I had been a loyal dropbox user since they started out years ago.

It had been one of the most powerful syncing tool ever. I can access the files anywhere, anytime, even on my phone now.

Having your own stuff stored in dropbox give you lots of convenience sake, because you can access it even the computer is shut off; so long as the file had been uploaded.

I do not need to worry even I am using either Mac or Window computer. With the program installed, you still be able to access it without transferring using hard disk.

You can even share to public for downloading of files too! This is great when you do not have your own ftp site.

Or rather, you can put them up at yousendit.com or westransfer.com

I personally prefer WeTransfer because of the slink design, wonderful image or video on the background.

But, there's limitation of timeline to be stored in the site for people to download it.

Now for Google Drive, as read from Engadget, they finally allow sharing as well!

So this is as if you have another Dropbox in your computer. Right click and send out the files, that's all and it is very simple to use.

If you require more space from Google Drive, you may need to purchase it here.

I do not think they work the same way as Dropbox, whereby you earn more space from inviting more users. I cannot remember how much space you will be given when you first sign up, but there are couple of ways to get free space in mb. This is what I found over at ehow.com and dropbox

I have 50gb from my dropbox, and 5gb from Google Drive.

It will be great if you can store the same files in two different location, or, maybe you can put document in Google Drive and the rest in dropbox, whichever you deem fit.

I am happy that both of the applications allow sharing of files to public now.

As quoted:" Google says it's "rolling out over the next few days." Hold tight!"

This is sure going to be interesting.... to know later on.

One of the project I was commissioned require HDR merging. Hence, after some trials, I decided which to get.

There are quite a lot of HDR programs if you really do some searching via internet.

One of the most popular will be photomatrix.

Nik software , is one of the coolest program I had tried recently.

I used these software and did some comparison. To my shocking, as shown below, there is a bad burnt out from Nik HDR Efx, but the brightness and tone seem very nice to me.



Considering the post processing part, I will face a lot of difficulties if I were to DI that burnt area. I work as a full time photographer, I simply do not like to spend too much time doing just one area (this is just one minor area that I am showing you)

Hence, I decided to go for Photomatrix instead. The color temperature and tone can be adjusted using Adobe Photoshop.

My HDR does not end at 3 exposure. Instead, I use 10 ev in order to get the details out from the image.

Currently, my project is related with 360 view panoramic, aka virtual tour. So, there are quite a number of stitching I need to do, but before even starting on that, I need to merge the 10 ev exposure first.

For my panoramic setting, which I will do a full details later, I have a total of 14 points of 10 ev each to merge first. Yes, 140 images for just one location.

In comparison of the speed for these two software, Photomatrix win by thousand times.

All I need to do is just the initial set up -

Import 10 images in, do the setting that I want to achieve, then save the preset.

Next, I will go for batch processing of processing photos under Batch Bracketed Photos

Remember I told you that I have a total of 10 ev for each view? Yes, just tell Photomatrix the exact location, select 10 images at a time

Remember to select the preset you had saved at the start.

As shown below, follow the numbering and you will be ok.

Once the images start to run, you can simply go have a short nap, read your novel with a cup of nice coffee, or even go out! It will take ages to get it done automatically for you.

Bear in mind, I have thousands images to merge! That's why it take hours.
But, it is a lot faster than using Nik.

I open Nik software via Adobe Bridge to Photoshop. I have to import 10 images at one time, get the preset done, then I save it. During the processing duration, I can wait till I literally fall asleep. I do not know whether if there's batch processing for Nik, but I gave up trying.

Now, this is not efficient for me.

That's why I find batch processing is very important to most projects! Especially when you have a lot to do and time is very crucial.


I am glad that Photomatrix work perfectly fine for me.

Discount coupon to search for 

Oh yes, before I forget. Remember to check out for discount coupon when you want to purchase photo matrix.  A little bit of research does helps.

Photomatrix purchase site

Here's some of it I found online for you, remember to check whether it is valid before purchasing it!

Please read the link given in this blog. I do not hold any responsibilities if you purchase wrongly.


Stuck in Customs - Code: STUCKINCUSTOMS
Visual Photo Guide - Code: HOTSHOTPHOTO 
Captain Kimo - Code: CAPTAIN KIMO
HDRIT - Code: HDRIT

Have fun with the program and shoot more! =)

Soundworks collection, had always been one of my favorite sound design/ production company ever. They had done quite a lot of beautiful sound piece in this movie industry.

I started noticing them when I first saw their introduction: Inception. I am amazed by the sound they designed, captured and mix them together. It is all about layer after layer, tweaking after tweaking to get the correct sound.

It is not easy to be a sound designer because you have to think, go deep into it so that you can get the unique sound for certain icon (human or equipment)

One thing for sure, I really love the mixing deck they have in the studio.

Pretty much jaw drop when they are doing the surround panning sound in this video (near the end)

I love the ceiling array speakers. How cool it will be if you can install that at home.

Dolby Atmos, a new revolutionary approach to sound.

I guess this image had been circulating around the social network like a speed of light.

End of the day, is this what you really want. It is just like a merry go round. People come, people go; starting up and leave.

There are a lot of people inspired to be what they really want. But, does that work it out?

Yes, BitRebels pointed out something very truthful, you may want to read them up.
 
What is the main reason that a person want to quit their daily job and be a photographer. Instead of asking or waiting for others to answer you, let me tell you mine first.

Why I want to be as well...

The day I stepped in the studio, looking at all the fanciful lighting, workflow, team and space, I told myself, I will be a photographer one day. That is what a common people really think of.

I ponder with that thoughts. Day by day, month by month, year by year.

I moved from one job to another. I love what I am doing. All the audio, video, encoding and images, it bring me a smile on my face.

A job that did not give me self esteem, getting no where and no appreciation, it means I need to leave.

By then, I decided to be a photographer. I can accept anything that fall hard on me, because I learn through tough experience, especially dealing with people. I am glad. It helps on my photography career.

Since the day I transformed to be a photographer. I said to myself:
I am no ordinary photographer. I will do something different from others which is not common at all.

By a fall of luck, I am fortunate to deal with something really different apart from wedding, models and couple shoot.

I love exploring, from audio to video. I know what are things to look out for, although not the professional level, but good enough for the end products.

As the image shown. You are not just a photographer, but a businessman. You deal with lots of email, coordination, and business as well.

In short, you are a boss, coordinator, office boy, sales and marketing personnel.

Think business. Whichever that can helps you to generate more income.

You are no hobbyist. There's no need to produce top notch quality work when earning peanuts. Give what the client want, unless a top up is shown black and white.

Always send in quotation for approval for every job before commencing, even though you are serving the same client. Client will be shock on the bill. You must make sure the client sign it or send you an email for a GO ahead; even they urgently need for the image, you need to stand firm and wait for the approval. This is all about protecting yourself.

Do not trust verbal, it hurts. Been there, done that. I am foolish, but I learn.

Committing to photography business percentage is higher than you go out shoot. Editing after editing, email after email, you will spend most of the time on that. Get used to it.

Even though there are a lot of things I need to look after, I am still very happy with what I am doing.

All thanks to my family, wife and kids.... I love ya, thanks for supporting me.

Like I said, I am not just an ordinary photographer, but a businessman.

How about a Photo-trepreneur for me?



Image: Fotospeeds

I am truly happy to be one of the subscriber to Adobe Creative Cloud now.

This got to be one of my happiest moment in my life, having said that the cloud conclude Master Collections. Isn't that the greatest thing ever?

As many know about me, a photographer, audio person and the video editor. This cloud is the one for me.

Creative Suite may make you pay more

In the past for all the CS version, it is either you get the website or the production set, if you need all of them, well, the best bet is Master Collection. But wait... there might be some of the programs that you may not know how to use at all!

Not to forget, the high price. And the upgrades from version to version, it may cost up to 4K if you are using either one of the package.

For Adobe Cloud, you are talking about the different thing!

All you need is to subscribe annually, the price now till end of April 2013 is USD600. I am not sure about the final cost after the promotion ends. But I hearsay it is going to be a thousand plus! Let's hope that there's discount for the current cloud users.

One license for different user at one time

You are allow to let other user to use the software on different computer too! Yes, same license without adding any seats on it. All you need to do is to revoke the current user online, then invite the other user via email.

If you need to add more people in, you may also add seats; your retailer will contact you later on.

For me, since I am working alone, I will have no use for this stage. I was told that I can also install the program on my Mac too! But, you are NOT allow to use the program or online simultaneously. Once Adobe found out, the software system will be locked  and have a good day answering question.

I am very happy to see Lightroom once again after my trial on CaptureOne Pro end.

Updates

I attended the seminar by Adobe last month at Ritz Carlton.

According to the Adobe team, they claimed that they can only release the new version once there is a significant changes. For cloud now, they can constantly send out updates whenever there is a need to.

There's an interesting program call Adobe Application Manager, it will determine which software require you to install the updates. Make a habit, try to launch it every few days to check.

Seeing all these apps in my computer now, made me smile. The chances of using the other apps is very low, but if you are interested, you can even go to the program Help portion and look for some tutorial guide.

Or rather, Youtube helps.

Cloud

Best yet, you can also store your file in the cloud. Especially when you need to go to client place at the very last min; found out you forgotten the laptop on hand. With cloud, you can login on Adobe Cloud site and retrieve the files you stored.

Take a deep breathe, if you understand how dropbox work, this almost a tap on your finger.



It is endless when you keep thinking on the good side. I am very happy that I approached Pic and Pixel Singapore Pte. Ltd. for inquiry before the seminar. Thanks Milan for the explanation.


The promotion for Adobe Creative Cloud is going to end soon. You have few days to get it!

I am please to present you my latest work for a coffetable book for PPP laser clinic by Dr Goh Seng Heng.

The planning for this photo shoot is pretty rush and took half a day to accomplish it for day 1.

It wasn't a simple job because of some lighting issue, and it is nearly impossible to bring your strobe light in a small tiny room. Moreover, the room is always pack with their customers.

Be thankful that Canon camera is able to take up low noise at high ISO.

I also bring my small video light for the shoot. This is very useful and handy if you do not intend to use any strobe light or so.

Furthermore, this video light is not heavy and very affordable as well.

This assignment were taken in 2 days, and 1 day in my house for the product shoot.

The main focus for the shoot is the facial, skin and the equipment used in the clinic - Dermatology.


All thanks I am a self trained wedding photographer, this photo shoot make it a lot easier for me. Last minute changes, changes of weird lighting, and journalistic style photo shoot.

Do get yourself involved with event photography first. I believe this will help you a lot when environment kept changing.


















All images are copyrighted to pboong photography and PPP laser clinic

It had been a long time since I last blog here.

Yes, I am still very active on my photography career. I had did quite a few projects which you might be interested to know. Right now, everything will remain as classified. Bear with me, I cannot reveal anything until it had been launch.

Recently, I had been playing with my Nano stabiliser, yes, it is a video equipment which I had bought sometimes ago from Amazon. Apparently, that is not the best solution, but if you are looking for the cheaper version, and wanted to save more cost, this is the one for you.

But, I will rather go for steadicam HD2000Pro.

I had shot for my grandfather during Qing Ming Festival, which is like the dead new year. It will be my first ever short film. I am looking forward to it, hoping everything will be nice and touchy, I hope.

There are couple of things which I am planning to share with you, not just as a photographer, but audio and video. Let's learn together.

Stay tuned for more real soon.

Trust me, it will be more!