Capturing the moment
> Zung talks not about taking photographs as a career, but how to impact others through it
photo studio as well as take up freelancing photography jobs over the weekend.
"I would take photos in the studio, and take pictures at wedding events on weekends.
"At that point of time, some would say that (taking wedding photographs) is a lousy job, and only lousy photographers take these pictures, and it did not generate a lot of money," he said.
"However, I believe I can do it well and do it my way – capturing the moments, stories, and the soul of the wedding couple and those around them," he said.
Persevering in what he does, he became good in taking wedding photographs and of people, which led him to establish his own studio, The Photoz.
"For 15 years, The Photoz has shot over 1,000 weddings, in 60 countries in seven continents, bringing my photographers and myself to interesting places and cultures," he said.
As his photographs were outstanding, he was recommended to various people for high-end functions, and also ended up being approached by motivational speaker Anthony Robbins to be his official photographer. Through hard work and dedication, Zung has won many awards, including the Canon Photographer of the Year Award by the Wedding and Portrait Photographers Malaysia (WPPM) in 2010 and being selected as one of the August Man's Men of the Year 2015. He was also given a chance to be a speaker at TEDxKL Talk in 2013. "It was a privilege to be among celebrities, scientists and leaders to speak to the people ... and some were touched by my story," he said. Zung believes that one should not only earn with skills, but also learn to give back to the community whenever possible. He would give talks to schools, especially in East Malaysia, about his passion for photography. "I would also try and talk to orphanages and schools overseas after I am done with my assignments," he said, adding that he has given talks in schools in India, Poland, Bhutan, Lebanon, Taiwan and Thailand. And during one of his talks, he missed out on taking the photos of one of the individuals he admires – the 44th US president Barack Obama. "When he visited Malaysia in 2015, I was called to take his picture ... but I had an engagement to give a talk to a group of school children in Kuching. But I decided to go on with the talk – to inspire these children instead," he said, adding that he had no regrets. One of the challenging parts in his career was when he had to travel to six different locations for six separate assignments in six weeks in 2010. "It was a stressful and tiring journey, and it was not a vacation," he recalled.
Dubbing the journey as "Around the world in 6-6-6", Zung travelled to countries such as Singapore, London and Chile with very little rest to get the proper shots for his clients.
Another challenging assignment was when Zung travelled to Antarctica, where he was commissioned to document a group of travellers to the South Pole in 2012.
"It was horrible as I got seasick travelling in the boat for three days ... but I managed to get the shots needed," he added.
But Zung said that his job of taking photographs was not just about rubbing shoulders with the rich and famous or even visiting places.
"What I benefit most from my experience is not just meeting famous people, presidents or winning awards ... but it is about seeing things in a different light.
"Going to places and understanding the culture helps give you an insight of how you view the world," he added. Advice for those who are interested in photography:
Do not just follow the latest trends. Do what you feel is naturally right for you. Be multi-talented. With new technology and social media, it is best to equip yourself with the right skills and knowledge of various fields – if possible. Learn from the best in the industry. Even if you have to work for a professional with a pay-cut, they can give you guidance in the long run. Keep your passion – do not trade it for money or a job. Keep it growing, and you would not feel tired in the next five or 20 years down the road. There will be critics around you. Do not speak back to them, but continue to persevere and push ahead to improve yourself.