Attitude Photography

Portraits - Children

2006-09-15T12:33:00.000+08:00

Ah, children! They make the most unpredictable subjects as their mood swings, VERY short attention span, inquisitiveness and energy level simply mean they won't sit still longer than 4 seconds for a photographer. But their beautiful and innocent expressions always make my day.

With children, the phrase "Work with me!" is like telling my dog about my day at work. So for us "big people", our only available tools are a familiar environment, limited distractions and a load of patience. For me, its vital that I earn their trust and friendship quickly. I love a challenge.

Portraits - Grown-Ups & Families

2006-09-15T12:31:00.000+08:00

Grown-ups are the easiest to photograph but also the most conscious of the camera. Those who approach photography with child-like inquisitiveness are called photogenic.

Portraits - Events

2006-09-14T15:36:00.000+08:00

Event portraits come in a close fourth to animals, old folks and children on the difficulty scale. Often your subjects may have been unaware there was even going to be a photographer around, freeze up with camera shyness, or simply go about their business, not caring if you've got the shot you wanted. Combining an event shoot with human portraiture is down to reflexes, timing, knowledge and a dash of the unknown.

Portraits - Art & Environmental

2006-09-14T14:39:00.000+08:00

A portrait isn't simply a photograph of a handsome or pretty face, but should include a face. Here are two of my favourites, taken without the participation of the models. Art? Mmm.. maybe, environmental? Well, you tell me what you think of the chap sleeping publicly in laid-back Chinatown. Sure beats the typical posed portrait on a bike, horse or army fatigues with a forest backdrop *yawn*...

Portraits - Animals

2006-09-14T14:24:00.000+08:00

Animals are a challenge to photograph, because you cannot pose them and in some cases they bite. With loads of patience and tenacity sometimes its possible to get that one picture that makes the sweat and aching muscles worthwhile.

Transition

2006-09-08T12:57:00.000+08:00

Transition
The unknown is always scary. But with faith, nothing is impossible.

The Open Road

2006-09-08T12:54:00.000+08:00

The Open Road
No traffic jam, no road tax, no parking woes and no silly ERP charges. Just you on the open "road" and the wind brushing your face.

The Guest

2006-09-08T12:47:00.000+08:00

The Guest
Ever felt like the odd one out? The wallflower at a party? Not here.

Somewhere Out There

2006-09-08T12:41:00.000+08:00

Somewhere Out There
What do you see? Nothing. What do you expect? Something. Its called FAITH.

Power Struggle

2006-09-08T12:35:00.000+08:00

Power Struggle
Without the power grid, would there be electricity for our needs? Without diesel, would there be electricity at all? Without the sun, would there be life over the ages to give us natural fuel? Without God creating all of this, would any of it be at all?

2006-09-08T12:31:00.000+08:00

On Guard
A lone dog stands watch at a kelong, guarding over his master's property against the constantly marauding and opportunistic gulls and egrets.

Sunset In Kukup

2006-09-08T12:24:00.000+08:00

>
Sunset In Kukup
Sunset marks the end of another idle day in sleepy Kukup, the sun's reflection on the sea stretches out like the ever-growing number of stilt-houses into the sea.

Kukup Dusk

2006-09-08T12:21:00.000+08:00

Kukup Dusk
In the fading minutes the sun throws a final burst of defiance before retreating from Kukup for the day, bowing out to the night sky.

Golgotha

2006-09-08T12:19:00.000+08:00

Golgotha
Google for this one and tell me what you see.

Kelong Life

2006-09-08T12:11:00.000+08:00

Kelong Life
No fancy BMW in the driveway and automatic gate, just cruise up in your motorised sampan and your dogs will greet you wherever you ''park'' at the end of the day.

Goalkeeper

2006-09-08T11:47:00.000+08:00

Goalkeeper
Game for football in the mud?

Face Off

2006-09-08T11:41:00.000+08:00

Face Off
Mudskippers are hardly the docile creatures that we think. These two were having a real go at one another, oblivious to anything else around them, including the excited photographers zapping them with their flashes.

Dinner-time

2006-09-08T11:37:00.000+08:00

Dinner-time
The rising marsh tide brings with it a fresh meal. Much like life in the city, miss the ''opening hours'' and you'll go hungry.

Journey At Dawn

2006-09-08T11:30:00.000+08:00

Journey At Dawn
A bus ride at dawn is a great way to start getting the most out of the day. Make hay while the sun shines.

Seafood Restaurant

2006-09-07T15:08:00.000+08:00

Seafood Restaurant
A resident crab beckons visitors to be dinner at its own restaurant.

All Mine

2006-09-07T15:06:00.000+08:00

All Mine
A fisherman's dream, casting off a pier with the spoils all to himself.

Walking In the Light

2006-09-07T13:31:00.000+08:00

Walking In the Light
Sunrise in Kukup was disappointing due to the obstructing mangrove and cloudy sky. A stork landed some distance away and its amazing what a little faith in God and a simple prayer can do as the stork turned around and headed our way. Then it slowed to a stroll in the shimmering reflection of the rising sun, making it all worthwhile.

Waiting (B&W)

2006-09-07T13:29:00.000+08:00

Waiting
Sitting outside his hut everyday in the same spot, time and tide passes by slowly before his eyes. Age has no bearing on him as he patiently waits, knowing that eventually the inevitable time will come for....... lunch. : )

Vegan

2006-09-07T13:27:00.000+08:00

Vegan
Do mudskippers eat mud? I don't know but I think this one's a vegan.

Us

2006-09-07T13:26:00.000+08:00

Us
Just you and I, the open sea, the vast open sky and tomorrow limited only by where we want to go today. This was my favourite shot of the whole trip.

Tyred Mess

2006-09-07T13:24:00.000+08:00

Tyred Mess
Ever wondered how people who fall off the road into the swamp below get back up? Why, the tyre of course! Nah.. I asked a native and he told me each house has steps although I never saw one...

Torn (B&W)

2006-09-07T13:23:00.000+08:00

Torn
Left to the mercy of the elements, this broken bridge once conveyed people to and from home daily. I wonder how do they get over this gap now? If this is how your life feels today, Jesus can bridge that gap.

The Crib

2006-09-07T13:21:00.000+08:00

The Crib
TEXT
Climb to top of viewing tower: 200 gasping breaths
View from there: not worth the sweat for endless tree tops
Picture of Chris in The Crib: priceless

That's The Spot

2006-09-07T13:20:00.000+08:00

That's The Spot
Who says you can't scratch an itch without fingers? Boy! Try using your toes to do this!

Succession Plan

2006-09-07T13:18:00.000+08:00

Succession Plan
An excavator works late into the night, tearing down an old house against a backdrop of the new jetty. Hurry, visit Kukup before it looks like Geylang Serai!

Stink: Fields Of Chinchialok

2006-09-07T13:13:00.000+08:00

Stink: Fields Of Chinchialok
Next time you dip your barbequed stingray in that chinchialok sauce, you'll know where it came from. Just be thankful you didn't have to stand downwind like I did to see this... : P

Roadside Tan (B&W)

2006-09-07T13:11:00.000+08:00

Roadside Tan
Delicious cuttlefish slabs don't come from a plastic envelope. They go from the sea to the cleaning stations to the roadside to get them sun-dried. Don't be surprised if the next piece you eat came from this batch!

Returned

2006-09-07T13:09:00.000+08:00

Returned
Once a proud new addition to the police coast guard this shell of a boat has been literally returned to its roots, the very fabric from which it was born.

Home Proud? (B&W)

2006-09-07T13:07:00.000+08:00

Home Proud?
Renovation contractors will find business a challenge as the general attitude of Kukup seems to be "if it ain't broke don't fix it".

Main Street (B&W)

2006-09-07T13:05:00.000+08:00

Main Street
Typical scene of a family vehicle - a 100cc motorbike carrying 3 to 6 people, zipping down at break-neck speed along the main and only street of Kukup village.

Left Behind (B&W)

2006-09-07T13:03:00.000+08:00

Left Behind
Home Alone redefined by this lonely boat as it cuts a pathetic figure against the open seas just beyond its reach, weighed down by its problems, left behind and abandoned.

Leaky

2006-09-06T18:05:00.000+08:00

Leaky
So I'm not the only one who spills my food. This stork or crane or egret - the jury's still out on it - was one huge bird. Even at about 50m away it still looked huge with a 300mm telephoto lens.

Kukup Kelong Staff

2006-09-06T17:36:00.000+08:00

Kukup Kelong Staff
I boarded a kelong armed with my portrait lens, ready to shoot a seasoned fisherman's portrait. But lo and behold it was a foodstuff stall manned by two young girls. The dog was the next best thing to photograph. Sorry ladies...

Done For The Day

2006-09-06T17:19:00.000+08:00

Done For The Day
In Kukup the ''business hours'' are from daybreak to late morning. Sometimes I wished my working hours were that short and lifestyle idyllic, then again, I'd probably be the one being photographed instead.

2006-09-06T17:17:00.000+08:00

Comfort Zone (colour)
The same picture as the one below, but in original colour. Due to the riot of colours and lack of a strong key subject I prefer the b&w version.

Comfort Zone (B&W)

2006-09-06T17:14:00.000+08:00

Comfort Zone
Who says Kukup is all backward country? In spite of the simple kampung lifestyle, some have integrated creature comforts. Actually I thought airconditioners to be quite redundant in a cool breezy place like Kukup...

Breakfast Is Served

2006-09-06T17:11:00.000+08:00

Breakfast is Served
The early bird gets the worm, but in Kelong City (aka Kukup), the early bird gets the free fishies as this egret demonstrates with a swift approach at daybreak. I wonder if it tasted better than the ikan bilis in my nasi lemak?

Blue Perch

2006-09-06T16:54:00.000+08:00

Blue Perch
A curious onlooker to the bunch of tired photographers resting in a sheltered hut. His two friends flew away as I cautiously approached, but this bird gamely posed for me.

Hope Of A New Day

2006-09-06T14:05:00.000+08:00

Hope Of A New Day
In the midst of a marsh wasteland the sun rises faithfully, to signal the start of a new day, bringing with it unending hope for a fresh start.

Services & Rates

2006-08-30T16:30:00.001+08:00

If you'd like more information please leave a comment with your email address.

Please read this first: My approach

WEDDING (12 HOURS)

Reporting: Photographer will report to bride’s or groom's home. Timing and location is flexible and should be pre-arranged.

Photographs:
· All photographs will be returned in DVD/ CD-ROM in high-resolution JPEG format.
· There is no set limit on the number of photographs taken, however only good ones will be returned.
· A set of low-resolution photographs will be produced for your viewing and print-selection within 5 working days in softcopy. These can also be used on your personal websites/ blogs.
· Three 8R borderless prints will be printed from your selection.

Duration: 12 hours of photography services.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

WEDDING (7 HOURS)

Reporting: Photographer will report to bride’s or groom's home. Timing and location is flexible and should be pre-arranged.

Photographs:
· All photographs will be returned in DVD/ CD-ROM in high-resolution JPEG format.
· There is no set limit on the number of photographs taken, however only good ones will be returned.
· A set of low-resolution photographs will be produced for your viewing and print-selection within 5 working days in softcopy. These can also be used on your personal websites/ blogs.
· Three 8R borderless prints will be printed from your selection.

Duration: 7 hours of photography services.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

WEDDING (4 HOURS)

Reporting: Photographer will report to ROM/ place of solemnization at pre-arranged time.

Photographs:
· All photographs will be returned in DVD/ CD-ROM in high-resolution JPEG format.
· There is no set limit on the number of photographs taken, however only good ones will be returned.
· A set of low-resolution photographs will be produced for your viewing and print-selection within 5 working days in softcopy. These can also be used on your personal websites/ blogs.
· Three 8R borderless prints will be printed from your selection.

Duration: 4 hours of photography services.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

EVENTS/ FUNCTIONS (5 HOURS)

Reporting: Photographer will report to event venue at pre-arranged time.

Photographs:
· All photographs will be returned in DVD/ CD-ROM in high-resolution JPEG format.
· There is no set limit on the number of photographs taken, however only good ones will be returned.
· A set of low-resolution photographs will be produced for your viewing and print-selection within 3 working days in softcopy. These can also be used on your personal websites/ blogs.
· 20 4R borderless prints will be printed from your selection.

Duration: 5 hours of photography services.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

PORTRAITS (2-HOUR BLOCKS)

Reporting: Photographer will report on-location at pre-arranged time.

Photographs:
· All photographs will be returned in DVD/ CD-ROM in high-resolution JPEG format.
· There is no set limit on the number of photographs taken, however only good ones will be returned.
· A set of low-resolution photographs will be produced for your viewing and print-selection within 3 working days in softcopy. These can also be used on your personal websites/ blogs.
· Three 8R borderless prints will be printed from your selection.

Duration: 2 hours of photography services.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Rates

Wedding (12 hours) $600
Chinese wedding (morning tea ceremony), dinner

Wedding (7 hours) $400
Day-time wedding and reception

Wedding (4 hours) $250
ROM, and if time permits, a simple lunch ceremony

Events (5 hours) $300
Company functions, cocktails, birthday parties

Portraits (2 hours) $100

Prints (only for photographs I’ve taken)
I strongly recommend that you use the services of a print centre or print your own as these are respectively convenient and cheap. But if you require, I will print 4R and 8R on Canon glossy photo paper:
- 4R each $1.20
- 8R each $4.00

S T O P !!

2006-08-30T16:30:00.000+08:00

Please read this first:

I have a very different approach to photography than the commercial guys:

1. I charge a lot less than market (many services are at least 40% higher), and my rates are only enough to cover my costs, time and effort. Its not to undercut anyone, its simply because this is not my day job, and I don’t hide costs (see “prints” below).

2. There's no limit on the number of photographs I shoot and return, as long as they are good (i.e. not out of focus, exposure is acceptable, didn't catch your friend’s head when he surged ahead of me etc). Withholding them will serve me no purpose.

3. The photos are all taken, and returned in high-resolution JPEG files (3008x2000 pixels) and not reduced to 1Mb (1024x768). I know of many photographers who do it these days - and offer to sell the high-resolution copies separately. Frankly I think that's blackmail and very unfair.

4. This is not my full-time job, so I will need a couple of days to turn around the photographs. I also don't wish to simplify the process for convenience sake and just burn all images to disc. I place a lot of pride in each photograph I take and put my name to, so each one will be reviewed individually and adjusted for levels, colour, cropped etc if required.

5. I don’t appreciate clients who are out to get their money’s worth. If you must dictate the minimum number of photographs to take, insist on providing artistic input or simply love micro-managing me, then you should look for a photographer who’s only interested in your business. I care about the results, I treat each portrait, event and wedding like my own. So please don’t make me compromise on passion, because I won’t.

6. Prints:

Many photography “packages” offer a hand-crafted album, a few hundred prints and other little frills. In line with my nature, I’ve opted not to follow the crowd.

However I also understand people’s need to physically handle a photograph so at no extra/ hidden cost (honestly), I’ve decided to throw in print quantities which I feel are sufficient for the immediate term without making me behave like the rest.

Take a wedding service for example, 3 x 8Rs are good enough to frame up at home, and give one each to both sets of parents. These days it is inexpensive to print our own photos or to use printing services.

Some photographers tend to use these in “package deals” to pad the service cost. Personally I know how tight a wedding budget can be so I'm not including these frills (and don't recommend it – I can share with you my experiences on $3000 white-elephant albums). But in order to provide a holistic service, if you must insist, I will personally print your photographs in 4R or 8R priced at a simple formula of ink and paper cost divided by a pack of 100 sheets. I’ll outsource those nice hand-crafted albums to people who take pride in making them (and have the skills!).

7. Copyright (this is where I don't differ from any artist):
I retain copyright on all photographs. They may be used solely by me for portfolio, competition or advertising purposes only. If you are uncomfortable with that, let me know. I'm not a stickler for rules. However, all photographs and images on this site belong to me and may not be downloaded for the purpose of reproduction, alteration, plagiarism for commercial or whatever purpose. Yes, I will sell my photographs (full-sized copies) if you wish to buy them. If you need a photograph for a school or charity-organisation project, please at least have the courtesy to write to me for permission first, its very likely that I will say yes. : )

8. Contacting me:
I can be reached via email at simonwlchan@gmail.com
If you have my mobile number you can call me on that too. : )

About this blog...

2006-08-28T21:46:00.000+08:00

If you came to this blog via my calling card and are wondering why I didn't advertise this URL instead, its because:

1. I decided that a home blog would be better off left to my musings so I moved my photography to a dedicated site.

2. I feel strongly that using a photography service is about being comfortable with the photographer you engage - art comes before business. Hence you should know more about me before even asking me to take your picture.

Its not an attitude, I'm not some stuck-up prima donna or self-glorified artist. However I do take pride in my photography process and results.

So I wouldn't enjoy shooting for people who only want to milk the photographer for their money's worth, or whinge about my "attitude". Read my home blog, its the real me. : )