ROBIN WONG

I have recently published an article on Ming Thein's site, covering the Thaipusam 2019 celebration in Batu Caves, Kuala Lumpur. However, there was one favourite shot that I have taken which did not fit into the series of photographs shown in that article. Therefore, I decided to single this shot out and place it here. I saw this little kid beating a paper box like a drum, as he was imitating the real drummers all around the location, setting the beats for the devotees in procession. To me, the sight of the young boy wanting to take part of the larger cultural picture was heart-warming. I could not help but smile to myself as I composed this image. Here is a short video clip of the kid "drumming" away (click here).

Du to the Chinese New Year holidays, everything in Malaysia has been slightly delayed. I used to be able to tell the Olympus consumers who attended our launch events that they were amongst the first in the world to touch and try previous products, eg E-M1, E-M1 Mark II, etc. Nevertheless, the Malaysian team managed to create an unusual event yesterday, taking the participants outdoor to a dirt bike trail in Most Fun Gym. We had two full sessions, one in the morning and another in afternoon, and I was there as a support, doing a short photo-sharing presentation on my experience using the E-M1X, as well as helping out in one of the shooting stations to ensure everyone had a wonderful experience using the new E-M1X. It was an extremely exhausting day for me but it was so much fun seeing everyone enjoying the new camera and getting some really cool shots. It was a hot day being exposed under the sun, but looking at the happy faces after getting that "ah-ha!" shot was well worth all the trouble!


I hope everyone who attended the event had a great time. For those of you in Malaysia, feel free to follow the events and activities at Olympus Malaysia's official page here.  I hope to see you guys in future events!

What better way to cap off an exhausting week full of drama over the never-ending discussion in online photography forums than eat all the awesome hipster overpriced food and coffee? I did just that with cool friends, Elaine and Jess. Elaine suggested RGB & The Bean Hive, a residential house turned cafe restaurant which I have not been before, and I must add it was such a great suggestion. We spent an entire afternoon eating good food and catching up. Sometimes, all you need to do is just eat and talk your worries away.

RGB is indeed an easy name for me to remember, a very important phrase for photographers - red, green and blue, the primary colors that make the image sensor as well as how our eyes sense colors. In this case, RGB stands for Roast, Grind and Brew, I think.

For this session, I brought along only the Olympus PEN E-P5 and M.Zuiko 25mm F1.8 lens. I shot everything with the 25mm.

To all beautiful people who celebrate the Chinese New Year 2019, have a joyous, prosperous and blessed celebration! May this coming year bring you ever-flowing wealth, abundant opportunities and the best health.


As for me, I will be having a quiet celebration with mum in my hometown, Kuching (in Borneo). When I return to KL I shall be loaning the Olympus OM-D E-M1X again and perhaps do one or two more articles.

GONG XI FA CAI!

I have been following the discussions and feedback on the Olympus OM-D E-M1X everywhere as much as I can over the past week and I must admit I have not seen that much negativity on a single newly launched camera. I also fully acknowledge that everyone is entitled to his or her own opinion and free to vocalize their thoughts. I can totally understand the uneasiness expressed on the larger and weightier than usual body of the E-M1X, or how the pricing may not suit the general market. It is true that Olympus created the E-M1X for specific target group of photographers and that the camera may not appeal to the larger crowd. However, what I cannot agree and I feel I must say something here about is regarding the "small sensor size" as a universal excuse to condemn E-M1X and all other Micro Four Thirds system cameras.