Friday, December 18, 2015

The Sweetheart Sessions




Throughout the course of my photography journey, I have always been reminded of some of the little things about photography that I truly love. One of which is how a photo can capture the moment which is to be kept for the rest of our lives. In this fast paced era we live in today, we often do not have the time to pause and reflect. That's what I love about photography, I love how photographs take me back to the little precious moments in life that was filled with love, joy, laughter, happiness, and all the silliness in between. 


From 2nd of January till 5th of March 2016, I will be kickstarting a project that is close to my heart. This project is titled The Sweetheart Sessions.





// Special shoutout to Le Roy for designing the beautiful logo!



If you would love to have a simple photoshoot session with your fiancee, husband, sister, best friend, parents, grandparents, or even with your dogs that you love so very much, do drop me a message as I will be available for those who would like to have a photoshoot session through this project. In all of it's simplicity, what I hope from each sessions are bonds to be strengthened and love to be cherished once again







So, here are some questions which might just help you to know more about Sweetheart Sessions!







What is this whole Sweetheart Sessions all about?

Sweetheart Sessions is a photoshoot session for those who want to celebrate and cherish life with their loved ones. The main goal of Sweetheart Sessions is to capture special and beautiful moments for individuals, friends, and families that can be kept for the rest of their lives.







Who is entitled to be apart of this Sweetheart Sessions?


Anyone! For your other half, your parents, your siblings, your dog. Be it someone whom you love and want to cherish precious moments with them, Sweetheart Sessions is for you :)







When and how long is this session?


This session kicks start on the 2nd of January till the 5th of March 2016The actual photoshoot date will be selected as according to your preference and schedule. Average duration of the actual photoshoot session will be 1-1.5 hours (because any longer than that will be stiff smiles and tired faces), so come prepared with your brightest smile!







Where will the photos be taken?

If you have a place in mind for the photoshoot to be held, do know that I'm open for any new options! :) If not, then the venue will be discussed from a selection of venues prior to the photoshoot.






I'm interested to know more about this, how do I go from here?

Awesome! You can e-mail me at euleneo@gmail.com or drop me a message via Facebook. Looking forward to see where the road may lead :)







" What I like about photographs is that they capture a moment that’s gone forever, 
impossible to reproduce
Karl Lagerfeld


Friday, October 23, 2015

Tim.Bero.Us


Hello, everyone!


I know this blog has been rather quiet lately and for some of you who may be wondering why, the only answer to this is..... university life. Yes, I have been really occupied lately with all that university life has to offer to me. It's not just assignments and tests that have kept me busy but just the whole package of living on my own itself. You start to think about the things you need to buy for your next grocery shopping trip, the clothes you need to wash and your mom's home cooked food that you dream of every night. 


Nonetheless, I'm back for a super quick update on the latest shoot which involves wood and ice cream. Yes, you heard me ; wood and ice-cream.


This shoot is a mini collaboration with Tim.Bero.Us, a customised furniture brand. What makes this brand stand out among the rest is the fact that the people behind this brand are environment enthusiasts. Not only are their furnitures minimal and sophisticated, they are environmentally friendly too!


One of their latest works can be found in IDC Cafe. The stools and community table created by Tim.Bero.Us are made from reclaimed wood. Reclaimed woods such as those which are found in abandoned projects and rural areas, are filtered and cleaned to be used as brand new furnitures once again. How does this benefit us, you may ask. Well, the reclaimed wood used reduces the amount of new trees chopped. Not only do you get to carry out the ideas you have for your customised furnitures at home, you also help to save the environment. I don't know about you but I think that's really cool!





















If you would like to find out more about Tim.Bero.Us, feel free to drop them an e-mail at timberous.com@gmail.com


Also, if you do visit IDC cafe (yes, that ice-cream store featured in the MingThing's video; relationship status : online) do try their lavender infused Welsh Cake with ice cream. Highly recommended! ;)


Much apologies for such a short update, some of you might even be thinking to yourself "What? Was that even an update?". It really has been a hectic month for me but I most definitely hope to be back with more photoshoot sessions. Till next time, everyone!

Friday, September 18, 2015

Opportunity Cost





Some of us have heard about it, some have learned about it but for those who have not, here's the definition of what opportunity cost is :-

"The cost of an alternative that must be forgone in order to pursue a certain action. Put another way, the benefits you could have received by taking an alternative action"


For example, you are given RM 100 and you decide to purchase that sports outfit you've been eyeing on to motivate yourself to get to the gym, but you could have also spent that money on your favourite food instead. That, is your opportunity cost. (Of course, if our currency wasn't as weak, you could have purchased more items with that same amount of money but oh wells)

Many people have their own definition of what happiness means to them. For some, happiness is travelling around the world, happiness can also be shopping all day errday to some people. To me, happiness is understanding that life is an opportunity cost. To win something, you gotta be ready to lose something else. 

Let's be honest, we all want something we don't have :) It's a natural tendency, we are always looking for something which we do not have or own. But, things start to change when we realize that what we wanted isn't quite exactly of what we expected it to be. 


Back when I was 5 years old, I always wanted to have a pair of shoes with wheels on them. 









If you had a pair of these shoes, you were THE cool kid.  I mean, this shoe had lights in them! I thought that if I could ever own these shoes, I would be a happy girl. But things began to change as I realise that these shoes weren't the lightest shoes to wear around, the lights start to get a little annoying, and once the lights don't work anymore, these shoes aren't really all that special. I was horrible in skating and would fall every time I attempted to do so.

What I soon realise was that these shoes, didn't make me as happy as I thought they would and that I am not a cool kid after all.

A lot of times, what we make out of peoples' life isn't quite like it. When we look at the success of others, the big cars they're driving or the branded shoes they wear,  we become envious and wish that we could have that portion of "happiness" in their lives. What we don't see are the long nights they stayed up to work, the calls they had to answer even after their working hours, and the blood and sweat they put into their work. Yes, some people are just fortunate enough to be born with a silver spoon but hey, not everyone has that. 


Happiness isn't something to be found, it's something you make out of. 


At the end of the day, the question goes back to how much do you really want it? Are you willing to take up the not-so-pretty parts of the package in order to win the whole package of it? Because many times, what we really want is only the pretty & nice parts of the package. We dream to have the beach body without working out and eating healthy everyday, we want to be in a relationship without going through the tough times, we want to have a string of As in our certificate without working hard for it. 

And if you want it, I'd say, go all out for it and make the best out of it. I mean hey, since you have prepared yourself for this, why not give your best shot? Don't look back because looking back with regrets won't help to push you further in this new chapter, unless you're looking back for reflective/correction purposes of course. Yes, we all have our ups and downs in life. If you find yourself in that "down" moment in your life right now, that's okay. You're not alone in this, so pick yourself up and keep moving :)

And while you're out there to make the best out of this choice you have made, focus on what needs to be done instead of comparing it with others :) Each of us have our own successes and struggles, and they are all unique in their own ways. Focus on writing your own success story.


I don't believe in getting the best of both worlds. I believe that in order to win something, you gotta be ready to lose something else in life and at the end of the day, it is you, and you alone who will decide if it is worth it.


Till next time :)


Friday, July 31, 2015

Opened Doors and Closed Doors.







For those who do not know, I recently completed my studies in Inti International College, Penang with a Diploma in Business certificate. I knew that I would need to graduate with a degree certificate but was uncertain of where to go next, even though my heart's desire has always been to further my studies outside of Penang and to pursue something related to management.

On a Sunday morning, God asked me "So why do you want to move out of Penang to continue your studies?". Haha, it's funny when He asks you questions because it was never because He doesn't know the answer but I knew that He wanted me to know what my own answer was. 

I thought about the question and I said, "I want a new experience which will push me to grow more as an individual"

As time went by, I realised how much I wanted to pursue my studies in Monash university.  The factor which made me think twice of Monash was the course fee which is RM 101,000 to complete a 3 years degree program. I thought to myself "To pay such a huge amount and spend another 3 years of studies when I have already completed a 2 years diploma, is it worth it?" I spoke to my parents about the few options I had in mind to which my dad said "A degree certificate is important, but at the end of the day, it is only a certificate. Go for a university course which you can graduate faster".


So, I decided to make a trip down to KL with Le Roy to apply for exemptions in Monash University, hoping that the exemptions will save time and cost. While I was there, Ming Yen, a friend of mine who was also a student in Monash University brought the both of us for a short tour around the campus. Oh my, I fell in love with the campus. 


There were just so many things I loved about it but in my heart, I said "God, if this is from You, I pray that You open the door. If it isn't, shut this door".


Amidst waiting for the news from the university, I applied for a few scholarships. Unfortunately, I did not receive any news on my scholarship applications. Discouraged and disappointed, thoughts ran through my mind. 


"Maybe my CGPA wasn't high enough"
"Maybe I could have had more curriculum involvements"


A few weeks have passed before I received an e-mail from Monash.


Dear EULENE TSU PHIN,



We are pleased to inform you that your application to study  at Monash University Malaysia has been successful. Attached is your Offer Letter providing details of the duration of the course, fees and general condition. 
The faculty of Business and Economics have reviewed your academic record and has agreed that although you are eligible for the Bachelor of Business and Commerce at Monash University Malaysia, no credits will be awarded.


It felt as though the e-mail just doubled the dosage of disappointment and discouragement for me.  I thought about the prayer I made to God about this and I wondered "How could God shut this door? It's Monash! Isn't this the best for me?"

When He shut the door, it was as though He had said to me "What may seem the best option in your eyes is not what I know is best for you"




" I know your deeds. See, I have placed before you an open door that no one can shut. I know that you have little strength, yet you have kept my word and have not denied my name 
Revelations 3 : 8


A few days later, Xher Rael, a friend of mine called me as she was in Taylor's Lakeside University campus. "Taylor's Lakeside......", I thought to myself. I remember how I wanted to study here right after my SPM examinations. She told me to consider applying for Taylor's as they're open for credit exemptions. I figured that there was no harm in trying hence, I brought all the documents & went to the Penang office to apply for exemptions. Halfway through the conversation with the lady I liaised with, I asked her about the scholarship requirements for transfer students.


"Oh... Erm... Actually, the minimum requirement for students is usually a CGPA of 3.50", she said.


Hearing that as a student who had a CGPA of 3.46, I figured that I should probably just say goodbye to any scholarship applications. 

"But you could still apply for it, no harm"


Before I opened the application form, I thought to myself "Missing the mark by 0.04, who am I even kidding?". Before submitting the application, I took a deep breath, said a short prayer, and clicked "Submit".


Little did I know, I received an e-mail which stated that I got selected for an interview with them!


I began my online research to prepare myself for the interview. Halfway through, I found out that with a minimum of 3.50 CGPA, the scholarship value would be RM 5,000 per academic year. For students who achieve a 3.90 CGPA, they would be entitled for a RM 20,00 per academic year scholarship. The interview was at 10.30 a.m, and I found myself waiting at 9.40 a.m. My heart was beating so fast and loud, I wondered if the interviewer heard it. 


Just ONE day after the interview, I received an e-mail from Taylor's University. 



Dear EULENE OOI TSU PHIN,

FUTURE BUSINESS LEADER PROGRAMME


Congratulations! You have been awarded the Future Business Leader Programme !                   

Our panel of interviewers was impressed with your performance during the interview held on 28 June 2015We are confident that you will excel in the  Future Business Leader Programme that will help propel exceptional students like you to realise your true potential.

Based on your outstanding academic performance and active participation in extra-curricular activities, the University is pleased to offer you a scholarship valued at RM10,000 per year (in the form of tuition fee waiver) to pursue the Bachelor of Business (Honours) (Human Resource Management) programme offered and conducted at Taylor’s University.


I couldn't believe what I saw.  (I blinked my eyes a few times just to double check, no kidding)


For a student like me, one who did not even reach the minimum target of 3.50 CGPA, I was only entitled for a grand total amount of RM 15,000 scholarship but I received a RM 30,000 scholarship? That's double the amount! What made this even better was when I found out that I got exemptions as I completed my diploma in Inti College, which only means that I do not need 3 years to complete this program. 


The reason of why I'm sharing this testimony is not to boast of my capabilities, I'm only here to testify of what God can do for someone as ordinary as me. As I think back about this journey, He reminded me of my desire to pursue Mass Communications in Taylor's University after my SPM examinations. I remember hoping for it, only to be crushed by the reality of not achieving straight As for SPM. I remember feeling so disappointed with myself, as I pressured myself to achieve straight As, just as I did for UPSR and PMR examinations. 


A famous photographer which I follow, Jasmine Star recently posted a status on Facebook which I can confidently say is so very true.


"Sometimes getting the desires of your heart means waiting for God's perfect timing"


If I had gone to Taylor's two years ago instead of this year, I would not have discovered my interest in business management.

If I had gone to Taylor's two years ago instead of this year, I would probably have not got into a relationship with an amazing partner & supporter.

If I had gone to Taylor's two years ago instead of this year, I would not have been able to experience this amazing testimony. 



Time and time again, God has reminded me of how good and faithful He is. I know that He has His hand upon this and I'm just so excited to see all that He has installed for me as I begin this new chapter in life. To my family, I couldn't have been more thankful for having each of you by my side, through thick and thin. 





Some of you who have been wondering why I've been missing in action for some time, now you know why :) I could have just cut the story short  (YOU JUST HAD TO BE LONG WINDED?but I felt the need to share these details with you readers because truly, when you lift up your heart's desires unto Him, He will show you what is His best for you. You may have to wait a little longer, pray a little more, feel discouraged during difficult moments,but no matter what, it will be worth it. 


Does this mean that I will no longer be taking or posting up photos? My answer would be a big NO! Photography has and will always be apart of my life, I would be more than happy to continue to receive requests from some of you who would like me to take photos. For those who are interested, feel free to message me via e-mail at : euleneo@gmail.comI definitely look forward to new opportunities with new people in the future :) 




On an unrelated note, while we all always seem to have time to read, comment and share articles, let's not forget to also have some time to pray for our beloved country which needs help. Till next time, everyone. 


Friday, July 3, 2015

Yin & Yang.


I'm often asked by people on what I do during my free time ever since I completed my diploma. Truthfully, I actually don't really recall the exact things which I fill my spare time with. Mainly because I have different things to do everyday, but there are definitely a few important ones which I need to check off in my "to-do-list", no matter what. Things such as helping mom to clean up the house (I'm a professional vacuumist, mind you), watching photography tutorial videos, and reading (You're amazing, Jodi Picoult!!). I'm definitely glad that I had a few months to breathe a little more since the end of my diploma. Catching up with friends, learning how to cut & clean raw chickens (who knew that raw chickens kinda stink), and just watching these two boys grow up in front of my eyes. 

There's no doubt that they have added so much colours into my life. For some of you who don't know who I'm talking about, I'm talking about Nathan & Evan Ch'ng, my two precious nephews. These two are definitely a duo, I mean they are just two different personalities! Nate's the Ying and Evan is the Yang. (I should call them Nating and Eyang). But that's the beauty of love, taking two different sides and making something beautiful out of it. Do I think that Nate and Evan make a great team together? Definitely :)

I love how Nate will keep some food he got from school for Evan to eat, how they can have fun together even if it only means running back and forth in the living room, how Evan shouts "Koko!!" with anticipation and gives Nathan a warm hug when he comes back from school, and how their heights look so cute together whenever they hug each other. 

Knowing that I will not be able to spend as much time as I did before with these boys, it kinda stinks. I will not be able to shower these boys every afternoon anymore, no more playground moments, no more walking back home from school with Nate, no more patience test when Nate needs help in his homework, and Evan occasionally singing bits and pieces of "Roar" by Katy Perry.  After the "sudden" realisation that I'll be missing out on these moments soon, I begin to appreciate the little moments I have left with them. I guess that's why we never really know what we have till it's taken away from us eh.

I begin to appreciate the evenings where I can bring them to the playground before they think it's "not cool" anymore, I begin to appreciate moments where Nate asks for my help with his homework before he is independent and smart to handle it on his own, I begin to appreciate the silent mornings where Evan just sits and looks through his "1000 words" book, and I begin to appreciate the moments where Evan still says "Heli-top-tah" (helicopter) and calls a camel, a horse. 

So here's to the beautiful moments shared with the duo and to the many more exciting years ahead for the both of you, Nate & Evan :) Ee Ee may not be there as often as before but I know that you both are in for something greater and bigger that Jesus has installed for your life. I love you both so very much. 
































DISCLAIMER // Few tears may have been shed during this particular update of the blog. 

Friday, June 12, 2015

The One Academy Grandiose Photoshoot



I have always loved natural lighting. I mean, what is there not to love about the natural sunlight beaming through the windows? :) Nonetheless I was glad for this new opportunity where the photoshoot was held indoors this time, courtesy of One Academy's very own photo studio.


So what is this photoshoot all about, you may ask.  Well, to put it in simple terms, the photos from this photoshoot will be part of an upcoming exhibition where 11 Interior Design students from the One Academy Penang school display their works (which I will explain more about it soon!). As a photographer, I always want to make sure that the people I am shooting are having fun & feel relaxed because I personally know how nerve wrecking it can be to be in front of the camera, not knowing how you look like in the photos. With that being said, you will find some spontaneous and fun shots from this photoshoot cause hey, having fun is just as important as looking good in the photos! 












Not to forget, a very important person who also joined us for the photoshoot. 
He is none other than Dr Eric Leong, principle of the One Academy Penang school. 


He is best known as "Malaysia's Most Favourite Interior Designer" and for those who have watched/heard of Casa Impian or Deko Bersama Eric, yes this is the interior designer ;)
















This girl right here can strut any spontaneous poses and still look good no matter what!
How do you do it, Miss Nathania? 













As you may have noticed that these guys are wearing a t-shirt which says "Grandiose". Yes, that is the theme for the upcoming exhibition. Grandiose simply means magnificent, impressive, and glorious. The letter 'g' as seen on the t-shirt very much represents a globe under a magnifying glass, which showcases these students' dream, to make a grand design.  Yes, this post is relatively short as compared to the previous blog posts but if you would like to know more about this photoshoot, feel free to check out the exhibition! For those who are interested, here are some details of it :-


Date : 1 August 2015, Saturday.
Time : 12:08 PM (Yes, I typed the time correctly)
Venue : The One Academy Penang Exhibition Hall








Thanks for stopping by! Till next time, everyone :) Have a great weekend ahead!

Friday, May 15, 2015

The Window Session


Hello everyone,


Much apologies for being away for a while. It's been a crazy week for me but I'm glad to be back :) A few weeks back, I was asked by my pastor if I could take photos for a few family groups in my church as the church is entering into a new trimester themed Arise & Build, which focuses on establishing and building families. The past few months have been hecticly crazy for me (Is hecticly even a word?), but I gave the green light to helping the church :)

This particular session is a compilation of two different sessions as the photos were taken on two different days, two different places. What made this a little challenging was to know that there are a few groups waiting while I'm taking pictures for another group, which one of them consisting of fifteen people. Yes, fifteen. This means I had to be fast, fast, and fast! But you know what, challenge accepted :) Even though the room had strong lighting coming from the window panel (gotta love natural lighting!), the air-conditioning was spoilt so yes, it got pretty warm & a little uncomfortable for some of them.


Nonetheless, these people had smiles on their faces warmer than the room and I'm glad that they did just that :)

























































Till next time, everyone!

Monday, May 4, 2015

A Time For Everything





"There is a time for everything,
and a season for every activity under the heavens


a time to be born and a time to die,
 a time to plant and a time to uproot,
a time to kill and a time to heal,
a time to tear down and a time to build,

a time to weep and a time to laugh,
  a time to mourn and a time to dance,
a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them,
a time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing,


a time to search and a time to give up,
a time to keep and a time to throw away,
a time to tear and a time to mend,


 a time to be silent and a time to speak,
 a time to love and a time to hate,
 a time for war and a time for peace"


Ecclesiastes 3 : 1-8