39 and going strong, a photo from Pulau Pinang, West

Photographer's Note

Allow me to continue from my Penang photos took in end Aug 06.

28th Aug 06 was my first day in Penang. Before going to Penang, I had already contacted Eric Lai.

Got his contact and contacted him after checking in in my hotel. He gave me some directions on how to reach his shop as the hotel I was staying wasn't that far away.

In fact, I need to thank him as he reminded me to book a hotel earlier since the days I was there were quite close to our Merdeka (Independance) holiday.

Our meeting was set at 8PM in his shop. His photo studio is situated in Gama Shopping Centre not far away from Komtar, one of the landmarks here.

As you can see from this photo, this shopping centre is celebrating its 39th birthday. A giant achievement indeed for staying so long. I was staying in Penang for 6 months while I had my college industrial training about 20 years+ ago. Gama Super was already there and one of few shopping centres I used to hang around. As Eric was mentioning to me, this place is still staying strong.

Coming back to our small TE meet, I saw some of his 8R print(Should be 10R)in his shop that he shared with us in Festival.

The photos are actually much more better looking than those in TE. Perhaps the limited size allowed in TE and the LCD of my notebook didn't provide an accurate colors.

We went across the road and had our "teh tarik"(pull tea) since we had our own dinner earlier. We chatted almost everything and I got to know he is really hardworking. He is actually holding 3 different jobs to provide a better living for his family. My respect to you Eric and don't forget to have some good time with your family.

I left at about 9:30PM and took this shot after crossing the road. This shot was taken with ISO 200 and handheld. Thanks to IS on the lens, I was quite happy with the results of this shot.

It is a simple shot and nothing significant. I wanted to dedicate this photo to Eric Lai and I am sure your business will last even longer with your grit determination !

Eric, see you in KL soon in Nov 06.

cunejo200 has marked this note useful

Critiques | Translate

kclai (2267) 2006-10-18 2:06

Hey Chai
Thanks for the nice word, and actually you needn't to mention about my three jobs juggling. Well, it's not easy in today's world.
The print-out that you saw in my shop is 10" x 14".
Well, you should set it to ISO400 or ISO800 to get the best clarity and there's shouldn't be any problem about the noise since it's a night shot.
I will be in PJ (The Curve - Royale Bintang)on the 18th of Nov and will meet up with Yee. And I will be attending my youngest brother wedding dinner in the evening. So, if you got the time, drop at The Curve and give me a call. And most probably I will call you too.
Hey, Yee's office is nearby to The Curve, too.
See ya!
Eric Lai

cunejo200 (7281) 2006-10-19 8:13

Hi Chai,
Good to see you posting again. Good colors and sharpness, quite commendable for a handheld image, you must have sturdy hands. Good Note, and glad to hear about your get-together with other TE member(s) in Asia. Best wishes. Danilo

Kenny10pin (19301) 2006-11-30 3:01

nice shot and very clear

rabani (9645) 2007-04-11 23:47

GAMA was 18th years old the 1st time I walked around her walkways. Life then was simpler, quieter a bit than now. You had taken the signature shot of this building; its banded circular white facade. Just off GAMA, after Friday prayers, we went and had Nasi Kandak. Wonder whether it's still there with its giant tin basins, brimming with curry and such.

I'm still shooting with the 300D & 350D Chai. But the K10D takes center stage nowadays on account of its weather sealings and image stabiliser. There are times I even walk in the rain with the K10D.

Bani