Gloria and Alfred reminded me of the beauty and charm of Sabah. I had never understood why Sabahans would trade our beaches for Port Dickson’s for their bridal sessions. Everything here is clean and pristine. Shangri-la Rasa Ria, for instance, is one of the best places in Sabah for wedding and engagement photography. And I digress…

Anyway, I had great fun working with Gloria and Alfred. Absolutely classy couple who deserve each other. Gloria was such a trooper to brave our scorching noon day sun for several shots. Oh, did I tell you that Gloria and Alfred are lovers of classical music? They are quite a performer too judging from their playing skills at the resort’s grand piano.

Here are the best shots…

She has a classic look here. Love it!

Alfred is not to be outdone. He is just as stylish.

I was lying on the sand to nail this one!

A series of reflection shots coming right up…

Isn’t it amazing how many shots we can squeeze out of a piano?

Piano here…

And here as well…

Shangri-la Rasa Ria Resort offers such scenic photographic opportunities…I always love coming back here.

“It’s Shoot Like a Pro, not look like a pro!” one participant quipped. I thought that was so aptly put. Sometimes we get so caught up with looking like a pro (with all the big lenses, pro bags & gadgets) that we forget that professional end result is all that matters. That is what this workshop is about: helping photographers achieve remarkable portrait photos.

We had a cozy time with an enthusiastic bunch of photographers from Kuching. It was the first time I run a photography workshop in Kuching. I was so stoked.

I designed 6 hands-on exercises which every participant must complete under my watchful eye These exercises re-enforce the exposure, composition, lighting and posing techniques I espouse. It is one thing to “understand” the theory. It is another thing to “practice” the theory. Then we headed out for two inspiration shoots where the participants get to see me work various locaitons with the models. I also explained the thinking behind the shots.

Here are the highlights from Kuching…straight out of camera!

Good morning Kuching!

Jerrick & Andrew mauled over shooting in manual mode. Jerrick: I’ll see you again at the Penang workshop!

Kester, my man!

Posing techniques…

Everyone got to shoot the six practical exercises under my watch

From this ordinary scene to…

…to this extraordinary capture. Apart from the narrow crop, this is straight from camera. I was expounding on the concept of subtracting light for dramatic effect.

Radiopoppers into the action as I taught the usage of multiple TTL flash

Once again, transforming this scene…

…to this. Lighting changes everything!

then we headed to a night shoot…

After the workshop, I managed to spend some time with the renown Alvin who had just started a photography academy. We went out for some great food together with Shen.

Yes, you’ve heard me right. “From Ordinary to Extraordinary” in Kuala Lumpur (from February 6-8, 2009) will feature, for the first time, a guest appearance by CM Leung. I met CM when we attended Jerry Ghionis’ workshop in Perth. I was astounded by his vision, art and lighting techniques. Since then, we have been toying with the idea of teaching together. Now, you’ll learn not from one, but two lighting gurus, drawing inspiration from two perspectives.

CM will take a two-hour session on his video lighting techniques. Learn how he took video lighting to a whole new level in his recent European shoots.

Meanwhile, I will teach you to master the usage of multiple TTL flashes & the art of subtracting and adding light. Fasten your seat belts and be prepared to be blown away.

The only thing constant is change. Those who know me well knows that I am constantly trying to change things for the better. While we have received glowing comments from last year’s “From Ordinary to Extraordinary” workshops, I have decided to make sweeping changes. My hope is to make an already successful workshop even more successful. With that in mind, I am please to announce these adjustments to the 2009 version of this workshop:

1. Expanding it from 2.5 days to 3 full days.
2. Day three will be dedicated to cover workflow, Photoshop techniques (including a step-by-step reconstruction of my award-winning prints) & marketing strategies. In 2008, these topics were covered in “Take Back Your Life”. I have decided to combine the essence of “Take Back Your Life” with “From Ordinary To Extraordinary”. This will add value to the participants and streamline the workshops we offer.
3. There will be brand new materials, slides, examples.
4. The art & science of multiple TTL flash & how it can revolutionize your photography.
5. Guest speaker appearance (for KL workshop only): CM Leung, an avant-garde wedding photographer from Hong Kong. He will take a 2-hour session on using video lights to create a “WOW” effect. One workshop. Two lighting masters!

Our KL workshop is filling quickly. There are only 3 seats left for the 20-person class. Take charge of your destiny. Learn new skills. Separate yourself from the pack. Be extraordinary. That’s how we ride out the uncertain times.

I was in Penang for this gorgeous wedding at Shangri-la Rasa Sayang Resort. There is always a special place in my heart for Penang. The food, history, people and charm make me yearn to go back. I can’t wait to teach the three-day “From Ordinary to Extraordinary” wedding photography workshop in Penang in March 2009.

Thanks to Cathryn & Bryan, I was back in this beautiful island for another shoot. Here are the highlights from the day. Enjoy!

p/s special thanks to Johan, a marvelous photographer and friend who assisted me.