About the Fotogelafer

Welcome to Fotogelafer.com. I am Wan Cheng Huat AKA the Fotogelafer. Here is a short write up about how photography came into my life.

All my life, I can say that I have always been attuned with art. When I was much younger, I loved to draw. How did I know that? Well, I never could stop picking up a pen or a pencil to start imprinting what I saw. Drawing became a part of my life. As years pass me by, I soon realized that my ‘addiction’ actually soothes me, my feelings, my emotions and most of all my soul.

When I turned 16, I decided to join my school’s photography club and loved it almost instantly. Photography, in many ways, was and still is similar with drawing; instead of capturing images with my pen or pencil, I am now able to capture them with my camera.

I was overwhelmed with enthusiasm and learnt all I could from wherever I could. I remember reading through all the Reader's Digest I could get to obtain photography tips which were usually the advertisements of Kodak or Canon or Fujifilm. At that time, it was my only source where I could learn about shutter speed, aperture settings and how to play around to get my intended effects. Even now, after over 10 years, I still keep those files which still have those Reader's Digest pages.

I could remember the moment when I first picked up a camera; I knew that there was no turning back. Cameras and films were my new tools to express my new found identity.

But as time pass, technology became more advance and soon enough photography became digital. Only after 10 years, I finally abandon film photography; as it became more and more expensive and obsolete. However, I will cherish all those negatives which are now lying in my dry box. Nothing can replace them.

Enjoy my photographs.

Wednesday, June 24, 2009

Me in BreadTalk: Japan Travel Blog Contest

I just submitted an application to the BreadTalk: Japan Travel Blog Contest. I came across this contest a few weeks ago but did not have any inspiration to capture myself eating the bread; until today.

At 5.30pm, I made my way to BreadTalk in Sunway Pyramid (situated at LG2 near the ice rink. Just look for McDonald and head towards Marrakesh). Half way walking to Pyramid the whole sky started turning very dark. Oops rain is about to visit Sunway. I paced up my speed.

Upon reaching BreadTalk, I started searching for the buns which had the Japan Travel Blog tag. Unfortunately, I only found one. It was the Harajuku.

The Harajuku was surprisingly nice :D I am not saying this for the sake of saying, its really nice :D Anyway, last night I had the Teriyaki Chicken (which is also one of the special bread); which was even more awesome. I wish I could have another bite of the Teriyaki Chicken. Too bad I did not capture any shot of the latter. Anyway, this is my submission for the contest

Sunday, June 21, 2009

List of Mountains and Hills in Malaysia based on their heights

I came across this list of mountains and hills in Malaysia. I would definitely love to climb all of them. I will keep this in this blog as a reminder of good outings to plan for. Mark in red is the number of times I have climbed the particular mountain or hill.

List of Mountains and Hills in Malaysia based on their heights (Feet)

1. Gunung Kinabalu - 13,455, Sabah Kinabalu Park, Sabah (4 times)
2. Gunung Trusmadi - 8,669, Sabah
3. Gunung Tambuyukon - 8,462, Sabah
4. Gunung Murud - 7,946, Sarawak
5. Gunung Mulu - 7,795, Mulu Park, Sarawak
6. Gunung Tahan - 7,174, Taman Negara, Pahang
7. Gunung Korbu - 7,162, Ipoh, Perak
8. Gunung Yong Belar - 7,156, Perak/Kelantan
9. Gunung Gayong - 7,129, Perak
10. Gunung Chamah - 7,122, Tasek Temenggor, Perak/Kelantan
11. Gunung Yong Yap - 7,113, Kuala Mu, Sungai Siput, Perak/Kelantan
12. Gunung Ulu Sepat - 7,089, Tasek Temenggor, Perak/Kelantan
13. Gunung Batu Putih - 6,990, Kg. Sg. Woh Tapah, Perak
14. Gunung Tama Abu - 6,930, Banjaran Tama Abu, Sarawak
15. Gunung Irau - 6,924, Cameron Highland, Pahang
16. Gunung Benom - 6,914, Jerantut, Pahang
17. Gunung Apd Runan - 6,900, Sarawak Kelabit Highland, Sarawak
18. Gunung Gerah - 6,898, Perak/Kelantan
19. Puncak - 6852, Perak
20. Bukit Batu - 6,863, Sarawak
21. Bukit Batu Buli - 6,862, Banjaran Tama Abu, Sarawak
22. Gunung Tumang Batak - 6,830, Perak
23. Gunung Berembun - 6,817, Perak
24. Gunung Bilah - 6,812
25. Gunung Berumbun (Wray's) - 6,808
26. Gunung Bieh - 6,800
27. Gunung Belatok - 6,800
28. Gunung Junction - 6,796, Perak/Pahang/Kelantan
29. Gunung Gedung - 6,776, Taman Negara, Pahang
30. Bukit Batu Lawit - 6,712, Banjaran Tama Abu, Sarawak
31. Gunung Berinchang - 6,664, Cameron Highland, Pahang
32. Bukit Batu Iran - 6,620, Sarawak
33. Gunung Tangga - 6,609, Cameron Highland, Pahang
34. Gunung Bubu - 5,144, Banjaran Titiwangsa, Perak
35. Gunung Swettenham - 6,434, Perak
36. Gunung Shoid - 6,387
37. Gunung Ulu Kechau - 6,380
38. Gunung Liang Timur - 6,343, Behrang Ulu/Tg. Malim, Perak
39. Gunung Liang Barat - 6,342, Behrang Ulu/Tg. Malim, Perak
40. Gunung Berhid - 6,334, Kelantan
41. Gunung Challi (Pondok) - 6,307
42. Gunung Siku - 6,284, Cameron Highland, Pahang
43. Gunung Tok Nenek - 6,284
44. Gunung Noring - 6,197, Perak
45. Gunung Bintang - 6,110, Kedah/Perak
46. Gunung Noring East - 6,106, Kg. Kuala Balah, Kelantan
47. Gunung Beremban - 6,041, Pahang
48. Gunung Basor - 6,038, Kelantan
49. Gunung Semangko - 5,984, Kuala kubu Baharu, Selangor
50. Gunung Suku - 5,896, Perak
51. Gunung Kuar - 5,815
52. Gunung Ulu Kali - 5,814, Ulu Yam Baru, Selangor
53. Gunung Bujang - 5,812, Pahang
54. Gunung Tiga Negeri - 5,789
55. Gunung Raya - 5,759
56. Gunung Besar - 5,737, Lasah/Sg. Siput, Perak
57. Gunung Warpu - 5,724
58. Gunung Chabang - 5,612, Simpang Pulai(Kinta), Perak
59. Gunung Jasar - 5,565, Cameron Highland, Pahang
60. Gunung Rajah - 5,526, Bentong, Pahang
61. Gunung Ulu Semangkok - 5,473, Kuala Kubu Baharu, Selangor
62. Gunung Lotong - 5,459, Maliau Basin, Sabah
63. Gunung Bubu (Manong) - 5,437, Kuala Kangsar, Perak
64. Gunung Bah Gading - 5,318, Kg. Gedung/Bidor, Perak
65. Gunung Pulang - 5,259
66. Gunung Perdah - 5,173, Cameron Highland, Pahang
67. Gunung Ulu Jerneh - 5,172, Kg. Kelian/ Ijok/ Selama, Perak
68. Gunung Tera - 5,105
69. Gunung Tangga 15, - 5,049, Taman Negara, Pahang
70. Gunung Rabong - 5,047, Gua Musang, Kelantan
71. Gunung Ulu Titi Basah - 5,030, Tasek Temenggor, Perak
72. Gunung Lebah - 4,992, Kg. Ulu Selim(Slim River), Perak
73. Gunung Tapis - 4,960, Kuantan, Pahang
74. Gunung Ayam - 4,934, Kelantan
75. Gunung Nuang - 4,898, Pangsoon/Ulu Langat, Selangor
76. Gunung Bedong - 4,818, Cameron Highland, Pahang
77. Gunung Lawit - 4,982
78. Gunung Pangkin - 4,797, Taman Negara, Pahang
79. Gunung Besar Hantu - 4,794, Jelebu, N. Sembilan
80. Gunung Mandi Angin - 4,790, Dungun
81. Pine Hill Tree - 4,777, Frasiers Hill, Kuala Kubu Baru, Selangor
82. Gunung Ulu Merah - 4,757
83. Gunung Hijau (Maxwell) - 4,751, Taiping, Perak
84. Gunung Ulu Perus - 4,700, Taman Negara, Pahang
85. Gunung Bunga Buah - 4,690, Genting Highland, Pahang
86. Gunung Temiang - 4,098
87. Gunung Stong - 4,664
88. Gunung Chingkai - 4,583, Kg. Jalong/Sg. Siput, Perak
89. Gunung Diwangsa - 4,578, Taman Negara, Pahang
90. Gunung Ulu Bakar - 4,563, Taman Negara, Pahang
91. Gunung Bakar (Palas) - 4,560
92. Gunung Che Tahir - 4,523
93. Gunung Ulu Telang - 4,516
94. Gunung Gagau - 4,513, Taman Negara, Pahang
95. Gunung Menyelit - 4,467
96. Gunung Talang - 4,413
97. Gunung Ulu Bakau - 4,421, Selangor
98. Gunung Inas - 4,400, Kg. Kenering, Grik, Perak
99. Gunung Penrissen - 4,360, Sarawak
100. Gunung Ulu Soh - 4,343, Tasek Chenderoh, K. Kangsar, Perak
101. Gunung Padang - 4,314, Terengganu
102. Gunung Baha - 4,294
103. Gunung Kambing - 4,288
104. Gunung Berangkat - 4,254, Perhentian Bertam Baharu, Kelantan
105. Gunung Saji - 4,212
106. Gunung Ulu Tirus
107. Gunung Perlis - 4,195, Taman Negara, Pahang
108. Gunung Ledang - 4,187, Asahan/Sagil/Tangkak, Johor
109. Gunung Panggang Paku - 4,155, Cameron Highland, Pahang
110. Bukit Lata Papalang - 4,152, Kg. Tg. Pari(Baling), Kedah
111. Gunung Bujang Melaka - 4,048, Kampar, Perak
112. Gunung Surat - 4,031
113. Gunung Kenderong - 4,011, meter, Gerik.
114. Gunung Biong - 3,997, Kg. Baharu Sauk, Batu Kurau, Perak
115. Gunung Jerai (Gurun) - 3,992, Kuala Muda, Kedah
116. Gunung Reskit - 3,989, Taman Negara, Pahang
117. Gunung Gajah Terom - 3,958, Terengganu
118. Gunung Bokbak - 3,934, Perak
119. Gunung Telapa Buruk - 3,913, Kg. Ulu Klawang, N. Sembilan
120. Gunung Irong - 3,908, Pahang
121. Gunung Chintawangsa - 3,886
122. Gunung Kuak Rimau - 3,712, Grik
123. Gunung Kubang Badak - 3,650, Kg. Surau Baling, Kedah
124. Gunung Gabis - 3,627, Kg. Bkt Koman (Raub), Pahang
125. Gunung Penumpu - 3,590, Taman Negara, Pahang
126. Gunung Laris - 3,527
127. Gunung Terra - 3,503
128. Gunung Peninjau - 3,471, Chemor, Perak
129. Gunung Serundum - 3,462, Pancing/Kuantan, Pahang
130. Gunung Lerek - 3,441, Kg. K. Sentul, Pahang (Maran)
131. Gunung Kachang - 3,436
132. Gunung Kub
133. Gunung Birut
134. Gunung Tebu - 3,408, Terengganu
135. Gunung Belalai - 3,406
136. Gunung Besar - 3,398, Bekok Segamat, Johor
137. Gunung Belumut - 3,313, Kg. Kahang/Kluang, Johor
138. Gunung Perenggan - 3,275
139. Gunung Bekok - 3,126, Johor
140. Gunung Cherlak - 3,065
141. Gunung Datok - 2,900, Rembau, N. Sembilan
142. Gunung Raya - 2,890, Pulau Langkawi, Kedah
143. Gunung China - 2,890
144. Gunung Perak - 2,836, Kedah
145. Gunung Chirgoi - 2,804
146. Gunung Ulu Kemapan - 2,802
147. Gunung Chenuang - 2,788, Selangor
148. Gunung Tok Bidan - 2,763
149. Gunung Beremban - 2,753
150. Western Hill - 2,723, (Penang Hill) Pulau Pinang
151. Gunung Jua - 2,719
152. Gunung Angsi - 2,702, Kuala Pilah, N. Sembilan
153. Gunung Santubong - 2,657, Sarawak
154. Gunung Ulu Baranang - 2,654
155. Gunung Ulu Kaho - 2,600
156. Gunung Besar - 2,595
157. Gunung Kapal - 2,592
158. Gunung Bayu - 2,549
159. Gunung Berantai - 2,520
160. Gunung Tampin - 2,507, Tampin, Negeri Sembilan
161. Gunung Mat Chinchang - 2,339, Langkawi, Kedah
162. Gunung Pulai - 2,147, Pulai, Johor
163. Gunung Muntahak - 2,339, Kota Tinggi, Johor
164. Gunung Sumalayang - 2,018, Johor
165. Gunung Rajah - 1,890, Taman Negara, Pahang
166. Gunung Lambak - 1,673, Kluang, Johor
167. Gunung Senyum - 1,594, Felda Batu 25/Jengka, Pahang
168. Gunung Panti - 1,498, Kg. Lukut, Kota Tinggi, Johor
169. Bukit Takun - 1,450, Melawati/Ulu Klang, Selangor
170. Gunung Lubok Tedong, - 1,420, Melawati/Gombak Selangor
171. Gunung Lepo - 1,400, Ulu Langat, Selangor
172. Bukit Tabur - 1,300, Melawati/Ulu Klang, Selangor (3 times)

21.06.2009 - "Take a Picture for Conservation" Photo Competition

Today, Yik Hoe, his wife (Lee Ping) and me took some time off from the busy city life and made our way to Kota Damansara Community Forest to show our support to the Tree Party 2009 event organised by Wild Asia.Net. Our main reason there was actually to enter the "Take a Picture for Conservation" photo competition :) There were 2 themes for the competition; Nature and Candid Moments. Well we entered both.

We left Bandar Sunway slightly over 8.20am but unfortunately got held back by a police road block. Apparently at this very morning, there was cycling race in front of us and the police were stopping the traffic on the highway to make way for the cyclists. Well, there goes our breakfast time.
Lucky of us to get a 'police escort' all the way to Damansara. Now I really know how it feels like to have a police escort :D So cool.
Finally, we reach Kota Damansara Community slightly past 9.00am. The place was quite hard to find as the map on the Wild Asia.Net website was not really accurate. Anyway, we were there on time.
We registered and paid our entrance fees. RM30 for a good cause. A small price to pay to help create awareness on the environment.
After registration, I had a little chat with Adrian, of Malaysian Youth Climate Justice Network (MyCJN). Good to hear that more and more youth are getting more aware with the impending situation which we will have to endure in the future if we do not do anything now. Change has to happen and it has to start now. Adrian mentioned about Climate Refugee Camps. Quite an interesting perspective to ponder on. Imagine hundreds of millions of refugees flocking to our country not because of war but because of the menacing environmental changes caused by uncontrolled and unmonitored human activities.
As much as I like to continue the conversation, I had to make my way to start snapping away.

So enjoy the shots I took.
Tree Party 2009 activities. Planting plants and partying? No idea how it will mix, even though I am a conservationist by degree, I have never come across this approach.To some, a hole in a ground is association with death or remorse, in this case, its about giving life and hope.Look our hands are dirty :D Proves that we were working HARD.Pink Doing Green.Shots of kids trekking in the jungle. The trek was not really a tough one, just nice for the kids to have a good dose of environmental education while sweating it out and enjoying the fresh air. It was nice to be with nature again. I miss those days in Danum Valley, Lahad Datu, Sabah. Brings back good memories.Ray of sunlight gleaming through holes in a leave.These are the 2 photographs I have submitted to enter the competition.

Nature Category
Caption: Nature's Heart

Candid Moment Category
Caption: The best investment a father can give to his son. Planting a tree of life.

Wednesday, June 17, 2009

HDR-ed Aunt Lanny's Kitten

This is my first attempt to apply HDR effects on my photographs. I have used a recent photo I took during my visit to Seremban. I used Photomatix Pro 3 to achieve the HDR effects. The program was very easy to use and there are many tutorials out there to help out. All you have to do is Google for it. Below here is the original photograph.
This is the HDR photograph. I just love the blue eyes of this new kitty.Fullview of both the image are recommended to see the difference.

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Photographer: Wan Cheng Huat
Camera: Canon 50D + Canon 50mm f/1.8 prime
Location: Seremban, Malaysia
Taken On: June 14, 2009
Edits: Photomatix Pro 3

Monday, June 15, 2009

East Meets West

Here I am enjoying a Nyonya dumpling and some Whisky :DThis dumpling came all the way from Singapore and costs SGD3 a dumpling. It was huge compared with the local one we have here.
Deliciously filling.

Sunday, June 14, 2009

14.06.2009 - Seremban Outing

I was playing around with the new 50mm f/1.8 II during my visit to Seremban. Shot a lot of my Aunty Lanny's pet cat. Love the response of the lens, so far its good for me. Nice sharp images :D I just have to adjust from my habits of the 18-200mm to accustoms myself to 50mm.Mum got some local food. Its her fave. I had a few myself.
We had lunch at Yi Poh Loh Shu Fun Restaurant.
And finally close the day with some local Seremban chendol.
Grandma enjoy her bit.

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Photographer: Wan Cheng Huat
Camera: Canon 50D + Canon 50mm f/1.8 II
Location: Seremban, Malaysia
Taken On: June 14, 2009
Edits: Nil

Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 II

Just got a new eye for H1N50D, a Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 II. Beginning to love it :D

Monday, June 8, 2009

07.06.2009 - Samuel's Birthday Dinner at Pantai Seafood Restaurant

It was Samuel's birthday dinner at Pantai Seafood Restaurant. Recommendation by Chee Wing. The food was so-so, not very tasty and their service was Horrid with a capital H. Well this will surely happen when you hire foreign labour to help out.The clams, Thai chicken and Patin fish was good, the rest was just below average.
Present at the dinner was Han Leong and Joyce, Kian Ming, Fung Keat, Chee Wing, Jeffrey, me, Samuel and of course his NEW girlfriend, Denise.
Great time to catch up, especially when everyone is so busy leading their respective lives.
After filling ourselves with seafood, the cake was awaiting us. Thanks to the staffs, our RM70 Secret Recipe cake was half melted.

07.06.2009 - Bio-essence Tanaka White Fair-Y Tale Challenge

Yesterday morning I was at Ikea, Bandar Utama having breakfast with Chee Wing and Jeffrey. We gotten some last minute information that Raymond Lam and Linda Chung will be nearby for an event.
I had to go all the way back home to Bandar Sunway to get my camera and charge it.
Oh ya, the event was called Bio-essence Tanaka White Fair-Y Tale Challenge which was held at 1 Utama, Bandar Utama. Present there was also our very own Malaysian celebrity Sharifah Nor Azean Syed Mahadzir (Scha). She was really cute, from where I was standing, I thought she was a Japanese. Well I guess I was wrong. I was really far from the stage but thanks to the 18-200mm, it was a wonder. Most of the shot was good, it could be better if everyone were not pushing so much or if I was closer.

I decided to part myself from the ever growing crowd of the front stage. I made my way to the back of the stage, awaiting like a predator for his prey, but in this case it was just for a shot, a photo shot. After a long wait, I manage to get 1 feet from Raymond Lam, Linda Chung and Scha but I set the wrong setting for my camera and my shots came out blurred. I was quite disappointed but I was also quite happy to be able to experience this photo shoot. I do hope I will be able to enhance my skills or probably just get an external flash :D

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Photographer: Wan Cheng Huat
Camera: Canon 50D + Canon 18-200mm
Location: 1 Utama, Malaysia
Taken On: June 7, 2009
Edits: Photoshop CS3 (Crops)