Fazli and Najjah

A midday outdoor photo shoot (today!).
A post wedding actually.

Glad to know that the couple could spare one day off their tour-round-the-state-meeting-relatives (its pretty customary here).

We went to this 'kampung-house-for-display-only' near the state assembly hall in Alor Star. Governed by the museum so the rules are NO PICTURES INSIDE THE HOUSE(a pity really). So we got the pak guard to at least let the couple in and we shoot from outside the house. We didn't have enough equipments for an indoor shoot anyways.

Congrats to the Newly Weds... May Allah Bless Your Journey.
 

Bek Woh(?) Hisham and Hazma(Pasir Mas)

It was the second wedding in Kelantan in the same week. and it was the first time I heard the phrase 'bek woh' being used in a sentence. But don't ask me what does it mean... I am still working on that.

It was fun shooting these guys, Hisham's my cousin so he's more relaxed with us, Hazma however was a bit shy. But that didn't stop them from doing any pose that we throw at them.

The outdoor shoot was awesome. We went to Pantai Sri Tujuh (quite a drive, but with rewards) Some nice guys there were taking their horses for a walk offered 1 of their horses to shoot with the newly weds. That turned out really great.

Featuring Merah(Red) the Horse. Certainly deserve a frame on his own don't you think? 

It wasn't really sunset yet. But it did wonders.

Arriving at Hisham's place

 

Fairuz loves Liza (Machang)

Left for Kelantan last week with heavy rain and thunder storm with possibility of flood warning resounding at the back of my head. (after being hit by flood back in my hometown I couldn't  afford to let my guard down.)

But when I got there the rain was heavy but isolated(means only at certain places[believe me, I am paying a lot of attention to weather reports these days]) 

And I believe I was not the only one who felt relieved that it was sunny come wedding day. Food was phenominal, the crowd were amazing.  Alhamdulillah.

Congrats to both Fairuz and Liza, many happy returns, may your marriage be blessed by Allah. 

Fairuz and Liza + family 

Gifts from the Groom 

Some Candids I took

Getting Hitched?

Its that season again
So don't wait.

Call or email me now for special prices.

013-4993324 
azrul.hardi@yahoo.com

Musim kenduri kahwin datang lagi.
Tunggu apa lagi.

Telefon/email saya untuk tawaran ISTIMEWA

013-4993324 
azrul.hardi@yahoo.com

An Action Morning It Was

This bank received a bomb threat this morning.

Kinda scary and I believe you'd agree too. Knowing that this bank is just behind my office just adds to the scare. Nobody would thought that in a mundane small town like Alor Setar could face such terror. Even though its fake but still threat is still terrorism in its very distinct way.


Wonder who made that call, could it be some disgruntled customer who was angry at the bank? Or some sick nut job overly influenced by tv?  

i'd rather take pictures..

supposedly i was assigned to teach some foreign students this week... up to today none turned up... what a waste of time... i'd rather be out there taking pictures

(sorry guys no pics this time because i'm wasting my time waiting for no shows)

a tee i play-design while waiting. 

Roshazlan + Farhanim

Congratulations for both of them. May their marriage be blessed by Allah.

Cerita Gerek Tua dengan Belon Panas

(The Story of old bicycle and hot air balloon)

I think there were more fun shooting 15 old bikes than shooting 1 hot air balloon.

shot with D80, 50mm, ISO 100, f1.8, various shutter speeds

There were more; and added to that all of them were nostalgic to a few. Credits to GETUAS (Persatuan Gerek Tua Alor Setar), for those who didn't know 'gerek' is a slang word for bicycle in Kedah but don't ask me how did it came about.

But to be fair, shooting the hot air balloon (that didn't take off due to wind factor) was quite an experience.

Shot withD80, ISO400/800, 18-135mm/10-20mm, f4

It was late in the afternoon and I was shooting in a low light setting. And watching the team trying their best to put it up despite the wind was against them was a highlight.

It was better than none, because about a few months back Kedah had her own hot air balloon festival but I had missed out on it because I was outstation that weekend. So yeah, One is better than none (the balloon looks like Squidward, me thinks hehehe).  

more photos at http://www.flickr.com/photos/azrulhardi/ 

Curiosity Killed the Cat

shot with D80, 50mm, 1.8 aperture, ISO 100, Shutter Speed 400

This morning I went for a morning walk with my wife and my girl at a park nearby my place. While we were walking we saw something that intrigues me.

Can any of you tell me what are these?

Wait; before you answer with the dumbest answer followed by a 'duhh'; let me clarify, I'd like to know their local names and their scientific names...
Because the flower actually secrete a sweet smell almost like a flytrap would, and I would assume it feeds on insects too...


Meanwhile the web on the grass also had triggered my curiosity.
What spider had made this?
The one that's in the pic is only one among hundreds that I saw spreaded over the park.  

Funfair is in Town

The thing about photography is that you will never get the same shot twice. Any attempts to recreate any shots you have taken before is futile.

I for instance foolishly tried to recreate the same shot at the pic I used for this blog's title banner of which I snapped last year at the same fair.

What I liked about most of that picture was that at the same time I snapped the spotlight was directed to only one of the ferris wheel's gondola.

That was the lesson of the day yesterday.

Like lightning, to see the same pattern again is next to never. But you will remain awestruck forever.  

Dear Mr. Dietitian.

Dear Mr. Dietitian,

            You see Sir; I know you have been nagging to me about this, but please put yourself in my shoes. Its not that I am not trying to do anything

So tell me THIS Sir;

Could you say no to this?

 exhibit A: wifey made this for dessert today.

Photography Workshop

Photography for everyone

I am currently putting up a Photography Workshop for everyone who are interested to learn more about photography (cameras, basic techniques etc.) 

Learn how ISO, shutter speeds, and aperture would effect your pictures. I will also share useful tips to take great pictures. The class will be in 2 sessions, theory and practical sessions and will be held every Saturdays (exact location will be informed to participants only) 


Price will be at RM70 per person. (yes food will be prepared)

Doesn't matter if you are just getting to know photography, just bought a new DSLR, or just want to refresh your skills all are welcomed to join the workshop. 

If you are interested; drop me a line. Let's talk. =) 

013-4993324
azrul.hardi@yahoo.com

It pays to drive around with your camera

Like any other photographer would tell you; It pays to drive around with your camera.

It actually was a pre-planned and impromptu plan mashed up together really because I went out with a plan to get some shots over at the Broadband Carnival in Alor Star. (pictures seen below) 

Honestly, I think there's nothing much to the the whole programme. participants are just the main network providers some computer shops. the big stage and its sound system would be a waste judging from the crowd turn out. the car audio show off was just an annoyance to your ears and pounding your lungs (caution! those sounds may rupture your lungs).


However, my better shots of the day goes to these sunset shots from a rooftop carpark at City Plaza Alor Star. it pays to drive around with your camera. We were actually leaving the mall after dinner and just as I rolled out of my box I saw this awesome sight. 

Like I said; It REALLY REALLY does pay to drive around with your camera.

A Much Welcomed Temptation

I was given some Sabahan Pearls sets from my Tok Teh crafted into some bangles, brooches and a necklace. I was asked to sell it but it had been a while since I worked with jewelries so; why resist? 


My make-shift studio again comes in handy, flashes were great and my trusty 50mm proven its worth yet again. 


If you are wondering about the pearls. They are still for sale. RM270(not your currency?) for a set of brooches, necklace and a bangle.    


Email me if anyone is interested. Makes a great gift.

Selamat Hari Raya Aidil Fitri

Selamat Hari Raya AidilFitri Maaf Zahir Batin

Yes. I know, Eid has passed but Ramadhan was a month, and Syawal's a month too..so Eid's a month la... (a common misconception, try not to practice this too much) but its better late than never to wish everyone out there.

So this is our first Eid with Husna (my daughter) and we've always wanted to take our family portrait since she arrived(not that we don't have any, but none this proper) and off course like any other families would like to do it on the first day of Eid (again common misconception; supposed to be the only day) with my brothers as the photogs however, things went here and there almost all of us got mabuk ketupat, people visiting so it got delayed to the third day and i was the only photog. So i came up with a make-shift studio at home.

Since I was the photog and I am supposed to be in the photos as well, I found myself putting my bets on the timer (i lost my remote release sometime ago). With no one to get Husna's attention to look at the camera or to shift her attention away from the camera and to look the way that we were looking at was hard.

But all of us were glad it came out great, even the ones when Husna was moving around reaching everywhere else was great.

Selamat Hari Raya, Maaf Zahir Batin.

Have You Seen Them?

some of the shots taken from the indoor shoot yesterday.
Nikon D80, ISO100, shutter:1/200, f2.2, format:RAW  

    Yesterday I went to shoot for a marketing campaign that is going to kick of in October (*gasp* oh my goat! less than a month?) But anyhow I believe I can come up with something in such a short notice. 

    A friend of mine once said that people work well under pressure; I used to disagree to that (well actually the whole lot disagreed to that then) but however I discovered over the years that when we are doing something that we really like we tend to get by, regardless of any amount of pressure that was put on us. 

    The collage I posted above are basically sneak peeks for the ads I'm working on. It may or may not be used for the campaign, but I'm satisfied with it, but then I remembered something else, someone said 'Being GOOD ENOUGH is what holds you back from GREATNESS' or something like that. 

    Nevertheless I predict the weeks after the 'Eid holidays would be pretty hectic and gruesome too when it comes. But I bid thee welcome alas.

   By the way I'd like to wish Selamat Hari Raya, Mohon Maaf Zahir Batin to all out there. Thanks to my friends and students who helped made this photoshoot work  

to mr bruce wayne aka batman, yes sir we know

mr wayne,

that you saw was indeed appalling. but it is a reality.

the picture show that the vic is stuck on the grill of my car. identified as Penthetor lucasi or the dusky fruit bat was found at the state as in the picture with no pulse found. found it this morning however the exact t.o.d and place of collision was unable to be determined. apparently it had a head on collision with the grill and passed on immediately.

i expresses my deepest condolences to you mr wayne for your lost. however it is intriguing for the reason why with its sonar ability it was unable to avoid my car. for your information i am practicing a fuel saving driving method where i'm only driving 40miles per hour and having my rpm dont go more than 3000rpms. rather slow speed compared to your batmobile.

again mr wayne, please accept my deepest condolences.

regards,

azrul hardi

salute to boredom

holy crap... i am in the deepest state of boredom... this is crazy... not that i have no subject to shoot but i'm just BORED.

you see, among others, i'm a collector, kamen rider figurines from the showa era to be exact. years since the first sic figures got out i've been eyeing these guys with the utmost jealousy over the windows of every toyshop that has it in its display shelves.

years later, 9 figurines later (this includes shadow moon), the tenth of its series is coming out, upon hearing the news i leapt with joy, knowing that in 2 months time, sic vol 55 kamen rider STRONGER is coming out. with this, three more then it'll be complete.

so until it comes to malaysia, i'll have to shoot these guys over and over again...

Hermit

Pics taken with Nikon D80 with 10mm-20mm Sigma Wide Angle Lens/f11/iso100/at various shutter speeds.

There are reasons for this post to be titled as such. The buildings I snapped, has been there ever since it was built. They went through wars and occasional renovations and they still stood tall to date.

Masjid Zahir built in 1912

Balai Besar (Balai Rong Seri) original structures built in 1735, was destroyed and rebuilt a few times. It was brought down by the Bugis invasion of 1770, and the same happened in the Siamese invasion in 1821. The present structure dates back to 1893, during the reign of Sultan Abdul Hamid Halim Shah.

Balai Nobat: The original Balai Nobat was built during the reign of Sultan Ahmad Tajuddin Mukarram Shah, who reigned from 1854 to 1879. It had five floors and was constructed of stone and metal. During the renovation in 1906, it was reduced to three storeys. The Balai Nobat is topped with an Islamic-style dome.

Balai Seni Negeri (State Art Gallery). This building was the earliest modern government office that was built in the town of Alor Setar. Its construction was spearheaded by Muhammad bin Lebai Tambi, an architect from the Kedah State Public Works Department. The construction of the building began on 21 January 1893, and he was also responsible for the restoration of the Balai Besar building.

source from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alor_Setar

Pahang Trip!!! (well tanjung lumpur, kuala pahang, telok chempedak at least)

Pics taken with Nikon D80 with 18mm-135mm Nikkor Lens/various aperture/iso100(day shots at various shutter speeds), iso200&400(nightshots at slow shutter speeds)

It was quite rejuvenating I'd say. Seeing places I haven't been to before. Not that I haven't been to Pahang before but this time it was for leisure or lepak except for the kenduri on Sunday, we pretty much have our day for ourselves.

I have to say that I'm still mesmerized by the awesome view of Kuala Pahang (where my cousin had his wedding reception). Its beauty is still well preserved. Some say its anti-establishment but hey, for such beauty? Why bother commercializing it? Let it be a place just for a visit. 'Look but don't touch'

My Old Friend

yashica fx-7
manufactured 1979-1984.

My dad bought it when I was 1. I started using it in 1999. I am now 28.

It was a friend, a teacher. I've heard so many thing being said to this guy, "the only way to use it is to put it in a display shelf" is one among many. But hey, i was on a student budget, a hand-me-down 20year-old SLR that still works; just fine for me.

in fact the pictures i took with this guy are no disappointment. seen here http://boabarb.fotopages.com/?&page=3

its already 30years-old last year. gonna try to shoot with this guy again these few days.

My Birthday in 50mm

What a lovely day. the moment I opened my eyes in the morning, I saw an angel looking at me with her big round eyes with a cheeky smile. She touched my face and coo-ed, I didn't know what it meant but I assumed it was 'good morning daddy, happy birthday and I love you', I kissed her and said 'I love you too dear'.

Then I saw the first angel that fell from the heavens then on to my lap, sleeping soundly; tired I guessed. She did say she'll stay up baking a surprise for me. Kissed the angel on her forehead and I went straight to the kitchen and there they were; delicious looking cakes looking back at me with names matching their reputations. 'chocolate moist cake' and 'death by chocolate'.

Then we went out for a lunch+movie date. clash of the titans (finally) and lunch at Georgetown white coffee(though we didn't get coffee there) we got ourselves rojak buah (fruitsalad-MALAYSIAN style), a couple of cendol in soya milk(instead of santan).

wait a minute, its a birthday what about presents?

haha my wife already gave me my present 2 weeks ago, a sony bluetooth stereo headphones for to pair with my w508. cool gift.. thanks!!!

as i said it was a great day and a great day it was indeed...and i have my wife and kid, and all the well wishers to thank for it.

happy birthday

taken with D80/18-135mm/f3.5/1/60s/iso200

and 10mm/f4/1/60s/iso200

aided by 2 sb-600 (bounced off the wall on the right)

forgive the small capped typing... still inspired from my stay at thistle (Thistle.com/Port_Dickson_Hotel)

over the weekend.

this is not a post about the hotel.

as at today i am now 28. it was a long way getting here. all those bends i think i handled it well... a hiccup or two, just makes my journey much more epic

i am now married to a lovely wife, blessed with a beautiful girl.

dear god, if this is a dream, please don't wake me up.

Office/Gym/Store/not enough room for a Studio

taken with D80/10mm/f4/5sec/iso200

My feet had been whining lately...

and I think they cannot catch up to my weight. Knowing the latter fact, I decided to raise the bar a little from walking around the neighborhood to restarting my martial arts training. So I got myself a punching /kicking bag (RM90-pengkalan kubor). Took me 2weeks scavenging for my old jeans/pants/shorts/pillows to fill it up.

At home I have this third room which until last week it was an office(sort off) / store room. I even bought a swing which comes with its own stand that will double as the bag's stand.

It also works well for anger management.

Yes it has limited space but I am doing something for my health. What about you?

The Unreliable Back-up

*sigh* a laptop can on keep so much files. For a shutterbug and an avid leecher, i consider a portable hard drive as a good investment.

Last month, I 'invested' on one. So I transfered about 65GB from my laptop into it to make room for new pics, new videos (yes i leech too) but to my surprise it gave up on me.

65GB gone bye bye...

Investment my a**!!

Anak

Its a very pleasant feeling waking up next to her and her mother. Nothing beats the feeling. Its like falling in love again and again.

In this pic; my daughter Husna. Took these pics in a hotel in Penang.