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David Cheok - Brunei Wedding Photographer Showcase

2009-07-17T10:21:00.001+08:00

Created by WeddingPhotograph4U presumably to promote weddings in S.E.Asia?

H1N1

2009-07-08T12:40:00.001+08:00

Kudos.

Scania Vs. Saab Full Frontal Crash Test

2009-05-12T00:39:00.001+08:00

Long overdue

2009-04-12T03:09:00.002+08:00

This site is long overdue for an upgrade.. still deciding on what I want to do and what needs to be done. Thank God that I've more time now to spend doing up albums and slideshows. Its has been a rest long overdue. Juices finally seem to be flowing again especially with the slideshows so am starting to build up momentum. Albums.. well.. one step at a time. Been acquiring fonts and looking at templates for the page designs so will have more to work with. Just hate doing the same thing. Every album has to be unique to each bride and hence lies the problem. We can only do so much before everything starts to look the same. From then, we take a step back.. look around for inspiration and move forward.

Villa Mauri II & the beginning of real restaurant reviews

2009-03-26T13:34:00.004+08:00

After my previously contraversial post on Villa Mauri, even up to now, I'm getting the occasional 'f**k you" regarding the topic and I've just about had it. I couldnt give two f**ks about people who want to earn their living of us but yet are not willing to put in the effort to give us better quality. Do you really think we Bruneians are so easy to make money off? Just because other bloggers give you good reviews doesnt mean I have to. If it sucks, it sucks. Why should I help you sucker others into giving you patronage? Suck up your stomach and deal with it!

Now, on a side note, I've been talking to a developer of an iphone app called BuUuk. This app is a restaurant review app targeted at Malaysia, Singapore and Indonesia and I am happy to say now includes Brunei. Users will be able to add restaurants they visit and geotag them and give their reviews independently. At the moment, the app only has about 100 odd restaurants and these may not be geographically correct nor have all the right information. A team of locals are currently going round geotagging these and all others they happen to visit and try. If you would like to give them a hand, please go to the apple app store and download the app.

Blogging on the GO!

2009-03-24T12:44:00.001+08:00

Posting this from Ping.FM. Dont know if this will work.

GO Broadband Unleashed

2009-02-19T13:25:00.003+08:00

On-The-Go

2009-02-08T12:10:00.006+08:00

Nexto ND2725 + SBACUS + 12V battery
My review:

Everyone who owns a Sony PMW-EX1 would probably have this problem unless you were a large production with an infinite amount of money to burn. Sony/Sandisk's SxS are not cheap and with 16gb only covering 50 mins in 1080p HQ, many of us had to look for an alternative solution to recording longer. E-Film in Australia came out with the brilliant M&R adapter that allows use of normal high speed SDHC cards as a recording medium (with EX-1 firmware upgrade 1.11) to capture with overcranks up to twice the native framerate. However, those who consistently use the overcrank feature of the EX-1 would still require the use of the SxS.

At times, my work sometimes needed me to shoot at locations without any power source and carrying my Macbook Pro was not a feasible option so I had to find an alternative method of backing up and shooting for extended periods in the field. My search came upon the NEXTO Video Storage. This device is sold as a casing for a 2.5" hard disk that allows transfers of all the major flash media on the market via its build it adaptor slots and a OTG (on-the-go) USB port and for my case, this OTG port was the selling point because it not only allowed me to transfer my SxS cards in the field through the Sony SBACUS (powered by a 12v video light battery) but also allowed me to duplicate and mirror its content to an external USB hdd.

Some of you would probably be asking, why the NEXTO? Its almost 4 times more expensive than a normal OTG hdd which could do the same job. Well, if you are transferring 2-4GB of data, that's all fine but when each of your transfer is 16GB, then time takes a toll on battery life. The NEXTO VS is so far THE fastest device on the market. Transfers of 16GB of data takes a maximum of 14 mins from both SxS and SDHC. Even if you only had two SxS cards, you could theoretically shoot non-stop swapping and transferring between the two for as much as your hard disk could hold. Right now, I have a Hitachi 250GB installed and thus with both the on-board (80gb est transfer) and (inclusive) external LIPO battery (80gb est transfer), I could shoot in overcrank continuously for more than 10 hours. Now that is more than what anyone could ask for. Even if i needed more transfer time, I could buy more LIPOs from the local RC hobby shop for an additional 160gb transfer time for less than $100.

At the moment, the NEXTO also serves to transfer audio from a portable field recorder via the SDHC slot. Simply brilliant.
One thing to take note, however, like all things that work on spinning platters, you need to be careful. HDD can go at anytime especially when on the field. Until cheaper SSD drives comes on the market, we'll all just need to be extra careful.

My workflow in the field is as follows:
Shoot until full / Record Audio until full
Change over to 2nd slot and continue shooting / Change to 2nd SDHC Audio
Copy both cards into the NEXTO
Once work is done, connect NEXTO via -ESATA
Transfer both video (Sony SxS Transfer) and audio (Copy) simultaneously into work drive
Edit.

External Reviews
http://www.cameratown.com/reviews/nexto_extreme/

Vote for your favourite comic strip

2009-01-12T00:38:00.004+08:00

I'm sure a lot of the readers here are people who take pics.. so vote for What the Duck as your favourite strip if you like the content.

For Sale

2009-01-11T00:10:00.008+08:00

Canon Gear

Body:

1) EOS1dmk2 x 1 unit
2) 580EX x 1
3) Batteries x 2
4) No Charger

Total: $3600
As a set only. Sold as is.
History:
Unit Mk2 in SG for servicing and shutter replacement

Update:
I've decided to keep one body for myself.

L lenses:
a) 16-35mm mk1 $1800
b) 24-70mm $1800
c) 70-200mm IS $2500
d) 35mm $1800
e) 180mm $1900
f) 135mm $900 Reserved
g) 85mm Mk1 $2500

*35mm now in SG for calibration and servicing.

Other Body:
a) 40d $1000 SOLD

I will take bookings/deposits only until all items have been booked/sold. Only then will I release all items in one go to all buyers.

First come first served basis

Audi

2009-01-10T20:59:00.003+08:00

Camera and lens test

More of this on my face book page : http://www.facebook.com/pages/David-Cheok-Photography/45663186882

Dream Charters

2009-01-04T10:13:00.002+08:00

It's just a boat... or so we think...
Not quite the same. Most of us have travelled on boats here at some point or another.. either via the 'tambang' or water taxis or maybe the Labuan/Temburong boats... hence, so what new about this new boat going up and down the Brunei River?
Well, for one.. travelling by wind is a totally different experience. There are no vibrations and no engine noise.. the journey is smooth and the gentle breeze blowing across your face as you travel at an angle to the wind is plain and simply put.. relaxing... imagine hundreds of years ago, as Antonio Pigefetta, on his ride as he sailed into the Brunei Town area..

It doesnt just stop there. Dream Charters, a joint venture between local partner, Bohari and German/Irish couple, Peter and Adine, fills a gap that has until recently only been available to the super rich and affluent. The Trio met a few years ago during a sailing competition along our coast and recently brainstormed and implemented a uniquely relaxing holiday/tour package for both locals and international tourists alike. The packages range from BN$60 to $400+ for single to groups of eight for trips lasting 2 hrs or more. They provide a variety of packages to suit the various moods and getaway from day sails to business meetings and fine dining. What caught my attention was the wedding packages that had a honeymoon package and a photography package that were both reasonable in price and exciting in possibilities.

The video doesnt really do this justice. I was informed a day before about this trip and allocated a time that wasnt my ideal choice if I had the pick. We also had only about an hour of sail time in which I had to single handedly do both interviews and filming. Have a look and find out for yourself.

For further information on this, contact Bohari on 8722347. You wont be disappointed. Highly Recommended.

Dream Charter By David Cheok
View in HD Download Version Visit David Cheok's ExposureRoom Videos Page

Brunei wins Gold!

2008-11-29T23:22:00.002+08:00

Congratulations to the youths of Brunei at the BIMP-Eaga Games on their winning of not one but TWO gold medals in a track and field and a swimming event. This is the beginning of a new trend in the sultanate with a new generation of youths that aim for nothing but GOLD!

Hj Khairul Muizuddin Hj Ramli, Muhammad Haziq Hj Awg Harun, Muhammad Abdul Hazim Yunsi and Mohammad Faisal Ahad - 4x100 metres relay - GOLD

13 year old Haazim Abdul Hadzid - 3m diving - GOLD

Hope there is more to come.

Opportunity NOW!

2008-10-11T15:30:00.001+08:00

Find one of these and join. Give yourself the opportunity to learn and grow.

Phone Cam 101

2008-10-10T16:48:00.001+08:00

Ready to fly

2008-10-10T00:37:00.001+08:00

Waiting for the runway.

PhotoSIG

2008-10-01T17:37:00.002+08:00

I've had about enough of some 'anonymous' people bitching about me.. they complain i dont support the local photogs because I am of the opinion OUR pictures are mediocre compared to some of the others out there because they won a competition. I've had some say that I think I am the best photographer here.. As I've said before.. whether i walk left or right, they will always be those that will find something to say about me.. I dont really care.. its their right and their voice..

Now.. back to the subject at hand.. pictures.. and why I say its still a long way from where our local photogs are and where they can be.. PhotoSIG.. is a well established photo site.. I've known about this site way back in 2003/2004... and it was then THE site to see some of the best imagery from around the world.. and today, it still is THE site. Everything from fine art to artistic 'portraits.' If you want to see where you stand today, go post up your pictures for critique and see what they have to say.

Note: Its a site for critique. Dont simply expect praises because you wont get it.. if you do, then you know you've done something right.

When you are ready, right click and open as new window on the link below.

Milk

2008-09-21T12:36:00.002+08:00

last night, i was reading through the BBC news and read about the chinese milk problem. Being a parent, news like this really hits home and makes us very worried. This morning, The Brunei Times published an article and a statement about milk imports from china being banned. That is good.. but I am afraid not good enough. Just because a product is imported from another country doesnt yet make it safe for consumption. Most of our baby milk are repackaged in places like Malaysia and Singapore from suppliers in NZ and Australia.. which means.. there is a possibility for these re-packers to water down the milk powder with another supplier e.g. from China.. Even NZ milk manufacturers has share interests in milk production facilities from China (Fonterra).

I, therefore, as a parent like many of us out there, request that our Ministry of Health re-test ALL the current milk products for the new toxins. It was unlikely that they tested for Melamine in the past because (as stated in the BBC news) it was not on the previous watchlist as it was a banned product. For the time being, I am lucky that my son can still go on breast milk but I am sure there are others out there that may not have that option. So please carry out the tests immediately and re-assure us that we can continue using the products on the market.

Incidently, Annum milk powder (found in our supermarkets) are produced by Fonterra. Fonterra was the company that reported the incident to the chinese authorities and has vested share-interests in the manufacturers in China.

If you think...

2008-09-18T03:06:00.004+08:00

that our new 16:9 LCD panels were big.. or your local widescreen cinema in 2.35:1 was wide.. check this out...

(Right Click Open in New Window)

This is a video by Steve Sebban (article by Larry Jordan).

Our Country

2008-09-13T00:48:00.003+08:00

Dogs in Islam

2008-09-12T01:58:00.003+08:00

Dogs in Islam

Traditionally, dogs have been seen as impure, and the Islamic legal tradition has developed several injunctions that warn Muslims against most contact with dogs. Unfortunately, many Muslims have used this view to justify the abuse and neglect of dogs, even though cruelty contradicts the Qur'an's view that all animals form "communities like you." We are pleased to present several articles examining the place of dogs in Islam.
Animal Abuse and Welfare in Islam
by Dr. Ayoub M. Banderker (BVMCh),
veterinary surgeon

Animal abuse, cruelty, and/or neglect form part of the many social ills plaguing the Muslim community.

Last Ramadaan, I wrote an article highlighting the phenomenon whereby misinformed Muslims took their dogs (and/or cats) to the animal hospitals or mobile clinics during Ramadaan, to have them put to death by lethal injection. The reason given by the majority of these Muslims was that Islam forbids them to keep a dog. Also encountered was when an animal that had been ill for a prolonged time and the disease had progressed to an almost terminal state was it only then brought in for veterinary attention. When asked why they waited so long, the Muslim owner would use Islam as a reason, stating that it is not permissible to touch a dog. This still happens.

Alhamdulillaa, during this Ramadaan, there has been a significant reduction in the number of Muslims who have gone to animal welfare organizations to have their animals put to death.

However, cruelty and neglect of animals still occur daily throughout the world. The approach of the holiday season sees many animal welfare organizations get an influx of dogs and cats brought in to be put to death during this time. Healthy, happy animals belonging to Muslims are also brought in to be put to death. This is a very disturbing and un-Islamic action. If one cannot afford to feed, shelter, and maintain one’s animals, and a new home cannot be found for them, take them to one of the many animal welfare organizations where there is at least a chance of the animal’s finding a new home. The real tragedy is that many of these Muslims still do this in the name of Islam and openly express such ignorant views. This contributes to propaganda against Islam. When a non-Muslim is cruel to an animal, it is considered an individual’s action, but when a Muslim does it, non-Muslims see it as an Islamic practice.

I cannot overemphasize the need to have one’s cats or dogs sterilized. Having pets sterilized would help to prevent unwanted litters, thereby reducing the amount of unwanted animals. It is much better than abandoning the animals, which many Muslims are also guilty of. Abandoned pets cannot fend for themselves, with the result that they starve and experience untold suffering, cruelty, and an eventual, agonizing death.

All animals are a part of Allah’s creation and belong to Allah (swt). Muslims are custodians of this beautiful planet. How we care for animals and what we use them for we will be accountable for to Allah (swt). All of creation is Muslim, submitting to Allah’s will—only man and jinn are granted a freedom of choice. So yes, even animals are Muslim.

In the Holy Qur’aan (S4:36) we are advised to do good to “… what your right hands own …” According to the commentator Imaam Faghruddin al-Rhazi, this refers to all those who have no civil rights, including animals. Thus, the verse lays down the duty of being good toward animals.

All things “…have been created for you ...” for our benefit (S2:29). It thus becomes our duty to protect, employ with dignity, and promote the well-being of any animal in our care. In this way, we are expressing our thankfulness to Allah (swt) for His blessings in a practical manner. (Qur’anic Foundations and Structure of Muslim Society, Mawlana F.R. Ansari, vol. 2, pp. 125-126)

Every animal has been created for a purpose. It is a duty upon every human being to respect Allah’s creation. If we ill treat any of His creation, we will be questioned about it on the Day of Judgment. Sayyidina ’Umar (ra) was very concerned about the animals during his rule as Amir or head of the Islamic empire.

Let me clarify a few myths and make a few points:

1. It is NOT haraam to own a dog, though it is not hygienic to keep a dog in the house.

2. It is NOT haraam to touch a dog or any other animal. If the saliva of a dog touches you or any part of your clothing, then it is required of you to wash the body part touched and the item of clothing touched by the dog’s mouth or snout.

3. It is incumbent upon all Muslims who own animals, whether for farming or work purposes or as pets, to provide adequate shelter, food, water, and, when needed, veterinary care for their animals. Arrangements must be made, if one is going to be away from home, to have one’s animals taken care of as well.

4. It is haraam to keep a dog or any other animal on a short lead for long periods without food, water, and shelter. Dogs need exercise and are social creatures who form organized “family” structures in nature. Dog owners therefore need to spend time daily with their dogs.

5. It is cruel, and therefore haraam, to keep any animal in a cage so small that it cannot behave in a natural way.

6. Fireworks cause untold suffering to most domestic animals because of their acute sense of hearing.

7. It is haraam to participate in any blood “sport,” like dog fighting and trophy hunting.

No animal has been cursed in any way. Animals are referred to in many instances in the Qu’ran. In Surah Kahf, mention is made of the companions of the Cave and their dog. (S18: 18-22)

We would love for Allah to bestow His mercy upon us, so let’s show mercy and compassion to all His creation. This will also give non-Muslims a true reflection of Islam, aiding da’wah.

There are many Muslims who care well for their animals, and this article is aimed at those who are misinformed.

The appeal goes out to those Muslims: Please do not abuse or neglect any animal. This gives a distorted picture to others who are not Muslim.

May Allah be pleased with our efforts.

Source: http://www.islamicconcerns.com/dogs.asp

2009 rates

2008-09-12T01:07:00.002+08:00

Wedding Photography (2009)

Florian: $2800 All events, HDD, Album, Slideshow
David: $2300 4 events only, images on HDD only (No albums)
Dual Photographer: $5000 all events, HDD, Album, Slideshow

Special Wedding Videography (2009)
David: $4500 all events, AppleTV, HDD

Wedding Galleries

2008-09-11T23:26:00.001+08:00

All my private wedding galleries have been relocated. From now on, I will email clients the private urls to their galleries.

A Dog's Life in Brunei

2008-09-08T00:41:00.003+08:00

A Dog's Life By David Cheok
View in HD Download 360p Version Visit David Cheok's ExposureRoom Videos Page

Winners and Gallery for the BT 2008 Competition

2008-09-07T15:00:00.003+08:00

Congratulations to the winners and all the runner-ups.

Right Click and open in new window from the images above to see the gallery.