Aesthetic Awakenings

Adrian & Francesca

2011-08-23T22:22:00.000-07:00

Che Chung & Pei Sing

2010-07-16T22:50:00.000-07:00

It has really been my privilege to have known Che Chung & Pei Sing, firstly as individuals and then later together as a couple. That is why I was so excited when Che Chung asked me to be the photographer for their special day.

For me, this was one of those weddings that at the end of the day, you just go "Aww...".

There was just so much of the love of God, and their love for each other evident that day, that it really inspires and touches the heart and soul.

Che Chung & Pei Sing, I wish you both the best as you start out on this journey together. Know that I am glad to count you as friends and fellow servants in Christ, and that I will be standing together with you as we run this race together.

Here are some heartfelt moments from your special day. Hope you enjoy them =)

Colin & Wan Yau - Part 2

2010-05-12T02:17:00.001-07:00

This is continued from Colin & Wan Yau's big day... Check out the video at the end to catch exactly what Colin's Heng Tai's had to endure...

A special thanks to Ken Hiew of Revelation Visuals who helped me cover the day... Looking forward to future co-operations =)

Do leave a comment if you drop by... Would love to hear from you guys =)

2010-05-09T00:49:00.000-07:00

In my view, there is no border between
photography and poetry.

Photography is, like poetry, full of lyricism.
Somewhere, high up, they meet and mingle.

Andrei Baciu -

Colin & Wan Yau - Part 1

2010-04-02T20:44:00.000-07:00

Wow! All I can say is, what a fun shoot!

Was one of the craziest weddings I have ever been to, thanks to funky bunch of the "Che Mui's". Really excited to showcase some of the crazy things they did but for now, just enjoy some photos of the beautiful bride...

Wan Yau, it's your day! Hope you enjoy these beautiful moments from it =)

Stay tuned for pictures of Colin & his courageous "Heng Tai's" coming up soon...

Colin & Wan Yau's Dinner

2010-03-21T11:59:00.000-07:00

I met Colin & Wan Yau through a mutual friend, and although we didn't get a chance to meet before the actual shoot (I almost did not recognize the groom... Sorry Colin...haha) could really see that they were a fun couple to know...

Here are some shots from a dinner party that they threw for all their friends at Delicious in Marc Residences... A night filled with lots of laughter, good food, and great company. Thanks guys for having me as your photographer. It's been a blast!

Also, a special shoutout to Wee Liem who helped cover the event together with me. Keep up the good work bro, and looking forward to more shoots in the days to come =)

DIGI Yellow Army Graduation

2010-03-19T09:19:00.000-07:00

Another long overdue post...

This is an event I shot for Digi in November last year, but have not had time to post up the pictures till now. Had a blast at the Yellow Army Graduation Day, with many fun and unique activities...

Rock climbing...

Paintball challenge...

Car drifting...

B-Boys workshops...

Nintendo Wii competitions...(Winner actually took back a brand new Wii...)

Make-up and beauty workshop...

Stuntman station... They actually hook you up to rigs manned by a trained stunt crew and hoist participants up several feet in the air to perform flips/stunts, etc...Kinda cool =)

Water balloon wars....

The night concert...

Guess who decided to show up? Hannah Tan! (of whom I am a recent fan...Haha)

You may not recognize this next pair, but they actually wrote, what is in my opinion, one of the best Malay love songs ever written... ManBai, and yes they did their signature "Kau Ilhamku"...

Our co-host for the night, Natalie from Hitz.fm having some fun with the participants...

The pictures that follow very much speak for themselves...Haha

Then it was time to dim the lights, crank up the volume and PARTAY!! ... (yes I am very much aware of the spelling...haha)

All in all, it was an awesome event; full of fun, games, laughter...and most of all, Hannah Tan! (sorry, I just couldn't resist that last bit...haha).

Hope u guys enjoy the photos, and stay tuned for more shoots coming up very soon =)

My tribute

2010-03-13T10:15:00.000-08:00

Firstly... Yes I know I am horrible at blogging... The last shoot I posted was in November, and in the blink of an eye the first quarter of the new year is almost over! How the time flies...

With so many things happening for Aesthetic Awakenings this year (i.e. a very substantial upgrade in equipment, registration of AA as an official company, and not to mention the numerous projects and partnerships opportunities in just these short months alone) ...one can only look back at where we have come from and stand utterly amazed. Truly, I am humbled; none of this would even be possible without You LORD! Thank You for such grace and faithfulness upon my life...

And also a very big 'thank you' to family, friends and clients, who through your kind words, unwavering support and generous contributions, have been such an encouragement and blessing in this journey thus far. Thank you for believing in me and sharing your life with me. I am truly blessed...

Was actually going to post up a long-overdue post from a shoot I did last year, but instead, will share with you some of the photos that are closest to my heart...

This is why I do what I do and ultimately, this is where I hope my journey, through photography, will lead me...

P.S. Best viewed in full screen mode ... Enjoy =)

Debbie & Chia Waye - Part 2

2010-01-02T01:25:00.001-08:00

More photos from Debbie & Chia Waye's wedding day...

Debbie & Chia Waye - Part 1

2009-11-22T22:19:00.001-08:00

Debbie has been a good friend of mine for quite a while now and I was rather surprised the day she called... I still remember jokingly asking if the reason she was calling was to announce her wedding, and much to my surprise, the reply on the other side was a delightful "Yes!".

Debbie and Chia Waye, it has been my great privilege and joy to have shared your momentous day with you, and I wish you both congratulations and the happiest of days ahead as you embark on this journey together...

Stay tuned for more photos of the day, coming soon...

Calvin & Ern Suey's Engagement

2009-09-23T11:27:00.000-07:00

Those who have known Calvin & Ern Suey for a long time would agree with me when I say, "It's about time"...

It has been my privilege to serve alongside such wonderful individuals, and I rejoice together with you as you step into this next stage of your life. It is undoubtedly going to be an exciting journey ahead, and I'm looking forward to being the favorite "Uncle Nick" to all the little Tay Tay's and Suey Suey's to come...

So, here's my engagement present to both of you... May the Lord bless you richly as you prepare for your Big Day, and may you be an even greater blessing to each other, and to many others as you come together as a couple...

Also, check out this video that I put together with more photos from the shoot... Feel free to leave comments and feedback... Would love to hear from all of you out there...

Chuan Huat & Disccomp Group Photoshoot

2009-08-14T21:01:00.000-07:00

This is a photoshoot that I did recently for a steel and constructions company, Chuan Huat and their sister company, Disccomp Group to be used for the design of their website...

Some on-the-spot product shots using only available light...

These product shots in the warehouse were done using only 1 flash...

On location shots in their warehouse and factory...

HDF Dare to Dream Workshop 2009

2009-08-04T07:20:00.001-07:00

It was an awesome time covering this year's HDF "Dare to Dream" workshop held in Holiday Inn, Glenmarie.

More than 60 youths from around the country were shortlisted to participate in this 4 day 3 night workshop, at the end of which 20 were selected and given the chance to realize their dreams through the Honda Dreams Fund scholarship.

It has been my privilege to have met such an outstanding group of individuals; Young people, who even even in the midst of life's adversities, still muster the courage to reach for their dreams in hopes of making a better life for themselves and for their families.

My heartiest congratulations to the 20 candidates who were selected! As for the rest of you, you guys have your whole lives ahead of you, so never give up and never give in, but keep fighting and keep believing in your dreams.

Here's wishing you guys all the best in all that you do and may your lives and who you become be that ultimate dream!

See more HDF Dare to Dream Workshop 2009 photos at
http://www.facebook.com/pages/HONDA-DREAMS-FUND/72206729246

HDF 2009 Teasers

2009-06-21T22:11:00.000-07:00

I recently added an SB600 to my Nikonian family and I simply love it!!

Here are some teaser shots from the recent HDF 2009 workshop that I covered. Since I also purchased a radio trigger, light stand, umbrella and the whole works, I decided to put them into good use by setting up a crazy booth (thanks Shootfest for the inspiration) which proved to be as much fun for me as it was for the participants...

Stay tuned for more photos of the actual workshop coming soon...

Shootfest 001: The Wedding

2009-06-06T08:20:00.000-07:00

Shootfest 001 was awesome!! Really glad to have met so many awesome people who are willing to share and learn from one another...I personally learned a lot from every single session.

Fiona's session was really enjoyable and a great way to kickstart the day. Really benefited from the detailed examples of the types of lenses used in different settings. Very comprehensive and helpful.

The "To Be Or Not To Be" session was also helpful in providing different perspectives on photography as a profession, and the different challenges faced when starting out full time or in juggling it with a full time job. To hear different ones share their stories and experiences was really great.

Both Mark & Alex's sessions were very practical and discussed areas of development that are essential yet sometimes so easily overlooked in developing one's self as a photographer...And the tweeter video was just hilarious!! U guys have no real friends...hahaha

As for Kenneth's session, I personally was very inspired and now have a clearer view of what applying the photojournalistic approach to weddings is all about. Very nice balance between the theoretical base given as well as the practical tips and examples that effectively drive home the point.

And what can I say, Pecha Kucha was simply hillarious!! Thanks Woody, Eeyean, Kee Sitt, John, Grace & Junz for sharing... I especially benefited from Kee Sitt's sharing on using video as a tool in promoting one's self as a photographer...never thought about that before until now.

And last but definitely not least, Jon and Mun Keat's sessions on lightroom and photoshop really helped provide an avenue to compare and learn about post-processing and improving digital workflow. Was definitely a good reminder for me as a guide and check to ensure that I'm heading in the right direction. Too bad it was running at the 'graveyard shift' where many people had left early or was tired from the long day, but it was still a great session nonetheless.

So yeah, that kind of sums up day 1 of Shootfest for me. Really learned and benefited so much from being a part of this great unconference!!

A shoutout to those who have worked so hard to make this happen. You know who you are. A big thank you guys for making it an awesome experience!!

Can't wait for tomorrow...

Photo by Mark Leo

A legacy of love

2009-05-21T02:08:00.000-07:00

This is a photo montage I did for a friend of mine recently for his grandparents 60th. Wedding Anniversary. It's amazing how things can change with the passage of time, and yet love is one of those that endures throughout.

Congratulations Mr. & Mrs. Ng on your 60th. Anniversary. Here's wishing you many more amazing years together and many happy returns as you write your story together...

Swiss Garden Resort, Kuantan

2009-05-04T03:39:00.000-07:00

Here are some pictures I took during a recent stay at this 5-star resort while on assignment for HDF 2009...The moon and the night sky were simply amazing...

Honda Dreams Fund 2009

2009-04-30T10:15:00.000-07:00

This is the project that I have been working on for the past one and a half month or so...

The Honda Dreams Fund is a community project that represents Honda's commitment in helping realize the dreams of others by providing underprivileged youths with full scholarships to pursue their studies or skills training courses as a stepping stone in achieving their dreams.

It has been my privilege and honor to have been a part of this year’s team. Apart from the chance to travel and see Alor Setar, Kuantan & Miri (I seriously miss the amazing Miri sunset, Kuantan's moonshine...and FOOD!!), the serious, yet fun and spunky people I have had the chance to work with makes this project all the more memorable.

At the end of the day, I gained more than just a 'big break' in my professional career and an awesome new lens (though for these I can't stop smiling...haha), but more importantly, I have made new friends that will last long after my last shutter click for Honda...

Here's just a few of my favorite shots from the 3 destinations that I have been to throughout the whole project...

More HDF 2009 photos and video montages available at
http://www.honda.com.my/hdf/media.html

Patch of Clay

2009-04-14T11:39:00.000-07:00

I'm so bad at blogging, I know...I'm sorry! Been busy traveling the whole of last month, shooting for the HDF campaign with Honda. That, coupled with the extremely short & hectic preparation for Easter leaves a man with little or no time to sleep, much less update his blog.

But it's over now...and it's all been worth it. The friends and comradeship gained through both projects more than makes up for all the crazy schedules and late nights, and I wouldn't trade the experience for anything else in the world.

Anyway, here's a sneak preview of some shots I took for the promotional material for our Easter play, 'Patch of Clay'...

Our star...'Bondi'

And his puppet sidekicks, the 'CoCaCi Sisters'

The little girl ...'Alice'

The evil 'Puppet Master'...Guess Who?

Nope, not a terrorist....the greedy 'Insurance Agent'

'Odem'...the law officer

Shots from the final scene...

And the happy ending...

That's all for now...Stay tuned for photos from the Honda roadshow... Also, a new & improved blog coming soon...

My Valentine's with Elaine Daly

2009-02-23T01:13:00.000-08:00

Finally, after 2 long months without my camera, it was time to shoot again. This time, it was Harvest Generation's very own 'The Attraction Factor', and I must say that the folks really outdone themselves...

Would you believe that this is church?

Love was definitely in the air...

All over the walls...

Poured into the doorgifts...
But most of all, on the faces and smiles of friends just happy to see each other.

Carol and Chris rocked the event as the emcees of the day...

While Leny's soulful rendition set the 'mood' in full swing

Time to hear from our very own Ps. Ryan Foo as he sets out to tackle
those 'matters of the heart'...

But then, even he sat intently listening to what our next speaker had to say...

Yes, it is Elaine Daly... Misss Malaysia Universe 2003

Elaine in action, sharing her life story while giving tips on personal grooming...

After that, it was then time to announce the winners of the day...Everyone looked eagerly as the judges deliberated (with some attempting to put best poses forward)

But when it came down to it, Calvin Tay was our 'Best Dressed Male'...simple yet chic

Ern Tsyr won 'Best Dressed Female'...Must be the hat...

Both winners won RM 150 A Cut Above vouchers.
Elaine herself got a little surprise as well...

It was then time to chill and get to know each other better...

All in all, it was an enjoyable and enriching experience. Thanks Elaine and the Harvest Gen team for making it a Valentine's to remember.
We should do this again some time...

Bernard & Grace

2008-12-10T17:05:00.001-08:00

*Updated*

It was really my honor and privilege be with you guys as you take this journey of faith together. The simple yet beautiful ceremony was truly a blessing. Surely, the latter days shall be greater than the former. Am believing with you guys for all God's best.

Bernard & Grace

2008-12-10T16:34:00.000-08:00

This was my first outdoor pre-wedding photoshoot. It rained halfway through the
first day of shooting so we had to reschedule, but all in all it was a really fun shoot.

Thanks Bernard & Grace for this privilege.

The clever-est baby in the world

2008-12-10T04:00:00.000-08:00

Introducing, the most clever baby in the world...Baby Sarah!! Isn't she adorable?
She is officially my favorite baby in the world (...till I get one of my own at least).

Anyway, had some of her photos lying around and since her mum wanted to surprise her dad, I managed to put together these few photos for a very sweet birthday momento.

How can you resist such cute-ness ?

Sweets for the Sweetie Pie

What YOU looking at?

More of Baby Sarah to come. Stay tuned...

Steve & Cynthia

2008-12-10T03:00:00.000-08:00

This was one of Aesthetic Awakenings' first wedding shoots. I met Steve & Cynthia
by chance through a mutual friend and it has been my pleasure and privilege to have been their photographer. Wishing you both many happy returns in the days ahead...