Retro Hearts Lookbook

Wardrobe: Catwalkclose
Model: Si Ting
MUA: Pearlyn Law

This is easily my favorite lookbook by far. I love how everything falls together- the vintage theme, Si Ting's professionalism, the outfits, the hair and makeup and the cafe + cars. Don't be fooled by Si Ting's looks, it rained while we were on the last outfit and she grabbed an umbrella and dashed out into the rain. It's not that she hasn't amazed me enough previously, but it was a bloody heavy rain... My amazement was brought to a whole new level. (:

It's been a mad hectic week for me but I'm glad that my project deadlines are slightly later than I thought of them to be. It seems like I've just been given a tiny breathing space and to do what I'd like to do in between. D and I haven't had an adventure day for a really really long time, but recently, we've had just a bit of time at night to head to take night cityscape and I can't wait to share the photos. Both of us are juggling school + work so it really hasn't been easy. We're hitting our first year next month. Time really does flies!

I'll be back with more food porn + personal photos! (: Keep your eyes peeled!

xx

What's in my bag?

I've been swamped with so much work (6 projects this trimester... I'm not kidding), and I'm trying my hardest to balance work, school, life and of course, keeping this space updated. So here's a what's in my bag post that I've been wanting to put up for forever and it's timely now since I don't have the time to get down to edit all my backdated series.

Basically, these are usually what can be found in my bag. No photograph of my bag cause I switch bags very frequently but the usuals are- Wallet, iPod, Phone, Cigg, Lighter, Keys, Ibank device! A hair tie is a must for me cause I like to bun my hair a lot when I'm out especially during shoots cause the weather is too warm. I'll never leave house without my watch, it has become a habit and a must-have accessory. I bought the watch for myself as my 21st gift (I think I overused my 21st as a reason to get myself too much gifts) and I will always get a new watch during my birthday ever since 4 years ago..

I love shades but I tend to forget them when I'm heading to school and all but when I'm out on weekends and all, shades is something I'll never forget. Last but not least, if you know me well, you'll know I'm too much of a perfume girl and I will never ever leave house without smelling nice and bringing the bottle out with me. A girl should always smell good. Now you know why my bag weighs a ton.... think DSLR (not pictured, but almost always with me whenever possible), and perfume bottle /: I managed some pictures of my perfume collection lately, I'll put them up soon!

Not forgetting my organizer (not pictured), because I don't really bring it out on weekends and all. But it's something I cannot live without cause almost everything I need to remember is in there and I need it to plan my schedule with shoots and school deadlines properly. (:

Just realized this is pretty wordy for a supposedly simple and meaningless post. Evidently, it's just a tiny attempt to keep this space going.

Till time finds its way back to my side!

xx

Winners of the giveaway

A big thank you to all who participated in the giveaway. As much as possible, I try not to disappoint  so I'm hereby giving away three magazines instead of two. They are unintentionally, from different magazine brands and therefore has entirely different offerings. I hope whatever you received, would be useful for you (:

Winners of the giveaway:
1) Wei Ling
2) Rosental
3) Andria

Dear girls, please check your email/ junk mail (just in case my email gets in there) as I'll be replying to all of you by today! (:

_________________________________________________________________________________

On a side note, with regards to the commonly asked questions/emails/comments that I've been receiving, I'll be answering some of them here.

1) I am using a Nikon D800 now, and I used to use a Nikon D90. Yes, I do use Photoshop to edit my photos and everything that I know is self-taught.

2) Benji (my D800) goes almost everywhere with me and I usually just sling it around my neck or carry my trusty crumpler out. And yes, it's a chore but it's a sweet burden hahaha *cheesy*.

3) I hardly use my film/ lomo cameras now and I definitely do not have adequate knowledge to answer all of your enquiries on that. I still have three more rolls of films waiting to be developed but I'm a little lazy to bring them to the lab currently. Once I clear the three rolls and buy more, I'll bring the cameras out again.

4) Electrofever has been locked up for good and no, I won't be unlocking it ever again. It was never intended to be locked but as I've mentioned previously, I really don't like the idea of it being used as a go-to-inspiration-source, especially when memories there should remain untouched. If you've been reading my LJ back then till now, you'd know that I've always been pretty secretive about some of the places I visit especially when it takes a lot of research for me to discover the place and lots of time and inconvenience in GETTING there. There are lots and lots of unseen hard work and effort being placed behind every photo shoot adventure. Thus, I'd like to keep some of the locations exclusive to my friend and I. If there's completely no exclusivity, it would be a bore for everyone isn't it? Besides, none of these places are crowned "good photo shoot locations". While for some locations, I may be alright with sharing but that may not apply to my friend who did the research and recce before bringing me there.

It's all about finding beauty in places no one has thought of, or even in places where you'd pass by everyday but never once gave a second look. It's all about appreciation. (: Likewise, I'm sure there are other beautiful spots that you know of but we don't. Please do respect the amount of work we input and the decision to remain exclusive.


Have a happy weekend!

xx

Behind the scenes of Hollyhoque

Photographer: Melvin Lau ( Multifolds Photography )
Wardrobe: Hollyhoque
Model: Sonya Davison


Haiiiii all, here are some of the behind-the-scenes with Multifolds Photography for Hollyhoque taken just yesterday (: Melvin invited me to go along and be an apprentice for the day :D Do keep an eye out on Multifolds and Hollyhoque, I swear the photos are extremely lovely. The weather was perfect and Sonya was sharing so much of her huge upcoming wedding plans with Melvin and I.

Today is the last day of the giveaway! Have you submitted your entry yet? <:
Winners will be announced here, all comments will remain screened.

xoxo

Magazine Giveaway #1

Hi all, I'm really apologetic about this late giveaway which I've promised months back. As I've mentioned previously, these are my favorite magazines that provided me with some of the knowledge I know now, and they have really interesting photo challenges/ DIY projects for you to try on your own. Some of these magazines even include Photoshop tutorial, which I'm sure is what most of us are hankering after. Please do not mind that the magazines aren't new issues and are pretty backdated, but the technical skills and all that they teach will never go out of fashion. I still do flip the magazines stash every now and then for inspiration (:

However, this first giveaway will only consist of 2 magazines above which will be mailed out to two readers only. I still need more time to sort through my collection ( major issue with parting with my belongings) and jotting down whatever I still do need in them, and I only managed to pick out these two as of now.

How to win an issue? All you have to do is to:
1) Leave me with your real name and email ( I do not really check on my readers, but I feel that at the very least you should let me know of your real identity and be honest).
2) Let me know when did you start reading Smittenpixels and how did you chance/ know about this space.
3) What keeps you reading and what would you like to see more often.

It's that easy! I'd pick 2 of the comments that catches my attention the most. Winners will be notified by email and I'd require your address by then. No worries, no other terms and conditions attached. I just feel that since I don't really read through them much anymore, I should share them with people who are really nice and keen to learn.

I hope it helps y'all as much as it helped me! Note: Submission ends 19th September 2012.

xx

Biyi and Nigel

Nigel and Biyi's big day was the first wedding assignment I took on to pursue my dreams and it's all thanks to my wonderful best friend, Tinglei, who has been ever so encouraging and motivating. I was really nervous but I'm glad it went pretty well, and the shots are not tooooo bad for a start. It began with gatecrashing, followed by wedding reception at The White Rabbit. I've been wanting to dine there for the longest time, and never did I expect that my first visit would be to photograph for a wedding. Something major screwed up but I'll not go into that, but I can sum it up as a really expensive lesson learnt. I'll be taking my second wedding tomorrow. Fingers, toes and eyes crossed for a smooth one tomorrow.

(:

xx

Fee's 21st

To set the context, prior to my 21st, I had no intention for any sort of celebration or parties etc except for a simple day out on the actual day itself. Having been to USS twice, I still spent my actual day there because D hasn't been there before and I thought I couldn't possibly ever be bored of it but boy, was I wrong. Cylon is probably the one and only ride I would never tire of (but then again I might be speaking a little too early).



We had my birthday dinner at The Rise @ MBS, and it was pre-planned by the folks. There's nothing more I could ask for than a hearty meal as such. I'm a huge fan of buffets/ seafood/ sashimi etc (:




My very first plate ^_^



Crrrrrabs!





The Rise was kind enough to spring a tiny birthday cake for me after our meal (:


Rise Buffet Restaurant
10 Bayfront Avenue Tower 2,
Lobby Level Marina Bay Sands Hotel Singapore
Tel: +65 6688 5525

I'd say the sashimi and all were pretty fresh on the day of our visit, and there was an array of desserts but my family and I concluded that it's not the best buffet we've had in terms of price and variety. After having tried so many buffet places, the one that is most value for money, but perhaps compromising on ambiance, would be Vienna (located at United Square). It's not too bad for the selection it provides and Do check it out (:

In this post, I'm trying to do a little something different and I hope I'll be able to add in a little something into each post every now and then whenever possible just for the fun of it.

Have a good week ahead.

xx