[20251129-20251130] SkillsFuture: Data Analytics with Excel (Intermediate): Turning Numbers into Insights

Some very useful functions/ features learnt: 

(1) Remove Duplicates (under Data) & Highlight Duplicates using conditional formatting

(2) Conditional Formatting: Various features, which can be customised further

(3) Absolute value is not new to me, what I want to illustrate here is the use of 

= Formulatext(cell address) to display the formula we used for calculation.

(4) Defining Range Names makes the spreadsheet more elegant. 

By Defining a range, the formula no longer requires us to select the cells, but directly use the name(s) assigned (see the formulae on the right)

(5) Slicers - a very powerful filter

(6) VLookUp/ HLookUp/ Lookup - a search and match tool, which I think I'm now more confident to use 

The biggest advantage of XLOOKUP is the table of items does not need to be organised in alphabetical order.

(7) Formatting Features that are useful:

(8) Logic Functions - IF, IF(AND), IF(OR), nested IF

In some instances, I attempted to show there are more than 1 way to do the same task (multiple solutions)

(9) Something useful when trying to check the relationship between the cells:

(10) Mathematical Functions (including "Database" approach) are very useful

Where possible, alternative methods are shown 

[20251122] SkillsFuture: Digital Mobile Phone Photography Design

Where it took place: @Hong Lim Building

Lesson by Lawrence Ang, a very experienced photographer - who shoots at various national events and also teaches in schools.

Was introduced to some gadgets: 

• Tripod - for stability; sometimes, our body could also be the 'tripod', with our arms rested on some steady surfaces or body lean against a steady structure/ wall
• Lightbox - it is useful to diffuse light (from having shadows), useful for product shots
• Backup lighting 
• Gimbal Stabiliser - helps to stabilise the axis; useful for videos
• Lens attachment - e.g. wide angle, macro (like a magnifier), fish eye (distorted wide angle perspective)
• Cleaning kit - use lens cloth; do not use tissue! (rough)

Some useful gadgets for better photo effects: clip-on Lighting, clip-on telescopic lens/ magnifier, Lightbox

Something that is highly relevant but somehow could not sink into my head...  but some layman terms

• Depth of view: Backdrop becomes blur so that the focus object will be clear and sharp. 
• Focal length: bigger the number, the clearer the background
• Aperture: The smaller the number implies more light is let in
• Lighting: Quality of light - Hard/ soft (diffused)
• To improve stability, consider setting timer (to minimise hand shaking)

A simulator to learn/ explore the 3 elements in the exposure triangle: https://dofsimulator.net/en/

Techniques: 

• Rule of Thirds: This was emphasised several times and is considered the golden rule.
• Leading lines: This usually applies to architecture 

In this diagram, the top view shows that the shadow of the teapot is almost fully eliminated. However, because of the 'ring' of light on top (that was supposed to diffuse the shadow), it created thin layer o shadow cast by the 'sides' of the teapot.

Here's a 'product shot' supported by the backup light to create depth and give greater clarity to the close-up shot.

Playing with LINES...

When space is intentional - to add text: 

Playing with reflection and 'fish eye lens'

A free photo editing tool:

• Snapseed - ULTIMATE GUIDE | All Tools & Sliders Explained | Mobile Photo Editing
• How to ADD YOURSELF to any PHOTO/ Snapseed Editing Tips & Tricks (2023)

Putting the stuff together, using Canvas: