Wow... Here we are, already on the last day of 2011. I must say, this has been a really eventful year for me.

Let me start first with my job, I got my first full time job this year, as a customer support engineer. It was challenging, my degree after all was in Psychology, and everything that I had to do was so technical, and not everyone of my clients was exactly pleasant. I admit that many times I wanted to quit, but without another job on hand, I endured for the sake of financial security.

It was also about the middle of the year when my relationship took a turn for the worst. At this juncture I wouldn't point fingers and say whose fault was it. I guess at the end of the day putting 2 people together at the end of a hard day at work/school led to tensions and much arguments. There were many good memories and for that I am thankful, but in reflection perhaps we weren't exactly all that perfect for one another.

The breakup led me to another phase in my life for which I am thankful, which was to pursue photography fully. All the while I have been shooting with compacts, mostly my SE Satio which was a handphone with a rather nifty camera I might add. But I decided to invest in my first DSLR, a Canon 600D. With a DSLR, I came to realize it is not just about pointing the camera at something nice and snapping away. There are many different parameters to consider and adjust, which I mostly got used to by shooting more. Initially, I was shooting alone till Terry introduced me to SPIN. I eventually joined an outing and pretty soon I been participating actively in their outings and meeting the wonderful people there. I really learned a lot from them and that has helped me grow as a photographer.

Salsa... After some persuading from Shu Wei, I eventually decied to join back Salsa. And I was pleasantly surprised to see that Gary was still the instructor. Initially, I felt strange and out of place, after all, they were from the same batch and I suddenly came upon their midst. But through more lessons and more social, I got to know them better and they are all great people to hang out with.

I guess that pretty much sums up the major happenings for my 2011. I would like to thank all the people who made a difference in my life for this past year.

First to Sharon, who made me grew through our relationship together, to better prepare me for the next one.

Secondly, to the members of SPIN, who make photography so much enjoyable through the many outings and allowing to hone my skill as a photographer.

Thirdly, to the people at SIM Salsa En Soul, to whom rekindled my spark for Salsa and dancing once more.

Lastly and also most importantly, to my dear friends and family who has stuck by me through all the ups and downs in this year. I am thankful to have all of you through my journey in 2011.

New year resolutions, how can we end a year without them right? XD
1) Take my photography to greater heights - Key areas ( Portraits, Food)
2) Improve my social dancing for Salsa
3) Get a Psychology Related Job

Thats all, and I will like to end this year with some of my best works from 2011, enjoy :)

National Day

Lemur

Abstract

Canon Photomarathon Entry 2 - Circles

Happy - Japanese Spritz

Foodies Outing with Spin - Soft Shell Crab Maki

Coffee Club - Chunky Monkey Cake

Hebe Autograph Session

Unión De Ritmos - Salsa Performance

Changi Beach - Light And Darkness

Lunar Eclipse

I should take more photos of people/portraits/events.

It makes me feel all warm and happy and sitting in my chair with a silly grin as people comment,share laughter and having a good time despite that the event has past.

Makes editing and sorting through the photo totally worth it.

*Note to self: Go take more shots of people and improve in that area*

I know it has been quite a while since I last updated my blog. Been really busy recently, but one thing that I'm very happy about is that... I HAVE UPGRADED MY CAMERA GEAR! Sold off my 600D with 18-55mm kit lens and changed them to...
Yup! A Canon 7D with Tokina 11-16mm f2.8 Wide Angle Lens!

Broke in my new camera with a Ubin trip the next day, the sunrise on this day was really spectacular!



Really love my new camera and the fps I can get on it. 15 continuous shots in under 2 sec before there is any delay! But it was during the Lunar Eclipse that I realized my old tripod had to go, it couldn't support the weight of my new camera and kept shifting. I ended up with double images even on the tripod, so I guess that will be the next thing I will be getting. But I still managed this shot of the Lunar Eclipse. Shot using my heavily under utilized 55-250mm.


And Salsa training is currently stopped at the moment, but I tried social again and I must say that it is quite intimidating. Looking at everyone around doing fanciful spins and moves while I kept just doing basic turns and a little more with my partner. However, the girls I danced with saying that my moves and strength is all there, just that I need more confidence. Well, I will worked on that and try to social more. :)

And I have to be more tightfisted over the next 2 months, dipped into my rainy day fund to get the lens on top of my new camera, not to mentioned with now being the Christmas season and there will be parties I need to attend, the gifts and misc costs wont come cheap. Thats all for now! Till next time!