What a weekend it was. “Shoot Like a Pro”, a one-day portrait photography workshop in Kota Kinabalu was once again sold out. We had participants from all over the place: 2 from Sweden, 2 from Brunei, 3 from Kuala Lumpur & 1 from Lahad Datu. I salute their desire to learn and improve. Mun Tzin (from KL) was totally on fire. She always squeezed through the crowd and get a front row position to see me worked.

We also had three participants from the previous “Shoot Like a Pro” back at the workshop. Judging from their feedback, they loved the revamped version of this workshop, which included 6 hands-on exercises and plenty of one-on-one time with the models. The participants were even divided into three groups, led by a group leader. The small group environment really helped the learning process.

As a teacher, I am motivated to see excitement and hunger in the students. The more they desire to learn, the more I wanna teach! While we finish at 7:30pm, many linger on till 8:30pm to chat and grab photos. This is the best workshop I had ever taught. I could see satisfaction and sparkles in the eyes of these inspired souls. I walked away from the venue a very happy teacher. Thanks for coming! To my Brunei fans, I will do one in your lovely country in Q2 2009.

I want to give special thanks to Audrey & Sheila from Iro Iro Cosmetic Gallery who sponsored the makeover of our models. Thanks also go to our models: Reuel, Sharon & Vanessa. I must thank Ellis, Melvin & Ted for leading & helping the participants in the small groups.

Check out these pictures. We had a BLAST!

“Oops I did it again.” I don’t like this Britney Spear-ish mic but it is good. I will pick up a Countryman E6 soon.

We had a nude session with Reuel Nah. He had a bet with me that he would not be topless in our workshop. Well, he lost when I got him to swap his white t-shirt for a black one.

Sharon Er…model #1…you are a pleasure to work with.

Vanessa…model #2…another darling to photograph. Future models will have big shoes to fill in.

She is just beautiful.

Weighing 200 pounds at this corner of the hall, is REUELLLLLLLLLL!

He is less intimidating when he smiles.

Example of how to setup a group shot.

I was talking about professional posing techniques.

Then we went into three different groups to practice. Everyone gets plenty of chances to photograph the models one-on-one.

Mun Tzin was really having fun!

Ted and his group of participants.

Ellis with another group. Reuel likes flexing his muscles. Do modern chicks dig that?

Martin (left, from Sweden) & Mark (from KL) having fun with Martin’s brand new AF-S 50mm 1.4. Sweet glass!

Posing and photographing Sharon with available light. Remember, just because it is available, it is not always the right light to use.

Shooting from the short side. Ted held up the black side of the reflector to cut light.

Available + artificial light. A very simple shot. Yet the simplest shots can be the hardest to execute.

Then I took the class out on two inspiration shoots where the entire class get to see how I work.

Lit by a simple billboard on the left, I created this shot of Vanessa.

Same setup, a different shot with Sharon.

Now I like getting the most out of a good spot…another shot.

Then out to the Waterfront to capture Kota Kinabalu’s amazing sunset.

When I construct a shot, I do it step by step. First I expose for the background.

Then I add in TTL flash & viola! Lighting changes everything.

This shot is lit with a single video light.

Then we gathered a bunch of tea lights for the next two pictures. Lowel ID light is used as a kicker light to illuminate Vanessa’s hair, separating her from the pitch black background.

From the most mundane places, these two shots were created. They were completely unplanned.

We’ll be releasing more “Shoot Like a Pro” workshops around the country in the coming months. Stay tune!