Auto Salon Christchurch 2007 Pt.1

Phewf, dropped my Psych report off in time. Feels like such a huge load off!! It's been a while since I last posted an entry. Seems to be pretty quiet these days too. Oh well.. Here's to making up for it.

I know theres like a shitload of nature pics and flowers and stuff on my blog. Its a wee bit girly I know, but I promise Im'a diversify from now and play around more with the ol' camera and shoto some MANLY things.

This entry is for the boys out there who have yet to act out or afford their Fast and Furious fantasies:

AUTO SALON CHRISTCHURCH 2007!!!

Even Homer made it for the ride...

Went to this event with James, mostly cos I knew there'd be difficult photog situations in the form of shitty indoor lighting. Well... actually he had a discount voucher... Yep, there was shitty lighting alright... But was a fun challenge non the less.

Those are Birthday Balloons on the FTO

We were one of the first people to arrive. For a car audio event, I thought it was mighty silent!! There wasn't even music or anything. Kinda scary. There were bogans and white trash a plenty though.

Thats a perfect girl right there boys, leggy, big hair, tits the size of her eyeballs, teeny wee waist, and arms twice the size of your face!!!

Should've known that the white trash cutout was not a good indicator of what was to come...

Bratz kebaaaabs, get your Bratz kebaaaabs!!

Yes, that IS a Bratz doll being skewered by a Trueno, but wait it gets better!!!

BumbleBee!! On a BMW... what the???

Seriously though, there were some nice pieces to look at...

My personal favourite 'Chi'

Law of Physics #7: Flames make cars go FASTER!!

3-Ni

Ok ok ok, this is just a piss take to whet your appetites, the good stuff comes out in Part 2...


Promise...

Bun Fluff

I can't believe how lucky I am to have Pan as a neighbour. His mum just keeps churning out awesome as food. After our shoot with the daffodils, she was at her bestest yet again. This time round she made these:

When Fluff and Bun combine...

I call them Bun Fluffs, but they should really be called Heavenly Buns or something corny like that just cos Bun Fluffs really isn't enough to describe them.

These are perfect after a day in the field doing a shoot on stupid daffodils and really really cheered me up. They go perfect with a hot cup of Milo or coffee. Pan's mum made 2 variations - a coconut one and a peanut one. In other words Coconut Fluffs and Nut Fluffs. They may look like regular buns but theyre really special. They have a slightly sweet taste to them, nearly milky sweet, and the glaze on them made it even more palatable. The Coconut Fluffs were 2 such pieces of bun with some cream in between them and rolled in dessicated coconut. I've never had anything like it before. Who knew coconuts and cream went together!! A quick suggestion though, maybe try something lighter like a custard cream to make it truly AWESOME!!! But my favourite would have to be the Nut Fluffs. It's the same bun but with peanut butter spread in between and covered in crush nuts!! Ok, I dont know about all of you, but I'm a big peanut butter nut!! Just the feeling of how the light bun mixes with the rich, creamy peanut butter along with fresh crushed peanuts is enough to satisfy the pickiest of brats!! I certainly had fun chomping them down!!

So again, BIG shout out to Pan's Mum for the awesome snack!! And if she were to ever open a bakery, I'd fully support it and advertise it all over my blog!!!!

Fashion Survey (Tag Alert)

Fashion Survey!

:Basics:
Name: Allan
Age: i am 22 going on 15
Location: Christchurch

:Favourites:
Store: Rebel, Amazon, Footlocker
Designers: Ralph Lauren
Place to go shopping: Thailand/Malaysia/Singapore
Brand Names: Oakley, Asics, Adidas
Colour to wear : Black
Item of clothing you own: Polo shirts and Jerseys
Type of jeans : Tight as Emo Jeans that reveal my SMEXINESS
Type of tops: well fitted tee (dont like flimsy sleeves.. ew..)
Type of shoes: Runners, smart casuals
Clothing on opposite sex: as long as it's on the floor
Type of accessories: Oakley Sunnies

:Misc:
What would you never be caught dead in?
Baggy, Oversized Hip Hop tee

How many clothes in your wardrobe?
Too many (for a guy)

What was the last item of clothing you bought?
Running tee by Adidas

If you owned your own fashion label, what would it be called?
SMEX!!

Which celeb's style would you love to steal?
Danny Crane's in Boston Legal

Do you follow trends?
I still wear stuff I wore as a 15 year old...

Whats "in" in your area at the moment?
Prep?

What colour is a NO for you?
PURPLE!!!

:VS:
Short skirts or long skirts? SHORT!!
Jeans or corduroys? JEANS!!
Hats or sunglasses? SUNNIES
Tight jeans or baggy jeans? WELL FITTED!!
Bright colours or dark colours? DARK!!
Skinny belts or wide belts? REGULAR!!

:Right now:
Wearing: Baller shorts
In your bag: books, pad, mp3 player, ext hdd (aka Exthhdd-tron)
Saving up for: Nikon D40X
Wishing for: Things to go smoothly from here on

:That you own:
Favourite shirt: Hanes muscle tee
Favourite jeans: Levi's with knee darts... until I ripped them up playing ball tag with Jo & Co.
Favourite shoes: My Asics (for comfort), and my Puma Arase (for SMEXINESS)
Favourite dress: The wee strapless, black one hanging in my closet
Favourite belt: Black/White Rising Sun one by Billabong
Favourite hat: Grey assymetrical print one by Volcom Stone
Favourite piece of underwear: Black CK boxer briefs (RAWRR) and grey Puma ones

I tag all the guys on my blogroll!!!

Daffodil Daze

I. HATE. DAFFODILS.

I cant seem to shoot them right. Spent at least half an hour trying to get a strong shot... But everything comes out bland and weak. Even my strongest shots are uninspired.

Not SMEXY

Meh inspiring...

Somebody tell me whats WRONG???!!! It's like daffodils are my kryptonite. It's lame enough having a mineral as your biggest weakness (yes Superman, if you put it into perspective, its Allan Kill if i threw a green rock at you...), imagine having kryptonite in the form of a daffodil. How disgraceful...

Halfway through the shoot, I moved away from the daffs and went onto something more familiar and comforting.

Reminds me of the Terminator when he liquifies

I was so not tickling those flowers...

Pot plants never looked this SMEXY

Aaaaaah, soothing...

Wish List 07/08

More like a list of things that I'm gonna get with summer work money...

8, Canon WP-DC11 Underwater Housing: Would be nice to expand my shooting repertoire to the deep blue!! Or fun times at the pool or beach!!

The Life Aquatic with Allan T

7, Tissot Touch Navigator: Waaaaaay too cool for school!! Featured on one too many awesome action movies (Tomb Raider, Mr & Mrs Smith). Functions are activated by touching the words on the bezel. Can a boy ask for more?? *Droooool* Bout time I got a watch too...

Youre allowed to touch your i-Pod!! Let me touch my watch!!

6, ABs RWC Training Jersey: Just wanna get this years edition before I leave... unfortunately, they're kinda hard to come by...

SMEXY Blacks!!!

5, Full Drivers License: Ok, so I've been breaking the law taking all of yous in my car... its about time to set things right...

4, Shorts: I need shorts!!! Just ripped the back of my khakis where my bum usually sits... I'll miss you tan, faded khaki shorts that have been with me for the past 7 years and never let me down, even when the going gets tough and the tough gets going... T.T

3, Open Water License: Always been something I wanted to add to my C.V. *Ooooh, aaah* Might even come in handy one day... Who knows eh? If not, it'll just mean I'll bring my photography underwater!!

So... first thing on the agenda for this meeting... Who's been making this shitty coffee?? It's all salty and foul!!

2, Nikon D40X: I'll write about this one more in depth later. Suffice to say I want the twin lens kit.


1, Travel Holiday: I think I need some time out to figure the rest of my adult life out.

No, not in Sao Feng's steam den!!

Welcome to Singapore!!

Must-Watch-TV: Previously on Prison Break...

YAAARRRRGGGHHH!!!

I know there are many who have waited for this day. I know there are many non-believers. I know there are those of you who piss your pants at the very thought of it being available on the hub available for download. I know there are many who cringe at the thought of another season of emotional roller coasters that is Prison Break.

Me personally? I LOVE this series!! As much as I want to see the writers and producers hit a rut and see the series jump the shark, I'm just constantly amazed at how they manage to pull out ideas out of their asses and just run wild in terms of script writing. My God, how many times have we witnessed the main protagonist's close brushes with the law or how he manages to come out on top nearly all the time? How many times have we held with bated breath as he oh-so narrowly escapes? How many times have we thought the on screen brotherly love thing was a bit too uncomfortable? How many highs and lows have we endured for the last 2 seasons? I'm hoping this season doesn't disappoint! And watching this seasons opener, I can't help but think it will top itself again!!!

Heres to hopin'!!

Suggested taglines:

• New prison, old foes
• 
  
• Work out your issues first time round
• 
  
• Just like the first season
• 
  
• Deja vu, but with a different minority
• 
  
• Been there done that
• 
  
• A bit like Guantanamo Bay
• 
  
• More icky sweaty dudes than you can endure
  

Flaunt It

You know what they say - Got It? Flaunt it!!

Before ya'll start dishin' the hate, take a moment to realise that Allan is a B average student and his previous highest score on any assesment was an A-.

It speaks for itself really...

=)

Khmer Noodle House

'Wow, this is some awesome Chicken Noodle Soup.'

'Yea, I always come here when I need a quick fix.'

'So... this Khmer thing, where is it from?'

*Stares at the signage on the window stating 'Cambodian Cuisine', then stares dumbfoundedly at idiot friend*

'You're not serious are you?'

My last visit to Khmer Noodle House was right after a shoot at Brighton Beach. It was perfect mostly cos my emo brother from another mother (read Mojo) stole my jacket, and I ended up not wearing much during the shoot. Damned near chilled myself to the bone too.

Have you seen this drunk?
Wanted for Jacket Theft
Reward Offered - Not Much
Contact: His mum for reward

Khmer's is pretty much an institution for any Canterbury U student. More so if you're asian and love noodles (much like me). A staple amongst the hordes of us that patronise this truly awesome House of Noodles is the Combination Noodle Soup.

Legend has it a chicken, a cow and a pig fell into a pot of rice noodles resulting in the Combination Noodle Soup we all know and love.

A chicken soup base, with rice noodles and chunks of pork mince, and beef and slices of chicken, topped with bean sprouts and a spring onion garnishing. The soup base is undoubtedly what gives it it's distinctive flavour (duh Allan) and brings the hordes back in every cold wintery day. It's full of chicken-ey goodness that's only to be expected from broth made with real chicken but at the same time has a slightly sweet after taste. The rice noodles consistently have the right balance of bite and softness every time, and the garnishings always fresh and crunchy. The combination version comes with all 3 meats, but it's possible to single them out. However I personally think that chicken works best.

And when its Friday, and you can't have any meat because of your commitment towards your religion and partner theres always the Seafood Noodle Soup.

For Fridays only...

This variation is also equally as good, but served up with cuttle fish, surimi and shrimp instead of meat.

Despite the name, Khmer Noodle House serve other dishes as well. The other dish that I highly recommend is the Satay Chicken/Beef on rice. It's a lot richer than the subtle flavour the noodles have to offer. But if you don't mind excess for the day, go for it!! Its basically pan-fried slivers of beef/chicken slightly charred to the point where it tastes like its been on the good ol' stay grills back home. It's served on a bed of rice and topped with a very sweet, nutty satay sauce and served with a salad on the side. Yummers!!!

P/S: Stop giving me shit for abstaining from meat on Fridays guys!!!! It's called a commitment!! Look it up on the dictionary one day!!!

Behind the Scenes: Photogs In Diguise

Over here at the Photogs In Disguise head office, in an undisclosed secret location, we take pride in running a tight ship.

We like to think we're a close-knit bunch of like minded enthusiasts who love what we do and share that love with our readership. Photogs In Disguise was founded one night over a drunken whim by me, the editor. Ever since, Photogs In Disguise has searched far and wide for the best mix of photographers, journalists and writers to provide you with interesting features and beautiful photos.

The photos and stories featured are taken by our 2 field reporters and photographers - Allan and Allan. Both of them bring different and refreshing views to the table. They're constantly bitchin' about the lack of better equipment in the field (read Nikon DSLR), but unfortunately, the Christchurch office doesn't have the necessary funds for them. However, they manage...

BTS: The Birds and The Bees - Allan caught in a sticky situation

BTS: Surfer Rosa - Allan proclaims his love for all things Japanese

Of course we have our 2 writers - Allan and Allan, always at each other's throats over the 'best' stories to cover. They can be pretty peaceful, but things between these two OCD nuts can get quite heated at times, even to the extent of playing a BIG, AGGRO game of Paper - Scissors -Rock to settle their differences. But if it's one thing they achieve at the end of the day, its hard-hitting journalism at it's best and of course, a GREAT story!!

Allan suffering from Writer's Block

Allan interviewing an interview subject for a story (which was cut...)

And then, theres me, the editor - Allan.

Editor on the job

I can't stop praising this team. Working with a team of professionals who are proud and passionate about their work has been a pleasure, and it makes my job as editor a lot easier.

Lastly, I would like to thank the readership of Photogs In Disguise, without whom, we would be out of a job and lying in the gutter somewhere. Thank you all for popping by and dropping comments!!! It's like we breathe on the stuff to survive.

Go Team P.I.D!!!

P/S: Thanks to Jo and Pan for the pics!!!

The Birds and The Bees

The days are getting longer, the sun hitting your curtains earlier, the lawn wet with dew, the grass greener, the air moist with the scent of fresh cut grass, the mercury higher.

Skirts getting shorter, stubbies getting... well... stubbier... Sunnies flashed about, jandals a floppin' on the pavement, more skin is revealed as the layers are shed, depending on whether or not you've been pigging in the winter, you'll be a pudgy, pasty white, or a golden, sun kissed God/Goddess...

Ah yes, its Spring time here in Christchurch. I feel it in my pants!!! While making a run down to town with Pan, on the way back home via South Hagley, I pretty much pulled over the side of the road for these pics!!

The Japanese really got it right when they chose the cherry blossom as their national flower. SMEXY Japs!!!

This pic hurt the most to get...

Stark Contrast

For the sake of diversity...

Ok, so I cut a few toes, cramped a few muscles and grazed a few shins getting up the trees (it's totally jandals weather you see). But I guess it was all worth it. Cos this year is different. I guess it's mostly cos this will be my last Spring in Christchurch for a while. Funny how you see things differently when your departure is inevitable.

But hopefully, I'll be back... like the cherry blossom that blooms again when the time is right.

Wings Of An Angel

You watch from lofty heights up in Heaven.
Watch, as time and tide pass.
Watch, as the old wither, as the young birth.

A bright sparkle catches your eye.
You feel,
and you fall into his gaze, for reasons unknown.
Pondering your next move.


'One last thing I beg you please', the Seraphim pleaded.
'You stand to forfeit your immortality'.
That was a conversation you took nothing from.

'Of mortal man, you shall be then', He said.
You never took heed.

The World watched as you descended.
Your beautiful wings burned up,
sent you spiraling down.
Landing somewhere far from here.
No one else around to catch you fall.


You re-birth.
With a blank slate.
No memory of your purpose on this mortal plane.

Years pass.

You recognise his eyes on the subway,
their former luster,
lost,
from years of pain and hurt.
His laughter, now hollow and empty.
You can't tell what he is feeling anymore.
Between each smile, theres a tear in his eye.

A tear forms in your eye.

You take his hand,
meet his gaze to reassure him.
You lean over,
envelop him in your arms, and whisper:
'I've found you'.


Not a single day passes when I am not grateful that we've found each other.

I love you Hunny Bee.

Disclaimer: I didnt take those pics...

Food-Off #1: Son of Devil Bun VS Supremo Chicken Puff

Who knew it'd come to this ladies and gentlemen. A good ol' fashion FOOD-OFF!! I love a great food-off as much as the next guy. But this line up we have today, I have a feeling it will be one hell of a match. In one corner we have Son of Devil Bun, in it's debut match against long time favourite - Supremo Chicken Puff!! Firstly, we would like to thank our proud sponsors - Pan's Mum's Kitchen, for kitting out both our courageously scrumpcious fighters today. And without further adieu, LETS GET READY TO CRUMBLE!!

Good ol' satisfaction

*Ding Ding*

Round #1:

Chicken Puff comes rolling in with his signature pastry puff exterior, coated in an egg yolk glaze and a light sprinkle of sesame seeds. *drool*. Son of Devil Bun is cowering in his corner, offering only his fried bread crumb batter for what appears to be an average defense. As crunchy as Son of Devil Bun is, I don't think he can stand up against the sheer satisfaction that is Chicken Puff's puff pastry exterior. Sure enough, Son of Devil Bun puts up a fight, but at the end of the first round, Chicken Puff wins out.

Just the way I like my Son of Devil Buns - crispy, crunchy and golden brown

*Ding Ding*

Round #2:

Ok, these 2 contestants are looking dead even at the moment. Looks like they'll have to dig deeper. Chicken Puff pulls out the big gun's and reveals whats inside of him - a subtle, chicken mince curry with peas!! Unfortunately Chicken Puff's curry isn't strong enough, or salty enough to counter Son of Devil Bun's steaming, hot potato mash with CHUNKY ham bits and mixed veg!!

It's a 1 - 2 combo from Son of Devil Bun, and it looks like Chicken Puff is out for the count!!! I declare the winner - Son of Devil Bun, by technical knockout!!!

You have no idea how hard this shot was to take after I took the first bite, was tempted to finish all of it!!!

I *HEART* Japan... Fullstop

So, Pan, Mojo and I were at Brighton Pier the other day right, and we came upon this sticker stuck on the railing at the end of the pier.

I *HEART* Japan... Fullstop...

You know, it probably isn't the worst thing in the world if Whales got extinct. Ok, before all of you raise your arms in the air and condemn me for being a non animal lover, please hear me out. I am probably the last person on Earth to advocate killing off a species. But seriously, the way things are in this world today, who can blame me for going a little out there once in a while.

Call me crazy, call me nutty, but if scientists are so convinced that global warming is gonna be the end of human civilisation, and we're all gonna die a horrible, watery death because of sea level rises, correct me if I'm wrong, but... wouldn't it help if we took some mass out of the ocean?? I mean, theres a tonne of these huge mammals underwater.

If we took them all out and had them for dinner, surely sea levels will subside!! Think about it, the Earth is just like the bath that Archimedes dipped his white hairy ass into. By doing so, pretty much overflowed the bath. When he took his ass out however, water levels subsided!! So, if we take the noble race of Whales as the hypothetical white ass of Archimedes, and we kill em off, sea levels WILL subside!! And if that doesn't work, well just unplug the dykes keeping Holland dry and let the sea reclaim their land. Hey it's only fair.

I *HEART* Japan. Geezuz, leave them alone. Sure, they had a bad rap back in WWII, but they sure as hell make TEH AWESOMEST cars and cameras EVER!!! So, pop off to your local, go to the International Foods section and grab that can of yummy Whale meat and really go to town with that during dinner. *SLURP*

*That was like a year ago Michael, let it go* - American chick from a Vogel's ad circa 2005.

Disclaimer: Allan does not condone and holds absolutely no responsibility for anyone who kills off Whales or unplugs dykes in the name of Global Warming. Cheers yo'

Surfer Rosa

Planned to shoot some nice evening shots around the Brighton/Port Hills area the day before. Was BLIMMIN' COLD and BLIMMIN' WINDY as well. Joseph took my jacket so I was pretty much left shivering in my hoody.

Took a few shots on Brighton Pier.

Frozen water is SMEXY!!!

Dont ask me what those 2 spots are...


Sho shiny and shimmery

Apparently I take ages to compose a shot, well FYI Joseph, I take test shots and... stuff too!!!

Went into Brighton's version of a street mall and got ourselves an awesome Fish and Chip feed. Well My order was actually really average... Jo and Pan had fun tho...

Tried to replicate a back lit studio photo but, my flash wasn't bright enough. First time EVER that my flash didnt overexpose!!!

Got the back lighting right... just need to light up my subjects now...

The day ended with us getting up on the Port Hills (with what seemed to be an empty fuel tank) and getting a disappointing shot.

Meh...

So disappointing... Anyone know a good evening shooting location?

Flower Power!!!

The following are some tips on getting shots of flora, I dont claim to know shitloads about photography, just looking to offer some advice and problems I've come across while shooting.

One thing you shouldnt do when shooting flowers is shoot down on them, never ever look down on your subjects. Photography is all about imposing your own unique perspective on your subjects. If you shoot down on flowers, from a standing position, it'll end up looking really AVO, because thats what the everyday view of flowers is like. Instead, try getting down low and shooting them at their level. Getting up close or shooting from fascinating angles and getting the details, something that people everyday overlook. This usually means getting your knees dirty (yes its time to pull those britches up ladies!!), but trust me, its well worth it.

SMEXY blurred background

Play around with lighting a wee bit. Try to capture how the light catches leaves or petals and how it lights up the subject. Then chuck a diffuse glow on it on Photoshop and it'll look SMEXY!!




For ECU (extreme close up) shots like that, using macro mode is a must to get your subject to fill the screen. Macro mode, depending on your lenses have a very shallow depth of field. Petals in the foreground can be tack sharp while the next petal will be blurred, so you might want to watch out for that depending on how you want your subject to come out.


Another thing you might want to watch out for is wind. Yes its given us relief from the hot sun, given us grief when we try to light up a ciggy, and now its gonna give us more grief in the form of fluttering flowers!! Try to wait for the wind to die down when taking an ECU shot of flowers, if you cant wait, get your best mate to block the wind out, if you dont have a shooting buddy, well its time to turn up your shutter speed to eliminate blur caused by movement.