In The Circle

Apr
01

The setting was perfect for TV host, radio presenter, actor, singer, martial arts enthusiast, explorer, daredevil, NIKE flow-rider, emcee, diver – this makes Azura Zainal, Malaysia’s (extremely busy) celebrity hard to catch. But we’ve managed to catch up with her, wake her up at 6am on a December morning to stomp the streets of Kuala Lumpur strutting her personality on a fun photoshoot.

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Though we all secretly harboured feelings of annoyance towards Sanjit (That’s me) for getting us up early…  it all faded away when the golden rays of light illuminated the streets of Kuala Lumpur. To bathe in the light of the golden hour was indeed worth the efforts of rising early on a Saturday morning. We hardly stayed put in one area… we stormed the streets of Kuala Lumpur in search of unique locations (Well, we also had to keep moving to dodge the city security).

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Furthermore, we woke up her husband, Cris to assist us with the shoot. Cameras in the bag – we’re off!

How did this all come about? I’ll spare the historical details – lets just say we’re ol’ family friends reacquainted. I’ve always looked up at Azura – her persona and live wire personality makes her one (heckofa’) firecracker of a lovely lass – the kind that is always fun to work with.

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We also managed to get down and personal (it’s not everyday we get to pick the brains of a celeb) and asked Azura some personal questions and some on her philosophy.

1. Is freedom more important than money

“To me it’s equally important because when you have money, your life is better and it gives you the freedom to do the things that you love. But it doesn’t mean you have to have a lot of money, just enough for you to have the freedom you want.”

2. You as a personal brand – how did ‘your successes’ come about

“This is really tough for me to answer because i always ask myself whether i am successful already?? What makes a person successful? Are you successful when you have a lot of money? or when you have hundreds of thousands of followers on your social media?? How do you define success? I just recently had this conversation with my sister and she always tells me that I am too critical and i judge myself too much and too hard! And she is right! So for the longest time i always thought i have not reached any successes. But after publishing a book, a guidebook to help aspiring presenters who want to follow in my foot-steps, it hit me! That’s one of the successes i have.:)  This book is definitely a huge way to give back to the society and am really blessed to be able to share my knowledge! So coming back to the question, my successes certainly came from the continuous support i had and still have from the fans, the people who believe and support the things that i do because without them i would never be where I am today! It’s team-work right there!”

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3. Setbacks of being a celebrity 

“Here’s the thing, i have never considered myself as a celebrity. Im just a person just like you, doing something that i love but the difference is, people get to see and hear what i do…so to be honest, i have never experienced any kind of setbacks…call me lame but it’s the truth!”

4. your point of view towards todays generation to live a healthy (for a happy) life

“I see a lot of people now are very concern about their health and it’s great that some of them are actually taking action. Whether people do it for health, beauty or to show off, it doesn’t matter, as long as you are doing something about it. I believe that it’s important for you to live a healthy life now, because for me , I workout to actually prepare myself for the future when i get older. I want to still be able to jump the way i do now and when I’m older. :)”

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5. As the face and voice to everyone that you represent living in the age where ‘community is king’ – how do you handle public attention.

“Hehehe I still get very shy whenever people stop me to take photos and say hello. I never have problems with handling public attention, because whenever people stop or say hello, they always seem like they’ve known me like forever so automatically it makes me think that maybe i do know them….too…from somewhere….so yeah…i hope i make sense. So public attention is not an issue for me, i handle them like they are my friends. :)”

6. Framing your goals (what have you achieved and what have you recently set out to achieve)

“Everybody has goals, every year i set out some goals but i never achieve it! Like since 3 years ago i keep telling myself that i must produce at least 1 show a year, and that never happen. But i do have the proposal and i did go to see some people to kinda get the ball rolling, but it never pulled through because I’m always taken away for my travel show. But whats funny is that the goals that are not on my list actually happened. Like being a radio announcer and having a book with my name on it! How bizarre is that..to me that really showed me GOD knows best! So yea, the highlight for me this year is actually holding and having my guidebook out for everyone to learn a little bit from me about tv and radio presenting. It’s my way of giving back to the fans.

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For this year, my goal is to start being a trainer in my field, am lucky because my sister Zarina is a Professional Trainer and she will guide me in this new career path. I planning to have workshops on TV Presenting and Radio Announcing for people who want to learn more about what i do. Its great because with the book out, it will be easier for people to relate. So crossing my fingers that happens soon.”

7. (Azura’s personal message)

“Thank you so much for all your continuos support. I really really appreciate it. As cliche as i may sound, but this is the honest truth, Without you i wouldn’t be where i am today and i want you to know that you make me better at what i do! So THANK YOU SO MUCH! I love you! And don’t forget to always believe in all that you do, dream big and don’t forget to get my book! hahahahaha MUCH LOVE!”

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Though it may seem like awhile since we’ve been photographing human beings – the truth is, we’ve been more at it than anything else that we shoot. All in all, it was a great day, a good fun shoot, shared many laughs – everyone went home tired and filled the air with ‘zzz’s’ – Cris & I have become camara!

It was a pleasure to photograph Azura, and we look forward to more fun shoots such as this. Thanks Chris, for helping us with the reflectors too!

Cheers Azura, Cris & Ravin – you gals (& guy) Rock!

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Do check out her new book: Azura Zainal’s Guide to Radio and TV Hosting here 

Credits:

Azura Zainal
fb: https://www.facebook.com/azura.zainal.967?fref=ts&ref=br_tf
fb: https://www.facebook.com/azurazainalofficial
instagram: http://instagram.com/zurrs

 

Cristiano Genuino
web: http://www.capoeiracamaramalaysia.com
fb: https://www.facebook.com/cristiano.genuino?fref=ts
fb: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Capoeira-Camara-Malaysia/285367176836?ref=br_rs

Camera Woman: Ravinder Kaur 

Photos & Post: Sanjitpaal Singh
Camera: Nikon D7100, 17-55, 70-200, SU-8, SB910 (2pcs), lighting stands, reflector

Oh yea… here’s the BTS Video… 

… and more images from the shoot here

 
Feb
17

Considering that I do shoot in the studio at times (or bring the studio to you) most of these studio sessions are almost never seen online. Mainly because most of my shots are exclusive to the client.

Long story short – I was casting a couple of my friends just yesterday and since we’re good buddies, I sent one of the better images via whatsapp just for the heck of it. These images do go around onto their FB / Instagram / EyeEm / G+ and other social media spreading like wildfires faster than lightning.

MeshUP

Its also amazing what smart phones + time + and some imagination can achieve. To my surprise i received these ‘meshes’ done by a friend (with his mobile phone) of the person photographed. I had a good laugh!

 

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Send me your version… all in good fun!

 
Mar
15

Scoot your mouse and join us for the photowalk!

Registration details will be posted on Monday (18th March 2013)

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Join Athena Carey (2012 IPA winner) and Sanjitpaal Singh (2012 IPA winner) for a photowalk as they discover the wonders of Malaysia’s Natural Heritage – strutting on their cameras and doing what they do best. This time around, they’re inviting you to experience photography with them. Furthermore, they will be giving away a couple of goodies.

Your inspiration here: www.athenacarey.com

Supported by:

XUME Quick Release Adapters – http://www.xumeadapters.com/

SmugMug – http://www.smugmug.com/

RDT Prints – http://www.rdtprints.com/

Fujifilm Malaysia – http://www.fujifilm.com.my/

 
Mar
13

 

MEETING THE MINUTE… INTO A LARGER PICTURE

MACRO PHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOP: Featuring Sanjitpaal Singh and Amir Ridhwan

 macro workshop 4

 

THE BIGGER PICTURE ON SMALLER THINGS ~ Macro photography brings the smaller things in our surrounding into a larger picture. These often create outstanding images beguiling the minds and sooths the sights of many. For what the human eye may miss, the camera beholds.

Looking for your subjects in the forest leads to a path of many new discoveries. There are various types of flora and fauna in which, each possess the attributes and potential that never fail to challenge and astound creativity.

The forest is filled with various photo opportunities and your path to discovery begins here.

Insects, and spiders that inhabit the Earth can make some of the most fascinating and dramatic subjects. Their environment offers the photographer an unlimited amount of color, texture, and physic al architecture to explore.

Happening: macro photography workshop

When: 16th March 2013 – 9.30am-3.30pm

Where: Nature Education Centre (NEC) in the Forest Research Institute Malaysia (FRIM)

Register at: http://home.olympusimage.com.my/workshop.html

 

Sanjit’s Works: http://www.jitspics.deviantart.com/gallery/

Amir Ridhwan Works: malaysianspiders.blogspot.com

 

 

 

 

 
Mar
08

MACRO PHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOP

Featuring Sanjitpaal Singh and Amir Ridhwan

macro workshop2

THE BIGGER PICTURE ON SMALLER THINGS ~ Macro photography brings the smaller things in our surrounding into a larger picture. These often create outstanding images beguiling the minds and soothes the sights of many. For what the human eye may miss, the camera beholds.

Looking for your subjects in the forest leads to a path of many new discoveries. There are various types of flora and fauna in which, each possess the attributes and potential that never fail to challenge and astound creativity.

The forest is filled with various photo opportunities and your path to discovery begins here.

Insects, and spiders that inhabit the Earth can make some of the most fascinating and dramatic subjects. Their environment offers the photographer an unlimited amount of color, texture, and physic al architecture to explore.

 

Happening: macro photography workshop

When: 16th March 2013 – 9.30am-3.30pm

Where: Nature Education Centre (NEC) in the Forest Research Institute Malaysia (FRIM)

Register at: http://home.olympusimage.com.my/workshop.html

 

Sanjit’s Works: http://www.jitspics.deviantart.com/gallery

Amir Ridhwan Works: malaysianspiders.blogspot.com

 
Mar
06

MACRO PHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOP

Featuring Sanjitpaal Singh and Amir Ridhwan

macro workshop 01

 

THE BIGGER PICTURE ON SMALLER THINGS ~ Macro photography brings the smaller things in our surrounding into a larger picture. These often create outstanding images beguiling the minds and soothes the sights of many. For what the human eye may miss, the camera beholds.

Looking for your subjects in the forest leads to a path of many new discoveries. There are various types of flora and fauna in which, each possess the attributes and potential that never fail to challenge and astound creativity.

The forest is filled with various photo opportunities and your path to discovery begins here.

Insects, and spiders that inhabit the Earth can make some of the most fascinating and dramatic subjects. Their environment offers the photographer an unlimited amount of color, texture, and physic al architecture to explore.

 

Happening: macro photography workshop

When: 16th March 2013 – 9.30am-3.30pm

Where: Nature Education Centre (NEC) in the Forest Research Institute Malaysia (FRIM)

Register at: http://home.olympusimage.com.my/workshop.html

 

Sanjit’s Works: http://www.jitspics.deviantart.com/gallery

Amir Ridhwan Works: malaysianspiders.blogspot.com

 
Nov
01

Sanjit-PhaseOne

It’s unlikely to take a camera (which would have cost a lifetime of savings – or at least just mine) which has no weather sealing or any sort of protection whatsoever and furthermore a camera strap to the wild. Slippery by wet rugged terrains, unpredictable weather and every possible danger like twigs, branches and thorny bushes seem like flying daggers out of the forest tempted to make their mark on the camera – in this case, it’s the Phase One 645AF fitted with Schneider 80mm LS f/2.8 & the P30+ digital back.

Honestly, it was my sheer curiosity of how this camera would perform in wild that got me into a weekend spiral of hunting ferocious primates such as the stump-tailed macaque (Macaca arctoides) also known as ‘bear macaque’ and river landscapes.

It is my first time working with a medium format camera, which is usually tucked comfortably in a studio – now in the big ‘wild’ world.

More to come…

 
Mar
06

Robin Wong is one of the fastest growing photographers in Malaysia with his notable street works. The creator of ‘Shutter Therapy’ Robin often finds himself in the nooks of the streets doing what he loves the most. With style and precision, he’s passion for photography and blogging has much to do with his success. He’s also one of the most daring (to push the limits of the camera) & technical camera reviewers I’ve ever met. After all, he’s still in his 9 to 5 day job as a Geotechnical Engineer.


Music By: Azman Warren.

-Sanjit-

FULLCIRCLEPIX.COM

 
Oct
09
Nik

Nik

Born and raised in Petaling Jaya, Nik Muhammad Hafiz, better known as Nik among his peers, is an avid, versatile and passionate photographer for many years. He is the principal photographer for Applemint Studio but he enjoys collaborating on photography projects with Full Circle.

 He is also the founder of a group, called “Phondok Photography” which he created in Facebook as a channel for other photographers to share and exchange knowledge, at the same time creating more opportunities for themselves. The group currently has 800 members and is growing rapidly. What started as a hobby 8 years ago, he has now built into a career.

Nik has had the experience of taking photographs for numerous important events such as weddings, religious ceremonial events, private and corporate functions, tertiary education convocations, product shots, food shots, musical events, modeling and many others. 

Due to his deep passion for photography, he is keen on sharing his knowledge and experience with others. To date, he has conducted 2 photography camps organized by Perbadanan Putrajaya – Basic Photography and Wedding Photography, each a 2 days 1 night event for a total of 200 participants. In November 2010, he will be conducting a 3rd camp under the same organizer due to the overwhelming response and feedback from the first 2 camps.

He had also conducted a 2 days ‘Basic Photography’ workshop at University Malaya and for the high school students of Sekolah Menengah Bandar Tun Husin Onn. He believes constant coaching can help new photographers to grow therefore he personally conducts regular revision classes with his former students from his camps including one on one personal coaching from time to time. Through “Phondok Photography” he also conducts online coaching for his former students and also for other photographers.

Twice in year 2010, he was invited by Perbadanan Putrajaya to be the judge for “Appreciation Biodiversity Lake and Wetland of Putrajaya” and “Floria Nature Photography Competition”. His work has also been published by a local newspaper ‘The Star’ for photographing food.

Here is just some of his best work. Enjoy!