A lifelong passion for photography
By
I AM a Johorean, born and bred in Parit Sangit, which is between Muar and Batu Pahat.
When I was 9 years old, I met a local photographer who taught me a lot about photography. I was so taken by what he said and that inspired me to become a photographer.
What's so special about him compared with the many photographers who visited my school was his humility despite his great skill in photography.
One thing in particular which I remember about the photographer was his big camera with many buttons.
It was really interesting to see him shoot pictures with it. At that time, films were processed in black and white.
When I was 11 years old, my father bought me a RM88 camera and at 12, I was already snapping photos for my school. As I grew up, I discovered that there was so much to learn about photography.
After completing my secondary school, I pursued a photography course overseas. In order to improve my skill, I took up a job in a photo studio where I opted for "no pay" in exchange for hands-on lessons in photography. Later while working in Singapore, I had a rare opportunity of taking photos of diamonds at a function.
It was awesome because bodyguards were all around protecting the precious gems.
When I was working in Johor, I did a lot of photo shoots for furniture companies which exported their products.
Another assignment which fascinated me was the Merdeka events in 2005.
It was an exhilarating experience. It was also special to me because it was the first time the Merdeka celebration was held in Johor.
I spend my free time with my family. I always tell my children that they can be anything they want to if they set their minds to it.
Johor has lots of talented people and following in their footsteps is a sure way to succeed.
No one can say that there are no opportunities because once you have an interest in something, there's a lot that you can do to develop it. As for me, I hope to shoot movies that would benefit society.
As for my hometown, it has not change much.
I hope to see more development by the state government.
Lim Tiam Huat is a father of four and owner of Ninety Nine Studio. He lives and works in a house in Taman Bukit Rinting, Masai, Johor.
n Interview by Shenton De Silva Thomas