MKF C&C 2010

The gang

Bonding over a bonfire

Skills session: sharpening knives

The organisers of Malaysia Knife Forum's Camp & Cut 2010 had done a great
job.This exceeded my expectations as the event was flawless. Seems that everyone have had a good time at Kem Nurnikman in Sungkai,
Perak.I took a two-hour drive from my house in Subang Jaya and was asked to
address the forum members including a small workshop session on knife care
and maintenance.There were plenty of activities and it was also a chance for me to get
re-acquainted with some old friends.A few new faces were seen at camp and the cammaraderie spirit can be seen
on everyone who pitched in to make the event a successful venture.I hope that the 2010 - 2012 committee members would continue to keep up
the good work and raise the bar in terms of organizing better and bigger
activities for the benefit of the forum's ordinary members.

Macrothon - Bukit Tinggi, Pahang

My first Rhino Beetle

Long horned beetle

Team Macromaniac: Samo, TS Ching and Master Kurt

Friday was a packed affair.I left for Bukit Tinggi in Pahang as early as 6am in the morning and rounded up my macro shooting
kaki TS Ching and Master Kurt.We had a good start and the weather was excellent.This was my second trip and follow-up to the hilltop resort and I found that many things has changed.The entrance fee has been revised from RM10 - RM12 and security guards are place at the
Japanese Tea House entrance.I had a hard time with a Nepali who refused to allow my car into the park.After dealing with the idiot, we decided to walk to the botanical garden at the park.It was quiet and we had the whole place to ourselves.There were plenty of beetles and bees around and I had a blast shooting at least three different
species of long horned beetles.We worked till 3pm and shot off to Bukit Gasing for a night macro session.

Sungai Tua

I drove past this place countless of times without realizing the fact that its a treasure cove for large jumping spiders and portias.

What I learned was the fact that after a heavy downpour, insects are generally sluggish.

So, to photograph them in their full glory, patience is a virtue.

I was lucky enough to join my macro photography kaki Derrick @ MJ, who organised the trip and Master Kurt G, who lent his expertise in lighting control.

Beetles! Oh yeah...

Long horned beetle

Up close and personal - a beetle's head shot with my MR14EX ring flash

My mentor Master Kurt, Me, Derrick and Master Wee at the Japanese tea house in Bukit tinggi recently..

My break is drawing to an end and so far, its been a fruitful week.

Went up to Bukit Tinggi on Friday with Master Kurt, braddah Derrick and Master Wee whom we hooked up with later near the location.

I was told that the bukit tinggi area is a favourite haunt for birders and macro photography enthusiasts.

Didn't know what the guys were talking about till I saw it for myself and it was totally awesome.

Spent the whole day there photographing bugs and was about done during mid-day.