ICG : Penang

Hai guys! I'm back from a long hiatus!

The reason I haven't been updating this blog is because of my busy schedule in campus. Compared to last semester, I have less opportunities to play with my camera. And even if I've managed to get some good shots, I don't have the mood to update here. It's the post-hectic syndrome in campus, hehe.

Quick update for this semester: My camera lens was mysteriously damaged during the Langkawi Field Trip in September. I use the term "mysteriously" because I have no freaking idea how it happened. As far as I'm concerned, I don't remember dropping the camera on water or hard surface. Anyway, I was left with 2 options:
a) Get a new compact camera, semi-D or Nikon DSLR
b) Get the old one repaired

In the end, I ended up with the latter option. I've decided that my maximum budget would be RM200 for repair, or else I'll get a new one. And guess what? When the quotation was released, I was informed that it would cost me tepat-tepat Rm200. Hoho...

I would love to have my own semi-D/DSLR, but at this point of time, I'm not sure whether I'm willing to invest rm2000+ on a camera, while I can use the money to buy lots of other stuffs. Like PsP, new handphone, new dekstop PC, graphic card, branded shoes, shirts, jeans and the list goes on...

So yeah. I do have passion for photography, but I'm still an amateur hobbyist. I'm not ready to spend such a large sum of money on it yet. Perhaps once I've gotten a job, hehehe.

Besides that, I'm happy with the pictures produced by my Canon Powershot A430. Well, at least for a basic compact camera. Especially with the super macro mode. Even Mellissa agrees with me on this! *grins* Yes, there are certain limitations. I can't manually adjust the aperture and focus point. Well, I'll just have treat that as a challenge to my photographing skills :P

Anyway, my first semester in Undergrade Years is officially over! So here, I'm posting up the pictures taken at the Inter-Campus Gathering (ICG) held in Bukit Mertajam, Penang. Enjoy.
















At the Bus Station

Ferry















Parish Center #1















Parish Center #2















Church of St. Anne, Penang















Fire Fall Down



















Saint Michael the Archangel



















Admin Block



















The Bell Tower


P/s: Shish... after being away from the camere for a while, I think I need too brush up my skills again. Wish me luck!!

For the Love of Bugs

Last Monday, I came to the Kinabalu National Park with my family members. It's my second time visiting the site for an amazing photography session. There, I finally discovered that I'm actually in love with bugs and insects! Okay, that JUST doesn't sound right huh? AHahaHa...

This is where it all started; my first time experimenting with photography, accompanied by Jay. I can still clearly remember how I was very much intrigued with macro shot of bugs (don't get me wrong, I still hate those annoying mosquitoes and flies). When I arrived here again, I experienced the exact feeling of excitement. Well, pity my sisters, they waited for an hour before I completed my photo hunt!

Imagine, how one can easily ignore such a little creature in the wild outdoor. At first glance, I agree that bugs are boring. But try to look closer. I mean very very close. That is where photography would work its charm and miracle. Combined with the right angle and distance, you'll be able to witness these beautiful bugs from a different perspective. Next time, you might think twice before you decide to kill the pesky insects in your house (no complaints for the mosquitoes though). So what if I practice double-standard? Lol.

From my experience, snapping the perfect shot of a bug can be rather tricky. After all, it IS a mobile creature. Once you've spotted a bug, you need to approach it slowly and carefully. If not, your subject of interest would simply fly away, leaving you with utter disappointment and frustration. Yes, it requires a lot of patience and timing. However, if you manage to capture it, the "feeling" cannot be compared to any other experiences in digital photography, at least for me. What I'm trying to say is, it feels even better than having a perfect picture of other subjects like urban structures, landscapes, culture, potraits and so on.

Well, enough with the crap. Here are the photos! Owh, have I mentioned that mushrooms are also interesting? Hehe.


Wild Parasites


Open up your umbrellas!


Red and Black


A Golden Treasure in the Forest


Miss Ladybug


Colourful

Rose Garden

Located in Kundasang, the Rose Garden has a wide variety of flowers including roses, orchids, cactuses and other wild flowers. Enjoy!


Orchids


Pinky


Two Hearts


Sweet Rose


Now everyone can fly...

Beautiful Landscapes

The following shots are taken during my recent family trip to Ranau and Kundasang.


Land Below the Wind


Tinggi-Tinggi Gunung Kinabalu


Country Road


Oh! Gravity


Hills and Valleys

Lok Kawi Wildlife Park

The new Lok Kawi Wildlife Park has been officially opened to public about a few months ago. The place is located just 15-minutes away from my home in Kampung Dambai, Penampang. Since I'm back for the holidays, I took the opportunity to visit it with my family members.

During the visit, I had a very funny encounter with this one particular parrot. Well, a typical parrot would usually greet you with a simple "hello" or "good morning". But guess what? This one thought that it was a CAT!!! Yes, it actually meaooww-ed!!! And mind you, it really sounded like a cat. Sadly, I didn't manage to capture a good shot of the parrot due to the surrounding cages. Sigh.

Owh well, here are some photos that I've taken at the park.


Hornbill


Rabbit Eats Lettuce


Motherly Love


Sun Bear


Sorrow


The Gibbon


Little Umbrellas (my personal favorite)


Reaching High