Where do I start.

I guess this question has been bugging me since the concept of the internet made sense as a portfolio alternative. But I am kind of an old school guy, having learned more traditional methods of photography. I wanted to meet the people that I was showing my book to, to make the experience of meeting clients a little more personal. And for them to meet the person behind the images and to leave an impression, good or bad.

The internet has made things more impersonal. So here is my feeble attempt at trying to bridge that gap.

So you guys can read this and have a good laugh and maybe say what an idiot, but please not to my face, I'll probably give you a look similar to the one in the picture of myself. I am actually alot friendlier than that self-portrait. If you actually make it to the end of this page you might like me or hate me or think that I am a "maroon".

C'est La Vie!!!

So I bit the bullet and decided to get off my butt and spend the time and money to get this website started.

My biggest fear was that I was totally clueless as to what it would take, trying to figure out a name for this site, web hosting,.... blah blah blah. It was like trying to teach rocket science to a blonde (no offence), and no I am not blonde, a little gray, but definitely not blonde.

Well, push came to shove as a client of mine had requested that I post the images that I had shot for them, because alot of people had requested copies or wanted to view the photographs.

So it came to pass, with the help of a friend, who shall remain nameless (I hope you understand Desmond), helped out with the purchase of the domain name, the hostingr and all things needed to get a site up and going. Even though I had all the necessary tools to get started, I didn't know where to begin. So I bugged this friend of mine, until he got all pissed of with me. Luckily for me, he did point me in the right direction with regards to software and all that good stuff. For that I do thank him dearly, because without him spoon feeding me the details, I finally figured out how to build a website. The light bulb had finally been switched on, like a blonde who figured out that opening a car door turns on the dome light (sorry no offence, once again).

The resulting site is the work of several looooong days, or rather weeks of aggrivation, chain smoking till dawn and endless cursing at the mindless piece of machinary, my computer and myself.

Well, enough of my pain and suffering and my shortcomings, .... no wait there is more.

Here we go!!!

If you hadn't gotten it by now, I do have a sense of humor. People tell me I'm funny... funny haha... not funny queer.

Now on to more serious things...... NOT!!

My formal education in photography began in a small community college in Salinas, California.

Salinas is a sleepy little agricultural town approximately 20 miles from beautiful and scenic Monterey and Carmel. Home of greats like Ansel Adams and John Steinbeck. After living and studying in Salinas for about 2 years, I transfered to San Franciso State University. But after only one semester at SFSU, I transfered to Arizona State University. From all accounts and even Playboy, it was a 'good' choice. Phoenix offered a better option, a lower cost of living and cheaper tuition, and a better photography program.

However there was a downside.

The downside was the hot 100 plus degrees Farenhiet summers!

Despite whatever people tell you about the heat in Arizona, you do get use to it. Afterall, it's "dry heat"!!

Who were they kidding!!!

I lived in Phoenix for almost 8 years and there are people who have live there longer and survived. I did get to meet some of these characters, including my ex-boss, who, according to him was related to Bugsy Siegel of Las Vegas noteriety,

Sooooooo, after graduating from ASU (Arizona State University), I worked as a gallery assistant in Scottsdale. That short stint gave me a whole new insight to the world of fine art, I even got to handle original works of art (YES, they trusted me). Eventhough the job at the gallery was not my first choice of jobs, it was a good opportunity that came my way.....and I took it.

Then came the next opportunity that changed the way I looked at the "glamourous" world of photography and learned alot of about photography, the business and life. For the most part it ain't that glamorous.

This journey, which took almost 8 years of my life, was, as I had expected but my mentor, teacher and slave driver boss, taught me more that I would have imagined. Through the blood, sweat and tears.... hey... there were good times too....but despite the good and the bad and the long hours.........I lived through it and survived ....and lived to tell the stories. Thanks, Dave!!!

I would not have learned what I had learned, if not for that experience!

Life is all about your experiences! You live through them and learn from them. I am what I am, in part, because of what I had learned and experienced in Arizona and also growing upi in Singapore. I wish I could tell you about all my experiences but that would take too much time. It would probaby be more fun for me to tell you some of my "war" stories over a cold beer.

My experiences, I can say, have been part of a wonderful journey. I have met great people and made wonderful friends, that I will and always cherish. If I didn't have the support of my family, who I can't thank enough, I wouldn't have gotten this far. Thank you all for being there for me.

My journey isn't over yet.

Since moving back to Singapore, a new chapter has begun. Everyday is a new journey, a new challenge...everyday is a new day......a new experience.

I have acquainted myself with my nieces, rekindled old friendships, made some new friends and I am looking forward to making more new friends.

So for those who have made it this far.

I hope the work speaks for itself, as I am a man of few words.

....yeah right!!!

Thanks!!