A group of shutter bugs taking part in a photography competition.
The ‘Anticipating Children’ is one of Ting’s masterpieces that he shared with The Borneo Post.
MIRI: You own a DSLR camera and you take pictures during your pastime, but does that make you a ‘real’ photographer?
The rising number of self pro-claimed photographers, many without a good grounding in photography, is a common sight nowadays.
“Photography has a lot to do with technique and craft, and because of the easy settings in our camera that has become so advanced, people tend to rely more on technique rather than craft,” Alex Moh, manager of Nikon Club Malaysia and an avid photographer shared with The Borneo Post recently.
The difference between the two, Moh explained, is that technique requires more pre-settings, usually available in digital camera and software used to enhance the photos like Photoshop.
“Craft, on the other hand, emphasizes skills, knowledge and hands-on experience. Certainly, photographers in this category could easily capture a good photo using even a compact digital camera,” he opined.
“I personally think the problem with photographers of today is that they overly rely on technique than craft.”
An independent fine arts photographer, critic, researcher and project coordinator for numerous photography projects since 2002, Moh often travels around the country giving lectures and conducts workshop for newbies and amateurs.
Learning the contrast control, film latitude and exposure are tedious. Setting composure, white balance and ISO sensitivity are vital before the camera is ready for the picture.
However, Moh would usually advise a photographer wannabe to not become a “formula photographer”.
“There is no fixed way to take pictures. It all depends on the right moment, right angle, right mood, and more importantly the excitement you’ll get through the images you captured are beyond satisfaction.”
Meanwhile, co-founder of Malaysia Photographer Society Ting Nai Ho, lamented the changing nature of photography, which he labelled ‘unhealthy’, that could often be seen through the social network.
“There are times when photography is well appreciated through colour, expression and emotional sentiment captured in human portraits, animal and landscape,” the septuagenarian told The Borneo Post.
He criticised those posting models with nudity, or photographing them in sexy and seductive poses.
He said this often sent the wrong message to young people, who often assumed they could be famous this way.
“There is nothing wrong to share your hobby through the web, but do it with dignity and morality.”
Ting said having the latest camera could earn the photographer some “envious eyes”, but the final product will define the standard of the photographer concerned.
Being one of only a handful of Mirians to be awarded the Associateship of the Royal Photographic Society (ARPS), Ting is one of the pioneers here.
He is often invited to judge photography competitions in Brunei, the United States of America and England.
To this day, the humble Ting would still trot around the globe with his camera, hoping to capture the mesmerising sceneries he saw.
“Young photographers I often met unfortunately lack passion, creativity and cultural understanding. Whether it is a hobby or a job, do it with enthusiasm.”
He insisted that photography shouldn’t be used to show off the expensive cameras.
“The mind and soul as well as huge amount of time to
practise, that you have put it in order to capture the perfect picture. It shows through your photos.”