So a few days ago I went to update my portfolio with my new projects and some new photography. However, being the A.D.D designer I am, I decided that I’m bored of the old layout and want to experiment with a new one. So welcome to Chau Nguyen’s 2.0. The logo and color scheme are the same (so my business cards still match) but the interface and UX is completely overhauled. I hope you enjoy it.

Look for a new WordPress Blog Design in the not too distant future.

Here’s a sneak peak of a recent trip to Leipsic Deleware. What’s in Deleware you ask? REALLY REALLY good Crabs at Sambo’s Tavern.
Anyways, I’ve been very diligently snapping pictures in the last few months and between “Work” and “Play” I havn’t really had a chance to manage my Flickr Account. Look for a massive influx of pictures in the next Day or 2.

I ran a mouse tracer this morning around 11. This is 6 hours of Photoshop and Dreamweaver later.

Thanks to Anatoliy Zenkov for the app.

So I’m almost done with my Merlin Steadicam. I just need to figure out what i want to do for the area that actually holds the camera. The system is pretty simple. I used some washers as counter weights and the handle sits on a gimbal (a universal joint and 2 bearings). The gimbal reduces a majority of hand jitters and the counter weights do a pretty good job at taking care of the rest.

Everything was bought from Home Depot excluding the universal joints, I got those from a hobby shop). The entire project costs just under 60 bucks which isn’t bad considering the Tiffen steadicam costs just under 800 dollars.

As soon as i get the mount working I’ll put up some sample videos! (Also i need to trim the handle cause my gimbal is too long and it flexes.)

UPDATE I tested some footage with it today. My handle needs a complete redesign. It is clipping at some spot and causing the entire camera to pan. I shot for about a minute and my arm is really tired…. I knew i should have went PVC…..

UPDATE Reduced the amount i needed for counter-weights by extending the lower arm out another 6″. This made it a lot more stable with a lot less weight.

I got mixed reviews. Some people said it was awesome and different. Others said it was too complicated to navigate and tedious. So, in the interest in learning and redesigning, I redesigned the entire thing and made it simpler. You can still reach the old site here. However, this one will be the new face of Chau Nguyens.com until i get bored and make an even flashier flash site.

This new site utilizes fitt’s and hick’s law to the maximum. I minimized all the choices and maximized their collective screen real estate.

I’m super duper excited on this new camera mainly for fact that it can shoot 720p video at 30fps while still allowing for a manual focus. I have a feeling I’ll be using that feature alot more than actually taking pictures. Although the 15 megapixel full frame sensor won’t be a hindrance if I do decide to take pictures.

Now I just need to get a telephoto lens and I’ll be back on track taking action sports pictures. I’m thinking like a 200mm f2.8 L-Series if I can find one for relatively cheap.

Expect to see pictures soon. (I’m charging the battery now.)

Ordered some Business Cards

So I decided to make some business cards since all of mine are more or less dated (I got a bunch when i was working at MZI Global but they have my MZI extension and email address on them). It was strongly influenced by the fact that they were on sale at Office Depot. I designed them informally and whimsically so that they would express my creativity. Also i wanted to use them in a social atmosphere.

But anyways, i got 1000 double sided full color raise print cards for 23 dollars including shipping. Lets just see how cool they are when they get here.

Also, expect lots and lots of free business lunches.

NJ in October 2

NJ in October 3

NJ in October 4

Sequence September 2

I’ve been doing some photo editing themes for each month to keep active. These were uploaded the Skim Online forums. However, now that there’s no snow or waves i don’t know what to do for November. We’ll see i guess.

Technically, these were done all in Photoshop. October #2 using basic levels and saturation tweaks. October #3 – 4, I started using Bodek tweaks and individual channel grading. Sequence #2 is done like sequence #1.

Thankfully Sequence September is over because those took a while to make. Welcome Wallpaper October. Hopefully we can get some waves that will do Wallpaper October Justice.

Click on the Image for the 1680 version.