Photoshoot in Central Park, New York City

Hello everyone

I thought I should share about how I got around with my photographer when I was in New York City earlier this year.

Well, I had the luxury to travel quite frequent this year, out of which, visited 3 new places that I have never been to before - Phuket, San Francisco and New York City.

Before I get to the individual new places that I was visiting, I would also like to share something rather close to heart - and that's my engagement photos taken at Central Park New York City!

Well, if you have followed me since my livejournal days, I was a big big big fan of Gossip Girl. I can remember watching it on my old fujitec laptop in my poly days and chasing every episode the next day after it ran on US TV.

To me, USA has a special place in my heart too, I mean, I was born on 4th July, and all my life, I have been talking (or more like bragging) that the entire USA is celebrating and throwing fireworks in the sky during my birthday but.. that didn't really happen. Or it did, but I fell asleep on my uber ride in SFO. hahaha!

Ok, so now, back to the main point. My engagement photos..

Background Story:

I was engaged in July 2015 at Terminal 3 Changi. We don't really have plans on our wedding yet, cause I can be very precise in the things that I want to happen during my wedding. So I thought since we are travelling to somewhere which is close to my heart, why not we just take our wedding photos overseas? Also, its a once in a lifetime thing and I don't have plans to wear a gown and have my photos taken in a studio so.. yep.

So... after my flight was confirmed and I had a rough idea of our itinerary, I knew I had to get to it and start planning about this whole photoshoot thing. I didn't have a team with me, neither did I have any make up artist or hair stylist with me. It was just.. me, myself and my boyfriend.

RESEARCH

Yup, as simple as it sounds, this can get really complex. You need to start sourcing on google and key in on the search bar things like "Central Park Engagement Photo" - You need to know WHAT you are looking for in the photos. There weren't a lot of sites that popped up on Google Images so I started to look for "Engagement Photography ideas/poses". Things like that. I had an idea of how I wanted my photos to be like or how the look and feel should be.

Also, if you're planning for a casual shoot, START LOOKING FOR YOUR DRESSES. I was super last minute on this part. I wanted to wear the Ms Self Portrait Azalea dress but it didn't turn out as well as I would think it did when I wore it on the shoot. It was more of a ... wedding-ish engagement kinda photo. I had to plan my boyfriend's outfit cause we had to be.. of similar colour contrast. I even asked my photographer for opinions, in case the photo won't turn out nice. These are the small little things that you need to be mindful of. You need to have a rough idea of what looks you want to be in and whether there will be 1 look or 2 looks. Its all up to individual. I was a bit "trying to make my money worth" so I went for 2 looks.

ASK and KEEP ASKING

I know this may sound really annoying, but it is necessary in every aspects. I started asking my colleagues, my cousin and even my work vendor to recommend me people or photographers that I can engage for overseas shoot. Unfortunately, it costs a bomb to get a Singaporean photographer to fly in with me to have the shoot taken.. So I skipped that option and went straight to looking for an overseas based photographer.

Yes, It is TIRING.

For sure, back & forths email, confirming on the dates of the shoot to the timing, what the weather forecast would be and etc. It's not easy being alone. But don't be afraid. Cause it's all gonna be worth it. (Yes, you have to pep talk yourself through the experience).

Communication is KEY

The only way I could communicate with my photographer was via email. I didn't manage to call her nor skype her. Only until it was close to my departure, then had I requested for her number so that I could whatsapp her when I was in NYC. Because we are both "new" to each other - literally strangers. I decided to do up a short intro to set my (our) expectations.

You can view my slides here - CLICK HERE

Its a very simple slide, but it shares the important characters/personality of us as a couple. It would also give your photographer an idea of what to expect. For e.g. you could be the loud personality and more open while your partner is less of that.  You could also list down the places that you want to cover, or the theme you are looking for.. So it allows your photographer to know what kind of magic to bring on stage!

HAIR & MAKEUP

I woke up at 5am in the morning and started to prep my skin and all that nonsense. A tip if you're doing your own make up. In order to make the colour pop, you really need to prime your face and eyelids with the relevant primer so that the colour would POP in your photo. I'm not saying the kind of in-your-face eyeshadow, but it will only be visible if you really pick up a lot of the colour and slap it on your face. Even for browns. Don't tell me what photoshop all those. Your photographer got no time for that.

Hair was really simple. My hair was short and freshly dyed like a couple of weeks, so nothing was showing much. I used some bronzer to hide the roots, in case the reflection of the light or adjustment of the lights would reflect my newly grown hair..

Back to make-up. I decided to go for two looks and all I did was with a different swatch of lip colour. My first look was more.. classic, sweet, next-door, everyday look, while the other look was slightly bolder. Also to compliment my outfit.

THE (D) DAY

I bet you will feel as nervous and excited, everything at the same time. I was slightly worried cause the clouds were.. fluffy and big and.. GREY!!!! It was rather upsetting. I texted my photographer and told her about my concerns and she asked me if I should continued, and I said "Let's just go for it." On our cab ride over, I was already thinking of what its gonna be like at the venue. It's gonna be majestic and grand and everything nice and dry.. and green and flowers, and architecture-ish.. Our call time was 7.30am in the morning (no breakfast).

Upon reaching the destination, I was blown away. It was HUGE. It's like a couple of botanical gardens (Singapore) puzzled together and became this huge huge huge huge huge park! TIP: Bring a pair of flip flop for your shoot! Some locations were a little tricky to get to, cause the steps were still wet and slightly uneven. I had issues with my heels so I was surely glad I came prepared with my flipflop. *beams :)*

It also rained the night before and probably the morning dew, so it was looking a little bit gloomy and.. wet..

RELAX

You have to relax. That's the most important.

Our photographer - Gabriela from The Wedding Central (NJ) was really sweet and your usual american who would throw compliments at you and I don't know where I gathered it from, but I was feeling really confident about my makeup and overall poses and blah blah blah. I was feeeeeling good. She was directive but not TOOOO directive, she made us laugh at our own sillyness and captured natural images of us. Whenever there was the SUN, we were both equally excited and we know the importance cause we need to capture some light in our photo, otherwise, no amount of DI would help.

Anyhows, I'm really happy with how my photos turned out. There are a few lighting adjustment that I would make because I am a precised person like that.. but of course I didn't trouble Gabriela on it. I did it on my own with the use of Picasa.

I hope this article has been useful in helping you in your overseas photoshoot.

Have fun, Be Brave and most importantly, don't doubt yourself.

Leave a comment if you've got any questions :)

xx
Andrea

2015 Reflections (better late than never)

Goodness.

Let's do a tiny reflection post on 2015.

1. Bucket List
I finally had the experience to be up close and personal with a real tiger. Yup. No fear. I got to cuddle a tiger cub by rubbing its belly like how a dog (ironic I know) would love it! And held the tails and stood behind and beside a medium size tiger, who probably when he stood up, will be taller than me.

2. Holiday Places
I managed to travel to - Phuket (by cruise), Bangkok (Mar), Melbourne (July), Bintan (Nov). Well, that took a lot of money off my pocket too!

3. I am engaged
Haha, I don't know why, but this should have been at the top of the list right? Unfortunately, I am engaged with the boyfriend of mine who managed to "surprise" me on the day of my birthday and the night that we flew to Melbourne.

4. My Dog went for surgery
This was probably one of the most painful memories I have had in year 2015. Long story short, my older shih tzu (Ah Pui) had stones found in his kidneys that were causing him to pee with faint traces of blood. Worried, I took him to the doctor and the trip concluded that he needed to have the stones removed, castrated (cause they found a growth in his testicles) and teeth cleaning and removal of the bumps growth on his paws. Well that's a lot to take in. It was the first time I saw my happy-go-lucky super bo-chup dog feel sad and in pain. Never thought I would feel that way. Apart from having my heart ache, my wallet aches equally too. Joining the veterinary profession previously is never a regret.

5. Friendship
I have come to a state of realisation that you don't need to have a battalion of friends. You only need that few friends who you can call and those who you will risk it all to be there for them. Its a growing up thing I guess.

6. Work-related
I'm a buddhist. So I go to the temple to pray for a lot for my career during every lunar new year. In 2015, the lot reflected that no matter how much effort I have contributed, it will be fruitless. Believe it or not, it was true. I do not wish to talk about my work on social media. There should be things that should be kept private. But... yep. I'm starting to realise that I can do a lot more and what I am better at. I'm definitely not good in the tiny details but planning wise - no problem. It runs through my head like *snap*.

7. TV SHOWS
Haha, not really a reflection but I have to say, I started on watching Game of Thrones and it is FANTASTIC! I am also watching - The Flash, Supergirl, Big Bang Theory, Mom, 2 Broke Girls, Telenovela, Modern Family, Young & Hungry. Those are my main entertainment in life. They make me happy from days I feel like shit at work especially.

I guess that's pretty much sums up the main portions of 2015. Can't really remember what are the other moments that I should be taking note of, but those are probably the more memorable ones. I mean, I do have a goldfish memory system going on.

Let's see how 2016 would work for me

Pretty Amazing

I can't believe this! I guess life really did caught up with me and I have discarded the thought of running the blog after such a long time. It is really not easy to even be a blogger of your own life!

I'll try to be back again :)

Opening up.

I was reading @timothytiah post on Infidelity and it got me thinking...

 

Honestly, I think if you ask any single(s) or couple(s), there will definitely be a lot of mixed reactions from these individuals. Some of them may put up a front and tell you that they are ok with it, when apparently, they are not. There are also those who really don't give a shit, or have an extremely huge heart that forgives whatever their partner or future partner have committed. Some may believe that it is a sin, while others, simply - do not. 

But if you ask me.. it will be an extremely sensitive topic, because it takes a lot of.. courage to go through such a situation. I will tell you the truth, that I will not tolerate infidelity/cheating because it is something that I will not put my partner through and therefore I do not expect or allow myself to go through the same experience.

I am quite an open book, to almost every one I have met, because I feel that in life, there should be less pretence. It makes things a whole lot easier. I tell almost everyone what I have gone through not because I feel proud of it or that I want others to sympathize me. But I say it, because I want to share what I have gone through and hopefully, one day, if ever such a situation befall upon you, you know how to deal with it too.

It is exhausting to repeat what I have went through over and over again, telling someone why I feel a certain way and why I see things in a different light; to tell someone new about my life story is just.... overwhelming.

I admit, I have made bad decisions in a relationship that have hurt another party and another has also made bad decisions in another relationship that have hurt me.

I remember feeling gazillions of emotions during those periods in my life. Mostly hatred and anger because I felt extremely - well angry. I couldn't understand the reasons, I couldn't understand the decisions made that have caused so much hurt between both parties. I remember seeing myself fall into a turmoil of self-destruction during those periods - and I tell you, they are not nice.

I associate my fear with infidelity not only because of my relationships experiences, but mainly my experience growing up at home. That I would not like to dwell on, because... I respect my family's privacy.

I couldn't trust anyone. Trust was the biggest issue in all my relationships. No matter who, no matter what situation, I think, to earn my trust, is the hardest of all. In fact, even when I say I do trust you, I am 68.9999% sure - I am lying. 

Whenever I tell a friend that I cannot tolerate infidelity, that I would break up and not give a chance, they tell me that all will change when I have a kid or when I have more commitments in the relationship. But I did give it a hard thought on what my response was. I think there is a certain degree or level or limit that I have set in my heart for that specific person. And when they cross that benchmark, I will be a ticking bomb, ready to explode, without any thing or anyone holding me back. 

Because after all I have went through, I strongly believe in Monogamy. I believe that when you make the decision to be together with the person you love, you ought to stay committed, faithful and love the other person through all hardships and obstacles that comes in your life. But infidelity, to me, is unacceptable. (and I hope it is the same for you too)

xoxo
Andrea

*this post has nothing to do with my current relationship status. 

Travelogue ∞ Gold Coast (Day 3 & 4)

Yes.

I am finally back here to write about Gold Coast Day 3 & 4. Well, Day 3 was Hong's Birthday. Initially, we wanted to do tandem skydive together on his birthday. But I chicken-out due to many many reasons and that made Hong postpone to Day 4. Ok, but nobody needs to know the many reasons. What is important was, we also brought ourselves to many many heights!

 WE TOOK THE HOT AIR BALLOON!

 

I tell you, it was FREEZING COLD. Really really really really really cold. I was shivering like crazy and so was Hong. I wore a spaghetti top, denim shirt, rather thick stockings, my skirt with double layer, boots and a winter jacket meant for 15degrees. IT WASN'T ENOUGH AT ALL.

I was ..... brrrrrrrrrrrrrr. You could see the hot air breath coming out as we spoke to each other. Ok, I don't know what you call that. But it was all worth it. Though half way up, I was concerned about our safety and whether the birds would fly towards us - blindly.

But the view, took all that fear away. It was breath-taking. It was... I don't even know how to describe. It felt like heaven. So so so so pretty!!! You could see the mist above the trees, the way the sun lit through the mountains and shone across the water.

Just.. nature at its best.

I think I bought the 30minutes Hot Air Balloon Experience (cause I would think I'll get bored of the scenery pretty soon), but I guess we were up there for more than 30 minutes. We probably went all the way up to like 4,000ft - 5,000ft. It was... magnificent.

Don't judge. We woke up at 4am for this ok. That's like 2am SG time

Yep! and we.... landed safely

Couldn't miss a classic photo moment.

Part of our package, included transfers, 30 minutes air time, and a champagne breakfast. I mean, what more can you expect. The food was so so so good, so fresh and such a delish! But the champagne... was.. well let's just say, you can't be picky if you are getting it as a complimentary drink!

Right after our awesome meal, we went to take a stroll around the vineyard. It was really calming and a lot of pretty. Of course we took the opportunity to take a lot of cover photo worth shot. Which I recommend to everyone. Oh yes, we used the selfie pod and snug it to my LX5. Which caught quite a lot of stares. I think its an Asian thing. Cause our mouths are made of gold, we won't speak and ask for others to take shameless #wefies for us.

Cool or what.

After that, off we were back to our hotel to freshen up (about 1130), before we left hurriedly to Sea World again.. because I missed the Spongebob Parade the day before. Aiya. I don't even want to blog about it. Cause I am really angry at myself for misreading the T&C on the ticket. Ended up we had to pay extra 180AUD for 2 of us, (that's 200SGD you know, I can buy many dresses on taobao), just to satisfy my Spongebob addiction. Then, the parade was SO LOUSY, I would rather use that 180AUD to subscribe to Starhub for Nickelodeon. It was really lousy.

---Note to self, always YOUTUBE it before paying. Just wished my research-y part of my brain was working that day. But I think I was too occupied blaming myself for misreading the ticket T&C. #SIGHPIE.

But Hong was really sweet to offer to pay. Which I appreciate and do not appreciate, because after that, he used it to negotiate for his own addiction (lesson learnt).

So feeling really lousy about the whole thing... we decided to go to Harbourtown.

I think we went kinda bananas at Harbourtown because THERE WERE SO MANY GREAT DEALS (for guys). I went to their Supre and other stores that were retailing female clothes, to many many disappointment. But when I stepped into Forever New, it was a completely separate story. Things were going at like 40% + 10% off or even better!

I tell you, so worth my air tickets. I stepped in and every floral piece was calling my name. I also went a little cray cray in aussie. I bought a total of 6 pairs of shoes (x1 sandal, x1 slipper, x2 pumps, x1 flat, 1 boots). I think my feet lives in Aussie. I had no issue with the size or even the quality. And they were definitely great buys. So happy!

After which.......

We decided to head on to Surfers Paradise...

Can't really recall the details after this, but we went to have dinner at KooKoo Teppanyaki & Lounge Bar at Surfers Paradise, just a few stores after La Rustica!

I think I chose the right place to celebrate Hong's birthday because it was a fantastic experience at KooKoo. 

Food were excellent and the chef was... AMAZEBALLS. 

10 AUD each cocktails. Mine was really good. It was the one with all the berries. While Hong's one was the pineapple one which wasn't that fantastic.

Ok I am damn fed up with this computer and blogspot now. Because they are not allowing me to add photos for this entry. Tmd. 

Yup and while we were walking around, we chanced upon this shooting place right beside Timezone. I told Hong to give it a try, since we can't do it in Singapore, unless you are part of the military something. I didn't want to learn how to fire or try any of the available pistols. Cause... I am not that kind of violent. I think guns are evil.

I mean, it was pretty expensive also. 2 rounds for 80 AUD. I thought the birthday boy should have his own shots and I should just, be the woman behind his back, supporting him - like always. HAHAHA. According to Hong, the recoil was really strong? Cause its a pretty old-fashion gun that the cowboys back then would use. Haha. He scored very well also he hit a bulleyes!

And that marks the end of our night & Hong's celebration!

I can't be bothered to blog about Day 4 yet. Because this blogger is giving me so much problem with the photos that I want to upload. 

So next post then!

xoxo
Andrea

Travelogue ∞ Gold Coast (Day 1 & 2)

Goodness

I think it must have been a really long time since I last penned down any thoughts or musings here on this blog.

I guess Life has caught up with me and blogging just isn't as important or much of a priority as it used to be in the past. Love-Hate relationship though. Very often I do feel like I have completely neglected this space, made so many empty promises, but aiya. I hope this is my redemption post that can last for a good few months to come.

So! I am back from my long awaited trip to the Gold Coast.

Gonna share all that I know right here, right now!

DAY 1

Touched down on Sunday Morning, with a delayed flight from Scoot. Such a disappointment as it was our first time with them. Hate delays. Roar.

Once we cleared customs (Thank you Singapore for the Electronic Passport!), off we were to a public phone booth to make the call to our shuttle service to the Second Tier Car Rental place. Waited for no more than 10 minutes and the shuttle service appeared! Was greeted by a lovely lady who helped us with our luggage. Exactly what you need after a 7 hour flight!

Got our paper work done and credit card swiped and we were really fortunate because Liam from Apex Car Rental gave us a brand new car - Hyundai I20 that had clocked in only 637km when we took the car. Checked the tyres, navigation system, A/C, for scratches and all, and we were ready to head over to Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary. 

If you are under 25/26 years old, most car rental places would charge extra, but that is all waived at Apex Car Rental, we took the package with $0 excess, so the rental was $55 AUD per day that came with GPS. It was a very good deal!

Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary

The last time, I got to touch a Koala. But this time round, I got to carry one, that was pooping quite...... a bit. But that is all fine, it didn't matter much to me, cause it didn't poop on me.

On a scale of 1 - 5, I think the CWS is really quite a place for kids to go to during their holidays. There were tram rides and lots of animal encounters for kids. The kangaroos were so overfed that they couldn't even be bothered with tourists taking shots, touching them etc etc. Oh! and it was the first time I saw a baby kangaroo in their mother's pouches! Damn cool please - discovery channel live.

Bo Chup Level = 1000000000x

Such a gentle paw gesture!

It took us about 2.5hrs to complete the whole of CWS, there were a lot of walking to do, so Sports Shoes are the best. After that, we left CWS for our Hotel! 

Meriton Serviced Apartment - Broadbeach

Probably the best choice of Hotel I have made! But I don't think the view is comparable to the one I had in Sydney (over at Macleay Service Apartment). There is something about service apartments in Australia. I would say the services are usually more top-notch, when you compare with hotels.

Our stay was for 6 nights and we sure did made full use of all the amenities provided in the apartment. Dishwasher, microwave, toaster, cookware, washing machine, dryer etc etc! It is a fantastic apartment to live in with the best view of the ocean!

We settled ourselves and drove to the nearest Woolsworth to get some groceries and snacks for the next couple of days. Given my experience at Melbourne last year, I realised it cost a lot less to cook than to eat out. Also, while you are at Woolsworth/Coles, do get the $2 SIM data plan from Optus. It works damn well and has the best prepaid option!

Also,  if you are going to Australia, do download Urbanspoon. They are like the "hungrygowhere", but Australia version.

Dinner was at La Rustica @ Surfers Paradise

 

FOOD WAS FREAKING FANTASTIC. Loveeeeed the incorporation of sun-dried tomato in the penne! Super wonderful flavours! Also! Loveddddd the pizza. It is one of the best pizza with bursting flavours that I have ever tasted my whole life. Even Timbre duck pizza can't beat that! On top of all of that, the rustic feeling in the small little restaurant sure is cosy and warm for a winter night at Gold Coast. Definitely not to be missed. 

Really sorry though, I don't remember the name of the food that we ordered. But you can always ask the friendly host. What we ordered were pretty much "most ordered/chef recommendation"

DAY 2

Woke up at about 7.30am to prepare breakfast for the man from the groceries that we bought the day before.

After that, we left the house at 9am to travel down to Sea World. Took us about 30minutes to get there with normal traffic. Parking was free so we quickly parked the car and went to register for the Whale Watching Tour at the Sea World Cruise Terminal.

 

In my opinion, this was the best, really, one of the most breath-taking, magnificent thing that nature and technology has gifted to us human kinds. Never had I thought that we would be so god damn lucky during this trip that we were able to spot 3 different dolphin pods, one of the pods came up so close I could hear it blowing out the water from its blowhole. Same goes for the cheeky humpback whales that came up so close to our cruise.

It was just.. Discovery-Channel-Live-in-your-face kind of moment!

Shakey image, cause the cruise was rather bumpy. If you are prone to sea-sickness or even motion sickness, please pop a pill before you go on board.

The tour ended at about 12.30pm and we were back at Sea World. Decided to head in to take a look at what it had to offer. Also because I was desperate in wanting to meet Spongebob. I tell you, major sigh about Seaworld man. So freaking disappointing lah. I doubt kids will enjoy too, unless they are fans of dora the explorer. 

The chicken tasted a lot better than the fish and chips. But get prepared to be annoyed by all the seagulls and ibis. No chilli sauce too. This cost about AUD 35 plus a cup of soft drink.

There was a crazy Jetski session before we started our meal which the boyfriend was very very amused by. Haha

The Detective Seal Show, which was about sustainable fishing and how when it used its flippers to slap its hip sounded like how my thighs would wiggle.

The smartest mammal in the ocean. The Dolphins. Am abit on the fence about watching such performances, because I know how they usually get trained. Just like how we opposed Dolphins captivity in SEA Aquarium, I guess it applies to Seaworld.

Such a vast difference watching those dolphins pods earlier in the day as they swam near the cruise and these "educated" dolphins performance.

We ended the Seaworld trip with a visit to watch Spongebob 3D, which wasn't that 3D at all. But it did give the tourists' kids a good scare when all the Jellyfishes started to swim towards.. well, them. Maybe they don't get to watch 3D Movies as much as we do here in Singapore?  Like, quite expensive ah, watch cartoon in 3D. 

Well, right after that, the boyfriend started his engine; not the car engine, but HIS engine of him wanting to go to his all-time-favourite-can-never-say-no-to-place called...... CASINO, again. And so we did. I watched him play for a couple of hours before having my tummy rumble for some hot soup!

Once again, Urbanspoon to the rescue. Settled for this place at Surfers Paradise again..except for some Ramen! 

We ordered a plate of Gyoza along with No. 2 and No. 4 respectively. The soup base was a little bit salty, but the ramen texture was really good. 10000x better than Ajisen ramen. But I guess that is because we chose the miso broth? The char siew was so freaking tender and soft, it just melt in my mouth. Love the heat coming from the Spicy Ramen too! Best for a cold night of about 14 degrees.

We wanted to head back to the hotel earlier that night, because the next morning was the Hot Air Balloon trip. But since we were out already, we might as well explore a little bit more. Found the biggest TimeZone that I have ever seen in my life and played this game with the boyfriend. Obviously right? - Spongebob leh. 

I have mentioned in my Melbourne post previously that this is the Churros stop that NO ONE should ever give it a miss whenever they are in Aussie. But now they have come to Singapore to open an outlet, I have yet to try nor give my verdict on it. But I guess you just can't compare that much. Eating the freshly served churros with hot chocolate is like... a dessert sent from heaven!

I really like how you have to eat hurriedly so that the chocolate doesn't harden. But.. one #wefie won't hurt that much right? 

Yup. And with that, we ended the night and headed back to the hotel.

More about Day 3 and 4 on the next post.

xoxo
Andrea