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Monday, October 29, 2012

My First HDR Night Photograph

Dove Playground in HDR

Since my last blog post on a sculpture in a park 3 months ago, I've picked up on HDR photography, primarily for my video project on old school playgrounds which consists of 3 parts. On the side track, you can watch the videos on my website here, or over at my Vimeo channel here. You can also read my other photography blogs on these old playgrounds, too.

The image shown above is my very first attempt on HDR for night photography. If you have already seen my videos, you would notice some HDR images in it which are all made in the day time. There's really no difference in terms of technical aspects i.e. exposing the subjects with multiple shots of five, seven or nine for more dynamic coverage with each image exposed in one or two f-stop interval of timing. Of course the variety of HDR results during the post-process, either in Photoshop, Photomatix or Nik Software's HDR Efex Pro, can be of great difference on subject to subject basis.

For this HDR image of a Dove playground, I made a total of seven exposures. Images are merged in Nik Software's HDR Efex Pro and some tweaking with its Tone Mapping settings. Lastly, some retouching in Photoshop. I wanted to create a "realistic" image that represents the actual night ambience or atmosphere I experienced. Yes, not entirely the same as normal long exposure shot but not too edgy or over-saturated. Most HDR "Surreal" effects that I've seen, look horrible with heavy ghosting halos and over-saturated colors. To each his own. Some people like it, some people don't. To me, it doesn't work for me.

After working on this image and compare with the rest of the images of the same playground, I'm not too sure if I want to do more HDR night photography. The downside is that I spent more time tweaking the Tone Mapping settings to find the desired result than the time I spent on my usual light-painted night photographs. However on the flip side, it's helpful to do it when there are mixed lightings surrounding the subject. Not every night photograph has to be light-painted or in HDR effect. It' depends a lot on what the photographer wants to achieve. For me, it's all about capturing that ethereal night atmosphere for dramatic effect.

On end note,, do check out my new work of this Dove playground on my website.

Sunday, July 22, 2012

BTS Video: Sculpture in the Park 2 (Night)

Prometheus

Yes finally it's out. The much anticipated BTS video on the making of Prometheus. Well not the actual Hollywood movie by Ridley Scott though it got the same title. In my previous blog I expressed my interest in this sculpture and thereby I incorporated the Instillation concept into the making of Prometheus and everything seems to fit in perfectly well. So make the jump to watch the BTS video.

Sunday, July 08, 2012

This Used To Be My Playground (Video Part One)

This Used To Be My Playground
A Mosaic Memento on Old School Playgrounds in Singapore



Tonight I want to show you a video that I've just created, featuring some of the old school playgrounds in Singapore. Well, it all came about when I was looking at some of the videos and images I took during my location scoutings in preparation for my night photography project of the same title. In case some of you have not seen my nocturnes work, you can view them here.

I wanted to do an interesting video with a mixture of still images and footages. Honestly speaking I know nuts about video production and editing but I just want to do some creative stuff. I know there are lots to learn in videography and cinematography, let alone photography. Previously I've used Apple's iMovie with which I couldn't get much controls out of it. Hence I chose Adobe Premiere Pro.

At the moment I'm working on the second part of this video as well as one BTS video on the sculpture which was featured in my previous blog.

So do stay tuned. Meantime I hope you enjoy watching this video. Thank you.

Wednesday, May 30, 2012

BTS Video: Sculpture in the Park 1 (Day) + 1 extra news

An Enclosure For A Swing
Panorama made with Sony-Ericsson Vivaz phone camera.
 © Martin Liew Photography

Tonight I want to show you readers a short and simple video clip made during my location scout of this sculpture located in the newly developed Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park. Make the jump to watch it.

Tuesday, May 01, 2012

Stack of Zeros - The Making of

Stack of Zeros

Today I want to present the making of one of my nocturne images which is shown here, titled Stack of ZerosIn this picture, there are parallel and perpendicular lines, symmetrically speaking with the metallic shelves topples over the other like Dominoes.

So make a jump over the deck and I'll show you how I made this picture, step by step explanation with images.

Saturday, April 21, 2012

Re-organisation

Space Bike

I have re-categorized all my nocturnal images into four separate galleries. All under one main title NOCTURNES: The Art of Surrealistic Landscape. The three new galleries are Railway StationsSingapore National Stadium, Urban & Nature Parks, and Decommissioned. One new gallery is coming soon. So do stay tuned.

Meanwhile, you can check out seven of my new nocturnes work here. Displayed on the top left, first seven images. I hope you enjoy viewing them as much as I enjoy making them. I will blog on the making of one of the images. So do come back for new blog post or you can subscribe to my blog site.

Thanks for reading and viewing. Cheers!

Tuesday, March 27, 2012

The Sketch Exercise & The Power of Pre-visualization + Photos (updates)


A week ago, I posted a blog on my other photography blog site, in which I talked about the power of pre-visualization using the sketch exercise. Click here if you missed it.

The sketch shown above is the one I have pre-visualized only after I made my first trip to the old school playground. Hop right in as I would show the final image I made on my second trip.

Sunday, March 11, 2012

Sharing Session @ LIGHTOLOGY


Here it is. One of the few images taken by a friend of mine, Bryon Wee who was kind enough to take some shots of my nocturnes presentation last night at LIGHTOLOGY Photo Adventure: i Light Marina Bay 2012. BTW that's Juliana Tan from URA who is the host and person-in-charge of this event. Make the jump for more coverage.

Thursday, March 08, 2012

LIGHTOLOGY: i Light Marina Bay Photo Adventure + 1 good news


Just a quick blog post here. My dear friend Calvin Huang called me last week and he wanted to invite me to share the stage with him in this great event iLight Marina Bay 2012 where we will be sharing and showcasing our own night photography work. Of course I gladly agreed. The sharing session will be held on this coming Saturday, 10 March 2012 from 6:30PM to 9:30PM. Registration is required but it is closed now. After the sharing session, we'll be doing a couple of light-paintings demo at the Marina Bay City Gallery. So come on down and you might get to see us doing light-paintings.

Good news is, this will be my second talk and sharing session in major public art event since Digital Night 2010 @ SAM. I guess it's a good way to publicize my work and reaching out to more audience.

I was invited to their Media Preview last night and the light art installations are beautiful. I wouldn't blog about it nor do I have any photos. But you have to see for yourself. Opening ceremony will be held on 9 March 2012, Friday. Check out their website for more details.

Sunday, March 04, 2012

This Used To Be My Playground - a Teaser Nocturne

Home Sweet Home
© Martin Liew Photography


Hi everyone! Hope you are doing well. More than 6 months since my last blog post here. Apology for my absence. Weather wasn't really kind in the last few months of 2011 and it got better in the first 2 months of 2012. A brand new year and good weather, I hope, to kickstart my night photography again. Well so it seems. Come on in and let me share a little news with you.


Saturday, August 20, 2011

Light-painting in the Day

Capitol Theater
© Martin Liew Photography

Last Sunday I gathered two of my friends to join me for the exploration of the old Capitol Theater located near City Hall MRT Station. I was there a day earlier for location recce. Some of the pictures I took with my mobile phone camera can be seen on my other blog site.

It's more than 10 years since the last time I visited the theater for movie screenings. It comes as a big thrill to me and I would like to share with you the pictures I've made. So come on in for some visual treats.

Tuesday, August 09, 2011

Night Photography with a Mystery Guest

Hereafter
© Martin Liew Photography

In early July, I received a message from a friend via Facebook. I was informed of his second trip to Singapore in early August. Yes he was in town last week and I showed him around. To my surprise, he discovered this abandoned dilapidated house (shown above), near the hotel he stayed. Make the jump and find out who our mystery guest is.

Sunday, July 24, 2011

Where have I been?

Abandoned House
© Martin Liew Photographer


Where have I been for the past 6 months? Not a single blog posted here for more than 6 months. Yes! This is really outrageous I know! Am I slacking? No I am not. I was busy with my digital portraiture projects; doing mainly fashion photography. Check out my new work over at my website. I've always consistently looking for inspirations and never forget about nocturne photography.


Here's the new updates for you readers out there. The last nocturne outing was held in May 2011. Two friends had joined me that night and it's my pleasure to showcase their work here. Make the jump to find out more.

Thursday, December 02, 2010

New Tool for Light-painting (A New Upgrade)

About a week ago, I placed an order for this wonderful LED flash light, FENIX TA21 which I just collected it yesterday. This flash light comes with 12 modes of light output, with the lowest light power at 4 Lumens to the maximum of 225 Lumens. At 225 Lumens, it is pretty strong. Its cree XR-E LED (Q5)  has a lifespan of 50,000 hours.

Previously I was looking at FENIX TK40, but I find it is way too strong and powerful for my nocturne photography. I consider getting a TA21 as a new upgrade and partly because I want to travel light.

More details after the jump.

Laser Pointer, a Light-painting Experiment


This is a follow-up to a blog I wrote on a green laser pointer which can be used as a good light-painting tool. I didn't really make as many experiment shots with it, but just one I did during the Singapore Night Hunt photo-marathon contest. See the result for yourself inside.


Monday, November 15, 2010

Dwell In The Night (A Short Film Trailer)

Lurking...
© Martin Liew Photography

OK you might ask what does a short film trailer got to do with night photography. Make the jump as I explain.


Thursday, November 11, 2010

Singapore Night Hunt Experience + 1 Good News

Sound of Darkness
© 2010 Martin Liew Photography

Tonight I'm going to share with you on my Night Hunt experience. Last Saturday night, there were reportedly about 160 participants turned up at City Square Mall for the first ever night photography marathon contest solely organized by Singapore International Photography Festival (SIPF). Upon seeing the people who turned up and the sight had my friends and I all jazzed up and ready for the great fun and excitement that awaits us.

Follow me as I share more of my night adventures.

Thursday, November 04, 2010

First Night Photography Marathon + 1 Film Screening


Singapore International Photography Festival aka SIPF has organized the first ever Night Photography Marathon event, called Singapore Night Hunt. With Canon as the main sponsor, I wouldn't be surprise about this photo marathon event. It could be similar to Canon's Photo-marathon concept. Anyway I have registered for this event and I really like to see how it goes. I wouldn't miss this fun and exciting event as long it's related to night photography. Registration and details can be found from the link above.

Looking at the event poster image, I believe they are looking for more artistic, creative and contemporary style of night photos, if not just mere snap shots of night street photos or urban landscape at night with some creativity of course. All subject to their themes or topics set on that night. I'm looking forward to this event and will update in my blog on my experience.

For those who are keen to take part, I think registration is still open and the non-refundable fee is SGD$20. As some fellows commented that Canon photo-marathon registration fee is just SGD$10 and why is this night event so costly. As a complimentary, SIPF gave out free tickets to one of their film screenings titled, A Sense of Place for just one night. The screening was held last night at The Moving Image Gallery, SAM at 8Q. No worries as there'll be a second screening this coming Sunday afternoon. More details from the second link above.

Talking about the film, it gives an insight to the creative processes and working methods of 6 contemporary photographers. The first clip showcased is Todd Hido on his Night Studio. I came across Todd name during the first SIPF in 2008. I was attending a night photography talk conducted by Shannon Castleman and she mentioned Todd Hido. I didn't pay much attention to his work then, but after watching his video clip, I'm starting to appreciate his work.

Here's a video clip from YouTube in which Todd was interviewed and talked about his work and creative process. Pity the video is cut off right towards the end and couldn't find the second half. Check it out if you will. For those who received this blog as an email, visit my blog site to view the video clips.



Here's another video on American Beauty by Stephen Shore, This video was shown in the film screening last night. There is a beauty in his artistic work which I find it helpful in shaping and reviewing one's own vision and artistic direction in pursuit of one's own photography project, which in turn will develop one's own style. For this I think it's important in night photography.



Well I hope these 2 photographers' work would inspire you. Do come back for my Night Hunt experience which should be up by early next week.

Tuesday, October 19, 2010

Night Photography Outing with Troy Paiva & friends

75 Loewen
© 2010 Martin Liew Photography

OK here I am, writing this blog about the night photography outing with Troy Paiva and friends. How do I begin? It was the most amazing, exciting and fun night outing I ever had. An unforgettable experience doing nocturnes with Troy!

Make the jump for the night adventure.

Saturday, October 16, 2010

A Great Surprise!

October 11 2010, Monday was the greatest and exciting day for me. I went to work as usual , pretty refreshing after recovering from a cold. I checked my mail box and to my great surprise, I received an email from one of my favorite and greatest night photographers.

Make the jump to find out who is the night photographer.

Monday, September 27, 2010

A Walk in the Garden

© 2010 Martin Liew Photography.

I took a walk in Toa Payoh Garden this evening. It's been a long time since my last visit. I arrived at about 7:00 PM and the lamps were just lit on. I've passed by this Garden many times from work all the way to the Bus Interchange but didn't make effort to walk over.

Walk with me, if you will.

Saturday, September 18, 2010

'Art of Dark Craft' - A Night Photography Talk Session @ SAM




Photographs © 2010 Martin Liew Photography

This month Singapore Art Museum presents Digital Nights @ SAM as part of the first edition of Digital Nights 2010, a grand showcase of visual and digital arts. Starting from 17th September to 26th September.

Good news is, I'll be giving a talk under their titled event,  'Art of Dark Craft', where I'll be sharing my photography work and experience, and perhaps some night photography tips & techniques. The talk will be held at the Chapel @ SAM on 24th September 2010, Friday night from 7:00PM to 9:00PM. It's a free event and open to public. If you are keen to learn night photography, do come down with your camera and tripod. Hope to see you guys there.

For more details on Digital Nights 2010, please click here.

Sunday, August 01, 2010

Laser Pointer, a Light-painting Tool Part 2

Last week I got myself a new light-painting tool. I bought a green laser pointer for S$52 as a set in which it comes with a free AAA size battery and a diopter lens adaptor. The diopter lens adaptor is this smudgy opaque lens that distorts the laser beam and creates some wonderful effects when fix onto the laser pointer beam head. Jump right in to see some of the results.

"Scott, beam me in!"

Sunday, July 25, 2010

Location Recce: Nissen huts

Last week I went for a location recce of these abandoned Nissen huts in the northern area. To my great disappointment, the whole vicinity is locked up and no entrance or whatsoever is possible.

Read more on the Nissen hut story.

Saturday, July 17, 2010

A Night at the Railway Station

A couple of weeks ago, I went to KTM Railway Station a.k.a. Tanjong Pagar Railway Station. As news broke out about the closing down of the station and will be shifted to Woodlands, I paid a visit at the station for the first time in my time. I was there one Sunday morning, and got to make some photographs and at the same time, thinking about the possibilities of doing night photography there. You can view the day time photographs in monochrome here.

Make the jump to find out more on what I did for night photography.