Photography workshop at The One Academy

After the last school bell for the morning session rang, I hurried back to my granny's house and changed into my AFS shirt and rushed back to the school as quickly as I could because I was afraid that I might miss the bus. Yes, I had signed up to attend the photography workshop organised by The One Academy College and I was so fortunately to attend this photography workshop conducted by Joel (one of the conductors at the college) for free! *claps*

If you know me very well, you will definitely know that I am a photo maniac :P I love to capture little things and little gestures of people during events and I love candid shots a lot. Candid shots are one of the most beautiful photos to be taken yet because every gesture, every smile, every happiness that slips off that pair of eyes are from the depths of your heart. Sadly, this is a cruel world. I am a half-professional in photography but my friends often call me a pervert just because I love to take candid shots. Oh well, I guess I could be counted as a half-pervert. Pervert? No :P

Anyways, I still love to take photos at places where no one will ever notice me and magically freeze every single happy moment of my life and people that I appreciate in my life by using my camera. So, I had made up my mind to participate in this photography workshop because it was a golden opportunity to me as I have no photography foundation at all .__. 

Poor Zong Yao's head was being cut off half xD

As soon as we reached The One Academy College, we were all amazed by its landscape. The bushes was neatly trimmed and kept and there were two models of the cars in the Pixar animation movie - "The Cars". The person in charge of this event welcomed us warmly at the entrance before we entered the college. The interior design of the college was really comfy and warm. It was more of a little cottage than a huge building meant for a college. Even the design of its bathroom was very spectacular. 

The One Academy staffs were very hospitable. We were given free lunch to fill our tummies just in case we had not taken our lunch.

Settling ourselves down in the room

After the lunch, we went into a small auditorium room where brief speeches were given by the facilitator. The 1st facilitator during the 1st session was a woman who looked like she was in her late 20s. The facilitator introduced the courses available at The One Academy to us and showed us a lot of short videos produced using digital animation by their graduates. I sat on the front row so it was very chilly due to direct expose to the air conditioner. The facilitator taught us a little about the digital animation production flow including boarding of the plot and story. My teeth were chattering and I had to go for a few round of toilets by the end of the session then. 

The facilitator gave us a five minutes break, then continued the 2nd session shortly after the break. The facilitator who conducted the 2nd session for the photography workshop was Joel. The 1st question that he had asked all of us was a basic one, but it was also the hardest to answer - "What does photography mean to you?" Well, the 1st thing that would automatically come off the top of our head would be this equation:

Photography = Taking photos

Of course this answer was not wrong, but to be more precise and scientific, the right definition of photography would be: 

The process of producing a still picture by recording light radiation.

The 1st thing Joel told us about photography was: "Photography is a very expensive hobby. If you don't have enough money to spend, don't involve in photography." Well, that was quite true. Despite of the price of the camera itself, the equipments and lens for the DSLR camera would already cost you a fortune.

The mini auditorium room

The word "photography" originated from Greek words.

Photos- : light
-graphos : drawing

There are basically three types of cameras being sold in the market now.

1. Compact digital camera

2. Hybrid camera (compact+DSLR)

3. DSLR (in full: Digital single-Lens Reflex)

Some specific terms in photography:

•  ISO - the light sensitivity of the image sensor
• Aperture - the opening of the iris in the lens
• Shutter speed - the valve that controls how long the light flows through the lens onto the image sensor

After the 2nd session ended, Joel took us to the studio where we got to see all the equipments used in studios. We also actually had the chance to take photos with the back lighting shone on us and used the big sheet of gray paper as the background during the practical photography session.

The playful side of Miss Lam, our disciplinary teacher xD

"Star-crossed lovers" xD Ying Xin, you light bulb!

We spent the rest of the time in the studio and had a blast of time there. Around 5.30pm, the photography workshop ended and all of us took the bus home with a lot of new knowledge gained. I felt really happy because I fostered closer bonds with some of my acquaintances and Chee Wan had also captured a lot of photos of me on the bus when we were heading back home.

Today was a precious lesson indeed.

I love photography even more now, more than I had ever did before. 

Long live, photography!

Ta~

The summary of my 3rd 2013 semester school break

School break doesn't mean anything special to me as my daily life goes on as usual *pouty face* But semester break is still what everybody is anticipating. It's really hard for us student to not to think of holidays because during the holidays are when we can finally stray away from the claustrophobic classroom and homework! But the holiday's going to end soon, which indicates that I'm going to face the cruel stressful reality soon. During this school holiday, apart from the Chinese Orchestra practice and additional class for add maths, I got to spend my own quality time doing things that I like such as what I am doing right now - blogging :D
Incidentally, I got really interested in doing what I have done in this school holiday too! Like really obsessed.

P.S.: Although I'm the "hangat-hangat tahi ayam" (English: I like something and dislike the particular thing really fast. Correct definition I hope :P ) type, but when I really really really get obsessed with something or someone, I will dedicate my whole heart to them.

Dubious, isn't it? Well, I'm here to certify that it's true!! .__.

MY CURRENT OBSESSIONS LIST:

1. Playing guitar

Ugghh.. My funny hair and Wei Chung's guitar

Guitar rawwkkss \m/ I am very very terribly in love with guitars right now. I just love to play country songs with guitars and sing to the accompaniment of the guitar. I'm currently trying very hard to practice playing guitar to perform at the up-coming JCI installation. MUAHAHAHA.. I must be insane right? Why would any newbie in playing guitar wants to perform playing guitar + singing only after a week of practice? The answer is : no one. So we can only draw one conclusion, which is : I am insane! But I think with the help of Wei Chung, Google and Youtube, everything should be just fine.

2. Dancing

So all of my avid blog followers/readers must be acknowledged that I've just attended a flash mob practice session a week ago, right? Now, I'm going to update you guys about a private dancing practice session conducted by our JCI installation organising chairperson - Chien Hooi (more comfortably called TCH). 

6.8.2013

Rushed to TCH's house right after KY's party. Was soaked wet because Kirr splashed water on me :/

Captured during the dancing session. TCH was our 'mentor' who was a still a toddler in dancing herself. Behind me was Chong Hui Xin (Ah Chong). She.. 'photobombed' xD

PWEEWIT! Behold, our one and only TCH :D :D

7.8.2013
En Yee finally appeared at TCH's house and she was flattened out by the moves of the dance. Whoosh.. Hopefully we can successfully memorise the steps of the dance in time.

3. LINE chatting with British Council friends

Ginger created a LINE chatting group and all the British Council classmates were added into the group. At 1st we planned to hang out during this school break, but unfortunately everybody was pretty busy with their own stuffs, so the hang out was canceled. But we are definitely going to hang out during the year end school holiday. WOHOO! By the way, I really felt so happy for Kyle. He applied for the Brats and he actually got to attend the workshop held specially for the Brats members on this week for four days!! They actually got to walk around on the streets and interview people!! (I am mad at you Kyle for not informing me earlier!! -.-) I missed this year's but I'll surely apply for the Brats next year!! ><

This Saturday is my red letter day - JCI Installation 2013! Although I'm not like a really important person in the organising committee, but I'm really looking forward to get to know some new people out there. And people, it's a masquerade! I bet it's going to be something exciting for us teenagers! Just can't wait to see how good everybody would be looking on this Saturday! 
Meanwhile, enjoy the time left of your semester break pals! :D :D

Till then, ta~

Kar Yi's 16th birthday party

YIPEE! Today was Kar Yi's 16th b'day party! :D :D It's already been a kind of traditional custom to celebrate KY's birthday every year. This year, we celebrated his b'day at Pizzaria, which is a new place for us teens to hang out while having mouthwatering pizzas. This year, I did not prepare much for his birthday like I used to a few years back then. I did not even buy his present in advanced so I felt kind of sorry for him. Kirr, Lean & Noble Tey baked him 16 moist chocolate cupcakes with "Happy Birthday WKY" written on each of the cupcakes. Cool right? I think it was so kind of them. 

 

This year, his party was an epic failure. Our initial plan was to go to his house, knock on his front door, and "SURPRISE!!" By then, KY would be in tears and hold our hands and bear hug us or give us a kiss on our checks (Nah, he wouldn't be so dramatic. Just saying :P ) 

But then again, when it all came to reality: All of his friends that were being invited bailed out last minute and we were all too chickened out to go to his house. So he ended up being invited by a bunch of psychos to have his lunch at Pizzaria. Our awkward conversation through the phone when we wanted to call him out started like this - "Hey! So um.. Are you free to come out now? We need to discuss add maths questions at Pizzaria." It was so lame right? == I mean, who would be cheated by that lame bait?

 

Written: HAPPY BIRTHDAY WKY

Having a small talk before the birthday GUY arrives

Here comes the b'day GUY (white & blue shirt) with his 'personal driver' (that looks like a *** at Kirr's house)

He's a guy with not much of words so there were a lot of awkward silence that occurred during the birthday party. But we still had some heart to heart talk though (I think I was the only one who actually gave my heart and soul to you guys xD LOL). They actually asked me very sensitive questions that made my tears rolled down like raindrops. *sniffs* I am a very sentimental girl so.. SORRY! My bad :'( 

 

Later, Yan Kit came to join us at about 2pm. He was acting all like a clown (he's a natural comedian) and all of us had a good laugh. I think we were quite lucky for not being complained by the other customers who were trying to have their lunch peacefully there :P

 

 

 

 

A journey embarked in search of 15 slow dance songs for JCI installation

Recently, I have started my journey on searching for slow dance songs (which I like to call them "romantic prom songs"). I'm searching high and low on the Internet on "slow dance songs" and found quite a number of old songs that are actually quite nice and calm.

This scene keeps playing on my mind :P

Top 10 Slow Songs for Prom 

(FROM YAHOO)

1. Unchained Melody - Righteous Brothers 

2.  Don't Want To Miss A Thing - Aerosmith 

3. That's What Friends Are For - Dionne Warwick 

4. Open Arms - Journey 

5. Time After Time - Cyndi Lauper 

6. Forever Young 

7. Lady In Red 

8. A Moment Like This - Kelly Clarkson 

9. Collide - Howie Day

10. Have You Ever - Brandy

The songs above are quite estranged to me. Maybe because I am the more-to-pop-song type of people?  But I love certain classical songs too such as.. (I don't really know the names) My heart will go on by Celine Dion maybe? 

Here are some really good slow dance songs that I would like to recommend.

(The list bellow is created by the owner of this blog. She owns nothing of the following songs and all the following recommendations are just from her own views and perspectives.) 

TOP 5 ROMANTIC PROM SONGS (BY JIA QI, THE ROMANTIC PROM SONGS HUNTER):

1. So Close - Jon McLaughin

This is one of the song in the Walt Disney movie called - "Enchanted". It was five years ago when I watched this movie but this song has imprinted on me ever since then. It's really very soothing and it's got a little bit of jazzy texture and it gives me endless imagination. 

2. A Thousand Years - Christina Perri & Steve Kazee

There are two versions of "A Thousand Years". The original version is sung by Christina Perri while the 2nd version is sung by Christina Perri & Steve Kazee. In my opinion, I prefer the duet because it sounds more romantic and it touches my heart a little deeper. Oh, and partly is because it's the soundtrack of Twilight Breaking Dawn (Part 2) ;) It is suitable to be played on several occasions such as wedding day, prom night and so on.

3. I Won't Let Go - Rascal Flatts 

"I will dry your eyes, I will fight your fight.." Doesn't this just sound so freakin' romantic? This song portrays the theme: No matter what hardship, as long as we have love, nothing will ever put us down.  

4. We Both Know - Colbie Caillet ft. Gavin DeGraw

This song is from the movie "Save Haven", adapted from one of Nicholas Sparks' critically acclaimed romantic novel "Save Haven". I haven't watch the movie yet, but I bet it's going to be awesome. It gives me a whimsical romantic fuzzy feeling that makes the world around me spins.

5. Truly Madly Deeply - Savage Garden

Ok, so this is my least favourite one. But it doesn't mean that it's not good. This is a good piece of music but it's quite old. It's from year 2007. But as I always quote - "Good music never gets old." I'm not sure why but this song is present on most of the list on Google websites when I typed something like "Romantic Prom Songs" but I think it should be good enough to be on my "TOP 5 ROMANTIC PROM SONGS" list.

I hope the list above helps at least 5% of the people in this world that are facing tough time on finding appropriate songs for proms or whatsoever occasions. I don't know if my taste of song is very typical or quite extraordinary, but I hope I'm not too peculiar in any ways 0__0 

I've always feel that if one meets someone that one is to be married with in future in a ball where some romantic background songs are being played at the very first sight they share, it would totally be a very unforgettable moment that would last forever for the couple.

So now I feel like I'm the most important person in this JCI installation. I feel like I'm obliged to make this masquerade ball a memorable (and romantic) one. I feel like.. I'm.. I'm.. I'm an angel!

Perasan aje.. (English: Just feeling delusional) TEEHEE .__.

Flash mob practice & YE community service

When the faintest sunlight dawned upon the Earth, I was already wide awake on my bed, trying to force myself to open my eyes widely. 0__0 Well, I'm not sure if my eyes ever did open widely cause they're just too small (like handicraft beads). Nevertheless, I got up in the end and after my daily ablutions, I went to school with Seak Li to attend the 2nd session of flash mob practice in preparation for an up-coming school funding program at Gurney Paragon.

The moves of flash mob dance was kindda cool and I really like the guy who taught us the moves a lot. If there's only one word to describe him, that would be none other than - SWAG! The way he moved his body together with the rhythm and tempo of the song was just great and perfect. All of the students cooperated with him and by the end of the practice session, we could dance like pros. At least almost like pros :P

After the flash mob practice session, a bunch of my friends and I went to the place where the sisters live at the side of the church near our school. We actually planned for this visit since a decade ago but we did not forsee that the flash mob practice will be held on the particular same day, so it all ended up like this - We went there in our sweat-soaked shirts and greated the sisters, wishing that we were not giving off very bad odour. The sisters there were very friendly and all of them welcomed us with warm greetings but they were a bit shocked because there was just 9 (Jia Sheng, Qin Huai & Hui Qin joined in later) of us out of 25 students that our teacher in-charged had informed them earlier who were present this morning. 

But we carried on our community service anyways. We were then divided into groups and followed different sisters to carry out our chores respectively. Chien Hooi and I were being assigned to clean the windows downstairs. Both of us took two buckets and two clothes and straight away started our chore efficiently. The windows were quite high and long and we had to separate our duties. Because of my height (that is short), I get to wipe the window glasses counting from the sixth one from the top until the last piece of glass. 

Photos of our community service . Taken by Teacher Photographer Tan Lay Yee:

Just about to get started

The boys deserve some accolades here ! ;D

 

Just found out that our shirts actually matches .___.

 

Refreshments were prepared for us too. How lovely.. :D :D

End of session: Group photo with all those amiable sisters

The playful side of us! TEEHEE .__. Till next time~