Often young passionate photographer-wannabes would seek advice from Ting on the knowledge relating to photography.
Although Ting has, literally, retired from photography, he would always stay updated on the latest information and travel.
MIRI: Long before the world became obsessed with a trigger-happy generation of digital amateurs, Ting Nai Ho was already globe-trotting to immortalise fleeting moments, the rich and famous with his classic made-in-China camera.
More famously known as the longest serving president of Miri Photography Society, Ting was also co-founder and former vice-president of Malaysia Photographer Society.
He was also recognised as one of only a handful of Mirians first awarded the Associateship of Royal Photographic Society (ARPS), globe-trotting to countries on invitation to various photo gallery exhibitions and social gatherings and rubbing shoulders with the rich and famous.
“Since a very young age, I was deeply attracted to the beauty of photography, how it works to capture something into a portrait. By the age of 16, I saved enough money to buy my very first device, a China-made ‘Seagull’ brand single-lens camera.
“Unlike a modern camera, the classic model works differently and much simpler, but restricted. It works on periodical setting – which we could only get a perfect picture when it shoots a photo on the designated time,” he told thesundaypost in an interview recently.
His love for photography saw Ting spend much of his teenage years snapping away at everything from human portrait to animal, scenery and landscape, learning the art through books released by a private firm in Hong Kong.
In his mid-twenties, Ting hung up his camera to focus on a more important task –putting bacon on the table for his family.
Ting spent much of his teenage years snapping almost everything from human portrait to animal, scenery and landscape, learning the art through books released by a private firm in Hong Kong.
“Life isn’t a bed of roses. Therefore, I took time from photography to work hard, to make ends meet for a better life,” he said.
Nearly 20 years later, after his family and career had settled down to a more cosy life, Ting decided that it was time to pick up his beloved hobby from where he left off.
“I began to mix with a bunch of photographer friends; gathered for a photography session in nature, share our experience, showing off our expensive, new state-of-the-art cameras and all. I wasn’t really satisfied with my skill at the time; fortunately, I met a veteran, also an internationally renowned photographer, who taught me the right way of capturing a picture.
“Of course, I was definitely thrilled. Especially, when I was told that I got the talent. I really appreciated his encouragement,” he said.
Ting was also actively involved in Miri Photography Society and in 1991, he was appointed as the sixth president and thereafter, re-appointed again to serve the society for eight years (equivalent to four terms). Ting was re-appointed again in 2005, as president and he served for a term before officially retired in 2007.
In his hey-day, Ting’s enthusiasm brought MPS to its peak by organising four international photo gallery exhibitions which were recognized by international photography bodies.
At the same time, Ting also held a position as vice-president of Malaysia Photographer Society; he frequently travelled around the country as well as represented Malaysia to Taiwan, Hong Kong, Mainland China, Philippines, Singapore and Brunei, and attended photography-related activities.
Among the most memorable trips, according to him, he and his troupe were invited to a dinner specially prepared by Stanley Ho Hung Sun, a Hong Kong tycoon and Macanese businessman who was also nicknamed ‘The King of Gambling’.
During one of the occasions in Hong Kong, Ting was also introduced to Shao Hua, the daughter-in-law of late Mao Tse-Dong, the founding father of the People’s Republic of China. At the time, Miss Shao was president of the China Photographers Association (CPA).
“I was told that countries like China, where poverty is still a serious issue, and many have trouble to feed themselves. Those who are able to get their hands on a camera are those who either work as journalist, famous artist or the rich with extra cash to toy around with expensive cameras.
“I am grateful and fortunate that photography had provided me the opportunity to visit many countries and get to meet some of the prominent figures in around the world,” the septuagenarian said.
Ting said he was hugely attracted to Nepenthes and native tribes of Sarawak, and for years often travelled to the interior and interacting with the folk and nature.
During the interview, Ting also showed thesundaypost some of his best masterpieces – Nepenthes and native tribes of interior Sarawak.
“I strongly believe a real photographer should know what kind of photo he wants to capture, the theme and style. I was hugely attracted to Nepenthes and native tribes, and for years often travelled to the interior to interact with the people and nature,” he said.
Ting kept a huge collection of photos, hoping to release a book depicting his works.
“Somehow, due to uncertain reasons, I have not been able to realise my dream,” he uttered with disappointment.
To this day, the humble old man would still trot around the globe with his camera, hoping to capture the mesmerising sceneries he has seen.
Although Ting had, literally, retired from photography, he would always keep himself updated on the latest information.
Often, young passionate photographer-wannabes would seek advice from Ting on knowledge relating to photography. He, in return would be more than happy to do so.
“When I share my knowledge with the young people, I too, get to learn something from them. There isn’t a boundary in learning as long as you are willing to learn in a humble manner,” he said before concluding the interview.
An old woman carrying a child while going through her daily chore.
One of Ting’s proudest collections.
After retirement, the septuagenarian would still trot around the globe with his wife – and his faithful camera – to capture the mesmerising sceneries unfolding before him.