SEAN JOHNSON - Photographer

Geometry

2010-09-25T09:42:00.001-07:00

The master of photography, Henri Cartier Bresson said, Photography is all about Geometry.

Once you can master it well, you can get great pictures. The is what I am trying to catch the skill. Enjoy !

Who is your regular model ?

2010-09-03T06:31:00.001-07:00

As said previously, the best way to kill your time while waiting is to take pictures. This is an old picture taken somewhere nearby the airport while I was waiting for models. Seems this model is also very attractive...

How could she be in better shape for the future shooting ? Switch on the head lights next time before pressing the shutter !

What would you do when you are driving ?

2010-08-20T06:23:00.000-07:00

I took picture ! However, it is not a wise move because of safety issue.

I took this on my way to office in the morning while seeing the cloud was so lovely which I couldn't miss.

3D Hong Kong Skyline

2010-08-01T06:57:00.001-07:00

Comparatively, I seldom take scenery pictures lately and this one is the most remarkable one since it gives me a sense of 3D look which I didn't intend to have the effect when I was pressing the shutter.

Winnus and Ken

2010-06-02T06:14:00.001-07:00

Though I was busy at preparing for teaching materials for the T&D classes, I still squeezed time for Winnus to take her pre-wedding pictures with her Mr Right. The couple was very serious towards the shooting, they prepared so well for the evening that made me feel it worth spending the night with them.

Chenchen my daughter (199x - 2010)

2010-05-03T12:35:00.000-07:00

Sleepless night, missing Chenchen !

Though it has been the 4th night since her leaving, I still hardly accept the passing away of her. Adopted her in 2002, we were together for 8 years. The encounter of us was somewhat like a beginning of a love story that I always mentioned to my Mom Chenchen was the greatest present she gave me so far, apart from my own life.

After a dinner in East HK, Mom asked all of sudden if I would be interested in checking up a kitten staying temporarily in Alex TO's mother home. I was not too keen on that but since it was an early dinner and no program after it. The idea should not be a bad one.

When I saw her at the first sight, she was hiding herself under an old sofa, looked frightened and didn't eat for a long time after being scared and threatened by the two original site owners - Ms Cheung's cat and dog !

Wondering how to get her out under the sofa, I tried to induce her with my finger and pulled her out slowly with special care, surprisingly with no struggling. When I held her at my arms for the very first time, I found (and I believed she found as well) we were in the same colour that the suit I was dressed in that night was with the same colour of her hair. Her eyes in orange were shinny opened and it just liked asking me to rescue her from the battle. That night was the beginning of our happy life until last Friday morning...

This picture was taken last week after getting the confirmation from the Vet that she was having tumor behind her right eye. I wasted no time to setup studio light to take this for her.

"More pictures..."

2010-04-14T09:20:00.000-07:00

When you have to kill time while waiting, what you should do ? The best solution is to take a picture. This one is a classic example, long explosure with very low angle.

The best picture taken so far...

2010-04-14T09:09:00.000-07:00

If you are asked to show the best picture you took, which one you would pick ? This one was taken in Canada back to Apr 03, when I was in Toronto. No magic, no retouch, nothing special but just one single shot.

The two girls in red on the picture got no paid from me and I believe they might charge me if they know they are on my best picture. In case you know them, please keep your mouth shut. Thanks !

Wedding Day...

2010-02-04T21:55:00.000-08:00

Rachel & Hugh had their wedding on the date before Christmas Eve. A very special date which is easy to remember. I wish they would still remember the photographer on their coming anniversaries.

"More pictures..."

Studio Shooting for Natasha's Wardrobe

2010-01-19T18:38:00.000-08:00

Starting from scratch, Steve and I arranged the shooting for 2 months and it did come true on 17 Jan, 10. A big day for us since we shot this for a friend and also a client, Natasha's Wardrobe. Five gorgeous dresses were provided and we took the shots at a hotel in the downtown of Kowloon.

5 hours' shooting, we took almost 500 digital pictures and these five are the most satisfactory, with no retouching.

Special thanks to Cara, the model who is so professional, Yvonne and Jerry for attending and sponsoring, Bell for the make up work, Ida for running around to help taking care of my car and Steve, my photography partner.

I wish all enjoyed the afternoon !

The Best Portrait Shooting of the Year

2009-12-24T20:48:00.000-08:00

I have known Sophy for couple years but met her rarely. It was such a great pleasure she promised to let me take her pictures with Steve.

After the 2 hours shooting in the sunny morning at Po Ma Hill, she sent me an SMS telling me the first time of her had just given to 3 of us, Steve, my assistant and myself. What an honor !

The Portrait for Sophy is the most satisfactory work of mine in year 2009. I wish Sophy and her friends like it.

BTW, there is no PS done on any pictures of Sophy, swear to God ! She is a real pretty.

More pictures...

Birthday Gift to Sharon

2009-12-24T20:36:00.000-08:00

Instead of preparing birthday gift, I would rather take pictures for the birthday girl, Sharon, who is my ex colleague in SFC. Waiting for her with my crew for 30 minutes sitting in my Jaguar, she finally came to Tsing Yi and we managed to find a very special and moody location for the shooting.

For 120 min shooting, I took almost 200 shots for her. 48 best shots are selected.

I wish Sharon like this birthday present and wish her a Merry Christmas !

"More pictures..."

The Best Picture of the Year

2009-12-22T18:32:00.000-08:00

I like the mood and the colour of the sky. Before being taken this shot, I tried over 20 shots by having Chole as the model. The sky was just too bright for taking and after adjustments made on the camera settings, it was done at the end.

Also, I would like to thank Steve for doing the composition for me. It is a very nice shot.

Why did Steve take this not me ? It was because I was the one in the picture.

Chingmy

2009-12-05T06:34:00.000-08:00

Have you ever tried taking out-door pictures during mid night ? I did last night until almost 02:00. Also, we almost blocked half of the park for shooting without permit granted by the Police.

Chingmy wanted us (Steve and I)to take her picture after her company Christmas Party (early party !!!???). The location was in TST, a secret park with nice views but cold. Since Chingmy wanted to have B&W pictures, I picked the best one to be the cover picture. I wish she like my works.

More pictures...

Interviewees

2009-12-05T03:59:00.001-08:00

Some asked me what are the most enjoyable part of doing Recruitment, is the consultancy fee or the job satisfaction. I would say interviewing pretties, for sure ! The day I had double enjoyments since I interviewed these two lovely pretties at one time in Macau.

However, both of them are actually not located in Macau but China but carrying Macau ID. Hopefully, the client would find them good enough to take the post. I am still waiting for the feedback.

Graduation Picture

2009-10-31T19:15:00.000-07:00

Sylvia will have her graduation ceremony in Nov and I had the honor to be invited to take her picture when she was dressed in graduation gown. It is really a coincidence, she studied the Msc course at Poly U so as I did.

"More pictures"

The last shot of the killer (Black on Black)

2009-10-31T18:58:00.000-07:00

"A picture tells a thousand word" This picture I took should be able to serve this purpose. The story behind it is the Killer was shot to death after gun fighting with Police. Can you see his gun is empty without bullet and his sun glasses is smashed on floor ?

American Express Interview

2009-10-31T18:28:00.000-07:00

Eventually, it is there ! It is on newspaper...my work ! Also, the highlight is the picture I took for Susanna that no "PS" was done on it. Careertimes offered me the very first life time opportunity to have my work on newspaper by giving me the assignment taking interview picture for a very Senior Executive, Ms Susanna NG of AE.

Want to view more ? Here are some of the best shots. (password is ct)

The on-line version on Careertimes.com.

Lonely Writer

2009-10-14T09:34:00.001-07:00

The assignment of mine for the class of this week was "Silhouette
". Not until the day before the class in the evening, I took this pic on board on the way back from Macau to HK.

This uncle was sleeping almost the whole trip from Macau and was sitting far away from me. I had no DSLR with me at that moment but just a small prosumer casio p505. However, it proved that it did a good job since I managed to take this shadow effect by the help of the manual function.

Volunteer Photographer

2009-10-07T08:22:00.001-07:00

A lots of first time experiences of my life happened today. The first time to be volunteer photographer for NGO, the first time to take shots for a big group of seniors and the first time to shoot a vaccine injection function.

Some experienced photographers / journalists were assigned by press, I had to strive for better positions to take my shots, needless to say, I had no match with them ! Fortunately, there were some nice shots I got. I hope you like them !

"More pictures..."

Floating watch

2009-10-04T02:04:00.000-07:00

I have always been thinking of the way to create the floating illusion of an object in a picture and I believe I am getting close to have one. No magic nor "PS" was done on it but just a small accessory.

What is it ? Let me tell you next time.

My business card

2009-10-03T11:00:00.001-07:00

After working over 15 years, I have a collection of my previous business cards issued by Ernst & Young, Fairton, Global Group and SFC. However, none of them were my design until I have this.

I just love it and wish you like it as well. Why ? Because no "PS", retouching nor cropping was done on it ! It is just a picture with words.

Let me present you one next time when we meet.

Self Portrait

2009-10-02T21:25:00.000-07:00

All the great artists have their own portraits, this one is mine, though I am yet to be great ! I took this pic in washroom in front of a mirror. It was a colour pic but the mood is much better when it is turned into B&W. The stunning effect is obtained by chance since I had no intention to create the horror mood but it ended up like this.

We are being together...

2009-10-02T10:13:00.000-07:00

Can you see the couple watching the sunset in the bush ? I hope you can !

This picture took me an hour to catch the window light. The setting was also a headache since the number of toothpick are not enough for taking a wider shot for cropping.

Amber Rain Storm Signal

2009-09-30T07:21:00.000-07:00

Have you ever tried to get conjected under heavy rain ? What would you do while waiting for the moving forward inch by inch ? I have a very good idea for you is to take some shoots.

This one is a classic example taken at around 7 in the heart of the city under amber rain storm signal period.

Gotham City in Hong Kong

2009-09-30T07:12:00.000-07:00

After shooting and retouching, the picture reminded me the Gotham City in the movie of Batman. Definitely, there shoudn't be Chinese restaurant in the city but would it be possible that there is China Town inside it ?

Can you find the Batman logo is hanging there in red ? Let's pay more attention on the movie next time we watch to see if there is any !

BTW, can you tell where I took this pic ? Let me know if you do.

My regular model

2009-09-25T23:55:00.000-07:00

Chen Chen has been my model for 7 year since the day I adopted her. She may be the cat taking most pictures in Hong Kong. This picture is for studio light testing as I used one studio light for taking it.

"More pictures"

Overhaul

2009-09-25T19:13:00.000-07:00

A candidate presented me a passport photo of her and wanted us to refer her a retail job of a client. I did not send her until I interviewed and took her the picture. After comparing the two, I have this word in my mind "Overhaul", she is completely overhauled, not by herself but the photographer !

There was no tricks played on the picture I took for her, just window light, no flash, hand held and with the background inside Starbucks. BTW, I have just been told that she will have 2nd interview with the client very soon.

"SC"

Invisible Man in white shirt

2009-09-24T08:02:00.000-07:00

As previously mentioned, I had planned to make the shirt look like wearing by a invisible man and this one was the shoot that I had before the one below.

Can you see the man ?

White on White

2009-09-24T06:52:00.000-07:00

When I heard of the subject "White on White", this new white tailor-made shirt immediately came into my mind. I was thinking of creating an image that the shirt looks like an invisible man wearing it. When it goes with a white neck tie and cufflink, I changed the angle.

After the night taking the picture in studio, I found it is unbelievable that 3 studio lights were used and also one torch, sounds a bit too much... !

Rain drops on my window

2009-09-24T06:26:00.000-07:00

One photographer stated subjects for taking picture are everywhere. It is the matter of how you find them out and take you shot. I hope this one can be an example for you to learn from this statement. Since I am not good at "PS", two very popular letters stand for Photoshop, I did not remove the stain on the picture before posting on my blog which may also tell you that I really took it on my window while raining.

Do remember to take up your camera next time when it rains to get some nice shots. Enjoy !

Studio Photo for Family

2009-08-12T19:24:00.000-07:00

Stafford is a good friend of mine, owning a denim company with factory in China, office and sample room in HK. The sample room turned out to be the studio of mine on last Sat for shooting family picture of him.

Around 200 pictures were taken and this one is the best shot among all. The little boy is quite an active runner but surprisingly not over active when taking picture. Though I loved his daughter a lot more since she is super adorable, she was too busy at running around for nothing when we did this shot. It ended up that she was absent from this, just like those super star does not show up themselves in press conference.

The little boy kept watching the monitor but not my camera since I depicted real time images on the monitor for them to view how the pictures were taken instantly. I must avoid this next time when taking pictures for kid.

A bit touched up was done and mostly on the mother (please don't tell her). I particularly loved the lighting that three flashes were used for key light, hair light and background light.

Drop me a line if you like to take family pictures with your family members, especially want to keep track on how your kids looks changes when they growing up. I will change your living room into studio, I mean temporarily.

"More pictures"

2009-07-21T09:10:00.000-07:00

Whenever I am not too keen on the food, I would rather take the picture, this one is a classic example.

A Cup of Coffee to start the day ...

2009-07-21T08:48:00.000-07:00

Natural light is the most friendly source of light for photographer.

After finishing my breakfast in the morning before rushing back to office, I took this picture at the cafe. Surprisingly, the snap shot turned out to be a nice piece of work.

Too many of them...

2009-07-20T01:12:00.000-07:00

Though I believe I would miss them once they are sold, I still like them to have a new master who will treat them well. It is better to be active with another rather than being idle with me.

BTW, the 100-200mm (the one on the top of these three) was sold today ! I started missing it.

My Lens Family

2009-07-20T00:59:00.000-07:00

I am using Minolta as my system with around ten lens ranging from 10mm t0 500mm.

One of my favorites is the 50mm f2.8 Marco lens of Minolta produced in early 90's. It is the sharpest lens among all in the family and this picture is of course taken by it.

Shadow control is the main concerns of mine when taking this picture since there was quite a big one at the background when i was taking the first few shots. After having more flashes on from different sides, the effect is getting much better as it is.

If you have sharp eyes as my 50mm marco, you may also notice on the picture that all the words on the lens are readable since i used F22 to take this.

Watch Poster

2009-07-19T20:45:00.000-07:00

Do you like this Baume & Mercier ? I wish you like this work of mine too !

This watch of mine has been with me since 2006. I could not recall it was with me for so long already, time flies !

The watch was set in the wooden box which came with the watch. It was placed inside with the original small pillow to fix it firmly inside the box. Three flashes were used from different angles to minimize the shadow effect.