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June 29, 2005
Counting down the days...
I can't believe I'm leaving for East Asia in a few days; I haven't even packed yet! Still so much to do and prepare before I leave (I'll be teaching English for a month), and life's been so hectic lately!
I'm looking forward to the trip though -- it'll definitely be a physical, mental and spiritual challenge!
Speaking of weddings, here are some pictures I took from Annette and Manus' wedding, including a few engagement portraits I took for them. I'm starting not to like Photoshop CS2's auto adjustments of my pictures; at first, I thought it was awesome and saved me lots of time. Now, I think it's making my pictures look too exaggerated... too vibrant and colorful, to the point where they look... "fake."
Ugh... I really don't like how most of the pictures came out. The quality and color looks so crappy; I'd be embarrassed to show these to a potential client. =(
I dunno... feedback anyone? =) I really hope I don't have to convert from RAW to TIFF using my old converter (which produced more neutral/realistic colors, but a tad flat), which take up lots of time and hard disk space. =/
Finally, I know I mentioned this before... it's weird/interesting how I normally don't like being the center of attention or publicly speaking in large group situations. Yet, when I have to do some kind of drama (whether acting or dramatic reading), I totally enjoy and ham it up!
Posted by stevelee at 11:55 PM | Comments (1)
June 12, 2005
Weddings...
June 16 Update: I uploaded the few random pictures I took from their wedding. =)
"OK, everyone get ready for the Filipino National Dance!"
-announcement by the DJ shortly before playing Achy-Breaky Heart and everyone in the ballroom busting out into the Electric Slide!
Today was my cousin's wedding... and while certain things didn't go as smoothly as planned, none of that mattered. The genuine look of love shared between the bride and groom and their sincere, unapologetic displays of affection told everyone that this day truly was a celebration of their love.
As they kissed, embraced, and sang to each other during their ceremonial first dance... they reminded me of how it felt like to love someone so much, that nothing else mattered other than being in the arms of your loved one.
Instead of the timid, almost begrudging pecks most newlyweds seem to give each other during wedding banquets, it was refreshing to see my cousin give numerous deep kisses. Hey, if you're in love with someone, what's wrong with proclaiming that love to everyone?
I always have admired my cousin for his sincerity and genuine warmth; today emphasized those feelings.
Ches and Shar: congrats and all my love and warmest prayers with you both! =)
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I wasn't expecting to be called in as a backup photograper so when the call came, I didn't have any of the proper equipment with me: external flash and a wide-angle lens. Blah. =( Next time, I'll just bring all my equipment with me. =)
Finally, on a completely random note: lumpia gets snatched up really, really fast. Haha. =p
Posted by stevelee at 12:31 AM | Comments (5)
June 11, 2005
Memories
I'm an INFJ!
- Moderately (44%) expressed Introvert
- Slightly (12%) expressed Intuitive personality
- Moderately (38%) expressed Feeling personality
- Moderately (33%) expressed Judging personality
INFJ type description by D.Keirsey
INFJ type description by J. Butt and M.M. Heiss
(Jung-Myers-Briggs Typology Test)
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It's strange how the most random, innocent of events can trigger long-forgotten memories and emotions. Tonight, our small group decided to go to Ghiradelli for dessert. While waiting for another group to arrive, we decided to walk along this pier area nearby.
The last time I set foot in this area was on a date with an ex... and I vividly recalled memories of walking hand in hand with her, both lost in the romantic ambiance of the night. ...And both trying to find a more intimate spot to share the moment... =)
After some delicious ice cream and light-hearted conversations, we walked around Ghiradelli Square where I suggested that one of the sisters go to the top of the rotunda and enjoy some more beautiful views of the bay.
How could I forget, having had some other memorable dates around there? ;)
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Work has been busy, but good. I've been training a new hire while myself slowly transitioning to a new project. Training/mentoring definitely has been a great experience for myself -- I have a new appreciation and understanding of those who disciple others... it takes a significant time and emotional investment.
It's rather strange to suddenly be in a more senior/consulting role; I don't see myself as such, but somehow I seem more involved in helping others around me... which I actually enjoy. =) Sadly, I perceive more politics/posturing now, but I refuse to let myself get caught up in that silliness.
Man... more than ever, I'm really looking forward to serving God overseas.
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My dislike for large group situations extends deeper than I realized. We had a potluck in honor of a long-time employee whe was leaving the company. By the time I got down there, the kitchen was packed full of people eating and chatting away... I immediately felt physically uncomfortable. It was all I could do to prevent myself from simply dropping off my food and bolting off. Ugh.
It's strange... I don't mind acting/hamming it up in front of an audience, but get freaked out when I'm surrounded by a ton of people in tight quarters?
I guess I really need my space...
Posted by stevelee at 12:21 AM | Comments (0)
June 05, 2005
Fanime 2005
June 5 Update: Here are my Fanime 2005 pictures.
Ahh, another year, another Fanime. I enjoyed seeing my friends again; I just wish I wasn't as busy/tired, so I could chat with them more! =(
I played with the 70-200L IS lens extensively and am quite impressed (even though my pictures suck): besides the awesome color/bokeh, the ability to get a good exposure under horrible lighting conditions at 200mm, 1/30s is sick!
The quality/sharpness is not quite up to par as the 85 or 135 L primes, but it's close, and the zoom (plus IS) more than makes up for it. =)
Other lessons learned:
-Biggest lesson learned: cosplayers want to see costumes. Duh. Most of my shots focused too much on the face, rather than considering the costume while framing.
-Take the time to expose and/or frame my shot properly. So many of my shots are blown because of sloppy framing or a loose crop. Most of the time I'm in a rush, so this will be difficult.
-Avoid Photoshop cropping when possible. My camera is light on the MP resolution so when I try cropping to get a certain perspective/framing, it can make the picture look... bad.
For an excellent gallery that accomplishes all the above, check out George's Fanime 2005 pictures.
Posted by stevelee at 10:32 AM | Comments (1)