While throwing in the best under eye cream to our luggage for our family trip, it accidentally hit my kits lens. I realized I had been bringing too much of a camera for a vacation. I bring a DSLR with its kit lens and 50mm, and a digicam for wider range. Well, for one, a vacation is supposed to be relaxing. And carrying too much stuff is no relaxing at all.

No wonder most photographers, who are on a vacation, and just want to have fun with family (or friends), just bring their 18-200mm lens. Makes perfect sense.

While one application is being deployed to the operations team, an officemate showed me a video of her friend who bungee jumped at the Macau Tower. I was happy to see a sample video as the husband is planning to jump on Thursday. Yes he will jump, and I’m hoping that he won’t be complaining of any joint pain after the jump.

At least, I now know that my planned video-taking from below is perfect as the video (included in the package) will be taken from above (from one’s right). That way, both perspective will be covered. I just hope I get it right as the husband is only doing it once.

I can’t believe we’re now just 4 days away from our family trip to Macau. It’s just too soon! We haven’t prepared as much as we should, considering the time left. All I know is that the husband want to bungee jump, I want to ride the gondola (although I’m not sure yet if BG will be up to it) and take lots of pictures. We even haven’t decided yet if we really want to cross over to Hong Kong to go to Ocean Park.

Ok, maybe we’re not as unprepared as I think we are. We have booked for our hotel rooms months ago, for one. It’s not a five star hotel, not even sure if there are faux wood blinds that I am fond of. But it is near the Fisherman’s Wharf. I am hoping to take photos of the place in the morning AND in the evening. The hotel is also near the ferry, which is a good thing as most free shuttles’ terminal is near the ferry.

Hmmm, the only problem is I’m not sure how near is “near” that they were saying in the forums.

It will be February next week. What month is more romantic to tie the knot than the month of hearts itself. No wonder churches and hotels are fully booked for February weekend weddings not only this year, but for the next 3 years. Those who were able to save and plan ahead (like 2 years in advance), have the advantage of choosing their church and reception venue. They have the option of holding the ceremony in a church, a garden or on a beach.

More and more couples prefer destination weddings bringing together close friends and relatives to witness the union of two people in love. And what could be more romantic than the white sand beaches of Riviera Maya? Check their packages now and find that perfect wedding and honeymoon that you truly deserve.

I use to wonder why jewelry magazine always showcase their pieces of loose diamonds on a black felt-like materials. When I started learning about photography, I realized jewelry is one of the most difficult to photograph.

They say it’s like taking pictures of mirrors. You avoid the light (from the flash) to be reflected and at the same time, avoid a reflection of yourself to be photographed. Thus, jewelry photographers make use of a light box.

Above all, and like any other photography, a good knowledge of lighting is a good start. I found a very good page on this to get one started.

The old practice is to position the camera on eye level for close-ups (shoulder shots). While for whole body shots, on waist level.

I’m no expert but I’m about to share what have been the practice of more “adventurous” type of photographers.

For people who wants to look slim on their photos, the camera man should position himself from above making the subject look up to him. You could place it on high tv stands or use a ladder. This has been the favorite shots of teenagers using their mobile phones.

For celebrities (e.g. politicians), you would always want to position the camera a little below the subject’s eyeline. Some even dare to position the camera below the subject’s waistline. This is to make the one viewing the photo “look up” to the one on the photo.

Moreover, you can experiment different places of your camera to achieve creative shots. Happy shooting!

Someone asked me why I stopped taking pictures. I did not stop. I am just taking a break. I started to feel that I need either a wide lens or a really good digital camera (there are good ones in the market for wide range). Plus, money for travel so I could explore more. That’s my setback. I chose not to give priority to this hobby in our budget. Well, like I said, it is my choice.

I’m being fair to my husband who I know would love to purchase his home entertainment system. For sure, he’s been picturing one LCD plasma on a flat panel mount. He even shared that he’d be motivated to run the treadmill in front of it.

Well, I think there’s time for everything. We’ll just have to wait.

Yesterday, I heard that one of our much loved benefit (my favorite actually) is going to be scrapped. Like any other setbacks I have encountered, I thought of the best possible action that the husband and I could take. For now, we just have to wait.

I’m pretty sure it would affect our family budget a little. It’s possible that it could in a good way. Still, I’m happy with the other benefits that the company is giving such as medical coverage. I’m not sure if we are covered by any life insurance policy from the company.

I suddenly feel that the benefits are being scrapped one by one. I hope they give us some back or give new ones once the business picks up again.

I have successfully resized and uploaded MOST photos taken from Christmas eve, Christmas party, family reunion and other more events. During the Christmas shutdown, I hardly went online. I was too much in my vacation mode to even just download the photos from the camera. I even forgot to buy Dolan lighting that I was supposed to last Christmas.

Anyway, back to reality. I’ve started training on my new role. I’ve also “helped” some friends and uploaded their resumes to the company sharepoint. It’s my simple way of helping them find work. So far, 2010 has been good to me. I know it’s just been like two weeks. I’m quite optimistic. Hope I continue to be so.

I have successfully avoided rice for more than 2 weeks now. I honestly do not see any weight loss, but I’m quite happy that even consuming so much pasta and cake, among others, I do not feel as bloated as I know I should be.

Still, getting into a regimen, putting a fitness equipment to good use, wouldn’t hurt. At this age, I know I need to get into shape. The husband knows too, as he now regularly goes to gym near our place. If only I have the same motivation as he has.

For now, I’ll just stick to this no-rice diet. One step at a time, perhaps.

BG has received her Christmas wish from her auntie-la Chito: Baby Alive! When asked what her baby doll name is, she’d say “Alice” which I have no idea where she got.

I’d like to share the experience of our aunt while buying the said doll. Upon seeing BG’s shout-out at Facebook (more like my shout out for my husband), she promised she’ll be the one to buy the doll for her one and only grandchild. But upon checking the price before Christmas, she decided she’d wait for the after-holiday sale.

Sale around her place was last Dec 28th so she tried looking for the doll. Unfortunately, no more stock was available. She asked the saleslady where she could buy the doll, and found out that one store near her place still have stocks. Since it was late, she decided to buy the following day.

Early in the morning, she went to the store and saw that there were only two available dolls with a 50% discount sticker. But since it was a day after the sale, the POS systems read its full price, instead of the discounted one. She complained to the cashier that the stickers were confusing for the customers. With that, they gave her the discount.

When she looked back at the last doll, the salesmen were removing the discount sticker.

Aaw, the Disney movie themed get-together party we’ve been planning will be simplified. Good that it won’t be postponed but the theme was lifted. Since a relative is sick, and while her NC health insurance has been very helpful, it was decided that having a grand party will be inconsiderate of her situation.

The theme would have been costly. We will just go as we are, just like our previous reunions. Well, I’ll miss that supposed photo opp, but it’s fine. I’ll get to take shots of the smiles and hugs shared among relatives. That’s what matters.

Parties are everywhere! Even if we have no work, we’ve been staying up late to attend get-together’s. I think dark circles are starting to show. I hope they’ll be minimized soon, after New year’s eve, maybe?

I’ve been busy shopping for gifts, and meeting up with friends. It is just so fun that for two weeks, it’s no work all play for me. Yes, shopping is definitely play.

I think we’re almost done with our shopping. But I have yet to find a Mulan costume for me, the hubby and the daughter. These are for our Disney-movie-themed family reunion. Good luck to us.

I had a throbbing headache last night so I went to bed early. Quite expectedly, I woke up at 4am today. I was waiting for the golden hour to take pictures of the garden, but when I went out, it was too cold, not only for me but for my lens which had been clouded with fog. There’s no more denying that Christmas is near.

Anyway, I decided to go inside, and just browse for insurance quotes while drinking my coffee. Yes, I need coffee every morning, one way of making sure I don’t have a migraine attack later today. But what triggered my migraine yesterday was eating a bar of Cadburry dark chocolates. Well, I should note that. Eat chocolates ONLY when I’m not going out or to work. :p

Migraine or no migraine, I wish to take lots of pictures this month. Keeping my fingers crossed.