A Night Out With Rockers

I've been quite caught up with work lately and haven't had the time to have lunch, much less write in this blog. However, my wife's current nostalgia for old Malay rock songs has started to rub off on me, and I thought I'd share photos I took of the Search concert in Johor Bahru in 2004.

I must say this was one of the most enjoyable assignments I've ever been on, because I am a big Search fan. I was privileged to work with the event organiser for the concerts, so I covered the press conferences and concerts, and some shots were used for some of the promotional items.

My wife came along as my assistant, which was good, because she is an even bigger Search fan than I am. The mood in the stadium was terribly contagious, with the huge crowd pushing each other, trying to get closer to the stage. If I had not had my equipment with me, I would have been tempted to headbang along.

I also managed to capture a shot of this Amy lookalike. Seriously, if both were to stand next to each other, would we be able to tell the difference?

The show ended with a bang, and many still wanted more. Me? I was just happy I had an all-access crew pass!

At the end of it all, there was a short press conference, then, I managed to get a shot with the band. Think I could be part of the band?

New Albums

I've uploaded a few new albums in my Picasa site (http://picasaweb.google.com/StudioLinePhotography). Please check them out, and watch the space 'cos more albums are coming soon!

March "It Girl" - Chris Abishegam

Work has been quite consuming lately, and I've not had the time for new posts. However, this month has given me something to share with you.

Check out page 76 of the March issue of Malaysia Tatler. Chris Abishegam, a much treasured client, is the "It Girl" for March. Chris is the Executive Director of X2 International Imagix Experts, who, in addition to having her hands full with X2's packed schedule, has also managed to produce her own couture label, X2 Couture.

Chris was a dream to work with. It was easy to pose her, and I am quite happy with the results. My wife, Ema, assisted me as usual (free labour heh..just kidding, sweetheart!).

Note: Only the above are my photos (excluding the cover). The other two photos in the magazine spread aren't mine.

Valentine's Day!

It's the romantic time of the year again. February 14th, or Valentine's Day is tomorrow, so for those of you who celebrate it, don't forget to get or do something special for the one you love.

For those of you who haven't made plans, or are open to change their plans, come by Impiana KLCC for their special Valentine's Set Dinner at Tonka Bean Cafe. It's RM128++ per couple, and as a special treat, yours truly, StudioLine Photography, will be there to capture your romantic moment and present it as a precious memento, COMPLIMENTARY, with the Valentine's Set Dinner.

Not only that, you can also choose either a colour OR duotone photograph! Just mention your request to your friendly photographer (me) or his gorgeous assistant (my wife) and we'll make it happen.

Please contact Impiana KLCC at 03 2147 1111 for reservations. We hope to see you there!

Coming Soon to a Computer Near You

I've been working on my Wedding Series, but I've just not had the time to sit down and vet through the thousands of wedding images stored in my Mac.

I hope to show you the series as soon as possible. In the meantime, enjoy my little teaser above.

The Passing of a Legend-Felix Abisheganaden

Another recent passing which thoroughly saddened me was that of Mr. Felix Abisheganaden.

I first met Mr. Felix during my first assignment with his PR firm, Prestige Communications back in October 2002. I didn't talk to him much then, but I was aware of this cheerful man who managed to elicit a smile or laugh from everyone he spoke to.

I was later asked to photograph his 80th birthday party held at Holiday Villa Subang in January 2003. 80?????? He looked at least 20 years younger, and I couldn't mask my surprise that this amiable smiling man would be 80 years old.

That night, he was the life of the party. His children, relatives & family came from near and far to pay homage to this charismatic man. I was amazed by the number of loved ones who traveled hundreds and thousands of miles to celebrate this joyous occasion. What I could not forget was the huge beam he had on his face for literally the whole night. Looking at him, I made a promise to myself to live my life fully, and hope that one day I too, will be surrounded by all the warmth and love I witnessed that night.

The following years, I met Mr. Felix on and off during Prestige's assignments, and each time we met, he always made a point to greet me and ask how I was. And always, there was a huge smile on his face.

I went to pay my respects when he passed on. Once more, I witnessed friends and relatives from all around the world surrounding him. Through the grief and sadness, however, there was still so much love for him in the room. And at that point I knew that wherever he was, Mr. Felix still had that huge beam on his face.

Mr. Felix, may you rest in peace.

You Will Be Missed, Tan Sri Murad

The nation lost two upstanding citizens recently. I've had the honour and pleasure of knowing both Tan Sri Murad bin Mohamad Noor & Mr. Felix Abisheganaden personally and professionally.

Tan Sri Murad, or "Uncle", as I know him, was a neighbour and father of my childhood friend, Maisurah. I've had the privilege of shooting Maisurah's wedding in 2003, and most recently, upon his request, his family portrait just before Aidilfitri 2007. We believe that he may have had a feeling that this would be the last official portrait of him & his family, and he had asked Maisurah to call me to schedule the photoshoot early so the photos could be ready before Hari Raya.

My wife, Ema, & I shot the family photos at Tan Sri Murad's residence in Taman Berjaya, Gombak, and throughout the session, we noticed the love and affection he had for his wife, daughter, son-in-law and especially so, his grandson. He was extremely patient with his grandson, and laughed at every single thing his grandson did. It was obvious that he clearly adored his grandson.

During lulls in the photo session, Tan Sri Murad & I talked. We talked about everything, and that is what I will remember & cherish always. The easy camaraderie, the abundant laughs and the warmth radiating from him and his family.

Tan Sri Murad, as I knew him, was a fine man. He was humble and approachable, yet he made such an impact in the lives of those who knew him.

To his family, Ema & I offer our deepest condolences, and we are just a phonecall away if you need us.

Uncle, you will be missed. Al-Fatihah.