Tuesday, November 9, 2010
Thursday, September 30, 2010
2010 Formula One Singapore: Need for Speed! (Part 3)
The final installment is of course on the actual race. Sadly I didn't manage to secure tickets to the actual day event. Its a really big pity because I would have loved to get shots of the pit, the wheel changing, the damaged cars returning and of course the one catching fire.
We did manage to get an invite to a suite at MBS though, which was about twice the size of my house complete with soundproof media room, personal sauna, steam room, gym etc. The hotel also provided free flow food and drinks, and out of the full length windows was a stunning albeit far-off view of the circuit stretch at Padang all the way to the Marina floating platform.
So we sat there for 2 hours watching the cars zoom by outside the window and on the television.
One interesting thing was watching the crane lift and clear Kobayashi's car after it smashed into the side guards and got rear ended by Senna!
Had a brilliant time. Must somehow get tickets for next year's race too!
We did manage to get an invite to a suite at MBS though, which was about twice the size of my house complete with soundproof media room, personal sauna, steam room, gym etc. The hotel also provided free flow food and drinks, and out of the full length windows was a stunning albeit far-off view of the circuit stretch at Padang all the way to the Marina floating platform.
So we sat there for 2 hours watching the cars zoom by outside the window and on the television.One interesting thing was watching the crane lift and clear Kobayashi's car after it smashed into the side guards and got rear ended by Senna!Had a brilliant time. Must somehow get tickets for next year's race too! 2010 Formula One Singapore: Need for Speed! (Part 2)
(continuation)
Although we went there around 3.30pm, the actual qualifiers only start at 10pm and last an hour. Other than amusing yourself with the pre-F1 races (like the MBW and Porsche ones), and visiting the Singapore Flyer for those in Zone 1, there are also numerous concerts around the various zones. This one was obviously for ladies only...
The food the year at Paddock Club was catered by Jean Georges. Last year apparently it was Nobu.
I unfortunately didn't have time to eat much, but I really loved the starters especially this foie gras special.
That's the man himself...
There's also lots of free flow drinks and a Johnnie Walker lounge that's open to everyone at the Paddock Club. SQ also had one, with sample first class, business class and economy seats there.
Finally at 10pm they started to flag off for the qualifiers and cars started exiting the pit lane.
What's great about Paddock Club is that you are directly above the pit and get to see all the action when the drivers come in for tyre changes, repairs etc. Apparently it takes an average of 8 seconds to change the entire set of wheels.
This was Webber in the pit lane...
and his team mate Vettel speeding by...
That's it for the qualifiers!
Although we went there around 3.30pm, the actual qualifiers only start at 10pm and last an hour. Other than amusing yourself with the pre-F1 races (like the MBW and Porsche ones), and visiting the Singapore Flyer for those in Zone 1, there are also numerous concerts around the various zones. This one was obviously for ladies only...
The food the year at Paddock Club was catered by Jean Georges. Last year apparently it was Nobu.I unfortunately didn't have time to eat much, but I really loved the starters especially this foie gras special.That's the man himself...There's also lots of free flow drinks and a Johnnie Walker lounge that's open to everyone at the Paddock Club. SQ also had one, with sample first class, business class and economy seats there.Finally at 10pm they started to flag off for the qualifiers and cars started exiting the pit lane.What's great about Paddock Club is that you are directly above the pit and get to see all the action when the drivers come in for tyre changes, repairs etc. Apparently it takes an average of 8 seconds to change the entire set of wheels.This was Webber in the pit lane...and his team mate Vettel speeding by...That's it for the qualifiers!Wednesday, September 29, 2010
2010 Formula One Singapore: Need for Speed! (Part 1)
So sorry I haven't blogged for a while. Been swamped with work and the like. Anyway I had such excellent fun at last weekend's 2010 Formula One in Singapore that I just had to blog about it, mountain of work not withstanding.
Was lucky enough to get tickets for the Paddock Club on Saturday's qualifiers.
This year the Singapore flyer is part of the circuit, and Zone One passes get free unlimited rides on it! I think not enough people know about it, which is a *really* big pity. Taking the flyer was much cooler than I imagined it to be, and it offered really excellent views of both the circuit as well as the whole of Singapore. I would have loved to have taken it a second round at night, but just didn't have the time...
In the shot below, also taken from the flyer, you can see the grid girls lined up for the flag off for the Porsche qualifiers.
We met Sir Jackie Stewart! He's got 3 world championships and is now the patron for RBS.
He even gave us a garage tour and we got up close and personal with the computer systems and equipment, and got to touch the frames of the cars. How cool is that!!!
That's David Coulthard - former F1 driver, BBC F1 pundit and now team consultant for Red Bull Racing.
We also got to do the Pit Lane walk. Don't be deceived by how empty it looks. 5minutes later the place was so packed you could barely move, much less take any photos. Anyway that's the champion's garage below. I should have taken more photos of his car...
There's a simluator there as well, its like a cross between Daytona and bumper cars, but waaaaaaay better. You drive the actual Singapore F1 circuit and the car simulates the actual feel especially when you hit the sides!
And here's Tay Ping Hui in it!
to be continued...
Was lucky enough to get tickets for the Paddock Club on Saturday's qualifiers.This year the Singapore flyer is part of the circuit, and Zone One passes get free unlimited rides on it! I think not enough people know about it, which is a *really* big pity. Taking the flyer was much cooler than I imagined it to be, and it offered really excellent views of both the circuit as well as the whole of Singapore. I would have loved to have taken it a second round at night, but just didn't have the time...In the shot below, also taken from the flyer, you can see the grid girls lined up for the flag off for the Porsche qualifiers.We met Sir Jackie Stewart! He's got 3 world championships and is now the patron for RBS.He even gave us a garage tour and we got up close and personal with the computer systems and equipment, and got to touch the frames of the cars. How cool is that!!!That's David Coulthard - former F1 driver, BBC F1 pundit and now team consultant for Red Bull Racing.We also got to do the Pit Lane walk. Don't be deceived by how empty it looks. 5minutes later the place was so packed you could barely move, much less take any photos. Anyway that's the champion's garage below. I should have taken more photos of his car...There's a simluator there as well, its like a cross between Daytona and bumper cars, but waaaaaaay better. You drive the actual Singapore F1 circuit and the car simulates the actual feel especially when you hit the sides!And here's Tay Ping Hui in it!to be continued...Tuesday, July 27, 2010
Messing around with my photos
So when I am bored, I do what every one my generation (and younger) does and surf the internet. It's so easy to find out and learn new things nowadays when information is just a Google away. Lately I've been reading up on post-processing techniques for photographs, and all the interesting things that can be done in Photoshop. There are lots of easy tutorials out there with step by step instructions.
Here's some of my work... You should be able to click on the pictures to see the larger version. The original photos were taken using my Ixus on a pretty cloudy day. Post processing wise, I just tweaked it slightly using Photoshop's "auto levels". It change too much from the off-camera original, so I didn't bother showing those.
For the first set below, you can see from the original on the left that the colours are still pretty washed out. What I did was to adjust the colour levels and apply a mask so that the colours on the statues in the middle "pops out", without affecting the background.
The lomo effect is pretty popular nowadays. I think the iphone has an app that automatically makes your shots look like it was taken with a lomo camera, but I found an easy tutorial online that allows me to tweak my normal looking photos. I quite like the final product on the right below! It looks quite suitable for this particular shot. Definitely a lot more dramatic looking.
The last set shows a few special effects combined together. Here's the dull looking original:
... and here are the 2 edited photos. First I added a reflection in. (Yes I know the photo's not the best for making reflections of, but I didn't have a better one handy) I would have liked to make the ripples more spaced out, but there seemed to be some limitations using this particular method.
For the one on the left, I added in a graduated blue sky. Actually it could have been done better, but I was too lazy to redo it. For the one on the right, I made it into a lomo picture after doing the reflection.
Which version do you think looks better?
Here's some of my work... You should be able to click on the pictures to see the larger version. The original photos were taken using my Ixus on a pretty cloudy day. Post processing wise, I just tweaked it slightly using Photoshop's "auto levels". It change too much from the off-camera original, so I didn't bother showing those.
For the first set below, you can see from the original on the left that the colours are still pretty washed out. What I did was to adjust the colour levels and apply a mask so that the colours on the statues in the middle "pops out", without affecting the background.
The lomo effect is pretty popular nowadays. I think the iphone has an app that automatically makes your shots look like it was taken with a lomo camera, but I found an easy tutorial online that allows me to tweak my normal looking photos. I quite like the final product on the right below! It looks quite suitable for this particular shot. Definitely a lot more dramatic looking.
The last set shows a few special effects combined together. Here's the dull looking original:
... and here are the 2 edited photos. First I added a reflection in. (Yes I know the photo's not the best for making reflections of, but I didn't have a better one handy) I would have liked to make the ripples more spaced out, but there seemed to be some limitations using this particular method.
For the one on the left, I added in a graduated blue sky. Actually it could have been done better, but I was too lazy to redo it. For the one on the right, I made it into a lomo picture after doing the reflection.
Which version do you think looks better?
Friday, July 16, 2010
Frivolous Stuff: My Kelly Moore bag!
I love my new Kelly Moore bag!
A friend of mine posted a link to it on Facebook, and it was love at first sight. I spent days staring at its beautiful form online, looking at it from all angles and imagining how I would pack my stuff into it. I could so see myself carrying it about town or while traveling, with my SLR safely hidden away in this nice stylish bag. When I finally dragged *Shinta down to the shop (TKFoto at Funan) and held it in my hands for the first time, I knew right away that I would be getting it. You can read more about how I got permission to purchase it here.
So here it is! I chose the heather gray version which I figured would be most versatile and fit most of my outfits(although *Shinta thought the mustard yellow was nice). The material is a man-made water resistant material which reminds me a little of fake leather that is not fake enough to say that its pretending to be leather(go figure)... Most importantly, unlike all the other camera bags out there which are bulky rectangular nerdy (man) bags that scream "I am a camera bag", this one boasts a nice slouchy hobo shape with enough structure to stand on its own.
The flap over the bag contributes mostly to its looks rather than serving any real function because the magnetic clasps for it is too weak to be of much use. It doesn't matter if the bag is not stuff too full, because there's a full zipper securing it.
Side, front and back slit pockets are too shallow to put a lot of things, but they can hold a few small items which is pretty useful.
Purple lining wouldn't have been my first choice, but it can't really be seen from the outside so it doesn't matter. The bag has a bit of padding, and 2 removable velcro dividers. The position of the dividers is not adjustable by much (unlike say the Crumpler), because only part of the lining has the velcro strip.
I've already used the bag once and I love it! My D20 fits nicely inside, with sufficient space for my 70-200mm lens and my compulsory knick-knacks like my wallet, blackberry, staff pass, handphone... There are 2 straps for the bag, so you can hold it 4 ways (on the arm, shoulder short, shoulder long, crossbody). Suits all needs and habits!
A friend of mine posted a link to it on Facebook, and it was love at first sight. I spent days staring at its beautiful form online, looking at it from all angles and imagining how I would pack my stuff into it. I could so see myself carrying it about town or while traveling, with my SLR safely hidden away in this nice stylish bag. When I finally dragged *Shinta down to the shop (TKFoto at Funan) and held it in my hands for the first time, I knew right away that I would be getting it. You can read more about how I got permission to purchase it here.
So here it is! I chose the heather gray version which I figured would be most versatile and fit most of my outfits(although *Shinta thought the mustard yellow was nice). The material is a man-made water resistant material which reminds me a little of fake leather that is not fake enough to say that its pretending to be leather(go figure)... Most importantly, unlike all the other camera bags out there which are bulky rectangular nerdy (man) bags that scream "I am a camera bag", this one boasts a nice slouchy hobo shape with enough structure to stand on its own.
The flap over the bag contributes mostly to its looks rather than serving any real function because the magnetic clasps for it is too weak to be of much use. It doesn't matter if the bag is not stuff too full, because there's a full zipper securing it.Side, front and back slit pockets are too shallow to put a lot of things, but they can hold a few small items which is pretty useful.
Purple lining wouldn't have been my first choice, but it can't really be seen from the outside so it doesn't matter. The bag has a bit of padding, and 2 removable velcro dividers. The position of the dividers is not adjustable by much (unlike say the Crumpler), because only part of the lining has the velcro strip.
I've already used the bag once and I love it! My D20 fits nicely inside, with sufficient space for my 70-200mm lens and my compulsory knick-knacks like my wallet, blackberry, staff pass, handphone... There are 2 straps for the bag, so you can hold it 4 ways (on the arm, shoulder short, shoulder long, crossbody). Suits all needs and habits!
Friday, July 9, 2010
Frivolous Stuff: Camera Bags
You see, the fairer sex needs the perfect handbag for the perfect occasion. For example, what we look for in a work handbag is different from what we need from a casual weekend bag, which of course is totally different from evening handbags.
And even within the world of a certain type of handbags, different situations call for the need of different functions. eg A weekend handbag for a quick-and-short-meet-up-with-friends is not the same as a handbag for a spend-the-whole-day-shopping-with-friends situation.
So this time, the trouble was trying to get *Shinta to understand why I needed another camera bag. The object of my desire this time was a Kelly Moore bag designed specifically for ladies.
And even within the world of a certain type of handbags, different situations call for the need of different functions. eg A weekend handbag for a quick-and-short-meet-up-with-friends is not the same as a handbag for a spend-the-whole-day-shopping-with-friends situation.
So this time, the trouble was trying to get *Shinta to understand why I needed another camera bag. The object of my desire this time was a Kelly Moore bag designed specifically for ladies.
~début~
*Shinta: (in stubborn tone, not willing to give in so easily) I don't see why you need another camera bag...
KK: (cautiously, trying to decide approach) I don't have a bag like this... It will hold all my camera things nicely...
*Shinta: Didn't we buy you a Crumpler specifically for your camera stuff?
KK: I will use Crumpler when I need to bring out all my heavy duty gear. This one will be when I just want to bring the main SLR only.
*Shinta: Why can't you use your Crumpler still? Or my Lowepro?
KK: Because the Crumpler and your Lowepro are heavy duty bulk camera bags. I need something for when I go shopping or travel for work and don't want others to know I am carrying a SLR.
*Shinta: (considers for a while) But you have (many) casual shopping bag(s). Why can't you put your camera in that? You can use your little Lowepro...
KK: (quick to retort) Because that's a shopping bag. It can't carry/protect the camera properly. And the Lowepro won't fit inside my other bags with my wallet and blackberry and sunglasses and handphone and...
*Shinta: (interrupts) But this one won't protect it as well as the Crumpler!
KK: (slight hint of panic in voice) But this is just nice! I can use it for both shopping with or without the camera.. I can also use it to carry the camera...
*Shinta: (decides to be nice) Ah.. do you mean to say its a "dual-use" bag, whereas your other bags are not?
KK: (sees ray of hope and quickly agrees) Yes! It's dual use!!!
pause
*Shinta: (in a "pretending to be nice" tone) Since this is a lady's bag, does that mean when we travel or go out together you will use this bag for the camera and I don't have to carry it in my bag?
KK: (cautiously, sensing a trap) er... I will use this bag when I go shopping and want to bring the SLR... (continues for the sake of being honest) ... but anyway you carry my ladies handbags for me now anyway, when they get too heavy.
pause
*Shinta: (pretends to consider) But you will use it. And its dual-use.
KK: Yes. Dual use. So that when I travel without you and want to bring my SLR, I can just use one bag instead of two.
*Shinta: Fine.
KK rejoices not so silently
KK: (cautiously, trying to decide approach) I don't have a bag like this... It will hold all my camera things nicely...
*Shinta: Didn't we buy you a Crumpler specifically for your camera stuff?
KK: I will use Crumpler when I need to bring out all my heavy duty gear. This one will be when I just want to bring the main SLR only.
*Shinta: Why can't you use your Crumpler still? Or my Lowepro?
KK: Because the Crumpler and your Lowepro are heavy duty bulk camera bags. I need something for when I go shopping or travel for work and don't want others to know I am carrying a SLR.
*Shinta: (considers for a while) But you have (many) casual shopping bag(s). Why can't you put your camera in that? You can use your little Lowepro...
KK: (quick to retort) Because that's a shopping bag. It can't carry/protect the camera properly. And the Lowepro won't fit inside my other bags with my wallet and blackberry and sunglasses and handphone and...
*Shinta: (interrupts) But this one won't protect it as well as the Crumpler!
KK: (slight hint of panic in voice) But this is just nice! I can use it for both shopping with or without the camera.. I can also use it to carry the camera...
*Shinta: (decides to be nice) Ah.. do you mean to say its a "dual-use" bag, whereas your other bags are not?
KK: (sees ray of hope and quickly agrees) Yes! It's dual use!!!
pause
*Shinta: (in a "pretending to be nice" tone) Since this is a lady's bag, does that mean when we travel or go out together you will use this bag for the camera and I don't have to carry it in my bag?
KK: (cautiously, sensing a trap) er... I will use this bag when I go shopping and want to bring the SLR... (continues for the sake of being honest) ... but anyway you carry my ladies handbags for me now anyway, when they get too heavy.
pause
*Shinta: (pretends to consider) But you will use it. And its dual-use.
KK: Yes. Dual use. So that when I travel without you and want to bring my SLR, I can just use one bag instead of two.
*Shinta: Fine.
KK rejoices not so silently
~fin~
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