Body sculptures on film

SINEWY physiques with muscles about to explode coupled with conspicuous vascularity looking like a network of roots may not be anyone’s choice of artistic photography but with clever interplay of light and shade, a well-defined muscular human anatomy is a sight to behold.

It’s the allusion of raw strength, power and dexterity captured on film with a tinge of animalism that, combined with artistry, exudes an appeal to our primitive instinctual drives.

For the first time in Kuching, 30 odd black and white impressions of well-defined male and female physiques will be exhibited in the Sarawak Art Museum from February 16 to March 14.

Aptly themed, Black & White Impressions – Body Sculptures, the exhibition is local lensman Fong Wui Syn’s solo attempt on the genre.

“The idea came sometime last year. So far no exhibitions that solely focus on parts of the human anatomy have ever been held in Kuching – so I thought of setting the trend,” he said.

Fong could pull it off,  specialising, as he does, in portraits apart from architecture photography. His specialty also lies in black and white photography which is another advantage.

He pointed it out that no one had ever documented the human anatomy in its peak form, and since he had the privilege of having local bodybuilders as friends, he thought it would be killing two birds with a stone.

“The exhibition is all about the sky’s the limit and pushing beyond boundaries,” explained Fong of his photos.

The flares of the laterals, six-pack abs, 21-inch biceps, the vascularity and even striations were magnified and accentuated, further proving his point that nothing is impossible with the right mental attitude. His photos are a testimony to that.

Interest in photography

Fong has always been interested in photography since his school days. He used to take photos of his friends when they went on picnics and outings.

“Photos of such occasions were few. In fact, we were often at the mercy of those who had cameras. That was when I decided to take my hobby more seriously.”

However, he pointed out, cameras at that time were expensive and as students, most of them could not afford one.

Fong owned his first camera when he was in Form Three. Working during his free time and school holidays, he managed to save up for a compact camera. He knew right then he had found his niche in life.

“I still remember those times. Films cost a lot and photographers made only a few bucks. With digital cameras now, things have become much cheaper and easier.”

Fong continued to take photos even when he was working, treating his hobby as his second job and his photography skills improved over time.

“I did everything – from weddings to funerals,” he added.

What sets this photographer apart is that he regards photography as delivering a service to the people and not a job.

“When I do weddings, I’m part of the family as I document every moment – and that goes for funerals as well. You have to have rapport with your clients – and it shows in your work.”

Gruelling photo shoot

The photo shoot started in June 2011 and only completed late that year. It was not on his time and terms as he had to manoeuvre around the time of his models.

He had to wait till their physiques peak and that was before competition. The photo shoot was as tedious and gruelling for both parties.

His three models are local bodybuilders – Chaser Chan Sun Jun, Hoan Kee Huang and Dennis Jeros.

“I owe them heaps. They are the reason for my exhibition. If not for the trio, I would not have been able to come out with these outstanding photos,” he said.

Each photo shoot lasted two to three hours and had to be carefully planned and painstakingly carried out.

“No two days were the same. When you messed up the photos today and hoped to recapture them tomorrow, the chances were gone,” Fong added.

According to him, this is especially true when one hopes to capture the minute details of the model’s physique and each day of the photo shoots has to be prefect, otherwise, a different angle and approach has to be adopted.

He felt the pain of the models. They had to hold the flex for hours until their bodies were numb.

“They couldn’t continue the next day as their bodies were hurting badly,” Fong recalled.

But he had to carry on regardless because the models’ form could change very quickly.

He recalled there was a time Dennis’ photos were messed up. To make matter worse, the model could not turn up for the next day’s shoot due to fatigue and bodyaches.

Fong had to wait till the end of the year for the Mr Borneo’s Contest where Dennis would be contesting to take a complete set of the pictures he wanted.

Moreover, there is never any guarantee that all the photos will turn out as expected. In fact, of the countless shots in one session, only two to three are considered good.

Going full-time

It was just six years ago that Fong summoned all his courage to turn professional photographer. He was 39-years-old then and married with children.

“I have to admit it was scary at first. It’s never easy when you start out late, especially when you already have a family.”

Income declined but to make up for it, he put in extra hours. Looking back, he said he wouldn’t have it any other way.

“Every venture comes with a sacrifice.”

Like everything else, photography techniques change with time and to keep abreast of the latest tack, Fong makes it a point to attend seminars and workshops on his craft in Kuching and Kuala Lumpur

Fong attributes his success to photography gurus, Lin Sheng from Thailand and a local, Kim Teoh, from whom he learned the techniques of basic shadow lighting.

So captivated by this particular technique was he that he helped organise the first of such course (in his studio) in the state in 2007.

In this exhibition, he uses the technique of ‘one-lighting source’ which is the sun- inspired method. In reality, he uses many lamps for illumination.

Fong also has an impressive résumé. He won awards in the public and civic buildings category for Taman Panorama Benak (Tidal Bore Observatory), honorary mention awards in the conservation building category for the conservation of Square Tower and mention awards in the public and civic building category for Sibu Central Police Station, to mention a few.

He was also the official photographer of the Kuala Lumpur Photography Festival from 2007- 2011; the Medical Association, Sarawak branch; the General Practitioner Association, Sarawak; the National Cancer Society Sarawak branch; the Sarawak Heritage Society and The Talent and Arts Performing Centre.