He

He never felt like the main character in his own story, just a side who was never the center in anything. He thought just maybe, things would change when she entered his life. But ideals and reality often never collide. She became the main character in his story, his life, his very all. It wasn’t a bad thing, he’d tell himself. At least now he had a reason to live for. His life came crashing down when she left, “now who’s gonna fill that gap?” But what he didn’t expect, was that he finally became his own main character because of that. He ended up filling his own gap. Even if it’s a main character of a sad love story. But the story doesn’t end there because he started loving himself. He found his own reasons to live, his dreams, and a life he can call his own. 

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Just something very casual I wrote in 10 minutes

A Constant Fight // Reflections

If you've been reading this little blog of mine, you probably know that I usually only write photography related things, updates or just sad words. I don't write or talk much about anything psychology related or mental health issues even though I studied it for poly because I don't feel like I'm fit to. 

If you follow anything K-pop related at all, then you'll know SHINee's Jonghyun recently just passed away after struggling against depression for a long time. I am no fan, and neither do I follow his or their music, but I can sympathise with the fans. It's truly heartbreaking, the more I read on, the sadder I get. While most people believe that suicide is selfish, because you're causing grief to the people around you, we have to think in their shoes too. To some, it's not an end to life but an end to their pain. I don't know his struggles, his dilemmas, but I do respect the decision he came to. It definitely wasn't easy. And I most certainly hope he will be happier in the afterlife, I honestly do. 

It makes me think, makes me reflect a lot. Because this happens a lot more than you and I think. There are people struggling with depression all around us. We just don't notice it. Why? Because their struggles aren't written on their face like physical injuries are. They can be smiling, laughing and having a good time with you and still be depressed. That's how depression works. The negative thoughts, the turmoil, the suicidal thoughts are constantly there as a package. It's a constant fight in them. 

Trust me when I say that most people think lightly of depression. They just think that it's a phase and people will eventually become happier. It's sad to know this if you ask me. We wish for the whole human population to be educated on the mental health but it's honestly just not possible. Let's be real, too many people can't be bothered. So I'll do what I can as a psychology diploma graduate. I'm here to tell you to keep showing that love and concern for those you know are struggling with that fight. Here to tell you to show some care and concern for those around you by dropping in on them every once in a while. You never know how a little gesture can go a long way, how a listening ear can change decisions. I'm here to tell you that what they don't want to hear is "just try and be happy" or "endure it for a little more". It's not that encouragements are useless, but you have to be tactful with it. How are they supposed to try and be happy? Say something a little more useful. Tell them you love them, show them that love and just be there for them.

It made me realise too, how much of a loss I would be in if I was placed in a situation where someone close to me just goes. I honestly wouldn't know what to do, what to feel. The thing about this is that it can happen to anyone. And that's scary.

So for all my family and friends, I want y'all to know that I love all of you. And that y'all can hit me up or call me any time if y'all need somebody to talk to. 

When We Were Twelve

Gone were the days of our simple lives. Where there was nothing to worry about, apart from our teachers confiscating our trading card games. Exam stress? We were carefree nonetheless. Now all we do is worry and stress, it’s like we can never rest. We ran while chasing each other in our little game of tag, oh those were such joys. We’re all chasing girls now, but where’s the fun in that. No more and ice and water, we replaced that with cold wars. We’re no longer running in the rain, only away from our responsibilities. Maybe the ones that made it complicated were ourselves. Maybe simple wasn't what we wanted anymore, but do you think we could go back to how it was when we were twelve. I buy the cards we played, I download the games we played back then. But nothing feels the same. The joy is never what it was, too much has changed. No, we've changed. 

//

Just something short I wrote after listening to "Us Against the World" by Epik High.

A Dream That's A Little Far

For the longest time, I have been fascinated by cinematography. It could be in the form of films, music videos, or even photographs. The aesthetics in it is just simply beautiful. And when used in photos, it just tells so much more story than a normal photo. As such, it has in one way or another shaped the way I take my photos. The music that I listen to have inevitably played a part in influencing my artistry as well. 

There was a funfair at Tampines so I took the chance to try shooting there at late afternoon / early evening. I didn’t think that they would only open at 6pm but that worked to our advantage as it was empty. My original plan was to get the crowd at the back but having nobody around gave a sadder, lonelier vibe so we worked with that instead. Randell has been working with me for so long that we can communicate without words, plus the fact that we’re best friends, he’s able to give me the mood I want pretty effortlessly too.

But of course, I’ve been out of it for about a month because I was overseas, so it took me a while to get used to shooting again. Thankfully he trusted me enough to let me make him do all sorts of weird poses. 

The results? A lot better than I thought. The last shoot I had before I left the country was also with Randell, and even then I was trying to achieve some form of cinematic look but never really did. So I was amazed at myself when I could envision more cinematic images in my head. Perhaps it was the location that inspired me or the place itself was already cinematic to begin with.

Looking at the photos, I realised that more than ever, they are open for interpretation. I tend to include some form of humour in my works with Randell, but not everybody catches that humour flying past. So I’ll have to work on that in future.

Just like music, I believe that photos should make a person feel something. While there is nothing wrong with catchy pop music, a poetic piece that gets you thinking about the lyrics that makes you feel a tinge of pain in your heart is always a lot better in my opinion. The same goes for photos. I used to think that bokeh is everything, and neglected everything. Took a lot of thinking, feedback from my teacher (Ivan), and a change of lens to start including more background, more context in my photos. While I still think bokeh looks aesthetically pleasing, having a photo that makes my viewers feel something satisfies me more. Even better if they think up a whole background story for them. That’s what I dream of achieving. Maybe it’s a dream that’s a little far but I’m gonna try and get there. 

"Am I hiding well enough?"

The light was too good to let up

Mum always says don't slouch so shh don't tell her about this

Hey look, it's Shirley! 

The happy girl and her horsey

Discover As You Walk

It is said that traveling changes a person's perspectives. To be able to see new cities, new culture, and new people. While there is nothing bad about being in our home country (trust me, I'm an advocate of the everyday mundane), visiting somewhere new opens our eyes to so much more. After a good travel, you start to view your own country in a different light. You start to notice things you never did before. What once seemed ugly / boring to you before may now look beautiful. You appreciate the little things you took for granted before you flew. 

It provides a new source of inspiration for whatever that you do. Because you experience things that you never would have, it gives you fresh ideas. A night sky filled with thousands of stars that can only be found in the countryside, away from light pollution or a sunset lighting up mountains that you will never see in cities. We are often inspired by the things around us, by our experiences. Thus limiting our inspirations to that small circle. Traveling helps to change things by giving us entirely new environments and experiences to inspire us. 

But of course, it's not always necessary to book a flight to some other country just to travel. It could just be visiting somewhere you've never been to before in your own country. It can still have the same impact on you. You will still discover new things as you walk. 

Disappearing from Singapore // I Guess This is Goodbye

Random portrait as always that is not related to the post

For the months of November and December, yours truly will be disappearing from Singapore. I'll be going to New Zealand with the army for the entire November (trust me, if I could I'd rather not go sigh) and South Korea for two weeks in December. Fine, I exaggerated a little. I won't be gone entirely, I'll float in and out whenever I have time. Most probably would schedule some posts as well. 

As I countdown to the time when I fly off, there is a feeling of nervousness and excitement that I can't contain. I've never been to anywhere outside of Asia, so New Zealand sounds really exciting. Except for the fact that I'm going with the army. Sure, I'll still get to enjoy some sceneries, but I won't get to do anything I wish to and that's a real bummer. Won't be bringing my camera there either, so I'll make do with just #iphoneonly and #iphoneportraits haha. Instead of packing my bags for the past few weeks, I've been trying to do as much shoots as I could. To stock up on photos to upload on Instagram while I'm there. Smart move huh? I know. 

Without a doubt, I'm much more psyched for the Korea trip. I might have been to Korea before, but this time it'll be around winter and with friends. And can I just say, I never knew planning an overseas trip was so tedious good lord. From trying to get a good deal for flight tickets to finding reasonable priced Airbnb lodging. God why do you place so many obstacles in front of my relaxation trip? Hopefully the obstacles make the trip a whole lot sweeter. I'll be bringing my camera for this trip (duh) so my two bunkmates are gonna be my models for the whole trip.

Matcha, Matcha, and More Matcha

Azukiiiii

Before I start, disclaimer: I don't do food photography so this is just me playing around. A collaboration with my dad if you might, he helped me with the light (just my iPhone 7) while I shot. No idea on how to edit either, so I went with my usual style of editing just with a different preset. For some reason, the photos turned out darker and moodier than I'd imagined, but hey, makes the food look a little more dramatic eh?

I am no food critique so I'm not gonna tell you how the cream bun explodes in your mouth with unicorn sprinkles and gives you a roller coaster ride of flavours from sweet to bitter. I'm just here to tell you that there's this shop at Tanjong Pagar Centre (above the MRT) that sells these cream buns.

Really like their packaging though, it's so lovely

Really wanted to try the custard flavour but they were sold out on that, so we went with one Azuki and three different matcha flavours. Matcha cream bun (original), matcha rich, and matcha melon. Rich like the word already says mean it's not poor. No, I'm kidding. Unless you have a love for matcha, don't get this one. It's way too thick, and kills the whole taste for me. Matcha melon does not contain any melon, much to your disappointment. The melon actually stands for the crust (?) of the bread being rocky like a rock melon (probably). You can take a look at it below. My favourite was probably the normal match cream bun, for it had the right balance of matcha. And also because that melon crust ain't my thing. 

//

Well, the food isn't the main point. The lighting is. I was actually receiving a simple lesson on lighting up subjects from my dad. My house doesn't have the best lighting when it gets dark, with orange light and whatnot. I don't have a speed light either, so my iPhone's torch is all I got. I'm not very familiar with using lighting like this, so I shone it straight onto the bun. That's when my dad came in, telling me to try shining it from the side. I did, and instantly the photo looked better. So he explained to me about the shadows creating depth for the photo rather than shining it straight making it look flat. From there, he took over the light and showed me various ways of lighting up a bun while I took some photos. And I think that last photo of the matcha melon bun was the one with the best lighting. We shone the top / back of the bun, casting the shadows forward.

I'm probably gonna take what I learnt today and apply it on portraits in the near future. Lights make a huge difference like I saw today. 

Matcha rich as you can see, exploding with matcha

The matcha melon that has no taste of melon

Fond Memories

Fashion enough for ya?

On the March of 2015, I posted a blog post talking about how I was about to start internship. At the time, I didn't know how this internship organization of mine would have such a big impact on my life. For privacy purposes, I will not mention the name of the company. All I'll say is that it deals with old folks.

What started off as a mere four months long internship evolved into a long term volunteering commitment. When I'd started my internship, I honestly couldn't foresee myself going back to volunteer after it ended. But I guess those four months were enough for me to form a bond with the old folks, the staffs that worked there, and my two good-looking seniors who interned before me (as pictured above). 

Looking back, I have lots of fond memories working there. From accompanying the elderly to buffets, to the casual lunches and dinners we had inside the center where some of the staffs would cook. 

Two years have since passed, and all but one of the colleagues that I worked with remain. Some resigned for personal reasons, and some transferred out. Truth be told, the colleagues were part of why I went back so often. I really enjoyed their presence. Of course, I will still go back every now and then when I'm free (or if they ask me to), just to see my old folks. 

It'd probably disappoint them to know that I most likely would not continue in this field, since I've decided to pursue photography.

////

Now, you're probably wondering why the fashion photos. I'm just using the post as an excuse to show you the photos I took of my two intern seniors when we met up recently. They helped me out a lot when I was still an intern back then, showing me how to interact with the elderly and giving me ideas for my FYP. So I'm always thankful for that. Have always wanted to try shooting with them as well, so I'm glad this happened. 

We just walked around Somerset and Orchard finding nice spots here and there to take the photos. The way I like it. I get more inspired when I walk around, but I guess that's the street photographer in me talking. 

Also, this shoot was inspired by @faithcheryl's photos.

Random corner with beds and sofas as a background

Just casually sitting on some shop's pillars

GD vibes in this one?

The amount of green in this photo though

Brightening your life with that bright smile

Just smiling to his own muscles

He really wanted to show off the abs

Angel and devil? 

All photos were processed on Lightroom with VSCO Film, tones further adjusted by myself. Still pretty new to Lightroom, so don't be too harsh with me. 

A Bad Day

Everyone has had at least one bad day in their lives. The kind of bad day where nothing seems to go right for that entire day. You oversleep, spill your coffee, trip over nothing, and take all the wrong roads. It's the kind of day that throws your mood into the deepest pits of shit. We feel like the world is against us for that twenty-four hours, and we just get angry at everyone and everything. There's really nothing we can do about it, because whatever we try to do just makes things worse. The only viable thing to do though, is to take a good sleep. That's what we really need on days like these. A sleep to calm ourselves down and to reset everything.

On the other side of the lens

Captured by my sister; Edited by yours truly

They say that a good photographer should be able to model too. That way, the photographer understands what the model is going through when she steps in front of the camera. The photographer who is able to do the poses him/herself is then able to demonstrate for the model in case the model can't grasp what he/she is trying to say. 

//

Growing up, I was never really a fan of being in front of the camera. My dad himself was a photography enthusiast too in his younger days. So as a kid, he placed me in front of the camera a lot. I would make funny faces on purpose, and now that I think about it, I really wasted a lot of his film. Sorry dad, I regret it now. I always preferred to hold the camera, as a kid and as an adult. Not much has changed since I was a kid if you ask me.

I've never really been confident of my looks, hence further contributing to me refusing to be in front of the camera. 

That changed when I went for instawalks. My friend/teacher, Ivan, would get me to model for him. You can probably imagine how awkward I was, since I'm rarely in front of the camera. No clue on what to do with my hands, should I smile or not? It was harder than taking photos, that was for sure. 

Captured by my friend, Ivan; Edited by yours truly

Captured by my friend, Ivan; Edited by yours truly

With each shoot that I did afterwards, I began to try doing the poses myself before getting the models to do it. I don't know why either, but it helped me to visualise the shot better. I would face the mirror to practise my own expressions at home. And it helped. It was easier to show models what kind of pose you want as compared to describing it (if you don't have a photo). I don't always save photos of the poses I want my models to do, so showing them myself is much easier.

And as such, I thought of putting myself in front of the lens more often. Don't get me wrong, I have no intentions of becoming a model and abandoning my hobby of holding a camera. Instead, I just wish to be more open to standing in front of this camera I hold so often. I realised I could do some whacky expressions with my face so that's something I'm experimenting with. In fact, I got my sister to take some photos of me when we were at Hawpar Villa just the other day. Sadly, apart from the cover photo of this post, I won't be showing you the other photos from that shoot. Let's just say I look too unglam. 

In order to take more glamorous photos, I decided to bring it indoors and did a self portrait shoot. Switched on the aircon, controlled how much sunlight entered the room, set up my tripod, and snapped away. I was really just fumbling around since I didn't know what to do. I found myself going for something simpler as I went, focusing on the light more. Once I found the perfect spot in the room to shoot at, found the perfect settings I tried taking with different clothes on. I probably looked like a joke doing everything alone, from wardrobe to taking of the photos.

As you can probably see from the photos below, I really like this hat of mine. Other hats just don't do as much justice to me. I used the hat in all my photos because my hair looks horrendous. I have a lot of acne as well, so this shoot was a good opportunity for me to practise healing on Lightroom. 

Casual / Natural enough for you?

Just pretending to smile at some passer by when I'm really just looking at the window

Happened to buy a turtleneck from Uniqlo so here's me being artsy fartsy

Overall, I actually really enjoyed the self portrait shoot but I probably won't do another one any time soon. It's just way too tiring, I'd rather have someone hold the camera instead. 

In case anyone was wondering, I used a 35mm f/1.8 for the self portraits and the Hawpar Villa shoot. It was too tight in the room for a 50mm so the 35mm came in pretty handy. Whereas for Hawpar, I forgot to bring my 50mm out so I had to settle for 35mm. 

Dustyrobe // Of Metaphors, Bananas, and a Personal Project

A Personal Project

Over a year ago, I started a new Instagram account, named "dustyrobe". It was when I was recovering / suffering from a fresh breakup. My old accounts had too much memories, so I left them as they were and started something new. A mark of a new beginning if you might. Now, you're probably wondering what does dustyrobe even mean? It's so out of the blue, so random. Well, I was watching an anime (yu-gi-oh arc-v) at the time when a similar term came up - dusty cloak; the name of one of the cards. I thought about it and decided to put a twist to it, even adding a meaning to the name. Likening myself to a forgotten robe in the closet (because no one uses that) that has been left to collect dust, I thought of myself as someone forgotten. Depressing, I know. But that was my state of mind at that time. Months went by, and even after recovering, I'd grown to like the name. But I digress.

Banana cigar for you?

My very first photo on the account was of a banana, peeled halfway and bitten with the caption - 

"You're probably wondering, why the name and why the banana. Well maybe I'm just trying to be artsy, or maybe it's a metaphor." 

There was no meaning whatsoever when I took that photo. I just felt like it and I thought that it looked aesthetically pleasing. But let me just insert a random metaphor into it, the me then was like the blackened skin of the banana and I wanted to peel it off to start afresh. 

So yes, I started the account with no purpose or direction. Somehow, one thing led to another and I ended up using it for photography purposes. Perhaps the artsy fartsy banana photo was already an indication or a foreshadow even that my account would one day be used to showcase my photos. While mundanefilms which was made 2 years ago was meant to be an outlet for my street photos, dustyrobe on the other hand will showcase all the portraits.

Hopefully the backstory wasn't too boring

Now to the main point after a long grandmother's backstory. As a way of paying tribute to my very first photo on dustyrobe, I thought why not use bananas as a concept for a portrait shoot. I wanted it to be as weird as it could be, with a tinge of humour. I already knew from the start when I thought of the concept that I wanted Randell to be the model. No one else would be so willing to get weird for me after all. I wanted to do it indoors as well for softer light and a cleaner background. There was no better place than my place. White walls and a vintage looking sofa, couldn't have asked for more. Also, it was somewhere where we couldn't get judged by the public.

When I first came up with the concept, I wanted the overall theme to be in love. Where Randell would do retarded things with the banana like a man in love would be. Somehow during the shoot, the mood changed. Maybe it was the sombre music that I was playing. Just like how I felt a year ago, the feelings were conveyed through this set of photos. 

When the heartbreak sets in, you just end up not knowing what you're doing

I hope you see where I'm going with all these. I hope you see the character development. From an aimless photograph of a banana to a planned concept shoot with a banana. It is my metaphor for the account that was once without a purpose but now has a direction. Yes I went one big round to show the metaphor.

This set of photos is my tribute to my first post, me starting anew, me having met a whole lot of amazing friends this year, me celebrating my birthday, and me still finding love. 

Why are you thinking wrong? This is art.

Is this the new way of dancing to Twice's Signal? It might very well be.

And my personal favourite out of the whole set. Thanks for sacrificing your eyes while I manual focused.

Huge thanks to the bestie, Randell for helping out with this weird shoot. Okay fine, there was an additional reason why I specifically wanted Randell to be the model for the shoot. He was the one that helped get me through my toughest times of my life. Not just the period after I broke up but also during the relationship (he helped me reach the decision of breaking up) and also during poly dramas. So yeah, if the shoot was a metaphor for me having found a purpose in life, then him being the model would be showing him as the catalyst for that change. Thanks buddy, for everything. 

And that is the story of how I got my Instagram name, and how this shoot came about. Will probably do more of such shoots along with fashion ones. 

Cheers.

Why Do You Do What You Do?

"Why do you shoot?"

I used to have an answer for this question, but not anymore. I've been trying to find my answer each time I pick up my camera, but to no avail. How is it possible that I'm shooting without a reason, you might ask. Perhaps unconsciously I already have an answer, it's just that it hasn't surfaced to my consciousness. I try to convince myself that I shoot simply because I enjoy it, but I'm no three year old, there's no way I'm convincing myself with such a lousy reason. I could list a bunch of possible reasons, and they might or might not be the answers I'm searching for. 

Until I find my answer, I will continue to pick up my camera and shoot. But once I find my answer, will I then stop shooting? I certainly hope not. 

On the contrary, I have an answer for why I write. I've been writing since I was 15, when I was inspired by my then English teacher (thank you Ms Eunice Lee; if you ever read this, know that I'm forever thankful for you for making me love the language). I started with compositions, preparing for O's, when I found out that it was enjoyable to write. Then I moved on to journal articles during my poly years, never really enjoyed it much but it taught me a lot on writing objectively. Soon after, I discovered Kinfolk. It was around that time I started this blog and tried to write lifestyle related topics. If there was anything in common throughout my years of writing, it's that I always wrote to express myself. It took me five years to realise it, I write to express myself because there's no better way of expressing myself than through my love of words.

And perhaps that is my answer, perhaps I shoot as a secondary form of expressing myself. For when my words are not enough to paint the picture, my photographs will supplement. 

But what about you, why do you do what you do?

A Good Cry

Ever cried till your eyes ran out of tears? Till you feel your insides are wrecked and you're just there, gasping for air?

At some point in our lives, we're bound to experience that. Locking ourselves in our room or in the shower, maybe a public toilet cubicle crying our very hearts out. To be away from everyone else as we are crying, because that's probably our lowest point in life. It might be from a heartbreak, or from losing your beloved pet. Could be anything really. But I'm sure most of you out there know what I'm talking about.

And it's fine. Fine to cry as much as you wish, to scream and resent the world. She's the stupid one for leaving you. His eyes are probably on his butt to not appreciate you. Life is being biased against you. You're entitled to it. It doesn't matter what your gender is, there should be no right or wrong when you're grieving. Ignore those who say "just get over it", we both know it's not easy at all. It's not easy to stay strong. Be vulnerable, and let those tears fall. For you'll feel better after the tears dry up. I can assure you that.

Sometimes all we need is a good cry alone. No need for shoulders to lean on, no need for words of comfort. Just the comfort of our own privacy and our knees to cry on. 

//

Long overdue writing that I should have written two years back, around this period of the year, when my eyes ran out of tears. When I should have ended things and not let it drag on. 

Experimenting with this and that

Haven't been the most avid writer recently, I know, considering the last post was two months back already. So thought I'd write some updates.

It's always been a dream of mine to shoot portraits for people, but being the true blue introvert that I am, that has never been easy. The closest I came to was shooting a few friends. But recently, after having gotten to know a bunch of amazing people through Instagram, I've had the opportunity to shoot portraits for a lot of people. Well okay, not a lot, but much more than I ever would have alone. And I'm just honestly really happy and excited. Through all these, I've learnt a lot more in the past two months than I ever have since I started shooting. Which is kinda crazy if you ask me.

In just two months, I've been floating around different styles of portraiture, experimenting with a little of this and that. And I realise how inadequate I am, how there is so much more to be learnt.

But I've found a "style" or so to speak that I wish to pursue, which is to go full "weird" (so I apologise in advance to all those that will have shoots with me in future). Discovered a lot of inspirations, such as @uuanjie and Rachel Gulotta, really different styles in general but yet so similar. If you know what their photos are like, you know which direction I'm headed. Attended some workshops here and there, talked to some photographers too. Received some of the best advice one could receive. 

These photos are slightly more on the fashion side as I was dabbling with that. Ah yes, my editing game has ever so lightly increased as I've moved from VSCO on my phone to Lightroom mobile to Lightroom desktop. Don't see anything wrong with using VSCO film so I'm using that, and playing with tones in general too. It ain't perfect, but I'm getting there (hopefully).

I'm trying my hand on writing poetry too these days for my captions on Instagram. After having been inspired so much by Lang Leav, it's only right to write as a tribute back to her. But my writing is heavily influenced by Lorde's lyrics and my own personal experiences. They're mostly sad, and on heartbreaks (just like everyone else's). But that does not mean that I'm sad. In fact, I'm at a really happy place in life now, doing what I love and enjoy. Sure, still single, but I'm getting there. Probably will continue to write sad things until I fall in love again. (Sigh why is it so hard to find a girl? If you know any suitable girls in my age range, please do let this single boy know because you know, he's not getting any younger)

Do forgive me if you think my writing is bad, I'm not the most expressive person there is. I just try to put my feelings into words, to pen down what I've been through in life. When I say writing, I don't just refer to my captions on Insta, but also my writings here on this blog. Because every now and then, I write something that's not so much reflections but more of an article-ish kind of writing. I have received feedback from a few friends that I have a distinct style of writing and that it's overall good, so just let me bask in happiness and pride for a while here.

I'm working on a personal project as well, so I'm hoping that turns out well. Oh you might have noticed something different too, mundanefilms has since been renamed as dustyrobe. Why you ask? To be more consistent with my Instagram, and also because I've grown to really like the name "dustyrobe".

A Huge Step

Shirley being posed by Ivan to do Ariana Grande's "Side to Side"

A couple months back, I went on my first insta-meet/walk with the best friend. At that time (and even now), we were always talking about how we wanted to expand our social circle. To some of you, that might seem like an easy thing to do. But we're introverts and we absolutely suck at socialising. Honestly. So going for this insta-meet was a huge step for the two of us. Well, I kinda dragged him there because I didn't want to go alone. While I did make a few friends there, it was still awkward for me.

Fast forward to last Saturday, one of the friends I made from the previous insta-meet invited me to come on another one. It was pretty timely as well since it provided me a much needed getaway from army after they've been burning plenty of my weekends away. I gotta say, I surprised myself. I actually had a lot more fun than I imagined, and I even managed to talk to more people.

And compared to the first time, I learnt a lot more on this insta-meet. It was amazing to see a lot of them at "work", posing the models and just throwing out ideas here and there. I've never really experienced something like this before so I was just awestruck 80% of the time. I even got to shoot in the dark (something that I've been wanting to try for a long time) because Tampines Hub opened up their Laser Quest for us. Thank you to that MVP who used his phone torch to light up Shirley for us. 

And just yesterday, before we went to watch some National Day fireworks, Ivan and I did a little pursuit of portraits shooting after we found a bunch of really nice looking overgrown flowers hanging off a wall. Because you know, everybody loves taking flower bokeh. I'm no exception to that. Once again, I got to see his ability at posing people (which in this case it's me) after he posed Shirley at Tampines Hub. I've still got much to learn from all these amazing photographers, obviously. 

Shootin' in the dark

Flower boy Ivan

Flower ninja now