The drive back from Berkeley was smooth and speedy even though the bay bridge had 2 lanes closed. It was 10.20pm; we decided that it was for the better that we defer the submission. That way, we could examine the exact causes for the inaccuracies we got. Such is life.

Which means that I have time to get my photography stuff back in order. I managed to do a first pass for Alexia's shoot, selecting and processing 80 odd images. Every time at this stage, it always amazes me how much processing can do to improve the photograph. In the digital age, processing is almost akin to developing the negative and the print at the same time. However, most beginner or amateur photographer do not spend much time or effort in processing an image to bring out its best potential. Not that I am very well versed in doing so, but I do spend the effort to make the image come forth as how I would like people to view it. So photographers, process your images! Experiment with techniques outside your comfort zone and see what you end up with. You might be surprised with what you get. Our tastes changes more rapidly than you think; I am already bored by the photographs that I put up 3 weeks ago. =)

Speaking of which, the shoot I am referring to is the first assignment I shot for IPM -- Monica. We decided that we would avoid the terrible yellow walls in the garage and use the Golden Gate bridge as the backdrop. The caveat: it has to be done at night to avoid onlookers and the weather was very very cold. Monica was extremely professional and I would highly recommend her. Krysti did the makeup. Oh, Davide was her boyfriend whom I shot with her as well.

It was impossible to focus. The Canon 1D mark IV with a f1.4 lens had so much difficulty with auto focusing that I had to use manual focus. I could not see anything through the viewfinder since it was almost pitch black. Live View at ISO 6400 to the rescue! Somehow, taking a photograph in Live View mode does not trigger the flash. I guess this is because I had the Live View mode configured for movies. So I had to focus in Live View, get out of it, and trigger. Boy am I lucky to get these photographs. ISO 6400, mostly shot wide open. Enjoy.