a Blog for Benjamin Liew Photography

Melbourne PMA & APPA

2010-06-06T09:18:00.000+09:30

I am here in Melbourne in the Docklands after two full on days surrounded by photography at PMA and the APPA judging. It's been a great experience so far and I've resisted spending money on all the cool gadgets, lenses, albums, casings, cameras, printers etcetera etcetera.

While the expo is on in town, I am staying at the place I used to live at with my old time friend Sam, and now also with his girlfriend Kim. When the expo finishes I head back to Rowville to hang out with my Auntie and Colin, her husband, as well as their cute little dog Anthony.

So far the experience has been great. The prints being judged are amazing - the people I've met have been fantastic too. A lot of well known, skilful, world class photographers as well as new comers who are eager to learn and others who have fantastic products. The quality of some photographic products are stunning and I look forward to having samples of these in my office.

Friday night was the first night in town. I caught up with Sam and met his Girlfriend for the first time. We went to a place called JWOW for drinks. We then went to Spicy Fish in little bourke street for some awesome food. Saturday was an early start at PMA. At 8am the judging was on and I was there to watch. That evening, a bunch of SA people went to Southbank for dinner at a place called Noodle House. The Lamb Rendang Curry was A-grade. Following this, we went to a place in the casino for dessert and drinks. I was introduced to the b-52 shot.

Now I am in the docklands apartment and about to begin the journey back to the exhibition centre to resist buying everything.

Here's some pics I've taken so far.

Some interior decorations at the Melbourne convention centre

A mojito.

Signing out,

- Ben (on the road & on the iPhone)

Location:Docklands,Australia

It's alive!!

2010-06-04T08:36:00.001+09:30

After a very long stretch of time since my last update on this blog, I have decided to resuscitate it. Mouth to ...blog resuscitation.

*puff puff*

Here we go!

Yesterday I embarked on my first holiday since I started the business two years ago. The first stop is Melbourne for PMA and the Canon APPAs. For those of you who don't know what they are, its everything photography and a professional photography competition. I've never been to PMA before so I'll write another post soon about it.

The next stop is Malaysia for 3 weeks. This is a triple purpose trip. The first reason is to photograph everything, secondly is to suss out possible business opportunities and thirdly it's to relax and visit my Dad and explore my old home town. More to come as it happens!

Some pics of the first leg of my trip (at Adelaide Airport)

Where ya

?

The point at which the bridge connects to the Aeroplane.

Singing out.

-Ben (on the road, on the iPhone)

Location:Dandelion Dr,Rowville,Australia

Waffles and Icecream Food photography

2009-10-17T17:54:00.001+10:30

Family Portrait session @ Headquarters, Richmond SA

2009-09-17T14:30:00.004+09:30

Family Portrait with Hal, Jedd, Matt and Sam. Shot in the studio @ Richmond, SA.

Pandarama B&W Party @ Buddha Bar Gouger Street, Adelaide

2009-07-06T14:35:00.002+09:30

The Australia Asia Chamber of Commerce & Industry (AACCI) put on an event at the Buddha Bar in Gouger Street, Adelaide to raise funds for the Panda's that will be arriving into Adelaide shortly. Funi and Wang Wang will be housed at the Adelaide Zoo.

The model is Tara and she is wearing a dress designed by Damian Porcaro of Porcelain.

This shoot organized by Vice President of the AACCI, Mia Dion and President Irena Zhang. Benjamin Liew Photography came on board as a sponsor and also covered the event which was the following weekend.

Text of Strength SMS promo for Showdown 2009 - TVC Stills

2009-07-06T13:56:00.000+09:30

Television Commercial still shots taken of Gavin Wanganeen and Mark Riciutto, both ex AFL captains in an arm wrestling match. This was part of a television SMS competition campaign to be aired during the 2009 showdown between the Adelaide Crows and Port Adelaide match.

Tyson @ Waymouth Street Carpark Adelaide, SA

2009-06-26T14:52:00.004+09:30

Tyson is a young man on a big mission. He helps organisations improve overall effectiveness which makes the organisation much more valuable.

These images were taken at the Waymouth Street carpark, which has since been demolished. The car park was old, rundown, rusty and haggard, the perfect backdrop for the purpose of this shot. I was aiming for a dark mafia type shot for this image. Cool, calm, collected and if looks could kill, you'd be dead.

This image will be entered into the South Australian Professional Photography awards in 2009.

Kirra, Irish Deerhound photo shoot at Scott Creek, South Australia

2009-06-15T20:10:00.003+09:30

Roaming a large Scott Creek property is the gorgeous Scottish Deerhound who goes by the name Kirra. She is a friendly old soul who warms to you without hesitation, even if you are a stranger. Although the weather was cold in the hills, my legs were warm where she was leaning against me as I was talking to her owner Dee and her friend Emma.

Scottish Deerhounds, unlike other breeds of dogs age a lot quicker. For each year they live, it is equivalent to 10 dog years as opposed to 7. Their lifespan is between 7 and 10 years. Kirra is 14 years young and when she's not puffed out from a nanna walk, she's galloping around like a 2 year old puppy.

She was a pleasure to photograph and I felt honoured to meet such a friendly beautiful animal.

-Benjamin Liew

Latest update

2009-06-11T09:32:00.003+09:30

It's been a while since Bens last post but that doesn't mean that nothings been happening. Quite the contratry in fact. Benjamin has been going through zone training which basically teaches one how to be in the 'zone'. Life isn't a battle of control, not if you just go with the flow. If your in the zone then everything good just happens. Benjamin is now the first Zone Trained photographer (visit http://www.zonehigh.com/ for more info). In other news, www.benjaminliew.com.au has been revamped with less - less is more right? Still needs some work but it's a work in progress. Benjamin has been busier with admin as opposed to shooting but what better feeling is there than being ORGANISED?!

The studio will be taking on a couple of work experience students soon, so if there is a young person lurking around the studio setup, this is why. Benjamin is currently learning Italian so if you speak the language, please attempt to have a conversation with him in the language.

This is just a quick update so please stay tuned for photo's and more updates.

Expose Your World Competition 2008 Awards Presentation @ Blue Hotel, Woolloomooloo, Sydney.

2009-03-04T23:56:00.003+10:30

Last night was the long awaited Award presentation night for the Roving Eye Expose Your World 2008 Competition held at the Blue Hotel in Woolloomooloo, Sydney. It was a great opportunity to meet the other Finalists and Winners of the competition as well as the crew from Roving Eye - Joanna especially who made the whole thing happen.

The grand prize went to Lung Liu who unfortunately wasnt able to be there, but I did get to meet his represantitive Katie who is a Sydney based photographer. Lung Liu is from Canada and took out the Photo Essay: Environmental Story category.

I also met Trent Mitchell who flew up from Queensland and his brilliant photograph of Kirra Beach which was the Single Shot: Place - Category Winner as well as being finalist for the Photo Essay: Australian Story and also being Highly Commended in the Single Shot: People category.

Michael Williams who I met also had shot the coolest series of photographs starring his Alaskan Malamute called Bondi in various places across Europe. Michael was the Category Winner for the Photo Essay: A Traveller's Tale.

I had the pleasure of briefly meeting Christine Bull who I shared in the Finalist position in the Wildlife Single Shot category.

The images above are of the Blue Hotel itself. The first one is looking into the hotel and apartments, and the second one is looking towards the bar where the exhibition and presentations were. The other two images are self explanatory.

Taking the photographs inside the next day was interesting. I asked permission from the front desk, and they obliged. I was shooting for half an hour and when I was on my way out, security walked past and said "you're not allowed to take random photographs in here". I don't know what threw me more: the fact that "Random Photographs" were being discriminated against or that I had already seeked permission and this guy decides to change the rules. Anyway, I got the shots I wanted and left.

Thanks for reading.

-Benjamin

Dharshi & Ananths Wedding pre-shoot in Adelaide @ Parliament building, Botanic Gardens, the Rotunda on the Torrens, and Botanics on North Tce.

2009-02-13T16:08:00.004+10:30

Corporate Portrait Photography at Headquarters Studio Richmond, Adelaide.

2009-02-13T15:57:00.005+10:30

Corporate Photoshoots for Ashley Knoote-Parke and Michelle Stanton. Both have published books for which these images will be used for.

Sorana & Pauls Wedding photographs taken in Adelaide and it's surrounds

2009-01-27T10:37:00.004+10:30

Congratulations to Sorana and Paul who were married on the 24th of January 2009 at Wesley Uniting Church in Kent Town. I had the honor of being selected to capture the day in photographs.

Henna Mushrooms

2009-01-21T01:26:00.004+10:30

I woke up this morning with this crazy idea to use mushrooms as photographic subjects. Together with Humna's skills, we were able to create this little composition.

This idea is being developed and more like it will be produced soon. Stay tuned.

-Ben

New Years Eve Fireworks photographs from Balmain, Sydney 2009

2009-01-01T15:00:00.001+10:30

Taken from the end of Darling Street, Balmain at Thornton Park at New Years Eve 2009.

Sally Park after their gig at the gov

2008-12-03T16:33:00.003+10:30

Sally park photoshoot at a run down car park on Waymouth Street, Adelaide.

PETstock Microchipping Day

2008-12-03T16:22:00.003+10:30

These photographs were taken at PETstock Melrose park last weekend during their Micro Chipping day. 3 month old Penny the Chihuahua you see her is small enough to fit in the palm of your hand. 6 month old Missy the great dane is small enough to fit in the back of a big truck. Together they were just two dogs sniffing eachother but were both so gentle with each other. They would make the best of friends.

Henley the Spoodle

2008-11-18T22:00:00.002+10:30

Photographic Journey leading up to now

2008-11-16T11:00:00.002+10:30

The following is an excerpt from my life and in particular, my journey to becoming a photographer.

My passion for photography began when I was just a child living in Malaysia. I had a Kodak Cameo that my parents bought for me. Many years later, and after borrowing many of my parents cameras, I purchased a Canon IXUS V2. I had a lot of fun with this camera, even though it was far from being a manual SLR. I was still able to gain an understanding of shutter speeds, ISO and also play with photo composition. During the later months of 2005, I purchased a Canon 350D so I could photograph my cousins wedding. Since then I have acquired a Pentax ME Super 35mm camera, and an old Minolta with a whole lot of dark room equipment and lenses. Nikon Digital SLRs have also fallen within my grasp while I was working at Locksmith Supply Company aka LSC photographing their various products for the better half of 2007.

I studied at Mercedes College and finished in 1998 and then proceeded to spend many a day practicing my computer skills which would potentially be a career path for me. After studying Information Technology at Adelaide TAFE for 3 years, I needed to learn more. I then went to study a 2 year Diploma of Multimedia at Prides Business college before they went into liquidation. Torrens Valley TAFE brought on board all the stragglers with half finished diplomas and we were given the opportunity to complete our Diplomas at the end of 2005. The feeling to learn more and more took over, so I enrolled into Animation and Interactive Media at Melbournes RMIT. I failed the first enrollment. Whilst I was waiting to enrol for the second time around, I studied Photography at the CCP. I applied for RMIT the second time round and I got in. 2007 was the beginning of my life in the big smoke. Melbourne. I studied what most kids watch on ABC after school. It was great. I lasted 6 months at RMIT. Photography called out to me.

My first "real" job was delivering Pizzas for Pizza hut. Before that, I attempted door to door sales (2 days) and car washing (1 day). I applied for a position at Telstra Bigpond Internet and as I was studying Information Technology and they were just happening to looking for people with computer knowledge, the job was given to me. I was in the call centre telling people how much they owed Telstra. I then gained employment at Optus Mobile Billing before moving to a Westpac Call centre. From there, I moved to a mortgage processing position. My next place of employment was Adelaide Bank before working at Australia Post. In Melbourne, I got my first photography job at the Lock Smith Supply company followed by regular event work on the weekends, and also a job assisting a photographer with school photographs. After moving back to Adelaide in 2007, I worked as a casual laborer. Working behind a desk was not an option for me so I didn't bother to apply for any. I did such jobs as moving furniture, shovelling fertilizer around and even sorting plastic stuff at a plastics factory.

I completed a Small Business Management course through NEIS run by Mission Australia and began Benjamin Liew Photography in May 2008. I also became actively involved with the AIPP and entering into photographic competitions. After winning a few awards in both state and national competitions and also making the Finalist in an international competition, I believe that I am becoming a better photographer and providing a high quality service.

It's been a roller coaster ride to get here but it is far from over. Every day something new happens. A new project arises, a challenge is put in front of me.

Bring it on!!!

-Benjamin Liew

sandy pic

2008-11-15T19:43:00.000+10:30

this my dog sandy. she's so cute.

Jersey the English Staffy Puppy ( and Penelope the Bassett )

2008-11-13T23:11:00.000+10:30

Last week I met a Candi and Paul at the Unley shopping centre. They are the proud parents of the beautiful English Staffy pup that occasionally answers to the name Jersey. I was drawn in by the extreme cuteness of this little creature and offered my photographic services to her owners. They instantly recognized my name from my efforts at the Animal Welfare League, so I was in. We met earlier this afternoon at the park next to the shopping centre, but soon moved to the Sturt Football Oval where there would be less chance of a running Jersey making it to the main road.

The photo shoot went well, Jersey the super model did great and looked cute as ever. During our shoot, Jersey made a new friend - a 4 and a half month old Basset by the name of Penelope who was just as cute as Jersey. Together they were super cute. Hopefully Penelopes owners will call me so that I can get some photographs of this super cute puppy.... but maybe next week. I've had my cute fix for this week with Jersey.

SAPPAs 2008 II

2008-11-13T12:52:00.001+10:30

I finally got the prints back from Studio 177 and the final results for the prints. The above photo's both received Silver with Distinctions. 87 for the tree roots and 85 for the dog silhouette.

Here are a couple of stories about the background of these photographs.

Tree Roots

Mt Kinabalu is South East Asia's fourth tallest mountain and the 20hh tallest in the world at 4101 metres above sea level. The highest peak is ironically called Lows Peak. The ascent can take anywhere up to 14 hours split into two separate climbs and spans over two days. Descending can take around 6 hours or so.

In order to scale Mt Kinabalu, climbers must choose which route to take. One can either ascend the front and descend back down the same way, or they may choose to climb the back and go back down the normal quick way which is the front. Jaime and I decided on the latter. The back trail is called the Masilau trail and is a couple of kilometers longer than the normal trail but is more scenic and not quite as steep. The image you see of the tree roots was taken on this very trail. It was the only section between the Masilau Resort and where it meets the normal trail that had such an amazing natural occurrence such as this. Heavy rains have washed away the dirt to reveal what hides beneath.

Dog Silhouette

The Tip of Borneo (aka Simpang Mengayau to the locals) is the northernmost point of Borneo. It is located near to Kudat which is a 3 hour drive north of Kota Kinabalu (KK).

In order to take this photograph, I had to clamber down the sandstone rock face to the rocks and the waves smashing against them below. Initially I planned on getting some scenic photographs of the amazing rock formations... that was until a stray dog came wandering along.

I have had experiences in the past where stray dogs have chased after me. Perhaps I look like a good meal to them, so my first reaction to this dog descending the rocks towards me were similar to the reaction one would have of a wild animal approaching them during feeding time.

It wasn't until after this photograph was taken that the initial feelings of threat disappeared. The aura that this animal had was much like that of a humble old man living out his final years in peace. He simply walked down the rocks near where I was standing and watching him. He just stood there and surveyed the area around, looking towards the sea as if looking for something, waiting for somebody or longing after a lost love. After a few minutes he slowly walked back up the way he came and back to wherever he lays his head and calls his home.

-Ben

Expose Your World Competition - FINALIST

2008-11-12T01:57:00.000+10:30

Expose Your World competition was held recently. Entries closed late August and judging only just occurred. The sections are 1) Photo Essay, 2) Single shot, 3) Young Australian Photographer of the Year, 4) Video or Multimedia presentation and 5) Travel Writing. I entered the Single shot under the Wildlife category with the above two prints.

The monkey feet image was a finalist in it's category and the Dog came Highly Commended. This means that the Monkey feet will be displayed at the Blue Hotel in Wooloomooloo, Sydney in March 2009, and I should also receive an Asuka Book.

I was very excited to learn of this news.

Cheers,

-Ben

Monarto Zoo 2008

2008-11-12T01:26:00.001+10:30

Photographic Wholesalers organized a tour for 200+ photography enthusiasts, professionals and students where there would be over $1,000,000 worth of camera equipment, Tanya Powell models, animals, food, flies, drinks and the like. Brands that were represented were Canon, Sigma, Pentax, Nikon, Olympus, Hasselblad, Bowens, Sony and a few others.

Photographers met on North Terrace at 7.45am and boarded buses which proceeded to cart us up to Monarto. We were at our first stop by 9.30am.

Our first stop was with Latisha from Tanya Powell Models dressed as a bride. Pentax and Sigma were represented at this site. The Sigma 70mm f/2.8 Macro was my favorite lens at this site. The photograph of the Snail Shell and the Pig Face (pink plant) were taken as I was laying in the dirt and shrubs. Latisha was also photographed through a hole in some ruins nearby. Angela and I ended up kidnapping Latisha so we could get different photographs other than the 50 million similar ones in the same spot by all the other photographers.

The second site was the Lions on one side and the wild Dogs on the other. This site was represented by Canon. I got to touch the Canon 5D MkII which made my day. The first camera I used was the Canon 1D MkIII and the Canon EF500MM f/4L IS USM lens. Very nice combination. The Hyena sniffing the wooden wheel was shot with this combo.

Third stop was the Cheetah enclosure. They were hiding though so I wandered out bush for a bit til I got told off. This site was represented by Olympus. I used the E3 and the 150mm f/2 lens. Melody was the model at this site. By the time I got around to photograph her, she had been standing in the same place for a good 30 minutes. So once again, Angela and I kidnapped her and brought her out bush. It was funny to see all the other photographers proceed to tag along and just shoot the same pics. But at least we got something different first :)

The fourth stop was the White Rhino enclosure represented by Sony. I used the A300 and the A900 with the 200mm and the 100-400 lens. Not really my cup of tea, but still enjoyed messing around with the cameras.

Next was Hasselblad. I like.

The last stop was the Giraffe site represented by Nikon. First camera I got my hands on was the D3 with a 400mm f/2.8. Very nice. Kiara knows how to work the camera. She's a half Filipino girl, gorgeous as anything and great to work with. She was the Tanya Powell model at this station. I then used the Nikon D90 with a 105mm f/2.8 which was quite nice to use. Also got my hands on the 600mm f/4 to capture the Giraffes mouth. I had a great time using the Nikon gear but I would never buy one. Sorry Nikon, but Canon just do it for me.

Overall it was a great day. The only thing I would change is to provide more bottled water and non-soggy food.

Over and out.

-Ben

South Australian Obedience Dog Club

2008-11-12T01:20:00.000+10:30

After the breakfast meeting last Tuesday, I stumbled across the South Australian Obedience Dog Club (SAODC) in the south eastern corner of the city. I spoke with Pin, the president and also shot some photographs of a couple of dogs. Pin asked me to come back the following Saturday for the Night Trials. I did just that. The images above are only a few of the hundreds of images that I snapped. These are Shetland Collies, a German Sheppard puppy and a young Dalmatian.

The SAODC also had a raffle where the first prize is a photo shoot with Benjamin Liew Photography worth $168. The winner of this prize is Eileen and Peta - her cute little collie. The winners photo shoot will be happening next week at the SAODC grounds at midday.

It is good to see so many dogs so well looked after and cared for by their owners. It's a lot different to seeing all the poor abandoned animals at the Animal Welfare League.

I am selling the images as prints to anybody who wants them. I have order forms which can be downloaded from my website, and the pictures can also be viewed on there.

Adelaide Matters

2008-11-05T00:43:00.000+10:30

Adelaide Matters published a story on Benjamin Liew Photography this year. Please click here to read the full story.

Damron Designs Jewelry Shoot

2008-11-05T00:29:00.000+10:30

The following are images of jewelery designed by Norma from Damron Designs.

Sally Park - The Band

2008-11-05T00:26:00.001+10:30

Jaime, Josh, David and Harry make up the High school band Sally Park.

SAPPAs 2008

2008-11-05T00:21:00.000+10:30

SAPPA is similar to the APPAs, only it is just for the state of South Australia. It is sponsored by Epson and the AIPP.

So far I have only received notification that this print scored an 87 - Silver Distinction.

APPAs 2008

2008-11-05T00:16:00.000+10:30

APPA (Australian Professional Photographs Awards) is a national competition for professional and emerging photographers in Australia. It is sponsored by Canon and the AIPP and the grand prize is AUD$20,000 worth of gear. Awards are presented for images that are exceptional and are scored out of 100. Scores from 80 to 84 receive a Silver award, 85-89 Silver with Distinction, 90-94 is Gold and 95-100 is Gold with Distinction.

Benjamin submitted two images to this prestigious competition and came out with scores of 82 and Silver awards.

Ashton Bo Brown in Sydney

2008-11-05T00:08:00.000+10:30

The following images are of my cousin Manuela, her husband Eric and their newborn - Ashton. The cat is Coco and the rabbit is Oscar. One big happy family! :) They live in Sydney and this photo shoot was a gift to them.

Animal Welfare Photographs

2008-11-04T22:46:00.000+10:30

Since May of 2008, Benjamin Liew Photography has been volunteering their photographic services to the Animal Welfare League at Wingfield. It started out as a trial on a weekly basis to give something to the world instead of just taking. It is now a fortnightly donation from Benjamin to help the unfortunate animals of Adelaide who are abandoned, lost, or ill-treated by their previous owners. I encourage everybody to go and visit the AWL website and to go down to their Wingfield shelter to at least spend time with the animals and possibly even adopt one into a loving home.

The following images are a small collection of the hundreds of animals I have photographed. Some of their names I remember as they have had an impact on me, their personality stood out. Others I don't know by name but are equally as special.

Yoshi

Taco

Freda

Holly

Patch

AIPP Brekky meeting & Random encounter with a dog club

2008-11-04T22:10:00.001+10:30

On the first Tuesday of each new month, members of the AIPP (Australian Institute of Professional Photographers) and people interesting in joining gather at Alfonzo's on Hutt Street for a breakfast meeting. This morning was the first meeting following the SAPPAs which is the South Australian Professional Photographers Awards. There was a little discussion about the awards themselves but we mostly talked about Kristy's experience with lunatics, Angela's car being sold and possibility of purchasing a new camera (unfortunately it's not a Canon), Kens new G10 and when he will get his Visa and how hot the sun can be when it's shining on your back for an hour or two.

Following the meeting, I had a bit of time to kill before my meeting with my client who is also my Yellow pages representative, David to discuss options and fine tune the advertisement. I drove around the south eastern part of town looking for graffiti to photograph but came across a dog club instead. There were at least 50 owners and their dogs there being trained. I spoke with the president who's name is Pin and the Vice President (i think) by the name of Rob. Pin told me to come back on Saturday night where I will be able to hand out cards. I will do just that.

Peta is a 9 year old Collie and her owner Eileen allowed me to take some photographs. Spice is a 5 month old pup belonging to Jackie.

The posted photographs are of course raw and unedited photographs.

Cheers,

-Ben

Photoshoot with Alyce and Cooper

2008-10-31T03:30:00.000+10:30

Had a photo shoot with a Blue Heeler (Alyce) and an American Staffy (Cooper) the other day.

Cheers,

-Ben

Photoshoot with Spoons & Bomber

2008-10-30T23:33:00.000+10:30

Kristy is the sister of a wonderful lady by the name of Remedy, who I studied my NEIS course with. NEIS is conducted through Mission Australia. Kristy's dog Spoons was terminally ill at the time of this photoshoot. I was honored to have been given the privalege to photograph Spoons in her final days of her life. She ran around like as though she was still two years old.

Welcome to the blog for Benjamin Liew Photography

2008-10-22T18:24:00.002+10:30

Hello and welcome to the blog for Benjamin Liew Photography. In this blog, I will write about my photographic adventures and expeditions and talk about the experiences, difficulties and joys of them.

This blog will be updated regularly with new pictures and stories. Feel free to visit my website - www.benjaminliew.com.au to view some photographs and for a bit more info.

Cheers,

-Ben