All my thoughts about gears, business, tips and tricks are all here! If there is a chance i can make videos about it, i sure would place it here! Check it out down here!!
Sigma 16mm 1.4, rented lens and my review
I rented this with low expectation. Knowing that i will be covering the wider end of the focal length, i wanted to try a proper prime lens to pair with my zoom lens. Hence the 16mm. I didnt know how wide i should go but after shooting it for a day, i didnt regret it at all.
The pros for this lens: Super sharp, though i a few of my shots will be better if i have a monitor to ensure sharpness. Use auto focus! Light. Low light beast with that 1.4 and that sweet sweet bokeh! The ring to manually change focus is smoooooooth!
The cons for this lens: Nothing actually. It does what it suppose to do.
Conclusion, users that wants to manually change focus should be really careful. Alittle off from 1.4 and you are blurred. So i think going higher to 1.8 and above for safe measures. Go crazy with it and have fun shooting!
If you are in Singapore, do rent from Camera rental centre @ 50 South Beach Road #02-18, CMO Building. They have good deals frequently so do check them out @ http://sg.camerarental.biz/
30 May 2019
Sigma 35mm 1.4 RENTED LENS AND MY REVIEW
Another lens that i rented but this time round with high expectation. Due to the fact that i am starting to like the range of a 50mm range in most of my shoot. Last year i started with a 50mm canon on an APS-C sensor (85mm) equivalent and i felt it was almost perfect in terms of price and sharpness. However the range is just too tight for anything good in a normal view. It became the textbook telephoto range. So most my shoot doesnt involve the 50mm lens. This proofs that i needed a normal range and slightly wider view. Here comes the 35mm Sigma 1.4.
What i love about this lens?
+ve Image stabilization out of the lens. Pair with my A6500, double stabilization. Made for each other.
+ve That creamy background and sharpness. Who can complain?!
+ve No post editing needed in terms of colour or sharpness (not alot of editing needed. You still need to colour grade your footages guys!)
What i sort of hate?
-ve HEAVY... x2 heavier than the 16mm. But for the 1.4 aperture, i cant complain. 665g. With my A6500 400 plus gram. That is 1kg of dead weight.
-ve That 1.4 is really a double edge sword. It can kill you if you cant capture the right focus. So you may want the auto focus to help you abit. Manually focusing it may kill some of your shots if its run and gun.
-ve Not really negative but i would prefer the 30mm range rather than the 35mm on the APS-C sensor. Its alittle close. So 35mm is close to my perfect view but not quite yet like just a few cm off.
Other than that, this is 1 hell of a lens to use esp if you are using a full frame (Its for both mounts!) Do try it out or rent it from http://sg.camerarental.biz/ ! Its only 30 bucks for a whole day!
June 11th 2019
What i love about this lens?
+ve Image stabilization out of the lens. Pair with my A6500, double stabilization. Made for each other.
+ve That creamy background and sharpness. Who can complain?!
+ve No post editing needed in terms of colour or sharpness (not alot of editing needed. You still need to colour grade your footages guys!)
What i sort of hate?
-ve HEAVY... x2 heavier than the 16mm. But for the 1.4 aperture, i cant complain. 665g. With my A6500 400 plus gram. That is 1kg of dead weight.
-ve That 1.4 is really a double edge sword. It can kill you if you cant capture the right focus. So you may want the auto focus to help you abit. Manually focusing it may kill some of your shots if its run and gun.
-ve Not really negative but i would prefer the 30mm range rather than the 35mm on the APS-C sensor. Its alittle close. So 35mm is close to my perfect view but not quite yet like just a few cm off.
Other than that, this is 1 hell of a lens to use esp if you are using a full frame (Its for both mounts!) Do try it out or rent it from http://sg.camerarental.biz/ ! Its only 30 bucks for a whole day!
June 11th 2019
LETs get creative podcast
HOW DID SOCIAL MEDIA HELP US SCALE OUR BUSINESS (3 - 4 TIMES) IN 6 MONTHS!
This week we have Joyce from Btwn Global on our podcast and she have been in the social media and branding with storytelling and story branding her clients for years. She shared a lot of good stuff like:
1) Why we need social media in this time and age
2) Why we must always know the WHY factor when you want to start branding
3) What kind of strategy to work on your social media game
4) Why setting expectations will prevent you from failing
5) How you can DIY your own strategy to kick start your social media game.
6) Things to take note before heading on full social media Lots more on today's podcast!
LETS BE FRIENDS! IG: cyancong / yancongvideos Website: ycvideos.com
1) Why we need social media in this time and age
2) Why we must always know the WHY factor when you want to start branding
3) What kind of strategy to work on your social media game
4) Why setting expectations will prevent you from failing
5) How you can DIY your own strategy to kick start your social media game.
6) Things to take note before heading on full social media Lots more on today's podcast!
LETS BE FRIENDS! IG: cyancong / yancongvideos Website: ycvideos.com
LIFE OF A PRODUCER AND WHAT DOES IT TAKES TO BE ONE? FT KOK HAO
Hey everyone! Happy Valentine's Day and post CNY! Today we have Kok Hao and he is a producer by name and been in the industry for a while doing graphic design, motion graphics and producing. He is extremely humble with what he have done.
He shared with me:
1) The types of producer
2) What are usual hurdles he faces
3) Useful tips and tricks that can make his life much easier
4) Networking is part of the game
5) Don't be afraid to do things you never done before and more...
There was SO MUCH good stuff that I don't want to spoil it right now.
So here is Kok Hao from @Iam_kayh!
LETS BE FRIENDS!
IG: cyancong / yancongvideos
Website: ycvideos.com
He shared with me:
1) The types of producer
2) What are usual hurdles he faces
3) Useful tips and tricks that can make his life much easier
4) Networking is part of the game
5) Don't be afraid to do things you never done before and more...
There was SO MUCH good stuff that I don't want to spoil it right now.
So here is Kok Hao from @Iam_kayh!
LETS BE FRIENDS!
IG: cyancong / yancongvideos
Website: ycvideos.com
HOW TO SAY NO TO LOW PAYING CLIENTS & SHOULD U WORK FOR FREE? FT MICHELLE FROM KNITTED LOVE STORIES
This week we have Michelle from Knitted Love Stories to talk about how do we handle low paying clients and how we educate our clients and couple why we charge at a certain rate. We also talk about when to take on free work / low paying work and what benefits does it do to your business. All these on this week's episode. Michelle have been in the industry for 2 years and she does fashion before venturing into weddings. She uses her fashion photography knowledge/creative juices on to wedding to create her own unique look. What makes her work even better is she uses her travels to find model agencies to work with her to shoot fashion and travel photography. Her fearless pursue made her super talented and she has lots to share with us today! IG: Yancong Videos / cyancong Website: www.ycvideos.com Michelle's IG: @Knittedlovestories LETS BE FRIENDS! IG: cyancong / yancongvideos Website: ycvideos.com
HOW TO BE THE BEST 2ND SHOOTER FT BENJAMIN NG FROM BENJAMIN NG PHOTOGRAPHY
Today we have Benjamin from Benjamin Ng Photography and he shared so much about how to prepare yourself as a second shooter, how you can be the very best for your first and how to mentally be ready to handle situation in the wedding. We also talk about why as a second shooter you shouldn't take your role for granted plus how to be teachable when you are shooting for others. More from today's podcast!
If you are interested in Benjamin's photography, feel more to go to: IG: @benjaminngphotography
Website: He is making it this year 2020!
LETS BE FRIENDS! IG: cyancong / yancongvideos Website: ycvideos.com
If you are interested in Benjamin's photography, feel more to go to: IG: @benjaminngphotography
Website: He is making it this year 2020!
LETS BE FRIENDS! IG: cyancong / yancongvideos Website: ycvideos.com
FROM FREELANCE TO FULL TIME FT RYAN FROM KNOTTIN VISUALS
This week we have Ryan from Knottin Visuals, very experienced photographer in the wedding field! He shared with me the life of a balanced freelancer/full timer and how he do what he do. He shared how to challenge ourselves in photography or any kind of creative work. Lots more with Ryan! Knottin Visuals IG: @knottinvisuals Knottin Visuals Website: https://knottinvisuals.com LETS BE FRIENDS! IG: cyancong / yancongvideos Website: ycvideos.com
THINGS I USE TO SHOOT EDIT AND POST!
https://amzn.to/2MMcaMd - Camera I use for everyday video and photo
https://amzn.to/36i8GZs - Best wide angle lens
https://amzn.to/2rI4fbk - Best all around lens
https://amzn.to/2u2IQKL - Best shotgun mic ever
https://amzn.to/2MMcxX7 - Best audio recorder/mixer
ttps://amzn.to/2sH8nsy - The most versatile lens ever for APS-C
https://amzn.to/2FbaUxV - Machine that I use to edit my videos and photos
https://amzn.to/2QexPig - My favourite mouse ever!
https://amzn.to/2ubFFR9 - Best portable drive to store your files while editing
https://amzn.to/39u47NL - Best gimbal for my needs
https://amzn.to/2FaH10y - Must use every day roller bag
THINGS I USE TO SHOOT EDIT AND POST!
https://amzn.to/2MMcaMd - Camera I use for everyday video and photo
https://amzn.to/36i8GZs - Best wide angle lens
https://amzn.to/2rI4fbk - Best all around lens
https://amzn.to/2u2IQKL - Best shotgun mic ever
https://amzn.to/2MMcxX7 - Best audio recorder/mixer
ttps://amzn.to/2sH8nsy - The most versatile lens ever for APS-C
https://amzn.to/2FbaUxV - Machine that I use to edit my videos and photos
https://amzn.to/2QexPig - My favourite mouse ever!
https://amzn.to/2ubFFR9 - Best portable drive to store your files while editing
https://amzn.to/39u47NL - Best gimbal for my needs
https://amzn.to/2FaH10y - Must use every day roller bag
THE POWER OF COMMUNITY, MENTAL WELLNESS AND WEDDING TOPICS
Today we have Cino from Nifty Fifty to share about the power being in a community and support, how to take care our mental state while making your business and also wedding topics on why he only do a certain type of wedding films that is base on his style. (not main stream). More in today's podcast! Cino have been in the industry for more than 10 years (including time in his major in art school). Creative ads industry have set his style and covering both photography and videography, he has massive knowledge that can be handy for us!
Cino IG: @cinosg My website: ycvideos.com
My IG: @cyancong / @yancongvideos
Cino IG: @cinosg My website: ycvideos.com
My IG: @cyancong / @yancongvideos
HOW TO BE CREATIVE AND BUSINESS MINDED AT THE SAME TIME FOR YOUR BUSINESS?
Today we have Jach the owner and founder of from Treehouse Weddings / Production sharing about a topic that we both have some insights about. Its all about balancing the fine line of creative and business minded on the projects your couple and client given to you. So how do we do it? We dive deep into topics like how we match certain expectations with working with couples and clients. How we choose shooters that fits our styles and why creatives just doesn't work or gel well with other creatives. Watch more or even catch me on Spotify, Lets get creative podcast on Spotify!
Jach's IG: @Treehouseweddingssg
Jach Website: treehouseweddings.sg
My content can be found in: Yancongvideos.com
My IG: Yancongvideos / cyancong
Jach's IG: @Treehouseweddingssg
Jach Website: treehouseweddings.sg
My content can be found in: Yancongvideos.com
My IG: Yancongvideos / cyancong
HOW DO WE FIND OUR OWN STYLE FOR OUR CRAFT. FT CLARA FROM THE PERFECT STATEMENT
This week we have Clara from The Perfect Statement to talk about finding our own style and signature in our craft. Clara have been in the wedding industry for a year and half and we have discovered a few things that help us find our style while we navigate our craft in photography and videography. We also discussed about on the actual wedding day what kind of ritual and tips we use to navigate with our couples to allow couples to express their emotions and other great tips in growing in this industry! More with Clara!
Clara's IG: @theperfectstatement
Yancong's IG: Yancongvideos / cyancong
Yancong Videos website: ycvideos.com
Clara's IG: @theperfectstatement
Yancong's IG: Yancongvideos / cyancong
Yancong Videos website: ycvideos.com
LETS GET CREATIVE PODCAST EPISODE 1 FT JOEL FROM TAPE YOUR TIME
This week we have Joel from Tape your time to share some thoughts on "Why Video Marketing Works!" We have a great insights on why it works and how companies should adopt using video to communicate with their consumers regardless is with freelancers, DIY or even getting an agency to run for them. It is a process that can help consumers stay connected and believe in brands and even increase brand trusts. There are lots of benefits that have shared. Do have a listen!
Joel's links! Website: http://www.tapeyourtime.com IG: https://www.instagram.com/tapeyourtime/ Facebook Page (I need likes! haha): https://www.facebook.com/tapeyourtime/ Free Video Resources: https://tapeyourtime.com/blog Signup Newsletter: https://tapeyourtime.com/email-list
Joel's links! Website: http://www.tapeyourtime.com IG: https://www.instagram.com/tapeyourtime/ Facebook Page (I need likes! haha): https://www.facebook.com/tapeyourtime/ Free Video Resources: https://tapeyourtime.com/blog Signup Newsletter: https://tapeyourtime.com/email-list
WHY & HOW DO WE PRICE WHAT WE PRICE FOR OUR VIDEO SERVICE?
This week's podcast is another solo session where I discuss why and how I personally charge what I charge to my clients on the work that I produce. So I notice that there are still freelancers that don't really know where to start charging so I decided to share my thoughts on how to properly charge your worth and do amazing work for your clients! Its a personal topic that is differ from person to person. So if you can relate to this topic, feel free to share to creatives that need this type of template and make their life better in 2020! Here we go!
For more educational information:
Website: ycvideos.com
IG: cyancong / yancongvideos.com
If you have any topics you want me to share or if you want to be in my podcast to share your creative thoughts, do email me @ caiyancong1990@gmail.com
For more educational information:
Website: ycvideos.com
IG: cyancong / yancongvideos.com
If you have any topics you want me to share or if you want to be in my podcast to share your creative thoughts, do email me @ caiyancong1990@gmail.com
WHAT ARE THE BASIC MARKETING STRATEGIES FOR NEW BUSINESS OWNERS?
This week we have Stanley Kan, shareholder of Alto Marketing, founder of Seconds Media & DGZ Asia. He is the man if you need marketing tips and he has 10 years of experience in the marketing and sales field. He is a friend, partner in business in the things that I do and you guys are in luck to have him in this episode!
Li: http://bit.ly/stanleykan
IG: https://www.instagram.com/stanleyokay/?hl=en
Email: stanleykan.8@gmail.com
Li: http://bit.ly/stanleykan
IG: https://www.instagram.com/stanleyokay/?hl=en
Email: stanleykan.8@gmail.com
THE DUNNING KRUGER EFFECT & WHAT I HAVE LEARNT FROM IT.
This week's podcast is all about this effect that I have faced it during a couple of my shoot when I faced hiccups and it taught me a good lesson in building up my confidence and working with challenges. And I would like to share it my experience with it and hope everyone gets to learnt its ok to have issues with your creative line but always learnt from mistakes and make things correct.
In 2011, David Dunning wrote about his observations that people with substantial, measurable deficits in their knowledge or expertise lack the ability to recognize those deficits and, therefore, despite potentially making error after error, tend to think they are performing competently when they are not: "In short, those who are incompetent, for lack of a better term, should have little insight into their incompetence—an assertion that has come to be known as the Dunning–Kruger effect".
In 2011, David Dunning wrote about his observations that people with substantial, measurable deficits in their knowledge or expertise lack the ability to recognize those deficits and, therefore, despite potentially making error after error, tend to think they are performing competently when they are not: "In short, those who are incompetent, for lack of a better term, should have little insight into their incompetence—an assertion that has come to be known as the Dunning–Kruger effect".
HOW TO AVOID CREATIVE BLOCK?? LGC EPISODE 2 FT NAT FROM A LITTLE BLACK BOXDo you face this issue where you are shooting for a client and you suddenly have a creative block and don’t really know what to do? This week we have Nathaniel Leong from A Little Black Box. An amazing full time wedding photographer that I got to know a few months ago. Just like me, we started our creative journey not long and shared our thoughts on how to avoid creative block and how to navigate through it. You can take a look at some of his work: Website: www.alittleblackbox.con IG: @alittleblackbox
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HOW TO COUPLE WORK TOGETHER IN A BUSINESS?Have you ever thought of working with your partner in a business? Lets Get Creative podcast is a platform that discusses different creative topics on video and photos and business ideas too! This month me and my partner will share our take on it.
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