DIY Bokeh

I finally get a chance to try the DIY Bokeh and I'm LOVING IT! Below is my DIY Heart Shaped lens hood. The black paper cost $0.39 from local craft store and lots of tapes. I was able to make 3 of these fake lens hood from it.

This is the result. Not bad huh??? I'm still working on trying to get the foreground/target to focus right. This is the first time I have to use manual focus and as you can see, I'm not very good at MF.

Here's another shot with the snow flake cut out. I've used Martha Stewart's paper craft puncher for this cut out - the heart cut out I just did it by hand. The only problem I have w/ the snowflake puncher is I couldn't get it to center where I want it. The puncher only allow you to slide the paper edge in so much.

Both of these shots were taken w/ my 50mm lens at between f/1.8 to f/2.8 w/ tripod and a string of multi-xmas lights. Enjoy!!!

Peeping Tom

My father-in-law's bday was last week. I've asked him to poss a pic for me with the cute card my niece gave him. When I was checking the picture in the computer, I've noticed Peeping Tom, I mean Peeping Bingo has struck again! (heehee..)

Similar shot last summer:

Free car history report - VINCheck

My brother is in the market for a pre-owned vehicle. He came across a very good deal 2007 Nissan Versa on craigslist. He called the owner and was told it's in great condition, no accident, etc. I told my brother better ask for the VIN number to check. There are many of companies provide car history report around $30. VINCheck is FREE though - it is a service provided to the public to assist in determining if a vehicle has been reported as stolen, but not recovered, or has been reported as a previously declared total loss vehicle by cooperating NICB members.

Back to my brother's story - we ran a check on the VIN number, it said "TOTAL LOSS"!!!

DIY Diffuser / Softbox

I've made myself a diffuser / softbox today. Its not very pretty but works fine! You can get the templates here. I've used cardboard boxes from snack and ziplock box and tissue paper as the diffuser.

Here are the shots. Note these shots were taken with full-auto and position the speedlite at 90 degree-angel. No alteration!

Original


With the homemade softbox


With Sto-Fen's Omni-Bounce diffuser

What you think? I think the homemade softbox works just as well as the Sto-Fen and cost nothing to make.

Which Planet are you from, Miss??! (Part II)

After I came out from the bathroom, I told my coworker about that crazy chic clipping toe nails. We decided to go back in and I'll snap a picture! This time both legs and shoes were MISSING. I thought, oh well, she's gone! So I went back to work. Boy was I wrong! My coworker came out later and said crazy chic still making noises in the stall. Crazy chic must be squatting w/ her wedge heel sandals. WEIRD!!!

Which Planet are you from, Miss??! (Part I)

This Chinese chic (I know she is Chinese because I can hear her speaking Mandarin) who works on the Second Floor always come up to our floor to use the bathroom. She always talk on her cell for a LONG time while she's doing her business! Random conversation, like "Did you pick up your clothes yet? Did you try out that recipe?"

I walk in the bathroom this afternoon and I hear her again. This time she's talking on her cellphone, doing her business AND clipping her NAILS!!! Yes, multi-tasking!!! When I came out to wash my hands, I saw her stall have only have ONE leg. So she's clipping her TOE NAILS!

Who do that????!!!! Clipping toe nails @ work???! NO it's not a culture thing!

Organic Home Grown Sweet Melon

My father-in-law planted these in the spring. We finally had our first taste of them and it was very sweet and crisp :) We have 7 or 8 more of these but not ripped yet.