Pameran 80 wajah oleh Soraya Yusof Talismail

Visual magic: Artist Amron Omar is captured along with some of his works.

MENERUSKAN kesinambungan mempromosikan seni untuk semua, Galeri Petronas menganjurkan pameran potret hitam putih – ‘Imaging Selfs – Soraya Yusof Talismail, Portraits of Artists’, berlangsung sehingga awal Januari depan.

Hasil kerja jurugambar artis, Soraya Yusof Talismail ini bakal menemui pengunjung dengan lebih 80 wajah terkemuka dan terulung negara dalam pelbagai cabang seni dan budaya – seni visual, fotografi, filem, rekaan, muzik, persembahan teater, kesusasteraan, tarian dan koreografi tanah air.

Pameran ini mengabadikan artis, seniman, tokoh dan negarawan yang pernah dan masih menyentuh masyarakat dengan bakat dan sumbangan mereka. Ini termasuk wajah popular seperti Azean Erdawaty, Marion D’ Cruz, Siti Nurhaliza, Ramli Ibrahim dan Khatijah Ibrahim.

Selain itu, negarawan dan ahli seni termasuk Datuk A Samad Said, Ahmad Fuad Osman, Farid Ali (Mr Gambus) dan Ng Sek San turut diabadikan dalam pameran kali ini.

“‘Imaging Selfs” ini menjadi koleksi potret hitam putih terbesar oleh artis Malaysia yang pernah dipamerkan untuk tontonan umum sehingga kini. Bekas Pengerusi Lembaga Pemegang Amanah Balai Seni Lukis Negara, Tan Sri Kamarul Ariffin Mohamed Yassin hadir bagi menyempurnakan pameran ini.

Majlis ringkas itu turut dihadiri oleh barisan selebriti tanah air termasuk Datuk Aziz Sattar, Datuk Siti Nurhaliza, Datuk Zahim AlBakri, Ahmad Fuad Osman dan Bayu Utomo Radjikin. Manakala, ahli sejarah seni terkemuka Asia Tenggara, T.K Sabapathy bertindak sebagai kurator pameran.

Penggunaan wajah popular ini diharap dapat menarik kunjungan khalayak umum untuk menghayati karya seni penggiat tempatan yang dipamerkan di Galeri Petronas, sepanjang tahun. Serentak perasmian itu juga, Kamarul turut melancarkan penerbitan buku menggunakan judul sama.

Kurator tamu, T K Sapapathy, berkata koleksi potret hitam putih ini menjadi hasil kerja paling komprehensif dan konsisten yang pernah dihasilkan oleh Soraya Yusof Talismail, sesuai dengan reputasi yang dimilikinya dalam cabang seni fotografi dan potret.

Sumber: Harian Metro

Stage personalities: Portraits of theatre director Faridah Merican (left) and choreographer Marion D’Cruz.

MEDIA RELEASE

MALAYSIAN ARTISTS IMMORTALISED THROUGH THE LENS OF
SORAYA YUSOF TALISMAIL, ARTIST-PHOTOGRAPHER

Kuala Lumpur, 13 November – GALERI PETRONAS launched Imaging Selfs – Soraya Yusof Talismail, Portraits of Artists, an exhibition of black-and-white portraits developed by artist-photographer, Soraya Yusof Talismail. The large collection of prints fill the vast circular space of one of Kuala Lumpur’s premier contemporary art spaces in an immersive showcase of 80 prominent practitioners in the fields of the visual arts, photography, film, design, music, theatre, literature, dance and choreography in Malaysia. Another coup by GALERI PETRONAS in its ‘Art for Everyone’ mission, Imaging Selfs is reputed to be the most extensive exposition of Malaysian artists’ portraits ever to be showcased in public. Tan Sri Kamarul Ariffin bin Mohamed Yassin – former Chairman of the National Art Gallery Board of Trustees and respected patron of the arts – launched the star-studded exhibition and its accompanying exhibition publication bearing the same title. The exhibition is expected to attract droves of curious visitors seeking to catch a more personal perspective of their favourite personalities. The launch was also well attended by famous Malaysian celebrities such as Datuk Siti Nurhaliza, Datuk Sheila Majid and Datuk Aziz Seta.

Curated by prominent South East Asian art historian T.K Sabapathy, Imaging Selfs is a project that started 15 years ago as Soraya’s homage to creative practitioners in Malaysia. An enduring labour of love by the artist, the art practitioners captured in Soraya’s work continue to practice and produce work in the present. Featured are unmistakeably famous names in the arts circles, such as Ahmad Fuad Osman, Yeoh Jin Leng, Eric Peris, Azean Irdawaty, Marion D’ Cruz, Siti Nurhaliza, Ramli Ibrahim, Khatijah Ibrahim, Datuk A. Samad Said, Farid Ali aka Mr Gambus, Ng Sek San, and many other prominent personalities in the arts. With such a varied cast of practitioners, Soraya sought to accurately present the essence of each individual in their respective portraits. Portraiture defines Soraya’s photographic practice, and following in the footsteps of mentors such as pioneering artist photographer Eric Peris, she has continued to champion photography as an important and legitimate fine art medium within the Malaysian art movement. T.K Sabapathy the exhibition’s guest curator quipped, “The collection comprising Imaging Selfs marks the single most consistent, coherent body of work produced by Soraya Yusof Talismail, which assertively signals her claims for prominence in the world of art photography and portraiture.”

Director of the gallery Tengku Nasariah Tg Syed Ibrahim remarked in her speech “In our all-inclusive mission of bringing art to everyone, GALERI PETRONAS wanted to make the intellectual discussion of portraiture photography as an art form – the discussion of the aesthetic sensibility, innovation and technical ability involved – accessible to all levels of our viewing public. We saw the perfect opportunity through this exhibition which centres on popular and recognisable public figures in the arts and entertainment arena, creating interest and connection with the subjects, whilst allowing viewers familiar points of reference. We hope that this will lead to more interaction with the artworks, and subsequently, discussion. It is also a chance to simply enjoy the beauty of these absorbing portraits, which promises to be a fulfilling viewing experience.”

Laughing out loud: An interesting combination shot of comedian Farouk Hussein.

To document the exhibition and new knowledge on portraiture, GALERI PETRONAS has also published a catalogue entitled Imaging Selfs – Soraya Yusof Talismail, Portraits of Artists. This publication features illustrations of the portraits. It also consists of essays that describe Soraya’s approach to and ideals of portraiture, by artist-photographer Eric Peris; that analyse conceptions of portraiture, the preference for black-and-white photographic prints and the intricate network of relationships fostered between Soraya, her subjects and their milieu in the making of these portraits, by T.K. Sabapathy; that describe circumstances in which works are publicised, circulated and acquired in the private domain, by art collector Pakhruddin Sulaiman; and that narrate, describe and reflect upon a life shaped by working in the world of art (conversation between Soraya and Sabapathy). Imaging Selfs – the exhibition and its publication – are important contributions to the emerging photographic practice and contemporary art knowledge in the region. The publication is available for purchase at the GALERI PETRONAS shop.

To engage visitors and photography enthusiasts further, GALERI PETRONAS organises a series of floor talks, beginning with a session headed by guest curator T.K Sabapathy on 17 November 2008, pioneer art photographer Eric Peris on 22 November 2008 and Soraya Yusof Talismail on 17 January 2009. There will also be a panel discussion convened by prominent art collectors Pakhruddin Sulaiman and Raja Ahmad Aminullah on 22 November 2008. As always these public programmes – which are all conducted in GALERI PETRONAS – are open to all and participation is free of charge.

Imaging Selfs – Soraya Yusof Talismail, Portraits of Artists continues until 18 January 2009 at GALERI PETRONAS, Level 3, Suria KLCC. The gallery is open from Tuesdays to Sundays from 10 am to 8 pm. Admission is free.

Issued by

GALERI PETRONAS
13 November 2008

MB Perak Rampas Kamera Jurugambar Utusan

Sikap kasar MB Perak dibidas

KUALA LUMPUR 13 Nov. – Beberapa persatuan wartawan hari ini membidas Menteri Besar Perak, Datuk Seri Mohammad Nizar Jamaluddin yang bersikap kasar terhadap seorang jurugambar Utusan Malaysia di Ipoh semalam.

Pengerusi Institut Akhbar Malaysia, Datuk Azman Ujang berkata, ini adalah pertama kali seorang menteri besar di negara ini bertindak sedemikian dan ia tidak menggambarkan kebebasan media.

“Seorang menteri besar tidak harus berbuat demikian kerana sebagai pemimpin, beliau harus bersikap terbuka dalam cara beliau berurusan dengan media,” katanya kepada Bernama di sini hari ini.

Mohammad Nizar dilaporkan memaksa jurugambar Mohd. Najib Mohd. Nor, 28, menyerahkan kamera dan memadamkan gambar menteri besar itu diberi surat tuntutan maaf daripada seorang peguam.

Menteri Besar itu juga dilaporkan telah mengherdik Mohd. Najib dan memanggil jurugambar itu dengan panggilan “woi” bagi meminta diserahkan kad memori kameranya.

Azman berkata, sebagai seorang menteri besar, Mohammad Nizar sepatutnya memahami bahawa tugas dan peranan pihak media ialah membuat liputan tugasan rasminya bukan soal peribadinya.

Beliau berkata, sebagai seorang wakil rakyat dari Pas yang memegang jawatan di negeri di bawah Pakatan Rakyat, Mohammad Nizar harus belajar daripada Menteri Besar Kelantan, Datuk Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat yang sentiasa berhemah dalam menjalinkan hubungan dengan media.

Presiden Kesatuan Kebangsaan Wartawan Malaysia (NUJ), Norila Md. Daud turut melahirkan rasa terkejut bahawa seorang pemimpin besar boleh bertindak keterlaluan.

Katanya, beliau telah menasihatkan jurugambar berkenaan membuat laporan polis kerana Mohammad Nizar telah menghalang tugasnya.

“Tugas seorang jurugambar sama seperti tugas penjawat awam atau polis yang tidak patut ada sesiapa yang melarang menjalankan tugas mereka, kecuali di negara yang bukan demokrasi,” katanya.

Presiden Kelab Wartawan Kebangsaan, Mokhtar Hussain berkata, sebagai seorang ketua bagi sebuah kerajaan negeri, Mohammad Nizar sepatutnya menjalin hubungan baik dengan media kerana kedua-dua pihak mempunyai peranan masing-masing terhadap rakyat.

Di Ipoh, Presiden Kelab Sukan dan Kebajikan Media Perak, Samad Majid berkata, sikap yang ditunjukkan Mohammad Nizar itu tidak mencerminkan budaya yang baik bagi seorang pemimpin dan ia sangat memalukan.

“Jurufoto berkenaan mempunyai pas yang dikeluarkan oleh Kerajaan Negeri Perak bagi membuat liputan persidangan Dewan Undangan Negeri dan sekadar menjalankan tugas yang diamanahkan kepada beliau,” katanya.

Samad berharap Mohammad Nizar akan memohon maaf secara terbuka berhubung tindakannya itu.

Mohd. Najib pula berkata, beliau berasa amat terhina dengan kejadian yang berlaku itu.

“Apa yang berlaku terhadap saya benar-benar memperlekehkan media. Saya berasa terhina kerana seolah-olah telah melakukan satu kesalahan,” katanya.

‘Saya hanya minta jurugambar padamkan gambar’

IPOH 13 Nov. – Menteri Besar Perak, Datuk Seri Mohammad Nizar Jamaluddin hari ini berkata, bahawa beliau hanya meminta jurugambar Utusan Malaysia memadamkan gambar yang dirakamnya dan bukannya merampas peralatan itu.

“Saya tengah makan, kemudian dia (wakil pejabat peguam) datang. Saya tanya anda siapa, dia tak jawab. Bagaimana nak serah notis (kalau) ada jurugambar.

Bila saya tahu mereka semacam ada pakatan, saya kata “bagi kamera awak,” katanya kepada pemberita selepas persidangan Dewan Undangan Negeri (DUN) Perak tamat di sini hari ini.

Alasannya ialah beliau mahu memastikan gambarnya yang dirakam tanpa kebenaran, dipadamkan di situ juga.

Surat berkenaan menuntut Mohammad Nizar meminta maaf secara terbuka dan menarik balik kenyataannya dalam tempoh tujuh hari bermula Rabu lepas kerana menuduh Tajol Rosli merancang konspirasi politik sehingga dua Exco kerajaan negeri Pakatan Rakyat ditahan Badan Pencegah Rasuah (BPR).

Pada 26 Ogos lepas, BPR mendakwa Pengerusi Jawatankuasa Pelancongan, Pembangunan Insan dan Pertubuhan Bukan Kerajaan Perak, Osman Mohd Jailu dan Pengerusi Jawatankuasa Pembangunan Usahawan, Koperasi, Pertanian dan Perladangan, Jamaluddin Mohd Radzi berkaitan projek perumahan di Perak Tengah.

Sementara itu, Pengerusi Jawatankuasa Kewangan, Infrastruktur dan Kemudahan Awam, Tenaga, Air dan Hal Ehwal Bukan Islam, Datuk Ngeh Koo Ham yang turut menerima surat tuntutan yang sama daripada Tajol Rosli berkata, beliau tidak akan memohon maaf kerana tidak melakukan sebarang kesalahan.

Katanya, beliau tidak pernah menuduh Tajol Rosli sebagai perancang konspirasi tetapi hanya bertanya sama ada bekas Menteri Besar Perak itu yang merancang konspirasi berkenaan.

Sumber: Utusan Malaysia

Aerial Photography Services

I received this via my e-mail. If any of you require their services, do contact them directly – Zoomer

Hi-Tech Photography (M) Sdn Bhd has been actively involved in providing professional photography services since its establishment on 16 October, 2001. They provide all kind of requirements and services for the AERIAL PHOTOGRAPHY (Helicopter and Permit), COMMERCIAL PHOTOGRAPHY and
EVENT COVERAGE.

Hi-Tech Photography (M) Sdn Bhd has been providing reliable high quality aerial photography services since 2001 and has appeared in many places used for advertising and marketing businesses including Resorts and Hotels and Commercial and Residential real estate.

Here are some of the kinds of projects they are typically asked to photograph:

-real estate
-schools, resorts, restaurants, museums, institutions
-construction sites
-aerial surveillance for drainage, assessment, planning events and other services
-creating marketing mock-ups + pre-selling marketing collateral
-architectural photography (usually for contest submissions or editorial)
-editorial layouts
-wineries, napa valley resorts and branding collateral.
-commerical marine photography services
-private marine photography services
-nature the themed collections or open spaces.
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For more information please send email to : sharilrani @ gmail.com

Tips: Menggunakan Build-In Flash Pada Kamera

Apabila menggunakan build-in flash pada kamera, kita perlu sedar bahawa hood lensa atau laras lensa akan menghalang cahaya dan menyebabkan ‘vignetting’ pada imej. Apabila menggunakan build-in flash pada kamera, elakkan dari menggunakan hood pada lensa. Sekalipun tanpa hood lensa, vignetting (bayangan berbentuk melengkung/arch) akan kelihatan jika cahaya dihalang oleh laras lensa, jadi adalah lebih baik untuk menggunakan unit flash optikal (hot-shoe atau jenis handle-mount). Beberapa keadaan, seperti ukuran fokal dan jarak fokus menyebabkan vignetting berbeza-beza bergantung kepada kamera. Adalah dicadangkan agar anda menguji tahap vignetting untuk setiap ukuran fokal dan jarak fokus.

Pencetak untuk format kapasiti tinggi

model iPF820 mempunyai ciri-ciri membolehkan kerja-kerja mencetak kain rentang dan bunting.

PENERAJU kelengkapan fotografi dan penyelesaian imej digital, Canon Marketing (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd. baru-baru ini telah memperkenalkan dua model pencetak berformat tinggi iaitu Canon imagePROGRAF iPF820 dan iPF810.

Model iPF820 direka khusus untuk aktiviti Rekaan Bantuan Komputer (CAD) dan Sistem Informasi Geografi (GIS) manakala iPF810 mampu melaksanakan tugas berskala besar seperti pencetakan poster dan bahan pencetak berkapasiti tinggi.

Kedua-dua model tersebut dilengkapi dengan kepala pemacu berkelajuan tinggi selain menawarkan fungsi seperti pemotongan kertas serta pencetakan pada kertas bersaiz A1 hanya mengambil masa lebih kurang 25 saat.

Menerusi penggunaan masa yang singkat itu, pencetak-pencetak tersebut juga didatangkan dengan aplikasi pengurusan kertas yang efisien agar proses pencetakan dapat berjalan pada kadar yang telah ditetapkan.

Ia turut menawarkan sistem tangki dakwat bersaiz 700 mililiter (ml) dan 330 ml yang boleh digantikan ketika proses mencetak mengikut keperluan pengguna.

Dari segi kapasiti pula, kedua-dua pencetak tersebut mampu menampung kandungan sehingga 80GB untuk memenuhi keperluan produktiviti tinggi.

Bagi iPF820, ia dilengkapi dengan fungsi pembekal kertas berkembar yang membenarkan peng

guna menukar saiz dan jenis kertas yang ingin digunakan secara cepat dan secara tidak langsung dapat meminimumkan proses penukaran kertas.

iPF820 juga mampu menjalankan tugas-tugas pencetakan berkapasiti tinggi seperti kain rentang dan juga bunting.

Antara kelebihan lain pada pencetak-pencetak inkjet ini adalah ia mempunyai fungsi putaran gambar secara automatik.

Ini akan memberi peluang kepada pengguna menentukan sendiri orientasi gambar yang bersesuaian supaya dapat meminimumkan ruang margin pada hasil pencetakan.

Ia turut didatangkan dengan aplikasi Print Plug-In for Word membolehkan pengguna boleh memilih hasil pencetakan berformat tinggi untuk ilustrasi dan dokumen pada Microsoft Word.

Kedua-duanya turut disokong oleh beberapa penyelesaian perisian yang sesuai untuk kepelbagai

an keperluan pencetakan.

Canon imagePROGRAF iPF820 kini boleh didapati daripada pengedar yang sah pada harga RM35,880 manakala iPF810 dengan harga RM23,980.

Sumber: Utusan Malaysia

Tips: Bagaimana mengelak kamera dari bergoyang

Apabila menggunakan lensa yang melibatkan jarak fokal telephoto, sila berhati-hati dengan goyangan pada kamera. Untuk mengelakkan goyangan, bagi kamera digital, gunakan ISO pada setting dengan nombor yang besar (seperti ISO 500), manakala untuk kamera yang menggunakan filem, gunakan filem dengan ISO yang lebih besar untuk mendapatkan ‘shutter speed’ yang lebih pantas. Menggunakan tripod atau monopod juga mampu mengelakkan goyangan.

Jika anda memegang kamera menggunakan tangan untuk mengambil gambar, sila berdiri diam (elakkan pergerakan), dengan kedua kaki sedikit terbuka untuk keseimbangan, lekapkan kedua siku rapat ke dada, dan pegang kamera dengan kemas melekap ke muka anda. Kalau boleh, bersandar pada sesuatu (seperti tiang atau tembok) untuk menstabilkan diri atau letakkan kamera di atas sesuatu (seprti beg atau boot kereta) untuk mengemaskan pegangan anda pada kamera. Adalah juga dicadangkan jika anda memegang kamera anda, goyangan mungkin dapat dielakkan jika menahan nafas semasa menekan shutter kamera anda

Malaysian Nationals Invited to Join “Works of Freedom” Photography Contest

To mark the 60th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) and the 10 December World Human Rights Day, the Friedrich Naumann Foundation Alumni Network (FAN) Malaysia will hold a photography contest and exhibition under the title of “Works of Freedom”.

As the title suggests, the contesting photos will feature activities or reveal commitment to the promotion or achievement of freedom that all human beings deserve regardless of nationality, race or faith.

For years FAN Malaysia has voluntarily worked to raise the awareness and importance of freedom, and this photography contest is its latest activity to promote the value of human liberty. All entries will be featured at the “Works of Freedom” exhibition on 1-7 December 2008 at the Galeri Pelita Hati, No. 22 Jalan Abdullah, off Jalan Bangsar, 59000 Kuala Lumpur.

Malaysian nationals are welcomed to join the contest by sending their photos to the SEDAR Institute between now and 15 November 2008. Photos received by the organiser will be displayed and sold at the exhibition. Proceeds will be used entirely for the benefit of promoting freedom in the Malaysian society.

At the photo exhibition, visitors will also enjoy the reading of poems on the subject of “freedom,” musical performance by Meor and Black, special presentation by renowned painter and photographer Wong Hoy Cheong.

Deputy Information Minister YB Tan Lian Hoe will preside over the closing ceremony of the “Works of Freedom” on 7 December when the winners for the contest will be announced. The minister will present prizes to the 13 winners who will each receive a certificate of achievement, trophy and RM500 cash.

All the 13 winning entries will be featured in the FAN Malaysia 2009 Calendar. Copies of the calendar will be distributed to FAN Malaysia members and members of its partner organisations across the country.

For more infos, please visit http://www.fnfmalaysia.org/www/

Travel Tip: Carry a big camera

The girl with the bags

The first thing you notice about Suzanne Lee when you meet her are her bags. Two of them. Backpacks. Big Ones.

One contains her camera equipment – of which she has a considerable amount – and the other has her 17″ laptop plus assorted supplies.

“This one’s been with me in the desert, on the beach, and in the snow. Plus, it makes an excellent pillow,” she says patting her laptop bag fondly as she slings them on her shoulders fluidly with amazon-like ease.

Not that she’s built like one; slender and of average (unamazon-like) height, it doesn’t seem possible that she’s been to 16 countries, served as a team mechanic for Aarows Racing Team, stood in as stuntwoman for Mendam Berahi in Bombay Dramas, and hiked through Pakistan’s Thar Desert.

I know what you’re thinking (I had the same thought): how on earth did she do all this, and why?

How it all began

For Suzanne, the turning point in her life, the moment when she became aware of a big, big world out there accompanied by an undeniable attack of wanderlust, came at the tender age of sweet sixteen.

“I fell into modelling by accident. I was spotted for a KFC TV commercial, then went on to do a Philips ad … from there I went on to modelling for print and it just kept going.

“I’ve never been represented by any agency. I obtain my jobs, both modelling and photography, by word-of-mouth. Basically it’s friends-telling-friends,” she explained.

It was also at 16 that Suzanne started travelling alone, admittedly only to Johor Baru.

“I just took off one day! It shocked everyone, but lucky for me, I have pretty liberal parents so they didn’t ground me.

“It wasn’t so much an act of rebellion as a declaration of independence. I just needed to prove to myself that I had it in me to do something like this. And it worked. I felt a lot more confident about myself – both about being alone and travelling alone.

Modelling – a stepping stone

For Suzanne, modelling was a means to an end, not the end in itself. While she didn’t mind posing for the camera, the real joy for her was in going places and meeting people.

“It’s just too passive for me. You don’t create, instead you’re the tool some other person’s using to create his art, or worse, advertisement.

“Having said that, I do enjoy print modelling – photography is a form of art and it allows the model to be creative in interpreting the photographer’s intentions,” said Suzanne.

It was modelling that gave her the means and the contacts to launch her career in photography.

“It was mixing around with photographers so much that made me realise how much I loved the art and the lifestyle.

“I bought my first digital SLR camera for RM3,800 two-and-a-half years ago from the proceeds of a beer photoshoot. With that camera, I took off for four months on a backpacking tour of Europe, and the rest is history!”

Photography — her job of choice

Today, modelling and numerous other occupations, have definitely taken a backseat to her first love – photography. Travel photography in particular.

“It’s very liberating, to go where ever I want and meet whomever I please. I’ve even been invited to Israel – the one country our Malaysian passport forbids.

“I love meeting people, particularly artists, and I adore beautiful things. Travel photography lets me indulge in an endless variety of these.”

One of the questions she’s frequently asked after “how do you stay safe?” (check Suzanne’s travel tips), is “how do you afford all this travelling?”

“I travel on a budget. You need a great deal of emotional and mental control to travel alone for long periods of time. Emotional because you’re on your own and you have to be in control of the situation at all times. Mental control comes into play in expenditure, no matter how much you love a souvenir, a budget is a budget.

“I also do freelance jobs along the way. When I was in Europe for example, I was an unofficial photographer for the Sauber-Petronas F1 Racing Team. I also worked for Sutton Images (www.sutton-images.com) UK – the largest independent motorsports imaging company in the world.

“Now I travel on sponsorship. It’s an exchange of services – I take photos and they sponsor me the trip,” she said with a happy grin.

Apart from her travel-and-shoot trips in Europe and India, another highlight in Suzanne’s career was travelling with Ramli Ibrahim’s Sutra Dancers as the official photographer on their three-month Spellbound Tour of India 2005.

“It was for this tour that I upgraded my Digital SLR to my current Canon EOS 20D. It takes better quality shots and performs better in the dark.

“This is essential for shooting dancers as you cannot use a flash and most of the performances are dimly lit.”

Her current big photography project in the works is the World Peace Project.

“It’s such a feel-good job. We get to travel to 150 countries, which is also an attempt to break a Guinness World Record, and photograph world-leaders signing a petition for peace.

“I can’t begin to say how great it feels to be able to physically do something for world peace rather than just talking about it.”

Travelling – a passion

After stomping through 16 countries wielding a big camera, Suzanne’s favourite countries to travel and shoot in are, without a doubt, India and Switzerland.

“They’re such different countries, but so beautiful in their own ways. For India, it’s the people, the colour, and the culture. In Switzerland it’s the breathtaking scenery,” she explained.

It is her love for travel that has temporarily derailed her tertiary education.

“I was enrolled in a degree majoring in photography and I was doing well, but I got the offer to tour India with Ramli Ibrahim’s group and I couldn’t turn that down. And from there the offers kept flooding in, and I kept taking leave after leave from school.

“Finally I just gave in and put my studies on an indefinite hiatus. I may continue someday, but at the moment I can’t help but feel I’m learning more from travelling and working than I would in university,” she laughed.

“The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only a page,” said St Augustine, whose long-ago wisdom is echoed by Suzanne’s own beliefs.

“I really think Malaysians should travel more. The more countries you visit and the more cultures you’re exposed to, the more international and open-minded you become.

“One story I’ll never forget was told to me by a Scandinavian backpacker.

“He was on the East-West Indian train stopping at all stations along the way. It was a long train ride – about 20 hours.

“They were at a stop far away from the two nearest towns when the train just broke down. There was no electricity, no lights, and no communication for the passengers.

“It was night and they were in the middle of nowhere, but instead of panicking and getting upset, the passengers just broke out the instruments, food and drink – then partied the night away.

“They were still singing when the train finally started up again, 20 hours later.

“That story taught me that while circumstances may be out of my control, my happiness never is.”

Places Suzanne has been to:

India - Madras, Sri Aurobindo Ashram, Auroville, Bhubaneswar, Puri, Konark, Delhi, Agra, Jaipur, Pushkar, Jodhpur, Jaisalmer, Udaipur, Bharatpur Keoladeo, Varanasi, Shimla (trekked to Tattapani). McLeod Ganj, Dharmkot, Bhagsu, Dharamsala
Taiwan - Kaohsiung for Asian 9Ball Competition
China – Shanghai, Hang Zhou
Hungary – Budapest for F1 Circuit
Switzerland – Lausanne, Zurich, Ticino, St. Gallen, Lucerne, Bern, Jura
Spain – Barcelona, Mont Serrat
France (north)
Belgium – Spa/Francorchamps Circuit
Germany – Drive through from Switzerland to Amsterdam
Netherlands – Amsterdam & Haarlem
Italy - Milano
England – Northampton, Milton Keynes, London, Silverstone Circuit
Indonesia – Yogyakarta-candi Borobudur, Bali
Thailand
Singapore
And of coure,
Malaysia (Borneo & Peninsular Islands, National Parks, Hills, etc.)

Backpacking tips

1. Blend in
Whenever possible, dress in the native costume so as not stand out as a target. Be sure you conform to local dress customs.
2. If you’re a woman, pretendt you’re married
In Europe and African countries, wear a gold wedding band on you ring finger. When I travelled in India, I wore a bindi and lots of red bangles which made it seem like I was newly married.
3. Don’t go out at night
Stay in your room at night and get some sleep. You don’t want to get caught up in the nightlife if you’re on your own.
4. If you don’t peel it or cook it, leave it
When backpacking through the poorer regions of countries like India, don’t eat anything you don’t prepare yourself, and don’t drink or use any water that isn’t bottled, or that you haven’t filtered and boiled yourself. Going hungry beats food poisoning.
5. Carry a big camera
When I was in a remote and poorer section of India, I was harassed by a bunch of teenage boys. I whipped out my camera with its 300mm lens and chased them with it. Oh yeah, the camera’s good for taking great shots too.

Source: The Sun

The images of Suzanne Lee

“I’m currently checking this email from the Changi Airport – I am on my way to Delhi. Tomorrow morning, I will be in Calcutta, photographing the Chinese Community (hopefully) there…,” Suzanne Lee writes, explaining why she may be unreachable for this interview.

One month later, it’s late July, I write back telling her I still remember her website (www.suzanne-lee.com).

She is candid, but not impersonal, in the few short email exchanges we have. Making, and taking, the time seems prioritised for photography.

Not that Suzanne, 24, is inarticulate. Since she first picked up a camera at age 15, she has been expressing herself very eloquently indeed.

This travel-adventure photographer, “diagnosed with a severe case of Chronic Wanderlust in 2004″ has been to over 20 countries since.

The advancements in ICT have brought to the fore that more young adults like Suzanne are chronologically much ‘older’ in their philosophy of choice and thoughts towards life.

The entry in February in her web-linked blog (http://s-lupcomingprojects.blogspot.com), states: “As I promised, I will go back to the small community of blind masseurs that I photographed last November (2007) for the Angkor Photography Festival competition. I will bring them the necessities that they cannot find in Siem Reap e.g. talking clocks.” And she has.

“For the next year or two, I intend to be based in New Delhi, India,” she says, adding that she is still available for work anywhere and at any time, “so please contact me via the email listed on my website” (getsuzanne@gmail.com).

“Three years ago I came here as a backpacker … eager to get acquainted with India. Two and a half months of travelling here wasn’t enough.”

Backpacking? I express my concern.

“Well, I like to travel alone. It’s really about being conscious of the surroundings, giving out the right body signals and dressing properly… common sense – and sensitivity to what and how people will react and think in relation to what oneself does,” shares Suzanne.

“The world acts in reaction to other actions and it is a constant cycle. Harmony can be achieved if we fully understand the concept of balance and psychology. That said, not everyone can do it without enough experience in this kind of extreme independence. It’s an individual’s choice and risk.”

So now Suzanne is back in India “to live, to grow, to learn, to work and to discover more of myself and my abilities… a dive into the deep end of the pool!”

Tell us a little about yourself.

I’m a freelance photographer from Malaysia but currently based in Delhi, India. I’ve exhibited my photography works numerous times and have been nominated for two awards. Most recently, I was 1st runner-up in an international photography competition in Cambodia and my most recent (joint) exhibition was at the Galeri Petronas, in KLCC.

Website: www.suzanne-lee.com

When did you start your website?

About two years ago. Fellow blogger, Jimmy Chew (oddstuff.smugmug.com) has been helping me on some maintenance and design of my website (www.suzanne-lee.com).

The site serves to display a selection of my work and a sort of online archive for some digital data I might need when I’m on the road.

Has the Internet changed your life?

Blogging definitely has helped me expand my reach for causes that I want to highlight through my photography. It has also eased the process of showing work to clients and friends or acquaintances alike.

What is the foremost feature in Cyberspace that amazes you?

It amazes me how blogging has revolutionised freedom of press and expression and how it has in turn influenced the way people think and act. It has given the power of the pen (keyboard, maybe) a whole new superpower because now it reaches far wider and with much more ease than we could’ve ever fathomed.

Blogging has its fair share of pros and cons so readers will have to take a step back and review all that they have read because mostly, no one will be held responsible for what they write on the World Wide Web and furthermore, it is all a matter of opinion and not always factual.

That said, I also believe that much facts can be exposed to a wider audience and this will educate the readers on matters that are left unsaid in conventional media.

Which one blog would you choose to read/interact with?

Zorro (zorro-unmasked.blogspot.com) is a blog I sometimes read because this blogger is well connected to the other serious bloggers in Malaysia and thus would churn out an interesting perspective on issues, etc, in the country which not only reflects his personal opinions or knowledge, but also, naturally, has been influenced by interacting with other people on the similar topics.

What would you really like to achieve? (Some personal ambition?

I would like to slowly evolve the website/blog and my career in the direction that I am pursuing. It is a satisfying feeling to view my blog, which reminds me of the paths I have taken and where I want to go.

If there were someone you could influence to take up blogging?

I wish very much that Nelson Mandela would blog because he has so much to say and so much to teach the world (and the world leaders). His Autobiography, although splendidly written, doesn’t do justice to the mine of wisdom that he has, and which he wants to share. His blog, if ever, would be fundamental in shaping many minds and hearts and the world would be a better place with more positive and compassionate people.

Any memorable incidents through blogging?

Collectively, the memorable incidents of blogging are bitter-sweet. More sweet than bitter, but yes, we have negative people and angry people in the blogosphere… as we do in the world. But these confrontations or provocations done over the Internet have a different effect, I believe… as compared with someone coming up to you in the streets and spitting accusations or negativity at you. When done over the Internet, there is no actual physical violence and there is the option of ignoring the attack or taking a day or two to digest it before a retaliation or reply.

It teaches many people to think before they speak (or write) because what’s written will generate controversies and debates that reflect on oneself.

Source : Malay Mail

Promosi Pakej Fotografi Perkahwinan 2009

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