130-photographers strong Brunei Forever Forum turns 1

PLAYFUL shutterbugs, serious photographers and fun-loving photobloggers rejoiced in their unity as members of the Brunei Forever Forum celebrated its first year yesterday.

Celebrating the anniversary at Blue Eden Restaurant in Kiulap, the gathering was very much like any other they typically organise albeit with more fun and games. Oggling at each other's equipment, looking at the day's stunning shots and commenting on how to improve others was the order of the day along with a lot of posing and much merriment.

One of the five founders of the forum, Haswandi Hj Sahari, said that in a time when bloggers were fast emerging, photography enthusiasts realised that they needed a platform to call home. And thus the forum was created with the intention of scheduling outings more efficiently.

Today, there are about 130 photographers registered under the forum, with over 30 being very active.

Members are open to newcomers and easy-going people who like to have fun. "Friendliness is the main requirement to be a part of the group," he said.

From an way to schedule meetings, outings and events, the forum quickly grew to accommodate the economic needs of its members, with people buying and selling equipment. With more seasoned photographers on board, it was also a way to share information and experiences. Haswandi learned the hard way, going through experimentation and online research as Brunei has no institutions that offer such knowledge and skills.

Bruneians mostly have nothing to do in their spare time, so Haswandi explained that a number of the forum's members take up photography as a weekend hobby. But he has noticed that some members experience an extremely steep learning curve.

Reda Malik, or better known online as Anak Brunei, picked up the hobby about two years ago following the drop in prices for cameras and equipment due to lowered production costs.

Being highly interested in art, colour and aesthetics, he said that digital photography now opens up whole new possibilities compared to traditional film photography. Between a digital photographer and a digital artist, he said that "there is no line".

The Brunei Forever Forum group can be seen in public during major events such as National Day, His Majesty's birthday and even the most recent celebrations for Prophet Muhammad's (peace be upon him) birthday in Taman Sir Omar Ali Saifuddien.

The group hopes that more photographers join the forum and create a more solid community. "We're here to stay," Reda said with great conviction.

The Brunei Times