The 90/10 Rule

I have tons of photos right now in digital form, some 200 GigaBytes from around 20.000 pictures to be precise.
Some photographer throw 90% of their pictures and only keep what they deem as 'keepers'. But I see them as a documentary of my life's journey, it also serves as a journal for my photographic achievement and skill. And occasionally, one boring looking photograph can be turned into a stunning classic black and white, you'll never know.

Technological progress (like Lightroom 4!) also can salvage what you thought as bad picture into a beautiful one. Not necessarily because of bad technique or lack of skill, but often the limitation of our equipment and situation. Like this one.. I shoot with lens hood on, with reasonable aperture, and it still suffers from fringing at the corners. I am (or rather LR) still unable to fully correct the fringing, but man.. the colors and shadow details are stunning!

PS: and I shoot... RAW(R)!

Standard

Its funny when I now look at old pictures that I thought was good back then... suddenly its not that great anymore. I guess as we become more experienced and have more refined artistic sense.. the old pictures just don't cut it anymore.

Ok so the bomb is dropped. I have to relocate for work, otherwise my boss will let me go.
Well, in a way, its a good thing because I need to move forward with my life.
I've been stuck for quite a long time in my current job. I see no advancement nor work satisfaction in terms of meaningful achievement. In other words, I just work for money, and my boss' money. I don't feel like I have helped anyone in a meaningful way.
Now I have a chance to do real work again, meet new challenges. I have a lot of options in front of me, but I can say that I'm a bit afraid. And uncomfortable with the changes that lies ahead of me.

Anyway, in this slow and boring weekend with nothing to do, I'm kind of in the middle of two good books.

End This NOW!

Quiet

Who knows economist is so important. Since my college days, I thought that economist does nothing but talking and promoting their opinions. Which.. sort of true in a way. What I didn't realize is that how much impact they make on peoples' life when some world leaders or monetary authority listen to them. (PS: I went to the Economics faculty myself, being an accountant by education.)

The second book is about introverts, their traits, and how to use their "power". The author thinks that the world tends to be 'extroverted'.. or in favour for extroverts. I've read only the opening chapters.. but its a very interesting one.

Google

Today I found this on Google search page

which reminds me I have a book about Doisneau coming this week.

And while reorganizing my room, I found my Chinese class handout, which has finished last week. That means six months have passed. I remember the first day in class like it was yesterday... man.. time flies. *sigh*

Wonderful World (Be an Optimist)

My watch just arrived this week. I love it to bits! The design is not exceptional.. but the workmanship is. It has a rectangular case with classic roman numerals.The dial have subtle sunray brush pattern with guilloché on the center. Just lovely!

Sure the world is not in a good condition now, I read it every morning in the news... But has it ever been in a good condition, really?  I don't think so.

So we should enjoy life and not take it too seriously. Sure a little planning would help a lot, but over thinking is not (well.. your mileage may vary).

I printed few of my pictures from Europe trip over the long weekend. Honestly I'm a little bit disappointed with Harman Gloss Baryta papers. Its a waay cheaper alternative (at least locally) from Ilford Gold Fibre Silk, but the paper has major flaking problem.

Its printed using QuadTone RIP. I haven't tried the Epson ABW mode for comparison.

The good news is that I'm now free on weekends to do photography, most probably street photography. Also eyeing on a messenger bag for more convenient walk around. =)

PS: I know its late.. but... HAPPY EASTER!

Book Lust

I just found another online bookstore, The Book Depository.

I bought this for $12.. not bad.. Amazon price is $10.. before shipping.


They even ship to Asia for free!
Well.. after some research.. it turns out that they were acquired by Amazon just recently.
Anyway.. as long as the customer (me) gets the benefit..... *shrug*

Lightroom.. and The Age of the Internet

Well.. if you haven't notice what age this is.. I welcome you.
Yesterday, Adobe has release Lightroom 4, its workflow and photo editing software.
Its been highly anticipated by the photo community, including me, who have tried the beta version.
I find the image rendering improvement alone is a significant factor to upgrade from my current LR3.
However... there is just one problem... pricing. Adobe decided to charge international customers more than its US buyers. This pisses a lot of people, moi included. I mean.. what were they thinking ? Do they think we are stupid? Adobe has bright developers, but clearly its management/marketing is not. I don't know what game they are playing, especially after the Photoshop upgrade fiasco. I think they could be the next Kodak.

Recently, I went to the local watch retailer and ask about a model that I fancy. Its quite expensive, so I went home and think about it. Then I browse around and I found the model on Amazon for almost a grand less. Unbelievable! Guess which one I bought from?