I am a fotogelafer | Malaysia | Singapore | Hong Kong | Thailand: 22.05.2009

About the Fotogelafer

Welcome to Fotogelafer.com. I am Wan Cheng Huat AKA the Fotogelafer. Here is a short write up about how photography came into my life.

All my life, I can say that I have always been attuned with art. When I was much younger, I loved to draw. How did I know that? Well, I never could stop picking up a pen or a pencil to start imprinting what I saw. Drawing became a part of my life. As years pass me by, I soon realized that my ‘addiction’ actually soothes me, my feelings, my emotions and most of all my soul.

When I turned 16, I decided to join my school’s photography club and loved it almost instantly. Photography, in many ways, was and still is similar with drawing; instead of capturing images with my pen or pencil, I am now able to capture them with my camera.

I was overwhelmed with enthusiasm and learnt all I could from wherever I could. I remember reading through all the Reader's Digest I could get to obtain photography tips which were usually the advertisements of Kodak or Canon or Fujifilm. At that time, it was my only source where I could learn about shutter speed, aperture settings and how to play around to get my intended effects. Even now, after over 10 years, I still keep those files which still have those Reader's Digest pages.

I could remember the moment when I first picked up a camera; I knew that there was no turning back. Cameras and films were my new tools to express my new found identity.

But as time pass, technology became more advance and soon enough photography became digital. Only after 10 years, I finally abandon film photography; as it became more and more expensive and obsolete. However, I will cherish all those negatives which are now lying in my dry box. Nothing can replace them.

Enjoy my photographs.

Saturday, May 23, 2009

22.05.2009 - Birds In Captivity Series

During my visit to the KL Bird Park, I finally had the gear to complete a series which had long to do for so long. This series was inspired from another photographer friend of mine, Mr. Sanjit. We were on a photo outing in KL Bird Park a couple of years ago. He mentioned about doing this theme, at that point I got inspired and decided to come up with my very own version.

To be honest, I kind of forgotten about this series until I came back walking the paths of the KL Bird Park. To me, the bird park resembles prison or genocide camp but for birds. Memories flashed back on my visit to the killing fields and camps in Cambodia.

Sad to see them in captivity just for the entertainment of us human. No living being should be denied their freedom. It is so selfish of us humans thinking we are actually helping the animals.

So I just had to complete this series, "Birds In Captivity" since now I am able to express them through my photographs. Thanks to my new gears.

Enjoy the photographs and captions.