I am involved in Breeze Models shoot for their magazines… appointed as their official photographer in Kuching. Its a model search organised by Ron of Merckworld, we had fun shooting these beautiful people and they will make a special appearance for our Photography Talk in Kuching on the 25 Aug 2009.  Please see below are some of the shots taken.

Shooting A Star

Calling all aspiring photographers and enthusiasts in the Klang Valley! Open University Malaysia (in collaboration with Alvin Leong Academy of Photography) is putting together an exciting event just for YOU!

Come listen/learn from the likes of multiple International Award Winning photographer Patrick Low, the renowned Saiful Nang, the much sought after Alvina Leong and Jason Victor share their views and experience on photography related topics. There will also be a special appearence by local Rapper extraodinaire/actor, Reefa!

Don’t miss this opportunity to shoot STAR as Reefa will be providing a session exclusively for the attendees of “Shooting a STAR”!

For full details, click on to http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=115831308701&ref=nf

 Photographers’ Evening Out - Photography Talk in Kuching

And we will do another session of our talk in Kuching on 25 August 2009, at 7.30pm.  It will be in Sarawak Tourism Complex, you all can also view latest Canon cameras and lenses courtesy from Canon Marketing Malaysia. They will have a booth there specially set up for this event. Also, to add to this, a special appearance from the Breeze Magazine Models, which you all can shoot……..

for full details please check out ;  http://www.facebook.com/note.php?note_id=118329238073#/event.php?eid=131554977151&ref=share

See you all there!!!!!!!!!

22 August 2009 in Kuala Lumpur  and

25 August 2009 in Kuching

Kindly call and book a seat at 082 570 818

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Alvin Leong and Patrick Low appointed Leica Celebrated Photographers.

“You can always tell a Leica. By the way it takes pictures - and by the pictures it takes.”. This is a quote lifted of Leica’s website, and few would disagree. Such is the quality of the images a Leica produces that it would most certainly evoke any one or more from a myriad of emotions of which the photographer intends. With Quality and excellence as their main selection criteria, Leica has made 2 choices that are consistent with these very 2 factors. In Patrick Low, Leica has appointed a photographer who has well over 20 years of photography experience and has excelled in almost all the genres of photography that he’s made a career of by way of having won multiple awards, both local and international. Alvin Leong meanwhile is distinguished photographer that has been accepted into several esteemed international photography associations, and is also the first photographer to have successfully started a photography academy in collaboration with a recognized local institution of higher learning, Open University Malaysia, School of Lifelong Learning.
Being Leica Celebrated Photographers, both Alvin and Patrick have been fully sponsored with Leica cameras and lenses of their choice. They will be ambassadors through the stunning pictures they will produce, as well as through the sharing of their photographic experiences at Leica backed events. For photography enthusiasts and followers of Alvin and Patrick who have for years been used to seeing stunning and captivating images produced by these 2 individuals, brace yourselves – it’s about to get event better.

 About Leica Camera AG

Leica: that means best German Engineering and a special culture of the picture. Our eyes have the greatest influence over how we perceive and understand our world. Leica has a long history of focusing on perception and has developed innovative instruments that afford a unique seeing experience. The result is a renowned series of cameras and lenses, not to mention projectors, and a superb range of sport optics including high-aperture and laser rangefinder binoculars, and spotting scopes. These products expand the natural limits of perception when the distance is too great or the light too weak and open up new dimensions for human vision and insight. The optical performance in unmistakeable–Leica quality is in a class by itself - both in analog and digital capture modes. Intuitive controls, combined with upgradeable, top-quality systems, provide the best picture results and offer unparalleled creative freedom. In this way, Leica helps transform vision into personal creative fulfilment, in many cases nurturing a fervent passion for expression that spans the decades. For more info on Leica, log onto http://leica-camera.com

About Alvin Leong

What started out as a passion for photography became more than a serious hobby for Alvin Leong 10 years ago, Alvin first approached landscape and nature photography with great penchant and enthusiasm. However, when he found himself spending more weekends capturing wedding shots than lying in wait for the perfect sunlit sky, he knew he had found his calling. Alvin firmly believes in approaching wedding photography in the fashion of an unobtrusive, but keen observer.
Often fading into the background, he sets out to capture not so much the event itself, but the emotions of the day. “It is about preserving each poignant or joyful moment. A wedding album should read like a book. It tells a story, each page a wonderful drama unfolding,” he enthuses.
By moving away from traditional portraiture of creating and arranging photographic opportunities, to Alvin there are no second chances in snapping up a great shot.
“A photographer has to anticipate the moment coming and place him or herself at the right spot to capture the perfect shot. It is never about random positioning and blind luck!”
A  Certified Master Photographer (MPA) by The Master Phographers Association, UK, a member of the World Institute of Photographic Masters (WIPM), Alvin is constantly on the lookout for new techniques and inspiration from a myriad of sources. “Photography is a living art. It is a continuous learning journey with the goal to capture pictures more beautiful than before.”
In his keenness to share the art of photography, Alvin has given talks on photography and techniques at various institutions of higher education and has provided practical training for students pursuing photography courses.
Alvin has also set up the First Photography School in Malaysia, Alvin Leong Academy of Photography working in collaboration with Open University Malaysia, School of Lifelong Learning which offers Certificate in Photography and Diploma in Photography programme throughout Malaysia.
The studio, Alvin Leong Photography, is located in the leafy suburb of Tabuan Jaya. Just 15 minutes away from the city Kuching, the studio is within easy access from all around. A single-storey bungalow along Jalan Wan Alwi, opposite RHB Bank, it also houses a gallery of his works and a collection of beautiful wedding gowns, imported from overseas. For more info on Alvin Leong, kindly log in to http://www.alvinleong.com

 About Patrick Low

The founder of Exes Studio, a studio renowned for it’s artistic wedding photography, Patrick began his career in the commercial photography industry. Having spent well over 20 years in photography, the sheer volume of experience gained makes Patrick not merely an accomplished photographer, but an inspiration to many budding photographers.
He is huge fan of artistic / conceptual images and believes that mood and composition are primary to achieving his very own design and direction in his work. As he puts it, “I don’t just shoot a photo, I try to feel it and I let my imagination run free. I do not restrain myself by fulfilling what the general public or peers expect of me. Nor do I conform to the conventional. I believe these are the virtues that set me apart from the rest.” A simple and approachable person, Patrick is at the same time ambitious and doesn’t believe in resting on his laurels. His continuous strife for perfection in photography has seen his efforts being justly awarded with numerous awards by the WPJA, USA (Wedding Photojournalist Association). Among them are 6th place (Best Emotion Shot), 7th place (Best Ceremony Shot), 8th place (Best Silhouette Shot) and 9th place (Best Creative Portraits Shot) competitions & etc. A 1st place award seemed to elude him for some time, but with his undeniable ability, passion and drive, he was finally awarded 1st prize in the Good Light Competition. With these achievements, few, if any at all, were surprised that at some stage, Patrick was to gain the distinction of having been ranked as one of the top 10 photographers in WPJA.
A Certified Master Photographer by The Master Phographers Association (MPA, UK), member of Wedding Photojournalist Association (WPJA, USA), member of Wedding & Portrait Photographers International (WPPI, USA) & member of Artistic Guild of Wedding Photojournalist Association (AGWPJA, USA).
For more info on Patrick Low, please log onto http://exes-studio.blogspot.com

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FUN-FILLED & PHOTO FANTASTIC TREASURES OF THE RAINFORESTS 2009

“Treasures of the Rainforest Photography Challenge and Conference” (TOTR 2009) the very first photography conference held in Sarawak by joint organizers the Alvin Leong Academy of Photography and the Hilton Hotel chain in Kuching. TOTR 2009 was held from 12 to 15 June with over 40 participants from Malaysia, Singapore, Australia and even Europe. TOTR 2009 received support from the Sarawak Tourism Board, Canon, Sarawak Convention Bureau, Open University Malaysia, Signature Photographers, Click!, CandidSyndrome and Borneo Adventure.

TOTR 2009 was aimed to bring in a boost to the professional photography industry particularly in Malaysia. Eight internationally renowned Malaysian photographers committed time off their busy schedules to help out in TOTR 2009. Photography talks and shooting sessions were conducted by Alvin Leong from Alvin Leong Photography, Jim Liau from Jim Liau Photography, Saiful Nang from CandidSyndrome, Patrick Low from the Exes Studio, Jimin Lai a prominent photojournalist, Jason Victor from Jason Victor Photography, Zung from ThePhotoz and Yusuf Hashim from PhotoMalaysia.com.

Abundance was in store for the participants of TOTR 2009. There was plenty of excitement when the group made stopovers in the colourful Serian and Lachau Town Weekend Market. Participants were lead to explore the markets and provided with hands-on photography guidance by the professionals. Participants were also treated to an exotic trip by longboat along the rivers into Nanga Sumpa Iban Longhouse, one of the few authentic native longhouses remaining in Sarawak.

TOTR 2009 was a huge success and a step closer towards a breakthrough for the photography industry in Malaysia. The excitement continued on even after the event. Due to the overwhelming responds received, the organizers have decided to make TOTR an annual event. The next Treasures of the Rainforest will be organized in 2010 with the theme of “Sarawak the Destination, Celebration of Life” with a promise of exciting activities and workshops. For more information and updates on TOTR 2010, please contact the Alvin Leong Academy of Photography at info@alvinleongacademy.com or visit www.alvinleongacademy.com.

Please see below are the photos taken by Edwin Lay

Day 1

Yusuf shared with us on the topic of Travel and Nature Photography..

Day 2

Arrived at Batang Ai lake

some scene of the lake shots…

Jim explaining to some of the participants..

the traditional Iban Miring Ceremony…

Day  3

shooting models…

Jimin sharing about the “life as a wire photojournalist”

Kenny doing the briefing…

Day 4

and some of the shots from Edwin Tan..

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MICHAEL JACKSON  1958-2009

RIP

Another day has gone
I’m still all alone
How could this be
You’re not here with me
You never said goodbye
Someone tell me why
Did you have to go
And leave my world so cold

Everyday I sit and ask myself
How did love slip away
Something whispers in my ear and says
That you are not alone
For I am here with you
Though you’re far away
I am here to stay

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Signature Photographers introduces and welcomes yet another industry stalwart as it’s newest member. A visionary that shares many common ideas and passion, Saiful Nang is a household name when it comes to wedding photography.
A qualified visual communication specialist, Saiful possesses a degree in Film studies. However, his passion in Wedding Photography has led to down a different path. A firm believer that all success stories are driven primarily by passion, Saiful attributes the same to his mastering the art of capturing moments for weddings. And he firmly believes that it is this same passion that has seen him being appointed as the Official wedding Photographer for the Brunei Darussalam Royal Family, as well as numerous local celebrities’ weddings.

Now an International name to wedding photography, Saiful also developed and annually conducts the groundbreaking and widely successful photography workshop, PhotoCamp.

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I am proud to share with you the winning photo of the Treasures of the Rainforests Photography Challenge and Conference 2009 that were held in Batang Ai recently. The winner is Edwin Tan, a professional photographer from Kuala Lumpur. His winning image completed the theme, Culture, Nature and Adventure.

All 8 judges, comprising of professional photographers, agreed that Edwin’s shot was an outright winner!

Congratulations Edwin!

and it appeared in the Newspaper as well…

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News Release from Signature Photographers -  “We are proud to announce that we now have amongst us, Alvin Leong, a photographer who shares in our passion and vision. Alvin, a Certified Master Photographer from the Masters Photographer Association, United Kingdom, MPA, a member of AIPP (Australian Institute of Professional Photography), WIPM (World Institute of Photographic Masters) and has been in the wedding photography industry for over 8 years.

In addition, Alvin is also the first in Malaysia to have started a Photography School. An initiative in collaboration with Open University Malaysia, the school is known as Alvin Leong Academy of Photography.

We are proud and honored to have the opportunity to work with a talented photographer such as Alvin, and look forward to pushing forward with Signature Photographers goals and aims with you walking along side us. Welcome, Alvin Leong!”

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Here you go, some images taken from the talk at Swinburne University of Technology by my photographer, David Ng.  David is one of our latest Team Member joining our CW by alvin leong photographers.

Can’t remember what I said that made me so happy….

The up and coming - Breeze Magazine whom I had honour to shoot and manage to bring them in to this Photography Talk in Swinburne University.. Thank you - Ronald Lim for this..

Thank you - Canon Marketing Malaysia, who authorised me to talk about their EOS System, not only I had the good fortune to talk about their system, they also brought in several awesome lenses and camera bodies for the students to try out.. the entire cabinet!!!

One of the models from Breeze Magazine, Jacq.. This shot was taken by one of my CW alvin leong photographers - David Ng

After the photography talk, I did some instructing on shooting at the models, share some of the do’s and dont’s to all the photographers there..

and yes! the group photo.. some of the participants left after the model shoot… thus, this is a “limited version” of the group photo..

To see more of the images please “copy and paste” the link below on your browser or click on the Facebook® the link;

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=118533&id=804339026&l=6cc69f19d9

Enjoy!

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I am humbled to be invited to a talk again in Swinburne University of Technology for the students about Photography. Swinburne University of Technology being one of the Top Australian Universities, pride itself for quality education! In my talk, I shared about my experience, my career and how I got started in Photography.  I conducted several talk at Swinburne University before and the turnout for yesterday was by far the biggest. Well done to all the committees of Photomedia and Design Club for putting all these together! You all have worked very hard to make this event run so smoothly.

In my talk, I mentioned about the 1st Photography School in Malaysia, Alvin Leong Academy of Photography in collaboration with Open University Malaysia, School of Lifelong Learning (OUM-SOLL).  I discussed about lifelong learning, and shared with the students that one of the advantages in taking our  OUM-SOLL, Diploma in Photography programme,  one will be given the opportunity to work as an intern for a couple of months at our  Alvin Leong Photography in Kuching or The Professional Gallery in Kuala Lumpur.

Beside all this, its an honour to be given the opportunity to be the speaker to introduce the Canon EOS system, which was authorised by Canon Malaysia to all the students. I shared on a few models, namely, the EOS 1000D, EOS 450D, the new EOS 500D, EOS 50D and the new EOS 5D Mark 2. I spoke about the difference between the DIGIC 3 processor and the DIGIC 4 which can be found in the new EOS 5D Mark 2. I also discussed briefly on the new Anti-static dust removal technologies, the IS and the L lenses.  Beside the EOS talk, students were also given the chance to try on some of the new lenses and the EOS DSLR cameras. It was definitely a beneficial experience for all the students to try out on all these equipments that were brought in by Canon. I noticed a few lecturers also came in to try out the cameras as well..

To add more spice into the event, the appearance of 6 awesome models from Breeze Magazine. The were Benjamin, Firdaus, Royce, Effa, Jacqueline and Aprilia.. Students had the chance to photograph the professional models, and one of the students jokingly told me that he has never seen so many DSLR before! haha…

I will post more photos soon!

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