Crash and burn, it wasn't pretty

It is only recently that I wrote (here) about an unfortunate experience a peer had in failing to produce work the client expected. Making mistakes is part of being human and I displayed my human-ness in one of the recent event photo shoot, missing one, I thought rather important, shot.

What would you do?

Many asked me to leave it out. However, experience tells me that the client will (always) ask, "Remember that picture you took of me....?" So there is no hiding my fault. Completely embarrassed by my mistake, I wrote to the client to apologise and offered all the pics free of charge...

To my surprise, the client came back telling me all is fine and they would use me for their coming functions. I was, and still am, so completely relieved and thankful. I vow to learn from this experience and never make the same mistake again!

This experience also reminded me of the unmerited favor and love that God has poured out on me (and on you). Fully aware of my weakness and failings, Jesus still went willingly to the cross for me (and for you).

Romans 5:8 "But God demonstrated His own love for us in this, while we were still sinners, Christ died for us."

"How deep the Father's love for us
How vast beyond all measure
That He should give His only Son
And make a wretch His treasure
How great the pain of searing loss
The Father turns His face away
As wounds which mar the Chosen One
Bring many sons to glory

Behold the man upon the cross
My sin upon His shoulder
Ashamed I hear my mocking voice
Call out among the scoffers
It was my sin that held Him there
Until it was accomplished
His dying breath has brought me life
I know that it is finished

I will not boast in anything
No gifts, no power, no wisdom
But I will boast in Jesus Christ
His death and resurrection
Why should I gain from His reward
I cannot give an answer
But this I know with all my heart
His wounds have paid my ransom"

lyrics by Stuart Townend

Fair Trade - The Big Swap

A fantastic social movement aimed to promote fairness in terms of working condition and reward, also sustainability and environment conscious manufacturing standards. It is a great challenge to us the consumers in terms of value and where we will spend our hard-earned cash.



Aimed at developing countries where work force often make up of children working with no to little pay, worst still, working in poor condition and little to no reward... It is well known that the middle person reaps majority of the profit while farmers get very little money for their hard work. This is especially true in the manufacturing of teas and coco. In terms of sustainability and environment conscience, an example is the use of natural dyes in the manufacturing of textiles.

While in the process of promoting what is good, Fair Trade is not completely immune from the use of manufacturers whose standard may fall below acceptable level sometimes because of greed or other reasons. For that reason, Fair Trade certified brands and suppliers are periodically audited. This is a challenge but do not let this dither you from supporting this good cause.

It was the finale of The Big Swap, held at the famous Queen Victoria Market in Melbourne. The event was supported by a number of local artists and performers and attended by a huge crowd.



There is a wealth of information at the Fair Trade website at http://www.fta.org.au/ and on Wikipedia at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fair_trade.

We are called to look after Earth and the resources on our planet. We are also called to look after each other, the welfare and well being of all.

In the order of appearance, Paul O'Rouke, Natalie from Blue King Brown, Adam Cousens, Anna Smyrk & the Appetites and David Grant.










Genesis 1:28 God spoke: "Let us make human beings in our image, make them reflecting our nature so they can be responsible for the fish in the sea, the birds in the air, the cattle, and, yes, Earth itself, and every animal that moves on the face of Earth."
God created human beings; he created them godlike, reflecting God's nature. He created them male and female. God blessed them: "Prosper! Reproduce! Fill Earth! Take charge! Be responsible for fish in the sea and birds in the air, for every living thing that moves on the face of Earth."

Lev 25:17 "Do not take advantage of each other, but fear your God. I am the LORD your God."
Matthew 19:19 "Honor your father and mother, and love your neighbor as yourself."

Isaiah 58:6,7 God saids, "Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen: to loose the chains of injustice and untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free and break every yoke?
Is it not to share your food with the hungry and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter — when you see the naked, to clothe him, and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood?"

2009 Corporate Dragon Boat Challenge

With 10 companies participating, at the water front of Docklands, on a beautiful 27 degrees day with the hot sun shaded by light clouds and a light cool breeze, it was a wonderful day to have a dragon boat race!

I have never participated in one... not that I actually took part to row this time around, but doing my thing with the camera. It was an amazing event for me personally and ironically because I originally come from Hong Kong where dragon boat race is a seasonal event! :P

It was a short course of about 2 minutes run, 20 rowers in the boat working with a drummer in front and a steerman at the back.

The team from NAB, called the NAB P&C Pirates, was 24 people strong, most if not all first timers who knew little about dragon boat. All they had was one training lesson on Monday, by the international dragon boat commentator, Jonathan Mayne (inset with our beautiful drummer, Kate), for an hour or so and then another hour just before the actual race 2 days later (Wednesday, 25 November 2009).

Last year, NAB came last in this race... Therefore, this year, everyone turned up not expecting much, with minds set on having a good time, and a good old Aussie attitude of, having a fair go.

To everybody's surprise, the Pirates came first in the first heat! And then again, NAB came first again in the second heat coming up with a combined time good enough to be in the final! Already on cloud 9, NAB didn't lose sight of the goal and saw a glimpse of the glory, it surprised everyone, perhaps apart from the trainer Jonathan Mayne (who told me he saw something special when he met the team), the Pirates once again produced an amazingly strong final performance and came out second, just 3.16s behind the race winner BECA, proudly taking out the second prize!

What a fantastic achievement! Well done!!

(Despite the petite size of our drummer, Kate, this girl can shout! I can only hear her from the other end of the pier as all the teams sped down the course.)

This fantastic result came albeit some very strong competitors in the race, namely BECA that trains regularly and competitively in this sport.

Here are a few frames of the 4 finalists crossing the finish line. You can just see the tail of BECA on the left side of the frame. Look at how close the 2nd, 3rd and 4th were! NAB Pirates on lane 3, KBR on lane 1 came aggreesively from behind towards the end to overtake Lend Lease on lane 4 and took out 3rd place leaving Lend Lease in 4th place.



Click here to find out more about Jonnathan Mayne. FYI, he has 38 Australian Championships under his belt todate and is the corporate event director of Dragon Boats Victoria. What an incredible man!

As I research for links and information about Jonathan Mayne, I found out Jonathan is a Christian. He attributed some of his success to his patient and encouraging attitude.

“I've been Australian champion many times, been to the Olympics, travelled the world, even got taken to a church service in an aeroplane once. Being a Christian is never boring. If you know deep in your heart that God loves you and you're forgiven, it brings with it a whole new world in that God loves you just as you are.”

Praise the Lord!

Psalm 37:23, "If the LORD delights in a man's way, he makes his steps firm"

John 3:16

Discovered this great animation tool. Here is my first attempt. Excuse me that it is not photography related but it carries a great message anyway. Enjoy! :)

The 100th Post

Started back in March last year (23rd March, 2008) and with much hesitation I started this blog.

I was at first (and even today) doubtful over my ability as a photographer, writing skill and persistence in keeping this blog going...

It is really to the credit of you the reader and many friends who follow this blog (thus my journey), who gave me many great comments over time, correcting, encouraging and affirming me. And that's not limited to photogrphic skills alone.

Also, the great many who put their faith in me to capture your precious moments, and thus allowed me to witness and be a part of your life. Thank you very much indeed!

The one deserving the greatest thank is none other than God who gives me the eye, the strength and persistence everyday. It is through photography that I have come to appreciate Him more, and it is through Him that I appreciate photography more.
Colossians 1:15-17

This is a rock given to me in Japan, one that is fashioned by fire.

Charity = Generosity - GFC

Thank you Aynur for the opportunity to photograph the Charity Trivia lunch in support of Cystic Fibrosis Victoria.

There was a generous turn out and everyone gave generously toward this great cause. This is the tin with the donations inside. The photo doesn't do it justice but I shouldn't touch the money.

CFV Mission statement: "To promote research, increase awareness of Cystic Fibrosis and provide education, support and advocacy to Victoria's Cystic Fibrosis community."

Really exciting to see the spirit of charity not snuffed out by the global financial crisis (GFC)! Charity is a positive number because Generosity is always greater than GFC (or crisis).

Thank you to NAB and management for empowering its staff to contribute to the community in this way. If you would like to make a donation to CFV, please visit here.

Isaiah 58:6-7,14a, "Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen:
to loose the chains of injustice and untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free and break every yoke? Is it not to share your food with the hungry and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter — when you see the naked, to clothe him, and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood? ...The mouth of the LORD has spoken."

UBank Celebration

UBank or NextGen Release 1 has take off!

UBank is the fruit of many months of hard work, of many wonderful people from different teams, departments, and vendors, working together.

I've learned a great deal and achieved much myself. Thank you all who collaborated and cooperated with me on SCM.

Praise be to God! Philippians 4:13

This is the day to celebrate, and we did that in style at a Swiss bar restaurant, Terra Rossa.

There were lots of great foods and drinks of course. Good to see so many letting their hair down for a second to have a great laugh and getting (and giving) a slap on the back for job well done. Many awards were handed out in recognition.




I really liked the decor in the bar, very retro.

Saw $13.25 on the table not far from the entrance and wondered who would leave them there? Soon I realised that it is a piece of art! The coins and notes are sealed inside a very thick layer of lacquer and is part of the table. Sorry, this is not a good pic, but it is one of those times, where the story is more important than the image. :)

Don't think my camera liked the showers half as much as I do.. The showers, combined with lights created wonderful effect of reflections on the street.. so much life and richness!

*Please take a good look at UBank and work out for yourself whether it is the right vehicle to manage and grow your hard earned money. :)


* This is not a financial advice nor an advertisement for UBank or the National Australia Bank (nab). Please consult your financial adviser for advice.

Generosity, I recommend

I have a confession to make...

Been taking Robitussin Honey Cough Drops recently because of a persistent dry cough. They were great except that they are impossible to find. I have depended on them at work - for meetings, presentations, on the phone, etc, so it was terrible when we couldn't find them after going to no less than ten pharmacies...

With my one and only pack of Robitussin, I was at a friend's two days ago with lots of friends. Several were suffering from coughs also. With a little hesitation, I shared my precious Robitussin...

Today, we shopped at a grocery shop that is opposite a pharmacy, so I thought I will walk in and take a look. You guessed it, they have Robitussin Cough Drops, several packs in fact! The sales assistant was so nice that she even gave me a pack of 20 for free!

Thank you, thank you, thank you. :)

Proverbs 11:24,25 "One man gives freely, yet gains even more... A generous man will prosper; he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed!"

PS, I don't work for Robitussin or get any commission from Robitussin. :)

The All New Mr & Mrs Bubb

Congratulations to Andrew and Dharshana, the new Mr & Mrs Bubb!


Fourth of July, affectionately known as the Independence Day. However, 4th July, 2009 will always be remembered by Andrew and Dharshana as the day they pledged their love for one another in front of their family, friends and before their God; to love one another in sickness and in health, for richer and for poorer, so long as they both shall live.

Look at this royal wave from one very proud woman. What about the lucky fella next to her? He is so happy, no one could wipe that smile from his face on their big day.

May the Lord bless you with a lifetime of happiness and ever growing love for one another. May the Lord be the head of your household and your house be always filled with laughters and warmth.

Proverbs 18:22, "He who finds a wife finds what is good and receives favor from the LORD. "

Love each other with the same love Christ has for the church. Giving to each other, prefering one another over yourself. Giving and forgiving just as in Christ God has forgiven us and continue to bear with us.

Through God, your love will never fail.

Jewelry from Heaven

Yes, jewelry from heaven - the morning dew.

Just as I was getting out (alright, rushing out) of the house to attend church, I saw this beauty in the backyard.

Beauty? Mmm, it is merely a lonely leaf, less than 2cm in length, that has fulfilled its purpose (to collect and process energy, to shade and protect the plant and much more). It is now lying on the concrete drying up and returning to earth. Yeah, I actually thought it is really beautiful that even for a leaf spent that God would dress it so beautifully with dew. What about us - people, we are precious in God's eyes.

Matthew 6, "...do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?

...Your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well."

What about this second photograph? An unwanted plant thus called a weed (or valueless plant growing wild as the dictionary says) in a pot.

I actually thought the leaves look like wings of butterflies, many butterflies, dressed so beautifully with dew again. A truly beautiful moment captured forever! Hope you enjoy them as much as I do. :)

One more thing, they were taken by my 28-200mm G lens, a humble little lens, without AF-S, given by my mother-in-law. It is a lovely little lens.

Melbourne City, People and Holden Commodore

I love the city of Melbourne.

Dispite earning the status as the swine (H1N1) flu capital of the world in recent days because it has the highest number of confirmed swine flu cases per capita in the world, it is a beautiful city with many cultures, many nice eateries and beautiful architectures. I also love the energy of the city created by the people.

I would love to see Melbournians being known as friendly, kind, polite and generous people as well. Will try my best to be one myself because I would like to be treated the same way. :)

Luke 6:31, "Do to others as you would have them do to you."

This talented musician was playing the famous Chinese piece The Butterfly Lovers (梁祝). Very nice, thank you!

Click here to listen.


The current model of Holden Commodore, Calais, Statesman, HSV are the most beautiful todate, sporting elegant lines and defined wheel arcs. Very clean, looks good in any colour and at any angle.

Thank God that Holden is not affected by the bankruptcy of General Motors. Not sure if this is the last of the big six (6 cylinders vehicle) as Holden move towards producing more fuel efficient automobiles.

Congrats to the new Mr & Mrs Choo

Very well done David and See Voon! David, you know your whole family - mum, your sis, myself, uncle Jason and many others are very proud of all you have accomplished. You threw a beautiful (wedding) party, sorry we couldn't be at the Ipoh one as well. The ice sculpture was fantastic and so was the reception, the band, the video presentation and of course the food. What about that 32 seconds kiss?! I wish you and See Voon a life time of happiness together. May good things continue to come to the two of you and your love for each other will grow even stronger now that you are married.

Romans 13:8 says, "Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another..." In short, love each other like you owe it to one another.


You might ask, where is the beautiful new Mrs Choo... She is being pampered and made up by the make up artist/s.