Joanne & Joseph are our good friends. Although our Las Vegas schedule was very tight, we still spent some time to shoot for them. It was my first time using Lens Baby in lifestyle session. The result was great.
Raymond
www.raymondleung.ca
Saturday, February 21, 2009
Joanne + Joseph - Lifestyle Session
I'm so happy to get some spare LP-E6 batteries for 5D Mark II right after the trip. Stores in US said it was impossible to get them in a short period of time. Thanks to Chadwick! It's nice to have them before our series of e-session shootings from next week. At the same time, I can't wait to order a pair of new E-TTL Pocketwizards in March.
Joanne & Joseph are our good friends. Although our Las Vegas schedule was very tight, we still spent some time to shoot for them. It was my first time using Lens Baby in lifestyle session. The result was great.
Raymond
www.raymondleung.ca
Joanne & Joseph are our good friends. Although our Las Vegas schedule was very tight, we still spent some time to shoot for them. It was my first time using Lens Baby in lifestyle session. The result was great.
Raymond
www.raymondleung.ca
Friday, February 20, 2009
Joe McNally took photos for Jessie at Las Vegas
Sorry for the late blog update. Jessie and I spent a week at Las Vegas for WPPI Convention & Trade Show 2009. We met a lot of people and some new vendors. It was a great trip except waking up early everyday. (Early plane... early seminars)
I'm Joe McNally's fan for years back from the time I started to be serious with photography. Because of my influence, Jessie became his fan as well. His works for National Geographic are awesome. His use of speedlite is the best. On the first day of WPPI Convention & Trade Show, we finally met him. He walked by me and Jessie told me Joe McNally was just standing beside me. I quickly shot a photo for Jessie with Joe McNally.
We were extremely sleepy at that time. We waked up at 6:30am for attending classes. When Joe did his demo at Nikon booth, he asked Jessie to be his model. His D3X images were sent to the 60" screen at once.
We also met some other people like Bruce Dorn, Jerry Ghionis, etc. We learnt a lot after talking with them and going to their workshops. At Canon's booth, they were heavily promoting 5D Mark II. We had no idea how their video came out with that ugly rack. In the show, we bought some interesting tools back.
After this, we had a short photo session for Joanne and Joseph. We'll show you some highlights in blog later.
Raymond
www.raymondleung.ca
Mirage made some changes to its volcano...
I'm Joe McNally's fan for years back from the time I started to be serious with photography. Because of my influence, Jessie became his fan as well. His works for National Geographic are awesome. His use of speedlite is the best. On the first day of WPPI Convention & Trade Show, we finally met him. He walked by me and Jessie told me Joe McNally was just standing beside me. I quickly shot a photo for Jessie with Joe McNally.
We were extremely sleepy at that time. We waked up at 6:30am for attending classes. When Joe did his demo at Nikon booth, he asked Jessie to be his model. His D3X images were sent to the 60" screen at once.
We also met some other people like Bruce Dorn, Jerry Ghionis, etc. We learnt a lot after talking with them and going to their workshops. At Canon's booth, they were heavily promoting 5D Mark II. We had no idea how their video came out with that ugly rack. In the show, we bought some interesting tools back.
After this, we had a short photo session for Joanne and Joseph. We'll show you some highlights in blog later.
Raymond
www.raymondleung.ca
Mirage made some changes to its volcano...
Monday, February 9, 2009
Evolution
"Change" is the biggest word in 2008 after Obama became the President of United States. We are also looking for other possibilities such as video clips and different lightings. We are not really excited about the purchase of new camera and tools but we can't wait to see how they give us something new. In these few years, things changed a lot in our industry, especially in the recent 2 years. I think the push is mainly from the technology of digital camera. Photography is the same old thing in digital era. If you make use of the new technology, you are already one step ahead of people.
We started Scarlet & Ringo's E-session a bit earlier than our schedule after we received the new tools. We are happy with the result. After the coming Las Vegas trip, we will shoot again.
I hope we will have time to post some photos from LV next week.
Raymond
www.raymondleung.ca
We started Scarlet & Ringo's E-session a bit earlier than our schedule after we received the new tools. We are happy with the result. After the coming Las Vegas trip, we will shoot again.
I hope we will have time to post some photos from LV next week.
Raymond
www.raymondleung.ca
Friday, February 6, 2009
Moore's Law
I have no idea why no place has 5D Mark II in stock recently. Its LP-E6 battery is out of stock until April. The Battery Grip is hard to get too (We are lucky). At the same time, Canon is going to raise price again in April. It's totally crazy... especially under the present economy.
Nowadays, DSLR body costs a lot when it's new but it will worth almost nothing after 18 months. However... when our tools are getting old, we have to get new ones. That's what we can't avoid.
Raymond
www.raymondleung.ca
Sunday, January 25, 2009
Vancouver's Chinese Concert
Jessie and I seldom go to Chinese concerts after we started to have a busy photography life. This time, Alex (my buddy + long-term client) gave us 2 tickets of a Chinese concert. We like the singer (Hins Cheung) and his songs. Thanks again, Alex.
When you read up to this point, you may think this post is not really business/photo related. Actually... it is related. Please read.
Alex's tickets cost Cad$168 each. We were at Row-K and seats were great. Therefore, we only brought our toy cam, Canon A570 IS. From work experience, I expected to have a strong spotlight which will bring the shutter to 1/100 f/5.6 @ ISO400. So, tiny camera with M-mode should be more than enough. Photos came out ok at the end (see below).
The show started with a video showing a conversation between Hins and an unknown female singer. The video was shot with a standard definition DV without locking exposure. Because of back lighting, we could only see them in shadows. At that time, my mind popped up "OMG". How can the videographer unnoticed about the back lighting? So unprofessional!!! When I was still wondering what was happening, a female singer came out to sing for 15 mins. She was ok... but she wasn't really suitable to sing "Loving You". Horrible.
Hins came out... wait wait a minute! What was that lady's name? LOL... no one mentioned her.
I found out two tripod-mounted Canon GL2 DVs were set in front of the stage and they were very annoying. The usual way was setting main video at the level of performers from a distance and zoomed in. For those at the front should be moving with roller tripods or with Steadicam. I was a bit shocked about this unprofessional setting.
There were two official photographers. They walked/ran in front of $168 area. I knew people were really angry for being blocked by the photographers in their expensive show. (I might do the same when I was new).
The sound system was horrible. Music volume was way louder than vocal volume.
Dancers were my "OMG #2". I was shocked! Their basic skill was worse than beginners. Their arms had no strength, jumps had no height, and kicks couldn't be defined as kicks. They danced with their own paces and own beats like rave party. What a jaw dropping performance!
The best part was security guards. They should have kept an eye on the performer. But their super-slow reaction gave the fans an "all-you-can-go-to-stage" opportunity. Fans went on to the stage to hug and photograph with Hins all the time. When the security guards noticed that, fans were getting down the stage already. I guess it happened for at least 4 times. When Hins shook hands with fans, security guards didn't stand beside him. Why? It was because they forgot that they were actually working rather than enjoying the show! Hins would be stabbed for 10 times before the guards' notices.
The best of the best was that the concert ended after one hour (approximately 10 songs) including the unknown female singer's part. OMG.... $168 for 60 mins???
I read facebook about the lucky draw matter. The winner didn't get the prize. It should be a laptop. At the same time, Alex's "Toy Watch" lucky draw was canceled. The biggest victims should be the sponsors.
Enough for the ultimate experience.
When I started this photo business, I told myself and Jessie... "I am going to give 120% efforts for every penny from clients". We are doing it professionally because we respect our clients and our job. Business will not last long if you treat clients and consumers like fools.
Raymond
www.raymondleung.ca
When you read up to this point, you may think this post is not really business/photo related. Actually... it is related. Please read.
Alex's tickets cost Cad$168 each. We were at Row-K and seats were great. Therefore, we only brought our toy cam, Canon A570 IS. From work experience, I expected to have a strong spotlight which will bring the shutter to 1/100 f/5.6 @ ISO400. So, tiny camera with M-mode should be more than enough. Photos came out ok at the end (see below).
The show started with a video showing a conversation between Hins and an unknown female singer. The video was shot with a standard definition DV without locking exposure. Because of back lighting, we could only see them in shadows. At that time, my mind popped up "OMG". How can the videographer unnoticed about the back lighting? So unprofessional!!! When I was still wondering what was happening, a female singer came out to sing for 15 mins. She was ok... but she wasn't really suitable to sing "Loving You". Horrible.
Hins came out... wait wait a minute! What was that lady's name? LOL... no one mentioned her.
I found out two tripod-mounted Canon GL2 DVs were set in front of the stage and they were very annoying. The usual way was setting main video at the level of performers from a distance and zoomed in. For those at the front should be moving with roller tripods or with Steadicam. I was a bit shocked about this unprofessional setting.
There were two official photographers. They walked/ran in front of $168 area. I knew people were really angry for being blocked by the photographers in their expensive show. (I might do the same when I was new).
The sound system was horrible. Music volume was way louder than vocal volume.
Dancers were my "OMG #2". I was shocked! Their basic skill was worse than beginners. Their arms had no strength, jumps had no height, and kicks couldn't be defined as kicks. They danced with their own paces and own beats like rave party. What a jaw dropping performance!
The best part was security guards. They should have kept an eye on the performer. But their super-slow reaction gave the fans an "all-you-can-go-to-stage" opportunity. Fans went on to the stage to hug and photograph with Hins all the time. When the security guards noticed that, fans were getting down the stage already. I guess it happened for at least 4 times. When Hins shook hands with fans, security guards didn't stand beside him. Why? It was because they forgot that they were actually working rather than enjoying the show! Hins would be stabbed for 10 times before the guards' notices.
The best of the best was that the concert ended after one hour (approximately 10 songs) including the unknown female singer's part. OMG.... $168 for 60 mins???
I read facebook about the lucky draw matter. The winner didn't get the prize. It should be a laptop. At the same time, Alex's "Toy Watch" lucky draw was canceled. The biggest victims should be the sponsors.
Enough for the ultimate experience.
When I started this photo business, I told myself and Jessie... "I am going to give 120% efforts for every penny from clients". We are doing it professionally because we respect our clients and our job. Business will not last long if you treat clients and consumers like fools.
Raymond
www.raymondleung.ca
Sunday, January 18, 2009
Rush Job
The first commercial shooting in 2009 was a 1.5 hours task from my buddy, Alex.
I have been working with his store, Christine Jewellers (www.christinejewellers.com), for about 2 years. I started with his posters and signs layout designs. Now, I'm slowly moving to photography works for his products and advertisement. I feel sorry about missing schedule on his design tasks when Jessie and I are getting busier and busier with wedding shootings. I can't say I'm sick of InDesign but I don't feel bad in front of PhotoShop. I started using PhotoShop seriously at its 4.0 version and I learnt a lot of advance stuff when I worked in newspaper. PhotoShop is living in my blood. Moreover, we do wedding photos production everyday. Photo shoot + production are easier and faster than working in front of Illustrator and InDesign.
(Enoughexcuses explanations...)
This shooting was done during my food poisoning period. As usual, I shot in his store front because his items are expensive stuffs. I tried to match what I previously did for Alex. However, I wanted to be a bit different. So, 2 slightly different temperature light sources on 2 sides were used. I couldn't believe that I finished numerous items in 2 hours (before 8pm) without softboxes and other proper setup.
If Japan or Hong Kong Edition Seiko watches and other cool stuff are your cup of tea, you should go to Christine Jewellers to take a look. It has a wide range of selections with the latest and fashionable styles.
For my clients: Let me know if you want to purchase wedding or engagement rings from him, I will ask him to give you a good price. :-)
Raymond
www.raymondleung.ca
I have been working with his store, Christine Jewellers (www.christinejewellers.com), for about 2 years. I started with his posters and signs layout designs. Now, I'm slowly moving to photography works for his products and advertisement. I feel sorry about missing schedule on his design tasks when Jessie and I are getting busier and busier with wedding shootings. I can't say I'm sick of InDesign but I don't feel bad in front of PhotoShop. I started using PhotoShop seriously at its 4.0 version and I learnt a lot of advance stuff when I worked in newspaper. PhotoShop is living in my blood. Moreover, we do wedding photos production everyday. Photo shoot + production are easier and faster than working in front of Illustrator and InDesign.
(Enough
This shooting was done during my food poisoning period. As usual, I shot in his store front because his items are expensive stuffs. I tried to match what I previously did for Alex. However, I wanted to be a bit different. So, 2 slightly different temperature light sources on 2 sides were used. I couldn't believe that I finished numerous items in 2 hours (before 8pm) without softboxes and other proper setup.
If Japan or Hong Kong Edition Seiko watches and other cool stuff are your cup of tea, you should go to Christine Jewellers to take a look. It has a wide range of selections with the latest and fashionable styles.
For my clients: Let me know if you want to purchase wedding or engagement rings from him, I will ask him to give you a good price. :-)
Raymond
www.raymondleung.ca
Sunday, January 11, 2009
My First Camera (Found!)
We moved to a new place in the worst snow storm period of Vancouver. When we moved our office, Jessie found my "long lost Konica". It is my first camera given from my grandfather (He immigrated to heaven 4 years ago). My photography life didn't start at that point because my family wasn't used to shoot photos or videos. I've missed so many good memories and beautiful scenes in the trips with them. Moreover, I was a bit disappointed when I found my grandfather's new camera had better color and contrast. The worst part is... his newer camera had zoom lens! Okay... I knew one thing: good quality photos cost money. I need to stay with a prime 38mm f/2.8...
I used the Konica in high school period. I have no idea why I just hated shooting group photos in camping events as all friends did. All of them wanted to see my photos and talked about the trip afterward. However, they didn't think my photos are "real photos" because I didn't have group photos. I called those photos as real memory and they were different from all set-up shots. Now, I know it is called "Photojournalism". My real life of photography started to grow.
P.S. If grandfather were still here, he might want to see our work cameras. It would be my turn to give him my old Canon G5.
Miss you so much, grandpa.
Raymond
www.raymondleung.ca
I used the Konica in high school period. I have no idea why I just hated shooting group photos in camping events as all friends did. All of them wanted to see my photos and talked about the trip afterward. However, they didn't think my photos are "real photos" because I didn't have group photos. I called those photos as real memory and they were different from all set-up shots. Now, I know it is called "Photojournalism". My real life of photography started to grow.
P.S. If grandfather were still here, he might want to see our work cameras. It would be my turn to give him my old Canon G5.
Miss you so much, grandpa.
Raymond
www.raymondleung.ca
Thursday, January 1, 2009
2008 --> 2009
Happy new year!
Time goes fast. 2008 was a "Year of Change" for us. We joined WPPI and got accepted by WPJA. Brian joined us and we are a team of 3 people now. I spent more time on photography than design works in 2008. It gave me more time to plan our new direction (on photo-art and business). Looking back, I had started being a wedding photographer by working alone and setting up a studio called X-Ray Studio. Then, I had worked with an Indian wedding photo/video team for quite a while. The learning process was long because I didn't know much about Indian culture before. In 2008, I made a right move to team up with my wife Jessie and changed the studio name to Raymond & Jessie Leung Photography (RJP). Jessie is a talented photographer and the most reliable partner. After working with her, my whole photography world has changed into a rocket ride. During 2008, we have developed our own style and got recognized by WPJA - one of the leading associations for wedding photographers in the world.
For 2009, Jessie and I can't wait to attend WPPI's convention at Las Vegas in the coming February. Next wedding season is coming and we are excited to work with new clients. From time to time, we will keep exploring new ideas in each wedding we document.
At the end of 2008, RJP team went to Leavenworth , WA (after our last snowy wedding job in 2008). We had a great time over there (ate roasted pork leg). Below are the highlight of the trip.
Raymond
www.raymondleung.ca
Time goes fast. 2008 was a "Year of Change" for us. We joined WPPI and got accepted by WPJA. Brian joined us and we are a team of 3 people now. I spent more time on photography than design works in 2008. It gave me more time to plan our new direction (on photo-art and business). Looking back, I had started being a wedding photographer by working alone and setting up a studio called X-Ray Studio. Then, I had worked with an Indian wedding photo/video team for quite a while. The learning process was long because I didn't know much about Indian culture before. In 2008, I made a right move to team up with my wife Jessie and changed the studio name to Raymond & Jessie Leung Photography (RJP). Jessie is a talented photographer and the most reliable partner. After working with her, my whole photography world has changed into a rocket ride. During 2008, we have developed our own style and got recognized by WPJA - one of the leading associations for wedding photographers in the world.
For 2009, Jessie and I can't wait to attend WPPI's convention at Las Vegas in the coming February. Next wedding season is coming and we are excited to work with new clients. From time to time, we will keep exploring new ideas in each wedding we document.
At the end of 2008, RJP team went to Leavenworth , WA (after our last snowy wedding job in 2008). We had a great time over there (ate roasted pork leg). Below are the highlight of the trip.
Raymond
www.raymondleung.ca
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