Canon Imaging Academy - Fast Track Workshop

Media Invite

Promise me that you will not laugh at my photographs alright ? I am a total noob to photography and I have always rely on the Auto mode of my compact camera. Reason being is because by the time I have adjusted the settings, the kids would have probably ran off ! I was coincidently searching around for photography tips, wanting to pick up the skills slowly on my own before I was invited to the Fast Track Workshop conducted by Instructor Nugene Chiang and Alvin Foo from Canon Imaging Academy (CIA). I thought why not.

What is a Fast Track Workshop ?
- For beginners who are keen to pursue an interest in photography.
- Utilising the various modes available in the DSLR and Compact Cameras.
- Theoretical and practical guide on the functionality of your camera.
- An hour of Outdoor photo-shooting around Marina Bay Sands (Hands on session)
- Enjoy a 4 course lunch at HY California coupled with tips sharing from the instructors as you enjoy the meal.
- You need not to be a Canon camera user, just bring your own camera and join in the workshop!

Basically, Nugene covered on the different levels of aperture settings, shutter speed and ISO. How should we adjust the ISO so that the photograph will not be under or over exposed, as well as to adjust the White Balance to achieve the desired shot you want. The theoretical part on how to take a panning shot by Nugene.

How to capture panning shots by Nugene

These are some of the shots I took using Canon Powershot SX530 HS.

The lotus pond

I tried to apply #1 Rule of The Thirds on the shot below. Rule of the thirds helps in better composition and balance of the images. Get your objects at any one intersection points.

Photo credit : Digital photography school

Somewhere getting there, no ?

Bees in action 

Lotus

From Helix bridge, using Canon Powershot SX530 HS , I can zoom in all the way into one of the capsules from the Singapore Flyers !

Yes, I am in love with it ! It is pretty light in weight and I am amazed by how clear the shot can be despite the distance.

Taken from Helix Bridge

Happiest was I finally understood and managed to take a panning shot !! I should have zoom in further for this.

Taken from Helix Bridge

Taken from Helix Bridge

We were taught how to capture a synchronised jump shot of a group / a jump shot.

Instructor Nugene being the jumping model

Synchronised jump shot by Nugene

I have ever tried taking jump shots of Xav but each time he had to jump a few times before I can successfully capture a nice one. This were my jumping shots of the instructors, like as if they are floating in space ! *Did a happy dance !* I got it !

#2 The trick to it was, give the que to jump by counting 1,2,3 jump ! Press on the button only when their legs are off the ground and not concurrently when they jumped by the end of the three counts. Try it and see if you can get it !

After the 1hr outdoor shoot, we headed back for lunch and Nugene shared more tips on taking food shots and creating light if there is insufficient lighting.

Here are some of the food shots which I have really tried my best in getting the best angle (from my eye), I would say there is so much to improve on and am still not having an eye for photography. One of the tips that was shared was #3 you can "arrange" your food to get the angle you want to capture.

Sashimi Platter

Grilled chicken

Sushi Roll Platter

This was really tender and juicy ! This is the reason for my plans to make a return trip!

Pan fried beef on mash potatoe

The vanilla ice cream that was paired with the Molten chocolate cake ! It's a perfect match !

Spot those specks of vanilla pods !

Under the companion of a group of happy people, we had a hearty lunch, made friends and chatted with the other parent bloggers, exchanging some of our parenting experiences as well !

Group picture from CIA,  Fast Track Workshop

From the left : Nugene, Me,  Estella & Alvin

If you would like to get started and pick up some useful and practical photography skills and tips with CIA, these are the Upcoming Workshops and Walks which you would love to sign up for:

- Family Photo Walk at Singapore Zoo ,  18 June 2015 (Thursday) 
Time: 2.00pm to 5.00pm
Venue: Singapore Zoo
Fee: $38/pax and one child below age of 15 (excludes Zoo entrance fee)
Click here to find out more details.

-Fast Track Workshop, 27 June 2015 (Saturday)
Time: 10 am to 1pm
Venue : HY California at Marina Bay Sands
Fee: 88/pax (Inclusive of 4-course lunch)
More details to click here.

And of course if you wish to read on what the other parent bloggers shared from the workshop, do hope by their blogs below.

Claudia of The Loving Mum
Estella of Sooddlydreamlike
Phobe of BPDG Travels
Michelle of Mummy Wee Blog
Soon Koon of Lemon Film

Disclaimer : I was invited to attend the Fast Track Workshop by Canon Singapore. No monetary compensation was involved and all opinions are of my own.