Whats happening these days: I got back from New Zealand after attending Ronald’s wedding, stayed in 5 different houses in 5 days. I felt like such a nomad, living out of my suitcase. Now, ive got a new place to live starting this weekend and shopping for furniture will be good fun.

Ill elaborate more about it when Ive settled down.

I spent most of my first day with Ronald getting suited up for his big day as one of his groomsmen.

Cafe Mossimo Cappuccino

The man of the week, Ron:

Ronald the groom

and did a couple shots of their rings for fun:

Ring in a flower

Not entirely sure how hectic this week will be; I doubt it will be anything like the past couple of weeks: Sydney Salsa Congress, Haiti Dance Fund Raiser drama, moving house plus an engagement photo-shoot almost every other weekend.

Speaking of engagement shoots, I shot the very lovely couple, David and Lisa at the Mt Cootha Botanical Gardens last weekend before their engagement party and what fun that was. Coincidentally, just a couple weeks before, I had the oppurtunity to shoot Ronald and Melissa’s engagement there too. Here is a sneak peak at one of David and Lisa’s photos =D

David and Lisa

Not my photo. Waffles and Root Beer from random google image search: http://champagneloves.blogspot.com/

The dream usually starts with me trying to round up my ground of friends and trying to get everyone to grab some waffles and root beer.

Analysis: A&W is one of my favourite hang out spots when Im back visiting in Malaysia because its close to home and its open 24 hours! Not to mention, Ive had a craving for good waffles for a while now.

From Katherine and Lloyd

I love quirky notes =)

-Got back from Sydney and slept 18 hours to recover with lots of meds (housemate is a pharmacist)

-Girlfriend and her Mom came over and removed toxins from my body plus more meds and food.

-Massage back, shoulders and neck to relieve tension(best thing in the world). Also, a year ago, I got a massage and she told me she needs a sledgehammer to relieve my muscles. Similar story this time(I think I will make this a monthly affair)

Headache Status: Nearly Gone. More water, more sleep and booking in for another massage next week!

Gear
The better your camera, the faster you shoot to capture those moments.

Good Eye
For better composition(avoids loosing a limb from the shot) getting as tight as possible to reduce post-production.

Quick Reflexes
Especially important for group performances, different couples/dancers might perform different moves. This is tough as it is with only 1 dancer/couple.

Good understanding of the dance style
Knowing the dance style gives you a good comprehension of what to look out for, catching the great lines and this ties in to the musicality when the music hits a stop, generally the dancers will have accentuated movement or pose.

Great Musicality
Knowing the music allows you to foresee photo opportunities. Dancers often take advantage of musical flow, highs and lows of the piece to accompany their movements on the stage.

Great Positioning
This is probably one of the most essential of the lot. No amount of gear, quick reflexes, understanding of dance style or musicality will save you if you have a seat that is facing the dancers back. In most cases, it will be difficult to move during a performance so choose your seat wisely or you could well write off that shoot.

Check it out and tell me what you think of my following! =D

Word of advice from me, dont eat “curry” before going to dance…I will learn from my mistakes..