Kenny's journey of discovery

Professional commercial photographer Kenny Loh decided to pack his equipment, travel through the country aiming his camera on the people of his beloved nation. Three years later Born in Malaysia, A Photographer's Journey was born. His aim; to try and capture the essence of the people from different walks of life in their natural surroundings.

He shot over 300 subjects and a hundred made it into the book. The ones who didn't make it will be featured on his website.

The book began as 'The Craftsmen of Malaysia' but he soon realised there was a lot more to this and he expanded his scope.

The biggest challenge was not the people as he enjoyed their hospitality and friendliness. Nor was the terrain, as in the peninsula, one isn't that far off from the nearest town with modern trappings. Except perhaps in East Malaysia, but he enjoyed staying with the rural folks there.

The challenge was the costs. Kenny self-funded the entire project, but he took it as an extended holiday as well as a journey of discovery for him.

In terms of equipment, Kenny kept it simple. Most of the time he shot with a 'mirror-less' camera, a camera that's not as bulky as those that professionals lug and he has a bit of advice for photography students.

Born in Malaysia, A Photographer's Journey was recently launched. Amongst those he invited were also subjects of his camera.

Special thanks to Coffee 5 Cups for use of their cafe for the interview.