:00:00.003+08:00

T-01
Originally uploaded by Lye Hock.

A lingerie product showcase teaming up with local designers so that the innerwear only makes a peek-a-boo appearance........Bumped into KK Chan at the show who used the same Nikon 18-200mmVR lens.

Cheng Beng weekend

2008-04-13T11:48:00.001+08:00

Golden eyes
Originally uploaded by Lye Hock.

A stone sculpture near my grandma's grave in the Taiping hokkien cemetery. We were back for the Cheng Beng prayers 2 weeks ago.

Birthday Banquet

2008-03-11T20:10:00.002+08:00

SP8
Originally uploaded by Lye Hock.

Attended our company chairman's birthday bash over the weekend at the Sunway Convention Centre.

It was also the country's 12th General Election on that day and most of us were getting text updates on the mobile. Big changes ahead from the messages coming through. And it was only in the early morning that we realise that there is hope after all for change to happen.....

More pictures of the event in my Flickr gallery.

Vegetarian dish

2008-02-24T19:25:00.001+08:00

Loh hon chye
Originally uploaded by Lye Hock.

A favourite vegetarian dish served only on the 1st day of CNY at the Taiping house.

Joss sticks

2008-02-24T19:17:00.001+08:00

Joss sticks
Originally uploaded by Lye Hock.

Midnight prayers with big joss sticks and firecrackers to welcome the God of Prosperity during Chinese New Year.

Happy Chinese New Year!

2008-02-05T17:44:00.001+08:00

Lion face
Originally uploaded by Lye Hock.

Happy New Year of the Rat to all !

Hopefully the traffic will be merciful this year for the trip back to Taiping.......

Samantha's

2008-01-31T12:26:00.001+08:00

Beer crew
Originally uploaded by Lye Hock.

Had been hanging out with the HH gang since end last year at this watering joint. It's true after all. A big camera is a babe magnet.....not the guy holding it!

Prancing lion

2008-01-31T12:20:00.001+08:00

Prancing lion
Originally uploaded by Lye Hock.

Had a mini TT session among the regular photo buffs and shot this lion dance routine at the CineLeisure area in The Curve. Part of the run-up to the Chinese New Year celebrations early next month.

American War

2008-01-11T18:47:00.001+08:00

US Air Force
Originally uploaded by Lye Hock.

The Vietnamese called it the American War. At the Military History Museum in Hanoi, enemy planes shot down or captured were proudly displayed. Enemies in this instant were first the French who were defeated at Dien Bien Phu in 1954 and then the Americans in 1975. Total American planes shot down were more than 33,000. Amazing...

Halong Bay

2008-01-03T13:29:00.001+08:00

Hazy horizon
Originally uploaded by Lye Hock.

We took a 1 day tour to Halong Bay which cost us USD20 pax. Travel time is a long 3.5 hour ride (one-way) in a small bus. Designated a World Heritage site by UNESCO, the bay tour is really popular. You can in fact sleep overnight in one of the boats that ply the route. As it was winter, temperature was a chilly 15-18C daytime.

Hanoi Vietnam

2008-01-03T13:24:00.001+08:00

Cool bikers
Originally uploaded by Lye Hock.

Last week we took a short vacation in Hanoi. First time in Vietnam, we wanted to see what it has to offer and experience their culture. Hanoi is a city of 4 million people but at times there seems to be more motorcycles than people. And traffic is really heavy & disorganised. Blaring their horns is a norm. From my observation I think if you can drive in Hanoi, you can drive anywhere in the world!

More photos in my Flickr gallery.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

2007-12-24T18:31:00.001+08:00

Drummer boy
Originally uploaded by Lye Hock.

Merry Christmas to everyone!

Looks like a really wet Christmas this year. Rinsing away to be cleaner and better for 2008 perhaps...

Farewell my friend...

2007-12-23T14:30:00.001+08:00

Farewell my friend...
Originally uploaded by Lye Hock.

Ricky Vong 1950-2007

Goodbye Lina

2007-12-09T18:44:00.001+08:00

Goodbye girl
Originally uploaded by Lye Hock.

And finally, Lina who had spent more than 5 years in the financial industry decided to probably get more fulfilment in teaching. A patient and caring person, she would certainly make a great teacher. Some of us are already missing her.

And then Mustapha called it a day...

2007-12-09T18:36:00.001+08:00

Put your feet up
Originally uploaded by Lye Hock.

Retirement for Mustapha, one of the most cool mannered managers I'd known, calling it a day after 34 years in the banking industry. It'll be a welcome change not having to follow 9-5 rat race. All the best to him and wishing him a long & happy life ahead.

More photos in my Picasa Gallery.

Season of farewells

2007-12-09T18:27:00.001+08:00

Tracy03
Originally uploaded by Lye Hock.

First it was Tracy (middle) who left for greener pastures persumably in the same industry. Known for her eye-catching outfits, we shall surely miss her...

Ah Yat Abalone

2007-12-04T18:20:00.001+08:00

Abalone, mushroom & goose web
Originally uploaded by Lye Hock.

Had a nice meal at this chinese restaurant in Sec 13, PJ last week. Famous for its set abalone menu, the place is quite popular for wedding functions. Being a weekday, service was good. More photos of what we had in my Flickr gallery.

Schmap Budapest Guide

2007-11-25T16:01:00.000+08:00

My shot of the Gerbeaud cafe in Budapest was featured in the 4th edition of the Schmap Budapest Guide.

Website here.

Stella

2007-11-18T18:06:00.001+08:00

White dreams
Originally uploaded by Lye Hock.

Another model shoot was done last weekend, organized by another photo buddy, Swee Ann

Had a great session on a somewhat glamour shoot complete with hot lights, reflectors etc.

Have a view in my Flickr gallery