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Journal Entry:

Welcome to the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) section! As this is still very much a work-in-progress (WIP), I would like to apologise for any spelling/grammatical mistakes made. Do feel free to leave a comment or note me if you wish to offer some suggestions for questions to be added in the near future.

1 - What does the word Hexlord stand for?


Hexlord was a nickname that I created 13 years ago during the old 2.5D FPS craze (think of DOOM, Duke Nukem etc). Thanks to my obsession with the game Hexen, that name has stuck with me ever since!


2 - Why use as a DA avatar?


This avatar image was based on one of my earliest attempts at bird photography a few years ago. I love birds and I hope to take more photographs of birds in the near future.


3 - What got you interested in photography? And why cosplay photography?


It may come as a surprise to many people, but I started off as being a complete dunce when it comes to camera. Not only that, I was more interested in writing and gaming, so the last thing on my mind was on photography.


Somehow, that changed after I got to know a few friends who have been cosplaying for several years and attended a few cosplay events. After borrowing (and eventually buying over) my sister's Panasonic LC43 digital camera, I began a long and rocky road in photography which led to the purchase of the Black Rabbit (aka the Nikon D80) in 2007.


To me, cosplay photography represents a truly unique sub-genre of portraiture photography. What may work in a conventional portrait shot may not work for cosplay photography, and photographers are constantly challenged to present cosplay photography in an exciting and refreshing manner.


4 - Who or what is your inspiration in photography?


I would say there are many things that inspire me, such as:


* Art & the like
* Music
* My friends
* The muses in my life
* Personal life experiences, good or bad


5 - Do you mind the same comments/questions each time you post up a new work?


Not at all. I do understand that sometimes people get caught up in commenting that they forgot to read the description properly. I made that mistake too from time to time, so all is forgiven.


6 - What kind of equipment do you use to take your photos?


Previously, I was using the Nikon D80 that came with the basic AF-S 18-135mm f3.5-5.6 kit lens. Along the way, I obtained the AF 85mm f1.4 lens, the Tokina 11-16mm f2.8 ultra wide angle lens, and the SB-800 Speedlight. Not forgetting a set of filters, a radio trigger and a tripod for night photography.


However, because the camera's not really working that well, I decided to jump up to a Nikon D300s. It has video capability, dual card support and a greater array of controls that give me more options when taking photos. I have not made the transition into full frame lenses yet (I am not financially ready yet for the move too!).


Finally, I have recently obtained a Nikkor 35mm f2 for street photography purposes and a Tamron 60mm f2 for macro shooting. The only thing left now would be a telephoto lens and a fisheye lens.


To add on, I personally do not believe that spending more money will improve my photography. However, whatever I spent on I will definitely use them to the utmost.


7 - What kind of editing did you do for your photos?


Basic photography editing is always important because it can bring out the best in the photographs that you have taken.


For myself, the editing that I did do depend on the the feel that I wish to invoke in the photos themselves. Though I cannot give any specifics to the steps I did, but some of the most basic steps involve sharpening, adjusting levels, dodging and burning.


8 - How does one take a good photograph?


The list of ways to do so are endless, but always remember that the best way to learn is through experimenting (and making mistakes) and be open to new suggestions.


Try going to the nearest library and borrow a few photographic books especially those on compositions. Talk to like-minded friends and organise outings. Visit the galleries of well-known photographers to be inspired and to learn a few tricks or so!


And remember, practice makes perfect


9 - Do you take photographs on a professional basis?


Nope, I do have a full time job. It is hard sometimes to juggle between work/studies (I am currently doing a part-time degree from a local university) and photography.


10 - Tell us more about the preparations you did before a photoshoot.


Usually I will do some location/series research while gathering feedback from the people that I will be working with. Apart from that, a good sleep serve me well prior to the shoot itself.


It is also important to check my equipment to make sure nothing breaks down during the shoot. Fully charged batteries are important!


11 - "How do you make the costume/accessories/props..."


I am just the photographer, so you may want to get in touch with them directly for further clarifications (some of them are DeviantArt members too!)


12 - "Wow, you look amazing/awesome/great!" etc...


I would like to thank everyone for the compliments but I am really not the people being featured in my works.