Map Reproduction Work with Hasselblad HD4-40

I've been assigned to shoot a series of antique maps of Malaysia for a reproduction work. The maps belong to a local collector and the images will be featured in a book Published by Editions Didier Millet. We decided to shoot this assignment with a medium format to get the highest detail possible.

Pre-production

Before any work start, I had a briefing meeting with the publisher. The purpose is to discuss the scope of work and layout everything on the table. During this discussion, we investigate all possible outcome of the shoot, from the date and time, logistics, shoot schedule, the shoot list, props (if necessary), the method of shooting and some other issues. Once we've cleared this out, we can list out the costs involved which are essentially fees plus expenses. From here, we went on a recce session to check out the location and the items and see if there are any other issues to be sorted out. Once I got all information that I needed, I sent out the quote and waited for approval.

*To draw up the quote, I went on a lookout for equipment rental services and glass makers to supply a 4'x5' glass to be used during the shoot. 

The Call

Within the same week, I got a call to say that the quote is OK and it's a go. Cool!

What now?

Once I got the green light, I quickly confirm my booking with the rental house, FLIER PLE (www.flierple.com). I rented a Hasselblad H4D-40, 120mm f4 macro lens, and two units of Profoto D1 air 1000ws with a pair of 3'x4' softbox. I also rented a pair of C-stands and arms to clip the glass sandwich where the maps are going to be placed.

Before work begins, I did a few test shots with the HD4-40 at the rental house to make sure that all is good to go.

Here are the results. Click for larger image:

The details on the maps are similar as the RM1 note's line drawing on Mount Kinabalu. Check out how small Mount Kinabalu is in this image.

Look at how much detail that the H4D-40 captured. All good to go!

Finally, I also made sure that I've assembled my team of assistants and briefed them about the work.

Shoot Day

The owner of the maps wanted us to shoot super early so that we can finish early. We arrived on location at 7am and estimated the shoot to finish at 5pm, which included a 1-hr lunch-break. We had 14 maps to shoot and proceeded with the session. My team was super fantastic that it turns out that we completed all the map shoot at 3pm. It was amazing!

Post-Production

The images are currently being processed and due for delivery within 2-weeks. We got most of it right on location and post production work now comprises of some edging out, and colour checks and stitching if necessary.

Credits

I couldn't have done it without the help of these fantastic friends:

Assistants

Azwan Fakaruddin

Tunku Ishak

Video

Aiman Amir (SR Production)

Shah

Support (FLIER PLE)

Leong

Wan

Check out the Behind The Scenes video here, courtesy of Aiman Amir from SR Production.

Here's a group photo of our team.

Made the cover for Human Resources Magazine, AUG-2012

Made the cover (and also the inside spread) of Human Resources Magazine (Malaysia) for August 2012 issue. This was shot at our studio. Image features Legion Richardson, Director of Human Resources, McDonald's Malaysia. Art Directed by Khairul Hasbullah from Lighthouse Independent Media KL. I couldn't have done this without the help of two of my assistants, Azwan Fakaruddin and Zulhelmi Misran. Thanks guys!

Published work: Time Out KL-August 2012

Hi All,

If you can remember, I've posted a behind the scenes shoot for Time Out KL August 2012 spread last month. Here's the published spread in this month's issue. Go check 'em out! Cheers!

Here's the published issue, Time Out KL August 2012

Here's my published spread. Looks good. :)

Here's the original image.

Here's the alternate option the editor requested that I sent.

Aputure Trigmaster 2.4G

From left: Aputure Trigmaster 2.4G transmitter and receiver set, 3 extra receivers to the right.

This is what you get from a set of transmitter and receiver. From top-left:sync-cord, receiver, transmitter, flash hotshoe table stand. From bottom-left: 1/2" sync adapter, PC sync cable, camera remote cable. 

I recently upgraded my remote triggers to Aputure Trigmaster 2.4G.
At first I was looking to replace my remote radio camera trigger which has failed due to a broken internal wire in the connecting cables to the camera. Therefore, one of my criteria was to find a remote that has a replaceable wire. I found the Aputure Trigmaster to fit the bill.

Turns out that the Aputure Trigmaster can also trigger flash, therefore I decided to spend some extra cash to get another three extra receivers for my speedlights.

At first I wasn't so sure about getting this brand, but after reading a review at Lightingrumors.com, I was confident to go ahead with this choice.

The price is very affordable compared to other makes. A set of transmitter and receiver is RM100 only, and additional receiver is RM50/unit. This is the selling price at Digicolor, at Jalan Ipoh (www.dgcoloronline.com). So far, Digicolor sells this unit the cheapest compared to other sellers in Malaysia.

One thing that I like about these triggers are that the transmitter uses a 23A battery and the receivers use 2xAAA batteries, which are very easy to find at 7eleven's or your local marts. My previous Cactus V2 flash triggers and my Phottix radio camera remote uses CR2 batteries which were expensive. This problem arises when the "on" switch is accidently flicked during transport or while they're in your bag and drains the battery out before you can use it.

Field Test, what I like about these triggers:

1. Consistency.
   They fire perfectly and I have peace of mind. I've used them in three assignments to date and they all work beautifully.
2. Low profile.
   The receivers mounts low on my umbrella bracket and it's more stable than my Cactus V2 receivers.
3. Multipurpose.
   I like the fact that the transmitter can trigger my flash or my camera. Now I carry one thing less in my bag. Travel light.
4. Cheap to expand your set.
   The cheap price of an extra unit of receivers (RM50/unit) means that you can build up your set faster than any other brand. 

If money is no object.

If money is not an issue, I'd probably get the TTL radio remotes from either the Phottix Odin or the new Yong Nuo 622

Conclusion.

For photographers starting to build their off camera systems and looking for a decent remote flash or camera trigger, I highly recommend the Aputure Trigmaster 2.4G because of its is value for money and because of that it's an affordable to expand in the future (if you're planning to add more receivers into your system).

Behind The Scenes tour-Product Photography

Hello All, here's another quick tour of my product photography shoot for a designer shoe brand, GlamRockChic. Video shot with Sony Xperia Pro. English subtitles available. Please press the CC (closed captions) button on the YouTube player bar for English subs. Enjoy!

Behind The Scenes of a Simple Food Photography Workshop

Hi All,

As I mentioned in my previous post, here's the Behind The Scenes video I put together of our recent Simple Food Photography Workshop on 23-JUN-2012. For those who couldn't make it, I hope this video will give you some idea of what's involved in the workshop and hopefully I'll see you all in the next workshop, ya? Enjoy!

Yesterday's Simple Food Photography Workshop outcome. Delicious!

I'm so ecstatic about the outcome my recent Simple Food Photography Workshop yesterday. Here's a quick post of the shots I took during the workshop to demonstrate to the participants on the fundamentals of simple food photography. The participants and I are very well satisfied with the new updated techniques we used in this session. I didn't take any stills of the participants at work, but even better, a video post of behind-the-scenes will follow soon! Meanwhile, enjoy the mouth-watering images :)

We started off with a clean white background technique using a DIY light tent with two speedlights. This is wholewheat spaghetti with prawns. Did my own styling this time. :)

I must say that I' love this shot to bits! This example is to demonstrate a different lighting technique to introduce mood into a food shot. I'm very proud of my student Zain Aziz and Mohd Zulhelmi Misran who did the styling of the wholewheat spaghetti and prawn in the bowl this time. In the background is a bowl of fried rice styled by Muhammad Alif Saufwan Abas and Muhammad Al Arqam Ismail.

The same setting as above. This is an overhead shot to demonstrate different camera angles. I'm very proud of my student Zain Aziz and  Mohd Zulhelmi Misran who did the styling of the wholewheat spaghetti and prawn in the bowl this time. The fried rice was styled by Muhammad Alif Saufwan Abas and Muhammad Al Arqam Ismail.

Finally, some small snacks! Did this simple styling to demonstrate a close-up shot. We shot this with a 50mm and a +3 close-up filter. No-macro lens involved, how's that for "simple"?