We often think that brides are the busybees, running all over the place, trying to ensure that their dream wedding becomes a reality. However, we forget that the people behind the scenes (the wedding vendors), are just as busy! Wedding photographer Jim Liaw travels more than I do (perhaps I should have taken up photography instead of modeling..!) and yet has a permanent smile on his face. And why not? After all, weddings are about love and positivity! A member of the Master of Photographers Association (MPA), in the United Kingdom, Jim is considered a leader in his field of contemporary wedding and fine art portraiture. So I was no doubt lucky to catch Jim for a little interview to see what exactly makes this wedding maestro tick!
Where did it all begin?
As with most of the great things in my life – it actually started with my wife Ning, haha. She bought a secondhand camera and asked me to take photos for her. At first, I thought there was something wrong with the camera as the pictures didn’t turnout well! So as fate would have it, I took the camera back to the shop and the owner kindly showed me the correct way to take photographs. From then onwards, I had this newfound passion for photography and attended professional courses till I mastered the art!
To begin with, I started as a portrait photographer who specialized in environmental portraiture and later moved onto weddings, which I have been shooting for over 16 years! Previously a wedding photographer in the UK, we decided to move back home for family and so my son Clement could be closer to his roots. When I came back to Malaysia, the industry was still very much about sitting in a studio and everything was quite posey. So my style of photography was very new and different. But when you give people an option, you also give them an opportunity for change. Nowadays, clients really love what we do… and I have been so lucky to be flown all over the world from Australia to Europe.
And has the hard work has paid off? I hear you have won many an award over time!
Jim's picture that won the 'certificate of merit' for the Master Photography UK awards 2009
Thanks Steph! It’s definitely hard work. People don’t realise that we are working non-stop with actual day weddings… and the pressure is on to make sure we don’t miss any shots. At a wedding, there are no reshoots or second chances – you need to be sharp and capture the emotions at the right time. I’ve held titles for wedding, portrait and landscape photography and have also been awarded for my ability to create a distinctive style of wedding and portrait photography.
And recently, I obtained my Fellowship with the MPA (Master Photography association in the UK)! It is an achievement which I have always dreamt of in this field. As the first in Malaysia’s wedding industry to qualify for this, my next aim is to inspire more of our fellow Malaysian photographers on the importance of being a certified photographers. And always remember, if you love what you do, you will succeed!
I’ve been to the JLP office before and its very much a family affair! Tell us about your team.
The JLP team (however missing the latest addition, Patrick!)
We (Ning & myself) started off from a husband and wife venture as Jim Liaw. We started JLP (Jim Liaw Photography) earlier this year and have now evolved to a current team of eight. As I can’t be everywhere at the same time, I’ve carefully selected a great team of talented people who I feel share the same style, dedication and standard that represents JLP. We consist of a few customer service professionals and two highly-skilled, amazing professional photographers, both who have mastered our JLP distinctive style. They have a particular passion for people photography – especially fine art wedding portrait and wedding photography – so I’m proud to have Braendan Yong & John Seah onboard as senior JLP photographers.
Braendan's picture that won the Far East Master Photographer Print Competition 2009
Also, I am pleased to announce that Braendan and John have been awarded with an AMPA & LMPA respectively by the MPA recently. As for Braendan, he even beat me in the Classical Wedding Category! I taught him too well, haha.
There are quite a few good photographers around. How does JLP set itself apart from the rest?
Service is important and we focus on delivering uncompromising professionalism and service. Clients will love the whole experience, from the initial meeting to walking out from JLP studio with their fantabulous, individually designed wedding art book. If you’re happy, we’re happy!
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