Return to Timor

Bacau Kids at the 2009 Tour de Timor

On Saturday, I'll be heading back to Timor Leste for the 2012 Tour de Timor mountain bike race.  My team has a free slot (Whoopee!) courtesy of Air Timor and the Singapore Cycling Federation; with race entry, airfare and hotel fully sponsored by Air Timor (Thank you Air Timor!).

If you're a regular reader of my blog, you might have noticed the fewer number of posts lately.  One of the reasons is because I've been learning to shoot and edit video.  My video work sucks, and I've been embarrassed to post them.  I'm challenged by the fact that I suck at it, and so I am determined to make my videos 'unsuck' ;o) 

Biking the Flume Trail, Lake Tahoe, California.  HDR with the Olympus OMD EM5.

My adventure and travel photography equipment has morphed into a video/stills kit, comprising of an Olympus OMD EM5 with four lenses (although mainly just the 7-14mm and 45mm f/1.8 lenses), a Gopro HD Hero2 and a few Gorillapods.  The OMD isn't the best for video.  Some of the issues I experienced were my fault as I left the OMD in Vibrant color mode with the sharpening and contrast maxed out to try and get better AF performance (see The Whole Enchilada).  I'm sorry I sold my GH2 which was better for video, but I'm NOT sorry I bought the OMD as the 5-axis image stabilization is fantastic, and overall, suits my shooting style better.  However, the major issue I have to work around with the OMD is that the continuous autofocus just doesn't work for me.

The Gopro has found a place in my kit as it not only shoots video, but also makes an awesome timelapse camera.  Check out the timelapse sequence at 3:15 on The Whole Enchilada.  As you can see, it rained during the sequence, but with the waterproof housing, I can leave it outdoors without fear. 

Geyser Pass Hut where we spent our final night during our 7-day, hut-to-hut ride from Durango to Moab. HDR with the Olympus OMD EM5.

Anyhow, I'm committed to improving my video work, and I hope to have something to show you when I get back.