It’s official! We’ve moved into our new studio at SStwo Mall, Petaling Jaya! Even though it’ll take a while to completely beautify it, we’re already pleased about how things look (complete with a spiral staircase as well!). Since we’re in this loving, sharing mood, we’re announcing a special promotional rate for all our lifestyle portraits packages for April and May 2012. Read on to find out more!
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
Love. I love the idea of love, being in love and seeing other people in love. (Yes Alex, I know I used the words love too many times in the same sentence, but I can’t help it!). Love is this basic need that we all have as humans. In marriage, love to me means a deep sense of commitment between two individuals – a love that never gives up even though times are difficult. Love also equates trust… because to give yourself fully to someone like that requires a huge amount of risk and trust.
I had the privilege of witnessing and recording the marriage proposal of my friends Ivan and Mi Ghent a few days ago. I’ve known the both of them for years – individually and then together as a couple. I am so glad they’ve taken the plunge into this whole realm of trusting each other’s hearts with full commitment to one another.
Ivan had this ingenious idea of creating ‘additional’ Monopoly Deal cards for the proposal. It’s one of Mi Ghent’s favourite game and the idea was so apt! After a few rounds, Ivan played his “Marry Me” card, followed by the “Just Say Yes” card, specially designed by our friend Monica.
She was stunned for a while, and then asked, “Are you on your knees?”
Needless to say, she said YES!
It was especially meaningful too that the engagement ring was a family heirloom handed down by Ivan’s mum. I am so happy for the both of you! Thank you for inviting Alex and I to be part of this beautiful occasion. And of course, thanks for the yummy Ipoh food too! Now, on to wedding planning!
Some time back, I was commissioned by Red Communications to photograph Amber Chia and Kartini Ariffin and their two adorable babies for Huggies. A number of people packed into the studio that day – everyone from the director to the graphic designer and even the maid. It was a pretty noisy shoot with people clapping hands, singing, jiggling toys, making funny faces… all to attract the attention of the kids.
I was happy with the results of the shoot, and though we took more than 50 different shots from this session, only 2 could be selected for the main key art. There were many I liked, but these 2 were selected for the pack.
Have a super Friday!
I got to know Kenny Shim through last year’s SIBKL & DUMC MadWorld production. It was through this production that I discovered how talented this young man is! He can dance, model, direct a play, choreograph… well, Kenny, what can I say, it’s God-given skills!
Not too long ago, Kenny, together with a few friends, got together with the Stories team to shoot some stylized portraits, kind of like a fun fashion shoot. Together with Mark & Johan, we came up with some pretty awesome shots! Here are some of my favourites…
Image below: Photographed by Johan (left image) and Mark (right image)
Johan’s image below:
My shots below:
Unfortunately it poured and poured that day, with a huge thunderstorm. We couldn’t venture very far from the condo we were in.
Image below: Mark’s shot on the left, mine on the right
Overall, I am pretty pleased with what we could come up with in just 2 hours, despite the pouring rain! All the best with your modeling career, Kenny!
