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.

Friday, May 29, 2009

H1N50D New Home

H1N50D's new home finally came. Aipo AP-38EX is her home's name. The relative humidity percentage in my room is 63%. That is quite high, I guess and its not a good condition for camera and lense. Glad I got her a home where she can be safe and sound; away from fungus. Here are some shots of her home.

Wednesday, May 27, 2009

Read the whole bloody manual

On another note, today I have accomplished another feat. I managed to read the whole bloody 50D manual. Made several mental notes but then again, practices make perfect. And that is what I will do.

Now where shall I go?

Aipo AP 38-EX Dry Cabinet + Me

I have made an order for an Aipo AP 38-EX Dry Cabinet. That cost me RM350. Well whether its worth it or not is another question. To me, its an investment to ensure that my equipment are in good condition; most of the time. It would really be a bummer to have my body and lens covered with unwanted fungus.

My room is particularly humid, probably because I am in here most of the time I guess.

The dry cabinet will most likely reach here this Friday.

Me + Brahminy Kite

Me in action at KL Bird Park :D Thanks to Kian Ming for shooting me.

Tuesday, May 26, 2009

22.05.2009 - Birds In Captivity Series (B&W)

This is the black and white version of the 22.05.2009 - Birds In Captivity Series. I prefer it to be black and white. Should have did the first one all in black and white. Anyway, enjoy.

22.05.2009 - 2009 KL Bird Park Outing (B&W)

This is the black and white version of the 22.05.2009 - 2009 KL Bird Park Outing. Enjoy :D

Sunday, May 24, 2009

06.09.2008 - Jurong Bird Park

This is my photography outing to Jurong Bird Park, Singapore. I was there last year with Kian Ming, Samuel Loh and Fung Keat. During this shoot, my gear was a Nikon D70 with Sigma 18-200mm f/3.5-6.3 DC Autofocus Aspherical Zoom Lens (Sigma AF) borrowed from Yik Hoe. At that time, I did not owned any DSLR.Many of the shots were out of focus as I was unfamiliar with the camera and its settings. However, I did get quite a number of decent shots.

23.05.2009 - Launch of Super GT 2009

My second outing to play with my camera. I did not take much shots of the Super GT queens. I really did not know what purpose should I have the need to shoot them more than 3-4 times.

It was quite amusing to see so many men shooting away like these girls were some sort of celebrity. May be they were, but then again, how would I know :D. I could not careless, there were nothing there worth while for me to shoot. Most of the time I was by the shade.
There were only a few cars at the event location.
The car
The side mirror
No idea what this is
The rear
The rear light
A lot of reds today.

Saturday, May 23, 2009

22.05.2009 - Birds In Captivity Series

During my visit to the KL Bird Park, I finally had the gear to complete a series which had long to do for so long. This series was inspired from another photographer friend of mine, Mr. Sanjit. We were on a photo outing in KL Bird Park a couple of years ago. He mentioned about doing this theme, at that point I got inspired and decided to come up with my very own version.

To be honest, I kind of forgotten about this series until I came back walking the paths of the KL Bird Park. To me, the bird park resembles prison or genocide camp but for birds. Memories flashed back on my visit to the killing fields and camps in Cambodia.

Sad to see them in captivity just for the entertainment of us human. No living being should be denied their freedom. It is so selfish of us humans thinking we are actually helping the animals.

So I just had to complete this series, "Birds In Captivity" since now I am able to express them through my photographs. Thanks to my new gears.

Enjoy the photographs and captions.



"The 'cells' where they call home. Just a small opening to call a door. No window, no proper ventilation."



"Help me get out"



"Please Mister, help me"



"I have not slept for days"



Many cells were erected to 'accommodate' the captive population.



No way out



Our 'home'



Twisted fate.



"What are you looking at?"



These were just a few of the hundreds scattered around.



"Mister! Got a smoke? I could really use one right now."



Overcrowded


LOCKED



Behind Bars FOR LIFE



"Look what they did to me, I am a peacock for heaven sake"



This is what they do to those who tried to escape the 'facilities' and failed.

Friday, May 22, 2009

22.05.2009 - 2009 KL Bird Park Outing

Today I decided to take my new Canon 50D and Canon EF-S 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6 IS out to the KL Bird Park to have a test run on her capabilities. Started of a bit jittery as it was my first time using such a hi-end camera. I still have not read all its functions. Anyway, here are some of my shots which I took today. Enjoy.


-----

KL Bird Park General Information

SAFARI BIRD PARK & WONDERLAND SDN. BHD.
920 Jalan Cenderawasih Taman Tasik Perdana 50480 Kuala Lumpur MALAYSIA

General enquiries
Tel : 03 - 2272 1010
Fax : 03 - 2273 5428
Email : info@klbirdpark.com

Marketing & Promotions Department
(School Groups & Travel Agents)
Ms. Vin Shee / Ms. Nur-Elliena
Marketing & Promotion Executive
vin@klbirdpark.com
info@klbirdpark.com

By public transport
  • Rapid KL Bus No. B115 from Kotaraya to Jalan Parlimen;
  • KL Hop-On-Hop-Off Double Decker Tour Bus Service, disembark at station No. 14 in front of KL Bird Park Main Entrance. Buses available at every 30 to 45 minutes interval;
  • By KTM Commuter Train, disembark at the KTM Old Railway Kuala Lumpur Station located near the National Mosque;
  • Just 5 minutes walk from the National Museum.
If you are driving
  • From Jalan Bangsar, head straight towards KTM Railway Station round-a-bout, turn left towards Masjid Negara;
  • From Jalan Mahameru, turn left into Jalan Parlimen. At traffic light, turn right towards the Kuala Lumpur Lake Gardens.
Admission
ADULT (Standard) RM 39.00
CHILDREN (3 - 12 years old)(Standard) RM 29.00

ADULT (with MyKad) RM 15.00
CHILDREN (3 - 12 years old)(with MyKid) RM 6.00

Opening Hours
The park is open daily from 9.00am to 6.00pm (including weekends and public holidays)

Daily Activities
  • Additional Bird Show at 10.30am, Zone 4 Amphitheater on Public Holidays only.
  • All activities are subject to changes due to weather conditions.