View from above

> Award-winning Malaysian photographer Jeffry Lim has put together his unique aerial shots of New Zealand in a book

the plane had sufficient fuel to complete the journey.

“We couldn’t specifically visualise the actual location until we flew to the target area, as nature is highly unpredictable and easily affected by elements such as the weather, wind and sunlight conditions that can change rapidly.

“[We also had] to shoot very fast, as a plane is unable to stop in mid-air and hover like a helicopter.”

Lim said the entire trip covering various parts of New Zealand took 23 days resulting in about 20,000 photographs in total.

“[Ideas] started to come together during the review process,” he added. “I decided to showcase these stunning aerial landscape views for a photo project.”

His series of photos went on to win the International Photography Award 2016 in the fine art, landscapes and aerial shots category.

His photos were also put on display at an Aspiring New Zealand photo exhibition at Bangsar Shopping Centre in Kuala Lumpur, from April 26 to May 1, which the 38-yearold cites as one of his career highlights.

The launch of the Aspiring New Zealand photography book in July was planned to coincide with the 60th anniversary of friendly ties between New Zealand and Malaysia.

Lim explained: “We approached the New Zealand High Commission after returning from our trip last year.

“During our meeting, we learned that the New Zealand High Commission in Malaysia would be celebrating its 60th anniversary in 2017, which was timely for [a collaboration].”

There is a strong sense of lines and composition in Lim’s pictures.

He explained: “I call it forms and patterns. These breathtaking aerial views are all natural creations.

“It is a matter of how I see them in different perspectives, and how they can capture and touch the viewers’ hearts.

“These aerial [views] are uncommon and rarely seen by the public, making them truly unique.”