It’s been two over a week since the much anticipated Louis Pang Shoot Like A Pro photography workshop was held in Brunei (Apr 19, 2009) for the very first time. Something about an inaugural event and long lasting impression had me thinking there isn’t a venue better suited for the workshop than the Empire Hotel and what a day it must have been — the exciting and nervous energy that surrounded the eager participants many of whom are ardent fans of Louis’ artistry and creativity.
The week leading up to the weekend was like a double shot Espresso. Wait, that doesn’t sound right. Let’s try again. I had had such a filled week that I needed a several double shot Espresso to get me through the exciting weekend (it helped that there was in fact an Espresso machine at the workshop). A whole week of night classes before a weekend with Bobby Chinn the renowned celebrity chef followed by Louis Pang the renowned award winning celebrity photographer.
I”ve said this earlier in the See The Light post, the workshop was a great opportunity to catch up with Louis having gone through a fairly long process from conception to reality. In between, Louis and I met over coffee at Starbucks in Warison Square in Kota Kinabalu last December and credit goes to
Special thanks to Jacqueline & Shuk Chee, two former students of mine who were insistent that our team go to Brunei. They also helped us out so much in the logistics. — Louis Pang blog
One of the few early topics covered was checking perspective distortion.
Louis and a participant (Leytzher) in an engaging conversation during the first coffee break.
A SENNHEISSER microphone would make a great addition to the EOS 5D MKII although many feel the 5D’s sound auto levelling and other “crippled” features are an injustice to the professional audio marque and HD video.
One of many a light hearted moment during the workshop
In the hands-on sessions, the class of 30 was divided into 3 groups one of which (the Canon users) was mentored by me. It was here that I discovered that there were a number of owners of three digit Canon EOS bodies such as 400D, 450D, 350D etc vs those who owned two digit and single digit bodies. Now, as professional who isn’t using the 1-series bodies, my workhorse was once the EOS 20D and today I shoot with the 5D Mk II. I highly recommend getting as a minimum a two digit body (same family as the EOS 20D/30D/40D and currently 50D). This platform makes an excellent base to learn with and with care, there is enough resolution and technology in the 50D for instance to last a very long time. Want to know why I feel strongly about avoiding the three or even four digit EOS camera bodies? If so, feel free to drop a comment here and I’ll gladly explain even if what I say may upset folks who are in the camera business. It’s your hard earned money and you deserve to buy wisely.
I managed to grab a couple of quick shots of Maria, one of our models for the day. The session here was meant for participant to apply what they’ve learned so far with regards to perspective lines in the background and posing of subjects.
Before I left the venue, Louis handed me two red tubes. This aroused some curiosity among the participants who later asked me what was inside the tubes. They’re non other than Louis’ fine art prints of his award winning images which he had shown to the class. When I am done with the exams, I will get them framed and displayed in my studio along with other priceless collection on my “Wall of Fame”.
SHIMWORLD 