DSLR and Compact Camera Photography Workshop in Sandakan

Sandakan : The essential concern of the Second Vatican Council through the Decree on the Means of Social Communication (Inter Mirifica), issued on December 4, 1963 was to enjoin upon all Catholics the importance of using social media responsibly, for the common good, and to enhance the apostolic ministry of the Church.The Pontifical Council of Social Communication seeks to use modern media to communicate the Church's message of salvation and its social teaching.

Terrence welcoming the participants

Coming before God in Praise and Worship

The Diocesan Commission for Social Communication led by Terrence Ngui organized a one-day Digital SLR Camera and Photography Workshop on Saturday, 26th February 2011 at the Diocesan Conference Room attended by 27 participants coming from across the four parishes. 

The objective of the workshop is to expose and equip participants with the right camera setting skills and photography techniques. It is hoped that they will be more competent and confident after the exposure and thus form a pool of volunteers readily available to contribute to further activate and enhance the role of the Parish SOCCOM.

The key speakers for the event were Mr Tan Swee Heng AFIAP, PSA the President of the Sabah Photographic Society and Mr Yap Tshun Fong, a professional studio photographer and an expert in photo shop.

The first session started off with Mr Yap sharing his experiences as a professional photographer and he covered the following topics;

• Aperture Settings
• Shutter speed settings
• ISO
• Focal length
• Depth of field
• White balance settings
• Landscape photography
• Portrait photography
• Night photography
• Macro and nature photography
• Photo Shop program

The second session by Mr Tan, who had won numerous merit awards in International Exhibition of Photography and sat as a panel member in various National Exhibition of Photography gave  invaluable sharings on; 

• Good tips on how to use DSLR cameras
• Handling and storage of cameras
• Tips on acquiring a good DSLR camera
• Lens according to its function
• Using a tripod
• Participation in photography competitions - local, national and international levels

Terrence on 'Why SOCCOM'

The third session in the afternoon moderated by Terrence Ngui touched on the roles of SOCCOM and its contribution to the apostolic ministry in evangelization. He gave an input session followed by group discussions on how as an individual, one could contribute towards enhancing the roles of the parish SOCCOM.

Timothy from Sandakan 

Jerome from Tawau

Norbert from Tawau

The concluding session for the day  was on tips for news writing, presented by Francis Tan of the Diocesan Pastoral Office.

Writing a News Story

A gift to say thank you to Mr Tan

Thank you Mr Yap - we appreciate your sharing

Training for people involved in media must not be merely on technical aspect, it must include a complete formation, imbued with the Christian spirit and especially with the Church's social teaching.

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