Amateur Model Photoshoot at Citadines ApartHotel, Kuching

Here are a few shots of my favourite photography model, Florina Michael. She has featured here before. I've known her and watched her grow up since she was 9 so it's very easy to photograph her. She simply says, "Duncan, take my photo like this," or "Duncan, take my photo like that," and I snap away. Occasionally I put forward an idea for a shot, but it's very free and easy.

She was even kind enough to take a photograph with me!

Model photography session and edits

I am no professional photographer but I am an avid amateur and will photograph just about anything. I have particularly enjoyed photographing my two beautiful daughters. I have also, by degrees, found the fun in editing photos.

Today I photographed my sister-in-law at the field behind our house and I selected the two best photos for some editing. She should really take a chance in modelling. I always enjoy it because she's a dream to photograph - the perfect subject!

Here's the first shot that we like a lot:

Florina posing with a smile into the camera lens

Here's the same shot but with a little lift in colour

In high definition

And in monochrome

I chose this one as the 'killer shot' - 

Urai strikes a pose in our model photography session

And following are some of the edits I made afterwards:

Colour emphasis in this edit from our model photoshoot

An HDR edit from my photoshoot with Florina

Monochrome effect of my photoshoot with Florina

I love this cartoon book edit. The smooth skin tones really stand out

Am I hallucinating? This edit appears that way!

What do you think? Which edit do you prefer?

A glimpse of paradise in Langkawi; Visit Malaysia 2014

2014 is Visit Malaysia year, and a great place to start is the paradise island of Langkawi. Two of my sisters-in-law, Florina and Felicity, recently spent 2 nights at Ombak Villa by Langkawi Lagoon Resort and didn't want to leave this stunning paradise!

Check out their cool video of this gem of Malaysia:

Here are just a few of the many photos they took in Langkawi. I can feel their excitement in each picture!

(All photos credited to Florina and Felicity Michael)

Langkawi Lagoon Resort

Watching the sunset in Langkawi

Chalets at Langkawi Lagoon Resort

Florina on the beautiful beach

Breathtaking views at Langkawi

Chilling out for an afternoon sailing on a boat

My crazy sister!

Breakfast at Langkawi Lagoon Resort

Thanks Florina and Felicity. Langkawi looks awesome! To learn more of the resort or book your stay, please visit the website here: Langkawi Lagoon Resort

You are now ready to pack your bags and come to Malaysia!

Back home from Kuching

So we are back home in Kuantan after more than a week in Kuching, on the island of Borneo.

I first set foot on Borneo in 2003 when doing a volunteer working contract. Kuching was different to Peninsular Malaysia and I fell in love with the place. I also met my wife's family before I fell in love with her at first sight!

I've been back to Kuching a number of times since the first visit. As of 2012, Kuching has changed a lot. There is improved infrastructure, buildings, shopping malls and hotels, along with KL-like traffic jams at times!

Lauren was so scared of almost everybody in Kuching, from grandparents to uncles to cousins. It made it a very difficult and stressful trip. Thankfully she absolutely loves her aunties!

Here are some photos of the people of Kuching, who made our trip interesting, fun and wholesome...

My wife and her sisters

To the left is my wife's grandma

Leah looked at the camera!

My wife's grandfather is 92 years old and asked me to try on his Iban waistcoat. I later wore it to my sister-in-law's engagement party.

My wife and her 4 sisters, their cousin Jenny on the far right; Aser (in the white shirt near the middle) is Florianna's fiance from Egypt; far left is Aser's friend Khaliel (unsure of exact spelling). Lauren was crying because she was scared of the Egyptians, Leah was just fine!

In KL preparing for our drive to the airport

At the airport waiting for our plane to Kuching

Eating the ever-gorgeous Kolo Mee at Hui Sing, Kuching

Two of my sisters-in-law, Anai and Urai, posing nicely at Lim Hock Ann Seafood restaurant in Buntal, Kuching, near Damai beach

Posing for a photo at The Hills mall, Kuching

Lauren and her aunty Urai buying some refreshments from a roadside stall in Kuching

It's good to be back home in Kuantan after the travelling. We all need a rest after a difficult time with the children. However, I miss Kuching, the sunset over the mountains, but most of all, I miss being with family. I'm not the kind of guy that enjoys being around other people for too long, but the people we were with in Kuching, made the trip memorable. 

Thanks to all those who helped us with accommodation and getting around!