Feeling bored and lazy at home? You keep scrolling through social media but still couldn’t decide on what to do? Or just procrastinate on your work? Ever feel like going out to meet your friends, but you can’t do so due to the implementation of the Conditional Movement Control Order (CMCO). I mean, we’ve all been there. Well, thank you for stopping by my blog. Before I start, here’s a short introduction about myself. My name is Zhan Ni, and I’m 17 years old. I am currently pursuing a Diploma in Mass Communication (DMC) at IACT College and currently a second-semester student.
I’m a coffee lover (although I wouldn’t consider myself a coffee addict), but I still drink coffee to sleep at night! I was really excited when I first saw photography class on our timetable this semester, but soon I was met with disappointment as we couldn’t go to the studio in college. Not to mention, the level of difficulty increased when we had to go out to take pictures when most of the pictures have to be shot indoors. I like taking all types of pictures, but with more emphasis on scenery. Despite being stuck at home for photography class, I still learnt a lot about photography (lightings, exposures, journalism…)
For me, photography isn’t only just about the beautiful pictures that have been taken, but it’s the story and process behind every picture that matters. The angle, planning, lighting and everything before the shooting matter a lot and will affect much on the picture.
Due to the MCO, it’s tough to find someone to model for my assignment. All my family members are actually camera shy and would try their best to avoid the camera when they see one. So, for all the assignments done, it’s a ‘one-man show’ for me, even for the lighting, camera angle, and everything else. The tripod would be my best friend, I guess. Other than that, I have this wonderful friend that lives near me and was actually willing to spend his study time to come to visit me and help me finish the shots. We actually ended our photoshoot session at 9 pm that day. Shout out to Ee Cian. Check him out on Instagram @eeciann_
We tried to put on makeup and set up his hair, which took us up to a minimum of 2 hours as both of us have 0 experience in this. The sun was shining brightly when he came, but it started to set when we just started taking pictures.
You caught me staring, but I caught you staring back.
For this shot, we first planned to shoot outdoors with a nice background and nicer sunlight. But, in spite of the sudden spike in the number of COVID-19 cases, we decided to take the shoot indoors. I wanted him to stare directly into the camera and pose with a serious face. The outfit he was wearing was inspired by Jimin from BTS in their music video called Dynamite. It was a simple set of outfits that’ll improve your appearance just by a glance.
Really thank you for being the best friend I could always rely on for helping me out with assignments even with your tight schedule, due to the Western Australian Certificate of Education (WACE) that was just around the corner at the time.
Sip as the coffee splash, fast as flash.
I tried using splash photography for this advertisement. It was really messy where I “trial-ed and error-ed” for an hour or more just to get the perfect splash. I also have to clean up after every shot as the coffee splashes everywhere on the floor, the camera lens, the wall, and even on my shirt. I think it’s important to get the right thing to make the coffee splash like how you imagined. Well, I tried a few objects, ice cubes, biscuits, orange’s top skin with a 50 cents tied onto it. But, in conjunction, it’s enjoyable, and it was something I would definitely try again. The two flashes in the advertisement are made from the smoke brush.
I prefer it black, just like my soul.
Making 6 cups of coffee and trying to finish it after the photoshoot is really a challenge. Even for a coffee lover, 6 cups is way too much, and I might get a huge excess of caffeine intake. For this shot, I tried my best to make all 6 cups different in colour, whereas the first cup on the left was a cup of milk.
hey, you like coffee? why don't you and I head down for more coffee?