I’ve always believed in using your skills for a cause. Photography has always been a tool for me, something to express how I feel about a particular topic. When I travel, I use photography to show how awesome and diverse this world is. In weddings, my work becomes a record of someone’s life journey, and hopefully to remind them of that beautiful moment they said “I do”; years later when the eye bags and wrinkles appear. When I photograph families, I want them to cherish the most important people in their lives.
In conjunction with International Women’s Day (IWD), I collaborated with Capri Communications Sdn Bhd to bring forward yet another cause and purpose – to show how important it is that mentoring relationships are formed in every part of our life. The Women: girls campaign was created in line with IWD’s theme Connecting Girls, Inspiring Futures. The campaign aims to begin a connection to inspire and encourage a new network of exchanges between young girls and women. I think it’s really pertinent to life. I can remember many women I looked up to when I was young, women who inspired me to believe in myself and reach higher heights in life. My sister is definitely one of them.
The following series of images were created specifically for the Women: girls campaign. It features 10 local celebrities and 10 girls from underprivileged backgrounds. The photos were exhibited in Fahrenheit 88, KL for the past week. The celebrities share their thoughts on inspiration and what it means to them.
Some of the awesome thoughts that resonated with me:
“It’s a strong feeling and drive that I get from someone else that makes me believe I could do anything.” – Julie Woon –
“Inspiration is that wonderful moment that makes you go wow and say, if she can do it I can do it too!” – Kartini Kamalul Ariffin –
What are your thoughts on inspiration and who inspires you?
Julie Woon, Actress & TV Presenter with Gokila, 16 years
Datin Paduka Umie Aida, Actress with Valawanda, 17 years
Cheryl Samad, TV Presenter, Emcee & Actress with Sarimah, 16 years
Susan Lankester, Actress, Director & Producer with Wong Siok Leng, 13 years
Dira Abu Zahar, TV Presenter & Actress with Min Lee Hua, 15 years
Dynas Mokthar, Actress & Entrepreneur with Maria, 15 years
Sharifah Sofea, Actress with Yogenthini, 16 years
Anne Ngasri, Actress with Thanaletchumy, 16 years
Kartini Kamalul Ariffin, HotFM Music Director with Mas Idayu, 18 years
Low Ngai Yuen, Director with Hee Pheik Wen, 13 years