Written by Harry Ho

In the fast-paced world of photography, where every click tells a story, my journey as a 19-year-old student from Malaysia took an unexpected turn when I clinched 1st place at the prestigious International Photography Awards (IPA) in 2023. The news of this achievement, a surreal moment that unfolded on a cold Thursday morning in Glasgow, Scotland, left me in a state of pure elation and disbelief.

From a young age, I harboured dreams of reaching the pinnacle of my chosen field, and winning the IPA at the age of 19 felt like a remarkable step in that direction. The award not only boosted my confidence but also ignited a fervour to push the boundaries of my photography niche and genre. It was a powerful reminder that unwavering passion and persistent dedication to one's craft can lead to extraordinary achievements.

The winning series that secured this accolade was a heartfelt tribute to Aik Hoe Dim Sum Restaurant, an establishment with an impressive 80-year history in my hometown of Penang, Malaysia. This decision to document the final chapter of the restaurant's legacy was born out of a desire to immerse myself in the world of photojournalism and capture the essence of life during my summer break. The impending closure of Aik Hoe Dim Sum Restaurant provided an extraordinary opportunity to encapsulate the rich tapestry of memories woven within its walls before they faded into history.

The motivation behind this project was deeply rooted in my passion for storytelling through photography. I aimed to preserve the poignant moments surrounding the closure of Aik Hoe Dim Sum Restaurant and pay homage to its legacy. The series is not just about the restaurant; it's a celebration of local heritage and the interconnectedness of community and culture.

As the shutter clicked and moments were frozen in time, I found myself immersed in the bustling atmosphere of the restaurant's final day of operation. The air was charged with a mix of excitement and nostalgia as locals gathered to savour dim sum one last time. Among the crowd, a memorable encounter stood out — a spontaneous conversation with elderly customers who, after learning about my purpose, expressed understanding and admiration for my commitment to documenting the historic event. It was a moment that beautifully illustrated the power of photography to bring people together, even in the midst of a bustling farewell.

"Farewell to the Local Favorites," the title of my award-winning series, is not just about my photography journey; it's a commitment to preserving local heritage. Every photograph I take carries a purpose — connecting people with the stories, traditions, and memories of our cultural fabric. My work, driven by a genuine purpose and dedication to storytelling, aims to contribute to the bigger picture by helping preserve and celebrate local heritage.

Selecting my photography style was a journey of self-discovery and creative exploration. I was determined to set myself apart from typical street photographers. Describing my style can be somewhat challenging, but I aspire for it to be distinctive and recognisable. I would best classify my style as "cinematic photojournalism," an approach that aims to capture stills possessing a cinematic quality, freezing moments from a movie on camera.

What draws me to street photography specifically is its unscripted, raw, and authentic nature. It's the art of finding extraordinary stories within ordinary, everyday scenes. Street photography offers a canvas where I can document the world as I see it, often unveiling the beauty and drama hidden within our daily lives. In addition to these elements, my style has been significantly influenced by the work of Billy Dinh & Monaris. I admire their use of colours and the way they craft each frame to tell a unique and captivating story. This influence has played a substantial role in shaping my photography style, and I'm continually inspired to develop my unique voice within this vibrant and dynamic genre.

To the young talented artists with big dreams, I say trust the process, stay hungry, and dream big. Age is not a limitation; it's a powerful asset. Embrace your youth, let your passion fuel your aspirations, and remember that success may not come easily, but with dedication and commitment to your craft, you can achieve greatness. As for me, winning 1st place at the International Photography Awards is not just a milestone; it's a chapter in a lifelong journey of capturing dreams through the lens of my camera.

First published: 16 November 2023

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