ethno-photography workshop

.

.
Almost SOLD out.

This photojournalist-experience styled workshop will be one of the few conducted in the region at a low price of RM 5,000 per pax for 10 intensive workshop days. Participants will meet the instructor in Ho Chi Minh on 18th December 2008 (am), where the workshop commences and will leave from Phomn Pehn on 28th December 2008 (pm).

* * * * * * * *

Some of the subject areas covered during the workshop are:

Gaining you subjects trust and photographic ethics.

Night and low light photography; working without a flash or tripod.

Equipment selection: camera, lens, memory card, accessories...

How to work and maximise YOUR camera’s potential.

Camera and lens field care.

Maximising and improving your images in the digital darkroom; choosing between colour and BW, and what “sells”.

Saving your images; preparing and uploading images to agencies while on the field.

Insights on working on assignments, deadlines, editors and freelance projects.

Protecting your work with copyright and how it really works.

Buidling a portfolio.

Researching and preparing for photo-essays, freelance projects and destination choice.

Living under harsh conditions: physical dangers, legality, equipment pitfalls, nutrition and health care.

Only 2 spaces left.
{ workshop is limited to 7 pax maximum and will commence with 5 pax minimum }

Registration closes on 7th November 2008.
All queries and information can be obtained from lenswerkadmin@gmail.com

* * * * * * * *
.

AFP Photojournalist Jimin Lai host Photography Talk

.

Received a message from my friend Anne today about their magazine CLICK! hosting a talk by Jimin Lai at their Go Life! Experience Centre.

Immediately I went to the link, left a message of support and downloaded the registration form. Deep down I know it wasn't just a show of support or interest. I am admittedly hooked on pj*

Got a problem with that?!?

* * * * * * * *

.

Date | November 6, 2008 – Thursday | FREE Session
Title | Photography Talk
Time | 7:45 pm ~ 9:00 pm

All registrations are on a first-come-first serve basis.
To register go to www.clickgolive.com

* photo journalist

And P/S: {get used to my post script, ok?!?}
My photos are in the latest issue of CLICK!. But don't go running to the store to get yourself a copy to look at them - you will be grossly disappointed (seriously) but do support CLICK!
.

great journalistic work on AIDS in Asia

Thanks to all the five photographers that have came forward to volunteer their services pro bono for the Malaysia AIDS Foundation's RED RIBBON GALA tomorrow. I've had two long days and I am way too exhausted to blog about my personal views at the moment. So I'll leave you with some great journalistic reporting on AIDS by friends of mine... after all MAF and Mercedes Benz will be honouring great journalistic efforts on AIDS tomorrow as well.

+ + + + + + + + + +

Zoriah (War and Humanitarian Photojournalist)

Photo by Zoriah . AIDS in Asia

Click on "AIDS in Asia" link for more compelling photos on AIDS patients in Asia. Note that some of the images are graphic and strong, and maybe disturbing to some.

+ + + + + + + + + +

Arijit Sen (CNN-IBN Special Correspondent)

With HIV cases soaring high, Manipur battles for life

Imphal: Manipur’s Network of Positive people is a group that has been working for HIV positive people for 10-years now.

Udita Salam an HIV patient says she lost one of her children to AIDS. But despite her difficult journey in life she is unfailingly optimistic. She works at the Manipur Network of Positive People and helps other people fight the virus.

In a state, which has 27,000 positive people - the most in India - the MNPP fights for the rights and dignity of those with HIV, spreading awareness through classes in Imphal.

Manipur's proximity to the infamous Golden Triangle drug route means that the bulk of HIV transmissions take place among intravenous drug users.

“Drugs are easily available. Stigma and discrimination is very high. In Imphal it’s a bit reduced, but in hilly areas drug abuse is high,” says Azithhwor, Project Manager, MNP.

The MNPP says their biggest obstacle in the fight against HIV discrimination is the lack of funding.

“At times we don’t even have 25 paise for our HIV programme. For the betterment of HIV, AIDS, this is the right time for the government to act,” says Deepak, President, MNP.

Battling against all odds, however, the only message coming out from this corner of Imphal is loud and clear. Fighting discrimination, society, giving HIV infected people dignity is what these people are doing across Manipur.

Watch Arijit's video report on "With HIV cases soaring high, Manipur battles for life" here.
.

emotional cycle

.
quick update and reminder to self {an achievement worth noting}

I have gone from feeling helpless. depressed. and from blaming myself to downright PISSED and couldn't give two @#$%s. Ha! I did not look for signs of life for the past 2 days...

Tomorrow is a start of a hectic week. That helps.

P!NK, I am on your track gal! You rock. Seriously.
.
.
.
.
.

BTW, still looking for pro bono photographers for Red Ribbon Gala (details below).
.
.

Malaysia AIDS Foundation Red Ribbon Gala: Photographers Needed

.

The Malaysian AIDS Foundation (MAF) unveils the latest edition of its biennial fundraiser, the Red Ribbon Gala 2008. Themed ‘Red Carpet Glamour’, the event will bring together Kuala Lumpur’s corporate giants, socialites and award-winning media in an evening of glamour and philanthropy on Saturday, October 25 2008.

Graced by the presence of our royal guests, Duli Yang Maha Mulia Seri Paduka Baginda Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Wathiqu Billah Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin Ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Mahmud Al-Muktafi Billah Shah and Seri Paduka Baginda Raja Permaisuri Agong Tuanku Nur Zahirah, the Gala will feature Hollywood’s favourite red carpet designer, Elie Saab, with his Autumn/Winter 2008-2009 Haute Couture Collection directly from Paris.

One of the main highlights of the event is the announcement of the winners of the Mercedes-Benz Malaysia Red Ribbon Media Awards in recognition of journalistic excellence in HIV/AIDS reporting, and Dr. Siti Hasmah Award which recognises outstanding contributions of an individual or organisation which has done exemplary work to support People Living with HIV/AIDS in Malaysia.

The MAF hopes to raise some RM2 million from this year’s Gala. This will be raised through the sales of tables at RM50,000 and RM35,000 as well as through an auction.

* * * * * * * * *

How can you do your part?
If you are a professional photographer and want to assist (pro bono), please contact me, Penelope at ganpenelope@gmail.com. Referrals are also welcome. Your assistance will be needed from 7-11pm on October 25th, 2008 at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
.
.

STAND UP . TAKE ACTION

.
poverty
I've never went to bed hungry in my life.
I've never known what's its like not knowing when the next meal will be.
I've never had outgrown my clothes or shoes.
I've never not had clean running water to drink. bathe.wash.
I've never lived in a tin home or under a fly sheet.
I've never not had electricity.
I'll never really know what it is like to live in poverty (touch wood),
but today I vow to make a difference. To make some noise. For starters.
And start lobbying and planning for 2009.

* * * * * * * * * *

poverty
We all know that word. If you cared enough, or took Social Economics (like I did) or Sociology or Geography, chances are you have studied and analysed enough statistical data, policies et cetera.

I speak for myself when I say: I never really understood poverty. Not in the deeper sense. I've backpacked across the poorer parts of South East Asia more than a decade ago, and returned recently. Much progress has been made (for better or worse) - thanks to development.

Back then, I've witness and mingled with the homeless. The poor. And the hard core poor in slums. We made concerted efforts to understand the situation. We interviewed them. Lived their lives. Looking back, I owe it to them to say it was superficial on our part. On my part. Stretching probably a bit too far, they were a specimen on our petri dish waiting for a judgement to be penned in our dissertation.
.
I've witness the homeless in developed parts of Europe and North America. I've not seen much in my homeland, other than the handful of mentally challenged individuals roaming the streets. To this day I have problems reconciling the two facts presented above. Maybe the explanation lies in culture. It has to. The answer can't lie in better social security or a welfare support system. Back here, what we have is very basic.
.
So, for as long as it has been, poverty has always been safely tucked away in dissertation and research papers. Hidden behind numbers. Hardly ever in my sight. It was only some time early this year that I was jolted. I understood how shallow my understanding and attitude was. And the hopelessness of the situation - the very same one that left me paralysed in action and thought - is what poverty is all about.

* * * * * * * * * *

poverty

Survival: Man vs. Cow

Survival: Man vs. Cow

" Well , this man seems to be looking for some special polythene that could be recycled and each fetches him about 10 paise ( 1 Rupee=100 paise) each. Both creatures have different means but same motive- food. Excellent shot. P.S - He's mayn't be a beggar but homeless for sure. "

Comment posted 9 months ago by a fellow flickr-ian of my photo.


* * * * * * * * * *

poverty

.

To learn more about STAND UP.TAKE ACTION click HERE.
.
Bloggers who want to blog about as a show of support, you can find resources HERE.Comprehensive information/FAQs, photos (with permission), videos, posters / badge, and step-by-step information on registering events and support are all available HERE.
Sharelist allows you to link to Orkut, Facebook and Twitter.
.

contemplating on this

.
yeeash!
i know only too well.
world financial markets are crashing.
life sucks.
work is crazy.
time off is a dream.
the boss is cranky.
projects pending.
board meetings' around the corner.
but i am still contemplating on this.

and yeeash!
travel photography { such as the pool /spa photo } is not my style but...
i JUST need a break.
i need to just runaway and do something.
and deep down i miss the trips and the walks through airports!!! after 2 years i am still having a hard time adapting to the corporate 9-5 routine.
.

.Travel Photography Workshop organised by

Asian Geographic Magazine

twenty.four hours ago

.

I was directed twenty.four hours ago (plus.minus a few minutes) to a photo showing a pool of fresh blood and what appears to be the man's last possession on him - a pair of cheap rubber slippers. Needless to say I felt a lump in my throat and my knees (which noted isn't very strong to begin with) buckled.

It has just occurred to me that my friend is in a vunerable position. Exposed to both physical and emotional harm... plus home sickness during the festivities.

.

I now feel extremely foolish and as usual self-centred since all this while I've been going on with my silly ways - yacking away about nothingness and randomness in my attempt to flee and block out my true state of mind and depression ...

.

See, the videos he uploads via satelite phones hardly left any impression on me other than:

"my God, how on earth do they kill and fight with hoes, rakes and 'bows and arrows' made from branches and twigs?"

"who are exploiting these poor farmers?"

"how do you get thousands of poor and desperate people to organise themselves to commit hideous crimes against one another?"

"when will this ever end?"

I have always scrutinized and over analyse just about all situation in mainstream media. I do not trust the political manipulation behind the reporting. I am suspicious of the executives who sells news for a living. I wonder about the government (or lack of governance). The losses and "gains". And above all everything is so removed from my daily life and what I was witnessing was akin to watching a reenactment of Hollywood blockbusters. His video didn't strike a cord with me at all.

.

... but a simple pair of abandoned shoes by a huge pool of fresh blood on an empty field did it for me.

take care and be careful my friend. stay alert and focus.

.

heads. by the talented tom hoops

.
.

for those around the region who has access to el cheapo Air Asia tix and craving for your tom yam and green curry, please drop by the facebar, (sukhumvit) bangkok and feast your eyes on amazing photographs on "heads" by tom hoops.

i'm currently

...1- juggling work (volatile world financial markets!)
...2- tracking Air Asia rates (being cheap)
...3- persuading the $ bag (v.v.important)

... oh well, the $ bag said we'll be in bangkok on 28th - 30th Oct, so why drag overselves there a week earlier? sigh. men! they just don't bloody gettit do they?!? 22nd Oct is the opening nite and it's an important nite for tom... gahhhHHHH

For more information on Tom Hoops and the exhibition, click here to read his interview on Visual Candies.
More of Tom Hoops photos available on flickr.

i am drowning

.
in pain

1. physical
2. sorrows

i just realised lately that by the time i make it to the top of the flight of stairs i am breathless. why is there no handicapped access? how long will this go on?
.
i am lost

1. emotionally
2. of words

will it ever hurt less? will i regain focus? where and when is centred?
.
good IS bad

1. food
2. and?

why does this inverse relationship not work for anything else? like relationships for instance? "he's too sweet" was my reason. S said "that's a weird reason". i am still hooked on bad. my eyes are brimming with tears as i finished typing the previous sentence. can BAD be GOOD, for a change?
.

persepolis . persepolis 2

. my birthday gift to ME .

Thanks Ori for what appears to be a fantastic recommendation. And since we are not as well read here, I had to get it through Amazon.com. Hence, the wait begins.

Persepolis - wikipedia
Check out the Persepolis animated movie trailer on You Tube too.

the photos. taj

.

This is at least 9 months overdue and apologies to my dearest friend Vijay-pedia for the long wait. There's something about the Taj that pushes my procrastination and reluctance "button".

Long before I arrived at Agra I went through Getty Images of the Taj and shortlisted 4 shots that I would purchase later. My reason: this is an iconic architectural marvel that has been taken billionth of times by professionals, tourists, locals ... just about anybody who has been there.

A photo that has been taken to death is a real challenge (not that others are not a challenge to me either). But being technically hopeless and being extremely realistic about my abilities, I figured a Getty Image was going to be showcase on the cover of my album (which is yet to be made - what did I say about the Taj and my procrastination button? read ^ ).

But since WT and Rez dragged me out of my bed at 5 am and we literally raced our way to the gates - partly due to the Chinese "kiasu"-ness and partly because we were made to believe that everything in Agra is very very very far away by every single tourist tout ... and so we fell prey... I got the perfect spot. And though the weather was crappy that morning, I couldn't just stand there and not take a few shots of the Taj, right?!?
.
.
.

The above is probably my best shot at the Taj as the sun reflects on its marble dome and my first attempt at CS2. - yeah, the latter I agree needs much improvement!

.

* * * * * * * * * * * * *

.

And now some of the PENELOPE'S HAVIN' FUN shots:

.

Despite the crowd, the Taj exudes a feeling of serenity and reflection...
Could this have actually been planned by the architects with the reflection pools?
No, no, I'm not refering to the modern day interpretation of the Taj's construction as cited in countless of books... but the original creators intent. I wonder...
.

and I stood there wondering "L.O.V.E"
{ photo cropped - thanks Felix, for the tips! }
.
.
.
.