Local photographers grateful to workshop

SOME 31 participants from government ministries and the private sector took part in a photography workshop yesterday to learn of the technical aspects in utilising digital cameras and to understand the requirements of becoming a professional or amateur photographer.

Organised by Brunei's Islamic Management and Services (ISMS), its general manager Rosidah Mahmud said: "We decided to collaborate with Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia's (UKM) chief photographer to create awareness amongst participants on the latest in digital photography by providing knowledge and skills on proper usage of cameras, including theories of depth of field and composition."

In an interview with The Brunei Times, Rosidah said: "Nowadays, photography is becoming a trend in the Sultanate and almost every other person carries a camera with them, but the question is whether they really know how to utilise it. That is why we decided to host this workshop to expose them to the skills required for good photography."

Facilitator during yesterday's workshop was UKM's chief photographer, Abd Ra'ai Osman, who said that photography could be applied to any individual's profession.

He said: "Even a doctor can take photographs at the operation theatre for research or study, because not anyone can just go in there and take them."

In addition, he also said that photography is not like any other profession where a person needs a degree to carry out the job.

"For photography, an individual can take short courses or learn by experience. Through that, they will be more exposed to the quality in taking good photographs," he explained.

He also said that workshops like these would provide a platform for photographers to network with each other and to share ideas.

Regarding the photographic level of standards of the local participants, he said: "From my observation, I see that they are on their way to being professional photographers. Most of them are carrying fantastic cameras, such as the DSLR, and most importantly, they are creative."

Abd Ra'ai Osman said that it would be pointless to have top-notch photographic equipment if the photographer was not creative.

"It is great to see that these participants in Brunei are creative people and that they are sharing their ideas with each other," he added.

Participant Suhardi Hj Abd Malik, a Lance Corporal at the Royal Brunei Police Force, said that he was chosen by his employers to gain more knowledge on photography and was pleased he attended although he was initially hesitant.

He said: "I do not have experience in photography. However after attending this workshop, it has opened up my mind to photography. I am now interested in it and I would like to start taking pictures as a contribution to my work."

He added: "I hope that from this workshop, I will also be able to improve my skills in photography and that one day, I can buy my very own SLR. There should definitely be more workshops like these in the future."

Another participant, Fadillah Hj Imran from Data Stream Technology (DST) Group said that using a digital camera was new for him.

"I have now learnt how to use a digital camera, like adjusting the shutter speeds and the aperture. I also know how to take proper pictures now and that is beneficial to me because as I have been taking photographs for DST, I can now take even better pictures for them," he said.

However, Fadillah said that future workshops like these should be held over a number of days.

"I think that one day is not enough as we only managed to do day assignments due to time constraints. But next time, we should also be exposed to learning from night assignments," he said.

A photographer from Brunei Shell Petroleum (BSP) said that he attended the workshop to gain more knowledge on photography and what the facilitator had to offer, such as the mechanical aspects of using a digital camera.

"The best aspect of this workshop was that I got to network with other photographers in Brunei. We got to exchange our ideas and know each other better," he said.

The workshop was held at the Rizqun International Hotel. (Rachel Thien)

The Brunei Times