tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-324966272012-01-24T03:46:50.704+08:00R.Q. Chenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00740652240324054492noreply@blogger.comBlogger801100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32496627.post-91019135583346291352007-12-18T12:44:00.000+08:002007-12-18T12:49:25.185+08:00

With access to blogspot.com being blocked from within China, I've decided to switch over to Windows Live Spaces to continue this blog - here is the link: http://journeyofthemind.spaces.live.com

R.Q. Chenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00740652240324054492noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32496627.post-62305395845379184072007-12-07T16:30:00.000+08:002008-11-13T15:15:46.789+08:00

I found a website that has free downloads of stock photos. I'm thinking of joining myself and upload my own photos to share. The website is called Stock Vault.So now instead of relying on my own photos to play around with in Photoshop I can use others; this comes in handy of course when I want to explore with subjects that I may not have taken photos of.My first stock photo that I've used from

R.Q. Chenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00740652240324054492noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32496627.post-60420460159915394972007-12-06T14:06:00.000+08:002008-11-13T15:15:47.129+08:00

Have been busy and didn't get a chance much to do any photoshopping or photography... but here's a recent work I've done by following a cool tutorial on how to create a nice glow effect in Photoshop.The tutorial is located here: PSDTuts - Advanced Glow Effects.Update: 2007-12-06; another work based on the same techniques

R.Q. Chenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00740652240324054492noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32496627.post-36514826859402507682007-07-03T22:18:00.000+08:002008-11-13T15:15:47.215+08:00

Grand Palace, Bangkok, Thailand

R.Q. Chenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00740652240324054492noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32496627.post-73775492622299095642007-06-19T15:48:00.000+08:002008-11-13T15:15:47.300+08:00

R.Q. Chenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00740652240324054492noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32496627.post-21611133377025560252007-06-18T09:41:00.000+08:002008-11-13T15:15:47.467+08:00

At night, along the HuangPu river one looks over at the base of the Oriental Pearl TV Tower base from the Bund.This image is the second in a series; the first can be viewed in my previous posting: HuangPu River at Night.

R.Q. Chenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00740652240324054492noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32496627.post-75595854266670408922007-06-15T11:11:00.000+08:002008-11-13T15:15:47.671+08:00

The HuangPu River at night: looking at the base of the Oriental Pearl TV Tower on the PuDong side across the HuangPu river from the Bund.

R.Q. Chenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00740652240324054492noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32496627.post-50226659211549332552007-06-14T10:48:00.000+08:002008-11-13T15:15:47.804+08:00

The image below is my submission for one of those themed photo challenges. A themed photo challenge involves coming up with a word and then people go around snapping pics they perceive the word to be about... example, the image below could be used with the theme: crowd.

R.Q. Chenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00740652240324054492noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32496627.post-54698190001910449072007-06-14T09:09:00.000+08:002008-11-13T15:15:47.933+08:00

More souvenirs available at Yu Yuan Gardens here in Shanghai as can be seen in the above image... if this isn't enough variety you can check out some more in my earlier Souvenirs posting.Some of these head carvings/masks would make for some interesting ornaments in your front doorway... people would get an immediate sense that they were being watched as they entered your place. And they would

R.Q. Chenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00740652240324054492noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32496627.post-7382185072609981982007-06-12T14:28:00.000+08:002008-11-13T15:15:48.048+08:00

At the Shanghai Zoo last year I was able to use my, at the time, new zoom lens to take some close-up photos of the tigers (and other animals). Luckily I had my big zoom lens with me, as it would have been difficult to get such a close range shot of the tiger without actually being so close.For this image I did the following steps in Photoshop:- sharpened the image- applied a levels layer-

R.Q. Chenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00740652240324054492noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32496627.post-9234244629322542982007-06-11T10:20:00.000+08:002008-11-13T15:15:48.132+08:00

If you happen to be in Yu Yuan Gardens here in Shanghai, you could pick yourself up some interesting souvenirs (see image below):The giant spider looks particularly interesting, as well as the other smaller bugs/insects.If you have a penchant for doing some Chinese calligraphy, then you might certainly entertain the possibility for buying one of those over-sized calligraphy brushes to create some

R.Q. Chenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00740652240324054492noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32496627.post-89968306862244260312007-06-10T15:56:00.000+08:002008-11-13T15:15:48.245+08:00

Took this photo at Yu Yuan Gardens here in Shanghai (May 2006). I think I should take another trip there some time in the early evening - you can see at the base of the statue there are faucet nozzles for water sprays. I think there might also be some colourful lights on too when the water comes on.I used a radial blur (zoom) effect to make the radiating light from the statue. As well, I under

R.Q. Chenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00740652240324054492noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32496627.post-47168935158402397662007-06-09T18:55:00.000+08:002008-11-13T15:15:48.337+08:00

Continuing with another panoramic photo, here's one of the Mendenhall Glacier in Alaska. If you have been following my posts, my earlier blog posting titled "Pond reflection" had a photo of a pond in the same area that I took this panoramic snapshot.If was grey and cloudy most of the day but when I got to the glacier, the sun started to peak out a bit.You can see in the background the glacier...

R.Q. Chenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00740652240324054492noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32496627.post-6181328276144743952007-06-09T11:57:00.000+08:002008-11-13T15:15:48.439+08:00

While I snapped the panoramic lake front view of Toronto's skyline from Centre Island (see my previous post: Toronto Postcard), I also took in other sights on the Island and snapped this one of a bridge. [I think it's rather incredible that we have the capability to build bridges.]If you get a chance to go to Toronto, I highly recommend a visit to Centre Island. There is a ferry that takes you

R.Q. Chenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00740652240324054492noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32496627.post-70340519699377035812007-06-08T10:37:00.000+08:002008-11-13T15:15:48.535+08:00

In May of 2006, I took a series of photos of Toronto's lake front view from Centre Island.I've "stitched" them together to create a panoramic image... and the result is shown below - looks like a postcard wouldn't you agree?Note: Click on the image to see the full size view. You're welcomed to use it as your computer's desktop wallpaper.

R.Q. Chenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00740652240324054492noreply@blogger.com128tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32496627.post-22236879462922976142007-06-07T10:29:00.000+08:002008-11-13T15:15:48.615+08:00

A stone walkway that can be found in the place where I'm currently residing.

R.Q. Chenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00740652240324054492noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32496627.post-77232008143475440532007-06-06T18:04:00.000+08:002008-11-13T15:15:48.750+08:00

This photo was taken on my 2005 Alaskan cruise. I can't recall the name of the place now - I'll have to look it up again.The clear, calm water in the pond made for a really amazing natural mirror.UPDATE: The place where I took this pond reflection was at the Mendenhall Glacier area.

R.Q. Chenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00740652240324054492noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32496627.post-83197683153340928982007-06-04T16:54:00.000+08:002008-11-13T15:15:49.060+08:00

From the Shanghai Tour website on the Oriental Peal TV Tower:Shanghai Oriental Pearl TV Tower was completed on Oct. 1, 1994. It is 468 m high, being the highest in Asia and the third highest in the world, only next the TV towers in Toronto in Canada and Moscow in Russia. It stands opposite to the bund on the west bank.. The architectural modeling of the tower is unique, expressing the flavor of

R.Q. Chenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00740652240324054492noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32496627.post-28217202778436132642007-06-02T23:38:00.000+08:002007-06-03T00:09:42.721+08:00

I've started to think about how to earn some extra side money from my time surfing the Internet. I've done some research into this area and online advertising and affiliate programs look promising. Although I don't expect these activities to become my primary means of income, I hope that it will at least provide me with some extra spending money - either to save for a rainy day or perhaps to

R.Q. Chenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00740652240324054492noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32496627.post-12810247613586103292007-05-22T17:24:00.000+08:002008-11-13T15:15:49.475+08:00

"Butterfly in the sky, I can go twice as high"...Those are the lyrics that start off the theme song for the TV show Reading Rainbow. I used to watch that show as a kid. It's a really good show - it opens your mind and eyes to our world by exploring many different and fascinating things.If it's still on TV and you have children; I'd highly recommend allowing them to watch this.As for the image,

R.Q. Chenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00740652240324054492noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32496627.post-81843502997672012682007-05-17T21:47:00.000+08:002008-11-13T15:15:49.761+08:00

Continuing along the same theme (see Taking Another Look At Old Photos) - I've created another image that resembles a watercolour painting.The original photo this watercolour-style image is based off of:The photo was taken on a street in Shanghai, Pudong New District near where I currently live. You may not be able to tell from the photo but that day was extremely hot and hazy! The greyish

R.Q. Chenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00740652240324054492noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32496627.post-74034679569445771092007-05-17T16:00:00.000+08:002008-11-13T15:15:49.882+08:00

If you have some photos that you have previously taken, you can take another look at them and present them in a new way.For example, some of you may recognize the image below as the giraffe that I used in my Beyond the Edge posting. It's not the exact same photo but from a series of photos that was taken of the giraffe at the Toronto Zoo.What I've done here is to present this as a sort of

R.Q. Chenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00740652240324054492noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32496627.post-77215018367060145432007-05-08T23:41:00.000+08:002008-11-13T15:15:50.914+08:00

I went back to an image that I worked on previously (in the Auto Shanghai 2007 pt.2 post).I adjusted the levels in Photoshop to give the image more of a 'pop' to it. The result is the image below, followed by the previous image from the earlier posting:I need to remember to try to bring out the details by enriching the shadows and highlights (or at least give the appearance of it being more

R.Q. Chenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00740652240324054492noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32496627.post-79954888510138893182007-05-07T19:39:00.000+08:002008-11-13T15:15:51.064+08:00

If you've seen my previous posts: Evening Over the Plains and Evening Moonscape; I think you can say there's a theme developing here. I would venture to say that the theme involves the evening or night time and silhouettes.You will need to click on the above image for the full size view (some details are lost in this smaller thumbnail image above).

R.Q. Chenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00740652240324054492noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32496627.post-82916193071772305732007-05-06T23:42:00.000+08:002008-11-13T15:15:51.370+08:00

I've continued with the silhouette theme... in fact, you can see that the moon is the same one used in the earlier posting (Evening Moonscape). I've used Photoshop brushes from The Luna Regina website to help create this piece.Hope you will enjoy it. Comments welcomed.I've updated the image (shown below); can you see the differences? The changes, I believe, are very subtle - I changed the

R.Q. Chenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00740652240324054492noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32496627.post-51248151822216106242007-05-06T00:46:00.000+08:002008-11-13T15:15:51.479+08:00

This evening moonscape image was entirely created within Photoshop. I read through a tutorial earlier and decided to try out the ideas. The steps basically consist of the following:- create a gradient background with the darker/lighter colour on top- create some clouds/atmosphere with the smudge and eraser tools- create the silhouettes- create the moon

R.Q. Chenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00740652240324054492noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32496627.post-64743606730680703472007-05-01T11:16:00.000+08:002008-11-13T15:15:51.982+08:00

Here is the follow-up to my earlier post: Auto Shanghai 2007. I'll keep updating this post with more images from the show. Click on any of the images for a larger view.Update: I've replaced some images with their touched up counterparts. See Auto Show Flowers post to view the originals

R.Q. Chenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00740652240324054492noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32496627.post-80251396566876313042007-04-29T21:06:00.000+08:002008-11-13T15:15:52.209+08:00

I went to the Auto Shanghai 2007 auto show yesterday. It was packed with many people and unfortunately I didn't bring either my other lens or my other camera for taking photos up close. The zoom lens I put on just didn't allow me to get a good shot with so many people. However, I still did manage to snap a few photos and so here is the result of bringing together a few of them.More to come

R.Q. Chenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00740652240324054492noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32496627.post-29981248819021601432007-04-22T00:00:00.000+08:002008-11-13T15:15:52.379+08:00

I learned about the history brush in Photoshop today, so I decided to revisit one of my earlier images and play with the history brush: I took the original image from my One Among the Masses posting; I desaturated the image to make it black and white, then I selected the pink flower and used the history brush on it to reveal its former colour; afterwards, I added an outer glow and drop shadow

R.Q. Chenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00740652240324054492noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32496627.post-63561753084355290652007-04-18T23:04:00.000+08:002008-11-13T15:15:52.570+08:00

R.Q. Chenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00740652240324054492noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32496627.post-46642514507781686722007-04-18T22:20:00.000+08:002008-11-13T15:15:52.715+08:00

R.Q. Chenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00740652240324054492noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32496627.post-31368282567938566262007-04-17T23:48:00.000+08:002008-11-13T15:15:52.885+08:00

This image is created from a photo I took of this flower (not sure what kind) in the parking lot of the Candlewood Suites Hotel when I was staying in Irvine, California, USA.I remembered coming across an image that was composed of various tiles that constructed the main object of the image.So, all I've done here is to mimic that style by using the marquee tool and cutting out individual pieces

R.Q. Chenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00740652240324054492noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32496627.post-60956242815157364002007-04-17T00:30:00.000+08:002008-11-13T15:15:53.022+08:00

I've used the same technique for the giraffe image presentation as here, except of course I've changed from a rectangular format to a circular one; and I've also added in some text which I think gives it a slightly more artistic conceptual presentation. This photo of the tree was also taken during the trip to the Toronto Zoo.As always, your comments are welcomed.

R.Q. Chenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00740652240324054492noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32496627.post-27802987417259310072007-04-15T22:50:00.000+08:002008-11-13T15:15:53.250+08:00

I think it was actually my sister that might have taken this photo originally. I've cropped the photo and have given it a framed presentation.This was at the Toronto Zoo in the late summer of 2004.

R.Q. Chenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00740652240324054492noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32496627.post-21562313839977675312007-04-15T19:51:00.000+08:002008-11-13T15:15:53.256+08:00

Tastes delicious!

R.Q. Chenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00740652240324054492noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32496627.post-86066480990607352612007-04-14T12:30:00.000+08:002008-11-13T15:15:53.411+08:00

This image is from a tree just outside our apartment; Gengling had immediately noticed it and said to take a photo (same day as the other photos I took for the Discovery Walk image).I just used the artistic watercolour filter in Photoshop (default settings) to create this image from the original photo; nothing else was done to modify the image.

R.Q. Chenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00740652240324054492noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32496627.post-88722085966331000992007-04-14T10:22:00.000+08:002008-11-13T15:15:53.664+08:00

R.Q. Chenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00740652240324054492noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32496627.post-2405167466304638442007-04-11T22:50:00.000+08:002008-11-13T15:15:53.804+08:00

This is my RC car that I bought here last summer. It was fairly inexpensive; however, it doesn't have the 'kick' that I was hoping for - I would have traded for a smaller size if came with more 'horse-power'.

R.Q. Chenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00740652240324054492noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32496627.post-30755402464700230152007-04-10T00:12:00.000+08:002008-11-13T15:15:54.080+08:00

This past Sunday (2007.04.08) we went for a walk around our apartment complex and I took some photos of course... the photos alone may not have been as interesting so I decided to 'photoshop' them together and produced the following:I learned a few (new) techniques and decided to apply some of this knowledge to my photos. For example, the background is of the marble/granite (whatever rock)

R.Q. Chenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00740652240324054492noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32496627.post-70572085962820338192007-03-20T15:42:00.000+08:002008-11-13T15:15:54.279+08:00

Here is my computer desktop in the Shanghai office.Been busy with my relocation - still in transition.I'm using the Zune desktop theme for Windows XP. If interested, you may get it here: Zune Desktop Theme (for Windows XP)

R.Q. Chenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00740652240324054492noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32496627.post-1167081423763330142006-12-26T05:14:00.000+08:002006-12-26T05:17:03.820+08:00

I spent the past couple days restyling this blog; in particular, I decided to create a new banner graphic to replace the one that was previously supplied (ie. preset graphics to select for the blog).Please let me know what you think of the new banner graphic, thanks.

R.Q. Chenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00740652240324054492noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32496627.post-1166898330495380942006-12-24T02:17:00.000+08:002006-12-24T02:25:31.210+08:00

This photo was taken on September 26, 2006 at 19:05 - just got off work and stepped out into the parking lot of my work place. I saw the nice tinge of colour to the evening sky and decided that I should take a snapshot of it. Unfortunately, I didn't have a tripod with me and so the image turned out blurry.I did the following processing with the image in Photoshop:- auto contrast- duplicated the

R.Q. Chenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00740652240324054492noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32496627.post-1164508805966091472006-11-26T10:34:00.000+08:002006-11-27T09:40:56.170+08:00

The kindness of strangers has demonstrated to me that we still live in a decent world after all. I'd really like to thank Lian for taking the time from his relaxing Sunday afternoon to drive and accompany me to the Woodbridge walk-in clinic in Irvine. Here's someone I've only seen on the badminton courts and played a match with, and yet he was willing to take the time to make sure I was doing

R.Q. Chenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00740652240324054492noreply@blogger.com31tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32496627.post-1162668134903492992006-11-05T03:16:00.000+08:002006-11-05T03:24:42.520+08:00

The lease for the office space has been signed and design and layout of the office is about to be finalized. I wonder which cube I'll get, or will I get to choose since I'll be among the first batch of new employees there.In any case I hope I don't get the window to my back since I wouldn't get to see the nice view and secondly I don't like getting glare on my monitor.So, I've upped a Google

R.Q. Chenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00740652240324054492noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32496627.post-1161534929621348922006-10-23T00:33:00.000+08:002006-10-23T00:35:29.716+08:00

My shoes I bought in Shanghai... how do people keep their white shoes so sparkling white?

R.Q. Chenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00740652240324054492noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32496627.post-1161534234872130402006-10-23T00:19:00.000+08:002006-10-23T00:23:55.166+08:00

Taken on my Alaskan cruise September 2005.

R.Q. Chenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00740652240324054492noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32496627.post-1161389045735890872006-10-21T08:03:00.000+08:002006-10-21T08:04:06.550+08:00

Went to see the doctor yesterday and got what I consider some good news in a bad situation: I had the option to elect out of surgery which I did. I really don't want to go through surgery as I have already done so with my left side (yes, I ruptured my left Achilles tendon some years back).It'll take about 6 weeks to heal (and probably more time to make a more fuller recovery). Although, without

R.Q. Chenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00740652240324054492noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32496627.post-1161068755934804422006-10-17T15:01:00.000+08:002006-10-17T15:05:56.026+08:00

I really should add a few words to the photos that I've posted recently but I've not quite had the energy or time to really do that. Also because I've been busy/lazy/whatever I've also not had many entries lately either.I ruptured my Achilles tendon this past Saturday and will be heading back to Toronto for treatment - I forgot to get insurance when I came over to the States and I'm currently

R.Q. Chenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00740652240324054492noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32496627.post-1161068448943776912006-10-17T14:57:00.000+08:002006-10-17T15:00:49.053+08:00

R.Q. Chenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00740652240324054492noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32496627.post-1161068203767152552006-10-17T14:54:00.000+08:002006-10-17T14:56:43.996+08:00

R.Q. Chenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00740652240324054492noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32496627.post-1160548945543524902006-10-11T14:39:00.000+08:002006-10-11T14:42:25.643+08:00

R.Q. Chenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00740652240324054492noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32496627.post-1160548076776633272006-10-11T14:22:00.000+08:002006-10-11T14:27:57.013+08:00

R.Q. Chenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00740652240324054492noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32496627.post-1159517255696555572006-09-29T15:55:00.000+08:002006-09-29T16:07:35.893+08:00

Photoshop'ed:Original:Been working on this for a few days on and off.This is a photo of me with my girlfriend - we were having some fun and laughs trying on these imperial costumes during our visit to Yu Yuan Gardens in Shanghai.What do you think about the "cartoonization" of the photo? Comments welcomed.

R.Q. Chenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00740652240324054492noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32496627.post-1159081107844437482006-09-24T14:54:00.000+08:002006-09-24T14:58:28.140+08:00

I wonder what is there to look at?

R.Q. Chenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00740652240324054492noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32496627.post-1159002430128672502006-09-23T17:03:00.000+08:002006-09-24T15:36:27.756+08:00

Here's the logo that I've worked on for the new DigitalElement site that I'm currently trying to build up.

R.Q. Chenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00740652240324054492noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32496627.post-1158910127295854492006-09-22T15:24:00.000+08:002006-09-24T15:33:06.773+08:00

As I had mentioned previously I wanted to create some tutorials on tips and techniques that I've learned about Photoshop and post them up for all to share.I've decided that I would make it a little more broad coverage and encompass digital photography as well.I've started my new site here:http://digitalelement.freehostia.comhttp://digitalelement.110mb.comPlease take a look and let me know what

R.Q. Chenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00740652240324054492noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32496627.post-1158646943913951612006-09-19T13:51:00.000+08:002006-09-19T14:22:24.540+08:00

I used a program called AndreaMosaic to create the above mosaic of a Chinese lion statue. I've included the original below for comparison.

R.Q. Chenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00740652240324054492noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32496627.post-1158569703946096552006-09-18T16:49:00.000+08:002006-09-18T16:55:04.610+08:00

R.Q. Chenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00740652240324054492noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32496627.post-1158527047543435302006-09-18T04:53:00.000+08:002006-09-18T05:04:17.053+08:00

R.Q. Chenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00740652240324054492noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32496627.post-1158466003526702622006-09-17T12:01:00.000+08:002006-09-17T12:06:43.943+08:00

Trying out different things on Adobe Photoshop this afternoon and produced the above image. I picked up the technique to produce the ice/glass effect from one of many websites on Photoshop techniques. I think next time I'll go over the steps I used to create my images and in the process create a tutorial so that others can benefit too.

R.Q. Chenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00740652240324054492noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32496627.post-1158445386517878902006-09-17T06:20:00.000+08:002006-09-17T06:23:10.860+08:00

What I'd like to eat right about now is some good home cooked fish.

R.Q. Chenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00740652240324054492noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32496627.post-1158388317295895222006-09-16T14:26:00.000+08:002006-09-16T14:31:57.710+08:00

Another photo from the Chinese Lantern Festival I attended couple weeks ago. Bright, wouldn't you agree?

R.Q. Chenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00740652240324054492noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32496627.post-1158299856012834382006-09-15T13:51:00.000+08:002006-09-15T13:57:36.580+08:00

I just updated one of my earlier posts. I placed "before and after" images together. The first image was the original unaltered photo; while the second image I performed an auto levels adjustment - it really brought out the colours and made the photo more appealing.So next time you have a bland looking photo, don't forget to adjust the levels to see what a difference it would make.

R.Q. Chenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00740652240324054492noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32496627.post-1158298262600810142006-09-15T13:21:00.000+08:002006-09-15T13:31:03.030+08:00

There's a website called Photo Friday and they have a "challenge" each week. Some word is chosen and then people snap pix with their interpretation of that word; they post the photo up and provide a link to the image to the Photo Friday website. Others can then have a gander at the work.So, here's my entry for the word 'family'.It was taken at Toronto's Centre Island. I used ArcSoft's

R.Q. Chenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00740652240324054492noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32496627.post-1158045583148155832006-09-12T14:40:00.000+08:002006-09-12T16:07:13.020+08:00

What fond memories have we collected during this summer of 2006 as it gives way to autumn? The above photo is my impression of what a fond summer memory might have been: taking the boat out on a warm and clear afternoon; having a picnic on board while gently floating along the glistening blue water.This image was composed with the poster presentation technique I had previously talked about. In

R.Q. Chenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00740652240324054492noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32496627.post-1157997048681592862006-09-12T01:45:00.000+08:002006-09-12T01:50:49.090+08:00

Some time ago I was looking into some interestings projects that I could do with my then new camera (Canon's EOS 350D a.k.a Digital Rebel XT). I came across a project about macro photography with small model cars; and since I had a small model car, I decided to try it too.

R.Q. Chenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00740652240324054492noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32496627.post-1157878185047539192006-09-10T16:39:00.000+08:002006-09-10T16:49:45.336+08:00

OK, I realize now why I've had so few comments posted to my blog - the configuration didn't allow for anonymous comment postings, but I've updated that now so everyone can now add their comments. I know it's a hassle to have to sign up for a blog account just to be able to post a comment, but thanks to those that took their time to do so and posting a comment.Anyhow, here's another photo I'd

R.Q. Chenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00740652240324054492noreply@blogger.com34tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32496627.post-1157841083157593322006-09-10T06:13:00.000+08:002006-09-11T08:03:51.406+08:00

I've been looking through the book "The Photoshop CS2 Book for Digital Photographers" by Scott Kelby and have been trying some of the techniques that it teaches. The image above was done using the poster presentation technique. I was also able to put a copyright watermark on my Chinese Lantern Festival photo.

R.Q. Chenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00740652240324054492noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32496627.post-1157784680369972132006-09-09T14:42:00.000+08:002006-09-09T14:51:20.670+08:00

This shot turned out pretty nice... I like how the Cinesphere lights in the background adds a really cool touch to the Temple of Heaven and to the overall image - it's like exploding fireworks.

R.Q. Chenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00740652240324054492noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32496627.post-1157749041217075202006-09-09T04:57:00.000+08:002006-09-09T04:57:21.526+08:00

I got to check out the Chinese Latern Festival at Ontario Place when I was back in Toronto this past weekend. I went with my dad, sister, and her boyfriend. I had an enjoyable time walking about and seeing these interesting "lanterns".One of the dragon lanterns is made entirely with china - do you notice the dishes:Here's a couple more of the photos taken that evening:I'll post some more photos

R.Q. Chenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00740652240324054492noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32496627.post-1157746685585063042006-09-09T04:17:00.000+08:002006-09-09T04:18:06.366+08:00

I got myself a new laptop and got to check it out when I went back to Toronto over the Labour Day long weekend. It was ordered online but got delivered after I was already in California. It's a pretty big and hefty monster... and it's as slow as it's big.The dimensions are: 18.7" x 13.9" x 2.4" (47.5cm x 35.3cm x 6.1cm);and weighing in at: 17.2 lbs (7.82 kg).Here's a snapshot of it:I discovered

R.Q. Chenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00740652240324054492noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32496627.post-1157613643516141722006-09-07T15:20:00.000+08:002006-09-15T13:49:50.710+08:00

I went home to Toronto over the Labour Day long weekend. Here's a photo I snapped on my plane ride heading to Toronto... anyone know where this is?On my plane ride back to California I saw some cool views out the plane window - I got to see the Dipper and a few other stars; I got to see the a big section of California all lit up; and I got to see some wicked flashing bright lights and lightning

R.Q. Chenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00740652240324054492noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32496627.post-1157007973046474462006-08-31T14:51:00.000+08:002006-08-31T15:06:13.210+08:00

I put on an RSS site feed for my blog today. So now y'all can take my feed and know when I have something new posted.I'll be heading back to Toronto over this coming Labour Day long weekend. Looking forward to seeing my family again and checking out how T.dot's changed. Also will get to try out my new laptop. I had purchased it before coming here to California, but unfortunately I didn't get

R.Q. Chenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00740652240324054492noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32496627.post-1156919731862878292006-08-30T14:18:00.000+08:002006-08-30T14:35:32.256+08:00

On the 21st of this month I went out to a camera shop called Samy's Camera in Santa Ana. I bought myself a lens hood for my telephoto zoom lens (the Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS USM lens), and afterwards I took a short walk around outside and snapped some pics. I decided to go with trying to shoot with a theme in mind... a "signs" theme came to mind and I took 11 photos.Here you see I've put

R.Q. Chenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00740652240324054492noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32496627.post-1156743756496456192006-08-28T13:31:00.000+08:002006-08-31T14:48:45.653+08:00

OK, haven't been making any new posts and so I think it is time that I make one.I've been recently following along with HGTV's show called Design Star. This is a reality tv show where 10 contestants vie for the chance to host their own design show on HGTV. You can check out the show's website here: http://www.hgtv.com/designstar.The show is now down to the final 2 contestants: Alice and David.

R.Q. Chenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00740652240324054492noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32496627.post-1155534025922200412006-08-14T13:29:00.000+08:002006-08-14T13:52:50.516+08:00

Here are photos of my 'cube':And here's the building that Jouve is located in... can you spot my rental car in the photo?

R.Q. Chenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00740652240324054492noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32496627.post-1155482574218669502006-08-13T23:04:00.000+08:002006-08-13T23:26:53.280+08:00

I've been staying at the Candlewood Suites here in Irvine. Fortunately, the company is covering the cost. Here is what one sees upon entering the suite I'm staying in:A closet, washroom, and bedroom on the right:and a small kitchen area to the left:Here's what the bedroom looks like:

R.Q. Chenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00740652240324054492noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32496627.post-1155420059872647392006-08-13T05:49:00.000+08:002006-08-13T06:00:59.880+08:00

Since I will be relocating to Shanghai in the coming months I need to sell my car in Toronto. Anyone interested in buying a BMW 325i (2003)?4 doors, automatic, silver, black leather interior with dark myrtle wood paneling, approx mileage: 26,500 km.I will also include winter tires, they are practically brand spanking new - driven on for 2 seasons.Please get in touch with me if you or someone you

R.Q. Chenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00740652240324054492noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32496627.post-1155348640686981652006-08-12T10:01:00.000+08:002006-08-13T05:48:55.263+08:00

Where am I now? I'm in Irvine, California, USA. I'm working as a Senior Software Engineer for Jouve Aviation Solutions in their DMS group. I will be working here several months before relocating to Shanghai, China (also working for Jouve).I got myself a rental car to get around - a Chevy Aveo. See the photo above. It's a good thing that I got the rental because it makes getting around here

R.Q. Chenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00740652240324054492noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32496627.post-1155196738344865972006-08-10T15:51:00.000+08:002006-08-10T15:58:58.346+08:00

So this is it - welcome!This is my start at blogging (with bias towards photo-blogging) . I want to share some of my thoughts, opinions, and points of view on various matters; also, I want to share some of my photos with you all.

R.Q. Chenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00740652240324054492noreply@blogger.com1