Henri Cartier-Bresson - The Modern Century

Peter Gallasi, 2010 [Biography]

This very large book covers the life of perhaps the greatest photographer of the twentieth century. It chronicles his career that spans over sixty years, and shows his photojournalistic pursuits and endeavours, always capturing the vagaries of human behaviour and to produce some of the most memorable and compelling photographs ever published. You can flip though tons of his most famous pictures, and included are a great number images that will be unfamiliar even to specialists. The extensive supporting material - featuring detailed chronologies of the photographer's professional travels and of spreads of his picture stories as they appeared in magazines - will revolutionize the study of Cartier-Bresson's work.

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Street Photography Now

Sophie Howarth and Stephen McLaren, 2012 [Technique]

This large book presents the work of almost four dozens contemporary image-makers noted for their candid depictions of everyday life in our streets, interspersed with four thought-provoking essays that explores the compelling and often controversial issues in the genre. If anything, the selection of photos makes you realise that there is such a large spectrum of subjects and scenes that can fall in the category of street photography, and an infinite number of styles and approaches were used to express them. Certainly the skills of the photographer, in terms of his vision, observation, anticipation and perseverance outweigh the technical considerations of camera brand, lenses and accessories.

More information on Amazon.

Within the Frame : The Journey of Photographic Vision

David duChemin, 2009 [Technique]

This is a book about chasing your vision and telling your stories as clearly and passionately as possible with compelling photography. It emphasises on discovering your personal vision, evolving it and then expressing it through the visual capture using your camera. It encourages to shoot what moves your heart and mind, and necessitates the need to care and understand the subject. What to include and exclude in the frame, and the consideration of light and time, are part of the discussion on composition, and proceeds to enlighten us on storytelling approaches, and the various styles and techniques on capturing people, places and culture.

More information at Amazon.

My New Toy

I don't carry my DSLR all the time. But my Lumix FX55 follows me everywhere. However, its image quality kinda sucks. So, I wanted a better yet compact digicam. After some reading, I decided on the Sigma DP2 that uses the APS-C sized Foveon X3 sensor paired to a 41mm-equivalent f2.8 lens. It costs a bomb - RM2,985 - but delivers exploding picture quality.

Have a look at the DP2..... and some test pics...

My Travel Photobook

I decided to make a photobook album of selected travel pictures I've taken over the years. This is an A3 size album and is printed on high quality textured paper. It's an excellent way to publish your own works and should last many years.

See my photobook gallery.....

500GB External Harddisk

To minimise the likelihood of data loss, I purchased a Transcend USB 500GB external harddisk, even though I burn my photos and datafiles onto DVD. After connecting this device to the PC, you can press a button on it that initiates file synchronisation or backup. It so simple to use!

Kata 3N1-30 Bag

When shooting outdoors, I find the Crumpler 7MDH a little inadequate, especially when I want to use my superzoom Sigma 150-500mm lens. I needed a sling-type bag that allows for quick retrieval to equipment, and at the same time can also be setup like a backpack. After doing my research, I settled for the Kata 3N1-30. You can see it below compared to my existing smaller Lowepro Photo Runner and Crumpler 7MDH.

Read my review at DPreview and see more pictures of the bag.