Helios 58mm F2 test drive with Olympus OM-D E-M1

Long long time ago before I got my Olympus OM-D E-M1 and Olympus 45mm f1.8, I bought the Helios 58mm f2, a manual lens from analogue camera. It was a pretty amazing lens, sharp on image on wide open F2. Unfotunately I have started to abandon it since I got myself 45mm. Hey it can auto focus so fast that make me think why should I use manual focus?

* Awesome beef noodle from Lai Soong restaurant, RM8 per bowl *

Recap

Just a blink of eye, another year passed. Another year I feel like I did not achieve anything I am proud of. What I am proud of is at least I have a stable income now. But in exchange, I notice my blog post is getting lesser and lesser. If you asked me do I have still passion in blogging, then I'll say YES I DO. But there are too many things I don't feel like sharing in this blog. Most of the stuff more on personal priority will be given to Dayre. In the same time, I guess I am not as desperate as much as I used to be. I no longer care about unique view. I no longer care about joining event or not. I no longer care how much I am earning from blogging. However, jackieloi.com will still continue exist as long as I am. As mentioned earlier last time, I am slowly changing my blog direction to Photography and also gadget.

Year 2014 is not a fun ride. Happiness, sadness, all in one.

I have not been working since last year Aug. There are alot reason but I think mainly also because everyone in my industry think I am not qualified based on my port folio. They are looking more in to someone who had at least 3-5 years experience. This is the cruelity in my industry. I gave up, I tried to look for other job which is not what I want. Yet, people who interviewed me asked "Why you wanna change job? Why dont go back to design?". I have 2 choices. Create a bullshit answer or, be honest. I chose the second one which resulted me every interviewer asked me go back do design. FML

Last year Dec, the things we all feared happened. Mum was diagnosed by Gallbladder cancer. It was reoccured. It was already on stage 4 when we found out. Since then, things changed in my family. I still remember, we went to celebrate her 47 years old birthday in hospital last year, right after her surgery. It must be a painful experiences for her. Who would love to celebrate their birthday in Hospital? Later, she started to take chemotherapy in capsule form, known as S1. It was widely used in Japan but not in Malaysia. We know that chemo was bad for body. Not to mentioned, the cancer was reoccured and chemo probably won't have much effect on it. Worth to note that my mum body inmnune system wasn't as strong as last time. We have no choice nor hope. Chemo was our only way to prolong her life.

After few month of chemo, mum gave up. She said it doesn't help at all and her body is getting weaker and weaker. She is becoming more and more skinny and the skin is getting more yellowish due to the the Bilirubin couldn't flow well. Hence, she undergo another surgery and this time, her body was attached to a empty packet to allow the Bilirubin flow directly through the external pipe. This causes her to have more and more difficulty to sleep on night. Soon, she developed back pain which causes by the muscle.

After been convince by mum and my family, finally this year Sept I found and accept a new job. It wasn't exactly the things I want but I think the company is a great place for me to develop more on my modeling and lighting skill. In the same time, I get to learn what is industry standard. On the same month, mum undergo another new theraphy, known as immunotheraphy. It wasn't cheap. We couldn't afford it. In d end we did some fund raising and it still wasn't enough. In the end, my uncle (mum brother) fork out a lump sum of money for her to participate the theraphy.

Time passed since then and we tod everything is in control. The cancer was not active (based on tumor marker) and mum seem alright except she was still getting thinner and thinner due to insuficcient nutrient on her daily intake. Somethings scary happened once on October. Mum usually will getting her breakfast on early morning and I'll greet her before going out to work. However there was a day on Oct I did not see her on dining table. She was sleeping on her bed and I went out to hang the clothes before depart to work. When I just about out, dad called her and she is not giving any response. Immidiately, I went to see. She really did not giving any response. She just lay on bed, not moving, eye keep looking on ceiling, not response to any of our called. Dad asked her wanna go hospital or not and then she keep mumbling "Let me go, let me go". We asked where? she continued mumbling the same things. It really does frighten me alot and I was thinking "Is she talking with God? Is she asking to go heaven?"

We send her to hospital shortly and doctor verified that she loss alot blood. The amount of blood loss causes a huge shock to the body hence, she is paralyze, not moving nor talking. We were relieved, but in the same time also worried what causes the sudden huge amount blood loss. Checked, no internal bleeding based on the scan. 2 days later, mum started to be able talk and move like usual. At that time I was wondering does she know what happen to herself? What is her feeling when that happened?

Since d incident, mum has been visiting hospital more and more often. Her body seem doesn't generating any blood. On November, I went to Penang for the Penang bridge marathon. Everything was ok until I received a msg from dad saying mum was hospitalize again due to fever. I did not asked much as my mum immune system are low and easily got fever. A week later after my Penang marathon, mum situation suddenly get worst. On Sat morning, she still seem normal. I even accompanied her to do CT Scan and doctor claimed there are no internal bleeding in her body. Again, we relieved but we still wondering what causes her body loss so many blood (FYI on the week she was hospitalized she already infused 7-8 packets of blood). After the CT Scan, I went back home to rest and return to hospital after dinner and that was the time my mum went to paralyze mode again, or we called semi coma.

Just like last months, she couldn't speak, move nor communicate with us. Her eye start looking up and only white colored part seen. My heart was so pain, so heartbreaking looking at her situation. I swear that I will never forget this moment. There are nothing much we can do beside just staying beside her until the next morning doctor came and told us mum liver function is failing due to the cancer. She can't last long and even with oxygen supply, she can only last few more days. That's the day, where everyone around her started to collapsed including dad. He cried and collapsed right in front our eyes..

On Monday morning (24/11) we transported mum back to home and take away her oxygen supply. On 4.10pm, she was gone, forever. Together with both of my uncle, I was late to see her last breath. We went out to undertaker shop to prepared her funeral and when on the way back, we received the call. We were late for five minutes.

I still miss her until now. I couldn't forget her suffering, the images were so clear in my mind. It has been a month and now whenever I went to visit her grave, I just couldn't help it but cried. We believe she is in heaven now, a better place with her dad.

It has been a year journey with her. She is very strong and positive. Her mental was really unshakeable. Unfortunately, not the body.

I have fought the good fight. I have finished the course. I have kept the faith.

One of the meaningful phrase from bible on her tombstone. Hopefully, she have a better afterlife now.

Olympus E-PL 7 - Instant SHARE your photos now!

* One of the photo I have yet post in everywhere but here. One of the model shooting session and I am using Olympus E-PL 7 plus 12-40mm f2.8 to shoot *

Since my E-M1 been to service center, I been using E-PL 7 all the times and did alot stress test on it. From shooting model (post coming soon!), foods and finally to concert as well.

#OhhSOME Festival 2014 ft Skyward (TheMingThing), Joyce Chu 四葉草, Dash, Narmi, Elizabeth Tan, David Choi and Wongfu Productions

Hola! Just came back from Ohhsome festival few hours ago from Avenue K and I admit I had awesome moment shooting stage performances eventhough I stuck at one position only. If you ask what is OhhSOME Fest, it is a short form of Ohh Social Media Fest where it meant to be a festival celebrating the glory of social media in Malaysia. There are alot things going on such as Bazaar, talks, apps and stage. Of course the main highlight in this post mainly on stage where I went to shoot last evening where the line-up artist are mostly international and Malaysia Youtubers such as Skyward (TheMingThing), Joyce Chu 四葉草, Dash, Narmi, Elizabeth Tan, David Choi and Wongfu Productions.

All photos taken with Olympus OM-D E-M1 withOlympus 40-150mm F2.8 PRO or 75mm F1.8. Thanks Robin for switching both lens with me time to time!

When I reached there, it was Skyward (TheMingThing) performing on the stage. Love the joke the crack out even when they singing half way.

Joyce Chu, or known as 四葉草 (Four Leave Clover) up next presenting us two of her song - Malaysia Charbor and LIKE ME!

The long awaiting DASH (Darren Ashley) make the next appearance with Paperplane Pursuit as surprise performing guest for us!

I think Narmi wasn't bad either. There was some moment and angle he certainly look like Aaron Kwok!! I didn't lie! Pics as prove! :D

It was my second time meeting Elizabeth Tan after Tune Hotel Pyjamas Party event mid of the year. I think she had better stage performances this time.

David Choi bringing five of his song to the crowds as well. Finally meet the real deal for real!

Last but not least, WongFu productions as final act of the night. Ted wasn't around, so only Philip and Wesley entertained us. They are not singing of course like the performing artist above. They do what they best. Make film! We managed to witnessed one of the upcoming christmas video from WongFu and also some scene from their upcoming movie (which will be release by next year I believe). Truly an inspiration for every Youtubers or people who love to make film. It just reminded me again how much I wish I could make video none stop like them...

Once again, it was awesome night meeting so many awesome Youtube artist! More photos in my Facebook Page. Gimme a LIKE on the page ok!! It was perform poorly even after so many years.. le sigh

Post by Jackie A Journey Called Jloi.

I saw my friend, Calvin posted a post in FB regarding preparation when shooting a concert or stage performance make me feel like sharing my experience after shooting the stages for so many years since there are alot people asked me too how do I shoot. I just lie. No one ask me actually LOL But I still gonna share it! Click X on the top right of your browser if you feel like skip it k?

Preparation :

• Pack your trustworthy, valuable and awesome gear earlier! Don't last minute like what happened to me last evening where I actually forgot bringing EM1 battery and my memory pouch despite I am carrying 3 cameras with me. Luckily a memory still stuck in my Olympus E-PL 7. Thanks Robin for the spare battery too for E-M1.
• If you do not have photographer or media pass, that's mean you do not have privilege to shoot at the awesome lane. Don't sad it is not the end of the world. Go bring your crazy friends and camp early in front the stage like what Robin just did.
• Thanks Calvin for this - Do not drink plenty of water before the shoot or train your bladder well. Hold in your pee no matter what when you're shooting.
• Use burst mode and RAW if you're not confident with your shot. At least 1 out 10 burst will save your ass. RAW will not do magic but better than nothing if you do not afraid of processing a tones of images. Personally I don't go burst because I love to look and snap the moment myself. Hence, a fast AF gears are needed for my case. Have I mentioned a thousands time that Olympus system had awesome AF speed?

So you got your gear ready, you reach the location and yes, you eat and drink enough. So what's next? What about what to shoot on stage?

• Always always always shoot moment! Artist waving hand, artist dancing, artist interact with crowds - All this are money shot!
• What if artist are static and not moving, just stand at mic to sing? Then stop shooting and observe. If confirm the stage light will run through the artist few time, take that shot! If the artist is very expressive too on facial, take the shot! Other than that if nothing much happen, forget about the artist. S/he is boring subject LOL.
• Always have variety of shot. Wide shot, mid shot, close up shot, left shot, center shot, right shot or whatever you name it. Just spam all the way you want as long as you feel comfortable.
• Can't shoot that much type of angles because you stuck in crowds (no media/photographer pass)? That sound like a little poor bastard like me last evening LOL.. Yes I was stuck in the middle of crowds and not to mentioned I am short. Keep getting block by tall people (I know right they are mean, not sensitive and rude! LOL just jk)! But that doesn't stop me from shooting. What I can perform just close up (Thanks to Olympus 40-150mm F2.8 PRO) and wide (75mm F1.8). Avoid crowds head as much as possible if you think it is not nice. In my case are unavoidable because I am short! That resulting me having a waist pain after the evening because I am performing "waist pain" pose after shooting for almost 5 hours to avoid head shot. I also once in a while waiting the stage light hit right after their face or body before click my shutter away. So, must be alert and always stand by. Moment could happen anytime and you could miss it anytime too!

This is how I shoot for almost 5 hours with hand raise up in air

What about the ethnics when shooting?

• Always respect other photographers. Don't hog the position for long. Grab your shot, satisfy with it then move away. Of course if your like me last evening, that is no choice unless you don't mind move around with the wave of crowds. For my case I did not move around because I found my sweet spot where less tall people blocking my view and challenge my hand length.
• Be sensitive, someone might stand behind you to shoot so try your best not to block them. You do your job, they need to do their job too. Unless, you're short like me.
• Last but not least, enjoy your shooting in the same time the artist music. I guess it help in release stress and tension in shooting if this is your first time.

If there are something I am missing out and you feel like add in for me, feel free to comment here :) You made it! You finish read all my craps! Yayyy!

Olympus E-PL 7 - Be Creative with Art Filters and Kit Lens

* My OOTD of the day with E-PL7 *

With technology are become more and more convenient, it is not surprise that camera nowdays also preload with a bunch of effect and filter for creative photos shooting purposes. As the matter of fact, Olympus has been offering such filters known as Art Filter since Olympus PEN E-P1 generation.


The Art Filters in Olympus is getting better, improved and also more choices over the years. On this weekend, I brought along Olympus E-PL7 and also kit lens (14-42mm f3.5-5.6 EZ) for outing at shopping mall. I just replicate the gear setup that most people who just buy a new camera because I believe alot beginner who haven'invest on lens will just rely on kit lens and use it on all occasion.

Here are the Art Filters available in Olympus E-PL7. Total of 14!

* Pop Art & Soft Focus *

* Pale & Light Color & Light Tone *

* Grainy Film & Pin Hole *

* Diorama & Cross Process *

* Gentle Sepia & Dramatic Tone *

* Key Line & Water Color *

* Vintage & Partial Color *

Personally this are few of my favourite - Pop Art, Grainy Film, Pin Hole, Diorama, Dramatic Tone, Vintage and Partial Color. The beauty of Olympus Art Filters doesn't stop there! Each of the Art Filters also come with few type choices allowing you to choose which is the best to apply on.

In addition, you can another layer of effect to your Art Filters to stack on top of it. For eg I can have Partial Color + Pin Hole effect!

Here are some Art Filters I used in shopping mall. I gotta admit this is not the best place to test but I just tried to challenged my own creativity. I shot with Art Filters before as well mostly focus on Vintage and Partial Color at this post. Art Filters definitely an awesome tools since it doesn't require the individual to do any post processing (all in camera process!), save time since it instantly process and what's more? you get to preview the effect LIVE right before shoot. Choose your favourite filters, snap and instantly share it via Wi-Fi to your social media!

* Pin Hole *

* Partial Color *

* Partial Color *

* Pop Art *

* Diorama *

* Vintage *

* Grainy Film *

As I mentioned earlier, I tried to replicate user who used Kit Lens on their camera, trying to experience it for myself. I gotta admit I have not been shooting with kit lens quite some time after acquired both Olympus 12mm f2 and also 45mm f1.8. But I do rely alot kit lens since my E-P3 era especially when come to shooting concert (Mind you Olympus hasn't has any reliable fast zoom lens during that time). You can check some of my recent photos using Olympus E-P3 and kits at here, here and here.

Optically, I am not sure is there any improvement on the new EZ kit. But it is worth mention that the new EZ kit lens is smaller than the IIR version (my E-P3 kit) and also maintaining the same filter thread size. In addition, the EZ kit was built in motorized zoom like the Olympus 12-50mm f3.5-6.3 lens. It is great for video recording where it provide a smooth zooming (like zooming it using normal point and shoot). You can also determine the zoom speed inside the camera setting.

* The kit lens with Olympus MCON-P02, a macro converter for my food photography *

Shooting in shopping mall is difficult with kit lens due to limited indoor light and also slow lens (well all kit lens do!). Due to this circumstances, it managed to push myself using higher ISO to shoot. Most of the photos below are shoot in between ISO 800, 1600 and also 6400.

As many people may forgotten, kit lens are actually a very capable lens. It might slow, but it does cover the focal length that most people needed. The sharpness for Olympus 14-42mm f3.5-5.6 EZ is proven not as weak as other Zuiko glasses. In a correct way and also lighting to shoot, the kit lens can be sharp too! Check out Robin post here where he challenge himself shooting with kit lens.

Last but not least a selfie with the camera and also 9mm f8 fish eye BLC. Olympus E-PL 7 is now available in retail price of RM 2,399 and come with 3 colors - White, Black and Silver.