INSTAGRAM PICK OF THE MONTH - October

I took many versions of this because you know the ticket cost money and the cold air was killing me. The very kiasu Singaporean guy in me was telling me I had to make my trip worth. You know the keyword, "value for money".  LOL.

It's time of the month again where I erm.. self glorify and make myself feel good about my fake Instagram life. I've this buddy of mine who travels quite a bit and if you are on my IG you will noticed that he has been "tracking" my travels. Seriously pot calling the kettle black! In fact, he is doing it for holiday while I'm doing it because of work. >:-( Like I'm still up replying emails and doing clients' work every night till late and people will reply me "I thought it's 4am in NYC now?" LOL

So that's the truth guys, Instagram life and real life is two entirely different lives.

1. Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Have been running around so much that I've neglected my blog. I've finally sat down and updated it with a few posts this week. checkout my blog including my experience playing health care associate. #smithankyoutravels #datview #travel

A photo posted by Smith Leong 🦄 (@smithankyou) on Oct 7, 2016 at 8:51pm PDT

Malaysia was the very 1st country I visited in my life at the age of 12. I never liked it at all and it gave traveling a very bad name to me. I had a very bad impression of Malaysia as that very 1st place I went was the very then messy and dirty Johor Bahru. Fast forward to 2011/12 where I had some work going on at Malaysia, I get to travel to Malaysia quite a bit. KL, Kuching, Penang etc. I grow to love the place a lot more. Going to Malaysia now feels a lot better than 20yrs ago for sure. And yes, I'm suppose to blog about this trip as well but erm..

2. Nicole + Ivan's wedding. 

Happy Anniversary to @chris_goh !!! Felt like it was just yesterday that we were playing stupid gatecrash games and going through all the painful Chinese wedding tradition bs. (And we survived!) But it has already been 2years since! Thanks for everything and especially fei fei! He is like the best wingman to pick up girls all the time! hahhaa #handsomeson #likefatherlikeson #butithinkoneisenough

A photo posted by Smith Leong 🦄 (@smithankyou) on Oct 3, 2016 at 5:45pm PDT

My wife ain't exactly someone who feels comfortable in front of the camera. It's one of those rare chances that I can get her out in front of the camera with me. No other reasons needed for this to be one of my IG favs of the month.

3. Amari Phuket 

Your view is better than mine. 😎 #DiscoverAmari #AmariPhuket #poolgoals #infinitypool #smithankyoutravels

A photo posted by Smith Leong 🦄 (@smithankyou) on Sep 30, 2016 at 8:10pm PDT

That view. Besides the view, Amari Phuket is super luxurious and peaceful. The place to be for a retreat if you just need to be away from the city life. And yes, I'm will share more about the resort as well! Meanwhile you can check out their site.

4. Seth goes GameStart 2016 

Brought my boy to @gamestartasia last weekend! For the fans of #sethankyou check out my blog for more pictures!!! #gamerinthemaking #gamestart2016 #projectplaysg

A photo posted by Smith Leong 🦄 (@smithankyou) on Oct 13, 2016 at 6:15pm PDT

If you haven't read about it, here it is. My son is shoooo cuteeee. Sorry for being erm, shameless but he really brings much joy to the family!

5.  New Ink - NYC Skyline 

Thanks @blvckwork from @bangbangnyc for the New York city skyline ink. More deets on smithankyou.com! #smithankyoutravels #tattoo #newyork

A photo posted by Smith Leong 🦄 (@smithankyou) on Oct 27, 2016 at 9:14pm PDT

Yet another new ink! Love the guys at bang bang tattoo. I know this picture ain't taken by me (duh) but I love it! And ya I know, my arms are like shrinking and my belly is well, exploding.All these traveling really got me off my training regime and my IPPT is coming soon. How? Siao liao lor.

6. Me at Archer Hotel New York

Don't settle for what is easy, reach for what is good. #archergrams #archerhotel #nyc #smithankyoutravels

A photo posted by Smith Leong 🦄 (@smithankyou) on Oct 30, 2016 at 3:24am PDT

It's me being posing again. Archer hotel in NYC is sooo pretty. Besides being pretty it is very well located. It's so close to times square, madison square garden and all. I promise I will share more about this. I know I said this too often (even just in this single post) but I promise I will!! In fact right after this I will go write about it!!!

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I like how I'm doing this to keep track of my pictures and each month I can see some improvement in my shots and edits. I'm the kinda person that needs to track my own improvement in order to keep myself going.

I actually keep a note on my phone to keep track of how much I lift in gym. I use Nike app to keep track of how much I run. I used to (ya.. used to. got lazy) have a notebook to keep track of the number of push ups I do each day. If I could, I would take note of how many basket I shoot each week and score during the games like a pro match but that's just too tedious.

A client was asking me to do an IG takeover for them and her colleague was asking me how many years have I been into photography and if I'm a professional. The same thing happened the other day when I sold one of my old lens to someone on carousell and she was asking me if I've been doing this for awhile and if I've any tips for her since she just started out. I've friends who are into shooting for years and they are so much better. I got a lot of tips from them by asking questions and all. I'm no where near their level but I guess if you guys wish to start shooting, my only tip is - to keep shooting. The only way to improve is to keep doing it I guess. Here's a song for everyone out there who wants to be good (or at least decent) in anything you do. Put in those hours.



I really like my NYC shots so far but I refuse to erm, pick all 5 of my NYC shots and call them my favorites of the month, that's just unfair. For those who are interested, check out #SmithankyouTravels on IG! 

For picks from previous months. Click HERE!